Patent ID: 12252326

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

The claimed embodiments improve upon the prior art by providing a system for transporting hot food that maintains its contents fresh, crisp, and hot for an extended period of time. Although the examples given below describe a system for transporting hot food relative to a pizza, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the claimed embodiments may be adapted for use with other foods, including, but not limited to burritos, burgers, French fries, and nachos.

Referring now to the Figures,FIG.1illustrates a prior art system100for transporting hot food according to an example embodiment. The system includes a box105having a top side110and a bottom side115. The top side110of the box defines a first substantially planar surface and the bottom side115of the box defines a second substantially planar surface. The bottom side115of the box is hingedly attached to the box such that the top side110of the box may pivot between an open position and a closed position (in the direction of double arrowed line D1) to allow access to an interior volume120of the box105. The interior volume120of the box105is formed by two opposing sidewalls116and two opposing end walls117on the bottom side of the box. The interior volume120of the box is configured to provide sufficient area to store at least one food item.

In the present embodiment, the box105is generally sized to store a pizza125, however, it should be appreciated that the box may have other shapes and dimensions to accommodate additional foods, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed embodiments. The box is preferably comprised from an integral piece of recyclable, non-toxic and food safe paper-based material such as corrugated cardboard or may be similarly comprised of biodegradable or compostable materials such as sugarcane, bamboo, and plant-based materials. The pizza sits on an interior surface155of the bottom side115of the box105and the interior surface140of the top side110of the box105closes onto and on top of the pizza when the box is in the closed position.

FIG.2Ais a front view of a first embodiment of an insertable paper system200for addition to a box105for transporting food, the system comprising a sheet of paper210having a single fold205at or near a midpoint of the sheet, the single fold defining a top sheet202and a bottom sheet204. The top sheet having a length and a width equal to a length and a width of an interior of the box105(such as 18 inches by 18 inches), such that the top sheet202fits within the interior of the box without being folded. The bottom sheet204having a length and a width that are both at least half an inch longer than the length and the width of the interior of the box105(such as 18.5 inches by 18.5 inches), such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box. Notice that the length and the width of the bottom sheet are longer than the length and the width of the top sheet.

A first food-safe laminate coating of is deposited on an interior surface212of the top sheet202, wherein said first coating has heat reflecting characteristics. A second food-safe laminate coating is deposited on an interior surface214of the bottom sheet204, wherein said second coating has oil-resistant characteristics. A plurality of orifices213are located in the top sheet, the plurality of orifices configured for allowing moisture to escape therethrough. In one embodiment, the plurality of orifices213may be slits, holes, perforations, cuts, cutouts, of the like. The insertable paper system200is configured for being removably positioned within the interior of the box105, such that the food rests on the interior surface214of the bottom sheet204. The system is configured to allow steam and moisture to escape to prevent the food or pizza crust from getting soggy.

The food-safe laminate coatings are comprised of impermeable, nonstick material capable of resisting high temperatures, however, it should be appreciated that other impermeable, nonstick materials may be employed provided that they effectively prevent the top of the pizza from adhering to the system200. It should be appreciated that attachment devices may be used to secure the system200to the interior surface140of the top side110of the box105, including backing materials coated with natural adhesives made from organic sources such as vegetable starch, natural resins, or animals, clamps, brackets, slots, or any other suitable method known in the art. Note also that the insertable paper system200may be removably coupled to an interior surface155of the bottom side115of the box105, according to an example embodiment.

The insertable paper system200is configured to maintain the freshly prepared pizza125warm during transportation. In operation, the system200is positioned inside the box105such that when the hot pizza is removed from the oven and placed directly on the box, the pizza125is elevated off the interior surface of the bottom side of the box by the width of system200.

FIG.2Aalso shows another fold225at a top of the top sheet202, the fold225defining a strip222, which acts as a handle or tab that may be handled by a person wanting to move the device200. The fold225and fold205may be a perforated fold. The strip may have the same width as the top sheet but have a height (such as ½ to 1 inch) that is much smaller than the top sheet, hence referring to222as a strip. The strip may not include the orifices located in the top sheet.

FIG.2Bis a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the insertable paper system200for addition to a box for transporting hot food, shown in a partially folded orientation, according to an example embodiment.

FIG.2Cis a front view of a second embodiment of an insertable paper system250for addition to a box105for transporting food, the system comprising two separate sheets of paper252,254. Whereas the embodiment ofFIGS.2A-2Bshow one single sheet, the embodiment ofFIGS.2C-2Dshow a set comprising two separate sheets—a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The top sheet having a length and a width equal to a length and a width of an interior of the box105(such as 18 inches by 18 inches), such that the top sheet252fits within the interior of the box without being folded. The bottom sheet254having a length and a width that are both at least half an inch longer than the length and the width of the interior of the box105(such as 18.5 inches by 18.5 inches), such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box. Notice that the length and the width of the bottom sheet are longer than the length and the width of the top sheet.

A first food-safe laminate coating of is deposited on an interior surface262of the top sheet252, wherein said first coating has heat reflecting characteristics. A second food-safe laminate coating is deposited on an interior surface264of the bottom sheet254, wherein said second coating has oil-resistant characteristics. A plurality of orifices263are located in the top sheet, the plurality of orifices configured for allowing moisture to escape therethrough. The insertable paper system250is configured for being removably positioned within the interior of the box105, such that the food rests on the interior surface264of the bottom sheet254. The system is configured to allow steam and moisture to escape to prevent the food or pizza crust from getting soggy.

The food-safe laminate coatings are comprised of impermeable, nonstick material capable of resisting high temperatures, however, it should be appreciated that other impermeable, nonstick materials may be employed provided that they effectively prevent the top of the pizza from adhering to the system250. It should be appreciated that attachment devices may be used to secure the system250to the interior surface140of the top side110of the box105, including backing materials coated with natural adhesives made from organic sources such as vegetable starch, natural resins, or animals, clamps, brackets, slots, or any other suitable method known in the art. Note also that the insertable paper system250may be removably coupled to an interior surface155of the bottom side115of the box105, according to an example embodiment.

The insertable paper system250is configured to maintain the freshly prepared pizza125warm during transportation. In operation, the system250is positioned inside the box105such that when the hot pizza is removed from the oven and placed directly on the box, the pizza125is elevated off the interior surface of the bottom side of the box by the width of system250.

FIG.2Calso shows an optional fold275at a top of the top sheet252, the fold275defining a strip272, which acts as a handle or tab that may be handled by a person wanting to move the device250. The fold275may be a perforated fold. The strip may have the same width as the top sheet but have a height (such as ½ to 1 inch) that is much smaller than the top sheet, hence referring to272as a strip. The strip may not include the orifices located in the top sheet.

FIG.2Dis a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the insertable paper system250for addition to a box for transporting hot food, shown in a partially folded orientation, according to an example embodiment.FIG.2Dshows an embodiment wherein the bottom sheet254includes a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet. Scoring291is a straight line that runs parallel to the top side of the bottom sheet while scoring292is a straight line that runs parallel to the bottom side of bottom sheet. Scoring294is a straight line that runs parallel to the left side of the bottom sheet while scoring295is a straight line that runs parallel to the right side of bottom sheet. The purpose of the plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet is to allow for the easy folding or turning of the bottom sheet when it is placed in the interior surface155of the bottom side115of the box105, according to an example embodiment (as shown inFIGS.3-4below). Scoring refers to the process of making a crease in paper so it will fold easier. A score is a ridge that is indented into the paper where the fold line will occur. This indention is made such that it compresses the paper fibers to create a hinge-like area. This “hinge” is what allows for smoother folding. Scoring also helps improve the appearance of the fold because it provides a consistent guideline as well as reduces the potential for the paper to buckle or crack. In addition, scored paper is less likely to cause harm to toner-type inks or thicker clear coats during the folding operation.

FIG.3is a front perspective view of a system400for transporting hot food, including a box105and an insertable paper system200, according to the first embodiment shown inFIGS.2A,2B. The system400includes the box105ofFIG.1having a top side110and a bottom side115. The top side110of the box defines a first substantially planar surface and the bottom side115of the box defines a second substantially planar surface. The bottom side115of the box is hingedly attached to the box such that the top side110of the box may pivot between an open position and a closed position (in the direction of double arrowed line D1) to allow access to an interior volume120of the box105. The interior volume120of the box105is formed by two opposing sidewalls116and two opposing end walls117on the bottom side of the box. The interior volume120of the box is configured to provide sufficient area to store at least one food item.

The pizza125sits on top of the interior surface214of the bottom sheet204, wherein said bottom sheet has a second coating that has oil-resistant characteristics. A plurality of orifices213are located in the top sheet, the plurality of orifices configured for allowing moisture from the pizza to escape therethrough. In one embodiment, the plurality of orifices213may be slits, holes, perforations, cuts, cutouts, of the like. The insertable paper system200is configured for being removably positioned within the interior of the box105, such that the pizza rests on the interior surface214of the bottom sheet204. The system is configured to allow steam and moisture to escape to prevent the food or pizza crust from getting soggy.

FIG.3shows that the bottom sheet204has a length and a width that are both longer (at least half an inch longer) than the length and the width of the interior surface155of the bottom side115of the box105, such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.FIG.3show that the edges of the bottom sheet204travel upwards along the two opposing sidewalls116and two opposing end walls117on the bottom side of the box.FIG.3show that the edges of the bottom sheet204travel upwards around the entire perimeter of the box, so as to create a bowl-like shape that is able to hold liquid such as grease, oil, and the like. This prevents the pizza oil from touching or soaking the box, which allows the box to be recycled, since pizza boxes soiled with oil are not recyclable. The embodiment shown inFIG.3can also be used with the second embodiment250of the system for transporting hot food, as shown inFIGS.2C,2D.

In one embodiment, the bottom sheet254includes a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet. Scoring291,292,294,295(seeFIG.2D) comprise a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet is to allow for the easy folding or turning of the bottom sheet when it is placed in the interior surface155of the bottom side115of the box105, as shown inFIG.3. That is, when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, the bottom sheet folds at the plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements, such that the edges402,404of the bottom sheet extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.

FIG.4is a cross sectional view of both embodiments of the system400for transporting hot food, including a box and an insertable paper system, according to an example embodiment.FIG.4shows that the bottom sheet204or254has a length and a width that are both longer (at least half an inch longer) than the length and the width of the interior surface155of the bottom side115of the box105, such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges402,404of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.FIG.4show that the edges402,404of the bottom sheet travel upwards along the two opposing sidewalls116on the bottom side of the box105.FIG.4show that the edges of the bottom sheet204,254travel upwards around the entire perimeter of the box, so as to create a bowl-like shape that is able to hold liquid such as grease, oil, and the like.

In one embodiment, the bottom sheet254includes a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet that allow for the easy folding or turning of the bottom sheet when it is placed in the interior surface155of the bottom side115of the box105, as shown inFIG.4. That is, when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, the bottom sheet folds at the plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements, such that the edges402,404of the bottom sheet extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.

FIG.5is a cross sectional view of both embodiments the insertable paper system200,250, according to an example embodiment. The sheet(s) of the system200,250may be composed of a first layer582of paper, wherein the first layer is configured for being removably coupled to an interior surface of the box. In one embodiment, the sheet of the system200,250is not coupled to an interior surface of the box but rather simply lie(s) on top of, or under, the food in the box, set in place using solely gravity and friction. The second layer581may include printed material configured for advertising.

The first layer may be composed of paper, such as cotton paper, synthetic paper, parchment paper, baking paper, liners or bakery release paper is cellulose-based paper that has been treated or coated to make it non-stick. Said paper may have a certain pliability and have a reflectivity coating to reflect heat. Alternative to parchment paper is wax paper, which is paper that has been made moisture-proof through the application of wax. Alternative to parchment paper is acetate paper, which is a transparent material that is made by reacting cellulose with acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid. The first layer may be food and liquid impermeable, such that food and liquid from food (such as oil and water) does not pass through said first layer.

By utilizing vented holes or orifices for escaping moisture, the claimed embodiments address the issues associated with transporting pizzas and food items safely—heat loss, excessive moisture, and damage to the box from oil. The claimed embodiments allow heat to be redirected back into the food, and not out through the box edges. The venting orifices or holes are designed to allow moisture to escape away from the food and be absorbed into the insulated top sheet. The bottom sheet may not be vented, keeping the crust of a pizza, for example, hot and crispy by locking in the heat from escaping through the cardboard of the box and blocking oils or sauces from entering into the cardboard of the box, which preserves the box for recycling.

Tests performed used the claimed embodiments show that food can be kept at least at the recommended standard of 140 degrees for extended periods of time, using the claimed box system. Tests performed used the claimed embodiments show that food can also be kept at a 10-12-degree higher temperature of 152-154 for extended periods of time. Systems that do not use the claimed embodiment result in food temperatures well below the 140-degree mark (from 95 to 120 degrees), inviting food borne bacterial growth.

Paper with vented holes or orifices for escaping moisture allows moisture to exit. Without these vented holes, condensation cannot exit freely enough. Without these vented holes, the adhesion effect applies, and droplets of rain develop and falls back into the food in the box. Venting must occur equally and evenly related to the top insert. The vented holes may be standard holes, perforated holes, slits, round holes, square holes, and the like.

The present invention provides outstanding results achieving 30 minutes of travel time keeping pizza hot, safe, well above temperatures that eliminates bacterial growth. The present invention is a laminated coated sheet with a plurality of small slits or pinholes that allows moisture to escape while simultaneously reflecting heat back into the pizza. The bottom portion is a solid coated sheet that effectively blocks oils and aligns the pizza perfectly in place. The size and shape of the present invention may be oversized by ¼″-¾″+ to create an oil containment edge within the bottom insert. The built-in edge trap holds spillages of cheesy residue and oils on the inside edges of the insert blocking any leakage that ruins the pizza box for recycling. For example, for a small 10″×10″ pizza, the present invention would be slightly oversized by ¼″-¾ ″ to allow for the confinement edge to curl upward to confine the hot oils from escaping past the insert. The curled edges maintain that the pizza stays centered inside the box.

A single fold/or a double folded insert positions the pizza as a nesting pouch onto the non-porous insert. The pizza will not shift around and bump into the edges of the pizza box. Thus, making the entire pizza box fully recyclable.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.