US20110084121A1

US20110084121A1 - Sandwich box

Info

Publication number: US20110084121A1
Application number: US12/895,902
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Sanders
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-08
Filing date: 2010-10-01
Publication date: 2011-04-14

Abstract

A sandwich box for enclosing a food item that is formed of a base portion and a top portion. The upper surface of the base portion is designed to support a food item. The base portion includes a base bendable structure space. The top portion including a food cavity, a top face and a top face bendable structure. The base portion and the top portion are hingedly connected together. A portion of the top face bendable structure and the base bendable structure are positioned parallel to one another when the top and bottom portions are in a closed position. A portion of the top face bendable structure and the base bendable structure are also positioned diametrically opposed to one another when the top and bottom portions are in the closed position. The upper surface of the base portion faces into the food cavity when the top and bottom portions are in the closed position.

Description

The present invention claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/249,819 filed Oct. 8, 2009 and 61/365,498 filed Jul. 19, 2010, and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/375,415 filed Sep. 22, 2010, all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention is directed to a sandwich box, and more particularly to a sandwich box that can be used to assemble a sandwich thereon and/or to function as a sandwich holder during the consumption of a sandwich.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fast food restaurants and convenience food marts commonly wrap and package sandwiches in two primary ways, namely in a clam shell container or in paper wrapping. The clam shell containers are typically formed of paper board or a plastic or Styrofoam material. Although both of these types of sandwich packaging are very popular, both types of packaging have one or more disadvantages.
The clam shell containers are shaped and formed so that a pre-assembled sandwich can be placed in the lower portion of the container and thereafter the container lid is closed over the sandwich. Due to the shape and design of the clam shell container, the sandwich cannot be easily made in the container, thus the sandwich is required to be assembled on a separate counter top prior to being placed in the clam shell container. Generally the sandwich assembly location is on a hard surface such as a stainless steel counter top or the like. This counter top requires constant cleaning, thus potentially introducing undesirable chemicals and microorganisms to the sandwich while the sandwich is assembled on the counter top. Furthermore, the continuous cleaning of the counter top is time consuming and adds additional costs to the sandwich. Styrofoam and plastic clam shell containers have the further disadvantage of being environmentally unfriendly due to the materials used for the clam shell container.
Clam shell containers also are inconvenient to the consumer when eating the sandwich. Due to the configuration of the clam shell container, the sandwich typically needs to be fully removed from the clam shell container before the consumer can eat the sandwich. During sandwich removal, the sandwich can break apart, and/or ingredients can fall or drip from the sandwich. Furthermore, many sandwiches require two hands to initially hold and eat. Consumers that are driving find it difficult, if not impossible, to eat a sandwich with two hands while also driving. Consumers sitting in a car also must lift the sandwich out of the clam shell container and risk portions of the sandwich falling to the consumers lap, especially when the car ride is not a smooth ride.
Paper wrapping addresses some of the concerns associated with clam shell containers. Paper wrapping does enable the sandwich to be directly assembled on the paper wrapping, thus insulating the sandwich from a hard surface counter top. Paper wrapping also enables an individual to consume the sandwich while at least a portion of the sandwich is still in the paper wrapping. However, paper wrapping also can result in ingredients falling or dripping from the sandwich and paper wrapping while the sandwich is eaten. Paper wrapping also provides very little protection to the compression of the sandwich while in the wrapping. When sandwiches are stored on a shelf, the sandwiches are commonly stacked on one another. The clam shell container is designed to maintain the integrity of the sandwich when multiple sandwich containers are stacked on one another. The paper wrapping does little to prevent compression of a sandwich when multiple sandwiches are stacked on one another, thus potentially resulting in a crushed and/or undesirable looking sandwich.
In view of the existing problems associated with prior art sandwich packaging, there remains a need for an improved sandwich container that overcomes one or more of the deficiencies of prior art sandwich containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved sandwich box. The sandwich box is designed to be formed of environmentally friendly materials, namely paper board; however, other or additional materials can be used to form one or more portions of the sandwich box (e.g., plastic, adhesives, ink, fiber board, composite materials, etc.). The sandwich box of is configured to a) enable a sandwich to be assembled on a portion of the sandwich box and then enclosing the sandwich within the sandwich box without having to move or lift the sandwich off the assembly surface, b) enables a consumer to conveniently eat the sandwich while the sandwich is partially in the sandwich box, c) support a portion of the sandwich in the sandwich box while a consumer eats the sandwich in the sandwich box, d) capture drippings and portions of the sandwich in the sandwich box while the consumer eats the sandwich in the sandwich box, e) function as a convenient sandwich holder while the consumer eats the sandwich in the sandwich box, f) support the sandwich in the sandwich box without having to directly touch the sandwich while the consumer eats the sandwich in the sandwich box, and/or g) protects the integrity of the sandwich when positioned in the sandwich box so as to limit the crushing and/or disassembly of the sandwich when the sandwich boxes are stacked on one another and/or placed in a bag after the sandwich is purchase by the consumer. The sandwich box of the present invention can have additional advantages such as, but not limited to, 1) including one or more viewing panels to enable a consumer to easily view the sandwich in the closed sandwich box, 2) including an adhesive tab for convenient closing of the sandwich box after the sandwich is placed in the sandwich box, 3) including a security seal and/or box configuration that limits or prevents tampering of the sandwich in the box until the consumer purposely opens the sandwich box, 4) including one or more opening arrangements (e.g., tab, perforated region, etc.) that enable a consumer to easily open the closed sandwich box, 5) including a removable portion of the box (e.g., via perforated region, breakable or rippable seam, etc.) that makes the box more convenient to use by a consumer when eating the sandwich in the box, and/or 6) including printing on one or more portions of the sandwich box (e.g., printed labels, printing material directly on the box surface, stamped or embossed material directly on the box surface, etc.). The shape, size, color and texture of the sandwich box of the present invention is non-limiting. The material selection for the sandwich box is limited only to the intended use of the sandwich box. Although the sandwich box is designed for use with sandwiches (e.g., hamburger, deli meat, pork, meat ball, steak, roast beef, chicken, hot dog, etc.) it can be appreciated that the sandwich box can be designed for use with many other food items (e.g., pizza, egg rolls, pie, cake, pastries, rolls, chicken, corn dogs, wraps, burritos, tacos, pretzels, etc.).
It is one non-limiting object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is simple to assemble.
It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is simple to use.
It is still another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that can be formed of environmentally friendly materials.
It is yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is simple to use.
It is still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that can have a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors and/or textures.
It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that can be used with sandwiches and other food items.
It is still another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to enable a sandwich to be assembled on a portion of the sandwich box and then enclosing the sandwich within the sandwich box without having to remove, move, or lift the sandwich off the assembly surface of the sandwich box.
It is yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to enable a consumer to conveniently eat a sandwich or other food item while the sandwich or other food item is partially in the sandwich box.
It is still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to support a portion of the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich box while a consumer eats the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich box.
It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to capture drippings and portions of the sandwich or other food items in the sandwich box while the consumer eats the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich box.
It is still another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to function as a convenient sandwich holder while the consumer eats the sandwich or other item in the sandwich box.
It is yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to support the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich box without having to directly touch the sandwich or other food item while the consumer eats the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich box.
It is still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to protect the integrity of the sandwich or other food item when the sandwich or other food item is positioned in the sandwich box so as to limit the crushing and/or disassembly of the sandwich or other food item when the sandwich box is stacked with other sandwich boxes and/or placed and conveyed in a bag after the sandwich or other food item is purchased by the consumer.
It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to include one or more viewing panels to enable a consumer to easily view the sandwich or other food item in the closed sandwich box.
It is still another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to include an adhesive tab for convenient closing of the sandwich box after the sandwich or other food item is placed in the sandwich box.
It is yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to include a security seal that limits or prevents tampering of the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich box until the consumer purposely opens the sandwich box.
It is still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to include a box configuration that limits or prevents tampering of the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich box until the consumer purposely opens the sandwich box.
It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that includes one or more opening arrangements to enable a consumer to easily open the closed sandwich box. It is still another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that includes a removable portion of the box that makes the sandwich box more convenient to be used by a consumer when eating the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich box.
It is yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich box that is configured to include printing on one or more portions of the sandwich box.
These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and following the description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate various non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangement of parts wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the sandwich box in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the sandwich box of FIG. 1, wherein the box has been opened along a perforated seam;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the sandwich box of FIG. 2, wherein a portion of the box has separated at the former perforated seam;

FIG. 4 is rear elevation of the sandwich box of FIG. 1, wherein the box lid is in the open position;

FIG. 5 is rear elevation of the sandwich box of FIG. 4, wherein a sandwich is assembled on the interior surface of the box lid in the open position;

FIG. 6 is rear elevation of the sandwich box of FIG. 4 wherein the box lid is in the closed position and prior to the sealing condition;

FIG. 7 is rear elevation of the sandwich box of FIG. 6 wherein the box lip is in the closed and sealed position; and,

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the sandwich box of FIG. 1, wherein the box is in the fully unfolded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one non-limiting configuration of the sandwich box 10 of the present invention. The sandwich box is illustrated as having a generally rhombus cross-sectional shape; however, the shape of the sandwich box is non-limiting. The size of the sandwich box is also non-limiting. The material used to form the sandwich box is generally paperboard and will be described with particular reference to such material; however, other or additional materials can be used to form the sandwich box. The sandwich box is generally designed to package sandwiches and will be described herein with particular reference to such use; however, it will be appreciated that many other or additional food items can be packaged in the sandwich box of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 8, the sandwich box is illustrated in a cut-out and non-assembled form. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a single piece of paper board material 20 is generally used to form the sandwich box. However, it can be appreciated that the sandwich box can be formed from multiple pieces of paper board that are connected together during the assembly of the sandwich box.
The single piece of paper hoard material 20 can be divided into a base section 30 and a top section 60 which in turn forms the base portion 100 and top portion 110 of the sandwich box. The base section includes a main portion 31 that has an upper surface 32 and a bottom surface 34. The upper surface of the base portion can be used to assemble a sandwich as illustrated in FIG. 5; however, this is not required. When the upper surface 32 of the main portion is used to assemble a sandwich, direct contact of the sandwich or sandwich components with a hard surface (e.g., stainless steel surface, ceramic surface, granite surface, aluminum surface, Corian surface, etc.) can be limited or avoided thereby reducing food contact with dirt, cleaning chemicals, microorganisms and/or other undesired materials that may exist on a counter surface. The upper surface of the base portion can optionally include one or more coatings (e.g., plastic coating, etc.) designed to a) limit or prevent absorption of liquids and/or other components of the sandwich into the base portion 100, b) limit microorganism growth on the base portion, and/or c) reduce porosity of the base portion (e.g., gas and/or liquid porosity).
The main portion 31 is illustrated as generally being square or rectangular shaped; however other shapes can be used (e.g., circular, oval, other polygonal shapes, etc.). The front edge 36 and side edges 38, 40 of the main portion are optionally connected to a front flap 42 and side flaps 44, 46. The shape of the one or more flaps is non-limiting. The flaps are generally hingedly connected to the main portion. The front edge 36 and/or side edges 38, 40 can optionally include notches, slots, grooves, indents, serrations, etc. to facilitate in the bending of the one or more flaps relative to the main portion. The inner surface 43 of the front flap can optionally include an adhesive such as, but not limited to an adhesive strip 50. A removable cover 52 (e.g., plastic film, paper, film, etc.) can be optionally placed over one or more portions of the adhesive. The adhesive, when used, can be used to secure the front flap to the top portion of the sandwich box so as to retain the base and top portion of the sandwich box in a closed position. As can be appreciated, the adhesive can be alternatively or additionally positioned on the outer surface of the front flap. As can also be appreciated, the top flap can include alternative or additional structures (e.g., slot, tabs, heat bond, etc.) to connect the front flap to the top portion of the sandwich box. Likewise, the inner and/or outer surfaces of the side flaps 44, 46 can optionally include adhesive and/or some additional structure to secure one or both of the side flaps to the top portion.
Flaps 40, 42 and 44 are all illustrated as having a front edge longitudinal length that is less than the back edge longitudinal length; however, this is not required. Also, flaps 40, 42 and 44 are all illustrated as having a curved or non-sharp transition between the front edges and sides of the flaps; however, this is not required.
The main portion and the side flaps are illustrated as including a bendable structure 54, 56, 58. This structure can be in the form of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and/or notches. The location of bendable structure 54 is spaced from the front edge 36 and back edge 37 of the main portion. The bendable structure is also illustrated as crossing the longitudinal axis of the main portion. As illustrated in FIG. 8, bendable structure 54 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main portion; however other angles can be used. Also, it can be appreciated that bendable structure 54 runs generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main portion. In such a configuration, a bendable structure can be included on the front flap. Bendable structure 54 is illustrated as being spaced generally equally between the front and back edge of the main portion, thus lying on the longitudinal centerline of the main portion. Generally, bendable structure 54 is spaced a distance from the longitudinal centerline of about 0-40% of the longitudinal length (e.g., distance between the back and front edge) of the main portion, typically about 0-25% of the longitudinal length of the main portion, and more typically about 0-10% of the longitudinal length of the main portion. When the bendable structure is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the main portion, the bendable structure is generally spaced equally between the side edges of the main portion, thus lying on the lateral centerline of the main portion. For such a bendable structure, the bendable structure is spaced a distance from the lateral centerline of about 0-40% of the lateral length (e.g., distance been the two side edges) of the main portion, typically about 0-25% of the lateral length of the main portion, and more typically about 0-10% of the lateral length of the main portion.
Bendable structures 56 and 58 are illustrated as being parallel to and in alignment with longitudinal axis of the bendable structure 54 prior to the side flaps being bent. As can be appreciated, when the bendable structure is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main portion and the front flap includes a bendable structure, the bendable structure on the front flap is generally parallel to and in alignment with longitudinal axis of the bendable structure prior to the front flap being bent. Generally, bendable structures 56 and 58 are formed in the same manner as bendable structure 54; however, this is not required.
Referring again to FIG. 8, the top portion 60 of the sandwich box includes a main section 70 having an upper surface 72, a lower surface 74, and four side edges 76, 78, 80, 82. Connected to each side edge is a flap 90, 100, 110, 120. The inclusion of one or more of the four flaps is optional. For example, one or more of the four flaps can be eliminated by resizing and/or reconfiguring one or more of the flaps on the base portion. Likewise, one or more of the flaps on the base portion can be eliminated by resizing and/or reconfiguring one or more of the flaps on the top portion. The top portion can optionally include one or more coatings (e.g., plastic coating, etc.) designed to a) limit or prevent absorption of liquids and/or other components of the sandwich into the top portion 100, b) limit microorganism growth on the top portion, and/or c) reduce porosity of the top portion (e.g., gas and/or liquid porosity). The main section 70 is illustrated as generally being square or rectangular shaped; however other shapes can be used (e.g., circular, oval, other polygonal shapes, etc.). The cross-sectional area of the main section 70 is illustrated as being less than the cross-sectional area of main portion 31; however, it can be appreciated that the cross-sectional area of main section 70 can be the same as or greater than the cross-sectional area of main portion 31.
Flaps 90, 100,110 and 120 are designed to be hingedly connected to the side edges of the main section. Side edges 76, 78, 80, 82 can optionally include notches, slots, roves, indents, serrations, etc. to facilitate in the bending of the one or more flaps relative to the main section. Flaps 90, 100, 110 and 120 can optionally include an adhesive or alternative or additional structures (e.g., slot, tabs, heat bond, etc.) to connect one or more of the flaps together and/or to one or more portion of the base portion; however, this is not required. Side flaps 90, 100, 110, 120 are all illustrated as having a front edge longitudinal length that is less than a back edge longitudinal length; however, this is not required. One or more of the side flaps can optionally have curved or non-sharp transitions between the front edges and sides of the flaps; however, this is not required.
The main section is illustrated as including a bendable structure 90. This structure can be in the form of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and/or notches. The location of bendable structure 90 is spaced from side edges 76 and 80 of the main section. The bendable structure is also illustrated as crossing the longitudinal axis of the main section. As illustrated in FIG. 8, bendable structure 90 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main section; however other angles can be used. Also, it can be appreciated that bendable structure 90 runs generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main section. Bendable structure 90 is illustrated as being spaced generally equally between the front and back edge of the main section, thus lying on the longitudinal centerline of the main section. Generally, bendable structure 90 is spaced a distance from the longitudinal centerline of about 0-40% of the longitudinal length (e.g., distance between side edges 76 and 80) of the main section, typically about 0-25% of the longitudinal length of the main section, and more typically about 0-10% of the longitudinal length of the main section. When the bendable structure is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the main section, the bendable structure is generally spaced evenly between the side edges 78, 82 of the main section, thus lying on the lateral centerline of the main section. For such a bendable structure, the bendable structure is spaced a distance from the lateral centerline of about 0-40% of the lateral length (e.g., distance been side edges 78 and 82) of the main section, typically about 0-25% of the lateral length of the main section, and more typically about 0-10% of the lateral length of the main section. As illustrated in FIG. 8, bendable structure 90 of the main section of the top portion is generally parallel to bendable structure 54 on the main section of the base portion. When the base portion and the top portion are in the closed position as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, bendable structures 54 and 90 generally face one another, are generally parallel to one another, and are diametrically opposed to one another.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, side flaps 100 and 120 each include a bendable structure 102, 122. Bendable structures 102 and 122 are illustrated as being parallel to and in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the bendable structure 90 prior to the side flaps being bent. As can be appreciated, when the bendable structure is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main section and side flaps 90 and 110 include a bendable structure, the bendable structure on the side flaps is generally parallel to and in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the bendable structure 90 prior to the sides being bent. Generally, bendable structures 102 and 122 are formed in the same manner as bendable structure 90; however, this is not required.
Side flaps 90 and 110 are illustrated as including secondary flaps, 92, 94, 112, 114. These secondary flaps are optional. The secondary flaps are designed to be hingedly connected to side flaps 90 and 110. Secondary flaps, 92, 94, 112, 114 can optionally include notches, slots, grooves, indents, serrations, etc. to facilitate in the bending of the one or more flaps relative to the main section. Secondary flaps, 92, 94, 112, 114 can optionally include an adhesive or alternative or additional structures (e.g., slot, tabs, heat bond, etc.) to connect one or more of the side/secondary flaps together, and/or to one or more portions of the base portion; however, this is not required. Secondary flaps, 92, 94, 112, 114 are all illustrated as having a front edge longitudinal length that is less than a back edge longitudinal length; however, this is not required. One or more of the secondary flaps can optionally have curved or non-sharp transitions between the front edges and sides of the second flaps; however, this is not required.
The side flaps and main section are designed to be folded together to form a top potion that has a sandwich cavity 130 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The sandwich cavity is dimensioned to enable the top portion to be positioned over the sandwich that is positioned on the upper surface 32 of the main portion 31 of base section 30. As illustrated in FIG. 8, side flap 110 includes a front edge 114 that is hingedly connected to back edge 37 of main portion 31. This connection is the principal connection between the top and base portions of the sandwich box.
Referring again to FIG. 8, main section 70 is illustrated as including two tabs 140, 142. The two tabs are illustrated as being positioned on each side of bendable structure 90. The tabs are illustrated as being positioned centrally along bendable structure 90; however, this is not required. as can be appreciated, one or more tabs can additionally or alternatively be positioned on one or more side flaps that include a bendable structure. All or a portion of the perimeter of each tab includes a bendable structure (e.g., notches, slots, grooves, indents, serrations, etc.). The shape and size of the one or more tabs is non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 8, each tab has a generally semi-circular shape. As also illustrated in FIG. 8, each tab includes two types of bendable structures; however, this is not required. For example, the back portion of the tab can include a bendable structure that is not designed to be separated from the main section (e.g., groove, indents, etc.) and the remaining perimeter of the tab can include a bendable structure that is designed to be separated from the main section (e.g., serrations. notches, slots, etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 2, a portion of tabs 140, 142 are bent back from the upper surface of the main section, but the back end is still connected to the main section.
The base portion and/or top portion can optionally include one or more viewing windows that enables a consumer to view the interior contents of the sandwich box while the sandwich box is in a closed position. Alternatively, one or more portions of the base portion and/or top portion can optionally be formed of a clear or semi-clear material that enables a consumer to view the interior contents of the sandwich box while the sandwich box is in a closed position.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, the sandwich box will be described regarding assembly and use. FIG. 1 illustrates the sandwich box fully assembled and in the closed position. FIG. 4 illustrates the top portion of the sandwich box in an assembled state. Side flaps 92, 94, 112, 114 can optionally be connected via adhesive, heat bond and/or mechanical connection arrangement to side flaps 100, 120 so as to facilitate in maintaining the assembled shape of the top portion. When the top portion is assembled, a sandwich cavity 130 is formed.
FIG. 5 illustrates that a sandwich can be assembled on the upper surface 32 of main portion 31 of the base portion 30. FIG. 6 illustrates that after the sandwich is fully assembled and placed on the upper surface 32 of main portion 31 of the base portion 30, the top portion 20 can be closed over the sandwich as illustrated by the arrow. The side flaps 44, 46 on the base portion are generally bent upwardly so as to be inserted in the sandwich cavity as the top portion is moved to the fully closed position. As can be appreciated, one or both side flaps 44, 46 can be designed to engage the outer surface of side flaps 100, 120 when the top portion is moved to the fully closed position. Once the top portion is moved to the fully closed position, the removable cover 52 is removed from the adhesive 50 as indicated by the arrow. Once the removable cover 52 is removed, the front flap 42 is bent upwardly until the adhesive engages the front surface of side flap 90, thereby securing the top and base portions together in the fully closed position. As can be appreciated, front flap 52 can be configured to connect to side flap 90 in other or additional ways. Also, it can be appreciated that front flap 42 can be bent upwardly prior to the top portion being fully closed so that the front flap is inserted in the sandwich cavity when the top portion is moved to the fully closed position.
Once the front flap is adhesively secured to the side flap 90, the sandwich box cannot be easily opened without damaging the sandwich (e.g., breaking apart one or more of the bendable structures). As such, the sandwich can function in part as a tamper proof container; however, this is not required.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the opening of the sandwich box by a consumer is illustrated. In a typical sandwich container, the lid of the container is opened by reversing the closing steps. The sandwich box of the present invention enables a consumer to access and consume the sandwich in the sandwich box in a unique manner. When a consumer wants to open the sandwich box, the consumer pushes on one or both of tabs 140, 142 located in the main section 70 on the top portion to cause a portion of the tabs to separate from and bend back from the top surface 72 of the main section 70. Generally, the tabs include a serrated and non-serrated perimeter. The serrated perimeter allows a portion of the tab to disengage from a portion of the upper surface of the main section. The non-serrated perimeter allows the tab to hingedly move on the main section. Once the one or more tabs are partially bent relative to the main section a user can then begin pulling the sandwich box apart along the bendable structures (54, 56, 58, 90, 102, 122) on the top and bottom potions. These bendable structures are generally serrated so that the box sections can be easily separated for one another. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a portion of the sandwich box has been torn apart to reveal the sandwich S on its side. Bendable structure 54 remains intact, thus the torn apart portions are hingedly connected to one another. FIG. 3 illustrates the two torn apart portions of the sandwich box separated from one another. The portion of the sandwich box that still includes sandwich S can be used as a sandwich holder while a consumer consumes the sandwich. Since a portion of the sandwich extends upwardly from the box portion, a consumer can partially or fully eat the sandwich without having to remove the sandwich from the box portion. The box portion also can function as a temporary sandwich container that captures portions of the sandwich while the sandwich is being eaten. As such, the box portion limits or prevents liquids from the sandwich or sandwich items from falling from the sandwich onto a user's lap while the sandwich is being eaten.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A sandwich box for enclosing a food item comprising:

a base portion having an upper surface, a bottom surface, a back edge and a base bendable structure, said upper surface designed to support a food item, said base bendable structure spaced from or intersecting said back edge, said base bendable structure including a structure selected from the group consisting of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and notches;

a top portion including a food cavity, a top face, a top face back edge and a top face bendable structure, said top face bendable structure spaced from or intersecting said top face back edge, said base portion and said top portion hingedly connected together to enable said top and bottom portions to pivot relative to one another, said top face bendable structure including a structure selected from the group consisting of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and notches, a portion of said top face bendable structure and said base bendable structure positioned parallel to one another when said top and bottom portions are in a closed position, a portion of said top face bendable structure and said base bendable structure positioned diametrically opposed to one another when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position, said upper surface of said base portion facing into said food cavity when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

2. The sandwich box as defined in claim 1, wherein said base portion includes a front edge and a front flap hingedly connected to said front edge, said front edge adhesively connected to a front face of said top portion when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

3. The sandwich box as defined in claim 1, wherein said base portion includes first and second side edges and a first and second side flap hingedly connected to said first and second side edges, respectively, said first and second side flaps engaging an inner or outer surface of first and second sides of said top portion, respectively, when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

4. The sandwich box as defined in claim 2, wherein said base portion includes first and second side edges and a first and second side flap hingedly connected to said first and second side edges, respectively, said first and second side flaps engaging an inner or outer surface of first and second sides of said top portion, respectively when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

5. The sandwich box as defined in claim 1, wherein said bottom portion and said top face of said top portion have a longitudinal length, a longitudinal width and a center lines along said longitudinal length and longitudinal width, said base bendable structure is a) positioned parallel to and within 25% of said center line of said longitudinal length of said bottom portion or b) positioned parallel to and within 25% of said center line of said longitudinal width of said bottom portion, said top face bendable structure is a) positioned parallel to and within 25% of said center line of said longitudinal length of said top face of said top portion or b) positioned parallel to and within 25% of said center line of said longitudinal width of said top face of said top portion.

6. The sandwich box as defined in claim 4, wherein said bottom portion and said top face of said top portion have a longitudinal length, a longitudinal width and a center line along said longitudinal length and longitudinal width, said base bendable structure is a) positioned parallel to and within 25% of said center line of said longitudinal length of said bottom portion orb) positioned parallel to and within 25% of said center line of said longitudinal width of said bottom portion, said top face bendable structure is a) positioned parallel to and within 25% of said center line of said longitudinal length of said top face of said top portion or b) positioned parallel to and within 25% of said center line of said longitudinal width of said top face of said top portion.

7. The sandwich box as defined in claim 1, wherein said top portion includes first and second side flaps that are hingedly connected to said top face of said top portion, said first and second side flaps including first and second side bendable structures, respectively, said first and second side bendable structures including a structure selected from the group consisting of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and notches, said first and second side bendable structures each having a longitudinal axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of said top face bendable structure, said longitudinal axis of said first and second side bendable structures intersecting a longitudinal axis of said base bendable structure when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

8. The sandwich box as defined in claim 6, wherein said top portion includes first and second side flaps that are hingedly connected to said top face of said top portion, said first and second side flaps including first and second side bendable structures, respectively, said first and second side bendable structures including a structure selected from the group consisting of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and notches, said first and second side bendable structures each having a longitudinal axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of said top face bendable structure, said longitudinal axis of said first and second side bendable structures intersecting a longitudinal axis of said base bendable structure when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

9. The sandwich box as defined in claim 3, wherein said top portion includes first and second side flaps that are hingedly connected to said top face of said top portion, said first and second side flaps including first and second side bendable structures, respectively, said first and second side bendable structures including a structure selected from the group consisting of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and notches, said first and second side bendable structures each having a longitudinal axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of said top face bendable structure, said longitudinal axis of said first and second side bendable structures intersecting a longitudinal axis of said base bendable structure when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

10. The sandwich box as defined in claim 8, wherein said top portion includes first and second side flaps that are hingedly connected to said top face of said top portion, said first and second side flaps including first and second side bendable structures, respectively, said first and second side bendable structures including a structure selected from the group consisting of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and notches, said first and second side bendable structures each having a longitudinal axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of said top face bendable structure, said longitudinal axis of said first and second side bendable structures intersecting a longitudinal axis of said base bendable structure when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

11. The sandwich box as defined in claim 9, wherein said first and second side flaps on said base portion are hingedly connected to said top face of said top portion, said first and second side flaps include first and second flap bendable structures, respectively, said first and second flap bendable structures including a structure selected from the group consisting of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and notches, said first and second flap bendable structures each having a longitudinal axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of said base bendable structure, said longitudinal axis of said first and second flap bendable structures intersecting said longitudinal axis of said first and second side bendable structures, respectively when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

12. The sandwich box as defined in claim 10, wherein said first and second side flaps on said base portion are hingedly connected to said top face of said top portion, said first and second side flaps include first and second flap bendable structures, respectively, said first and second flap bendable structures including a structure selected from the group consisting of serrations, grooves, slots, indents, and notches, said first and second flap bendable structures each having a longitudinal axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of said base bendable structure, said longitudinal axis of said first and second flap bendable structures intersecting said longitudinal axis of said first and second side bendable structures, respectively when said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

13. The sandwich box as defined in claim 11, wherein said top face bendable structure, said base bendable structure, said first and second side bendable structures, and said first and second flap bendable structures enable said sandwich to be opened while said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

14. The sandwich box as defined in claim 12, wherein said top face bendable structure, said base bendable structure, said first and second side bendable structures, and said first and second flap bendable structures enable said sandwich to be opened while said top and bottom portions are in said closed position.

15. The sandwich box as defined in claim 13, wherein said top face bendable structure, said base bendable structure enable at least 10% of said top portion and said bottom portion to be disengaged from a remainder portion of said sandwich box, said remainder portion of said sandwich box functioning as a holder of the food item and enables a user to eat the food item in said remainder portion.

16. The sandwich box as defined in claim 14, wherein said top face bendable structure, said base bendable structure enables at least 10% of said top portion and said bottom portion to be disengaged from a remainder portion of said sandwich box, said remainder portion of said sandwich box functioning as a holder of the food item and enables a user to eat the food item in said remainder portion.

17. The sandwich box as defined in claim 1, wherein said top face of said top portion includes a first tab that can be at least partially punched out by a user's finger, said first tab intersecting said top face bendable portion.

18. The sandwich box as defined in claim 16, wherein said top face of said top portion includes a first tab that can be at least partially punched out by a user's finger, said first tab intersecting said top face bendable portion.

19. The sandwich box as defined in claim 17, wherein said top face of said top portion includes a second tab that can be at least partially punched out by a user's finger, said second tab intersecting said top face bendable portion.

20. The sandwich box as defined in claim 18, wherein said top face of said top portion includes a second tab that can be at least partially punched out by a user's finger, said second tab intersecting said top face bendable portion.