Disposable container and packaging system for molten food products

Abstract

The apparatus described herein relates to a packaging system comprising: a box having two or more side panels and a base plate, each of the two or more side panels including a corresponding compartment; and a lid including a top plate and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls being perpendicular to the top plate, wherein: in a closed position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular to the base of the box, the two or more side walls of the lid engage the two or more side panels of the box, and the compartment faces the internal space of the box defined by the two or more side panels, the base plate, and the top plate; and in an open position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base plate of the box, and the compartment faces upward from the plane defined by the base plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to a consumer packaging kit including a container, and more particularly to a consumer packaging kit and container for packaging molten foods such as fondue and associated dipping items. Background Technology

[0002] Cheese hotpot is an edible dish involving a molten food such as melted cheese or chocolate, which is eaten by dipping other foods into the molten food. Cheese hotpot typically involves an electric or oil-fired stove or some other heat source to keep the molten food or "liquid" warm / boiling and viscous. Furthermore, the condiments for dipping the liquid (such as the item to be dipped or the topping used for dipping) are generally difficult to store in a single container, and packaging and carrying become cumbersome. Therefore, cheese hotpot is considered relatively difficult to experience "on the go" or in any type of retail / grocery or fast-casual consumer experience.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a disposable cheese pot kit with an independent heat source and including compartments for easy storage of dipping liquids and condiments for dipping. The background description provided herein is intended to present the overall context of this disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art for the purposes of the claims in this application and are not, by virtue of being included in this section, admitted to be prior art or suggestions of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to various aspects of this disclosure, the embodiments described herein relate to a packaging system comprising: a box having two or more side panels and a base plate, each of the two or more side panels including a corresponding compartment; a lid including a top plate and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls being perpendicular to or opposite to the top plate, wherein: in a closed position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular to or opposite to the base of the box, the two or more side walls of the lid engage the two or more side panels of the box, and the compartment faces the internal space of the box defined by the two or more side panels, the base plate, and the top plate; and in an open position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base plate of the box, and the compartment faces upward from a plane defined by the base plate.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a packaging system comprising: a box having two or more side panels and a base plate; a lid including a top plate and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls being perpendicular to the top plate; and a self-heating assembly including a pot, a tray, and a lid disposed on the base plate, wherein: in a closed position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular to the base of the box, the self-heating assembly is located within an interior space defined by the two or more side panels of the box, and the two or more side walls of the lid engage the two or more side panels of the box; and in an open position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base plate of the box, and the self-heating assembly is accessible.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of constructing a packaging box from a blank comprising a substrate and two or more side panel assemblies arranged around the substrate, each of the two or more side panel assemblies comprising: a first segment; a first slot and a second slot formed on the first segment; a second segment; a first lateral segment and a second lateral segment extending from the second segment; a first lateral end segment extending from the first lateral segment; a second lateral end segment extending from the second lateral segment; a first edge segment and a second edge segment extending from the second segment; an end edge segment extending from the second edge segment; and a cutout formed in the second segment, the first lateral segment, and the second lateral segment; the method comprising: folding the second segment over the first segment; inserting the first lateral end segment into the first slot; inserting the second lateral end segment into the second slot; and inserting the end edge segment between the first segment and the second segment. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0008] Figure 1 A disposable container and packaging system for molten food in an open configuration, according to some embodiments, is depicted, wherein the lid is removed.

[0009] Figure 2 A disposable container and packaging system for molten food in a closed configuration, according to some embodiments, is described.

[0010] Figure 3 A disposable container and packaging system for molten food that can switch between a closed configuration and an open configuration according to some embodiments is described.

[0011] Figure 4 Elements of a cheese pot assembly according to some embodiments are depicted.

[0012] Figure 5 A perspective view of the pan of a cheese pot assembly according to some embodiments is depicted.

[0013] Figure 6 A blank for constructing a box is depicted according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 7 A blank for constructing a box is depicted according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This disclosure describes various packaging boxes and kits for molten foods such as liquid cheese or chocolate cheese pans and associated dipping items.

[0016] The embodiments disclosed herein are configured to provide a cheesepot experience in packaging that can be enjoyed in retail / grocery, delivery, or fast-casual consumer environments. The disclosed embodiments also enable the provision of items involved in the cheesepot experience (e.g., melt / liquid and dipping sauces) in convenient, lightweight, and portable packaging. The packaging is constructed to be easy to transport when closed and to present the cheesepot dining experience with minimal preparation when opened. When opened, the center of the packaging includes a pot that can contain a shelf-stable room-temperature food, such as chocolate or cheese, in a shallow dish. Below the shallow dish in the main compartment of the pot, a substance that produces an exothermic reaction upon interaction with cold water can be provided, heating the food in the dish to produce a melted food, i.e., the "dipping liquid" or cheesepot. The packaging can be configured to store condiments such as dipping sauces and toppings in the side panels of the packaging. Furthermore, the packaging can be configured to open in an aesthetically pleasing manner. For example, the packaging can be configured to open and reveal itself as a gift or flowers. In yet another example, packaging can be configured to “pop” open when the lid is removed to provide an auditory / visual experience or a “ritual” for a positive consumer experience (such as an indulgent and / or luxurious experience).

[0017] While the principles of this disclosure have been described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments for specific applications, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art and those who have received the teachings provided herein will recognize that additional modifications, applications, embodiments, and substitutions of equivalents all fall within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Therefore, this invention is not to be considered limited to the foregoing description.

[0018] Various non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure will now be described to provide a full understanding of the structure, function, and principles of use of the systems and methods disclosed herein for providing packaging for cheese pot kits.

[0019] Figure 1Disposable containers and packaging systems for melting food or cheese pot kits in an open configuration, according to some embodiments, are depicted. The cheese pot kit includes a packaging box 10 comprising a base plate 20 and two or more side panels 30 arranged around the base plate 20. Although the disclosed embodiments depict four side panels 30, it should be understood that any number of side panels, such as two to twenty, can provide the desired function and form. For example, in an embodiment with two side panels 30, opposing spherical clamshell sides can be opened to expose the cheese pot and opposing storage spaces for dipping sauces. Figure 1 In the open configuration shown, the side panel 30 can be placed substantially horizontally and parallel to the substrate 20, or the side panel can be slightly tilted upwards such that the edge of the side panel directly adjacent to the substrate 20 is flush with the substrate, while the distal end is slightly higher than the plane of the surface on which the box 10 is located. In the open position, Figure 1 The packaging box 10 can be opened into a "T" or cross shape, especially since accordion-style components are missing between the side panels 30. The compartments of the side panels 30 can be opened upwards from the plane defined by the base plate 20.

[0020] Each of the side panels 30 may include a first section 31 that rests against or approaches a surface when the box 10 is opened (see [link]). Figure 3 The first segment 31 and the second segment 32 are spaced apart from the first segment 31. The first segment 31 and the second segment 32 may be substantially rectangular in shape, wherein the first segment 31 and the second segment 32 have substantially the same dimensions in a first direction, and the second segment 32 is shorter than the first segment 31 in a second direction. The first segment 31 and the second segment 32 are connected by a lateral segment 34 and an end segment 36. The lateral segment 34 may be substantially rectangular, and the end segment 36 may be substantially trapezoidal.

[0021] Compartments 38 may be formed in each of the side panels 30. For example, compartment 38 may be formed by cutting openings 39 in the first section 31 and the lateral sections 34 to form access holes 39 in the interior region of the side panel 38. Toppings, side dishes for dipping, food for dipping, or other items may be stored in compartment 38. For example, items may be sealed in a bag and inserted into compartment 38. Without departing from the spirit of the invention, the holes 39 forming compartment 38 may be formed only in the first section 31, or in only one of the two lateral sections 34, in one of the two end sections 36, or in only one of the two end sections 36, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, compartment 38 may include a tray adhered thereto for receiving items on the tray.

[0022] The cheese pot assembly 40 is arranged on the base plate 20 and is opened when the packaging box 10 is opened. The following will discuss... Figure 4 A more detailed description of the cheese pot components.

[0023] exist Figure 1 In the open configuration shown, all items involved in enjoying a hot pot meal or snack can be provided in a single component, including various items for dipping provided in compartment 38 and a central hot pot component 40 for providing the hot pot dipping liquid. For example, the hot pot dipping liquid could be chocolate, and compartment 38 could include marshmallows, fruits (such as strawberries or apples), nuts (such as peanuts or almonds), and biscuits for dipping or providing a topping. In another example, the hot pot dipping liquid could be cheese, and compartment 38 could include fruits, biscuits, bread, or vegetables, as well as other items. The items in compartment 38 can be durable items that are easy to pack and store. Component 40 can be a self-heating component disposed on substrate 20, and the hot pot dipping liquid can be solid at room temperature and melt when needed, such as... Figure 4 Further details are provided below.

[0024] It should be noted that the elements of side panel 30 are referred to with reference to one of the four side panels 30, but each of the side panels 30 may include all the elements disclosed above.

[0025] Figure 2 A cheese pot kit in a closed configuration according to some embodiments is depicted. In the closed configuration, the box 10 is covered by a lid 50, which includes a cover plate 52 and four side walls 54. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the four sidewalls 54 extend substantially the entire length of the side panel 30 of the packaging box 10, such that their lengths are approximately equal. Thus, the side panel 30 is substantially obscured and invisible in the closed position. However, the sidewalls 54 may extend downwards only partially and be significantly shorter than the side panel 30, allowing the packaging box 10 to be partially visible in the closed position. Furthermore, the top 52 of the box may include a transparent or translucent cutout to allow viewing of the contents of the packaging box 10. In the closed position, the side panel 30 is substantially vertical.

[0026] Figure 3 A cheese pot kit is depicted, according to several embodiments, switching between a closed configuration and an open configuration. For example... Figure 2 The sidewall 54 shown retains the side panel 30 of the packaging box 10 in the closed position when the lid is closed. When the lid 50 is removed, the sidewall 54 disengages from the side panel 30, and the side panel 30 thus unfolds into Figure 1 The configuration shown is illustrated. Cover 50 can be designed and constructed to be easily removed manually.

[0027] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the described embodiment, the packaging box 10 is generally in the form of a cube and has four side panels. However, the packaging box may include any number of side panels with corresponding bases and lids. For example, the packaging box may have six side panels and a hexagonal base and a hexagonal lid with six sides. In another example, the packaging box may have three side panels and a triangular base and a triangular lid with three sides. Any number of side panels can be used.

[0028] Figure 4 The elements of a cheese pot assembly 40 according to some embodiments are described in more detail. The cheese pot assembly 40 comprises: a cheese pot 42 having an internal chamber; a tray 44 that may include the cheese pot for dipping in liquid; and a lid 46 for keeping the cheese pot 42 covered and warm. The pot 42 may include an element or substance inside the chamber that generates an exothermic reaction that heats the water upon interaction with cold water. This substance may include, for example, a small bag containing water-activated heating powder.

[0029] In some examples, dish 44 may include shelf-stable chocolate that is solid at room temperature. When water is added to the chamber of saucepan 42, the water may be heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the chocolate in the dish, causing the chocolate to fully melt and become liquid, thus acting as a dip liquid for the saucepan. Similarly, dish 44 may include shelf-stable cheese that is solid at room temperature but can be melted by warm water to become liquid. The amount of water-activated heating powder may be dispensed to ensure that the dip liquid remains molten for a specific amount of time. A lid 46 may be provided to help keep the contents of saucepan 42 and dish 44 warm, or to prevent overflow from saucepan 42 and dish 44.

[0030] When the packaging box 10 is in the closed configuration, the dish 44 is stored in the cheese pot 42, with the lid 46 attached to the top of the dish 44. When the packaging box 10 is opened, the lid 46 can be removed from the cheese pot 42, thereby exposing the dish 44. The dish 44 can be further removed to add water to the chamber of the cheese pot 42. When the water interacts with the heated powder contained in the chamber, the water is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the contents of the dish 44. The dish 44 can then be placed back into the cheese pot 42.

[0031] Figure 5 A perspective view of the pan 44 of a cheese pot assembly according to some embodiments is depicted. The pan 44 may include multiple compartments 442 for dipping various cheese pots in liquid, and a seal 446 for protecting the dipped liquid during storage. The cheese pot assembly 40, including the cheese pot 42, pan 44, and lid 46, may be made of a resin or plastic material capable of withstanding temperatures at or near boiling water. The remainder of the packaging box 10 may be formed from a blank of cardboard or paper.

[0032] Figure 6 A blank for constructing a packaging box 10 according to some embodiments is depicted. The blank includes a base plate 20 and four sets of side plates 30. Each side plate includes a second segment 32 and a first segment 31 adjacent to the base plate 20, the second segment having substantially the same dimensions as the first segment 31 in a first direction, but shorter than the first segment 31 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first segment 31 and the second segment 32 are substantially rectangular in shape. The first segment 31 includes two slots 310 cut from a first end segment. Two lateral segments 34 of the side plates 30 extend from the second segment 32 in the second direction on the blank, and the lateral segments 34 include lateral edge segments 342. Connecting the first segment 31 and the second segment 32 in the first direction is a first end segment 36, and extending from the second segment 32 in the first direction at a position away from the first segment 31 is a second end segment 36. The second end segment 36 includes an end edge segment 362. A notch 38 is formed in the blank, which can be formed in any combination of the second section 32, the lateral section 34 and the end section 36.

[0033] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the hole 38 is formed as an elliptical cutout in the second section 32 and the two lateral sections 34. When the blank is folded to form the packaging box 10, the hole 38 will allow the user to access the compartment.

[0034] In order to Figure 6 The blank shown forms a packaging box 10, with each second section 32 folded over each first section 31, and the lateral edge sections 342 inserted into the slots 310. Thus, the lateral sections 34 are pushed inward, thereby spacing the first section 31 from the second section 32, as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the end edge segment 362 is then inserted between the first segment 31 and the second segment 32. Adhesive can be used to hold the lateral edge segment 342 and the end edge segment 362 in place against the first segment 31. This folding process is repeated for each side panel 30 to achieve... Figure 1 The packaging boxes shown are 10 in total.

[0035] Figure 7 A blank for constructing a box is depicted according to some embodiments. Figure 7 The blank can be used to produce packaging box 10' without cutouts. Instead of compartments, packaging box 10' can provide space for attaching a pallet to side panel 70. Figure 7The example shown has four side panels. Each side panel may include a first segment 72 and a second segment 74. Both the first segment 72 and the second segment 74 may be rectangles having substantially the same dimensions. An end segment 76 may be disposed on the second segment 74. The second segment 74 may be folded over the first segment 72, and the end segment 76 may be tucked under and adhered to the first segment 72. An accordion-style segment 78 is disposed between adjacent side panels 70 such that when the packaging box 10' is in the closed position, the accordion-style segment folds along line 782. A tray for holding dipped items may be adhered to the second segment 74 in the folded position.

[0036] It should be understood that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped in a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof in order to simplify the disclosure and aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, the approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to include more features required by the claimed invention than expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive aspect lies in fewer features than all of the features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Therefore, any claim following the detailed description is hereby expressly incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim is independently a separate embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not others of the features included in other embodiments, as those skilled in the art will understand, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and to form different embodiments. For example, any embodiment of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination as specified in the appended claims.

[0038] Numerous specific details are set forth in the description provided herein. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0039] Therefore, although the contents believed to be preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made to these preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended that all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the invention.

[0040] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments falling within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, for the maximum permissible extent permitted by law, the scope of this disclosure will be determined by the broadest possible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents and should not be limited to or restricted by the foregoing detailed description. While various embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A packaging system, comprising: A box having two or more side panels and a base plate, each of the two or more side panels including a corresponding compartment; A cover, comprising a top plate and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls being perpendicular to the top plate, wherein: In the closed position, The two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular to the base plate of the box. The two or more side walls of the lid engage with the two or more side panels of the box, and The compartment faces the internal space of the box defined by the two or more side panels, the base plate, and the top plate; and In the open location, The two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base plate of the box, and The compartment extends upwards from the plane defined by the substrate.

2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein removing the cover causes the two or more sidewalls to detach from the two or more side panels.

3. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein a self-heating assembly for the pot, pan, and lid is disposed in the internal space.

4. The packaging system of claim 3, wherein the pot includes a water-activated heating element and the pan includes food that melts when heated.

5. The packaging system of claim 4, wherein the food is chocolate or cheese.

6. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the sidewall has a length equal to the length of the side plate.

7. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the sidewall has a length smaller than the length of the side plate.

8. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the box is switched from the closed position to the open position by manually removing the lid.

9. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein in the open position, the side panels are arranged around the substrate in a cross-shaped configuration.

10. A packaging system comprising: A box having two or more side panels and a base plate; The cover includes a top plate and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls being perpendicular to the top plate. A self-heating assembly, including a pot, a pan, and a lid, is disposed on the substrate, wherein: In the closed position, The two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular to the base plate of the box. The self-heating assembly is located within the internal space defined by the two or more side panels of the box, and The two or more side walls of the lid engage with the two or more side panels of the box, and In the open location, The two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base plate of the box, and The self-heating component is accessible.

11. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the pot includes a water-activated heating element and the pan includes food that melts when heated.

12. The packaging system of claim 11, wherein the food is chocolate or cheese.

13. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the sidewall has a length equal to the length of the side plate.

14. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the sidewall has a length smaller than the length of the side plate.

15. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the box is switched from the closed position to the open position by manually removing the lid.

16. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein in the open position, the side panels are arranged around the substrate in a cross-shaped configuration.

17. A method for constructing a packaging box from a blank, The blank includes a substrate and two or more side plate assemblies arranged around the substrate, each of the two or more side plate assemblies comprising: First section, The first and second slots formed on the first section Second section, The first lateral segment and the second lateral segment extending from the second segment, The first lateral end section extending from the first lateral section, The second lateral end section extending from the second lateral section, The first edge segment and the second edge segment extending from the second segment, The end edge segment extending from the second edge segment, and The cut portion formed in the second section, the first lateral section, and the second lateral section; The method includes: Fold the second section over the first section; Insert the first lateral end segment into the first slot; Insert the second lateral end segment into the second slot; and The end edge segment is inserted between the first segment and the second segment.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The first lateral end segment is adhered to the first segment, the second lateral end segment is adhered to the first segment, and the end edge segment is adhered to the first segment.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Attach the tray to the first section.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the cut portion is elliptical in shape.

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