Meal tier system

Abstract

The invention is directed to a meal tier system. The system provides a plurality of cylindrical meal containers which stack neatly in tiers, and are removably affixed to a side-mounted spindle. Each container provides a watertight lid and may be individually swiveled around the axis of the spindle. The containers are dishwasher safe and may be insulated. Optionally, a large, sturdy bag with a carrying handle may be provided, such that the entire system, with all containers filled with food, may be fully assembled and securely carried in the bag with one hand.

Claims

1. A meal tier system comprised of: a plurality of cylindrical meal containers which stack neatly in tiers, a support having a stable base and an upright spindle extending upwardly from the base, said meal containers are stackable upon the stable base, each meal container having a watertight lid covering a top opening of said meal container in a removable manner, each meal container is removably affixed to said upright spindle in a side-mounted manner such that each meal container swivels around the axis of the upright spindle independently of the other meal containers, each watertight lid having a peripheral edge with a notch shaped to the outer contour of the upright spindle such that each watertight lid properly fits the top opening of its respective meal container.

2. The meal tier system of claim 1, wherein for secure carrying purposes, the meal containers are capable of being temporarily locked into a vertical stack.

3. The meal tier system of claim 1, wherein the meal containers are dishwasher safe and are insulated.

4. The meal tier system of claim 1, wherein food is received into the meal containers, the watertight lids are affixed to the meal containers, and then the meal containers are affixed to the upright spindle, such that the system is easily carried and stored.

5. The meal tier system of claim 1, wherein the meal containers, the watertight lids, and the upright spindle are manufactured from rigid, durable materials which are dishwasher safe.

6. The meal tier system of claim 1, wherein each meal container has a bottom wall and a circumferential sidewall, a vertically extending groove is provided in the outer surface of the sidewall, the vertically extending groove receives a portion of the upright spindle when affixed thereto.

7. The meal tier system of claim 6, wherein the vertically extending groove on the meal container's sidewall and the notch on the lid's peripheral edge align when the lid fits the top opening of the meal container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a top view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the system 10, the container 11, the lid 12, and the spindle 13.

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the system 10, the containers 11, and the spindle 13.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the system 10, the containers 11, and the lid 12.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view of the first exemplary embodiment with the containers in offset positions, displaying the system 10, the containers 11, and the spindle 13.

(6) FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment with the containers in offset positions, displaying the system 10, the containers 11, and the spindle 13.

(7) FIG. 6 is a side perspective exploded view of the first exemplary embodiment with the containers in offset positions, displaying the containers 11, the lids 12, and the spindle 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a meal tier system 10.

(9) The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a plurality of cylindrical meal containers 11 which stack neatly in tiers, and are removably affixed to a side-mounted spindle 13. Each container 11 provides a watertight lid 12 and may be individually swiveled around the axis of the spindle 13. For secure carrying, the containers 11 may be temporarily locked into a vertical stack. The containers 11 may provide removable, compartmented inserts such that separate dishes of the same meal may be stored and carried separately, such as roast beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

(10) The containers 11 are dishwasher safe and may be insulated. Optionally, a large, sturdy bag with a carrying handle may be provided, such that the entire system 10, with all containers 11 filled with food, may be fully assembled and securely carried in the bag with one hand. Alternately, a carrying handle may be provided at the upper end of the spindle 13.

(11) To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may fill the containers 11 with food, affix the lids 12 to the containers 11, and then affix the containers 11 to the spindle 13. The system 10 may then be easily carried and stored.

(12) The containers 11, the lids 12, and the spindle 13 are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials which are dishwasher safe, such as plastic and ceramics. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

(13) While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.