Food box

Abstract

A food box includes a tray having a base and a peripheral wall extending from the base, the peripheral wall including a front wall portion and an opposing rear wall portion, a cover adapted to cover the tray, and a cover adapted to cover the tray. The cover includes a proximal cover panel hingedly connected to the front wall portion and a distal cover panel hingedly connected to the rear wall portion such that the proximal cover panel and the distal cover panel can be rotated to cover the tray in a covering position, a securing mechanism adapted to secure the proximal cover panel to the tray such that in the covering position, the proximal cover panel is secured to the tray. The near end cover panel keeps the far end cover panel in the covering position and is fixed on the tray through a fixing mechanism, and the handle is hinged to the cover, so that the handle can rotate between an upright position perpendicular to the cover and a horizontal position parallel to the cover.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Singapore Patent Application No. 10202250621F filed on July 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a food box for containing food, for example, a pizza box for containing pizza. Background Art

[0003] Food boxes, such as pizza boxes, are used for takeout and transporting food during meal delivery. Typically, food boxes are placed in plastic bags so that they can be lifted from the top of the box with one hand for easy carrying. However, the use of plastic bags can cause environmental problems.

[0004] In order to reduce the use of plastic bags, there is a food box with a handle on the top so that the box can be lifted from the top with one hand. However, the handle prevents the boxes from being stacked on top of each other. Therefore, it is difficult for one person to deliver or take away more than two boxes at a time unless plastic bags are used.

[0005] Therefore, it is beneficial to propose a solution to the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to various embodiments, a food box is provided. The food box includes a tray, the tray including a base and a peripheral wall extending from the base, the peripheral wall including a front wall portion and a rear wall portion opposite thereto, a lid adapted to cover the tray, the lid including a proximal cover plate pivotally connected to the front wall portion and a distal cover plate pivotally connected to the rear wall portion, such that the proximal cover plate and the distal cover plate can be rotated to cover the tray in a covering position, a fixing mechanism adapted to fix the proximal cover plate to the tray, such that in the covering position, the proximal cover plate holds the distal cover plate in the covering position and is fixed to the tray by the fixing mechanism, and a handle pivotally connected to the lid, such that the handle can be rotated between an upright position perpendicular to the lid and a flat position parallel to the lid.

[0007] According to various embodiments, the peripheral wall may also include a left wall portion and a right wall portion opposite thereto, so that the left wall portion and the right wall portion are located between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, so that the fixing mechanism includes a left fixing mechanism and a right fixing mechanism, so that the left fixing mechanism is suitable for fixing the proximal cover plate to the left wall portion, and the right fixing mechanism is suitable for fixing the proximal cover plate to the right wall portion.

[0008] According to various embodiments, the proximal cover plate may include a left proximal cover edge and a right proximal cover edge opposite thereto, the left fixing mechanism includes a left fixing portion extending from the left proximal cover edge and a left engaging portion disposed on the left wall portion and suitable for engaging with the left fixing portion, and the right fixing mechanism includes a right fixing portion extending from the right proximal cover edge and a right engaging portion disposed on the right wall portion and suitable for engaging with the right fixing portion.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the handle may include a front handle pivotally connected to the proximal cover plate and a rear handle pivotally connected to the distal cover plate, such that the front handle and the rear handle meet to form a handle in the covering position, or may be rotated away from each other to lie flush on the cover.

[0010] According to various embodiments, the food box may include a centerline parallel to and equidistant from the front wall panel and the rear wall panel, such that the securing mechanism and the handle are arranged along the centerline.

[0011] According to various embodiments, the food box may also include a proximal connector formed as a part of a proximal cover plate and pivotally connected to the front wall portion, a distal connector formed as a part of a distal cover plate and pivotally connected to the rear wall portion, a proximal receiving portion arranged on the front wall panel, and a distal receiving portion arranged on the rear wall panel, so that the proximal connector can be removed from the proximal cover plate and connected to the proximal receiving portion of another food box, and the distal connector can be removed from the distal cover plate and connected to the distal receiving portion of another food box to connect the food box to another food box.

[0012] According to various embodiments, the proximal connector may include a proximal wing, the proximal receiving portion may include a proximal groove, the distal connector may include a distal wing, and the distal receiving portion may include a distal groove, so that the proximal wing is inserted into the proximal groove of another food box and the distal wing is inserted into the distal groove of another food box to connect the food box to another food box.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the cover may include a fold line adapted to allow the cover to be folded along the fold line when the food container is lifted by the handle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a food container is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 A blank cutout of a food box is shown.

[0016] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3N Shows the Figure 2 Blank cutouts from the steps to fold into a food box.

[0017] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of a blank cutout of a food box is shown.

[0018] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E Shows the Figure 4 Blank cutouts from the steps to fold into a food box.

[0019] Fig. 6A A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a food container is shown.

[0020] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A The food box in is in a connected configuration.

[0021] Figure 6C Another food box is shown stacked on Figure 6B On the food box.

[0022] Fig.6D A food box is shown connected to another food box stacked thereon.

[0023] Figure 7 A blank cut-out of the food box in Figure 6 is shown.

[0024] Fig. 8A A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a food container is shown.

[0025] Figure 8B Shows Fig. 8A Front view of medium food box.

[0026] Figure 8C Shows Fig. 8A Side view of medium food box.

[0027] Fig. 9 A blank cut-out of the food box in Figure 8 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following examples, reference will be made to the drawings wherein like features are identified with like numerals.

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a food box is shown. The pizza box 100 has a tray 102, including a base (at Figure 1 1 and a peripheral wall 110 extending from the base, the peripheral wall 110 including a front wall portion 112 and a rear wall portion (in the Figure 1102 ), a lid 120 adapted to cover the tray 102, the lid 120 comprising a proximal cover plate 122 pivotally connected to the front wall portion 112 and a distal cover plate 124 pivotally connected to the rear wall portion, wherein the proximal cover plate 122 and the distal cover plate 124 are rotatable to cover the tray 102 in a covering position, a fixing mechanism 140 adapted to fix the proximal cover plate 122 to the tray 102, such that in the covering position, the proximal cover plate 122 holds the distal cover plate 124 in the covering position and is fixed to the tray 102 by the fixing mechanism 140, and a handle 130 pivotally connected to the lid 120, such that the handle 130 is rotatable between an upright position perpendicular to the lid 120 and a flat position parallel to the lid 120. Figure 1 As shown, the distal cover plate 124 has no fixing mechanism. The distal cover plate 124 may include a fixing mechanism to fix it to the peripheral wall 110. The proximal cover plate 122 and the distal cover plate 124 may have substantially the same length. The proximal cover plate 122 and the distal cover plate 124 may have different lengths, for example, the proximal cover plate 122 may be longer than the distal cover plate 124.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the peripheral wall 110 may include a left wall portion 116 and an opposite right wall portion (in Figure 1 The left wall portion 116 and the right wall portion 116 may be connected to the front wall portion 112 and the rear wall portion to form a space for accommodating food in the peripheral wall 110. The fixing mechanism 140 includes a left fixing mechanism 140A and a right fixing mechanism (in Figure 1 (not shown) so that the left fixing mechanism 140A is suitable for fixing the proximal cover plate 122 to the left wall portion 116, and the right fixing mechanism is suitable for fixing the proximal cover plate 122 to the right wall portion. Figure 1 The food box 100 is shown to have a quadrilateral shape, but the food box 100 may have other shapes, such as a hexagon, an octagon, etc.

[0031] The proximal cover plate 122 includes a left proximal cover edge 122L and a right proximal cover edge 122G opposite thereto. The left proximal cover edge 122L and the right proximal cover edge 122G may be perpendicular to the front wall portion 112. The left fixing mechanism 140A includes a left fixing portion 142 extending from the left proximal cover edge 122L and a left engaging portion 116N provided on the left wall portion 116, suitable for engaging with the left fixing portion 142, and the right fixing mechanism includes a right fixing portion extending from the right proximal cover edge 122G and a right engaging portion provided on the right wall portion, suitable for engaging with the right fixing portion. In addition to the above configuration, the left fixing portion 142 may also extend from the left wall portion 116, and the left engaging portion may be provided on the proximal cover plate 122, while the right fixing portion extends from the right wall portion, and the right engaging portion may be provided on the proximal cover plate 122. The left fixing portion 142 and the right fixing portion may be as follows Figure 1 The left engaging portion 116N and the right engaging portion may include a tab, a strap, a rope, etc. Figure 1 Openings, clips, hooks, etc. as shown.

[0032] The handle 130 includes a front handle 130F pivotally connected to the proximal cover plate 122 and a rear handle (at the Figure 1 The food box 100 may be configured to be a lid or a food container 100 having a plurality of handles 130F and 130F disposed on the lid 100. The lid ...

[0033] Since the handle 130 can be folded flat on the lid 120, the food box 100 can be stacked on top of each other. As described below, the fixing mechanism 140 may be tamper-resistant to provide a tamper-resistant food box 100, so that customers can be assured that the pizza delivered has not been tampered with. The food box 100 can be suitable for various types of food, such as pizza, sushi, cupcakes.

[0034] The food box 100 can be formed from a single piece of blank cutout. As shown below, a blank cutout 200 can be folded into the food box 100. The blank cutout 200 can be made of paperboard.

[0035] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 1. The food box 100 includes a bottom plate 250 having a peripheral edge 250P. The bottom plate 250 is formed Figure 1The base of the food box 100 in the middle. The peripheral edge 250P includes a front edge 250PF, a rear edge 250PR opposite to the front edge 250PF, a left side 250PL and a right side 250PG opposite to the left side 250PL, and a center line 200C between the front edge 250PF and the rear edge 250PR. The food box 100 also includes a front panel portion 212 extending from the front edge 250PF, the front panel portion 212 includes a front bottom edge 212B connected to the front edge 250PF and a front top edge 212T opposite to the front bottom edge 212B, a rear panel portion 214 extending from the rear edge 250PR, the rear panel portion 214 includes a rear bottom edge 214B connected to the rear edge 250PR and a rear top edge 214T opposite to the rear bottom edge 214B, a left panel portion 216 extending from the left side 250PL, and a left panel portion The front panel 216 includes a left bottom edge 216B connected to the left side 250PL and a left top edge 216T opposite to the left bottom edge 216B, a right panel 218 extending from the right side 250PG, the right panel 218 includes a right bottom edge 218B connected to the right side 250PG and a right top edge 218T opposite to the right bottom edge 218B, a proximal cover plate 222 extending from the front top edge 212T, the proximal cover plate 222 includes a proximal front end 222F, a proximal rear end opposite to the proximal front end 222F and connected to the front top edge 212T, and a proximal rear end 222F extending from the front top edge 212T. 222R, a left proximal cover edge 222L, a right proximal cover edge 224G opposite to the left proximal cover edge 224L, the left proximal cover edge 224L and the right proximal cover edge 224G extending from the proximal front end 222F to the proximal rear end 222R, a left fixing portion 242 extending from the left proximal cover edge 222L and a right fixing portion 244 extending from the right proximal cover edge 222G, the left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion 244 being suitable for fixing the proximal cover plate 222 to the tray 102, and a proximal front end 222F. A front handle 230F, a distal cover plate 224 extending from the rear top edge 214T, the distal cover plate 224 including a distal front end 224F, a distal rear end 224R opposite to the distal front end 224F and connected to the rear top edge 214T, a left distal cover edge 224L, a right distal cover edge 224G opposite to the left distal cover edge 224L, the left distal cover edge 224L and the right distal cover edge 224G extending from the distal front end 224F to the distal rear end 224R, and a rear handle 230R located at the distal front end 224F. The proximal cover plate 222 may include a proximal line 222C so that the front handle 230F can be folded along the proximal line 222C. Similarly, the distal cover plate 224 may include a distal line 224C so that the rear handle 230R can be folded along the distal line 224C. Each of the left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion 244 may include a T-shaped protrusion having a narrower first end 2422, 2442 and a wider second end 2421, 2441 opposite the first end, so that the first end 2422, 2442 of the T-shaped protrusion is connected to the left panel portion 216 and the right panel portion 218.The second end 2421, 2441 has a pair of wings forming a T-shaped protrusion. The front handle 230F may include a handle fixing portion 230S connected to the front handle 230F. The handle fixing portion 230S may be formed in the front handle 230F for fixing the front handle 230F to the rear handle 230R. The front panel portion 212, the rear panel portion 214, the left panel portion 216 and the right panel portion 218 are formed. Figure 1 The peripheral walls 110 of the middle food box are respectively a front wall portion 112, a rear wall portion, a left wall portion 116 and a right wall portion.

[0036] The fixing mechanism 240 may include a fixing portion and an engaging portion for engaging with the fixing portion. The fixing portion may include a left fixing portion 242 and a right fixing portion 244 extending from the proximal cover plate 222. The left fixing portion 242 may extend from the left proximal cover edge 222L, and the right fixing portion 244 may extend from the right proximal cover edge 222G. The left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion 244 may be arranged along the proximal line 222C to align with the folding line of the front handle. The engaging portion may include a left engaging portion 216N and a right engaging portion 218N respectively arranged on the left panel portion 216 and the right panel 218. The left engaging portion 216N and the right engaging portion 218N may be arranged along the center line 200C. The left engaging portion 216N and the right engaging portion 218N may be through holes, and may include a cutout fin suitable for covering the through hole, so that the through hole is formed when the cutout fin is pushed out from the through hole. Each of the left engaging portion 216N and the right engaging portion 218N may include a limiter 216E, 218E, adapted to limit the left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion 244 from being disengaged from the left engaging portion 216N and the right engaging portion 218N respectively after insertion. The limiters 216E, 218E may include a protrusion extending from one side of the through hole and approximately one-quarter of the height of the through hole. The left fixing portion 242 and the left engaging portion 216N form a left fixing mechanism. The right fixing portion 244 and the right engaging portion 218N form a right fixing mechanism.

[0037] The blank cutout 200 may include connecting tabs extending from the left panel portion 216 and the right panel portion 218 or the front panel portion 212 and the rear panel portion 214 to connect the left panel portion 216 and the right panel portion 218 and the front panel portion 212 and the rear panel portion 214 together. The blank cutout 200 may include a left connecting tab 216P and a left connecting tab 216D extending from opposite ends of the left panel portion 216, and a right connecting tab 218P and a right connecting tab 218D extending from opposite ends of the right panel 218. Each connecting tab 216P, 216D, 216P, 218P may include a locking portion for locking the connecting tab to the front panel portion 212 or the rear panel portion 214. The front panel portion 212 and the rear panel portion 214 may each include a receiving portion for receiving the locking portion. The proximal left connection tab 216P includes a first end 216P1 connected to the left panel portion 216 and a second end 216P2 opposite to the first end 216P1, and a proximal left locking portion 216PK extending from the second end 216P2. The proximal right connection tab 218P includes a first end 218P1 connected to the right panel 218 and a second end 218P2 opposite to the first end 218P1, and a proximal right locking portion 218PK extending from the second end 218P2. The distal left connection tab 216D includes a first end 216D1 connected to the left panel portion 216 and a second end 216D2 opposite to the first end 216D1, and a distal left locking portion 216DK extending from the second end 216D2. The distal right connecting tab 218D includes a first end 218D1 connected to the right panel portion 218 and a second end 218D2 opposite to the first end 218D1, and a distal right locking portion 218DK extending from the second end 218D2. Each of the front panel portion 212 and the rear panel portion 214 may include a pair of through holes for receiving the locking portion. For example, the front panel portion 212 may include a left front through hole 2121 for receiving the proximal left locking portion 216PK and a right front through hole 2122 for receiving the proximal right locking portion 218PK, and the rear panel portion 214 may include a left rear through hole 2141 for receiving the distal left locking portion 216DK and a right rear through hole 2142 for receiving the distal right locking portion 218DK. Each through hole 2121, 2122, 2141, 2412 may be covered by a cut-out tab such that a through hole 2121, 2122, 2141, 2412 is formed when the cut-out tab is pushed out of the through hole. Each through hole 2121, 2122, 2141, 2412 may be a slot.

[0038] The left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion 244 may be disposed at the front end 222F. The proximal cover plate 222 may include a proximal side plate 222S extending from the left proximal cover edge 222L and the right proximal cover edge 222G. The left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion 244 may be formed as a part of the proximal side plate 222S. The proximal cover plate 222 may include an overlapping plate 222V extending from its front end 222F. The distal cover plate 224 may include a distal side plate 224S extending from the left distal cover edge 224L and the right distal cover edge 224G. The distal cover plate 224 may include an overlapping plate 224V extending from its front end 224F.

[0039] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3N Shows the Figure 2 The blank cutout 200 is folded into the food box 100. The blank cutout 200 is designed to be folded in a natural sequence. Figure 3A The distal side plate 224S can be folded along the left distal cover edge 224L and the right distal cover edge 224G. By folding the distal side plate 224S, the rigidity of the distal cover plate 224 is improved. Figure 3B , the rear panel portion 214 can be folded along the rear bottom edge 214B, and the distal cover plate 224 can be folded along the rear top edge 214T. The left panel 216 and the right panel 218 can be folded along the left bottom edge 216B and the right bottom edge ( Figure 3B (not shown) folded. Figure 3B The folding can be done with both hands at the same time. Figure 3C , the distal cover plate 224 is in the covering position, wherein the overlapping plate 224V overlaps the center line 200C. Figure 3D , the distal left connecting flap 216D and the distal right connecting flap 218D can be folded onto the rear panel portion 214. Figure 3E , the distal left locking portion 216DK and the distal right locking portion 218DK can be pushed into the left rear through hole 2141 and the right rear through hole 2142 respectively to lock the distal left connecting wing 216D and the distal right connecting wing 218D to the rear panel portion 214. After completing this step, the left panel portion 216 and the right panel 218 are fixed to the rear panel portion 214 to form Figure 1 The rear wall portion 114, the left wall portion 116 and the right wall portion 118 of the food box 100. Figure 3F , the rear handle 230R can be folded to an upright position along the distal line 224C. The distal line 224C can be in the same plane as the center line 220C. FIG. 3D to FIG. 3E The steps in can be completed using continuous movements of both hands.

[0040] refer to Figure 3GThe proximal side plate 222S can be folded along the left proximal cover edge 222L and the right proximal cover edge 222G. By folding the proximal side plate 222S, the rigidity of the proximal cover plate 222 is improved. The left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion 244 can be stamped out from the proximal side plate 222S and remain in an unfolded state. Figure 3H , the front panel portion 212 can be folded along the front bottom edge 212B, and the proximal cover plate 222 can be folded along the front top edge 212T. At the same time, the front handle 230F can be folded along the proximal line 222C to an upright position or substantially perpendicular to the proximal cover plate 222. The handle fixing portion 230S can be folded together with the front handle 230F at the same time. Fig. 3I , the proximal cover plate 222 is in the covering position, and the front handle 230F meets the rear handle 230R to form the handle 130. The overlapping plate 222V can overlap the center line 200C and cover the overlapping plate 224V ( Fig. 3I (not shown) to cover the gap between the proximal cover plate 222 and the distal cover plate 224 to prevent unwanted substances from entering the food box 100. Figure 3J , the proximal left connecting flap 216P and the proximal right connecting flap 218P can be folded onto the front panel portion 212. The proximal left locking portion 216PK and the proximal right locking portion 218PK can be pushed into the left front through hole 2121 and the right front through hole 2122, respectively, to lock the proximal left connecting flap 216P and the proximal right connecting flap 218P to the front panel portion 212. After completing this step, the left panel portion 216 and the right panel 218 are fixed to the front panel portion 212 to form the front wall portion 112 of the food box 100. Figure 3K and Figure 3L The left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion 244 can be fixed to the left panel portion 216 and the right panel portion ( Figure 3K and Figure 3L Reference Figure 3K , the left engaging portion 218 can engage with the left fixing portion 242, and the right engaging portion ( Figure 3K The two pairs of wings 240W of the left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion 244 are inserted into the left engaging portion 216N and the right engaging portion ( Figure 3K (not shown) can be folded down before. Figure 3L Once the left fixed portion 242 and the right fixed portion ( Figure 3L (not shown) into the left engaging portion ( Figure 3L not shown) and the right meshing part ( Figure 3L Not shown), two pairs of wings ( Figure 3L The left fixing portion 242 and the right fixing portion can be pushed through the left limiter 216E and the right limiter ( Figure 3L(not shown) and is restricted from being disengaged from the left and right meshing parts, respectively. Figure 3M , the handle fixing portion 230S may be folded from the front handle 230F onto the rear handle 230R to fix the front handle 230F to the rear handle 230R to form the handle 230. Figure 3N Display as Figure 1 The assembled food box 100 shown. The limited engagement fixing portions 242, 244 can serve as a tamper-proof fixing mechanism. Since the fixing portions 242, 244 cannot be easily disengaged from the engagement portions 216N, 218N, in order to open the food box 100, the fixing portions 242, 244 must be damaged. Therefore, if the fixing portions 242, 244 are damaged when delivered to the customer's location, it is obvious that the food box 100 has been opened or tampered with before.

[0041] Figure 4 One exemplary embodiment of a blank cutout 400 of a food box 100 is shown. Figure 4 The blank cutout 400 in Figure 2 200, except that the proximal left connecting flap 416P and the proximal right connecting flap 418P extend from opposite ends of the front panel 412, the distal left connecting flap 416D and the distal right connecting flap 418D extend from opposite ends of the rear panel 414, the left panel 416 further includes a left fixing plate 416S extending therefrom, and the right panel 418 further includes a right fixing plate 418S extending therefrom. Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment does not include a locking portion for locking the connecting tab to the front panel 412 or the rear panel 414, nor does it include a receiving portion for receiving the locking portion. Each of the left fixing plate 416S and the right fixing plate 418S includes a fixing protrusion 416U for fixing the left fixing plate 416S and the right fixing plate 418S to the bottom plate 450. The bottom plate 450 may include two grooves 450S for receiving the fixing protrusions 416U.

[0042] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E The steps of folding the blank cutout 400 in FIG. 3 into the food box 100 are shown. Figure 5A , the proximal left connecting flap 416P, the proximal right connecting flap 418P, the distal left connecting flap 416D, and the distal right connecting flap 418D are folded upward from the front panel 412 and the rear panel 414. Figure 5B , the front panel 412 is folded along the front bottom edge 412B, and the rear panel 414 is folded along the rear bottom edge 414B. At the same time, the proximal cover plate 422 is folded along the front top edge 412T, and the distal cover plate 424 is folded along the rear top edge 414T. When the front panel 412 and the rear panel 414 are folded into a vertical position, the proximal left connecting wing (at Figure 5BNot shown), the proximal right connecting wing 418P, the distal left connecting wing (in Figure 5B Not shown) and the distal right connecting wing 418D are respectively located at the left bottom edge (at Figure 5B (not shown) and on the right bottom edge 418B. Figure 5C , the left panel part (in Figure 5C ) and the right panel portion 418 along the left bottom edge (not shown in Figure 5C (not shown) and the right bottom edge 418B is folded. Figure 5D , left fixed plate (in Figure 5D not shown) and the right fixing plate (in Figure 5D not shown) along the left top edge (in Figure 5D ) and the right top edge 418T is folded inwardly to the left panel portion (not shown in Figure 5D 418 to clamp the proximal left connecting tab (not shown) Figure 5B Not shown), the proximal right connecting wing (in Figure 5B Not shown), the distal left connecting wing (in Figure 5B not shown) and the distal right connecting wing (in Figure 5B ), connect the front panel 412 and the rear panel 414 to the left panel (not shown in Figure 5B (not shown) and the right panel 418 to form the peripheral wall 110. Figure 5E The remaining steps of the illustrated folding food box 400 are as described in the steps of FIG. 3 .

[0043] Fig. 6A A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a food box 600 is shown. The food box 600 and Figure 1 The food box 600 may be similar to the food box 100 in FIG. 1 , but has the following features. The food box 600 may include a proximal connector 660 formed as part of the proximal cover plate 622 and pivotally connected to the front wall portion (at Fig. 6A The food box 600 may include a distal connector 670 formed as part of the distal cover 624 and pivotally connected to the rear wall portion 614. The food box 600 may include a proximal receiving portion disposed on the front wall panel (at Fig. 6A The proximal connector 660 can be removed from the proximal cover plate 622 and can be docked with the proximal receiving portion of another food box (in Fig. 6A Not shown in Figure 6C and Fig.6D distal connector 670 can be removed from the distal cover 624, and can be docked with the distal receiving portion 674 of another food box to connect the food box to another food box, such as Figure 6C and Fig.6DAs shown. The proximal connector 660 may be directly opposite to the distal connector 670. The proximal receiving portion may be directly opposite to the distal receiving portion 674. The proximal receiving portion may be disposed within the proximal connector 660, and the distal receiving portion 674 may be disposed within the distal connector 670. The proximal receiving portion may be disposed on the rear top edge 614T of the rear wall portion 614, and the distal receiving portion 674 may be disposed on the front top edge 612T of the front wall portion.

[0044] like Fig. 6A As shown, the proximal connector 660 is formed as part of the proximal cover plate 622. The proximal connector 660 can be formed by a perforation line 662 on the proximal cover plate 622, so that the proximal connector 660 can be removed from the proximal cover plate 622 by tearing along the perforation line. Similarly, the distal connector 670 is formed as part of the distal cover plate 624 and can be formed by a perforation line. Fig. 6A As shown, the distal connector 670 has been removed from the distal cover 624 by tearing along the perforation line.

[0045] The proximal connector 660 may include a proximal wing, and the proximal receiving portion may include a proximal groove. The distal connector 670 may include a distal wing, and the distal receiving portion may include a distal groove. The proximal wing can be inserted into the proximal groove of another food box, and the distal wing can be inserted into the distal groove of another food box to connect the food box 600 to another food box.

[0046] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A The food box 600 in the additional configuration. In the additional configuration, the proximal connector 660 and the distal connector 670 are removed from the proximal cover plate 622 and the distal cover plate 624, respectively, and pivoted to a substantially upright position. Figure 6B As shown, the proximal connector 660 may include a pivotally connected front wall portion (at Figure 6B The distal connector 670 may include a distal connector 670C pivotally connected to the rear wall portion 614, and a distal connector 670E pivotally connected to the distal connector 670C and adapted to be received by the distal receiving portion 664 of another food box. The distal connector 670 may include a distal connector 670C pivotally connected to the rear wall portion 614, and a distal connector 670E pivotally connected to the distal connector 670C and adapted to be received by the distal receiving portion 674 of another food box. The proximal connector 660C may be a part for a near section wing, and the proximal engaging part 660E may be a foldable section of this wing. The distal linking part 670C may be a part for a distal wing, and the distal engaging part 670E may be a foldable section of this wing. In an additional configuration, the handle 630 may be laid flat and abut against the lid 620.

[0047] Figure 6C Another food box 600A is shown stacked on top of Figure 6B When another food box 600A is stacked on the food box 600 and aligned with each other, the proximal connecting part 660 of the food box 600 is aligned with the proximal receiving part 664 of the other food box 600A, and the distal connecting part 670 of the food box 600 is aligned with the distal receiving part (at the distal end of the food box 600A) of the other food box 600A. Figure 6C The handle 630A of another food box 600A is in an upright position so as to be used to lift another food box 600A and the additional food box 600.

[0048] Fig.6D The food box 600 is shown connected to another food box 600A stacked thereon. When the proximal receiving portion 664 and the distal receiving portion (at Fig.6D The proximal connector 660 and the distal connector (not shown) of the food box 600 are respectively received. Fig.6D When the food box 600 is connected to another food box 600A, the food box 600 is connected to another food box 600A. In the connection configuration, the proximal connection portion 660C of the food box 600 is abutted against the front wall portion 612 of the other food box 600A, and the proximal engagement portion of the food box 600 (at Fig.6D 664 of the proximal receiving portion of another food box 600A. Similarly, the distal connecting portion of the food box 600 (not shown) is received by the proximal receiving portion 664 of another food box 600A. Fig.6D ) against the rear wall portion of another food box 600A (not shown in Fig.6D (not shown) on the distal end engaging portion of the food box 600 (in Fig.6D ) is received by the distal end receiving portion of another food box 600A (in Fig.6D Not shown) received. Fig.6D As shown, the proximal wing of food box 600 is against the front wall portion 612 of another food box 600A, and its foldable portion is inserted into the proximal groove of another food box 600A. The distal wing of food box 600 is against the rear wall portion of another food box 600A, and its foldable portion is inserted into the distal groove of another food box 600A. The height of proximal connection portion 660C and distal connection portion 670C may be the same as the height of the front wall portion 612 and the rear wall portion of food box 600. It is conceivable that proximal connector 660A and distal connector 670A can be disassembled from proximal cover plate 622A and distal cover plate 624A respectively, and can be connected with a third food box (at Fig.6DThe proximal receiving portion (not shown) and the distal receiving portion of the food box 600A are connected to connect another food box 600A to the third food box. Depending on the weight of the food, as many food boxes as possible can be connected, and multiple food boxes can be lifted by the handle of the top food box, and other food boxes are attached thereto. When another food box 600A is stacked on the food box 600, the handle of the food box 600 (at the top) can be lifted. Fig.6D ) is flat against the lid of the food box 600 (not shown in Fig.6D 600A), thereby allowing another food box 600A to be stacked thereon.

[0049] Figure 7 A blank cutout 700 of the food box 600 in FIG. 6 is shown. Figure 2 The blank cutout 200 in the same, except the following features. Food box 600 may include a perforated line 762 that delimits proximal connector 760 on proximal cover plate 722, and a perforated line 772 that delimits distal connector 770 on distal cover plate 724. Perforated line 762 extends from the front top edge 712T of front panel portion 712, and perforated line 772 extends from the rear top edge 714T of rear panel portion 714. Proximal connector 760 includes proximal connection portion 760C and proximal engagement portion 760E. Distal connector 770 includes distal connection portion 770C and distal engagement portion 770E. Proximal connector 760 and distal connector 770 may be tapered. Proximal connector 760 may include a protruding tab 760T formed in proximal connection portion 760C from proximal engagement portion 760E. The distal connector 770 may include a tab 770T that protrudes from the distal engagement portion 770E and is formed within the distal connection portion 770C. When the proximal engagement portion 760E and the distal engagement portion 770E are folded, the tabs 760T, 770T protrude outward from the cover (see Fig.6D 660T in the figure), so that the user can pull the protruding pieces 760T, 770T, so that the proximal connector 760 and the distal connector 770 can be easily disengaged from the proximal receiving portion 764 and the distal receiving portion 774. The food box 600 may include a proximal receiving portion 764 arranged along the front top edge 712T. Alternatively, the proximal receiving portion 764 may be arranged on the front wall portion 712 or the proximal cover plate 722. The food box 600 may include a distal receiving portion 774 arranged along the rear top edge 714T. Alternatively, the distal receiving portion 774 may be arranged on the rear wall portion 714 or the distal cover plate 724. Preferably, the front handle 730F, the proximal connector 760, the proximal receiving portion 764, the distal receiving portion 774, the distal connector 770 and the rear handle 730R are aligned along the longitudinal centerline 700C to keep balance when carrying the food box 600 and connecting it to another food box.

[0050] Fig. 8A A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a food box 800 is shown. The food box 800 and Figure 1 820 is the same as the food box 100 in the embodiment except for the following features. The lid 820 may include a fold line 820H adapted to allow the lid 820 to fold along the fold line 820H when the food box 800 is lifted by the handle 830. When the food box 800 is lifted by the handle 830, the central portion 820C of the lid 820 (located around the handle 830) is lifted and away from the tray 802. Since the lid 820 is foldable along the fold line 822H, the lid 820 will fold when the central portion 820C is raised. Since the rear end 822R of the proximal cover plate 822 is connected to the front wall portion 812, the left proximal cover edge 822L is fixed to the left wall portion 816, and the right proximal cover edge 822G is fixed to the right wall portion (at the Fig. 8A The rear end 824R of the distal cover plate 824 is connected to the rear wall portion (not shown in FIG. Fig. 8A 820), the left distal cover edge 824L and the right distal cover edge 824G are fixed by the front cover plate 822, so when the food box 800 is lifted by the handle 830, only the front end 822F of the proximal cover plate 822 and the front end 824F of the distal cover plate 824 (located near the central portion 820C of the lid 820) will be lifted.

[0051] Figure 8B Shows Fig. 8A A front view of the food box 800, Figure 8C Shows Fig. 8A A side view of a food box 800 is shown. Figure 8B and Figure 8C As shown, when the food box 800 is lifted by the handle 830, the central portion 820C of the lid 820 is lifted because the edge of the lid 820 is connected to the peripheral wall 810 or fixed by the front cover 822. The fold line 820H of the lid 820 helps to guide the folding of the lid 820 under the weight of the food box 800 or the box containing food.

[0052] Fig. 9 A blank cutout 900 of the food box 800 in FIG. 8 is shown. Figure 7 The blank cutout 700 is the same as in FIG. 1 except for the following features, which also apply to Figure 2200 in blank cutout. Food box 800 may include fold line 920H. Fold line 920H includes left proximal fold line 922Y extending obliquely from left proximal cover edge 922L near rear end 922R of proximal cover plate 922 to front handle 930F, and proximal right fold line 922X extending obliquely from right proximal cover edge 922G near rear end 922R of proximal cover plate 922 to front handle 930F. Fold line 920H includes left distal fold line 924Y extending obliquely from left distal cover edge 924L near rear end 924R of distal cover plate 924 to rear handle 930R, and right distal fold line 924X extending obliquely from right distal cover edge 924G near rear end 924R of distal cover plate 924 to rear handle 930R.

[0053] A skilled person will appreciate that features described in one example may not be limited to that example but may be combined with any other examples.

[0054] The present invention relates to a food container, generally as described herein and with reference to and / or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. A food box, comprising: A tray comprises a base and a peripheral wall extending from the base, wherein the peripheral wall comprises a front wall portion and a rear wall portion opposite thereto, A cover adapted to cover the tray, the cover comprising a proximal cover plate pivotally connected to the front wall portion and a distal cover plate pivotally connected to the rear wall portion, wherein the proximal cover plate and the distal cover plate are rotatable to cover the tray in a covering position, a fixing mechanism adapted to fix the proximal cover plate to the tray, wherein in the covering position, the proximal cover plate holds the distal cover plate in the covering position and is fixed to the tray by the fixing mechanism, and A handle is pivotally connected to the cover, wherein the handle is rotatable between an upright position perpendicular to the cover and a flat position parallel to the cover.

2. The food box according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall further includes a left wall portion and a right wall portion opposite thereto, wherein the left wall portion and the right wall portion are arranged between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, wherein the fixing mechanism includes a left fixing mechanism and a right fixing mechanism, wherein the left fixing mechanism is suitable for fixing the proximal cover plate to the left wall portion, and the right fixing mechanism is suitable for fixing the proximal cover plate to the right wall portion.

3. The food box according to claim 2, wherein the proximal cover plate includes a left proximal cover edge and a right proximal cover edge opposite thereto, the left fixing mechanism includes a left fixing portion extending from the left proximal cover edge and a left engaging portion arranged on the left wall portion and suitable for engaging with the left fixing portion, and the right fixing mechanism includes a right fixing portion extending from the right proximal cover edge and a right engaging portion arranged on the right wall portion and suitable for engaging with the right fixing portion.

4. The food box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The handle comprises a front handle pivotally connected to the proximal cover plate and a rear handle pivotally connected to the distal cover plate, wherein the front handle and the rear handle are connected to each other to form a handle in the covering position, or can be rotated away from each other onto the cover plate to be flush with the cover plate.

5. The food box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the food box comprises a centre line extending parallel to and equidistant from the front wall panel and the rear wall panel, wherein the fixing mechanism and the handle are arranged along the centre line.

6. The food box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a proximal connector formed as part of the proximal cover and pivotally connected to the front wall portion, a distal connector formed as part of the distal cover and pivotally connected to the rear wall portion, a proximal receiving portion provided on the front wall panel, and a distal receiving portion provided on the rear wall panel; wherein, The proximal connector is detachable from the proximal cover and connectable to the proximal receiving portion of another food box, and the distal connector is detachable from the distal cover and connectable to the distal receiving portion of another food box to connect the food box to another food box.

7. A food box according to claim 6, wherein the proximal connector includes a proximal wing, the proximal receiving portion includes a proximal groove, and the distal connector includes a distal wing, the distal receiving portion includes a distal groove, wherein the proximal wing is inserted into the proximal groove of another food box, and the distal wing is inserted into the distal groove of another food box to connect the food box to another food box.

8. A food container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lid comprises a fold line adapted to cause the lid to fold along the fold line when the food container is lifted at the handle.

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