FOOD AND CONDIMENT CONTAINER

Abstract

A condiment distribution apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a condiment delivery fitment including a condiment delivery base comprising two curved exterior surfaces formed adjacent to a flat top surface, a curved condiment delivery tube having a remote end and a near end, the near end affixed to the flat top surface of the condiment delivery base, and product valve distribution means positioned within the condiment delivery base and attached to the curved condiment delivery tube enabling rotation of the curved condiment delivery tube relative to the condiment delivery base, wherein rotation of the product valve distribution means selectively inhibits or enables condiment product delivery via the curved condiment delivery tube.

Claims

1. A condiment distribution apparatus, comprising: a condiment delivery fitment comprising: a condiment delivery base comprising two curved exterior surfaces formed adjacent to a flat top surface; a curved condiment delivery tube having a remote end and a near end, the near end affixed to the flat top surface of the condiment delivery base; and product valve distribution means positioned within the condiment delivery base and attached to the curved condiment delivery tube enabling rotation of the curved condiment delivery tube relative to the condiment delivery base, wherein rotation of the product valve distribution means selectively inhibits or enables condiment product delivery via the curved condiment delivery tube.

2. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a detachable clip formed to attach to the condiment delivery fitment.

3. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 2, wherein the detachable clip comprises a center section and an exterior section separated by a channel.

4. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 1, wherein the condiment delivery fitment comprises a plurality of rings formed on an exterior of the curved condiment delivery tube proximate the near end.

5. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a detachable clip configured to fit between two of the plurality of rings using an attachment piece formed on the detachable clip.

6. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 1, wherein the condiment delivery base is sized to receive a condiment package.

7. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 6, wherein the condiment delivery base is configured to receive the condiment package and have the condiment package affixed thereto via a press fitting technique.

8. A condiment distribution apparatus, comprising: a condiment delivery fitment comprising: a condiment delivery base comprising two intersecting curved exterior surfaces formed adjacent to a flat top surface; a curved condiment delivery tube having a remote end and a near end, the near end affixed to the flat top surface of the condiment delivery base; and product valve distribution means positioned within the condiment delivery base and attached to the curved condiment delivery tube enabling rotation of the curved condiment delivery tube relative to the condiment delivery base, wherein rotation of the product valve distribution means selectively inhibits or enables condiment product delivery via the curved condiment delivery tube; and a detachable clip formed to attach to the condiment delivery fitment.

9. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 8, wherein the detachable clip comprises a center section and an exterior section separated by a channel.

10. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 8, wherein the condiment delivery fitment comprises a plurality of rings formed on an exterior of the curved condiment delivery tube proximate the near end.

11. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 10, wherein the detachable clip is configured to fit between two of the plurality of rings using an attachment piece formed on the detachable clip.

12. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 8, wherein the condiment delivery base is sized to receive a condiment package.

13. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 12, wherein the condiment delivery base is configured to receive the condiment package and have the condiment package affixed thereto via a press fitting technique.

14. A condiment distribution apparatus, comprising: a condiment delivery fitment comprising a condiment delivery base, a curved condiment delivery tube having a remote end and a near end, the near end affixed to the condiment delivery base, and product valve distribution means positioned within the condiment delivery base and attached to the curved condiment delivery tube enabling rotation of the curved condiment delivery tube relative to the condiment delivery base, wherein rotation of the product valve distribution means selectively inhibits or enables condiment product delivery via the curved condiment delivery tube; and means for attaching the condiment delivery fitment to a food container.

15. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 14, wherein the attaching means comprise a detachable clip formed to attach to the condiment delivery fitment.

16. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 14, wherein the condiment delivery base comprises two intersecting curved exterior surfaces formed adjacent to a flat top surface and a flat bottom surface.

17. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 15, wherein the detachable clip comprises a center section and an exterior section separated by a channel.

18. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 14, wherein the condiment delivery fitment comprises a plurality of rings formed on an exterior of the curved condiment delivery tube proximate the near end.

19. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 18, wherein the attaching means comprise a detachable clip configured to fit between two of the plurality of rings using an attachment piece formed on the detachable clip.

20. The condiment distribution apparatus of claim 14, wherein the condiment delivery base is sized to receive a condiment package.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of one embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a condiment container;

[0036] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective drawing of the delivery tube;

[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross section along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a second embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing of an alternate condiment container;

[0040] FIG. 7 is a cross section along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 6;

[0041] FIG. 8 is a cross section of condiment container in the form of a syringe;

[0042] FIG. 9 is a cross section of another syringe design for the condiment container;

[0043] FIG. 10 is a side view of a condiment container attached to a wall of a food container with clip(s);

[0044] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment comprising a separate condiment container and delivery tube;

[0045] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of a preferred clip attached to a condiment container with delivery tube;

[0046] FIG. 13 is a side view of a preferred clip attached to a condiment container with delivery tube;

[0047] FIG. 14 shows the start of attachment of the condiment container with preferred clip to a food container;

[0048] FIG. 15 shows the completion of attachment of the condiment container with preferred clip to a food container;

[0049] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the condiment container with preferred clip clipped onto the side of the food container;

[0050] FIG. 17 is a view of a fitment and detachable clip in accordance with a further embodiment of the design;

[0051] FIG. 18 is a view of a fitment including a dispensing tube in accordance with the further embodiment of the design;

[0052] FIG. 19 is a side view of the fitment including the dispensing tube in accordance with the further embodiment of the design;

[0053] FIG. 20 is a side view of the fitment and detachable clip of the further embodiment connected together;

[0054] FIG. 21 is a view of the detachable clip of the further embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 22 is a front view of the fitment and detachable clip of the further embodiment connected together;

[0056] FIG. 23 is a rear view of both the fitment and detachable clip of the further embodiment connected together;

[0057] FIG. 24 is a view of an alternate embodiment including a flexible dispensing tube;

[0058] FIG. 25 is another view of the alternate embodiment including the flexible dispensing tube; and

[0059] FIG. 26 illustrates a version of the design including a ball valve operating within a channel of.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.

[0061] The present design includes a combination food and condiment container and method of making it which provides easy application of the condiment to the food in the container. This design may comprise a food container with an open top; a condiment container designed so that manual pressure will empty it of a condiment; a condiment delivery tube; and a sanitary seal. The design may also comprise a condiment container designed so that manual pressure will empty it of a condiment; a condiment delivery tube; and a sanitary seal. The tube and container can be provided as separate elements which are joined by the user just prior to use. Alternatively, they could be provided as one unit.

[0062] One end of the tube is attached through a wall of the condiment container. The tube is designed so that the other end of the tube is positioned for delivery of the condiment to the food inside the food container. The sanitary seal is removably attached to the other end of the tube.

[0063] The tube is preferably designed to be bendable and may also be designed to rotate. The food and condiment containers may initially be separated. The two may be attached together by any convenient means such as a flange attached to the condiment container and a mating slide attached to the food container; contact adhesive; a strip of hook and loop fastener; and a flexible hook on the container designed to clip onto a side of the container.

[0064] The condiment container may be a flexible pouch, to which manual pressure can be applied for dispensing the condiment. Alternatively, the condiment container could be a syringe. Alternatively, the flexible pouch could be surrounded by an enclosure and a linkage provided so that pressure can be applied from outside of the enclosure to the pouch inside the enclosure.

[0065] A hole may also be provided through a wall of the food container so that the tube may be passed through the hole.

[0066] The combination food and condiment container may be constructed by: [0067] a) attaching one end of the condiment delivery tube through a wall of the condiment container; [0068] b) removably attaching the sanitary seal to the other end of the condiment delivery tube; and [0069] c) attaching the condiment container to the food container.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, this design may comprise: a food 14 container with an open top; a condiment container 18; a condiment delivery tube 22; and a sanitary seal 26. Alternatively, the design 10 can comprise a condiment container 18; a condiment delivery tube 22; and a sanitary seal. One end 30 of the tube 22 is attached through a wall 34 of the condiment container 18. The tube 22 is preferably designed to be bendable with its other end 38 positioned for delivery of the condiment to the food inside the food container 14. The tube 22 may also be rotatable, as illustrated by the arrow on FIG. 3. The sanitary seal 26 is removably attached to the other 38 end of the tube.

[0071] The food 14 and condiment 18 containers may initially be separated. The two may be attached together by any convenient means such as a flange 42 attached to or made integrally with the condiment container 18 and a mating slide 46 attached to the food container 14; contact adhesive; and a strip of hook and loop fastener. Those familiar with the art will recognize that other means of fastening could be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, one or more springy clips 110 could be attached to the rear wall 54 of the condiment container 18. The clip(s) 110 fit over and retain the container 18 to a wall 50 of the food container 14.

[0072] FIG. 4 better illustrates the flange 42 and slide 46 attachment means. The slide 46 is attached to a wall 50 of the food container 14. The flange 42 is attached to the rear wall 54 of the condiment container 18.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the condiment container 18 may be a flexible pouch, to which manual pressure, as illustrated by the thumb 58, can be applied for dispensing the condiment. Alternatively, the condiment container could be a syringe. Several different designs of syringe-like condiment containers 18a, 18b are illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0074] The embodiment 18a illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a barrel 62 inside an enclosure 66. A dogleg plunger 70 is provided so that upwards pressure, illustrated by the arrow, can be applied on the plunger head 74 from outside the enclosure 66. As can be seen from FIG. 8, this version dispenses the condiment upwards into the tube 22.

[0075] In the embodiment 18b, illustrated in FIG. 9, downwards pressure, as illustrated by the arrow, is applied to the plunger 78 and head 82, and condiment is dispensed into a reversing tube 86, which is connected to or made integral with the tube 22.

[0076] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the flexible pouch 18 could be surrounded by an enclosure 90 and a linkage 94 provided so that pressure, preferably upwards, as illustrated by the arrow, can be applied from outside of the enclosure to the pouch 18 inside the enclosure 90.

[0077] FIG. 7 also describes a method of attaching the tube 22 through the top wall 34 of the pouch 18. In this design the top wall 34 of the pouch 34 is at least partially attached to the top surface 102 of the enclosure 90. Holes are provided so that the end 30 of the tube 22 can pass through the top wall 34 and top surface 102. The bottom of the tube 22, which is below the wall 34 and surface 102 is provided with a stop flange 98. A stop ring 106 is attached to the end 30 above the top surface 102. In this way the tube 22 is retained in place, communicates with the condiment and can rotate. Those familiar with the art will recognize that alternative mechanisms are able to provide the same functionality.

[0078] FIG. 5 illustrates a variation in which a hole 110 is cut through a wall 50 of the food container 14 through which the tube 22 is be passed.

[0079] FIG. 11 illustrates a variation comprising an initially separated condiment container 18 and delivery tube 22. This variation could be applied to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8. The container 18 will include a window 114 made of soft, thin material and the straw 22 will have a pointed end 118. This construction is similar to that currently used in juice boxes except that the straw 22 and window 114 will be constructed so that they cannot easily be separated once the pointed end 118 of the tube 22 has been inserted through the window 114. Preferably, as in juice boxes, the tube 22 will be supplied entirely wrapped in plastic.

[0080] One way of accomplishing this is to make the diameter D of the tube 22 just slightly less than the diameter d of the window 114 and include a number of springy barbs 122 on the tube 22 close to the pointed end 118. Then after the pointed end 118 pierces the window 114 the barbs 122 will flatten against the tube 22 as it passes through the window 114 and spring out again after the barbs 122 have passed through, thus holding the end 30 of the tube 22 inside the pouch 18. Those familiar with the art will doubtless be able to conceive of alternate constructions.

[0081] The combination food and condiment container 10 may be constructed by: [0082] providing a separate, wrapped condiment delivery tube 22 and condiment container 18; or [0083] attaching one end 30 of the condiment delivery tube 22 through a wall 34 of the condiment container 18 and removably attaching the sanitary seal 26 to the other end 38 of the condiment delivery tube 22.

[0084] A customer will purchase food in a container 14. Preferably the condiment container 18 will not be affixed to the food container 14. Preferably an assortment of containers 18 containing different condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc. will be available for selection. The customer will then select a condiment container 18 containing his/her chosen condiment and affix it to the food container. If the tube 22 is separately provided, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the customer will insert its pointed end through the window in the condiment container. Then the customer will rotate and/or bend the tube 22 typically as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. If provided, the customer will remove the sanitary seal 26. Finally, the customer may dispense condiment from the condiment container 18 by applying manual pressure to the container 18, itself, similar to the way illustrated in FIG. 1; or by applying manual pressure to the linkage 94, shown in FIG. 6; or by applying manual pressure to the plungers 70, 78, illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0085] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a clip 110 for this design 10. This clip 110 is made of thin springy material, preferably plastic. It has two lengthwise slits 126 which create two outer fingers 130 and an inner finger 134. The outer fingers 130 and the un-slit top portion 138 of the clip are fastened to one side 54 of the condiment container 18. This leaves the inner finger 134 loose. Fastening can be achieved by any convenient means such as adhesive bonding or welding.

[0086] FIGS. 14 and 15 show how the clip 110 is used to fasten the condiment container 18 to the food container 14. The inner finger 134 is pried outwards and down over the side 50 of the food container 14. Then the assembly is slid down as shown by the arrows on FIG. 15. This results in the inner finger 134 being inside 142 the food container 14 and the outer fingers 130 plus the attached condiment 18 container being on the outside 146 of the food container 14. The springiness of the plastic keeps the condiment container 18 fixed on the side 50 of the food container 18.

[0087] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the condiment 18 container with clip 110 clipped onto the side of the food container 14.

[0088] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate embodiment according to the present design. From FIG. 17, there is provided a fitment or fitment piece 1701 having a front surface 1702 and a rear surface (not shown in this view). Front surface 1702 and the rear surface may be semi-circular in shape when viewed from above and may form a “boat” type shape in the embodiment shown, but other shapes may be employed, such as a truncated “boat” where both the “points” of the “boat” shape are cut off or removed. A dispensing tube 1703 is shown and may be joined to the fitment by rings, including ring 1708, and may be flared at one end. Detachable clip 1704 is shown having joining piece 1705 formed therewith, configured to fit with the rings 1708 of the fitment piece 1701.

[0089] FIG. 18 shows a front view of fitment piece 1701 and front surface 1702 as well as dispensing tube 1703. Also shown are rings 1708 and 1801. FIG. 19 shows a side view of fitment piece 1701, and shows dispensing tube 1703, ring 1708 above ring 1801, front surface 1702 and rear surface 1901. FIG. 20 shows fitment piece 1701, front surface 1702, rear surface 1901, and dispensing tube 1703, with detachable clip 1704 attached between the rings via joining piece 1705. FIG. 21 illustrates detachable clip 1704, including inner piece 2101 and outer piece 2102 separated by channel 2103. Also shown in FIG. 21 is joining piece 1705 formed on detachable clip 1704. FIG. 22 is a front view showing detachable clip 1704, fitment piece 1701 and front surface 1702 as well as dispensing tube 1703, with detachable clip 1704 connected to fitment piece 1701 via joining piece 1705. FIG. 23 shows a rear view of fitment piece 1701 and detachable clip 1704.

[0090] In operation, a condiment bag or container may be provided or attached to front surface 1702 and rear surface 1901, such as by a press fitting or pressure fitting or even glue or other attachment method or means known in the art, and the condiment bag or container may be filled through the bottom thereof and sealed. The result is a refillable arrangement for dispensing condiment or food product that may be clipped to a surface, such as a surface of a food holder. The alternative embodiment may be formed from any reasonable material based on circumstances, including a plastic material or materials.

[0091] FIG. 24 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a condiment delivery apparatus 2400 having a flexible or bendable dispensing tube, and FIG. 25 is a further representation of this alternate embodiment.

[0092] FIG. 26 shows a further version of the present design including a ball valve 2601. From FIG. 26, ball valve 2601 attaches to dispensing tube 1703 and rotates within channel 2602. Rotation enables condiment product to pass from a condiment container (not shown in FIG. 26) through the holes in ball valve 2601 and through dispensing tube 1703. Rotation 90 degrees in one direction or the other may be effectuated by turning dispensing tube 1703 and results in the holes in ball valve 2601 to be flush with the inner sides of channel 2602 of fitment piece 1701. Note that in this embodiment fitment tube 1703 includes a triangular region near the exit hole, and the endmost piece has a “U” shape with a top horizontal line formed. While not shown in this version, a capping piece may be provided that caps off the hole at the distributing end of fitment tube 1703. As may be appreciated, channel 2602 may not be circular in cross section, but may be narrow near the front or rear surfaces of fitment piece 1701. Other product valve distribution means may be provided, such as a breakable seal, a sliding cover type mechanism, or other device or arrangement.

[0093] Thus according to one aspect of the present design, there is provided a condiment distribution apparatus comprising a condiment delivery fitment including a condiment delivery base comprising two curved exterior surfaces formed adjacent to a flat top surface, a curved condiment delivery tube having a remote end and a near end, the near end affixed to the flat top surface of the condiment delivery base, and product valve distribution means positioned within the condiment delivery base and attached to the curved condiment delivery tube enabling rotation of the curved condiment delivery tube relative to the condiment delivery base, wherein rotation of the product valve distribution means selectively inhibits or enables condiment product delivery via the curved condiment delivery tube.

[0094] According to another aspect off the present design, there is provided a condiment distribution apparatus, comprising a condiment delivery fitment comprising a condiment delivery base comprising two intersecting curved exterior surfaces formed adjacent to a flat top surface, a curved condiment delivery tube having a remote end and a near end, the near end affixed to the flat top surface of the condiment delivery base, and product valve distribution means positioned within the condiment delivery base and attached to the curved condiment delivery tube enabling rotation of the curved condiment delivery tube relative to the condiment delivery base, wherein rotation of the product valve distribution means selectively inhibits or enables condiment product delivery via the curved condiment delivery tube, and a detachable clip formed to attach to the condiment delivery fitment.

[0095] According to another aspect of the present design, there is provided a condiment distribution apparatus, comprising a condiment delivery fitment comprising a condiment delivery base, a curved condiment delivery tube having a remote end and a near end, the near end affixed to the condiment delivery base, product valve distribution means positioned within the condiment delivery base and attached to the curved condiment delivery tube enabling rotation of the curved condiment delivery tube relative to the condiment delivery base, wherein rotation of the product valve distribution means selectively inhibits or enables condiment product delivery via the curved condiment delivery tube, and means for attaching the condiment delivery fitment to a food container.

[0096] The following reference numerals are used: [0097] 10 combination food and condiment container [0098] 14 food container portion [0099] 18 condiment container portion [0100] 18a upwards activated syringe like version of condiment container [0101] 18b downwards activated syringe like version of condiment container [0102] 18c enclosed version of condiment container [0103] 22 condiment delivery tube [0104] 26 sanitary seal [0105] 30 first end of tube [0106] 34 top wall of pouch [0107] 38 delivery end of tube [0108] 42 attaching flange [0109] 46 attaching slide [0110] 50 wall of food container [0111] 54 rear wall of condiment container [0112] 58 thumb [0113] 62 barrel [0114] 66 enclosure [0115] 70 dogleg plunger [0116] 74 plunger head [0117] 78 plunger [0118] 82 plunger head [0119] 86 reversing tube [0120] 90 enclosure [0121] 94 pressurizing linkage [0122] 98 stop flange [0123] 102 top wall of enclosure 90 [0124] 106 stop ring [0125] 110 clip [0126] 114 window [0127] 118 pointed end [0128] 122 flexible barb [0129] 126 lengthwise slits [0130] 130 outer fingers [0131] 134 inner finger [0132] 138 un-slit top portion of clip [0133] 142 inside of food container [0134] 146 outside of food container

[0135] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.