Combination carrier and insulated food containers

Abstract

The combination carrier and insulated food containers provides a food storage device having a plurality of thermally insulated containers for holding a variety of different types of food. The carrier is substantially planar and has a plurality of openings formed therethrough. Each food container includes a lower wall, at least one sidewall, and an open upper end defining a rim portion formed along an upper edge of the at least one sidewall adjacent the open upper end of each container. Each food container is secured to or integral with the substantially planar carrier so that each respective rim portion projects through or above a respective one of the openings. The containers are permanently fixed to the substantially planar carrier. A plurality of covers are further provided, with each cover releasably sealing a respective open upper end of one of the plurality of food containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 202,746, filed Mar. 31, 2009.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to food packaging and transport, and particularly to a combination carrier and insulated food containers that provides a plurality of food containers that have an integral common carrier.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Although insulating food containers are well known, conventional containers typically only include a single, open interior, thus only providing for the storage of a single type of food. If multiple foods must be stored, either multiple containers must be used, or the differing foods must be mixed. Similarly, such conventional containers are not well adapted for storing both hot and cold foods simultaneously.[0006]The mixing of foods may be undesirable for the user (and is not recommended when one food is m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Each food container includes a lower wall, at least one sidewall, and an open upper end, the container defining an open interior region for receiving food. Each container is formed from a thermal insulation material, such as plastic. Each container may be configured as a conventional insulating thermos or the like. A rim portion is formed along an upper edge of the at least one sidewall adjacent the open upper end of each container. Each food container is secured to or integral with the

Problems solved by technology

Although insulating food containers are well known, conventional containers typically only include a single, open interior, thus only providing for the storage of a single type of food.

Similarly, such conventional containers are not well adapted for storing both hot and cold foods simultaneously.

The mixing of foods may be undesirable for the user (and is not recommended when one food is meant to be served hot and the other cold), and the carrying of multiple containers can be inconvenient.

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