SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING HOT FOOD

Abstract

A system for addition to a box for transporting hot food includes a sheet of paper having a length equal to at least two times the length of an interior of the box, and having a width greater than the width of the interior of the box, the sheet further including a fold in the sheet, wherein the fold defines a corresponding flap to be folded on top of the food, such that when food is placed on the sheet, the sheet is folded and placed within the interior of the box, the sheet completely covers the food and the sheet fits securely within the interior of the box, a first food-safe coating on the sheet with heat reflecting characteristics, a second food-safe coating on the sheet with oil-resistant characteristics and heat reflecting characteristics, and wherein the sheet is configured for being removably positioned within the interior of the box.

Claims

1. A system for addition to a box for transporting hot food, the system comprising: a) a sheet of paper having a length equal to at least two times the length of an interior of the box, and having a width greater than the width of the interior of the box; b) the sheet further including a fold in the sheet, wherein the fold defines a corresponding flap being a portion of the sheet configured to be folded on top of the food; c) such that when food is placed on the sheet, the sheet is folded according to the fold defined in the sheet, and the sheet is placed within the interior of the box, the sheet completely covers the food and the sheet fits securely within the interior of the box; d) a first food-safe coating on the sheet, wherein said first coating has heat reflecting characteristics; e) a second food-safe coating on the sheet, wherein said second coating has oil-resistant characteristics and heat reflecting characteristics; and f) wherein the sheet is configured for being removably positioned within the interior of the box, such that the food rests within the sheet.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first food-safe coating spans an entirety of a surface of the sheet.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first food-safe coating has non-stick characteristics.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the second food-safe coating spans an entirety of the surface of the sheet.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the second food-safe coating has non-stick characteristics.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein a top surface of the sheet includes printed material configured for advertising.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein a bottom surface of the sheet includes printed material configured for advertising.

8. A system for addition to a box for transporting hot food, the system comprising: a) a sheet of paper having a length equal to at least two times the length of an interior of the box, and having a width greater than the width of the interior of the box; b) the sheet further including a fold in the sheet, wherein the fold defines a top portion of the sheet and a bottom portion of the sheet, wherein the top portion is configured to be folded on top of the food; c) such that when the sheet is folded according to the fold, and the sheet is placed securely within the interior of the box, food is placed on the bottom portion, the top portion is folded on top of the food, and edges of the bottom portion extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box, such that the sheet completely covers the food; d) a first food-safe coating on the sheet, wherein said first coating has heat reflecting characteristics; e) a second food-safe coating on the sheet, wherein said second coating has oil-resistant characteristics and heat reflecting characteristics; and f) wherein the sheet is configured for being removably positioned within the interior of the box, such that the food rests within the sheet.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first food-safe coating spans an entirety of a surface of the sheet.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first food-safe coating has non-stick characteristics.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the second food-safe coating spans an entirety of the surface of the sheet.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second food-safe coating has non-stick characteristics.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein a top surface of the sheet includes printed material configured for advertising.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein a bottom surface of the sheet includes printed material configured for advertising.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the claimed embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the claimed embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a prior art system for transporting hot food;

[0012] FIG. 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a system for addition to a box for transporting hot food, shown in a flat orientation, according to an example embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of a system for addition to a box for transporting hot food, shown in a partially folded orientation, according to an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of a system for transporting hot food, including a box and an insertable paper system, according to an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system for transporting hot food, including a box and an insertable paper system, according to an example embodiment; and

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the insertable paper system, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

[0018] The claimed embodiments represent a significant advancement over previous technologies by introducing a system designed specifically for transporting hot food, ensuring that the food remains fresh, crisp, and hot for durations that were previously unattainable. This innovation addresses a common challenge faced by food delivery services and consumers alike: maintaining the optimal temperature and texture of hot food from the point of preparation to the point of consumption. While the examples herein primarily illustrate the system's application to pizza, a staple in the food delivery industry known for its sensitivity to temperature and humidity changes, it's important to recognize the system's versatility.

[0019] Experts in the culinary and food service industries will recognize the potential for these embodiments to revolutionize the delivery of a wide array of hot foods. The system's unique design and materials can be easily adapted to suit various types of cuisine that are traditionally difficult to transport without compromising quality. For instance, burritos, which are often wrapped in foil to retain heat, can benefit from this system by maintaining their warmth without becoming soggy due to trapped steam. Similarly, burgers, which require a delicate balance to keep the bun crispy and the patty juicy, could be delivered in optimal condition, preserving the integrity of each component.

[0020] Furthermore, items like French fries and nachos, which are notoriously known for losing their crispness during transport, stand to gain significantly from the system's innovative approach to moisture management and heat retention. The introduction of specialized coatings and strategically placed orifices within the transport material can facilitate the escape of excess moisture, thereby preventing the sogginess that often plagues these foods upon delivery.

[0021] In essence, the claimed embodiments extend beyond the realm of pizza delivery, offering a versatile solution to a longstanding problem in the food service industry. By maintaining the desired temperature and texture of a wide range of hot foods, this system enhances the overall dining experience for consumers who opt for delivery or takeout options. The adaptability of the design to accommodate different foods further underscores the inventive step and broad applicability of the claimed embodiments, making it a valuable addition to the art of food transportation.

[0022] This elaboration emphasizes the system's innovative features, broad applicability across various types of food, and its potential impact on the food delivery industry.

[0023] Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art system 100 for transporting hot food according to an example embodiment. The system includes a box 105 having a top side 110 and a bottom side 115. The top side 110 of the box defines a first substantial planar surface and the bottom side 115 of the box defines a second substantial planar surface. The bottom side 115 of the box is hingedly attached to the box such that the top side 110 of the box may pivot between an open position and a closed position (in the direction of double arrowed line D1) to allow access to an interior volume 120 of the box 105. The interior volume 120 of the box 105 is formed by two opposing sidewalls 116 and two opposing end walls 117 on the bottom side of the box. The interior volume 120 of the box is configured to provide sufficient area to store at least one food item.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the box 105 is generally sized to store a pizza 125, however, it should be appreciated that the box may have other shapes and dimensions to accommodate additional foods, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed embodiments. The box is preferably comprised from an integral piece of recyclable, non-toxic and food safe paper-based material such as corrugated cardboard or may be similarly comprised of biodegradable or compostable materials such as sugarcane, bamboo, and plant-based materials. The pizza sits on an interior surface 155 of the bottom side 115 of the box 105 and the interior surface 140 of the top side 110 of the box 105 closes onto and on top of the pizza when the box is in the closed position.

[0025] FIG. 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of an insertable paper system 200 for addition to a box 105 for transporting food, the system comprising a sheet of paper 210 having a single fold 205 at or near a midpoint of the sheet, the single fold defining a top sheet 202 and a bottom sheet 204. The top sheet may have a length and a width equal to the length and the width of an interior of the box 105 (such as 18 inches by 18 inches), such that the top sheet 202 fits within the interior of the box without being folded. The top sheet may alternatively have a length and a width that are both at least half an inch or an inch longer than the length and the width of the interior of the box 105 (such as 18.5 inches by 18.5 inches or 19 by 19 inches).

[0026] The bottom sheet 204 may have a length and a width equal to the length and the width of an interior of the box 105 (such as 18 inches by 18 inches), such that the bottom sheet fits within the interior of the box without being folded. The bottom sheet 204 may alternatively have a length and a width that are both at least half an inch or an inch longer than the length and the width of the interior of the box 105 (such as 18.5 inches by 18.5 inches or 19 by 19 inches), such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.

[0027] A first food-safe laminate (or non-laminate) coating may be deposited on an interior surface 212 of the top sheet 202, wherein said first coating has heat reflecting characteristics. A second food-safe laminate (or non-laminate) coating may be deposited on an interior surface 214 of the bottom sheet 204, wherein said second coating has oil-resistant characteristics. A plurality of orifices 213 may optionally be located in the top sheet, the plurality of orifices configured for allowing moisture to escape therethrough. In one embodiment, the plurality of orifices 213 may be slits, holes, perforations, cuts, cutouts, of the like. The insertable paper system 200 is configured for being removably positioned within the interior of the box 105, such that the food rests on the interior surface 214 of the bottom sheet 204. The system is configured to allow steam and moisture to escape to prevent the food or pizza crust from getting soggy.

[0028] The food-safe laminate coatings are comprised of impermeable, nonstick material capable of resisting high temperatures, however, it should be appreciated that other impermeable, nonstick materials may be employed provided that they effectively prevent the top of the pizza from adhering to the system 200. It should be appreciated that attachment devices may be used to secure the system 200 to the interior surface 140 of the top side 110 of the box 105, including backing materials coated with natural adhesives made from organic sources such as vegetable starch, natural resins, or animals, clamps, brackets, slots, or any other suitable method known in the art. Note also that the insertable paper system 200 may be removably coupled to an interior surface 155 of the bottom side 115 of the box 105, according to an example embodiment.

[0029] The insertable paper system 200 is configured to maintain the freshly prepared pizza 125 warm during transportation. In operation, the system 200 is positioned inside the box 105 such that when the hot pizza is removed from the oven and placed directly on the box, the pizza 125 is elevated off the interior surface of the bottom side of the box by the thickness of system 200.

[0030] FIG. 2A also shows another fold 225 at a top of the top sheet 202, the fold 225 defining a strip 222, which acts as a handle or tab that may be handled by a person wanting to move the device 200. The fold 225 and fold 205 may optionally be perforated folds. The strip may have the same width as the top sheet but have a height (such as to 1 inch) that is much smaller than the top sheet, hence referring to 222 as a strip. The strip may not include the orifices located in the top sheet.

[0031] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the insertable paper system 200 for addition to a box for transporting hot food, shown in a partially folded orientation, according to an example embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the insertable paper system 200 in use with a pizza box 105, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 3 shows that the sheet has been folded along fold 205 and folded along fold 225. Further, the figure shows that the pizza 125 has been placed on top of surface 214 of bottom sheet 204.

[0033] FIG. 3 also shows that the bottom sheet 204 may optionally have a length and a width that are both longer (at least half an inch longer) than the length and the width of the interior surface 155 of the bottom side 115 of the box 105, such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box. FIG. 3 shows that the edges of the bottom sheet 204 travel upwards along the two opposing sidewalls 116 and two opposing end walls 117 on the bottom side of the box. FIG. 3 shows that the edges of the bottom sheet 204 travel upwards around the entire perimeter of the box, so as to create a bowl-like shape that is able to hold liquid such as grease, oil, and the like. This prevents the pizza oil from touching or soaking the box, which allows the box to be recycled, since pizza boxes soiled with oil are not recyclable.

[0034] In one embodiment, the bottom sheet 254 may optionally include a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet. Scoring may comprise a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet is to allow for the easy folding or turning of the bottom sheet when it is placed in the interior surface 155 of the bottom side 115 of the box 105, as shown in FIG. 3. That is, when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, the bottom sheet folds at the plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements, such that the edges 402, 404 of the bottom sheet extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiments of the system 200 for transporting hot food, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4 shows that the bottom sheet 204 has a length and a width that are both longer (at least half an inch longer) than the length and the width of the interior surface 155 of the bottom side 115 of the box 105, such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges 402, 404 of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box. FIG. 4 show that the edges 402, 404 of the bottom sheet travel upwards along the two opposing sidewalls 116 on the bottom side of the box 105. FIG. 4 shows that the edges of the bottom sheet 204 travel upwards around the entire perimeter of the box, so as to create a bowl-like shape that is able to hold liquid such as grease, oil, and the like.

[0036] In one embodiment, the bottom sheet 254 may optionally include a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet that allow for the easy folding or turning of the bottom sheet when it is placed in the interior surface 155 of the bottom side 115 of the box 105, as shown in FIG. 4. That is, when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, the bottom sheet folds at the plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements, such that the edges 402, 404 of the bottom sheet extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiments of the insertable paper system 200, according to an example embodiment. The sheet of the system 200 may be composed of a first layer 582 of paper, wherein the first layer is configured for being removably coupled to an interior surface of the box. In one embodiment, the sheet of the system 200 is not coupled to an interior surface of the box but rather simply lie(s) on top of, or under, the food in the box, set in place using solely gravity and friction. The second layer 581 may include printed material configured for advertising.

[0038] The first layer may be composed of paper, such as cotton paper, synthetic paper, parchment paper, baking paper, liners or bakery release paper is cellulose-based paper that has been treated or coated to make it non-stick. Said paper may have a certain pliability and have a reflectivity coating to reflect heat. Alternative to parchment paper is wax paper, which is paper that has been made moisture-proof through the application of wax. Alternative to parchment paper is acetate paper, which is a transparent material that is made by reacting cellulose with acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid. The first layer may be food and liquid impermeable, such that food and liquid from food (such as oil and water) does not pass through said first layer.

[0039] Tests performed using the claimed embodiments show that food can be kept at least at the recommended standard of 140 degrees for extended periods of time, using the claimed box system. Tests performed used the claimed embodiments show that food can also be kept at a 10-12-degree higher temperature of 152-154 for extended periods of time. Systems that do not use the claimed embodiment result in food temperatures well below the 140-degree mark (from 95 to 120 degrees), inviting food borne bacterial growth.

[0040] The claimed embodiments provide outstanding results achieving 30 minutes of travel time keeping pizza hot, safe, well above temperatures that eliminates bacterial growth. The size and shape of the claimed embodiments may be oversized by -+ to create an oil containment edge within the bottom insert. The built-in edge trap holds spillages of cheesy residue and oils on the inside edges of the insert blocking any leakage that ruins the pizza box for recycling. For example, for a small 1010 pizza, the claimed embodiments would be slightly oversized by - to allow for the confinement edge to curl upward to confine the hot oils from escaping past the insert. The curled edges maintain that the pizza stays centered inside the box.

[0041] A single fold/or a double folded insert positions the pizza as a nesting pouch onto the non-porous insert. The pizza will not shift around and bump into the edges of the pizza box. Thus, making the entire pizza box fully recyclable.

[0042] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.