US20070164019A1 - Containers and interlocking container assemblies - Google Patents
Containers and interlocking container assemblies Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070164019A1 US20070164019A1 US11/333,739 US33373906A US2007164019A1 US 20070164019 A1 US20070164019 A1 US 20070164019A1 US 33373906 A US33373906 A US 33373906A US 2007164019 A1 US2007164019 A1 US 2007164019A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- slot
- rim
- upwardly protruding
- generally horizontal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/34—Trays or like shallow containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
- B65D11/1866—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected with detachable components
- B65D11/188—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected with detachable components the container being formed by two mating halves
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to releasably attaching container assemblies and containers used therein.
- a polymeric container that would be easy for the customer to close and open. It would also be desirable to provide a container that is releasably attachable and prevents or inhibits material, such as liquid, from leaving the container. It would also be desirable to provide a container that is releasably attachable and prevents or inhibits foreign materials from entering the container. It would be desirable for a container to function without necessarily having a lid, but if a lid is desired to form a container assembly, a customer would be able to form such an assembly easily.
- a container assembly comprises a first polymeric container and a second polymeric container.
- the first polymeric container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim.
- the first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion.
- the first rim has a first upwardly protruding slot portion and a second upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the first upwardly protruding slot portion forms a first slot therethrough.
- the second upwardly protruding slot portion forms a second slot therethrough.
- the first rim has a first generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof, generally ninety degrees from the first upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the first rim has a second generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof, generally ninety degrees from the second upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the second polymeric container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim.
- the second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion.
- the second rim has a third upwardly protruding slot portion and a fourth upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the third upwardly protruding slot portion forms a third slot therethrough.
- the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion forms a fourth slot therethrough.
- the second rim has a third generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof, generally ninety degrees from the third upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the second rim has a fourth generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof, generally ninety degrees from the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably attachable to each other by pressing the first and second rims together such that the first generally horizontal area of the first container inserts into the third slot of the second container.
- the second generally horizontal area of the first container inserts into the fourth slot of the second container.
- the third generally horizontal area of the second container inserts into the first slot of the first container.
- the fourth generally horizontal area of the second container inserts into the second slot of the first container.
- a method of forming a polymeric container assembly provides a first polymeric container that includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim having a first surface.
- the first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion.
- the first rim has a first upwardly protruding slot portion and a second upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the first upwardly protruding slot portion forms a first slot therethrough.
- the second upwardly protruding slot portion forms a second slot therethrough.
- the first rim has a first generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the first upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the first rim has a second generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the second upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the method provides a second polymeric container that includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim that has a second surface.
- the second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion.
- the second rim has a third upwardly protruding slot portion and a fourth upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the third upwardly protruding slot portion forms a third slot therethrough.
- the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion forms a fourth slot therethrough.
- the second rim has a third generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the third- upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the second rim has a fourth generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the method flips one of the first container and the second container such that the first container and second container are generally aligned and the first rim and the second rim are adjacent to each other.
- One of the first container and the second container rotates ninety degrees such that the first upwardly protruding slot portion of the first container generally aligns with the third generally horizontal area.
- the second upwardly protruding slot portion generally aligns with the fourth generally horizontal area.
- the third upwardly protruding slot portion aligns with the first generally horizontal area.
- the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion aligns with the second generally horizontal area.
- the first and second rims press together.
- the process inserts the third generally horizontal area into the first slot.
- the fourth generally horizontal area inserts into the second slot.
- the first generally horizontal area inserts into the third slot.
- the second generally horizontal area inserts into the
- a method of forming a polymeric container assembly provides a first polymeric container that includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim having a first surface.
- the first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion.
- the first rim has a first upwardly protruding slot portion and a second upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the first upwardly protruding slot portion forms a first slot and a second slot therethrough.
- the second upwardly protruding slot portion forms a third slot and a fourth slot therethrough.
- the first rim has a first generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the first upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the first rim has a second generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the second upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the method provides a second polymeric container that includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim that has a second surface.
- the second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion.
- the second rim has a third upwardly protruding slot portion and a fourth upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the third upwardly protruding slot portion forms a fifth slot and a sixth slot therethrough.
- the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion forms a seventh slot and an eighth slot therethrough.
- the second rim has a third generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the third upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the second rim has a fourth generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the third upwardly protruding slot portion aligns with the first generally horizontal area.
- the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion aligns with the second generally horizontal area.
- the first and second rims press together. The process inserts the third generally horizontal area into the first slot and the second slot.
- the fourth generally horizontal area inserts into the third slot and the fourth slot.
- the first generally horizontal area inserts into the fifth slot and the sixth slot.
- the second generally horizontal area inserts into the seventh slot and the eighth slot.
- a first polymeric container for use in a container assembly the first polymeric container comprises a continuous body portion, and a rim.
- the rim encompasses and projects laterally outward from the body portion.
- the rim has a first upwardly protruding slot portion and a second upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the first upwardly protruding slot portion forms a first slot therethrough.
- the second upwardly protruding slot portion forms a second slot therethrough.
- the rim has a first generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the first upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the rim has a second generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the second upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the first polymeric container is adapted to be releasably attachable to a second container having at least a second rim having a third upwardly protruding slot portion and a fourth upwardly protruding slot portion.
- the third upwardly protruding slot portion forms a third slot therethrough.
- the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion forms a fourth slot therethrough.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to one embodiment of the present.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a front view of a container assembly comprising the container of FIG. 1 and a substantially similar container according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the container of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 is a front view of the container of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 9 is a side view of the container of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 10 is a front view of a container assembly comprising the container of FIG. 6 and a substantially similar container according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is cross-sectional view taken along line 12 - 12 of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a container assembly comprising the container of FIG. 11 and a substantially similar container.
- FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is cross-sectional view taken along line 15 - 15 of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a container assembly comprising the container of FIG. 15 and a substantially similar container.
- FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is cross-sectional view taken along line 18 - 18 of FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a container assembly comprising the container of FIG. 17 and a substantially similar container.
- FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to still yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 21 is cross-sectional view taken along line 21 - 21 of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a container assembly comprising the container of FIG. 20 and a substantially similar container.
- a container 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the container 10 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 100 ( FIG. 5 ) that includes the container 10 and a second container 110 ( FIG. 5 ).
- the containers 10 , 110 may be substantially the same or, alternatively, the container 110 may be identical to the container 10 to form a container assembly that is releasably lockable.
- the container assemblies and containers of the present invention are typically used with respect to food, but may be used in other applications such as to store household goods, medical supplies, cosmetics or other items.
- Food container assemblies and containers may be used for serving, storing, preparing and/or re-heating the food.
- the container 10 includes a continuous body portion 12 and a continuous rim 14 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 12 .
- the body portion 12 includes a bottom 16 and a continuous sidewall 18 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 16 . It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 16 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 16 . It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous.
- the rim 14 includes slot portions 20 a , 20 b .
- the slot portions 20 a , 20 b protrude generally upwardly from the rim 14 .
- Each of the slot portions 20 a , 20 b of the rim 14 forms slots 22 a , 22 b therethrough.
- the slots 22 a , 22 b are located above the rim 14 on the slot protrusions 20 a , 20 b .
- the rim 14 further includes generally horizontal areas 24 a , 24 b located approximately ninety degrees from the slots 22 a , 22 b along the periphery of the rim 14 .
- the container assembly 100 comprises the first container 10 and the second container 110 .
- the second container 110 is shaped substantially the same as the first container 10 .
- the second container 110 may be identical to the first container. It may be desirable to have identically shaped containers to reduce waste by a consumer when the second container is not used.
- container assemblies may be formed besides those in FIG. 5 .
- container assemblies may be formed, but are not limited to, using plates, bowls, platters, tubs, single-serve and family-size containers, single-serve and family-size ovenware, and combinations thereof.
- One such combination is a bowl and a plate that forms a container assembly.
- the remainder of the application generally discusses container and container assemblies with respect to plates although it is recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that other container assemblies, such as those discussed above, may be formed.
- the height and shape of the container assemblies may vary from that shown without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the container assembly of FIG. 5 is depicted as being generally circular. It is contemplated that the container assemblies and containers used herein may be other shapes such as square, hexagonal, octagonal, other polygonal shapes, or non-polygonal shapes such as ovals.
- the container assembly 100 of FIG. 5 may be formed according to one method by providing the first container 10 and the second container 110 .
- the second container 110 includes a continuous body portion 112 and a continuous rim 114 that encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion 112 .
- the body portion 112 includes a bottom 116 and a continuous sidewall 118 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 116 .
- the rim 114 includes slot portions 120 a , 120 b .
- the slot portions 120 a , 120 b protrude generally upward from the rim 114 .
- Each of the slot portions 120 a , 120 b of the rim 114 forms slots 122 a , 122 b therethrough.
- the slots 122 a , 122 b are located above the rim 114 on the slot portions 120 a , 120 b .
- the rim 114 further includes a first generally horizontal area (not shown) and a second generally horizontal area 124 b located approximately ninety degrees from the slot portions 120 a , 120 b along the periphery of the rim 114 .
- the second container 110 is flipped 180 degrees relative to the first container 10 such that the containers 10 , 110 are generally aligned and the rims 14 , 114 are adjacent to each other.
- the second container 110 is then rotated 90 degrees such that the slot portion 120 a of the second container 110 is adjacent to the generally horizontal area 24 a of the first container 10 , the slot portion 120 b of the second container 110 is adjacent to the generally horizontal area 24 b of the first container 10 , the slot portion 20 a of the first container 10 is adjacent to the first generally horizontal area of the second container 110 , and the slot portion 20 b of the first container 10 is adjacent to the second generally horizontal area 124 b of the second container 110 .
- the slots 22 a , 22 b of the first container 10 vertically align with the respective generally horizontal areas of the rim 114 of the second container 110 .
- the slots 122 a , 122 b of the second container 110 vertically align with the respective generally horizontal areas 24 a , 24 b of the rim 14 of the first container 10 .
- the generally horizontal areas 24 a , 24 b of the rim 14 of the first container 10 are then inserted into the respective slots 122 a , 122 b of the second container 110 .
- the generally horizontal areas of the rim 114 of the second container 110 are inserted into the respective slots 22 a , 22 b of the first container 10 .
- the first container 10 and the second container 110 are interlocked to form the container assembly 100 .
- a container 210 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the container 210 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 300 ( FIG. 10 ) that includes the container 210 and a second container 310 ( FIG. 5 ).
- the containers 210 , 310 may be substantially the same or, alternatively, the container 310 may be identical to the container 210 to form a container assembly that is releasably lockable.
- the container 210 includes a continuous body portion 212 and a continuous rim 214 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 212 .
- the body portion 212 includes a bottom 216 and a continuous sidewall 218 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 216 . It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 216 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 216 . It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous.
- the rim 214 includes slot portions 220 a , 220 b .
- the slot portions 220 a , 220 b protrude generally upwardly from the rim 214 .
- the slot portion 220 a of the rim 214 forms slot 222 a and slot 222 b therethrough.
- the slots 222 a , 222 b are located above the rim 214 on the slot portion 220 a .
- the slot portion 220 b of the rim 214 forms slot 222 c and slot 222 d therethrough.
- the slots 222 c , 222 d are located above the rim 214 on the slot portion 220 b .
- the rim 214 further includes generally horizontal areas 224 a , 224 b located approximately ninety degrees from the slot portions 220 a , 220 b along the periphery of the rim 214 .
- the container assembly 300 comprises the first container 210 and the second container 310 .
- the second container 310 is shaped substantially the same as the first container 210 .
- the second container 310 may be identical to the first container.
- the container assembly 300 of FIG. 10 may be formed according to one method by providing the first container 210 and the second container 310 .
- the second container 310 includes a continuous body portion 312 and a continuous rim 314 that encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion 312 .
- the body portion 312 includes a bottom 316 and a continuous sidewall 318 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 316 .
- the rim 314 includes slot portions 320 a , 320 b .
- the slot portions 320 a , 320 b protrude generally upward from the rim 114 .
- the slot portion 320 a of the rim 314 forms slot 322 a and slot 322 b therethrough.
- the slots 322 a , 322 b are located above the rim 314 on the slot portion 320 a .
- the slot portion 320 b of the rim 314 forms slot 322 c and slot 322 d therethrough.
- the slots 322 c , 322 d are located above the rim 314 on the slot portion 320 b .
- the rim 314 further includes a first generally horizontal area (not shown) and a second generally horizontal area 324 b located approximately ninety degrees from the slot portions 320 a , 320 b along the periphery of the rim 314 .
- the second container 310 is flipped 180 degrees relative to the first container 210 such that the containers 210 , 310 are generally aligned and the rims 214 , 314 are adjacent to each other.
- the second container 310 is then rotated 90 degrees such that the slot portion 320 a of the second container 310 is adjacent to the generally horizontal area 224 a of the first container 210 , the slot portion 320 b of the second container 310 is adjacent to the generally horizontal area 224 b of the first container 210 , the slot portion 220 a of the first container 210 is adjacent to the generally horizontal area of the second container 310 , and the slot portion 220 b of the first container 210 is adjacent to the generally horizontal area 324 b of the second container 310 .
- the slots 222 a , 222 b of the first container 210 vertically align with the generally horizontal area of the rim 314 of the second container.
- the slots 222 c , 222 d of the first container 210 vertically align with the generally horizontal area 324 b of the rim 314 of the second container 310 .
- the slots 322 a , 322 b , of the second container 310 vertically align with the generally horizontal area 224 a of the first container 210 .
- the slots 322 c , 322 d of the second container 310 vertically align with the generally horizontal area 224 b of the rim 214 of the first container 210 .
- the generally horizontal areas 224 a , 224 b of the rim 214 of the first container 210 are then inserted into the respective slots 322 a , 322 b and 322 c , 322 d of the second container 310 .
- the generally horizontal areas of the rim 314 of the second container 310 are inserted into the respective slots 222 a , 322 b and 222 c , 222 d of the first container 210 .
- the first container 210 and the second container 310 are interlocked to form the container assembly 300 .
- FIG. 11 a container 410 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the container 410 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 500 ( FIG. 13 ) that includes the container 410 and a second container 510 ( FIG. 13 ).
- the containers 410 , 510 are substantially identical.
- the container 410 includes a continuous body portion 412 and a continuous rim 414 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 412 .
- the body portion 412 includes a bottom 416 and a continuous sidewall 418 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 416 . It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 416 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 416 . It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous.
- the rim 414 includes slot portions 420 a , 420 b .
- the slot portions 420 a , 420 b protrude generally upwardly from the rim 414 .
- the slot portion 420 a of the rim 414 forms slot 422 a therethrough.
- the slot 422 a is located above the rim 414 on the slot portion 420 a .
- the slot portion 420 b of the rim 414 forms slot 422 b therethrough.
- the slot 422 b is located above the rim 414 on the slot portion 420 b .
- the rim 414 further includes generally horizontal areas 424 a , 424 b located approximately ninety degrees from the slot portions 420 a , 420 b along the periphery of the rim 414 .
- the slot 422 a is single generally horizontal slot.
- the slot 422 a is generally identical to the slot 422 b.
- the container assembly 500 comprises the first container 410 and the second container 510 .
- the second container 510 is identical to the first container 410 .
- a generally horizontal area 524 b of the second container 510 inserts into the slot 422 b of the first container 410 .
- the generally horizontal area 524 b deforms the second slot 422 b by opening the slot 422 b , allowing the generally horizontal area 524 b to interact with the slot 422 b , locking the containers together.
- An identical horizontal area interacts with the first slot 422 a of the container 410 .
- FIG. 14 a container 610 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the container 610 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 700 ( FIG. 16 ) that includes the container 610 and a second container 710 ( FIG. 16 ).
- the containers 610 , 710 shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16 are identical.
- the container 610 includes a continuous body portion 612 and a continuous rim 614 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 612 .
- the body portion 612 includes a bottom 616 and a continuous sidewall 618 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 616 . It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 616 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 616 . It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous.
- the rim 614 includes slot portions 620 a , 620 b .
- the slot portions 620 a , 620 b protrude generally upwardly from the rim 614 .
- the slot portion 620 a of the rim 614 forms slot 622 a therethrough.
- the slot 622 a is located above the rim 614 on the slot portion 620 a .
- the slot portion 620 b of the rim 614 forms slot 622 b therethrough.
- the slot 622 b is located above the rim 614 on the slot portion 620 b .
- the rim 614 further includes generally horizontal areas 624 a , 624 b located approximately ninety degrees from the slot portions 620 a , 620 b along the periphery of the rim 614 .
- the slot 622 a is single generally horizontal slot.
- the slot 622 a is generally identical to the slot 622 b.
- the container assembly 700 comprises the first container 610 and the second container 710 .
- the second container 710 is identical to the first container 610 .
- a generally horizontal area 724 b of the second container 710 inserts into the slot 622 b of the first container 610 .
- the generally horizontal area 724 b deforms the second slot 622 b by hinging the slot 622 b open, allowing the generally horizontal area 724 b to interact with the slot 622 b , locking the containers together.
- An identical horizontal area interacts with the first slot 622 a of the container 610 .
- a container 810 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the container 810 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 900 ( FIG. 19 ) that includes the container 810 and a second container 910 ( FIG. 19 ).
- the containers 810 , 910 shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 19 are identical.
- the container 810 includes a continuous body portion 812 and a continuous rim 814 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 812 .
- the body portion 812 includes a bottom 816 and a continuous sidewall 818 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 816 . It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 816 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 816 . It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous.
- the rim 814 includes slot portions 820 a , 820 b .
- the slot portions 820 a , 820 b protrude generally upwardly from the rim 814 .
- the slot portion 820 a of the rim 814 forms a slot 822 a therethrough.
- the slot 822 a is located above the rim 814 on the slot portion 820 a .
- the slot portion 820 b of the rim 814 forms a slot 822 b therethrough.
- the slot 822 b is located above the rim 814 on the slot portion 820 b .
- the rim 814 further includes generally horizontal areas 824 a , 824 b located approximately ninety degrees from the respective slot portions 820 a , 820 b along the periphery of the rim 814 .
- the slot 822 a is single generally horizontal slot.
- the slot 822 a is generally identical to the slot 822 b.
- the container assembly 900 comprises the first container 810 and the second container 910 .
- the second container 910 is identical to the first container 810 .
- a generally horizontal area 924 b of the second container 910 inserts into the slot 822 b of the first container 810 .
- the generally horizontal area 924 b fits within the second slot 822 b , allowing the generally horizontal area 924 b to interact with the slot 822 b , locking the containers together.
- An identical horizontal area interacts with the first slot 822 a of the container 810 .
- FIG. 20 depicts a container 1010 according to still yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- the container 1010 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 1100 ( FIG. 22 ) that includes the container 1010 and a second container 1110 ( FIG. 22 ).
- the containers 1010 , 1110 shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 22 are identical.
- the container 1010 includes a continuous body portion 1012 and a continuous rim 1014 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 1012 .
- the body portion 1012 includes a bottom 1016 and a continuous sidewall 1018 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 1016 . It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 1016 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 1016 . It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous.
- the rim 1014 includes slot portions 1020 a , 1020 b .
- the slot portions 1020 a , 1020 b protrude generally upwardly from the rim 1014 .
- the slot portion 1020 a of the rim 1014 forms slot 1022 a therethrough.
- the slot 1022 a is located above the rim 1014 on the slot portion 1020 a .
- the slot portion 1020 b of the rim 1014 forms slot 1022 b therethrough.
- the slot 1022 b is located above the rim 1014 on the slot portion 1020 b .
- the rim 1014 further includes generally horizontal areas 1024 a , 1024 b located approximately ninety degrees from the slot portions 1020 a , 1020 b along the periphery of the rim 1014 .
- the slot 1022 b is a formed from two generally horizontal cuts within the slot portion 1020 b .
- the slot 1022 a is generally identical to the slot 1022 b.
- the container assembly 1100 comprises the first container 1010 and the second container 1110 .
- the second container 1110 is identical to the first container 1010 .
- a generally horizontal area 1124 b of the second container 1110 inserts into the slot 1022 b of the first container 1010 .
- the generally horizontal area 1124 b deforms the second slot 1022 b by displacing the slot 1022 b to an open position, allowing the generally horizontal area 1124 b to interact with the slot 1022 b , locking the containers together.
- An identical horizontal area interacts with the first slot 1022 a of the container 1010 .
- the container and container assemblies of the present invention are formed from polymeric materials.
- the polymeric containers and container assemblies may be formed from polyolefins.
- the polymeric containers and container assemblies are typically formed from orientated polystyrene (OPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene and combinations thereof.
- OPS orientated polystyrene
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- the containers and containers assemblies may be made from a mineral-filled polymeric material such as, for example, talc or calcium carbonate-filled polyolefin. It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other polymers or combination of polymers may be used to form the containers and container assemblies.
- the containers and container assemblies may be formed by a polymeric foam.
- the containers and container assemblies may be formed from a polystyrene foam.
- a polystyrene foam is a high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other polymeric foams or combination of polymeric foams may be used to form the containers and container assemblies.
- HIPS high-impact polystyrene
- the containers and container assemblies of the present invention are typically disposable, but it is contemplated that they may be reused at a future time.
- the containers used in forming the container assemblies e.g., container 10
- the containers are shown as including one compartment. It is contemplated that the containers may be formed of multiple compartments.
- Such containers are desirable for placing items (e.g., food items) in different compartments to prevent or inhibit commingling of items. For example, undesirable mixing of food items can corrupt the flavor and the consistency of the food items.
- the container assemblies and containers of the present invention are typically used with respect to food, but may be used in other applications such as to store household goods, medical supplies, cosmetics or other items.
- Food container assemblies and containers may be used for serving, storing, preparing and/or re-heating the food.
- a method of using such container assemblies includes placing the food and locking the containers to form a container assembly with food therein.
- the container assembly is then placed in a heating apparatus and heated.
- Typical heating apparatuses include microwaves and conventional ovens.
- the container assemblies may contain solid food products.
- the container assemblies may be used for storage in the refrigerator and/or the freezer.
- the containers to be used in forming the container assemblies of the present invention may be formed using conventional thermoforming (e.g., by pressure, vacuum or the combination thereof), injection-molding processes, or rotational molding.
- thermoforming pellets of a polymeric resin and additives, if any, are added into an extruder.
- the pellets of the polymeric resin and additives, if any, are melted to form a blend.
- the blend is extruded through a die to form an extruded sheet.
- the extruded sheet is thermoformed to a desired shape of a container to be used in forming the container assembly.
- the thickness of the container to be used in forming the container assemblies generally ranges from about 0.002 to about 0.15 inch, but is typically from about 0.005 to about 0.04 inch.
- the container assemblies may be opaque or a variety of colors or color combinations.
- the container assemblies typically have at least one transparent container if it is desired for the customer to ascertain the nature of the accommodated product and the condition thereof without having to open the container assembly.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to releasably attaching container assemblies and containers used therein.
- The use of inexpensive polymeric packaging containers has become popular, especially for preparing and serving various food products. Polymeric containers have been used for heating the food product(s) disposed therein.
- It would be desirable to have a polymeric container that would be easy for the customer to close and open. It would also be desirable to provide a container that is releasably attachable and prevents or inhibits material, such as liquid, from leaving the container. It would also be desirable to provide a container that is releasably attachable and prevents or inhibits foreign materials from entering the container. It would be desirable for a container to function without necessarily having a lid, but if a lid is desired to form a container assembly, a customer would be able to form such an assembly easily.
- According to one embodiment of the present invention, a container assembly comprises a first polymeric container and a second polymeric container. The first polymeric container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first upwardly protruding slot portion and a second upwardly protruding slot portion. The first upwardly protruding slot portion forms a first slot therethrough. The second upwardly protruding slot portion forms a second slot therethrough. The first rim has a first generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof, generally ninety degrees from the first upwardly protruding slot portion. The first rim has a second generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof, generally ninety degrees from the second upwardly protruding slot portion. The second polymeric container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third upwardly protruding slot portion and a fourth upwardly protruding slot portion. The third upwardly protruding slot portion forms a third slot therethrough. The fourth upwardly protruding slot portion forms a fourth slot therethrough. The second rim has a third generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof, generally ninety degrees from the third upwardly protruding slot portion. The second rim has a fourth generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof, generally ninety degrees from the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion. The first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably attachable to each other by pressing the first and second rims together such that the first generally horizontal area of the first container inserts into the third slot of the second container. The second generally horizontal area of the first container inserts into the fourth slot of the second container. The third generally horizontal area of the second container inserts into the first slot of the first container. The fourth generally horizontal area of the second container inserts into the second slot of the first container.
- According to one process of the present invention, a method of forming a polymeric container assembly is provided. The method provides a first polymeric container that includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim having a first surface. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first upwardly protruding slot portion and a second upwardly protruding slot portion. The first upwardly protruding slot portion forms a first slot therethrough. The second upwardly protruding slot portion forms a second slot therethrough. The first rim has a first generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the first upwardly protruding slot portion. The first rim has a second generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the second upwardly protruding slot portion. The method provides a second polymeric container that includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim that has a second surface. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third upwardly protruding slot portion and a fourth upwardly protruding slot portion. The third upwardly protruding slot portion forms a third slot therethrough. The fourth upwardly protruding slot portion forms a fourth slot therethrough. The second rim has a third generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the third- upwardly protruding slot portion. The second rim has a fourth generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion. The method flips one of the first container and the second container such that the first container and second container are generally aligned and the first rim and the second rim are adjacent to each other. One of the first container and the second container rotates ninety degrees such that the first upwardly protruding slot portion of the first container generally aligns with the third generally horizontal area. The second upwardly protruding slot portion generally aligns with the fourth generally horizontal area. The third upwardly protruding slot portion aligns with the first generally horizontal area. The fourth upwardly protruding slot portion aligns with the second generally horizontal area. The first and second rims press together. The process inserts the third generally horizontal area into the first slot. The fourth generally horizontal area inserts into the second slot. The first generally horizontal area inserts into the third slot. The second generally horizontal area inserts into the fourth slot.
- According to another process of the present invention, a method of forming a polymeric container assembly is provided. The method provides a first polymeric container that includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim having a first surface. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first upwardly protruding slot portion and a second upwardly protruding slot portion. The first upwardly protruding slot portion forms a first slot and a second slot therethrough. The second upwardly protruding slot portion forms a third slot and a fourth slot therethrough. The first rim has a first generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the first upwardly protruding slot portion. The first rim has a second generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the second upwardly protruding slot portion. The method provides a second polymeric container that includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim that has a second surface. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third upwardly protruding slot portion and a fourth upwardly protruding slot portion. The third upwardly protruding slot portion forms a fifth slot and a sixth slot therethrough. The fourth upwardly protruding slot portion forms a seventh slot and an eighth slot therethrough. The second rim has a third generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the third upwardly protruding slot portion. The second rim has a fourth generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the fourth upwardly protruding slot portion. The method flips one of the first container and the second container such that the first container and second container are generally aligned and the first rim and the second rim are adjacent to each other. One of the first container and the second container rotates ninety degrees such that the first upwardly protruding slot portion of the first container generally aligns with the third generally horizontal area. The second upwardly protruding slot portion generally aligns with the fourth generally horizontal area. The third upwardly protruding slot portion aligns with the first generally horizontal area. The fourth upwardly protruding slot portion aligns with the second generally horizontal area. The first and second rims press together. The process inserts the third generally horizontal area into the first slot and the second slot. The fourth generally horizontal area inserts into the third slot and the fourth slot. The first generally horizontal area inserts into the fifth slot and the sixth slot. The second generally horizontal area inserts into the seventh slot and the eighth slot.
- According to another embodiment of the present invention, a first polymeric container for use in a container assembly the first polymeric container comprises a continuous body portion, and a rim. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outward from the body portion. The rim has a first upwardly protruding slot portion and a second upwardly protruding slot portion. The first upwardly protruding slot portion forms a first slot therethrough. The second upwardly protruding slot portion forms a second slot therethrough. The rim has a first generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the first upwardly protruding slot portion. The rim has a second generally horizontal area at a periphery thereof generally ninety degrees from the second upwardly protruding slot portion. The first polymeric container is adapted to be releasably attachable to a second container having at least a second rim having a third upwardly protruding slot portion and a fourth upwardly protruding slot portion. The third upwardly protruding slot portion forms a third slot therethrough. The fourth upwardly protruding slot portion forms a fourth slot therethrough.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to one embodiment of the present. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the container ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the container ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the container ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a front view of a container assembly comprising the container ofFIG. 1 and a substantially similar container according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the container ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a front view of the container ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 9 is a side view of the container ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 10 is a front view of a container assembly comprising the container ofFIG. 6 and a substantially similar container according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a container assembly comprising the container ofFIG. 11 and a substantially similar container. -
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a container assembly comprising the container ofFIG. 15 and a substantially similar container. -
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 18 is cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 ofFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a container assembly comprising the container ofFIG. 17 and a substantially similar container. -
FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a container to be used with a container assembly according to still yet another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 21 is cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a container assembly comprising the container ofFIG. 20 and a substantially similar container. - While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-4 , acontainer 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecontainer 10 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 100 (FIG. 5 ) that includes thecontainer 10 and a second container 110 (FIG. 5 ). Thecontainers container 110 may be identical to thecontainer 10 to form a container assembly that is releasably lockable. - The container assemblies and containers of the present invention are typically used with respect to food, but may be used in other applications such as to store household goods, medical supplies, cosmetics or other items. Food container assemblies and containers may be used for serving, storing, preparing and/or re-heating the food.
- Referring still to
FIGS. 1-4 , thecontainer 10 includes acontinuous body portion 12 and acontinuous rim 14 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from thebody portion 12. Thebody portion 12 includes a bottom 16 and acontinuous sidewall 18 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 16. It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 16 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 16. It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-4 , therim 14 includesslot portions slot portions rim 14. Each of theslot portions rim 14forms slots slots rim 14 on theslot protrusions rim 14 further includes generallyhorizontal areas slots rim 14. - Turning now to
FIG. 5 , acontainer assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecontainer assembly 100 comprises thefirst container 10 and thesecond container 110. In one embodiment, thesecond container 110 is shaped substantially the same as thefirst container 10. Alternatively, thesecond container 110 may be identical to the first container. It may be desirable to have identically shaped containers to reduce waste by a consumer when the second container is not used. - It is contemplated that other container assemblies may be formed besides those in
FIG. 5 . For example, container assemblies may be formed, but are not limited to, using plates, bowls, platters, tubs, single-serve and family-size containers, single-serve and family-size ovenware, and combinations thereof. One such combination is a bowl and a plate that forms a container assembly. The remainder of the application generally discusses container and container assemblies with respect to plates although it is recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that other container assemblies, such as those discussed above, may be formed. - The height and shape of the container assemblies may vary from that shown without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the container assembly of
FIG. 5 , as will be discussed in more detail below, is depicted as being generally circular. It is contemplated that the container assemblies and containers used herein may be other shapes such as square, hexagonal, octagonal, other polygonal shapes, or non-polygonal shapes such as ovals. - The
container assembly 100 ofFIG. 5 may be formed according to one method by providing thefirst container 10 and thesecond container 110. Thesecond container 110 includes acontinuous body portion 112 and acontinuous rim 114 that encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from thebody portion 112. Thebody portion 112 includes a bottom 116 and acontinuous sidewall 118 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 116. Therim 114 includesslot portions slot portions rim 114. Each of theslot portions rim 114forms slots slots rim 114 on theslot portions rim 114 further includes a first generally horizontal area (not shown) and a second generallyhorizontal area 124 b located approximately ninety degrees from theslot portions rim 114. - The
second container 110 is flipped 180 degrees relative to thefirst container 10 such that thecontainers rims second container 110 is then rotated 90 degrees such that theslot portion 120 a of thesecond container 110 is adjacent to the generallyhorizontal area 24 a of thefirst container 10, theslot portion 120 b of thesecond container 110 is adjacent to the generallyhorizontal area 24 b of thefirst container 10, theslot portion 20 a of thefirst container 10 is adjacent to the first generally horizontal area of thesecond container 110, and theslot portion 20 b of thefirst container 10 is adjacent to the second generallyhorizontal area 124 b of thesecond container 110. - As the
slot portions second containers rims second container second container 110 is flipped 180 degrees relative to the first container, theslots first container 10 vertically align with the respective generally horizontal areas of therim 114 of thesecond container 110. Similarly, theslots second container 110 vertically align with the respective generallyhorizontal areas rim 14 of thefirst container 10. - The generally
horizontal areas rim 14 of thefirst container 10 are then inserted into therespective slots second container 110. Similarly, the generally horizontal areas of therim 114 of thesecond container 110 are inserted into therespective slots first container 10. Thus, thefirst container 10 and thesecond container 110 are interlocked to form thecontainer assembly 100. - Referring to
FIGS. 6-9 , acontainer 210 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecontainer 210 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 300 (FIG. 10 ) that includes thecontainer 210 and a second container 310 (FIG. 5 ). Thecontainers container 310 may be identical to thecontainer 210 to form a container assembly that is releasably lockable. - The
container 210 includes acontinuous body portion 212 and acontinuous rim 214 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from thebody portion 212. Thebody portion 212 includes a bottom 216 and acontinuous sidewall 218 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 216. It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 216 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 216. It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous. - As shown in
FIGS. 6-9 , therim 214 includesslot portions slot portions rim 214. Theslot portion 220 a of therim 214 forms slot 222 a andslot 222 b therethrough. Theslots rim 214 on theslot portion 220 a. Theslot portion 220 b of therim 214 forms slot 222 c and slot 222 d therethrough. Theslots rim 214 on theslot portion 220 b. Therim 214 further includes generallyhorizontal areas slot portions rim 214. - Turning now to
FIG. 10 , acontainer assembly 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecontainer assembly 300 comprises thefirst container 210 and thesecond container 310. In one embodiment, thesecond container 310 is shaped substantially the same as thefirst container 210. Alternatively, thesecond container 310 may be identical to the first container. - The
container assembly 300 ofFIG. 10 may be formed according to one method by providing thefirst container 210 and thesecond container 310. Thesecond container 310 includes acontinuous body portion 312 and acontinuous rim 314 that encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from thebody portion 312. Thebody portion 312 includes a bottom 316 and acontinuous sidewall 318 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 316. Therim 314 includesslot portions slot portions rim 114. Theslot portion 320 a of therim 314 forms slot 322 a and slot 322 b therethrough. Theslots 322 a, 322 b are located above therim 314 on theslot portion 320 a. Theslot portion 320 b of therim 314 forms slot 322 c and slot 322 d therethrough. Theslots 322 c, 322 d are located above therim 314 on theslot portion 320 b. Therim 314 further includes a first generally horizontal area (not shown) and a second generally horizontal area 324 b located approximately ninety degrees from theslot portions rim 314. - The
second container 310 is flipped 180 degrees relative to thefirst container 210 such that thecontainers rims second container 310 is then rotated 90 degrees such that theslot portion 320 a of thesecond container 310 is adjacent to the generallyhorizontal area 224 a of thefirst container 210, theslot portion 320 b of thesecond container 310 is adjacent to the generallyhorizontal area 224 b of thefirst container 210, theslot portion 220 a of thefirst container 210 is adjacent to the generally horizontal area of thesecond container 310, and theslot portion 220 b of thefirst container 210 is adjacent to the generally horizontal area 324 b of thesecond container 310. - As the
slot portions second containers rims second container second container 310 is flipped 180 degrees relative to thefirst container 210, theslots first container 210 vertically align with the generally horizontal area of therim 314 of the second container. Additionally, theslots first container 210 vertically align with the generally horizontal area 324 b of therim 314 of thesecond container 310. Similarly, theslots 322 a, 322 b, of thesecond container 310 vertically align with the generallyhorizontal area 224 a of thefirst container 210. Likewise, theslots 322 c, 322 d of thesecond container 310 vertically align with the generallyhorizontal area 224 b of therim 214 of thefirst container 210. - The generally
horizontal areas rim 214 of thefirst container 210 are then inserted into therespective slots second container 310. Similarly, the generally horizontal areas of therim 314 of thesecond container 310 are inserted into therespective slots first container 210. Thus, thefirst container 210 and thesecond container 310 are interlocked to form thecontainer assembly 300. - Turning now to
FIG. 11 , acontainer 410 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thecontainer 410 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 500 (FIG. 13 ) that includes thecontainer 410 and a second container 510 (FIG. 13 ). Thecontainers - The
container 410 includes acontinuous body portion 412 and acontinuous rim 414 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from thebody portion 412. Thebody portion 412 includes a bottom 416 and acontinuous sidewall 418 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 416. It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 416 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 416. It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , therim 414 includesslot portions slot portions rim 414. Theslot portion 420 a of therim 414 forms slot 422 a therethrough. Theslot 422 a is located above therim 414 on theslot portion 420 a. Theslot portion 420 b of therim 414 forms slot 422 b therethrough. Theslot 422 b is located above therim 414 on theslot portion 420 b. Therim 414 further includes generallyhorizontal areas slot portions rim 414. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , theslot 422 a is single generally horizontal slot. Theslot 422 a is generally identical to theslot 422 b. - Turning now to
FIG. 13 , acontainer assembly 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecontainer assembly 500 comprises thefirst container 410 and thesecond container 510. In one embodiment, thesecond container 510 is identical to thefirst container 410. A generallyhorizontal area 524 b of thesecond container 510 inserts into theslot 422 b of thefirst container 410. The generallyhorizontal area 524 b deforms thesecond slot 422 b by opening theslot 422 b, allowing the generallyhorizontal area 524 b to interact with theslot 422 b, locking the containers together. An identical horizontal area interacts with thefirst slot 422 a of thecontainer 410. - Turning now to
FIG. 14 , acontainer 610 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thecontainer 610 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 700 (FIG. 16 ) that includes thecontainer 610 and a second container 710 (FIG. 16 ). Thecontainers FIG. 16 are identical. - The
container 610 includes acontinuous body portion 612 and acontinuous rim 614 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from thebody portion 612. Thebody portion 612 includes a bottom 616 and acontinuous sidewall 618 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 616. It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 616 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 616. It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous. - As shown in
FIG. 14 , therim 614 includesslot portions slot portions rim 614. Theslot portion 620 a of therim 614 forms slot 622 a therethrough. Theslot 622 a is located above therim 614 on theslot portion 620 a. Theslot portion 620 b of therim 614 forms slot 622 b therethrough. Theslot 622 b is located above therim 614 on theslot portion 620 b. Therim 614 further includes generallyhorizontal areas slot portions rim 614. - As shown in
FIG. 15 , theslot 622 a is single generally horizontal slot. Theslot 622 a is generally identical to theslot 622 b. - Turning now to
FIG. 16 , acontainer assembly 700 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecontainer assembly 700 comprises thefirst container 610 and thesecond container 710. In one embodiment, thesecond container 710 is identical to thefirst container 610. A generallyhorizontal area 724 b of thesecond container 710 inserts into theslot 622 b of thefirst container 610. The generallyhorizontal area 724 b deforms thesecond slot 622 b by hinging theslot 622 b open, allowing the generallyhorizontal area 724 b to interact with theslot 622 b, locking the containers together. An identical horizontal area interacts with thefirst slot 622 a of thecontainer 610. - Referring next to
FIG. 17 , acontainer 810 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thecontainer 810 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 900 (FIG. 19 ) that includes thecontainer 810 and a second container 910 (FIG. 19 ). Thecontainers FIG. 19 are identical. - The
container 810 includes acontinuous body portion 812 and acontinuous rim 814 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from thebody portion 812. Thebody portion 812 includes a bottom 816 and acontinuous sidewall 818 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 816. It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 816 or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom 816. It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous. - As shown in
FIG. 17 , therim 814 includesslot portions slot portions rim 814. Theslot portion 820 a of therim 814 forms aslot 822 a therethrough. Theslot 822 a is located above therim 814 on theslot portion 820 a. Theslot portion 820 b of therim 814 forms aslot 822 b therethrough. Theslot 822 b is located above therim 814 on theslot portion 820 b. Therim 814 further includes generallyhorizontal areas respective slot portions rim 814. - As shown in
FIG. 18 , theslot 822 a is single generally horizontal slot. Theslot 822 a is generally identical to theslot 822 b. - Turning now to
FIG. 19 , acontainer assembly 900 according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecontainer assembly 900 comprises thefirst container 810 and thesecond container 910. In one embodiment, thesecond container 910 is identical to thefirst container 810. A generallyhorizontal area 924 b of thesecond container 910 inserts into theslot 822 b of thefirst container 810. The generallyhorizontal area 924 b fits within thesecond slot 822 b, allowing the generallyhorizontal area 924 b to interact with theslot 822 b, locking the containers together. An identical horizontal area interacts with thefirst slot 822 a of thecontainer 810. -
FIG. 20 depicts acontainer 1010 according to still yet another embodiment of the present invention. Thecontainer 1010 is adapted to be used in a container assembly 1100 (FIG. 22 ) that includes thecontainer 1010 and a second container 1110 (FIG. 22 ). Thecontainers 1010, 1110 shown in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 22 are identical. - The
container 1010 includes acontinuous body portion 1012 and acontinuous rim 1014 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from thebody portion 1012. Thebody portion 1012 includes a bottom 1016 and acontinuous sidewall 1018 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from thebottom 1016. It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom 1016 or even project upwardly and inwardly from thebottom 1016. It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous. - As shown in
FIG. 20 , therim 1014 includesslot portions slot portions rim 1014. Theslot portion 1020 a of therim 1014forms slot 1022 a therethrough. Theslot 1022 a is located above therim 1014 on theslot portion 1020 a. Theslot portion 1020 b of therim 1014forms slot 1022 b therethrough. Theslot 1022 b is located above therim 1014 on theslot portion 1020 b. Therim 1014 further includes generallyhorizontal areas slot portions rim 1014. - As shown in
FIG. 21 , theslot 1022 b is a formed from two generally horizontal cuts within theslot portion 1020 b. Theslot 1022 a is generally identical to theslot 1022 b. - Turning now to
FIG. 22 , acontainer assembly 1100 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecontainer assembly 1100 comprises thefirst container 1010 and the second container 1110. In one embodiment, the second container 1110 is identical to thefirst container 1010. A generallyhorizontal area 1124 b of the second container 1110 inserts into theslot 1022 b of thefirst container 1010. The generallyhorizontal area 1124 b deforms thesecond slot 1022 b by displacing theslot 1022 b to an open position, allowing the generallyhorizontal area 1124 b to interact with theslot 1022 b, locking the containers together. An identical horizontal area interacts with thefirst slot 1022 a of thecontainer 1010. - The container and container assemblies of the present invention (e.g., the containers discussed above in
FIGS. 1-22 ) are formed from polymeric materials. The polymeric containers and container assemblies may be formed from polyolefins. The polymeric containers and container assemblies are typically formed from orientated polystyrene (OPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene and combinations thereof. The containers and containers assemblies may be made from a mineral-filled polymeric material such as, for example, talc or calcium carbonate-filled polyolefin. It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other polymers or combination of polymers may be used to form the containers and container assemblies. - The containers and container assemblies may be formed by a polymeric foam. For example, the containers and container assemblies may be formed from a polystyrene foam. One example of a polystyrene foam is a high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other polymeric foams or combination of polymeric foams may be used to form the containers and container assemblies.
- The containers and container assemblies of the present invention are typically disposable, but it is contemplated that they may be reused at a future time. The containers used in forming the container assemblies (e.g., container 10) are shown as including one compartment. It is contemplated that the containers may be formed of multiple compartments. Such containers are desirable for placing items (e.g., food items) in different compartments to prevent or inhibit commingling of items. For example, undesirable mixing of food items can corrupt the flavor and the consistency of the food items.
- The container assemblies and containers of the present invention are typically used with respect to food, but may be used in other applications such as to store household goods, medical supplies, cosmetics or other items. Food container assemblies and containers may be used for serving, storing, preparing and/or re-heating the food.
- A method of using such container assemblies includes placing the food and locking the containers to form a container assembly with food therein. The container assembly is then placed in a heating apparatus and heated. Typical heating apparatuses include microwaves and conventional ovens. The container assemblies may contain solid food products. The container assemblies may be used for storage in the refrigerator and/or the freezer.
- The containers to be used in forming the container assemblies of the present invention may be formed using conventional thermoforming (e.g., by pressure, vacuum or the combination thereof), injection-molding processes, or rotational molding. According to one method of thermoforming, pellets of a polymeric resin and additives, if any, are added into an extruder. The pellets of the polymeric resin and additives, if any, are melted to form a blend. The blend is extruded through a die to form an extruded sheet. The extruded sheet is thermoformed to a desired shape of a container to be used in forming the container assembly.
- The thickness of the container to be used in forming the container assemblies generally ranges from about 0.002 to about 0.15 inch, but is typically from about 0.005 to about 0.04 inch. The container assemblies may be opaque or a variety of colors or color combinations. The container assemblies typically have at least one transparent container if it is desired for the customer to ascertain the nature of the accommodated product and the condition thereof without having to open the container assembly.
- While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (29)
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/333,739 US20070164019A1 (en) | 2006-01-17 | 2006-01-17 | Containers and interlocking container assemblies |
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US11/333,739 US20070164019A1 (en) | 2006-01-17 | 2006-01-17 | Containers and interlocking container assemblies |
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US20070164019A1 true US20070164019A1 (en) | 2007-07-19 |
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US11/333,739 Abandoned US20070164019A1 (en) | 2006-01-17 | 2006-01-17 | Containers and interlocking container assemblies |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US10486856B2 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2019-11-26 | Christopher Wayne Mundy | Plate attachment assembly |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10486856B2 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2019-11-26 | Christopher Wayne Mundy | Plate attachment assembly |
US11292635B2 (en) | 2018-02-20 | 2022-04-05 | Christopher Wayne Mundy | Plate attachment assembly |
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Owner name: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS COLLATERAL AGENT, Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:PACTIV CORPORATION;NEWSPRING INDUSTRIAL CORP.;PRAIRIE PACKAGING, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:025712/0153 Effective date: 20110112 |
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