Removable divider for food container

Abstract

The present invention is for a divider for use with a food package, wherein the divider is manufactured from inexpensive coated paperboard and is of a simple one-piece construction. More particularly, a divider according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is formed from a one-piece, foldable blank of paperboard material, which is folded in half and secured onto itself so as to form a two-ply, reasonably stiff construction. The divider is shaped and dimensioned to fit within a food container, which may preferably have a circular cylindrical shape, so as to bisect same and define two separate interior regions thereof. In addition, the divider includes a center portion wherein the paperboard material is not adhered onto itself, so as to allow the formation of a ring-shaped, cup-holding portion suitable for positioning and retaining a separate container within the package.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to disposable food containers constructed from paperboard materials. More particularly, the present invention related to disposable food containers constructed from paperboard materials, wherein a food container is provided with a removable divider for defining a plurality of discreet compartments within an interior space of the container.[0003]2. Brief Description of the Related Art[0004]Food containers constructed from paperboard materials are common and typically include a tray having a bottom wall, upstanding sidewalls and a removable lid for selectively enclosing hot or cold food therein. For example, fast-food take-out fried chicken restaurants typically package a plurality of hot chicken food products within a “bucket”, which is constructed from coated paperboard. Although the paperboard is not sufficient for long-term storage of the food stored therein, it is sufficient to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]According to another aspect of the present invention, a divider according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention separates an interior space of the package into two equal sized primary food compartments and an additional center area which is adapted to support a secondary food container, such as a sauce cup, drink cup or the like. The divider centers the secondary food container and vertically stabilizes it within the primary package, to reduce or eliminate the tendency of the secondary food container to spill its liquid contents. The functional aspects of the present invention are achieved at least in part by a single scored and die-cut blank of coated or uncoated paperboard or polymeric material, folded and sealed to itself. Since the main divider portions are folded back upon themselves and sealed, the sheet thickness of the base material can be reduced. The divider lays flat after folding and sealing are complete, so it can be economically packed for storage or shipment.

Problems solved by technology

Although the paperboard is not sufficient for long-term storage of the food stored therein, it is sufficient to keep the food hot and to protect it from outside contamination during the short period of time during which an end-user transports the food to his / her home.

Images