US20050051455A1 - Food carrier - Google Patents
Food carrier Download PDFInfo
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- US20050051455A1 US20050051455A1 US10/968,436 US96843604A US2005051455A1 US 20050051455 A1 US20050051455 A1 US 20050051455A1 US 96843604 A US96843604 A US 96843604A US 2005051455 A1 US2005051455 A1 US 2005051455A1
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- Prior art keywords
- housing
- door
- food carrier
- opening
- constructed
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J39/00—Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils
- A47J39/006—Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils for either storing and preparing or for preparing food on serving trays, e.g. heating, thawing, preserving
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/20—Lunch or picnic boxes or the like
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/14—Carriers for prepared human food
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a food carrier, and in particular to a food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers in a stacked orientation, and allowing for removal of the meal containers from a lower portion of the carrier.
- Food carriers are used in a wide variety of applications, such as for carrying liquids and/or prepackaged foods.
- Food carriers typically a top loading area, whereby meal containers or trays may be loaded within the food carrier, and a lower removal area from which the meal trays may be removed from within the food carrier.
- food carriers have typically been constructed of a rigid, nondeformable material such as plastic or metal and have had significantly complicated designs. Specifically, the materials from which typical food carriers have been constructed are heavy and/or are prone to fracture and/or rupture if impacted or dropped. Most food carriers included housings constructed of multiple components that required assembly subsequent to fabrication of the individual parts. In addition, doors for previous food carriers were typically fastened via complicated hinge assemblies. Other designs allowed for “floating” door/lids and provided no means for positive engagement thereof. Further, no positive means for locking the doors in a closed position were provided to prevent the doors from accidentally opening and the associated meal trays from inadvertently falling out of the food carrier.
- previous food carrier designs have included apertures located in a top wall thereof covered by a lid which required removal in order to load the meal trays therein.
- the removal of the lid to allow loading necessarily allowed significant amounts of heat to escape from within the housing each time additional meal containers were placed therein.
- One aspect of the present invention is to provide a food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers that includes an insulated housing having a closed bottom, a closed top, and at least one side wall having a first opening proximate the top of the housing and a second opening proximate the bottom of the housing, wherein the first opening is sized to receive a meal container therethrough, and wherein the second opening is sized to allow removal of the meal container from within the housing and to preclude simultaneous removal of all of the meal containers from within the housing, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing.
- the food carrier also includes a first door operably connected with the housing and movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers may be loaded into the housing via the first opening, and a closed position, wherein the first door covers the first opening, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing.
- the food carrier further includes a second door operably connected with the housing and movable between an opening position, wherein the meal containers may be removed from within the housing via the second opening, and a closed position, wherein the second door covers the second opening, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing.
- Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers that includes an insulated housing having a closed bottom, a closed top, and at least one side wall having an opening proximate the top and bottom of the housing, wherein a first portion of the opening proximate the top of the housing is sized to receive a meal container therethrough, and wherein a second portion of the opening proximate the bottom of the housing is sized to allow removal of the meal container from within the housing.
- the food carrier also includes a door operably connected with the housing and having a first portion movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers may be loaded into the housing via the first portion of the opening, and a closed position, wherein the first portion of the door covers the first opening, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing, and a second portion movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers may be removed from within the housing via the second portion of the opening, and a closed position, wherein the second portion of the door covers the second opening, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing.
- the present invention provides an insulated food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers that is more durable, has a reduced manufacturing costs, includes an uncomplicated design that is economical to manufacture, capable of a long operating life, and is particularly well adapted to the proposed use.
- the present inventive food carrier is easy to clean and maintain, and provides positive closure when in use.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food carrier embodying the present invention, with a first door and a second door in the open position;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-section front view of the food carrier, taken along the line 11 - 11 , FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the food carrier with the doors in a closed position
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the food carrier
- FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the food carrier
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the food carrier
- FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the food carrier.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the food carrier with a pair of doors in a closed position
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the food carrier of FIG. 8 with the doors in an open position.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the food carrier with a plurality of doors in an open position.
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .
- the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- the reference numeral 10 ( FIG. 1 ) generally designates a food carrier embodying the present invention.
- food carrier 10 includes a housing 12 constructed of a flexible fabric and having a closed bottom 14 , a closed top 16 , a front wall 18 , a back wall 20 and side walls 22 .
- Front wall 18 includes a first opening 24 located adjacent top 16 of housing 12 . Opening 24 is sized to allow the passage of meal containers 26 therethrough and placement of meal carriers 26 into housing 12 .
- Food carrier 10 also includes a first door 28 constructed of a flexible fabric and operably connected with housing 12 by a living hinge 30 . Door 28 is movable between an open position, as shown in FIG.
- meal containers 26 may be loaded into housing 12 via first opening 24 , in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 3 , wherein door 28 covers opening 24 of housing 12 , thereby limiting heat transfer from within housing 12 .
- Front wall 18 also includes a second opening 32 located adjacent bottom 14 of housing 12 . Opening 32 is sized to preclude simultaneous removal of all of the plurality of meal containers 26 located within housing 12 , thereby limiting heat transfer from within housing 12 .
- Food carrier 10 further includes a second door 34 constructed of a flexible fabric and hingedly connected with housing 12 by a living hinge 36 . Door 34 is movable between an open position, as shown in FIG.
- door 28 and door 34 are each preferably constructed of a flexible fabric, other suitable materials may be utilized including lightweight metals, hard plastics, cloths, woven mesh plastics, etc.
- housing 12 also includes a plastic inner coating or layer 40 covering the interior surfaces of bottom 14 , top 16 , front wall 18 , back wall 20 and side walls 22 .
- coating 40 is constructed of a plastic material, however, other materials providing easy cleaning of the interior of housing 12 may be substituted therefore.
- Door 28 further includes a flexible fabric handle 55 that facilitates movement of door of 28 between the open and closed positions.
- the first door 28 includes a paneled section 42 that includes hinge 30 and an attachment flap 44 .
- Hinge 30 extends laterally across front wall 18 of housing 12 and is sewn thereto.
- Door 28 further includes a centrally located, rectangularly-shaped envelope 36 attached to panel section 42 and defining an open end 48 .
- a block of insulation 50 is inserted within open end 48 of envelope 46 .
- insulation block 50 has a rectangular shape that substantially matches the size of the first opening 24 within front wall 18 , thereby ensuring a snug fit of door 28 with housing 12 .
- Open end 48 of envelope 46 allows insulation block 50 to be easily replaced or removed for cleaning if the interior of housing 12 is soiled by the contents within meal containers 26 , thereby ensuring an antiseptic interior to housing 12 .
- Door 28 is held in the closed position via a plurality of hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners 52 that extend along flap 44 of door 28 .
- a plurality of cooperating hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners 54 are attached to front wall 18 and extend about the periphery of opening 24 .
- the hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners 52 and 54 are utilized to hold door 28 in the closed position with housing 12 , other suitable fasteners may be substituted therefor.
- hinge 30 of door 28 may be fastened to housing 12 via a hook-and-loop type fabric fastener, thereby allowing door 28 to be completely removed from housing 12 to facilitate the loading of containers 26 therein.
- the door 34 includes a paneled section 56 , and outwardly extending attachment flap 58 , and living hinge 36 .
- Hinge 36 is an extension of panel section 56 and is sewn to front wall 18 of housing 12 .
- a hook-and-loop type fabric connector (not shown) may be utilized to attach door 34 to housing 12 , thereby allowing door 34 to be completely removed from housing 12 .
- Door 34 further includes a centrally located, rectangularly-shaped envelope 60 .
- Envelope 60 is sewn to paneled section 56 of door 34 and defines an open end 62 within which an insulation block 64 may be placed within envelope 60 .
- Open end 62 of envelope 60 allows insulation block 64 to be replaced or removed for cleaning if soiled by the contents within containers 26 , thereby ensuring an antiseptic interior to housing 12 .
- a plurality of hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners 66 extend along flap 58 of paneled section 56 , and mate with a plurality of cooperating hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners 68 extending about opening 32 within front wall 18 . Although in the illustrated example, the hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners are utilized to hold door 34 in the closed position, other suitable fasteners may be utilized.
- Door 34 further includes a flexible fabric handle 70 that facilitates movement of door 34 between the open and closed positions.
- Housing 12 also includes a pair of handles 72 extending outwardly from side walls 22 .
- a pair of structural support straps 74 ( FIG. 5 ) extend along side walls 22 and across bottom 14 of housing 12 .
- handles 72 and support straps 74 are constructed of a single piece of woven nylon webbing sewn to housing 12 , however, multiple pieces of other materials suitable for such use may be substituted therefore and attached by any suitable means.
- door 28 is moved to the open position, thereby allowing the plurality of meal containers 26 to be placed within housing 12 via opening 24 .
- Door 28 is then moved to the closed position and secured in place via fasteners 52 and 54 .
- Individual meal containers 26 are removed via opening 32 within front wall 18 of housing 12 by moving door 34 to the open position. As illustrated, only a single meal container 26 may be removed from within housing 12 via opening 32 at a time, however, opening 32 may be enlarged depending on the particular use and/or size of meal containers 26 .
- the reference numeral 10 a ( FIG. 6 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention. Since food carrier 10 a is similar to the previously described food carrier 10 , similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-5 and FIGS. 6 and 7 are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. Food carrier 10 a is similar in construction to food carrier 10 with the notable exception being that food carrier 10 a includes a single front opening 76 extending from proximate top 16 a to bottom 14 a and providing access to the interior of housing 12 a . A single door 78 constructed of flexible fabric is connected with housing 12 a and includes a paneled section 80 and an attachment flap 82 extending about the periphery thereof.
- Door 78 is operably attached to housing 12 a via a plurality of hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners 84 extending about flap 82 and a plurality of corresponding hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners 86 fixedly attached to front wall 18 a of housing 12 a and extending about the periphery of opening 76 .
- Door 78 includes an upper portion 88 and a lower portion 90 operable to allow the loading and unloading of meal trays 26 from within housing 12 a , respectively.
- upper portion 88 is movable between an open position, as shown in FIG. 6 , wherein meal containers 26 a may be loaded into housing 12 a via an upwardly located section of opening 76 , and a closed position, as shown in FIG.
- housing 12 a and door 78 are each constructed of a flexible fabric, other suitable materials may be utilized including cloth, woven mesh plastics, rigid plastics, lightweight metals, etc.
- the door 78 includes an upwardly located, rectangularly-shaped upper envelope 92 attached to panel section 80 and defining an open end 94 .
- a block of insulation 96 is inserted within open end 94 of envelope 92 .
- insulation block 96 has a rectangular shape that substantially matches the size of the upper section of opening 76 , thereby ensuring a snug fit of upper portion 88 of door 78 within opening 76 .
- Lower portion 90 of door 78 includes a rectangularly-shaped envelope 98 defining an open end 100 .
- a block of insulation 102 is inserted within open end 100 of envelope 98 .
- insulation block 102 has a rectangular shape that substantially matches the size of the lower section of opening 76 , thereby ensuring a snug fit of lower portion 90 of door 78 within opening 76 .
- Open end 94 of envelope 92 and open end 100 of envelope 98 allows insulation blocks 96 and 102 to be easily replaced or removed for cleaning if soiled by the contents within meal containers 26 a , thereby ensuring an antiseptic interior to housing 12 a.
- upper portion 88 of door 78 is moved to the open position, thereby allowing the plurality of meal containers to be placed within housing 12 a via an upper section of opening 76 .
- upper portion 88 of door 78 may be selectively opened to any required width thereby allowing a single or multiple meal containers to be simultaneous placed within housing 12 a .
- Individual meal containers 26 a are removed via the lower section of opening 76 by moving lower portion 90 of door 80 to the open position.
- lower portion 90 of door 78 may be selectively opened to any desired width, thereby allowing for the simultaneous removal of multiple meal containers 26 a from within housing 12 a . While the illustrated example shows a particular embodiment of door 78 , it should be noted that any door that may be selectively opened from a top loading portion and a bottom unloading portion may be substituted therefore.
- the reference numeral 10 b ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention. Since food carrier 10 b is similar to the previously described food carrier 10 a , similar parts appearing in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 8 and 9 are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “b” in the numerals of the latter. Food carrier 10 b is similar in construction to food carrier 10 a with the notable exception being that food carrier 10 b is preferably constructed of a rigid material such as plastic, although other suitable materials may be substituted therefore. An insulated upper door 103 constructed of rigid plastic is operably attached to insulated housing 12 b via a piano-type hinge 104 extending along an edge 106 thereof.
- Upper door 103 is movable between an open position, as shown in FIG. 9 , wherein meal containers 26 b may be loaded into housing 12 b via an upwardly located section of opening 76 b , and a closed position, as shown in FIG. 8 , wherein upper door 103 covers the upper section of opening 76 b , thereby limiting heat transfer from within housing 12 b .
- An insulated lower door 108 constructed of rigid plastic is connected with housing 12 b via hinge 104 extending along an edge 110 thereof.
- Lower door 108 is movable between an open position, as shown in FIG. 9 , wherein meal containers 26 b may be removed from within housing 12 b via a lower section of opening 76 b , and a closed position, as shown in FIG.
- housing 12 b upper door 103 and lower door 108 are each constructed of a rigid plastic, other suitable materials may be utilized including flexible fabric, cloth, woven mesh plastics, lightweight metals, etc.
- upper door 103 is moved to the open position, thereby allowing the plurality of meal containers to be placed within housing 12 b via an upper section of opening 76 b .
- Individual meal containers 26 b are removed via the lower section of opening 76 b by moving lower door 108 to the open position.
- lower door 108 may be constructed to any desired width, thereby allowing for the simultaneous removal of multiple meal containers from within housing 12 b.
- the reference numeral 10 c ( FIG. 10 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention. Since food carrier 10 c is similar to the previously described food carrier 10 b , similar parts appearing in FIGS. 8 and 9 and FIG. 10 are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “c” in the numerals of the latter. Food carrier 10 c is similar in construction to food carrier 10 b with the notable exception being that the interior space of the food carrier 10 c is divided into a first section 112 and a second section 114 . An insulated first upper door 116 constructed of a rigid plastic is operably connected to a central beam 118 of the insulated housing 12 c via a piano-type hinge 120 extending along an edge thereof.
- the first upper door 116 is movable between an open position, wherein the meal container 26 ( FIG. 1 ) may be loaded into the housing 12 c via an upwardly located section of the first portion of the opening 76 c , and a closed position, wherein the first upper door 116 covers the upper section of the first portion of the opening 76 c , thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing 12 c .
- An insulated first lower door 122 is constructed of a rigid plastic and is connected with the beam 118 of the housing 12 c via a piano-type hinge 124 extending along an edge thereof. The first lower door 122 is movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers 26 ( FIG.
- An insulated second upper door 126 constructed of a rigid plastic is operably attached to an opposite side of the beam 118 from the first upper door 116 via a piano-type hinge 128 .
- An insulated second lower door 130 is constructed of a rigid plastic and is connected with the beam 118 via a piano-type hinge 132 opposite the first lower door 122 .
- the second upper door 126 and the second lower door 130 are operable similar to the first upper door 116 and the first lower door 122 , respectively.
- the housing 12 c , the upper doors 116 and 126 , and the lower doors 122 and 130 are each constructed of a rigid plastic, other suitable materials may be utilized including flexible fabric, cloth, woven mesh plastics, lightweight metals, etc.
- the upper doors 116 and 126 are moved to the open positions, thereby allowing a plurality of meal containers 26 to be placed within the first and second sections 112 and 114 of the interior of the housing 12 c via an upper section of the opening 76 c .
- Individual meal containers 26 are moved from within the first and second sections 112 and 114 of the interior of the housing 12 c via the lower section of the opening 76 c by moving the lower doors 122 and 130 to the open position.
- the lower doors 122 and 130 may each be constructed to any desired width, thereby allowing for simultaneous removal of multiple meal containers 26 from within the housing 12 c.
- the present invention provides a controlled temperature food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers that is more durable, has a reduced manufacturing cost, includes an uncomplicated design that is economical to manufacture, is capable of a long operating life, and is particularly well adapted to the proposed use.
- the present inventive food carrier is easy to clean and maintain, and provides positive closure when in use.
Abstract
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/223,128, filed Aug. 19, 2002, entitled FOOD CARRIER which is a continuation-in-part of commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/073,832, filed Feb. 11, 2002, entitled FOOD CARRIER, the content of each being hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a food carrier, and in particular to a food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers in a stacked orientation, and allowing for removal of the meal containers from a lower portion of the carrier.
- Food carriers are used in a wide variety of applications, such as for carrying liquids and/or prepackaged foods. Food carriers typically a top loading area, whereby meal containers or trays may be loaded within the food carrier, and a lower removal area from which the meal trays may be removed from within the food carrier.
- Heretofore, food carriers have typically been constructed of a rigid, nondeformable material such as plastic or metal and have had significantly complicated designs. Specifically, the materials from which typical food carriers have been constructed are heavy and/or are prone to fracture and/or rupture if impacted or dropped. Most food carriers included housings constructed of multiple components that required assembly subsequent to fabrication of the individual parts. In addition, doors for previous food carriers were typically fastened via complicated hinge assemblies. Other designs allowed for “floating” door/lids and provided no means for positive engagement thereof. Further, no positive means for locking the doors in a closed position were provided to prevent the doors from accidentally opening and the associated meal trays from inadvertently falling out of the food carrier. Still further, previous food carrier designs have included apertures located in a top wall thereof covered by a lid which required removal in order to load the meal trays therein. The removal of the lid to allow loading necessarily allowed significant amounts of heat to escape from within the housing each time additional meal containers were placed therein.
- One aspect of the present invention is to provide a food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers that includes an insulated housing having a closed bottom, a closed top, and at least one side wall having a first opening proximate the top of the housing and a second opening proximate the bottom of the housing, wherein the first opening is sized to receive a meal container therethrough, and wherein the second opening is sized to allow removal of the meal container from within the housing and to preclude simultaneous removal of all of the meal containers from within the housing, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing. The food carrier also includes a first door operably connected with the housing and movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers may be loaded into the housing via the first opening, and a closed position, wherein the first door covers the first opening, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing. The food carrier further includes a second door operably connected with the housing and movable between an opening position, wherein the meal containers may be removed from within the housing via the second opening, and a closed position, wherein the second door covers the second opening, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing.
- Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers that includes an insulated housing having a closed bottom, a closed top, and at least one side wall having an opening proximate the top and bottom of the housing, wherein a first portion of the opening proximate the top of the housing is sized to receive a meal container therethrough, and wherein a second portion of the opening proximate the bottom of the housing is sized to allow removal of the meal container from within the housing. The food carrier also includes a door operably connected with the housing and having a first portion movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers may be loaded into the housing via the first portion of the opening, and a closed position, wherein the first portion of the door covers the first opening, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing, and a second portion movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers may be removed from within the housing via the second portion of the opening, and a closed position, wherein the second portion of the door covers the second opening, thereby limiting heat transfer from within the housing.
- The present invention provides an insulated food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers that is more durable, has a reduced manufacturing costs, includes an uncomplicated design that is economical to manufacture, capable of a long operating life, and is particularly well adapted to the proposed use. In addition, the present inventive food carrier is easy to clean and maintain, and provides positive closure when in use.
- These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food carrier embodying the present invention, with a first door and a second door in the open position; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-section front view of the food carrier, taken along the line 11-11,FIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the food carrier with the doors in a closed position; -
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the food carrier; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the food carrier; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the food carrier; -
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the food carrier; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the food carrier with a pair of doors in a closed position; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the food carrier ofFIG. 8 with the doors in an open position; and -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the food carrier with a plurality of doors in an open position. - For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - The reference numeral 10 (
FIG. 1 ) generally designates a food carrier embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example,food carrier 10 includes ahousing 12 constructed of a flexible fabric and having a closedbottom 14, a closedtop 16, afront wall 18, aback wall 20 andside walls 22.Front wall 18 includes a first opening 24 locatedadjacent top 16 ofhousing 12.Opening 24 is sized to allow the passage ofmeal containers 26 therethrough and placement ofmeal carriers 26 intohousing 12.Food carrier 10 also includes afirst door 28 constructed of a flexible fabric and operably connected withhousing 12 by aliving hinge 30.Door 28 is movable between an open position, as shown inFIG. 1 , whereinmeal containers 26 may be loaded intohousing 12 viafirst opening 24, in a closed position, as shown inFIG. 3 , whereindoor 28 covers opening 24 ofhousing 12, thereby limiting heat transfer from withinhousing 12.Front wall 18 also includes a second opening 32 locatedadjacent bottom 14 ofhousing 12.Opening 32 is sized to preclude simultaneous removal of all of the plurality ofmeal containers 26 located withinhousing 12, thereby limiting heat transfer from withinhousing 12.Food carrier 10 further includes asecond door 34 constructed of a flexible fabric and hingedly connected withhousing 12 by aliving hinge 36.Door 34 is movable between an open position, as shown inFIG. 1 , wherein the meal containers may be removed from withinhousing 12 via opening 32 withinfront wall 18 ofhousing 12, and a closed position, as shown inFIG. 3 , whereindoor 34 covers opening 32 withinfront wall 18 ofhousing 12, thereby limiting heat transfer from withinhousing 12. Although in the illustratedexample housing 12,door 28 anddoor 34 are each preferably constructed of a flexible fabric, other suitable materials may be utilized including lightweight metals, hard plastics, cloths, woven mesh plastics, etc. - As best illustrated in
FIG. 2 ,bottom 14,top 16,front wall 18,back wall 20 andside walls 22 are provided with a layer ofinsulation 38 therein.Housing 12 also includes a plastic inner coating orlayer 40 covering the interior surfaces ofbottom 14,top 16,front wall 18,back wall 20 andside walls 22. As illustrated,coating 40 is constructed of a plastic material, however, other materials providing easy cleaning of the interior ofhousing 12 may be substituted therefore. -
Door 28 further includes aflexible fabric handle 55 that facilitates movement of door of 28 between the open and closed positions. Thefirst door 28 includes apaneled section 42 that includeshinge 30 and anattachment flap 44. Hinge 30 extends laterally acrossfront wall 18 ofhousing 12 and is sewn thereto.Door 28 further includes a centrally located, rectangularly-shaped envelope 36 attached topanel section 42 and defining anopen end 48. A block ofinsulation 50 is inserted withinopen end 48 ofenvelope 46. In the illustrated example,insulation block 50 has a rectangular shape that substantially matches the size of thefirst opening 24 withinfront wall 18, thereby ensuring a snug fit ofdoor 28 withhousing 12.Open end 48 ofenvelope 46 allowsinsulation block 50 to be easily replaced or removed for cleaning if the interior ofhousing 12 is soiled by the contents withinmeal containers 26, thereby ensuring an antiseptic interior to housing 12.Door 28 is held in the closed position via a plurality of hook-and-looptype fabric fasteners 52 that extend alongflap 44 ofdoor 28. A plurality of cooperating hook-and-looptype fabric fasteners 54 are attached tofront wall 18 and extend about the periphery of opening 24. Although in the illustrated example, the hook-and-looptype fabric fasteners door 28 in the closed position withhousing 12, other suitable fasteners may be substituted therefor. Alternatively, hinge 30 ofdoor 28 may be fastened tohousing 12 via a hook-and-loop type fabric fastener, thereby allowingdoor 28 to be completely removed fromhousing 12 to facilitate the loading ofcontainers 26 therein. - The
door 34 includes a paneled section 56, and outwardly extendingattachment flap 58, and livinghinge 36.Hinge 36 is an extension of panel section 56 and is sewn tofront wall 18 ofhousing 12. Alternatively, a hook-and-loop type fabric connector (not shown) may be utilized to attachdoor 34 tohousing 12, thereby allowingdoor 34 to be completely removed fromhousing 12.Door 34 further includes a centrally located, rectangularly-shapedenvelope 60.Envelope 60 is sewn to paneled section 56 ofdoor 34 and defines anopen end 62 within which aninsulation block 64 may be placed withinenvelope 60.Open end 62 ofenvelope 60 allowsinsulation block 64 to be replaced or removed for cleaning if soiled by the contents withincontainers 26, thereby ensuring an antiseptic interior tohousing 12. A plurality of hook-and-looptype fabric fasteners 66 extend alongflap 58 of paneled section 56, and mate with a plurality of cooperating hook-and-looptype fabric fasteners 68 extending about opening 32 withinfront wall 18. Although in the illustrated example, the hook-and-loop type fabric fasteners are utilized to holddoor 34 in the closed position, other suitable fasteners may be utilized.Door 34 further includes a flexible fabric handle 70 that facilitates movement ofdoor 34 between the open and closed positions. -
Housing 12 also includes a pair ofhandles 72 extending outwardly fromside walls 22. A pair of structural support straps 74 (FIG. 5 ) extend alongside walls 22 and acrossbottom 14 ofhousing 12. As illustrated, handles 72 and support straps 74 are constructed of a single piece of woven nylon webbing sewn tohousing 12, however, multiple pieces of other materials suitable for such use may be substituted therefore and attached by any suitable means. - In operation,
door 28 is moved to the open position, thereby allowing the plurality ofmeal containers 26 to be placed withinhousing 12 viaopening 24.Door 28 is then moved to the closed position and secured in place viafasteners Individual meal containers 26 are removed via opening 32 withinfront wall 18 ofhousing 12 by movingdoor 34 to the open position. As illustrated, only asingle meal container 26 may be removed from withinhousing 12 via opening 32 at a time, however, opening 32 may be enlarged depending on the particular use and/or size ofmeal containers 26. - The
reference numeral 10 a (FIG. 6 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention. Sincefood carrier 10 a is similar to the previously describedfood carrier 10, similar parts appearing inFIGS. 1-5 andFIGS. 6 and 7 are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter.Food carrier 10 a is similar in construction tofood carrier 10 with the notable exception being thatfood carrier 10 a includes asingle front opening 76 extending from proximate top 16 a to bottom 14 a and providing access to the interior ofhousing 12 a. Asingle door 78 constructed of flexible fabric is connected withhousing 12 a and includes a paneledsection 80 and anattachment flap 82 extending about the periphery thereof.Door 78 is operably attached tohousing 12 a via a plurality of hook-and-looptype fabric fasteners 84 extending aboutflap 82 and a plurality of corresponding hook-and-looptype fabric fasteners 86 fixedly attached tofront wall 18 a ofhousing 12 a and extending about the periphery ofopening 76.Door 78 includes anupper portion 88 and alower portion 90 operable to allow the loading and unloading ofmeal trays 26 from withinhousing 12 a, respectively. Specifically,upper portion 88 is movable between an open position, as shown inFIG. 6 , whereinmeal containers 26 a may be loaded intohousing 12 a via an upwardly located section ofopening 76, and a closed position, as shown inFIG. 7 , whereinupper portion 88 ofdoor 78 covers the upper section ofopening 76, thereby limiting heat transfer from withinhousing 12 a.Lower portion 90 ofdoor 80 is movable between an open position, as shown inFIG. 6 , whereinmeal containers 26 a may be removed from withinhousing 12 a via a lower section ofopening 76, and a closed position, as shown inFIG. 7 , whereinlower portion 90 ofdoor 78 covers the lower section ofopening 76, thereby limiting heat transfer from withinhousing 12. The movement ofupper portion 88 andlower portion 90 ofdoor 78 define aliving hinge 92 therebetween. Although in the illustrated example,housing 12 a anddoor 78 are each constructed of a flexible fabric, other suitable materials may be utilized including cloth, woven mesh plastics, rigid plastics, lightweight metals, etc. - In the illustrated example, the
door 78 includes an upwardly located, rectangularly-shapedupper envelope 92 attached topanel section 80 and defining anopen end 94. A block ofinsulation 96 is inserted withinopen end 94 ofenvelope 92. In the illustrated example,insulation block 96 has a rectangular shape that substantially matches the size of the upper section ofopening 76, thereby ensuring a snug fit ofupper portion 88 ofdoor 78 withinopening 76.Lower portion 90 ofdoor 78 includes a rectangularly-shapedenvelope 98 defining anopen end 100. A block ofinsulation 102 is inserted withinopen end 100 ofenvelope 98. In the illustrated example,insulation block 102 has a rectangular shape that substantially matches the size of the lower section ofopening 76, thereby ensuring a snug fit oflower portion 90 ofdoor 78 withinopening 76.Open end 94 ofenvelope 92 andopen end 100 ofenvelope 98 allows insulation blocks 96 and 102 to be easily replaced or removed for cleaning if soiled by the contents withinmeal containers 26 a, thereby ensuring an antiseptic interior to housing 12 a. - In operation,
upper portion 88 ofdoor 78 is moved to the open position, thereby allowing the plurality of meal containers to be placed withinhousing 12 a via an upper section ofopening 76. It should be noted thatupper portion 88 ofdoor 78 may be selectively opened to any required width thereby allowing a single or multiple meal containers to be simultaneous placed withinhousing 12 a.Individual meal containers 26 a are removed via the lower section of opening 76 by movinglower portion 90 ofdoor 80 to the open position. As illustrated, only asingle meal container 26 a is removed from withinhousing 12 a at a time, however,lower portion 90 ofdoor 78 may be selectively opened to any desired width, thereby allowing for the simultaneous removal ofmultiple meal containers 26 a from withinhousing 12 a. While the illustrated example shows a particular embodiment ofdoor 78, it should be noted that any door that may be selectively opened from a top loading portion and a bottom unloading portion may be substituted therefore. - The
reference numeral 10 b (FIGS. 8 and 9 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention. Sincefood carrier 10 b is similar to the previously describedfood carrier 10 a, similar parts appearing inFIG. 6 andFIGS. 8 and 9 are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “b” in the numerals of the latter.Food carrier 10 b is similar in construction tofood carrier 10 a with the notable exception being thatfood carrier 10 b is preferably constructed of a rigid material such as plastic, although other suitable materials may be substituted therefore. An insulatedupper door 103 constructed of rigid plastic is operably attached toinsulated housing 12 b via a piano-type hinge 104 extending along anedge 106 thereof.Upper door 103 is movable between an open position, as shown inFIG. 9 , whereinmeal containers 26 b may be loaded intohousing 12 b via an upwardly located section of opening 76 b, and a closed position, as shown inFIG. 8 , whereinupper door 103 covers the upper section of opening 76 b, thereby limiting heat transfer from withinhousing 12 b. An insulatedlower door 108 constructed of rigid plastic is connected withhousing 12 b viahinge 104 extending along anedge 110 thereof.Lower door 108 is movable between an open position, as shown inFIG. 9 , whereinmeal containers 26 b may be removed from withinhousing 12 b via a lower section of opening 76 b, and a closed position, as shown inFIG. 8 , whereinlower door 108 covers the lower section of opening 76 b, thereby limiting heat transfer from withinhousing 12 b. Thedoors housing 126 when in the closed position. Although in the illustrated example,housing 12 b,upper door 103 andlower door 108 are each constructed of a rigid plastic, other suitable materials may be utilized including flexible fabric, cloth, woven mesh plastics, lightweight metals, etc. - In operation,
upper door 103 is moved to the open position, thereby allowing the plurality of meal containers to be placed withinhousing 12 b via an upper section of opening 76 b.Individual meal containers 26 b are removed via the lower section of opening 76 b by movinglower door 108 to the open position. As illustrated, only asingle meal container 26 b is removed from withinhousing 12 b at a time, however,lower door 108 may be constructed to any desired width, thereby allowing for the simultaneous removal of multiple meal containers from withinhousing 12 b. - The
reference numeral 10 c (FIG. 10 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention. Sincefood carrier 10 c is similar to the previously describedfood carrier 10 b, similar parts appearing inFIGS. 8 and 9 andFIG. 10 are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “c” in the numerals of the latter.Food carrier 10 c is similar in construction tofood carrier 10 b with the notable exception being that the interior space of thefood carrier 10 c is divided into afirst section 112 and asecond section 114. An insulated firstupper door 116 constructed of a rigid plastic is operably connected to acentral beam 118 of theinsulated housing 12 c via a piano-type hinge 120 extending along an edge thereof. The firstupper door 116 is movable between an open position, wherein the meal container 26 (FIG. 1 ) may be loaded into thehousing 12 c via an upwardly located section of the first portion of theopening 76 c, and a closed position, wherein the firstupper door 116 covers the upper section of the first portion of theopening 76 c, thereby limiting heat transfer from within thehousing 12 c. An insulated firstlower door 122 is constructed of a rigid plastic and is connected with thebeam 118 of thehousing 12 c via a piano-type hinge 124 extending along an edge thereof. The firstlower door 122 is movable between an open position, wherein the meal containers 26 (FIG. 1 ) may be removed from within thehousing 12 c via a lower section of thesecond portion 114 of theopening 76 c, and a closed position, wherein the firstlower door 122 covers the lower section of thesecond portion 114 of theopening 76 c, thereby limiting heat transfer from within thehousing 12 c. An insulated secondupper door 126 constructed of a rigid plastic is operably attached to an opposite side of thebeam 118 from the firstupper door 116 via a piano-type hinge 128. An insulated secondlower door 130 is constructed of a rigid plastic and is connected with thebeam 118 via a piano-type hinge 132 opposite the firstlower door 122. The secondupper door 126 and the secondlower door 130 are operable similar to the firstupper door 116 and the firstlower door 122, respectively. Although in the illustrated example, thehousing 12 c, theupper doors lower doors - In operation, the
upper doors meal containers 26 to be placed within the first andsecond sections housing 12 c via an upper section of theopening 76 c.Individual meal containers 26 are moved from within the first andsecond sections housing 12 c via the lower section of theopening 76 c by moving thelower doors single meal container 26 is removed from within thefirst section 112 or thesecond section 114 at a time, however, thelower doors multiple meal containers 26 from within thehousing 12 c. - The present invention provides a controlled temperature food carrier for carrying a plurality of meal containers that is more durable, has a reduced manufacturing cost, includes an uncomplicated design that is economical to manufacture, is capable of a long operating life, and is particularly well adapted to the proposed use. In addition, the present inventive food carrier is easy to clean and maintain, and provides positive closure when in use.
- In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (40)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/968,436 US20050051455A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2004-10-19 | Food carrier |
US11/931,337 US20080047868A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2007-10-31 | Food carrier |
US12/836,827 US7891493B2 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2010-07-15 | Food carrier |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/073,832 US6688470B2 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-02-11 | Food carrier |
US10/223,128 US20030150768A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-08-19 | Food carrier |
US10/968,436 US20050051455A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2004-10-19 | Food carrier |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/223,128 Continuation US20030150768A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-08-19 | Food carrier |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/931,337 Continuation US20080047868A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2007-10-31 | Food carrier |
US12/836,827 Continuation US7891493B2 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2010-07-15 | Food carrier |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050051455A1 true US20050051455A1 (en) | 2005-03-10 |
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ID=27791146
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/223,128 Abandoned US20030150768A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-08-19 | Food carrier |
US10/968,436 Abandoned US20050051455A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2004-10-19 | Food carrier |
US11/931,337 Abandoned US20080047868A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2007-10-31 | Food carrier |
US12/836,827 Expired - Fee Related US7891493B2 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2010-07-15 | Food carrier |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/223,128 Abandoned US20030150768A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-08-19 | Food carrier |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/931,337 Abandoned US20080047868A1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2007-10-31 | Food carrier |
US12/836,827 Expired - Fee Related US7891493B2 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2010-07-15 | Food carrier |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (4) | US20030150768A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2418706C (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107427408A (en) * | 2015-01-21 | 2017-12-01 | 迈兰公司 | Drug packages and dosage system |
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GB2418423B (en) * | 2004-09-22 | 2008-06-11 | Hurst Green Plastics Ltd | Dispensing device |
US20090084795A1 (en) * | 2005-10-03 | 2009-04-02 | Kagen Kristin W | Container With Sealed Coolant Compartment |
US9353989B2 (en) | 2013-10-12 | 2016-05-31 | Melody Ann Furr | Food storage system and method |
US9726415B1 (en) | 2014-07-01 | 2017-08-08 | Todd Spalti | Insulated storage systems and methods |
US20160091239A1 (en) * | 2014-09-25 | 2016-03-31 | Paul Beland | Front opening portable cooler with top utility surface |
USD786607S1 (en) * | 2016-03-30 | 2017-05-16 | Cambro Manufacturing Company | Food transport container |
US10967896B2 (en) * | 2017-01-13 | 2021-04-06 | Alina Kravchenko | Stackable rolling cooler bins with drawers |
US10130171B2 (en) | 2017-02-08 | 2018-11-20 | Intermetro Industries Corporation | Insulated transport cabinets for food and the like |
USD844277S1 (en) | 2017-02-08 | 2019-03-26 | Intermetro Industries Corporation | Front-loaded insulated transport cabinet |
US11044975B2 (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2021-06-29 | Ronald Bungert | Organizable lunchbox system and method |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN107427408A (en) * | 2015-01-21 | 2017-12-01 | 迈兰公司 | Drug packages and dosage system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20080047868A1 (en) | 2008-02-28 |
CA2418706A1 (en) | 2003-08-11 |
US7891493B2 (en) | 2011-02-22 |
US20100275428A1 (en) | 2010-11-04 |
US20030150768A1 (en) | 2003-08-14 |
CA2418706C (en) | 2010-08-24 |
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