Abstract
A container for holding food item(s). The container having a base, a cover, and a tray. The base includes base receptacle(s), and an inner base volume is defined in each base receptacle. The tray includes tray receptacle(s), and each tray receptacle includes tab(s). An inner tray volume is defined in each tray receptacle of the tray receptacle(s) that is configured to receive a food item of the food item(s). The tray is positioned between the cover and the base when the container is in a closed state so each tray receptacle is received in the inner base volume defined a respective base receptable. Tab(s) are configured to move to an extended position when the container is in a closed state so that tab(s) contact the food item received in the inner tray volume defined in each tray receptacle, thereby restricting movement of the food item(s).
Claims
1. A container for holding at least one food item, the container comprising: a base including at least one base receptacle, wherein an inner base volume is defined in each base receptacle of the at least one base receptacle; a cover; and a tray comprising at least one tray receptacle, wherein each tray receptacle of the at least one tray receptacle comprises at least one tab, and an inner tray volume is defined in each tray receptacle of the at least one tray receptacle that is configured to receive a food item of the at least one food item, wherein the tray is positioned between the cover and the base when the container is in a closed state such that each tray receptacle of the at least one tray receptacle is received in the inner base volume defined a respective base receptable, and the at least one tab is configured to move to an extended position when the container is in a closed state so that the at least one tab contacts the food item received in the inner tray volume defined in each tray receptacle of the at least one tray receptacle, thereby restricting movement of the at least one food item.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein each tab of the at least one tab comprises a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to contact a respective base receptacle of the at least one base receptacle when the container is in a closed state to urge the at least one tab to an extended position.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein each base receptacle of the at least one base receptacle comprises at least one protrusion, wherein each protrusion of the at least one protrusion is configured to contact a respective tab of the at least one tab when the container is in a closed state to urge the at least one tab to an extended position.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a column, and wherein the column is configured to contact the tray when the container is in a closed state.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the column is configured to avoid direct contact with the at least one food item when the container is in a closed state.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one tray receptacle comprises two or more tray receptacles.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein the at least one tray receptacle comprises four or more tray receptacles.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab comprises two or more tabs.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein the at least one tab comprises four or more tabs.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab includes a tab having a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, or a U-shape.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the tray comprises a tray wall extending in a first plane.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the tray comprises a tray rim extending radially outwardly from the tray wall, and, when the container is in a closed state, the tray rim is configured to contact a base sealing wall of the base and a cover sealing wall of the cover.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein the base comprises four corners, and a base corner tab is positioned at each of the four corners of the base.
14. The container of claim 13, wherein the cover comprises four corners, and a cover corner tab is positioned at each of the four corners of the cover.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a wall between each base receptacle of the at least one base receptacle.
16. A method for using a container for holding a food item, the method comprising: providing a tray comprising a tray receptacle, wherein the tray receptacle comprises a tab, and wherein an inner tray volume is defined in the tray receptacle; providing a base including a base receptacle, wherein an inner base volume is defined within the base receptacle; providing a cover; providing the food item; positioning the food item in the inner tray volume; positioning the tray relative to the base such that the tray receptacle is received within the inner base volume of the base receptacle; and positioning the cover in a closed position relative to the base and the tray, wherein the tab moves to an extended position when the cover is in a closed position so that the tab contacts the food item, thereby restricting movement of the food item.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the tab comprises a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to contact the base receptacle when the container is in a closed state to urge the tab to an extended position.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the base receptacle comprises a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to contact the tab when the container is in a closed state to urge the tab to an extended position.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the tray comprises four or more tray receptacles, and the base comprises four or more base receptacles.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein each tray receptacle comprises four or more tabs.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example container that is closed, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the closed container of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the closed container of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the closed container of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating the container of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an exploded, front view illustrating the container of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom, perspective view illustrating a cover of the container of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating the cover of the container of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a base of the container of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating the base of the container of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0017] FIG. 11A is a perspective view illustrating a tray of the container of FIG. 1 where tabs are in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0018] FIG. 11B is a front view illustrating the tray of FIG. 11A where tabs are in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0019] FIG. 11C is a top view illustrating the tray of FIG. 11A where tabs are in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating the tray of FIG. 11A where tabs are in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0021] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the container of FIG. 1 about the line A-A of FIG. 4, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0022] FIG. 13B is an enhanced, cross-sectional view illustrating the container of FIG. 1 about the line A-A of FIG. 4, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0023] FIG. 13C is a schematic, cross-sectional view illustrating the container of FIG. 1 about the line A-A of FIG. 4, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the container of FIG. 1 about the line B-B of FIG. 4, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a front view illustrating another example tray that may be used with tabs shown in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the example tray of FIG. 15 with tabs shown in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0027] FIG. 17A is a front view illustrating the example tray of FIG. 15 with tabs shown in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0028] FIG. 17B is a top view illustrating the example tray of FIG. 15 with tabs shown in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0029] FIG. 18 is an enhanced cross-sectional view illustrating protrusions on tabs that contact the walls of base receptacles to urge tabs to extended positions, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0030] FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating an example container including the tray of FIG. 15, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the container of FIG. 19 where a cover of the container is hidden so that other components may be more easily seen, accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a top view illustrating the container of FIG. 19 where a cover of the container is hidden so that other components may be more easily seen, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a perspective, cross-sectional view illustrating the container of FIG. 19 where engagement between a column and the tray may be seen, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating an example base of the container of FIG. 19 that is configured to be used with the tray of FIG. 15, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a top view illustrating the base of FIG. 23, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a top view illustrating another example tray that may be used, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a front view illustrating the tray of FIG. 25 with tabs in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating the tray of FIG. 25 with tabs in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a front view illustrating the tray of FIG. 25 with tabs in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0040] FIG. 29 is a front view illustrating another example tray with rectangular-shaped tabs in an closed position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a front view illustrating another example tray with U-shaped tabs in an closed position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0042] FIG. 31 is a front view illustrating another example tray with inverted tabs in an closed position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; and
[0043] FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for using containers described herein, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Other than in FIG. 32, like reference numerals generally refer to like elements throughout. For example, reference numbers 106, 206, 306 each refer to trays. Additionally, any connections or attachments may be direct or indirect connections or attachments unless specifically noted otherwise.
[0045] An example container 100 is illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 1, the front view of FIG. 2, the bottom view of FIG. 3, and the top view of FIG. 4. Different exploded views of the container 100 are also illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The container 100 comprises a cover 102, a base 104, and a tray 106. The tray 106 is configured to be positioned between the base 104 and the cover 102. The container 100 has a front side 101A, a left side 101B, a rear side 101C, and a right side 101D. The container 100 and each of its components are symmetrical such that the features on each side of the container 100 are identical relative to other sides.
[0046] The cover 102 is illustrated in isolation in the bottom, perspective view of FIG. 7 and in the bottom view of FIG. 8. The cover 102 includes a body 103, cover sealing wall 108, a cover rim 110, a cover corner tab 112, and a column 118. The cover sealing wall 108 extends around the perimeter of the body 103 within a plane, and the cover sealing wall 108 is configured to engage with a corresponding sealing wall within a base (e.g., base sealing wall 142) and/or a wall of a tray (e.g., the wall forming the tray rim 144). Through this engagement, the cover sealing wall 108 is configured to form a seal for the container 100 to protect food items within the container 100 from outside moisture, debris, particles, etc. The cover rim 110 extends outwardly from the cover sealing wall 108, and the cover rim 110 extends around the cover sealing wall 108 for the entire cover 102. When the container 100 rests in an upright orientation, the cover rim 110 may extend in the horizontal plane. The container 100 also defines four corners positioned between each of the sides 101A-101D, and cover corner tabs 112 are positioned at each of the corners. The cover corner tabs 112 are each attached to the cover rim 110. The column 118 of the cover 102 is described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure.
[0047] The base 104 is illustrated in isolation in the perspective view of FIG. 9 and in the top view of FIG. 10. The base 104 includes four base receptacles 126, and each of these base receptacles 126 defines an inner volume 146 configured to receive a food item 136. The food item 136 is a cupcake, but other types of food items may be received within the inner volumes 146. Each of the base receptacles 126 are separated by a wall 150, with the wall 150 being configured to hold food items 136 in position and to prevent food items 136 from coming in contact with each other. Four walls 150 are included in the base 104. However, in other embodiments, a different number of base receptacles 126 and walls 150 may be included in the base 104. The base 104 also includes a support surface 148. The support surface 148 is positioned at a central location of the base 104, and the support surface 148 is positioned at a location where each of the walls 150 meet.
[0048] Within each of the base receptacles 126, protrusions 160 are positioned on the walls that form the base receptacles 126. These protrusions 160 extend from the walls that form the base receptacles 126 inwardly towards the inner volume 146 of the base receptacles 126. The protrusions 160 are configured to engage tabs 154 positioned on the tray 106, thereby causing the tabs 154 to come in contact with food items 136 to help restrict movement of the food items 136. Protrusions 160 are separated from each other by about 90 degrees relative to a center of the base receptacles 126, thereby allowing the protrusions 160 to be aligned with tabs 154 that are also separated from each other by about 90 degrees. Protrusions 160 may extend inwardly by less than a centimeter in some embodiments. Protrusions 160 have an oval shape, but other shapes may be used.
[0049] The base 104 also includes a base sealing wall 142 and a base rim 124. The base sealing wall 142 extends around the perimeter of the base 104, and the base sealing wall 142 is configured to engage with a corresponding sealing wall within a cover (e.g., cover sealing wall 108) and/or a wall of a tray (e.g., wall forming the tray rim 144). Through this engagement, the base sealing wall 142 is configured to form a seal for the container 100 to protect food items within the container 100 from outside moisture, debris, particles, etc. The base rim 124 extends outwardly from the base sealing wall 142, and the base rim 124 extends around the base sealing wall 142 for the entire base 104. The base 104 also defines four corners positioned between each of the sides 101A-101D, and base corner tabs 122 are positioned at each of these corners. The base corner tabs 122 are each attached to the base rim 124. The base corner tabs 122 and the cover corner tabs 112 may be used to assist in opening the container 100 and to disengage the base sealing wall 142 from the cover sealing wall 108.
[0050] A tray 106 having tabs 154 being in a retracted position is illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 11A, the front view of FIG. 11B, and the top view of FIG. 11C. This tray 106 is also illustrated with tabs being in an extended position in the front view of FIG. 12.
[0051] The tray 106 includes a tray wall 130, and four tray receptacles 152 are attached on the tray wall 130. The tray receptacles 152 each define inner volumes 158 therein where food items may be received. The tray wall 130 also defines a contact area 140. Tabs 154 are positioned within the tray receptacles 152. These tabs 154 within the tray receptacles 152 are separated from each other by about 90 degrees relative to a center of the tray receptacles 152, thereby allowing the tabs 154 to be aligned with protrusions 160 that are also separated from each other by about 90 degrees. However, tabs 154 and protrusions 160 may be positioned differently in other embodiments, and a different number of tabs 154 and protrusions 160 may be used.
[0052] The tabs 154 and other tabs described herein have a triangular shape, with tabs being configured to pivot about one side of the tab. The ends of tabs may be rounded to prevent excessive damages when the ends contact food items 136. However, tabs may possess different shapes in other embodiments. For example, tabs may be provided with concave shapes at the ends of the tabs, with this concave shape conforming to the shape of the food items 136. Other shapes may be used for the tabs such as square, rectangular, polygonal, curved, or convex shapes may be used.
[0053] The tray 106 also includes a tray perimeter wall 156 and a tray rim 144. The tray perimeter wall 156 extends around the perimeter of the tray wall 130. When the tray 106 is oriented in an upright manner, the tray wall 130 extends in a horizontal plane, and the tray perimeter wall 156 extends upwardly from the tray wall 130. The tray rim 144 also extends around the perimeter of the tray perimeter wall 156. When the tray 106 is oriented in an upright manner, the tray rim 144 generally extends in a horizontal plane. When the tray 106 is positioned between the cover 102 and the base 104 and the container 100 is closed, the tray rim 144 may be positioned between horizontally extending portions of the base sealing wall 142 and the cover sealing wall 108. By positioning the tray rim 144 between the base sealing wall 142 and the cover sealing wall 108, movement of the tray 106 may generally be restricted relative to the cover 102 and the base 104 when the container 100 is closed. The inclusion of the tray rim 144 may also enable users to easily separate the tray 106 from the base 104 as the user may separate the tray rim 144 from the base 104 and may then pull the tray rim 144 to separate it from the base 104.
[0054] FIGS. 13A-13C allow the functionality of the tabs to be more easily seen. FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the container 100 of FIG. 1 about the line A-A of FIG. 4, FIG. 13B is an enhanced, cross-sectional view illustrating the container 100 of FIG. 1 about the line A-A of FIG. 4, and FIG. 13C is another enhanced, cross-sectional view illustrating the container 100 of FIG. 1 about the line A-A of FIG. 4.
[0055] In FIGS. 13A-13C, the tray 106 is positioned relative to the base 104 so that the tray receptacles 152 are fully received within the inner volumes 146 of base receptacles 126. When this is the case, the protrusions 160 engage the tabs 154 as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C. The engagement between the protrusions 160 and the tabs 154 causes the tabs 154 to move from a retracted position to an extended position. When the tabs 154 are in the retracted position, an effective size of the inner volumes 158 may be larger than when the tabs 154 are in the extended position. Thus, when the tabs 154 are in the retracted position, food items may be more easily inserted into the inner volumes 158 of the tray receptacles 152 compared to when the tabs 154 are in the extended position. Once the protrusions 160 stop contacting the tabs 154, the tabs 154 may be configured to move back to the retracted position. Thus, the tray 106 may be separated from the base 104 so that the tabs 154 move to a retracted position, and food items may be more easily inserted into or removed from the inner volumes 158 of the tray receptacles 152 when the tray 106 is separated from the base 104 because the tabs 154 are in the retracted position. Once food items are received in the inner volumes 158 of the tray receptacles 152, the tray 106 may be positioned relative to the base 104 so that the tray receptacles 152 are fully received within the inner volumes 146 of base receptacles 126, thereby causing the tabs 154 to move to an extended position as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C, reducing the effective size of the inner volume 158, and impeding movement of the food items 136 within the inner volumes 158. In some embodiments, the movement of the food items 136 may be impeded to such a degree that the food items 136 are generally prevented from moving within the inner volume 158.
[0056] When the tabs 154 are in an extended position as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C, the tabs 154 may come in contact with an undecorated portion 134 of the food item 136, and the tabs 154 may also refrain from coming in contact with the decorated portion 132 of the food item 136. Thus, any decorations on the decorated portion 132 of the food item 136 may be preserved and left unaltered even as the container 100 is moved around.
[0057] FIG. 14 allows the column 118 of the cover 102 to be seen in greater detail. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the container 100 of FIG. 1 about the line B-B. When the container 100 is closed and oriented in an upright manner as illustrated in FIG. 14, the column 118 may extend downwardly from the body 103 of the cover 102, and the bottom wall 120 of the column 118 is configured to come in contact with the contact area 140 of the tray wall 130 to retain the tray wall 130 in place. As a result of the contact between the column 118 and the contact area 140 of the tray wall 130, the tray 106 is held in position so that the tray 106 does not move towards the cover 102. This may also prevent food items 136 within the tray receptacles 152 from coming in contact with the cover 102, with the tabs 154 engaging the food items 136 to restrict movement of the food items 136 relative to the tray 106. Another example of this is illustrated in FIG. 22, where a modified tray 206 is used and where the bottom wall 120 of the column 118 contacts a contact area 240 of a tray wall 230 on the modified tray 206 to retain a tray wall 230 in place.
[0058] Another example tray 206 that may be used is illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16, 17A, 17B, and 18. The tray 206 is illustrated with tabs 254 in a retracted position in a front view of FIG. 15 and in the perspective view of FIG. 16. The tray 206 is illustrated with tabs 254 in an extended position in the front view of FIG. 17A and the top view of FIG. 17B. Additionally, FIG. 18 is an enhanced cross-sectional view illustrating protrusions 260 on the tabs 254 that contact the walls of the base receptacles 226 to urge the tabs 254 to extended positions.
[0059] Unlike the tray 106 described elsewhere herein, the tray 206 includes protrusions 260 on the tabs 254. These protrusions 260 extend radially outwardly relative to the center of the inner volume 258. The tray 206 may be positioned relative to the base 204 so that the tray receptacles 252 are fully received within the inner volumes 246 of base receptacles 226. When this is the case, the protrusions 260 engage the walls that form the base receptacles 226 as illustrated in FIG. 18. The engagement between the protrusions 260 and these walls causes the tabs 254 to move from a retracted position to an extended position. When the tabs 254 are in the retracted position, an effective size of the inner volumes 258 may be larger than when the tabs 254 are in the extended position. Thus, when the tabs 254 are in the retracted position, food items 136 may be more easily inserted into the inner volumes 258 of the tray receptacles 252 than when the tabs 254 are in the extended position. Once the protrusions 260 stop contacting the tabs 254, the tabs 254 may be configured to move back to the retracted position. Thus, the tray 206 may be separated from the base 204 so that the tabs 254 move to a retracted position, and food items 136 may be more easily inserted into or removed from the inner volumes 258 of the tray receptacles 252 when the tray 206 is separated from the base 204 because the tabs 254 are in the retracted position. Once food items 136 are received in the inner volumes 258 of the tray receptacles 252, the tray 206 may be positioned relative to the base 204 so that the tray receptacles 252 are fully received within the inner volumes 246 of base receptacles 226, thereby causing the tabs 254 to move to an extended position as illustrated in FIG. 18, reducing the effective size of the inner volume 258, and impeding movement of the food items 136 within the inner volumes 258. In some embodiments, the movement of the food items 136 may be impeded to such a degree that the food items 136 are generally prevented from moving within the inner volume 258.
[0060] Additionally, the tray 206 is different from the tray 106 in that the tray 106 includes the tray perimeter wall 156 and tray 206 does not. In the tray 206, the tray wall 230 forms the top of the tray 206, and the tray rim 244 is positioned at the edges of the tray wall 230. Thus, the tray 206 is smaller than the tray 106.
[0061] In other respects, the tray 206 is similar to the tray 106 described herein. The tray receptacles 252 are positioned similarly relative to the tray wall 230 compared to the tray receptacles 152 of the tray wall 130, the tabs 254 generally have a similar triangular shape compared to the tabs 154, and other aspects of the trays 106, 206 are similar.
[0062] The tray 206 is illustrated in FIGS. 19-22 alongside other components of the container 200 so that the interaction between the different components may be seen. An example container 200 including the tray 206 is illustrated in the exploded, perspective view of FIG. 19. The container 200 is illustrated with a cover 102 of the container 200 hidden in the perspective view of FIG. 20 and in the top view of FIG. 21. Additionally, FIG. 22 is a perspective, cross-sectional view illustrating the container 200 where engagement between a column 118 and the tray 206 may be seen.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the tray 206 may be used in conjunction with a cover 102 and a base 204. The cover 102 may be unmodified relative to other embodiments described herein, and the column 118 may engage the tray 206 in a manner similar to how the column 118 engages the tray 106. Food items 136 may be received in inner volumes defined by the tray receptacles 252 and protected in a manner similar to other embodiments described herein.
[0064] The base 204 is illustrated in isolation in the perspective view of FIG. 23 and the top view of FIG. 24. The base 204 is different from the base 104 in that the base 104 includes protrusions 160 on the walls that form the base receptacle 126 and the base 204 does not include any such protrusions. The base 204 is configured to be used in conjunction with the tray 206, which has protrusions 260 that extend outwardly and that are configured to come in contact with the walls that form the base receptacles 226 of the base 204.
[0065] In other respects, the base 204 is generally similar to the base 104 described herein. For example, the base 204 has base corner tabs 222, a base rim 224, base receptacles 226, a base sealing wall 242, a support surface 248, and walls 250 that are similar to the base corner tabs 122, the base rim 124, the base receptacles 126, the base sealing wall 142, the support surface 148, and the walls 150 described elsewhere herein.
[0066] Another example tray 306 is illustrated in the top view of FIG. 25, the front view of FIG. 26, and the front view of FIG. 27. In FIGS. 25-26, most of the tabs 354 are in a retracted position, but FIG. 27 shows the tabs 354 in an extended position. The tray 306 has a lower profile than the tray 106 described herein. While tray 106 includes a tray perimeter wall 156, tray 306 does not. Additionally, while the tray 206 includes protrusions 260 on the tabs 254, the tray 306 does not include any protrusions on its tabs 354. Thus, the tray 306 is similar to the tray 106 in that neither include any protrusions on their respective tabs. As such, the tray 306 may be used as a low-profile replacement for the tray 106. Like the tray 106, the tray 306 may be configured to be used in conjunction with the base 104 of FIGS. 9 and 10, which includes protrusions 160 on the walls of the base receptacles 126.
[0067] Other than the fact that the tray 206 includes protrusions 260 and the tray 306 does not, the tray 206 and the tray 306 are generally similar. The tray 306 includes a tray wall 330, a contact area 340, tray receptacles 352, tabs 354, and inner volumes 358. Other than the differences identified herein, each of these features are similar to the tray wall 230, the contact area 240, the tray receptacles 252, the tabs 254, and the inner volumes 258 respectively.
[0068] FIG. 29 is a front view illustrating another example tray 406 with rectangular-shaped tabs 454 in an closed position. The tray 406 is generally similar to the tray 306 of FIG. 26. For example, the tray 406 includes a tray wall 430 having a contact area 440, and the tray 404 includes four tray receptacles 452. The tray wall 430, the contact area 440, and the tray receptacles 452 are generally similar to the tray wall 330, the contact area 340, and the tray receptacles 352 in the tray 306 of FIG. 26. However, the tray 406 includes rectangular-shaped tabs 454. The rectangular-shaped tabs 454 possess rounded edges 454A at the bottom edges of the rectangular-shaped tabs 454. Other than the distinct shape of the rectangular-shaped tabs 454, the rectangular-shaped tabs 454 may function in a manner similar to the triangular-shaped tabs 354.
[0069] FIG. 30 is a front view illustrating another example tray 506 with U-shaped tabs 554 in an closed position. The tray 506 is generally similar to the tray 306 of FIG. 26. For example, the tray 506 includes a tray wall 530 having a contact area 540, and the tray 504 includes four tray receptacles 552. The tray wall 530, the contact area 540, and the tray receptacles 552 are generally similar to the tray wall 330, the contact area 340, and the tray receptacles 352 in the tray 306 of FIG. 26. However, the tray 506 includes U-shaped tabs 554 rather than the triangular-shaped tabs 354 of tray 306. Other than the distinct shape of the U-shaped tabs 554, the U-shaped tabs 554 may function in a manner similar to the triangular-shaped tabs 354.
[0070] FIG. 31 is a front view illustrating another example tray 606 with inverted tabs 654 in an closed position. The tray 606 is generally similar to the tray 306 of FIG. 26. For example, the tray 606 includes a tray wall 630 having a contact area 640, and the tray 604 includes four tray receptacles 652. The tray wall 630, the contact area 640, and the tray receptacles 652 are generally similar to the tray wall 330, the contact area 340, and the tray receptacles 352 in the tray 306 of FIG. 26. However, the tray 606 includes inverted tabs 654. The inverted tabs 654 possess a similar shape relative to the triangular-shaped tabs 354 of tray 306, but the inverted tabs 654 are rotated 180 degrees relative to the triangular-shaped tabs 354 so that the inverted tabs 654 are attached at the bottom and so that the inverted tabs 654 are configured to move laterally at the top edge of the inverted tabs 654. Other than the distinct orientation of the inverted tabs 654, the inverted tabs 654 may function in a manner similar to the triangular-shaped tabs 354. While the inverted tabs 654 have a generally triangular shape, inverted tab may possess other shapes (e.g., U-shape, rectangular shape, etc).
[0071] The tabs 154, 254, 354, 454, 554, 654 are merely exemplary, and other shapes, sizes, and/or orientations may be utilized for these tabs. Additionally, these tabs may be positioned in different locations, and a different number of tabs may be provided in other embodiments. Tabs may be provided with protrusions on the tabs that are similar to the protrusions 260 in the tray 206 of FIG. 15, but tabs may be provided without these protrusions in other embodiments and the tabs may be configured to come in contact with protrusions or other parts of other components such as a base. Tabs may also be configured to open in other ways. For example, the tabs may be attached so that, when a container is positioned upright, the free end of a tab shifts within a generally horizontal plane.
[0072] Additionally, methods of using containers that restrict the movement of food items are also contemplated. One example method 700 is illustrated in FIG. 32. At operation 702, a tray, a base, and a cover are provided. These components may be similar to a respective tray, base, or cover described herein.
[0073] At operation 704, the tray may be positioned relative to the base so that the tray receptacles are not received within the inner volumes of the base receptacles. By doing so, tabs in the tray may be positioned in a retracted position, thereby causing the effective size of the inner volumes in the tray receptacles to be made larger.
[0074] At operation 706, one or more food items may be positioned in inner volumes of the tray receptacles. With the tabs being in a retracted position, the food item(s) may be more easily inserted into the inner volumes of the tray receptacles.
[0075] At operation 708, the tray may be positioned relative to the base so that the tray receptacles are received within the inner volumes of the base receptacles. By doing so, tabs in the tray may be positioned in an extended position, thereby causing the effective size of the inner volumes in the tray receptacles to be reduced. With the tabs in the extended position, the tabs may engage the food item(s) within the inner volumes of the tray receptacles to inhibit movement of the food item(s). As described herein, protrusions may be present on either the tabs or the walls of the base receptacles that causes movement of the tabs to an extended position.
[0076] At operation 710, the cover may be positioned in a closed position relative to the tray and the base. In this closed position, cover sealing walls of the cover may engage with the base sealing walls and/or the tray rim. This engagement may form an effective seal around the perimeter of the container. Additionally, when the cover is positioned in the closed position relative to the tray and the base, the bottom wall of the column in the cover may engage with a contact portion on a tray wall of the tray. This engagement may prevent the tray from shifting towards the cover. Additionally, because the tabs are extended when the cover is in a closed position, the food items may generally be retained within the inner volumes of the tray receptacles and prevented from moving towards the cover. As such, the food items may be carried without being damaged, and any decorated portions of food items may be protected.
[0077] The method 700 of FIG. 32 is merely exemplary, and the method 700 may be modified in various ways. For example, the operations may be performed in different orders, and some of the operations may be performed simultaneously. Some of the operations from the method 700 may be omitted in some embodiments, and additional operations may be added in other embodiments.
CONCLUSION
[0078] Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
