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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to food systems. In particular, this invention
relates to a food system which may be either utilized as a food tray, or
converted into a box-like structure for transport of the edible material
to a remote location. Still further, this invention relates to a
disposable food tray and container system combination. More in particular,
this invention relates to a disposable food tray and container system
which is generally symmetric in design. Still further, this invention
relates to a disposable food tray and container system where internal
vapors or gases may be dispersed to the external atmosphere at a
controlled rate. Still further, this invention relates to a one-piece
design disposable food tray and container system which may be easily
stamped or molded. More in particular, this invention relates to a
disposable food tray and container system which provides for particularly
contoured elements to maximize heat insulation for maintaining food in a
heated state over a period of time.
2. Prior Art
Food tray and container systems are known in the art. The closest prior art
known to applicant are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,335,846; 4,058,214;
3,754,640; 3,484,015; 3,845,875; 3,828,967; 3,613,933; 3,708,086; and,
3,799,386. In some of the prior art, the food is contained within a
box-like structure. However, in some such prior systems, the platter
section containing the food is in contact with a base surface which
optimizes heat removal. Additionally, such prior art provides for
increased currents of stains and drippings through the platter section.
This has the effect of increasing clean-up costs while at the same time,
permitting transport of heat at an increased rate which is derogatory from
the user's standpoint.
In other prior food systems, the box-like structure is not symmetrical in
nature to provide a nesting, interfacing, and locking effect to provide
the dual use of one container contour being utilized for both a platter,
as well as a box structure for removal of the edible material to a remote
location.
In other prior food systems, vent openings may be utilized, however, such
do not allow for adjustment by rotation of one container element with
respect to another. In such prior systems, the amount of vapor being
passed to the external environment is not easily adjusted and thus, the
length of the transport to the remote location may cause non-optimization
of the heat removal from internal to the box-like structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A disposable food tray and container system which comprises at least a pair
of container elements. Each of the container elements has a central
substantially planar section and a rim element. Each of the rim elements
extends around the planar section in a substantially closed contour
manner. Additionally, each of the rim elements has a pair of upper and
lower cooperating elements for nesting interface of one of the upper
cooperating elements of one of the container elements with the lower
cooperating element of a next successive one of the container elements.
Each of the upper and lower cooperating elements has at least one aperture
formed therethrough. The apertures are alignable for permitting exit of
gaseous products when the upper and lower cooperating elements of the pair
of container elements are in nesting interface relation.
An object of the instant invention is to provide a relatively inexpensive
disposable tray for commercial establishments.
Another object of the subject invention is to provide a single element
structure which may be mounted to a second structure of the same design to
provide a box-like system for removal of edible material to a remote
location.
A still further object of the subject invention is to provide a container
system where gaseous or vapor products being emitted from internal to the
box-like structure is vented to the external atmosphere in an adjustable
manner.
A further object of the subject invention is to provide a disposable food
tray and container which has the dual purpose of being utilized as a
platter and as an enclosure for edible material while optimizing heat
transfer characteristics.
A still further object of the subject invention is to provide a single
container element which becomes a bottom section of a box-like structure,
a top section of a box-like structure, and the platter portion for
removing food therefrom in a consumable manner.
Another object of the subject invention is to provide a single contour
element design which permits stackability within an establishment in an
optimized space saving manner.
Still further, another object of the invention is to provide a single
element design which permits a displaceable distance to exist between the
platter section and a base surface upon which the container elements are
mounted.
A still further object of the instant invention is to provide a disposable
food tray and container which will increase labor savings in that once the
edible material is consumed, the entire system including any edible
material which is left may be disposed of without the necessity of
washing, drying, or otherwise sanitizing the container system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disposable food tray and container
system showing container elements mounted each to the other and a single
container element utilizable as a platter;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the disposable food tray and container system
taken along the section line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disposable food
tray and container system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the disposable
food tray and container system shown in FIG. 1 where the rim elements are
formed in a truncated rhomboid type configuration;
FIG. 5 is a still further embodiment of the disposable food tray and
container system shown in FIG. 1 where the rim elements and associated lug
and recess members are formed in a rectangular configuration; and,
FIG. 6 is a still further embodiment of the disposable food tray and
container system shown in FIG. 1 where the rim elements include an
external tapered surface for mating interface with an internal tapered
surface of a recess.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMDOBIMENTS
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown food tray and container
system 10. As can be seen in FIG. 1 and as will be described in following
paragraphs, system 10 may be composed of two container elements 12 mounted
in interfacing relation to form box-like structure 14 or one container
element 12 may be utilized as a food tray 16. Food tray and container
system 10 is adapted for use in commercial food establishments. When
container element 12 is utilized by itself, food may be inserted and
consumed therefrom within the commercial establishment. In the
alternative, when a pair of container elements 12 are utilized in nesting
interfacing relation, food inserted therein may be transported remote from
the commercial establishment to the user's point of consumption. As will
be further described, when used in box-like structure 14, the food
contained therein is maintained in an optimally thermal manner while
providing for vapor vents which prevent food vapors from condensing on the
food contained within box-like structure 14. Through the unique contour
and structure of system 10, proprietors of commercial establishments may
optimally stack container elements 12 prior to use. Further, disposable
qualities of system 10 provide for benefits to proprietors in providing
labor saving devices such that elements 12 may be thrown away or otherwise
disposed subsequent to use without the necessity of cleaning plates or
without cleaning trays 16. It is to be understood, that disposable food
tray and container system 10 as herein provided, may be adapted for
commercial establishment use, however, such may be used in domestic
operations.
Disposable food tray and container system 10 includes a pair of container
elements 12 utilized in nesting and interfacing relation when a box-like
structure 14 is to be provided. A singular container element 12 may serve
to provide a tray 16 for consumability of food contained therein. Each of
container elements 12 has central substantially planar section 18 which
extends in a horizontal plane when taken with respect to a base surface
upon which container element 12 is mounted during use. In overall concept,
each container element 12 is generally symmetrical in contour about a
vertical direction defined by vertically extending directional arrow 20
passing through a central point of container element 12 as is shown in
FIG. 1.
Substantially planar section 18 may have a wide variety of thicknesses when
taken with respect to vertical direction 20. Commercially successful
thicknesses have ranged between one-sixteenth of an inch to one-half inch,
however, such is generally not important to the inventive concept as is
herein described. Of important consideration is that planar section 18 be
displaced from base surface 22 in vertical direction 20. As is evident,
food is maintained on upper surface 26 of planar section 18 whether system
10 is being used as a box-like structure 14 or as tray 16. However, the
importance of maintaining lower surface 24 of planar section 18 out of
contact with base surface 22 is decidedly relevant in that when lower
surface 24 is vertically displaced from base surface 22, there is no
contiguous interface of lower surface 24 with surface 22 and such
minimizes stains or other leakage contamination to surface 22.
Additionally, and of equal importance, it is seen that by merely
maintaining planar section 18 in a displaced fashion or manner from base
surface 22, there is an inherent thermal insulation factor associated with
the food being maintained on upper surface 26. In this manner, food is not
provided with a thermally conductive path to base surface 22 except at end
points which will be discussed in following paragraphs. The ambient
environment is a well-known thermal insulation type environment and the
displacement of planar section 18 from base surface 22 provides for
increased maintenance of food temperatures over a predetermined time
interval than would be had if lower surface 24 were in contiguous
interfacing contact with base surface 22.
Substantially planar section 18 of each container element 12 is joined in
one-piece formation to a respective rim element 28 as is seen in FIGS. 1
and 2. Each of rim elements 28 extend substantially around planar section
18 in a closed contour manner. Rim elements 28 include upper and lower
cooperating elements or sections 30 and 32 respectively. Upper and lower
cooperating elements or sections 30 and 32 are contoured for nesting
interface of one of upper cooperating elements 30 of one of container
elements 12 with lower cooperating element 32 of a next successively
mounted container element 12. Upper and lower cooperating sections 30 and
32 may be joined in one piece formation to substantially planar section 18
as is shown in FIG. 2 and further may be joined each to the other in one
piece formation through molding or some like technique not important to
the inventive concept as is herein described.
In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, rim element 28 is
formed in a spheroidal manner and includes an arcuate contour when taken
with respect to a cross-sectional plane normal to a peripheral line
extending in closed contour around container element 12. Additionally,
container element 12 in the preferred embodiment is generally circular in
contour when taken with respect to a horizontal plane or cross-sectional
plane normal to vertical direction 12 as defined by vertical direction 20
to vertical direction 20. As will be seen, and which is of importance to
the inventive concept, the circular contour of container element 12 allows
rotational displaceability of one container element 12 with respect to a
second container element in the horizontal plane. The rotationally
displaceable type of movement is particularly adaptable to the circular
contour as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Each of upper cooperating elements or sections 30 and lower cooperating
elements or sections 32 include respective discrete apertures 34 and 36.
Apertures 34 and 36 form a through passage in a radial direction through
upper and lower cooperating elements or sections 30 and 32. Apertures 34
and 36 of two container elements 12 are alignable for permitting exit of
vapor or gaseous products when upper and lower cooperating elements 30 and
32 of a pair of container elements 12 are in nesting interface. As can be
seen, rotational capability of container elements 12 with respect each to
the other when the nesting relationship is in effect, allows a larger or
smaller through opening area to provide control of exiting vapors
dependent upon the length of time necessary to remove system 10 to a
remote location.
Thus, upper and lower apertures 34 and 36 are seen to be discrete in nature
around the periphery of each container element 12. Apertures 34 and 36
extend throughout a predetermined segment of the circular contour as is
shown in FIG. 1 for varying and adjusting the size of the through opening
when apertures 34 and 36 are in an aligned relation. Thus, there is seen
the importance of providing a nesting pair of container elements with
rotatable slidable contact each with respect to the other wherein such
allows the adjustment of the size of the through openings when upper and
lower apertures 34 and 36 are aligned.
Each of upper cooperating elements or sections 30 includes lug member 38
which may be in the form of a bead member extending in closed contour
around the periphery of container element 12. As is seen in the particular
construction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, bead member or lug 38 is provided
with upper aperture 34 passing in a radial direction therethrough and
having a predetermined segment dimension in the circular direction. Bead
member 38 extends in a vertical direction above the main portion of
cooperating element or section 30 as is clearly shown.
Lower cooperating element or section 32 includes recess 40 formed therein
on a lower portion thereof for insert of an interfacing lug member 38 of a
next successively mounted container element 12. As can be seen, recess 40
is intercepted by lower apertures 36. When two container elements 12 are
mounted in nesting relation, apertures 34 and 38 may be aligned as is
shown in FIG. 2. Lug or bead member 38 has a general overall contour
similar in nature to the internal surface contour of recess 40. Where the
materials of container element 12 are slightly yieldable, lug or bead
member 38 may be deformably forced into recess 40 of a next succeeding
container element 12 in order to provide the necessary interfacing and
nesting fit for carrying such in box-like structure 14.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment of overall food tray
and container system 10. In this embodiment, container system 42 includes
container elements 44 which are mounted each to the other in nesting
interfacing relation. Additionally, as was the case in the preferred
embodiment, there is a central substantially planar section 46 for
maintaining food on upper surface 48. As was the case in the preferred
embodiment, lower surface 50 is maintained out of contact with base
surface 22 for the same reasons as previously discussed. Rim element 52
extends substantially around the periphery of planar section 46. Rim
element 52 is formed of upper cooperating element or section 54 and lower
cooperating element or section 56. In this embodiment, it is seen that
upper cooperating element 54 is displaced in a radial direction from lower
cooperating element 56 and are joined each to the other and to planar
section 46 in generally one piece formation. The displacement of upper
cooperating section 54 from lower cooperating element or section 56 is
generally substantially equal to the radial thickness of each of elements
54 and 56. Thus, upper cooperating element 54 may be mounted external and
in interfacing relation with a corresponding lower element 56 of a next
succeeding container element 44. Thus, it is seen that lower cooperating
element outer surface 58 may slidingly interface with upper cooperating
inner surface 60.
Upper cooperating element or section 54 includes a plurality of upper
element apertures 62 and lower cooperating element or section 56 includes
a plurality of discrete lower element apertures 64. Additionally, where a
circular contour for container elements 44 is provided, apertures 62 and
64 may be interfaced in an adjusting manner by rotation in a horizontal
plane of one of container elements 44 with respect to a next succeeding
container element 44.
As was the case in the preferred embodiment, it is seen that lower surface
50 of substantially planar section 46 is vertically displaced from base
surface 22. This particular construction of container elements 44 is
provided for the same purposes and objectives as has hereinbefore been
described in the preferred embodiment concept.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a further embodiment of the
preferred embodiment as has herein been described. Container elements 12'
include substantially planar sections 18' and terminate in the radial
direction in rim elements 28'. The main differences shown in this
embodiment is that rim elements 28' generally are contoured in a truncated
rhomboid geometrical contour and include a substantially rectangular lug
member 38' joined in one piece formation to upper cooperating element or
section 30'. Lower cooperating element or section 32' includes
substantially rectangular contoured recess 40' adapted for insert of a
cooperating lug member 38'.
Each of lug members 38' include upper apertures 34' which are adapted for
alignable mounting with lower apertures 36' as is clearly seen in FIG. 4.
The main differences between the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and that
provided in FIGS. 1 and 2 is that rim element 28' surfaces are generally
linear in contour and are adaptable to a stamping process as opposed to a
molding process which would permit arcuate surfaces to be easily
attainable. Additionally, the tapered internal surfaces 66 and 68 may
provide for some increased food containment volume.
In this embodiment, it is preferred that the overall contour of container
elements 12' be circular in order to easily provide slidable rotational
displacement between interfacing rim elements 28'. This concept and
geometrical formation would allow the varying of the through opening sizes
when apertures 34' and 36' are in cooperating alignment.
Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a still further embodiment of the
subject inventive concept wherein rim element 28" is generally rectangular
in contour. Additionally, lug or bead member 38" is similarly rectangular
in contour and is adapted for insert within a rectangular contoured recess
40". As was the cases in the previously disclosed embodiments, upper and
lower apertures 34" and 36" are provided respectively through upper
cooperating element or section 30" and lower cooperating element or
section 32". Substantially planar section 18' is joined at a radial
peripheral edge to rim element 28" in one piece formation to provide
adaptability in either a stamping process or a molding type process.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a still further embodiment of the
overall inventive concept. In this embodiment, rim elements 28'" are
generally rectangular in contour, but include tapered outer walls 70
leading to bead elements 38'". Tapered walls 70 are interfacingly mated
with tapered internal walls 72 of recesses 40'" to provide an increased
securement of one container 12'" with a next succeeding and interfacingly
mounted container 12'". As was the case in previous embodiments herein
shown and described, upper apertures 34'" are alignable with lower
apertures 36'" to provide the necessary vapor venting process. Planar
section 18'" is joined generally in one piece formation to rim elements
28'" in order to facilitate the molding or stamping process associated
with the manufacture of container elements 12'".
In overall concept, container elements 12 and respective embodiment
elements are formed of a material having a low thermal conductivity for
maintaining thermal insulation of any heated food contained within
container elements 12. In particular, container elements 12 may be formed
in one piece formation and may be stamped or molded. Additionally,
container elements 12 and respective elements may be formed of a styrofoam
material or cardboard material well-known in the art. Overall dimensions
of container elements 12 shown in FIG. 1 may have an overall diameter
determined by user application. Successful applications have been had in
forming container elements 12 with a diameter as low as six inches and a
maximum diameter of twenty inches. However, it is to be understood that
the particular size and dimensioning of container elements 12 is not
important to the inventive concept as is herein shown and described.
In general, system 10 as has hereinbefore been shown, provides for a
one-piece symmetrical container 12 which may be used for a multiplicity of
purposes. Container 12 may be used as a tray 16 for consuming food or
other edible matter in a commercial establishment, or may be formed in a
simple manner into box-like structure 14 for removal of the contents to a
remote consuming point. Symmetry of overall design allows ease or
optimization of manufacturing in that previous containers are generally
formed in two piece units whereas a simple one piece unit is herein
provided to lower manufacturing costs. Additionally, disposability of
container elements 12 allows labor saving concepts to be used by
commercial establishments in that food products do not have to be removed
and container elements 12 washed or sterilized. Subsequent to use,
container elements 12 are merely disposed of along with other waste
materials of the commercial establishment. Further, by providing resilient
materials such as styrofoam and maintaining lug members 38 substantially
the same overall contour, but slightly larger than recesses 40, there is a
locking effect when box-like structures 14 are provided. In this manner,
the user does not have to maintain one container element 12 in compressive
contact with a second container element 12 in order to maintain a rigid
box-like structure.
Although this invention has been described in connection with specific
forms and embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that various
modifications other than those discussed above may be resorted to without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example,
equivalent elements may be substituted for those specifically shown and
described, certain features may be used independently of other features,
and in certain cases, particular locations of elements may be reversed or
interposed, all without departing from the spirit or the scope of the
invention as defined in the appended claims.
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