Abstract:
A thermally insulated container is disclosed. The thermally insulated container comprises a body, wherein said body includes portions that are demarked by non-seamed folds and portions that are demarked by seams, wherein the body includes a top, and at least one side, wherein said top and at least one side are demarked by a non-seamed fold.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/363,935 filed on Jul. 13, 2010 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/441,205 filed on Feb. 9, 2011, the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The disclosure relates to a thermally insulated container and method for manufacturing the same. 
         [0004]    2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Containers are known in the art. Although known containers perform adequately for their intended use, improvements are nevertheless continuously being sought in order to advance the art. In food handling and delivery, it is important that the food be delivered at a desired temperature, but, in addition, the food should remain appealing, so it not only remains at a desired temperature (e.g., hot for hot foods), but also at a desired texture and not soggy. 
         [0006]    A need exists for an apparatus and method to maintain foods at a desired temperature, including hot foods, while preventing the foods from becoming soggy or taking on an undesirable texture or property that may otherwise alter the desirability of the food item including its taste. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A thermally insulated container is disclosed. According to preferred embodiments, the thermally insulated container comprises a body that includes portions that are demarked by non-seamed folds and portions that are demarked by seams. 
         [0008]    According to some preferred embodiments, a thermally insulated container is provided that has a body with a top, and at least one side, wherein said top and at least one side are demarked by a non-seamed fold. 
         [0009]    It is an object of the present invention to provide thermally insulated container for holding and transporting foods. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a thermally insulated container that is configured to facilitate opening and closing the access panel so the contents of the container may be accessed while a user is holding the container. 
         [0011]    It is another object of the invention to accomplish the above objects by providing an insulated container that is configured to minimize or prevent the loss of heat through the container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIGS. 1A-1B  are perspective views of an exemplary thermally insulated container. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a partial side view of an exemplary thermally insulated container of  FIG. 1A  according to arrow  2 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an exemplary unit of material in an unfurled orientation that is subsequently furled to form the thermally insulated container of  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of the unit of material of  FIG. 3  according to arrow  4 A. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4B-4C  are side views of the unit of material of  FIG. 4A  in folded orientations for partially forming the thermally insulated container of  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4D  is a side view of the unit of material in a folded orientation for forming the thermally insulated container of  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
           [0019]      FIGS. 4E-4F  are side views of the unit of material in a folded orientation for forming the thermally insulated container of  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of the unit of material of  FIG. 3  according to line  5 A- 5 A. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the unit of material of  FIG. 1A  according to line  5 B- 5 B. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6A-6B  are perspective views of an exemplary thermally insulated container. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a top view of an exemplary unit of material in an unfurled orientation that is subsequently furled to form the thermally insulated container of  FIGS. 6A-6B . 
           [0024]      FIG. 8A  is a side view of the unit of material of  FIG. 7  according to arrow  8 A. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 8B-8C  are side views of the unit of material of  FIG. 8A  in folded orientations for partially forming the thermally insulated container of  FIGS. 6A-6B . 
           [0026]      FIG. 8D  is a side view of the unit of material in a folded orientation for forming the thermally insulated container of  FIGS. 6A-6B . 
           [0027]      FIGS. 8E-8F  are side views of the unit of material in a folded orientation for forming the thermally insulated container of  FIGS. 6A-6B . 
           [0028]      FIG. 9A  is a side view of an exemplary thermally insulated container of  FIG. 6A  according to arrow  9 A. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view of the thermally insulated container of  FIG. 6A  according to line  9 B- 9 B. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the unit of material of  FIG. 7  according to line  10 - 10 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the unit of material of  FIG. 7  according to line  10 - 10 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective, exploded view of the unit of material of  FIG. 10A  or  FIG. 10B . 
           [0033]      FIGS. 12A and 13A  are perspective views of an exemplary sheet of material placed upon a cutting platen. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 12B and 13B  are perspective views of a plurality of components of material utilized for forming the unit of material of  FIG. 11  that have been cut from the sheet material of  FIGS. 12A and 13A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    The figures illustrate exemplary implementations of a thermally insulated container. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generally understood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for convenience and the terms used to describe the invention should be given the broadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0036]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1A-1B , an exemplary implementation of a container is shown at  10 . An embodiment of the container  10  may be sold under the trademark HEATZA that is commercially available from Arden Corporation of Southfield, Mich. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the container  10  is formed from a single unit of material  12 . The unit of material  12  includes a geometry that is formed from a plurality of panels  14  that are integrally connected to one another. The plurality of panels  14  are demarcated from one another by a plurality of fold lines, hinges, or the like, which are shown generally at  16 . In an embodiment, the plurality of hinges  16  may be formed in any desirable manner such as, for example, by removing material proximate an area or zone where the hinges  16  are to be formed, or, alternatively, forming/molding an area or zone where the hinges  16  are to be formed with a notch, channel, or the like (e.g., a “V shaped” channel). Alternatively, the plurality of hinges  16  may not be treated in a particular manner (e.g., by material removal, forming, molding or the like), and, the plurality of hinges  16  may occur naturally as a result of a user/manufacturer folding the single unit of material  12 . 
         [0038]    The plurality of panels  14  may be identified as follows. Although the following description sets forth a particular “name” for each panel, the name given to each panel is based upon an illustrated orientation of the panel in  FIGS. 1A-4F  and should not be utilized to limit the scope of the claimed invention. In an implementation, the plurality of panels  14  may include a rear panel  14   a  that connects an upper panel  14   b  and a lower panel  14   c . The upper panel  14   b  and rear panel  14   a  form a first hinge  16   a  of the plurality of hinges  16 . The lower panel  14   c  and the rear panel  14   a  form a second hinge  16   b  of the plurality of hinges  16 . 
         [0039]    The plurality of panels  14  may further include a first front panel  14   d , a first side panel  14   e  and a second side panel  14   f . The first front panel  14   d , first side panel  14   e  and second side panel  14   f  each extend from and are integrally connected to the upper panel  14   b . The upper panel  14   b  and the first front panel  14   d  form a third hinge  16   c  of the plurality of hinges  16 . The upper panel  14   b  and the first side panel  14   e  form a fourth hinge  16   d  of the plurality of hinges  16 . The upper panel  14   b  and the second side panel  14   f  form a fifth hinge  16   e  of the plurality of hinges  16 . 
         [0040]    The plurality of panels  14  may further include a second front panel  14   g . The second front panel  14   g  extends from and is integrally connected to the lower panel  14   c . The lower panel  14   c  and the second front panel  14   g  form a sixth hinge  16   f  of the plurality of hinges  16 . 
         [0041]    The plurality of panels  16  may further include a central flap panel  14   h , a first side flap panel  14   i  and a second side flap panel  14   j . The central flap panel  14   h , first side flap panel  14   i , and second side flap panel  14   j  each extend from and are integrally connected to the second front panel  14   g . The second front panel  14   g  and the central flap panel  14   h  form a seventh hinge  16   g  of the plurality of hinges  16 . The second front panel  14   g  and the first side flap panel  14   i  form an eighth hinge  16   h  of the plurality of hinges  16 . The second front panel  14   g  and the second side flap panel  14   j  form a ninth hinge  16   i  of the plurality of hinges  16 . 
         [0042]    In an implementation, each panel  14   a - 14   j  of the plurality of panels  14  includes a substantially square/rectangular shape geometry. Although the illustrated embodiment sets forth each panel  14   a - 14   j  of the plurality of panels  14  including a substantially square/rectangular shape geometry, each panel  14   a - 14   j  of the plurality of panels  14  may be formed to include any geometry, such as, for example, circular, triangular or the like. 
         [0043]    When the unit of material  12  is folded about the plurality of hinges  16 , the unit of material  12  may be arranged in a configuration that forms the container  10  that is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . Although the term “folded” is used in describing the arrangement for forming the container  10 , one or more additional manufacturing steps may be included in addition to the “folding” step described above. In an implementation, the one or more additional manufacturing steps may include the step of “seaming” (e.g., sewing, stitching, adhering or the like) together one or more edges of the plurality of panels  14 . Accordingly, in an implementation, manufacturing steps for forming the container  10  may include at least the steps of “folding” and “seaming” the unit of material  12 . 
         [0044]    In an implementation, the container  10  may be formed from the unit of material  12  as follows at  FIGS. 4A-4F . Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4B , the rear panel  14   a , first side panel  14   e  and second side panel  14   f  may be folded downwardly (see, e.g., arrow D 1  in  FIG. 4A  and arrow D 2  in  FIG. 4B ) about the hinges  16   a ,  16   d - 16   e  relative to the upper panel  14   b . Then, a first side edge  14   a ′ (see  FIG. 3 ) of the rear panel  14   a  may be seamed with a rear edge  14   e ′ (see  FIG. 3 ) of the first side panel  14   e , and, a second side edge  14   a ″ (see  FIG. 3 ) of the rear panel  14   a  may be seamed with a rear edge  14   f  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the second side panel  14   f.    
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 4C , the lower panel  140  may be folded upwardly (see, e.g., arrow D 3  in  FIG. 4C ) about the second hinge  16   b  relative to the rear panel  14   a . Then, a first side edge  14   c ′ (see  FIG. 3 ) of the lower panel  14   c  may be seamed with a side edge  14   e ″ (see  FIG. 3 ) of the first side panel  14   e , and, a second side edge  14   c ″ (see  FIG. 3 ) of the lower panel  14   c  may be seamed with a side edge  14   f ′ (see  FIG. 3 ) of the second side panel  14   f.    
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 1B and 4D , as a result of folding and seaming the unit of material  12  as described above, the panels  14   a - 14   c  and  14   e - 14   f  form a pocket or receiving-cavity, which is shown generally at  18  (see  FIG. 1B ), and an access opening  20  (see  FIG. 1B ). Accordingly, as seen in  FIG. 1B , one or more objects, F, B, may be inserted through the opening  20  and deposited into the receiving-cavity  18 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 4D-4E , the access opening  20  may be selectively closed-out by one or more of the first front panel  14   d  and the second front panel  14   g . In order to close-out the access opening  20 , the first front panel  14   d  is permitted to be selectively folded downwardly (see, e.g., arrow D 4  in  FIG. 4D ) about the third hinge  16   c  relative to the upper panel  14   b , and, the second front panel  14   g  is permitted to be selectively folded upwardly (see, e.g., arrow D 5  in  FIG. 4D ) about the sixth hinge  16   f  relative to the lower panel  14   c . By arranging the first front panel  14   d  and the second front panel  14   g  as described above, the first front panel  14   d  and second front panel  14   g  may be said to “overlap” one another (see also, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ); the overlapping arrangement may not only function in closing out the access opening  20 , but, also, inhibits the movement of heat, H (see  FIG. 5B ), through the overlapping arrangement of the panels  14   d ,  14   g  and out of the receiving-cavity  18 . 
         [0048]    Further, the central flap panel  14   h  is permitted to be disposed over the upper panel  14   b  as a result of permitting the central flap panel  14   h  to be selectively folded (see, e.g., arrow D 6  in  FIG. 4E ) about the seventh hinge  16   g  relative to the second front panel  14   g . Further, the first side flap panel  14   i  is permitted to be disposed over the first side panel  14   e  as a result of permitting the first side flap panel  14   i  to be selectively folded (see, e.g., arrow D 7  in  FIG. 4E ) about the eighth hinge  16   h  relative to the second front panel  14   g . Further, the second side flap panel  14   j  is permitted to be disposed over the second side panel  14   f  as a result of permitting the second side flap  14   j  to be selectively folded (see, e.g., arrow D 7  in  FIG. 4E ) about the ninth hinge  16   i  relative to the second front panel  14   g.    
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , prior to closing-out the access-opening  20  as described above, a user may deposit the one or more objects, F, B into the receiving-cavity  18 . In an implementation, the one or more objects, F, B, may include one or more foodstuff units, F, and/or one or more boxes or sub-containers that contain the one or more foodstuff units, F. The one or more foodstuff units, F, may include, but is not limited to, pizza. The one or more boxes,  1 B, may include, but is not limited to, a folded, paperboard box. 
         [0050]    Although an embodiment of the foodstuff unit, F, may include pizza, the foodstuff unit, F, is not limited to pizza, and may include, for example, baked items, fried items, cooked items, liquids, or any other type of food or beverage. Further, although an embodiment of the foodstuff unit, F, is described to include what may be a hot/heated item (e.g., pizza, a baked item, a fried item, a cooked item or the like), the foodstuff unit, F, may include a foodstuff unit, F, having a temperature approximately equal to or less than room temperature, such that, for example, the foodstuff unit, F, may be said to be cooled, cold or frozen. 
         [0051]    According to an embodiment, the container  10  may be utilized as a pizza delivery container, and, as such, may include thermal insulating properties; accordingly, in an embodiment, the container  10  may be referred to as a “thermally insulated container.” The thermal insulating properties of the container  10  may function in a manner that promotes maintaining temperature of the pizza, F, or mitigating heat loss of the pizza, F, from the time the pizza, F, is removed from an oven at, for example, a pizzeria to the time when the pizza, F, is presented to, for example, a customer at a delivery location. Thus, as is described in an embodiment in the following disclosure, the container  10  may be formed to include one or more layers, one or more materials and/or one or more structural configurations that may lend to the maintaining of temperature or mitigating of heat loss of the pizza, F, during transport of the pizza, F, from, for example, the pizzeria to, for example, the customer. 
         [0052]    First, as described above, the structural configuration of the container  10  in of itself may maintain temperature or mitigate heat loss of the pizza, F. When looking to the unfurled orientation of the container  10  in  FIG. 3 , the panels  14   a  and  14   d - 14   f  are one with and connected to the upper panel  14   b  such that the panels  14   a  and  14   d - 14   f  may “drop down” from the upper panel  14   b  and form a “dome structure.” Referring to  FIG. 5B , because heat, H, rises, any heat, H, emanating from the pizza, F, may be trapped by the dome structure such that the trapped heat, H, within the receiving-cavity  18  may functionally maintain the temperature of or mitigate heat loss of the pizza, F. Further, because the panels  14   a  and  14   d - 14   f  are permitted to fold about the hinges  16   a ,  16   c - 16   e  relative to the upper panel  14   b  and are not separate elements that are otherwise sewn or stitched to the upper panel  14   b  proximate the location of the hinges  16   a ,  16   c - 16   e , the lack of sewn/stitched structure at the hinges  16   a ,  16   c - 16   e  prevents punctures or openings from being formed in the dome structure formed by the panels  14   a - 14   b  and  14   d - 14   f , which would otherwise provide locations (e.g., openings/holes/passages) for the heat, H, to escape from within the receiving-cavity  18 . 
         [0053]    Second, as described above, one or more layers and/or one or more materials of the container  10  in of itself may maintain temperature of or mitigate heat loss of the pizza, F. Referring to  FIG. 5A , the unit of material  12  may include a multi-layer structure  22  with each layer  22   a - 22   c  formed from a different material. In an embodiment, the multi-layer structure  22  may include three layers  22   a ,  22   b  and  22   c . The layer  22   a  may be an outer layer that is exposed to atmosphere, A. The layer  22   c  may be an inner layer that forms the receiving-cavity  18 . The layer  22   b  may be an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer  22   a  and the inner layer  22   c.    
         [0054]    The inner layer  22   c  may include an olefin fabric. The intermediate layer  22   b  may include a closed-cell foam (i.e., not an open-cell foam). The outer layer  22   a  may include a marine vinyl. 
         [0055]    The olefin fabric  22   c  of the inner layer may include a water-wicking characteristic for drawing moisture away the folded, paperboard box, B, such that “sogginess” of the folded paperboard box, B, is mitigated. The closed-cell foam of the intermediate layer  22   b  may include polyethylene or the like in order to provide the multi-layer structure  22  with a highly insulative-characteristic that assists in the maintaining the temperature of or mitigating heat loss of the pizza, F. The marine vinyl outer layer  22   a  may include a hydrophobic property that prevents water (e.g., rain) from being absorbed into any layers  22   a - 22   c  of the multi-layer structure  22  while also promoting insulative qualities of the container  10  for maintaining the temperature of or mitigating heat loss of the pizza, F. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1B  and  2 - 3 , an embodiment of the container  10  may include a carrier assembly  24  that is connected to one or more panel  14   a - 14   j  of the plurality of panels  14 . The carrier  24  may include an upper carrier portion  26  and a lower carrier portion  28  (see  FIGS. 2-3 ). The upper carrier portion  26  includes one or more straps  30  connected to an upper handle  32 . The lower carrier portion  28  includes a lower handle  34  (see  FIGS. 2-3 ). 
         [0057]    Each of the upper carrier portion  26  and the lower carrier portion  28  may be attached to the marine vinyl outer layer  22   a  by any desirable attachment configuration. In an embodiment, each of the upper carrier portion  26  and the lower carrier portion  28  may be attached to the marine vinyl outer layer  22   a  with an adhesive. Alternatively, each of the upper carrier portion  26  and the lower carrier portion  28  may be attached to the marine vinyl outer layer  22   a  by way of a stitched configuration; however, as described above, a stitching may result in one or more of the plurality of panels  14  being punctured, which may undesirably permit heat to escape from within the receiving-cavity  18 . Accordingly, if the upper carrier portion  26  and the lower carrier portion  28  are attached to the marine vinyl outer layer  22   a  by way of a stitched configuration, any perforations to one or more of the plurality of panels  14  may be limited or strategically-located at particular panels  14   a - 14   j  of the plurality of panels  14  that are less prone to permitting rising heat, H, to escape from within the receiving-cavity  18 . 
         [0058]    In an embodiment, the one or more straps  30  may be connected to one or more of the upper panel  14   b  and first and second side panels  14   e ,  14   f  In an embodiment, the one or more straps  30  may originate from corners  36  of the first and second side panels  14   e ,  14   f  that are closest to the lower panel  14   c ; by locating the one or more straps  30  in a manner such that they originate from corners  36  of the first and second side panels  14   e ,  14   f  closest to the lower panel  14   c , the container  10  may be less prone to sagging or tipping back/forth or side-to-side once the one or more straps  30  are tensioned in response to a user gripping and supporting the handle  32  as gravity pulls the container  10  in the opposite direction. 
         [0059]    In an embodiment, the lower handle  34  may be connected to and centrally located upon the lower panel  140 . Once attached to the lower panel  14   c , a user may slide/locate one or more fingers between the lower handle  34  and the lower panel  14   c  such that the user&#39;s hand may be located in a “palm up” orientation (i.e., the user&#39;s palm opposingly-faces the lower panel  14   c ) for supporting the container  10  in a substantially similar manner as a server or waiter would support a serving tray. Because the user may support the container  10  with one hand in a “palm up” orientation, the user&#39;s free hand (i.e., the hand that is not utilized for supporting the container  10 ) is permitted to unfurl the overlapping arrangement of the panels  14   d ,  14   g  according to directions opposite that of the arrows, D 4 -D 7 , in a one-handed manner. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , an embodiment of the container  10  may further include a plurality of fasteners  38 , such as, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®), for connecting one or more panels  14   a - 14   j  to one or more other panels  14   a - 14   j  of the plurality of panels. Although the fasteners  38  may include VELCRO®, the fasteners are not limited to including VELCRO® and may alternatively include any desirable fastener, such as, for example, magnets, clasps, snaps, clips of the like. 
         [0061]    In an embodiment, the hook-and-loop fasteners  38  may be located upon on one or more of the outer layer  22   a , the inner layer  22   c , the one or more straps  30  or the like. According to an embodiment, the fasteners  38  may be utilized for connecting the inner layer  22   c  of one or more of the central/side flap panels  14   h - 14   j  to the outer layer  22   a  of one or more of the one or more straps  30  and upper handle  32  that is/are arranged upon the first side panel  14   e , the second side panel  14   f  and the upper panel  14   a.    
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1B , an embodiment of the container  10  may further include one or more exterior pockets  40  formed by a layer of material  42  secured to the outer layer  22   a  of at least one panel  14   a - 14   j  of the plurality of panels  14 . The layer of material  42  may include a sheet of substantially transparent plastic for permitting a user to see the contents (e.g., money, receipts, driving directions or the like) contained within the pocket  40 . At least three (of four) sides of the layer of material  42  of material may be secured to the outer layer  22   a  of at least one panel  14   a - 14   j  of the plurality of panels  14  for forming the pocket  40 ; accordingly, a user may access the contents of the pocket  40  proximate the fourth side of the layer of material  42  that is not secured to the outer layer  22   a  of at least one panel  14   a - 14   j  of the plurality of panels  14 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6B , an exemplary implementation of a container is shown at  100 . An embodiment of the container  100  may be sold under the trade-name HEATZA that is commercially available from Arden Corporation of Southfield, Mich. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the container  100  is formed from a single unit of material  102 . The unit of material  102  includes a geometry that is formed from a plurality of panels  104  that are integrally connected to one another. The plurality of panels  104  are demarcated from one another by a plurality of fold lines, hinges, or the like, which are shown generally at  106 . In an embodiment, the plurality of hinges  106  may be formed/molded in any desirable manner such as, for example, by removing material proximate an area or zone where the hinges  106  are to be formed, or, alternatively, forming/molding an area or zone where the hinges  106  are to be formed/molded with a notch, channel, or the like (e.g., a “V shaped” channel). Alternatively, the plurality of hinges  106  may not be treated (e.g., by material removal, forming, molding or the like) in a particular manner, and, the plurality of hinges  106  may occur naturally as a result of a user/manufacturer folding the single unit of material  102 . 
         [0065]    The plurality of panels  104  may be identified as follows. Although the following description sets forth a particular “name” for each panel, the name given to each panel is based upon an illustrated orientation of the panel in  FIGS. 6A-9B  and should not be utilized to limit the scope of the claimed invention. In an implementation, the plurality of panels  104  may include a rear panel  104   a  that connects an upper panel  104   b  and a lower panel  104   c . The upper panel  104   b  and rear panel  104   a  form a first hinge  106   a  of the plurality of hinges  106 . The lower panel  104   c  and the rear panel  104   a  form a second hinge  106   b  of the plurality of hinges  106 . 
         [0066]    The plurality of panels  14  may further include a first front panel  104   d , a first side panel  104   e  and a second side panel  104   f . The first front panel  104   d , first side panel  104   e  and second side panel  104   f  each extend from and are integrally connected to the upper panel  104   b . The upper panel  104   b  and the first front panel  104   d  form a third hinge  106   c  of the plurality of hinges  106 . The upper panel  104   b  and the first side panel  104   e  form a fourth hinge  106   d  of the plurality of hinges  106 . The upper panel  104   b  and the second side panel  104   f  form a fifth hinge  106   e  of the plurality of hinges  106 . 
         [0067]    The plurality of panels  104  may further include a second front panel  104   g . The second front panel  104   g  extends from and is integrally connected to the lower panel  104   c . The lower panel  104   c  and the second front panel  104   g  form a sixth hinge  106   f  of the plurality of hinges  106 . 
         [0068]    Unlike the second front panel  14   g  of the plurality of panels  14 , the plurality of panels  104  do not include a central flap panel  14   h , a first side flap panel  14   i  and a second side flap panel  14   j  extending from the second front panel  104   g ; however, the plurality of panels  104  include a first tuck flap panel  104   h , a second tuck flap panel  104   i  and a central flap panel  104   j . The first tuck flap  104   h  connects a first end  104   d ′ of the first front panel  104   d  to a first end  104   e ′ of the first side panel  104   e . The second tuck flap  104   i  connects a second end  104   d ″ of the first front panel  104   d  to a first end  104   f ′ of the second front panel  104   f . The central flap panel  104   j  extends from and is integrally connected to the second front panel  104   g.    
         [0069]    Each of the first tuck flap panel  104   h  and the second tuck flap panel  104   i  includes a first tuck portion  104   h ′,  104   i ′ connected to a second tuck portion  104   h ″,  104   i ″. The first tuck portion  104   h ′ extends from first end  104   d ′ of the first front panel  104   d , and, the first tuck portion  104   i ′ extends from the second end  104   d ″ of the first front panel  104   d . The second tuck portion  104   h ″ extends from the first end  104   e ′ of the first side panel  104   e , and, the second tuck portion  104   i ″ extends from the first end  104   f  of the second front panel  104   f.    
         [0070]    The first tuck portion  104   h ′ connects to the second tuck portion  104   h ″ to form a seventh hinge  106   g  of the plurality of hinges  106 . The first tuck portion  104   i ′ connects to the second tuck portion  104   i ″ of the second tuck flap panel  104   i  to form an eighth hinge  106   h  of the plurality of hinges  106 . The central flap panel  104   j  and the second front panel  104   g  form a ninth hinge  106   i  of the plurality of hinges  106 . 
         [0071]    In an implementation, each panel  104   a - 104   j  of the plurality of panels  104  includes a substantially square/rectangular shape geometry. Although the illustrated embodiment sets, forth each panel  104   a - 104   j  of the plurality of panels  104  including a substantially square/rectangular shape geometry, each panel  104   a - 104   j  of the plurality of panels  104  may be formed to include any geometry, such as, for example, circular, triangular or the like. 
         [0072]    When the unit of material  102  is folded about the plurality of hinges  106 , the unit of material  102  may be arranged in a configuration that forms the container  100  that is shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B . Although the term “folded” is used in describing the arrangement for forming the container  100 , one or more additional manufacturing steps may be included in addition to the “folding” step described above. In an implementation, the one or more additional manufacturing steps may include the step of “seaming” (e.g., sewing, stitching, adhering or the like) together one or more edges of the plurality of panels  104 . Accordingly, in an implementation, manufacturing steps for forming the container  100  may include at least the steps of “folding” and “seaming” the unit of material  102 . 
         [0073]    In an implementation, the container  100  may be formed from the unit of material  102  as follows at  FIGS. 8A-8F . Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8B , the rear panel  104   a , first side panel  104   e , second side panel  104   f  first tuck flap panel  104   h  and second tuck flap panel  104   i  may be folded downwardly (see, e.g., arrow D 1  in  FIG. 8A  and arrow D 2  in  FIG. 8B ) about the hinges  106   a ,  106   d - 106   e  (noting that the hinges  106   d ,  106   e  extend along the ends  104   d ′,  104   d ″ of the first front panel  104  due to the first and second tuck flap panels  104   h ,  104   i  being shared with the first and second side panels  104   e ,  104   f ), relative to the upper panel  104   b . Then, a first side edge  104   a ′ (see  FIG. 7 ) of the rear panel  104   a  may be seamed with a rear edge  104   e ″ (see  FIG. 7 ) of the first side panel  104   e , and, a second side edge  104   a ″ (see  FIG. 7 ) of the rear panel  104   a  may be seamed with a rear edge  104   f ″ (see  FIG. 7 ) of the second side panel  104   f.    
         [0074]    Referring to  FIG. 8C , the lower panel  104   c  may be folded upwardly (see, e.g., arrow D 3  in  FIG. 8C ) about the second hinge  106   b  relative to the rear panel  104   a . Then, a first side edge  104   c ′ (see  FIG. 7 ) of the lower panel  104   c  may be seamed with a side edge  104   e ′″ (see  FIG. 7 ) of the first side panel  104   e , and, a second side edge  104   c ″ (see  FIG. 7 ) of the lower panel  104   c  may be seamed with a side edge  104   f ′″ (see  FIG. 7 ) of the second side panel  104   f.    
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 6B , as a result of folding and seaming the unit of material  102  as described above, the panels  104   a - 104   c  and  104   e - 104   f  form a pocket or receiving-cavity, which is shown generally at  108 , and an access opening  110 . Accordingly, one or more objects, F, B, may be inserted through the opening  110  and deposited into the receiving-cavity  108 . 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIGS. 8D-8E , the access opening  110  may be selectively closed-out by one or more of the first front panel  104   d  and the second front panel  104   g . In order to close-out the access opening  110 , the first front panel  104   d  is permitted to be selectively folded, downwardly (see, e.g., arrow D 4  in  FIG. 8D ) about the third hinge  106   c  (noting that the third hinge  106   c  extends along the ends  104   e ′,  104   f ′ of the first and second side panels  104   e ,  104   f  due to the first and second tuck flap panels  104   h ,  104   i  being shared with the first front panel  104   d ) relative to the upper panel  104   b , and, the second front panel  104   g  is permitted to be selectively folded upwardly (see, e.g., arrow D 5  in  FIG. 8D ) about the sixth hinge  106   f  relative to the lower panel  104   c.    
         [0077]    As a result of the first front panel  104   d  being folded in the direction of the arrow, D 4 , a compound motion of the first front panel  104   d  and first and second tuck flap panels  104   h ,  104   i  is permitted to occur; in other words, the responsive to the movement of the first front panel  104   d  in the direction of the arrow, D 4 , the first ands second tuck flap panels  104   h ,  104   i  are each permitted to collapse about the seventh and eighth hinges  106   g ,  106   h  for automatically moving in a “self tucking” arrangement such that the first and second tuck flap panels  104   h ,  104   i  close out the sides of the access opening  110 . Further, by arranging the first front panel  104   d  and second front panel  104   g  as described above, the first front panel  104   d  and second front panel  104   g  may be said to “overlap” one another; the overlapping arrangement may not only function in closing out the upper and lower sides of the access opening  110 , but, also inhibits the movement of heat, H (see  FIG. 9B ), through the overlapping arrangement of the panels  104   d ,  104   g  and out of the receiving-cavity  108 . Further, after the tucking and overlapping arrangement of the panels  104   d ,  104   g - 104   i  is provided, the central flap panel  104   j  is permitted to be disposed over the upper panel  104   b  as a result of permitting the central flap panel  104   j  to be selectively folded (see, e.g., arrow D 6  in  FIG. 8E ) about the ninth hinge  106   i  relative to the second front panel  104   g.    
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 6B , prior to closing-out the access-opening  110  as described above, a user may deposit the one or more objects, F, B into the receiving-cavity  108 . In an implementation, the one or more objects, F, B, may include one or more a foodstuff units, F, and/or one or more boxes or sub-containers that contain the one or more foodstuff units, F. The one or more foodstuff units, F, may include, but is not limited to, a pizza. The one or more boxes, B, may include, but is not limited to, a folded, paperboard box. 
         [0079]    Although an embodiment of the foodstuff unit, F, may include pizza, the foodstuff unit, F, is not limited to pizza, and may include, for example, baked items, fried items, cooked items, liquids, or any other type of food or beverage. Further, although an embodiment of the foodstuff unit, F, is described to include what may be a hot/heated item (e.g., pizza, a baked item, a fried item, a cooked item or the like), the foodstuff unit, F, may include a foodstuff unit, F, having a temperature approximately equal to or less than room temperature, such that, for example, the foodstuff unit, F, may be said to be cooled, cold or frozen. 
         [0080]    According to an embodiment, the container  100  may be utilized as a pizza delivery container, and, as such, may include thermal insulating properties; accordingly, in an embodiment, the container  100  may be referred to as a “thermally insulated container.” The thermal insulating properties of the container  100  may function in a manner that promotes maintaining temperature of the pizza, F, or mitigating heat loss of the pizza, F, from the time the pizza, F, is removed from an oven at, for example, a pizzeria to the time when the pizza, F, is presented to, for example, a customer at a delivery location. Thus, as will described in an embodiment in the following disclosure, the container  100  may be formed to include one or more layers, one or more materials and/or one or more structural configurations that may lend to the maintaining of temperature or mitigating of heat loss of the pizza, F, during, for example, transport of the pizza, F, from the pizzeria to the customer. 
         [0081]    First, as described above, the structural configuration of the container  10  in of itself may maintain temperature or mitigate heat loss of the pizza, F. When looking to the unfurled orientation of the unit of material  102  that forms the container  100  in  FIG. 7 , the panels  104   a  and  104   d - 104   f  are one with and connected to the upper panel  104   b  such that the panels  104   a  and  104   d - 104   f  may “drop down” from the upper panel  104   b  and form a “dome structure.” Referring to  FIG. 9B , because heat, H, rises, any heat, H, emanating from the pizza, F, may be trapped by the dome structure such that the trapped heat, H, within the receiving-cavity  108  may functionally maintain the temperature of or mitigate heat loss of the pizza, F. Further, because the panels  104   a  and  104   d - 104   f  are permitted to fold about the hinges  106   a ,  106   c - 106   e  relative to the upper panel  104   b  and are not separate elements that are otherwise sewn or stitched to the upper panel  104   b  proximate the location of the hinges  106   a ,  106   c - 106   e , the lack of sewn/stitched structure at the hinges  106   a ,  106   c - 106   e  prevents punctures or openings from being formed in the dome structure formed by the panels  104   a - 104   b  and  104   d - 104   f  which would otherwise provide locations (e.g., openings/holes/passages) for the heat, H, to escape from within the receiving-cavity  108 . 
         [0082]    Second, as described above, one or more layers and/or one or more materials of the container  100  in of itself may maintain temperature of or mitigate heat loss of the pizza, F. Referring to  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, the unit of material  102 ,  102 ′ may include a multi-layer structure  112  (see  FIG. 10A ),  112 ′ (see  FIG. 10B ) with each layer  112   a - 112   d  formed from a different material. 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 10A , the multi-layer structure  112  may include layers  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c  and  112   d . The layer  112   a  may be an outer layer that is exposed to atmosphere, A. The layer  112   d  may be an inner layer that forms the receiving-cavity  108 . The layers  112   b ,  112   c  may be intermediate layers disposed between the outer layer  112   a  and the inner layer  112   d . The layer  112   b  may be disposed adjacent the outer layer  112   a , and the layer  112   c  may be disposed adjacent the inner layer  112   d.    
         [0084]    The outer layer  112   a  may include a general purpose, flame retardant, laminated polyester. The general purpose, flame retardant, laminated polyester outer layer  112   a  may be commercially available and sold under the trade-name “Black Value.” 
         [0085]    The first intermediate layer  112   b  adjacent the outer layer  112   a  may include a first, upper side  112   b   1  and a second, lower side  112   b   2 . The first, upper side  112   b   1  may include a reflective, “shiny” side, whereas the second, lower side  112   b   2  may include a non-reflective, “non-shiny” side. In an embodiment, the first intermediate layer  112   b  may include aluminum foil. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the first intermediate layer  112   b  may include Mylar. The first intermediate layer  112   b  may include a thickness that is approximately equal to 0.0007 inches. 
         [0086]    The second intermediate layer  112   c  adjacent the first intermediate layer  112   b  may include a closed-cell foam (i.e., not an open-cell foam) polyester batting. The inner layer  112   d  adjacent the second intermediate layer  112   c  may include an olefin woven fabric. 
         [0087]    The olefin woven fabric  112   d  of the inner layer may include a water-wicking characteristic for drawing moisture away the folded, paperboard box, B, such that the folded paperboard box, B, is mitigated from becoming soggy. The closed-cell foam polyester batting of the second intermediate layer  112   c  includes a highly insulative characteristic. The first intermediate layer  112   b  reflects or re-directs heat, H, back toward the receiving-cavity  108 . The outer layer  112   a  may include a hydrophobic property that prevents water (e.g., rain) from being absorbed into any layers  112   b - 112   d  of the multi-layer structure  112 . 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIG. 10B , the multi-layer structure  112 ′ may include layers  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c  and  112   d . The multi-layer structure  112 ′ is substantially similar to the multi-layer structure  112  of  FIG. 10A , however, unlike the first intermediate layer  112   b  of the multi-layer structure  112 , the first intermediate layer  112  of the multi-layer structure  112 ′ includes two layers  112   b ′ and  112   b ″; in an embodiment, the first intermediate layer  112   b  of the multi-layer structure  112 ′ may be commercially available and sold under the trade-name “Silver Energy Shield.” 
         [0089]    The first layer  112   b ′ of the first intermediate layer  112  includes a polyester film, and, the second layer  112   b ″ of the first intermediate layer  112  includes a first; upper side  112   b   2 ″ having and a reflective, “shiny” characteristic second, lower side  112   b   2 ″ having a non-reflective, “non-shiny” characteristic, In an embodiment, the second layer  112   b ″ of first intermediate layer  112   b  may include aluminum foil; the polyester film first layer  112   b ′ may be laminated to the aluminum foil second layer  112   b ″. Alternatively, in an embodiment, second layer  112   b ″ of the first intermediate layer  112   b  may include Mylar. The first layer  112   b ′ of the first intermediate layer  112   b  may include a thickness that is approximately equal to 0.00043 inches. The second layer  112   b ″ of the first intermediate layer  112   b  may include a thickness that is approximately equal to 0.0007″. 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , an implementation of the multi-layer structure  112 ,  112 ′ of the unit of material  102 ,  102 ′ is shown. The outer layer  112   a  may be formed from three separate components,  112   a ′,  112   a ″ and  112   a ′″ that are connected (e.g., seamed) together prior to assembly/joining with the remaining layers  112   b - 112   d  of the multi-layer structure  112 ,  112 ′. The first component  112   a ′ is generally characterized by the geometry of the panels  104   b ,  104   d - 104   f  and  104   h - 104   i . The second component  112   a ″ is generally characterized by the geometry of the panels  104   a ,  104   c . The third component  112   a ′″ is generally characterized by the geometry of the panels  104   g ,  104   j . Each of the first intermediate layer  112   b , the second intermediate layer  112   c  and the inner layer  112   d  may be formed from as a single component. 
         [0091]    Through experimentation, it was discovered that the when the panels  104   a - 104   j  formed by the unit of material  102 ,  102 ′ was folded and seamed (see  FIGS. 8A-8F ), the relative stiffness of the outer layer  112   a  formed by one component (i.e. not three components) of material resulted in a high degree of difficulty in manufacturing the container  100 . As a result, the outer layer  112  was separated into the three components,  112   a ′,  112   a ″ and  112   a ′″ in order to relieve difficulty associated with the folding and seaming of an outer layer formed by one, component of material. Referring to  FIGS. 12A-13B , in addition to the increased manufacturability of the component  100  as described above, by separating the outer layer  112   a  into three components,  112   a ′,  112   a ″ and  112   a ′″, a reduced amount of waste material, W (see  FIGS. 12B ,  13 B), was realized due to the ability for a manufacturer to maximize utilization of, for example, a fifty-four inch roll of material, M (see  FIGS. 12A ,  13 A), positioned upon a cutting platen, P. 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6B , an embodiment of the container  100  may include a carrier assembly  114  that is connected to one or more panel  104   a - 104   j  of the plurality of panels  104 . The carrier  114  may include an upper carrier portion  116  and a lower carrier portion  118  (see  FIG. 7 ). The upper carrier portion  116  includes one or more straps  120  connected to an upper handle  122 . The lower carrier portion  118  includes a lower handle  124  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0093]    Each of the upper carrier portion  116  and the lower carrier portion  118  may be attached to the outer layer  112   a  by any desirable attachment configuration. In an embodiment, each of the upper carrier portion  116  and the lower carrier portion  118  may be attached to the outer layer  112   a  with an adhesive. Alternatively, each of the upper carrier portion  116  and the lower carrier portion  118  may be attached to the outer layer  112   a  by way of a stitched configuration; however, as described above, a stitching may result in one or more of the plurality of panels  104  being punctured, which may undesirably permit heat to escape from within the receiving-cavity  108 . Accordingly, if the upper carrier portion  116  and the lower carrier portion  118  are attached to the outer layer  112   a  by way of a stitched configuration, any perforations to one or more of the plurality of panels  104  may be limited or selectively-located to particular panels  104   a - 104   j  of the plurality of panels  104  that are less prone to heat leakage from within the receiving-cavity  108 . 
         [0094]    In an embodiment, the one or more straps  120  may be connected to one or more of the upper panel  104   b  and first and second side panels  104   e ,  104   f  In an embodiment, the one or more straps  120  may originate from corners  126  of the first and second side panels  104   e ,  104   f  that are closest to the lower panel  104   c ; by locating the one or more straps  120  in a manner such that they originate from corners  126  of the first and second side panels  104   e ,  104   f  closest to the lower panel  104   c , the container  100  may be less prone to sagging or tipping back/forth or side-to-side once the one or more straps  120  are tensioned in response to a user gripping and supporting the handle  122  as gravity pulls the container  100  in the opposite direction. 
         [0095]    In an embodiment, the lower handle  124  may be connected to and centrally located upon the lower panel  104   c . Once attached to the lower panel  104   c , a user may slide/locate one or more fingers between the lower handle  124  and the lower panel  104   c  such that the user&#39;s hand may be located in a “palm up” orientation (i.e., the user&#39;s palm opposingly-faces the lower panel  104   c ) for supporting the container  100  in a substantially similar manner as a server or waiter would support a serving tray. Because the user may support the container  100  with one hand in a “palm up” orientation, the user&#39;s free hand (i.e., the hand that is not utilized for supporting the container  100 ) is permitted to unfurl the overlapping arrangement of the panels  14   d ,  14   g  according to directions opposite that of the arrows, D 4 -D 6 , in a one-handed manner. 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6B , an embodiment of the container  100  may further include a plurality of fasteners  128 , such as, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®), for connecting one or more panels  104   a - 104   j  to one or more other panels  104   a - 104   j  of the plurality of panels. Although the fasteners  128  may include VELCRO®, the fasteners  128  are not limited to includes VELCRO® and may alternatively include any desirable fastener, such as, for example, magnets, clasps, snaps, clips of the like. 
         [0097]    The fasteners  128  may be located on one or more of the outer layer  112   a  and the inner layer  112   d . According to an embodiment, the fasteners  128  may be utilized for connecting the inner layer  112   d  of the central flap panel  104   j  to the outer layer  112   a  of the upper panel  104   b.    
         [0098]    Refining to  FIGS. 7 and 9A , an embodiment of the container  100  may further include one or more exterior pockets  130  formed by a layer of material  132  secured to the outer layer  112   a  of at least one panel  104   a - 104   j  of the plurality of panels  104 . The layer of material  132  may include a sheet of transparent plastic such that a user may see the contents (e.g., money, receipts, driving directions or the like) of the pocket  130 . At least three (of four) sides of the layer of material  132  may be secured to the outer layer  112   a  of at least one panel  104   a - 104   j  of the plurality of panels  104  such that a user may access the contents of the pocket proximate the fourth side of the layer of material  132  that is not secured to the outer layer  112   a  of at least one panel  104   a - 104   j  of the plurality of panels  104 . 
         [0099]    A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.