Container with Side Pockets, Handles, and Resealable Opening

Abstract

A collapsible container for holding popcorn includes a front panel, a rear panel, and gusseted side panels. Pockets are mounted on the front and rear panels. The container also includes carrying handles. The container also contains a releasably sealable opening. The resealable opening will also prevent accidental spillage of the popcorn. A fill line is located on the interior of the container in order to allow the user to know how much popcorn to put into the container such that it can still be easily closed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 474,775, filed May 29, 2009, which is continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. Ser. No. 12 / 183,969, filed Jul. 31, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,485, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention generally relates to a flexible container for holding food products and in particular to a container for holding popcorn.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]One of the most traditional items associated with an evening at the cinema is a container of popcorn. Movie theaters make a substantial profit selling popcorn, candy, drinks, and other food items at their concession stands. Conventional popcorn containers are typically rectangular paper bags that have folded side panels (“gussets”). The gusseted side panels fold inwardly, enabling the container to be folded flat for storage and shipment, and then unfolded...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a food container, particularly a popcorn container, with several auxiliary pockets for holding additional items, handles for easy carrying, and a resealable top opening to prevent spilling and allow for even distribution of toppings. The container has a collapsible design with connected upright panels and folded side panels, and the auxiliary pockets can be attached to the front or rear panels or formed as preformed pockets. The handles are formed by folding the front and rear panels outwards and downwards towards the bottom of the container. The container has a resealable top opening that can be closed with adhesive patches or a lock fastener, and the fill line on the rear panel allows for easy placement of popcorn. The resealable top opening also prevents spilling and maintains the popcorn's temperature."

Problems solved by technology

This problem is compounded for a parent trying to carry concession items for himself or herself as well as for a child or for multiple children.

When the patron adds the topping to the popcorn, however, the topping only flavors the top layer of popcorn.

As such, there is often too much topping on the upper layer of the popcorn, whereas the lower layer is not coated with any of the topping.

An additional problem associated with a conventional popcorn container at a movie theater is that the top opening of the container is not sealable.

The reduction in temperature has a detrimental effect on the taste and smell of the popcorn.

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