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.

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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