Lunch box with an internal case with a dry erase panel

Abstract

The present invention introduces an advanced meal transporting assembly, combining the functionality of a traditional lunch box with innovative features. Constructed from diverse materials like molded plastic, tin metal, or insulated fabric, the container includes a base with compartment dividers for organized food storage. A distinctive element is the internal storage unit, resistant to moisture, with a writable surface and a transparent, hermetically sealing lid. This feature allows for safe storage of notes or drawings, enhancing the utility of the lunch box. The assembly is secured with a clasp, ensuring safe transport. This novel design caters to the needs of users who require both meal transportation and a secure, dry space for notes, offering a practical solution for daily use.

Claims

1. A meal transporting assembly comprising: a container suitable for carrying food items, including a base portion having a storage area for accommodating various items and an access opening; a main lid mounted to the container, operable to move relative to the container to selectively open and close the access opening; a storage unit disposed within a designated compartment of an internal surface of the main lid, the storage unit including, a base having a writable surface and an internal compartment for holding items such as notes or other materials; a closure element mounted to the base, the closure element configured to move relative to the base between an open condition and a closed condition; and at least one of a snap fit or fastener structure configured to establish a seal between the closure element and the base when in the closed condition of the closure element to protect the internal compartment from external elements; and a clasp or fastener for securing the main lid in position to corresponding to closure of the container; wherein placement and orientation of the storage unit within the container are configured to prevent interference with opening and closing of the main lid relative to the container.

2. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1, wherein the container is made from a material selected from the group consisting of molded plastic, tin metal, treated wood, insulated polyester fabric, natural fibers, and woven bamboo.

3. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1, wherein the base portion of the container further comprises compartment dividers to create subdivisions for different food types.

4. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure element of the storage unit is hingeably coupled to the base of the storage unit and is configured to hermetically snap close and open.

5. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure element of the storage unit is made from a transparent material.

6. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1, wherein the base of the storage unit comprises a writable surface forming a cavity for storing items such as paper notes.

7. The meal transporting assembly of claim 6, wherein the cavity has a depth sufficient to prevent the closure element from contacting the writable surface.

8. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a kit for retrofitting existing containers to include a storage unit similar to the storage unit of the meal transporting assembly.

9. The meal transporting assembly of claim 8, wherein the kit includes instructions for placement of the storage unit within the container.

10. The meal transporting assembly of claim 8, wherein the kit includes sticky paper notes that fit inside the internal compartment of the storage unit.

11. The meal transporting assembly of claim 10, wherein the sticky paper notes are of different bright colors and may include pre-written positive notes or quotes.

12. The meal transporting assembly of claim 8, wherein the storage unit includes adhesive on its back for permanent attachment inside the container.

13. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1, wherein the container includes a fastening mechanism to maintain the container in a closed configuration.

14. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1, wherein the container is constructed in a style with subdivisions for different types of food products.

15. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1, wherein the storage unit is dimensioned to fit within the container without affecting its opening/closing functions.

16. The meal transporting assembly of claim 1 wherein the storage unit is configured to be received within the designated compartment of the internal surface of the main lid in snapped relation therewith.

17. The meal transporting assembly of claim 16 wherein the storage unit is releasably mounted within the designated compartment of the main lid.

18. A meal transporting assembly comprising: a container suitable for carrying food items, fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of molded plastic, tin metal, treated wood, insulated polyester fabric, natural fibers, and woven bamboo; a base portion of the container including compartment dividers to create subdivisions for different food types; a main lid mounted to the base portion and operable to move relative to the base portion to selectively open and close the base portion and permit selective access to the subdivisions thereof; a storage unit disposed within a corresponding recess of an internal surface of the main lid; the storage unit including a base with a writable surface forming a cavity for storing items such as paper notes, where the base comprises a dry erase back panel; the storage unit further comprising a transparent closure element, hingeably coupled to the base of the storage unit, configured to hermetically snap close and open to permit access to the cavity of the storage unit, and allowing visualization of the contents within the storage unit; a securing member including a clasp or fastener for securing the main lid in position corresponding to closure of the container.

19. The meal transporting assembly of claim 18 wherein the storage unit is configured to be received within a designated compartment of the internal surface of the main lid in snapped relation therewith.

20. A meal transporting assembly comprising: a container suitable for carrying food items, fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of molded plastic, tin metal, treated wood, insulated polyester fabric, natural fibers, and woven bamboo, and featuring a foldable fastening clasp for secure closure; a base portion of the container including bento-style compartment dividers for organizing different food types; a storage unit located within the container, designed to be resistant to environmental conditions, such as moisture, removable, and configured to snap into a designated place within the container, with an adhesive back for permanent attachment in a highly visible location upon opening of a lid of the container; the storage unit including a base with a writable surface, specifically a dry erase back panel, and forming a shallow cavity; the storage unit further comprising a transparent closure element, hingeably coupled to the base of the storage unit, configured to hermetically snap close and open, and made from a material that facilitates easy viewing of any notes or materials stored within, the transparent closure element arranged relative to the shallow cavity of the base to avoid contact of the transparent closure element with the writable surface thereby allowing for storage of paper notes without interference; wherein placement and orientation of the storage unit within the container is configured to prevent interference with opening and closing of the container; and wherein the meal transporting assembly further includes a kit with sticky paper notes of different bright colors and pre-written positive notes or quotes, fitting inside an internal compartment of the storage unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification and together with the description, are provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 presents an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the invention for a lunch box assembly;

(3) FIG. 2 presents an isometric perspective view of the lunch box assembly embodiment of FIG. 1 with the lunch box lid in an open configuration and showing an internal note storing case comprising a case lid, and a base with a dry erase back panel with writing on it;

(4) FIG. 3 presents an isometric perspective view of the lunch box assembly embodiment of FIG. 2 showing the internal note storing case in an open configuration and with writing on the dry erase back panel;

(5) FIG. 4 presents an isometric perspective view of the lunch box assembly embodiment of FIG. 3 showing a user erasing the writing of the dry erase back panel; and

(6) FIG. 5 presents an isometric perspective view of the lunch assembly embodiment of FIG. 4 showing the user writing on the dry erase back panel of the internal note storing case while the lid of the storing case is open.

(7) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(9) As used throughout the specification and claim(s), the term dry erase back panel includes any type of writing/drawing board regardless of its color or material/coating, including but not limited to painted metal, melamine, laminate, porcelain, magnetic, gel, LCD touch, etc., and regardless of the type of non-permanent writing tool employed such as but not limited to dry erase markers, washable crayons, stylus, fingers, etc.

(10) To provide more detail in each paragraph of the detailed description, while using the same terminology as found in the claims generated, the following modifications are made:

(11) In various embodiments, the meal transporting assembly, depicted in FIGS. 1-5, comprises a multifunctional container 100, fabricated from a diverse range of materials including, but not limited to, molded plastic, tin metal, treated wood, insulated polyester fabric, natural fibers, and woven bamboo. The container, designed for carrying food items, features a base portion 104 that houses a storage area 106 complete with an access opening 108. The base is equipped with compartment dividers 124, offering an efficient, bento-style organization for different food types. The container also includes a lid 110, hingeably attached to the base 104 using one or more hinges 112, which functions to securely open and close the access opening 108. Additionally, a securing means, such as a clasp 114, is integrated to maintain the container in a securely closed configuration as desired by the user.

(12) In a preferred embodiment, the assembly includes an advanced storage unit 116, located within the container and designed to be resistant to environmental conditions, such as moisture. This internal waterproof case 116 is comprised of a base 117 forming an internal compartment 118, ideally suited for storing items like paper notes. The base of this storage unit is innovatively designed with a writable surface, specifically a dry erase back panel 120, offering a convenient space for writing non-permanent memos, inspirational thoughts, or for drawing/doodling.

(13) The storage unit 116 further includes a closure element, namely a lid 122, hingeably coupled to its base 117. This lid is ingeniously designed to hermetically snap close and open, utilizing a fastening mechanism such as a snap fit joint or connector. In a preferred embodiment, the lid 122 is crafted from a transparent material, allowing users to easily view any notes or materials stored within the waterproof case 116.

(14) Notably, the presence of the dry erase back panel 120 without the protective lid 122 could result in dry erase marker residue contaminating the food items, and the written messages being inadvertently erased.

(15) Referring specifically to FIGS. 3-5, the internal waterproof case 116 can be positioned on the internal surface of the lid 110 of the container. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the waterproof case 116 can be located within the storage compartment 106 itself. In one configuration, the waterproof case 116 is permanently attached to the inside surface of the container's lid 110, while in another, it is designed to be removable and snaps into a designated place within the container, such as on the internal surface of the lid 110.

(16) The strategic placement and orientation of the waterproof case 116 within the container 102 are such that it is immediately visible upon opening the container, and it is configured to ensure that there is no interference with the opening and closing of the container.

(17) The dimensions and design of the lid 122 of the storage unit are carefully considered to allow comfortable writing on the dry erase back panel 120 without any hindrance when the lid is opened. For instance, the cavity 118 has a depth of only a few millimeters, sufficient to prevent the lid 122 from contacting the dry erase back panel 120 and adequately sized to accommodate items like paper sticky notes.

(18) In a distinct embodiment, a retrofitting kit is provided, enabling users to modify existing lunch boxes to incorporate an internal waterproof case 116 for storing notes. This kit includes a waterproof case featuring a base and a hingeably attached lid, wherein the base forms a cavity and includes a dry erase back panel. The waterproof case in the kit is specifically designed to fit snugly inside a typical lunch box.

(19) For attachment purposes, the back of the waterproof case in the kit is equipped with adhesive, allowing for permanent fixation inside a lunch box in a highly visible location upon opening the container's lid. The lid of the waterproof case in this kit is also transparent, aligning with the preferred embodiment of the invention.

(20) Included in the kit are user instructions, guiding the placement of the waterproof case on the internal surface of the container's lid. This ensures that the case is affixed in an optimal position for visibility and accessibility.

(21) The kit also comprises specially designed sticky paper notes, fitting perfectly inside the internal storing waterproof case. These notes are available in various bright colors and may feature pre-written positive notes, quotes, popular characters, sports team logos, and other engaging designs.

(22) The non-limiting examples further illustrate the versatility and applicability of these embodiments. In a first example, a bento-style lunch box is constructed from molded plastic and incorporates an internal storing waterproof case for notes. The container features a base and a lid, connected via hinges to form an airtight compartment. Dividers in the compartment facilitate the storage of different types of food products in an organized manner. A foldable fastening clasp is included to secure the container in a closed configuration.

(23) Within this assembly, an internal storing waterproof case for notes is placed on the internal surface of the lid. This case includes a transparent, hinged lid attached to a base, which houses a dry erase back panel accessible when the lid is opened. The orientation of this lid allows a user to write or draw on it without any obstruction, similar to how a car's trunk opens.

(24) The internal waterproof case is designed with a rectangular shape, with dimensions smaller than the internal surface of the container's lid. Its minimal depth, just enough to fit paper notes and prevent contact with the dry erase back panel, ensures it fits within the container without impeding its functionality.

(25) In testing, handwritten paper notes were placed inside this waterproof case along with cold food items in the container. Remarkably, despite the condensation from the food items, the notes remained dry, un-wrinkled, and easily visible.

(26) In another second example, the container demonstrates the invention's reach to customers owning regular lunch boxes, by offering a kit for retrofitting these containers to include an internal storage case for notes. The kit comprises a thin, rectangular, transparent waterproof case, designed to store notes within a lunch box. The case's lid, capable of snapping open and closed, is hingeably attached to a base with a shallow depth.

(27) The base of this waterproof case is adapted with a dry erase back panel, accessible when the lid is open. Adhesive on the back panel enables attachment of the waterproof storage case to the inside surface of a lunch box.

(28) Included in the kit are user instructions, guiding the placement of the storage case on the internal surface of the lid for permanent attachment inside a lunch box. This positioning ensures easy visibility upon opening the container's lid.

(29) Additionally, the kit includes sticky paper notes tailored to fit inside the internal storing waterproof case, along with a non-permanent dry erase marker compatible with the dry erase back panel.

(30) These examples, along with their operating conditions, can be adapted and repeated with similar success, showcasing the flexibility and broad applicability of the invention.

(31) Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.