Multi-compartment food storage container

Abstract

A multi-compartment food storage container is adapted for stand-alone use or for use in a lunchbox or lunch bag. The container includes a lower portion defining a plurality of compartments, an upper portion defining at least one compartment pivotably connected in a sealing engagement to the lower portion and a cover hingably connected to seal the upper portion. The compartments are suitable for storing food items in a sanitary manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is related to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 281,620, filed Nov. 20, 2009, and Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 288,056, filed Dec. 18, 2009.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a container with multiple compartments for storing food items and for use in conjunction with a lunchbox, lunch bags or other portable container. The container can also be used as a stand-alone lunchbox that need not be used in conjunction with a lunchbox or insulated lunch bag.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Various configurations of portable food containers have been developed over the years. See, for example—U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,192 to Pomroy et al. which discloses a lunch holder for carrying a plurality of food products; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,302 to Maydwell et al. which relates to a lunchbox including multiple compartments for storing food items, school supplies and dental hygiene materials.[0004]Neith...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention relates to a multi-compartment food storage container adapted for use in a lunchbox, lunch bag or the like. The container can also be used as a stand-alone lunchbox that does not need to be inserted into a lunchbox or insulated lunch bag. The container includes a lower portion defining a plurality of compartments, and an upper portion pivotably connected to the lower portion. The upper portion defines at least one compartment and includes a hingably connected cover. The compartments are suitable for storing food items in a sanitary manner. The upper and lower portions press-fit, one within the other, and can be molded from a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material, such as a polypropylene, polystyrene or polyurethane, and combinations thereof. The container eliminates the need to use disposable plastic bags.

[0007]In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a rigid storage container for use in combination with a lunchbox or lunch bag, the container comprising a lower portion defining at least one compartment for holding a food item; an upper portion defining at least one compartment for holding additional food items, the upper portion being hingably connected to the lower portion for movement from a closed position to an open position; and a cover hingably connected to the upper portion for movement from a closed position to an open position, whereby the upper portion effectively seals the lower portion when the upper portion is in the closed position and the cover effectively seals the upper portion when the cover is in the closed position. Stop means associated with the upper portion and the lower portion defines the maximum arc of travel of the upper portion relative to the lower portion from the closed position to the open position within a range of about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees. Stop means associated with the cover and the upper position can also be provided to limit the maximum arc of travel of the cover relative to the upper portion from the closed position to the open position within a range of about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, a removable panel can be included to separate the upper portion from the lower portion, and a similar removable panel can be used to separate the cover from the upper portion. Hook-and-loop fastening means, or the like, can removably secure the container within the lunchbox or lunch bag.

Problems solved by technology

Neither of those products are suitable for removable, but secure, insertion within a lunchbox or lunch bag.

Food items stored in a polyester lunch bag can be easily crushed.

Also, if food items leak within the lunch bag, the bag can be difficult to clean and susceptible to mold or bacterial growth.

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