DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of carry-out food containers and lids of the containers.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Food items prepared for customer pick-up or deliveries are generally packed in carry-out containers that are of different shapes and sizes and generally made of thick paper boards. These containers comprise a lip flange configured along the edges of the container. When a carry-out order is prepared and packed in the container, the lid is simply put on the container, and the lip flange is pressed on the edges of the lid. However, the lip-flange arrangement alone cannot ensure that the lid does not separate from the container or the food is properly covered. Hence, an inconvenient practice of holding the lid together with containers by means of adhesive tapes or elastic bands is adhered to.
There is therefore felt a need for a lid for a food container and a food container covered by the lid that alleviates the afore-mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lid for a food container and a food container covered by the lid.
Another object of the present disclosure is to a lid for a food container and a food container covered by the lid that is securely locked to the container.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a lid for a food container and a food container covered by the lid, which are of a biocompatible material.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a lid for a food container and a food container covered by the lid that prevents contamination of the food stored therein.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a lid for a food container.
The container is defined by a tray having a lip configured along the walls of the tray. The lid comprises a base. A pair of sliding flanges is provided on either long edges of the base. A stopping flange is provided on a first short edge of the base. A locking flange is provided on a second short edge of the base. In an operative configuration of the lid, the sliding flanges are configured to slidably receive the lip of the diagonally opposite side walls of the tray from an operative open position to an operative closed position. Further, the stopping flange is configured to restrict the sliding of the lid at the operative closed position, while the locking flange is configured to be attached to the sliding flanges to secure the lid to the tray.
The present disclosure also envisages and a food container covered by the lid of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A lid for a food container and a food container covered by the lid, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a tray and the lid of the food container;
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the lid, Figure 1, in an unfolded configuration thereof; and
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the tray of Figure 1.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Food container
105 – tray
107 – lip
110 – lid
111 – base blank
114 – sliding flange
114A, 116A, 118A -– first folding line
114B, 117B, 119B – second folding line
114J, 116K, 118L – second step
115, 117, 119 – first step
115A, 115B –arms of the sliding flange
116 – stopping flange
117C, 117D –arms of stopping the flange
118 – locking flange
119B, 119C –arms of locking flange
120 – locking tab
130 – adhesive
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
A lid (110), of the present disclosure, for a food container (100) will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 2.
The container (100) is defined by a tray (105) having a lip (107) configured along the walls of the tray (105). The lid (110) comprises a base (111). A pair of sliding flanges (114) is provided on either long edges of the base (111). A stopping flange (116) is provided on a first short edge of the base (111). A locking flange (118) is provided on a second short edge of the base (111). In an operative configuration of the lid (110), the sliding flanges (114) are configured to slidably receive the lip of the diagonally opposite side walls of the tray (105) from an operative open position to an operative closed position. Further, the stopping flange (116) is configured to restrict the sliding of the lid (110) at the operative closed position, while the locking flange (118) is configured to be attached to the sliding flanges (114) to secure the lid (110) to the tray (105).
In an embodiment, each of the flanges (114, 116, 118) has a double-stepped configuration defined by a pair of fold lines configured on the flange (114, 116, 118). A first folding line (114A, 116A, 118A), of the pair of fold lines, is configured on an operative edge of the base (111). The first step (115, 117, 119) is defined between the first folding line (114A, 116A, 118A) and the operative edge of the base (111). A second folding line (114B, 116B, 118B), of the pair of fold lines, is configured on the flange (114, 116, 118) at a predetermined spaced apart distance from the first fold line (114A, 116A, 118A). The second step (114J, 116K, 118L) is defined between the second folding line (114B, 116B, 118B) and the operative end edges of the flanges (114, 116, 118).
In an embodiment, the first folding lines (114A, 116A, 118A) are configured to be flush with the edge of the lip (107) of the tray (105) in an operative configuration of the lid (110).
The first step (115), of each of the sliding flange (114), has a first arm (115A) extending from an operative first end of the first step, and a second arm (115B) arcuately extending from an operative second end of the first step (115).
In an embodiment, the first step (117), of the stopping flange (116), includes a pair of arms (117C, 117D). Each arm (117C, 117D) extends from an operative side end of the first step (117). The arms (117C, 117D) are configured to be attached on to the second arms (115B) of the sliding flanges (114) in an operative configuration of the lid (110), to restrict the sliding of the lid (110) beyond the closed position thereof.
In an embodiment, operative ends of a first step (119), of the locking flange (118), are configured to arcuately extend to define a pair of arms (119B, 119C). The arms (119B, 119C) are configured to be attached to the first arms (115A) of the sliding flanges (114), in an operative configuration of the lid (110), to close the tray (105).
In an embodiment, the arms (117C, 117D) of the stopping flange (116) and the arms (119B, 119C) of the locking flange (118) are configured to be attached to the arms of the sliding flanges (114) with the help of an adhesive.
In another embodiment, the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of pressure-sensitive adhesive, dual-sided adhesive tape, or a surface-to-surface adhesive.
In yet another embodiment, the adhesive is a biocompatible adhesive,
In an embodiment, the locking flange (118) includes a locking tab (120) extending therefrom an operative edge thereof. The tab (120) is configured to be pulled to open the lid (110). The tab (120), when pulled open, tends to tear apart as the arms of the locking flange (118) are affixed to the arms of the sliding flange (114), thereby making the lid (110) tamper-evident.
In an embodiment, the second steps (114J, 116K, 118L) of the flanges are configured to securely rest against the walls of the tray (105).
In one embodiment, the base (111) includes a window configured thereon.
In another embodiment, the base (111) is a blind base.
In an embodiment, the lid (110) is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of a normal paper board or food grade paper board having a weight per square meter sheet ranging from 200 to 1000 GSM.
In another embodiment, an operative inner surface of the lid (110) is lined with a biocompatible material that is inert to food, high temperature of the food, heavy metals, chlorine, and monomers, and further prevents leakage of oil or any liquid into the paper board.
In an embodiment, the biocompatible material is hot molded onto the inner surface of the lid (110). In another embodiment, the biocompatible material is thermoformably molded onto the inner surface of the lid (110).
In one embodiment, the lid (110) is manufactured to complement a tray (105) having a volumetric size typically ranging from 200ml to 5000ml.
In an embodiment, insignia of the customer is printed on the outer surfaces of both the lid (110) and the tray (105).
In an embodiment, QR code may be provided on the container (100) to prevent tampering of the container (100). The QR code may require the end receiver and the deliverer to show their faces while receiving the container (100) to show that the delivery has been done in an intact form.
The present disclosure also envisages a food container (100), as shown in Figure 3, covered by the lid, in accordance with the present invention. The container is defined by a tray (105) having a lip (107) configured along the walls of the tray (105).
In an embodiment, the tray (105) is manufactured from a biocompatible material, typically normal paper board or food grade paper board having a weight per square meter sheet ranging from 200 to 1000 GSM. The inner surface of the tray (105) is lined with a biocompatible material which is inert to food, high temperature of the food, heavy metals, chlorine, and monomers, and further prevents leakage of oil or any liquid into the paper board. Typically, the biocompatible material is hot molded onto the inner surface of the tray (105). In an embodiment, the biocompatible material is thermoformably molded onto the inner surface of the tray (105).
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a lid for a food container and a food container covered by the lid that:
• provides a secure lid locking arrangement;
• are made of a biocompatible material; and
• prevent contamination of the food stored therein.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A lid (110) for a food container (100), the container (100) defined by a tray (105) having a lip (107) configured along the walls of the tray (105), said lid (110) comprising:
• a base (111);
• a pair of sliding flanges (114) provided on either long edges of the base (111);
• a stopping flange (116) provided on a first short edge of said base (111); and
• a locking flange (118) provided on a second short edge of the base (111);
wherein in an operative configuration of said lid (110), said sliding flanges (114) are configured to slidably receive the lip of the diagonally opposite side walls of the tray (105) from an operative open position to an operative closed position, said stopping flange (116) is configured to restrict the sliding of said lid (110) at said operative closed position, and said locking flange (118) is configured to be attached to said sliding flanges (114) to secure said lid (110) to said tray (105).
2. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said flanges (114, 116, 118) has a double-stepped configuration defined by a pair of fold lines configured on said flange (114, 116, 118), a first folding line (114A, 116A, 118A) of said pair of fold lines being configured on an operative edge of said base (111), and a second folding line (114B, 116B, 118B) of said pair of fold lines being configured on said flange (114, 116, 118) at a predetermined spaced apart distance from said first fold line (114A, 116A, 118A).
3. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first folding lines (114A, 116A, 118A) are configured to be flush with the edge of the lip (107) of the tray (105) in an operative configuration of said lid (110).
4. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first step (115) of each of said sliding flange (114) has a first arm (115A) extending from an operative first end of said first step, and a second arm (115B) arcuately extending from an operative second end of said first step (115).
5. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a first step (117) of said stopping flange (116) includes a pair of arms (117C, 117D), each arm (117C, 117D) extending from an operative side end of said first step (117), said arms (117C, 117D) being configured to be attached on to said second arms (115B) of said sliding flanges (114) in an operative configuration of said lid (110), to restrict the sliding of said lid (110) beyond the closed position thereof.
6. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 2, wherein operative ends of a first step (119), of said locking flange (118), are configured to arcuately extend to define a pair of arms (119B, 119C), said arms (119B, 119C) being configured to be attached to said first arms (115A) of said sliding flanges (114), in an operative configuration of said lid (110), to close the tray (105).
7. The lid (110) as claimed in claims 5 and 6, wherein said arms (117C, 117D) of said stopping flange (116) and said arms (119B, 119C) of said locking flange (118) are configured to be attached to said second arms (115B) and said first arms (115A) of said sliding flanges (114) with the help of an adhesive.
8. The lid (110) as claimed in claims 7, wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting of pressure-sensitive adhesive, dual-sided adhesive tape, or a surface-to-surface adhesive.
9. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said adhesive is a biocompatible adhesive,
10. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking flange (118) includes a locking tab (120) extending therefrom an operative edge thereof, said tab being configured to be pulled to open said lid (110).
11. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second steps (114J, 116K, 118L) of said flanges are configured to securely rest against the walls of the tray (105).
12. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base (111) includes a window configured thereon.
13. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base (111) is a blind base.
14. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lid (110) is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of a normal paper board or food grade paper board having a weight per square meter sheet ranging from 200 to 1000 GSM.
15. The lid (110) as claimed in claim 14, wherein an operative inner surface of said lid (110) is lined with a biocompatible material that is inert to food, high temperature of the food, heavy metals, chlorine, and monomers, and further prevents leakage of oil or any liquid into the paper board.
16. A food container (100) covered by the lid as claimed in the preceding claims, said container defined by a tray (105) having a lip (107) configured along the walls of the tray (105).
17. The container (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said tray (105) is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of a normal paper board or food grade paper board having a weight per square meter sheet ranging from 200 to 1000 GSM.
18. The container (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein an operative inner surface of said tray (105) is lined with a biocompatible material that is inert to food, high temperature of the food, heavy metals, chlorine, and monomers, and further prevents leakage of oil or any liquid into the paper board.

Dated this 13th day of October, 2022

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI