Food and condiment container

Abstract

A food container comprising an inter-engaged first receptacle (intended for receiving a primary food product) and receptacle holder, wherein when the receptacle holder is engaged with the first receptacle, the receptacle holder and the first receptacle define an aperture for receiving and retaining a second receptacle (intended for receiving a condiment). The means for inter-engagement are preferably but not necessarily corresponding slots in each of the first receptacle and receptacle holder.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to food containers, and more particularly to disposable food containers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is very well known in the food services industry, and in particular the fact food industry, to utilize food containers that are simple and inexpensive to produce, and disposable, as well. For example, french fries are often sold to the public in a paper or cardboard container, which container can be disposed of once the french fries have been consumed. In addition, condiments such as ketchup nave become popular additions which are seen to enhance the flavour of the food product.[0003]However, the consumer is usually presented with multiple containers for the food product, condiment, etc. As this plurality of containers can be difficult to manipulate in some contexts, such as when eating in a motor vehicle, the consumer will often apply the condiment directly to the food product, often resulting in a soggy food product. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention accordingly seeks to provide a simple, inexpensive food container which keeps the food product and condiment isolated during consumption (except for dipping of the food product by the consumer in the condiment). In addition, some embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide advertising space which can off-set at least some of the container manufacturing costs.

[0024]The food container and components are preferably composed of paper of an appropriate weight and flexibility, being light and durable.

[0025]As can be seen, food containers in accordance with the present invention can help prevent condiment waste and mess, and can employ a very simple design enabling extremely low cost production, which is very important in the fast food industry. Also, banner advertising on the outwardly disposed surface is a possibility, so some of the production costs can be off-set with advertising revenue. As the food container can be set in a cup holder in a motor vehicle, the present invention can support a better hands-free environment in the vehicle resulting in cleanliness and safety benefits.

[0026]As fast food restaurants often run promotions to highlight their products, the advertising space on the receptacle holder can present significant benefits, in terms of promoting both new and existing product lines as well as being used as coupon space for specials. In addition, a food container according to the present invention can provide a medium for advertising films, sports teams, television programming, websites, products, and individuals such as recording artists and sports figures, which can generate advertising revenue for the fast food restaurant. The small yet potentially effective advertising surface allows both franchisors and franchisees the opportunity to broaden the base of potential advertising revenue to include companies that may not have the budget for large-scale campaigns that would require resurfacing the existing food container.

[0027]Another potential benefit of a food container according to the present invention is that it can save money with respect to the amount of condiment provided to the customer. It is known in the fast food industry that there is significant waste when the condiment is applied to sandwich wrappers, and consumers generally ask for more condiments than are truly necessary in anticipation of the expected waste associated with providing them their condiment of choice. Condiment use can e made more efficient when the present invention is utilized.

[0028]One other concern mentioned above is that condiments, when applied directly, can result in sogginess of the food product. It is generally understood that food products such as french fries are preferred to be hot and crisp, as opposed to saturated in ketchup. A food container according to the present invention can prevent the direct coating of food products with condiments, thereby helping prevent sogginess of the food product.

Problems solved by technology

As this plurality of containers can be difficult to manipulate in some contexts, such as when eating in a motor vehicle, the consumer will often apply the condiment directly to the food product, often resulting in a soggy food product.

In addition, the use of condiments in a motor vehicle or some other contexts can result in an undesirable mess should the condiment spill or drip onto adjacent surfaces or clothing given the difficulty of effectively manipulating a condiment packet or cup.

While intended to address this pressing need in the food services industry, many of the designs are relatively complicated and expensive to produce.

In addition, most require a significant alteration of the standard food container, which is undesirable in an industry driven by volume production of standard food containers.

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