CONTAINER WITH INTERNAL DIVIDER.

Abstract

The food container includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first and second body portions are joined close to their opposite sides to define the container's interior and an opening. The container has a flat configuration with the first and second body portions in a generally flat state and an expanded configuration with the first and second body portions in a contoured state. The first lateral fins, extending from opposite sides of the first body portion, are folded inward toward the interior of the container. At least one of the first lateral fins has a clutch mechanism positioned to engage with the opposite first lateral fin when the container is in the expanded configuration, forming an internal partition wall within the container.A rough-cut piece (or workpiece) is also provided for forming a food container. Figure 1 is the most representative illustration of the invention.

Description

CONTAINER WITH INTERNAL DIVIDER Field of Invention The subject matter described herein relates to a food container for packaging and serving food products, such as chicken nuggets, potato chips, and other bite-sized foods. Specifically, the subject matter described herein relates to a food container where the container has clutch configurations that engage with each other when the container is in an expanded configuration to form an internal partition wall within the container. Background of the Invention Often, a variety of food products, such as potato chips, onion rings, chicken nuggets, breaded shrimp, and other bite-sized foods, are served from small cardboard containers. These food containers may be pouch-shaped, like those commonly used for potato chips, or box-shaped with a lid that retains or preserves the food product, such as deli items (ready-to-eat food) or similar products. Example food containers for the QRCQnn / i znz / E / YiAi Packaging and services for a variety of food products are provided in United States Patents Nos. 6,050,482; 6,053,403; 6,216,946; 6,561,414; and 8,584,884, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Containers of this type are made of folding cardboard and can be a single-use product used in large quantities. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce or minimize the costs associated with the materials, manufacturing, storage, shipping, use, and similar aspects of these containers. It is also desirable to provide a food container with a divider that separates the inside of the container into more than one portion or compartment. In this way, each portion or compartment can contain a serving of a different product, with the different products separated by the divider. Summary of the Invention The purpose and advantages of the subject matter described are indicated and made apparent from the following description, as well as being learned through its practice. Additional advantages of the subject matter are realized and achieved through the 25 methods and systems outlined, in particular, in the description. QRcann / i ζηζ / E / γίΛΐ written and the claims thereof, as well as from the attached figures. To achieve these and other advantages in accordance with the purpose of the described material, as broadly described herein, the described material includes a food container having a first body portion and a second body portion. The first and second body portions are joined close to their opposite sides to define the interior of the container and a mouth on the inside. The container has a flat configuration with the first and second body portions in a generally flat condition and an expanded configuration with the first and second body portions in a contoured condition. The container further includes first lateral fins extending from opposite sides of the first body portion and folding inward toward the interior of the container, and at least one of the first lateral fins has a clutch configuration located thereon.The clutch configuration of at least the first 20 side fin is positioned to clutch with the opposite first side fin when the vessel is in the expanded configuration to form the inner dividing wall within the vessel interior. As included herein, at least one of the 25 first body portion and the second body portion QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI has a first arched upper edge that defines a portion of the mouth and extends into the interior of the vessel. The other of the first body portion and the second body portion has a second arched upper edge 5 that defines a portion of the mouth and extends outwards from the interior of the vessel. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion has fold lines extending along at least 10% of the length thereof to provide the contoured condition of at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion. Additionally, and as included herein, each first side fin is defined in part by a first side fin fold line along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion. At least one of the first side fins has a free end opposite the first side fin fold line with the clutch configuration configured as a tongue extending from the free end, and in some embodiments, the vessel further has a defined hole therein to receive the tongue when the vessel is in the expanded configuration. The clutch configuration further includes a first interlocking hook located at QACQnn / l 7P7 / E / YILI at least on one of the first side fins to engage with a second interlocking hook located on the opposite first side fin when the vessel is in the expanded configuration to form the inner dividing wall 5. Alternatively, the vessel further includes second side fins extending from opposite sides of the second body portion. Each second side fin is thus defined in part by a second side fin fold line 10 along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion, and each second side fin can be folded inward toward the interior of the vessel. At least one of the first side fins of each second side fin has a free end with an engagement configuration configured as a tongue extending from the free end.The tab of at least the first side fin and the tab of the second side fin are adjacent and aligned with each other, and in some embodiments, the vessel also has a defined opening therein to receive the tab of at least the first side fin and the tab of the second side fin when the vessel is in the expanded configuration. The opening is defined by a separation between the first and second body portions. QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI Furthermore, as included herein, the first side fins can be secured to the second side fins to join the first and second body portions near opposite sides of the same. Each first side fin can be secured to a respective second side fin using adhesive. Furthermore, as included herein, the clutch configuration is configured as a defined opening in one of the first side fins and one of the second side fins. The opening of the first side fin and the opening of the second side fin are adjacent and aligned with each other, and the other of the first side fins and the other of the second side fins can be secured together at a discreet location 15 situated within the opening of the first side fin and the opening of the second side fin. The discreet location of each of the other of the first side fins and the other of the second side fins includes a raised surface. The other of the first side fins and the other of the second side fins can be secured together by means of an adhesive applied to the raised surfaces.The secured raised surfaces are located in one region of the opening when the vessel is in the flat configuration and can move to another region of the opening when the vessel is pushed. QECQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI towards the expanded configuration. When the vessel is in the expanded configuration, the secured raised surfaces can engage with the first and second side fins near the other region of the 5 opening. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second body portions has a folding support formed therein to hold a receptacle. The container also includes a base portion that sits between a base edge of the first body portion and a base edge of the second body portion. The base portion has an upwardly arched shape that extends inward when the container is in its expanded configuration. Each of the first and second body portions has a foot that extends beyond the base edge to define a support surface. The described material also includes a unitary rough-cut piece (or workpiece) for forming a food container, comprising a first body portion 20 and a second body portion aligned along a longitudinal axis. Each of the first body portion and the second body portion has a base edge and opposite sides. The base edge of the first body portion orients the base edge of the second body portion 25. The rough-cut piece (or workpiece) further includes first side fins extending laterally from opposite sides of the first body portion. Each first side fin is defined in part by a first side fin bend line 5 along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion. At least one of the first side fins has a clutch configuration located thereon.The clutch configuration is positioned to engage with the first opposite side fin when the first side fins are folded along the first side fin fold lines and moved toward each other. The first side fins form an internal dividing wall when the first and second body portions are joined close to opposite sides to define a container with an interior. Additionally, and as included herein, at least one of the first side fins has a free end opposite the first side fin fold line with the clutch configuration 20 configured as a tongue extending from the free end, and in some embodiments, the container formed from the rough piece further has a defined hole therein to receive the tongue. Furthermore, and as included herein, the rough piece also includes the second lateral fins which are QACQnn / l 7P7 / B / YILI extend from opposite sides of the second body portion. Each second side fin is defined in part by a second side fin fold line along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion, and in some embodiments, each second side fin is configured to be folded inwards towards the interior of the vessel. At least one of the first side fins of each of the second side fins has a free end with a clutch configuration configured as a tongue extending from the free end. The tongue of the first side fin and the tongue of the second side fin are adjacent and aligned with each other, and in some embodiments, the vessel formed from the rough piece further has a defined hole therein to receive the tongue of the first side fin and the tongue of the second side fin.The clutch configuration also includes a first interlocking hook located at least on one of the first side fins 20 to engage with a second interlocking hook located on the opposite first side fin when the vessel is in the expanded configuration to form the inner dividing wall. Furthermore, and as included herein, the 25 clutch configuration is configured as an opening QACQnn / l 7P7 / E / YILI defined on one of the first side fins and one of the second side fins. The opening of the first side fin and the opening of the second side fin may be separated by a similar distance from a corresponding base edge and are aligned with each other. The clutch configuration further includes a first interlocking hook located on at least one of the first side fins to engage with a second interlocking hook located on the opposite first side fin when the container is in the expanded configuration to form the inner dividing wall. At least one of the first and second body portions has a folding support formed therein to retain a receptacle. In some forms, the rough piece (or workpiece 15) also includes a base panel located between the base edge of the first body portion and the base edge of the second body portion. The base panel includes a longitudinal base fold line that extends substantially parallel to the base edges. The base panel includes at least one lateral base fold line that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal base fold line. The base panel includes arched fold lines on opposite sides of the lateral base fold line. It is understood that both the general description The above Q^CQnn / i znz / E / YiAi and the following detailed description are examples and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject matter described that is claimed. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated into and form part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide further understanding of the method and system of the subject matter described. Together with the description, the figures serve to explain the principles of the subject matter. Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 shows a plan view of an example modality of a rough unit piece for a food container according to the described material. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the rough unit piece of Figure 1 with the corresponding side fins folded inwards. Figure 3 shows a right perspective view of an example container formed from the rough unit piece of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a plan view of another example of a rough unit piece for a food container according to the material described. Figure 5 shows a perspective view Q^conn / i ζηζ / E / γίΛΐ of the rough unit piece of Figure 4 with the corresponding side fins folded inwards. Figure 6 shows a right-side perspective view of an example vessel formed from the 5 rough unit piece of Figure 4 with additional unengaged vessel clutch configurations. Figure 7 shows a left-side perspective view of the example vessel in Figure 6 with the additional clutch configurations engaged with each other. Figure 8 shows a plan view of another example of a rough unit piece for a food container according to the material described. Figure 9 shows a right-hand perspective view of the rough unit piece of Figure 8 with the corresponding side fins folded inwards. Figure 10 shows a top perspective view of the rough unit piece of Figure 8 with a first body portion bent towards a second body portion 20. Figure 11 shows a left-side perspective view of an example vessel formed from the rough unit piece of Figure 8 with additional unengaged vessel clutch configurations. Figure 12 shows a perspective view QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI left of the example container of Figure 11 with the additional clutch configurations engaged with each other. Detailed Description of the Invention The following section details the various example modalities of the described material, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The structure and corresponding method of operation of the described material are described in conjunction with the detailed system description. The apparatus and methods presented herein are used for the transport of foodstuffs and other perishable and non-perishable products. In particular, the described material is suitable for the packaging and serving of foodstuffs, where the container has clutch configurations that engage with each other when the container is in an expanded configuration to form the inner dividing wall within the container. According to the material described herein, the container generally includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first and second body portions are joined near their opposite sides to define the interior of the container and an opening on the inside. The container has a QACQnn / l 7P7 / B / YILI flat configuration with the first and second body portions in a generally flat condition and an expanded configuration with the first and second body portions in a contoured condition. The vessel further includes first side fins extending from opposite sides of the first body portion and folding inward toward the interior of the vessel, each first side fin having a clutch configuration located thereon. The clutch configurations of the first side fins are positioned to engage with each other when the vessel is in the expanded configuration to form the inner dividing wall within the interior of the vessel. A rough unit piece is also provided for forming a food container. The accompanying figures, where the same reference numbers refer to identical or functionally similar elements across all separate views, serve to further illustrate the various embodiments and explain several principles and advantages, all in accordance with the subject matter described. For the purpose of explanation and illustration, and not for limitation, example embodiments of the container according to the subject matter described are shown in Figures 1-12. The container is suitable for use with a wide variety of food products. QRConn / i ζηζ / E / γίΛΐ hot and cold, such as fruit slices, chips, breadsticks, sweets, and other suitable bite-sized food products, particularly one or more, and are consumed with an accompanying sauce or similar. However, the container described herein is particularly suitable and beneficial for use with hot prepared food products, such as chicken nuggets, French fries, onion rings, and breaded shrimp, wherein the container is used for the storage, transport, and / or reuse of these food products as well as for serving a different type of product (e.g., chicken nuggets with French fries), each in separate portions or compartments within the container, with the portions or compartments and the different products therein separated by a divider.For illustrative purposes, and not for limitation, reference is made herein to a container intended to hold food products. For illustrative purposes and not as a limitation, reference is made to the example of a single piece in rough 100 for the container shown in Figures 1 and 2. Additionally, for the purpose of understanding, the container is referred to collectively. 200 of Figure 3 formed by the rough piece 100 of the QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rough part 100 generally includes a first body portion 110 and a second body portion 114 aligned along a longitudinal axis. Each of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 114 has a base edge 112a, 112b and opposite sides 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d. The base edge 112a of the first body portion 110 orients the base edge 112b of the second body portion 114. The rough part 100 further includes the first side fins 118a, 118b extending laterally from the opposite sides 116a, 116b of the first body portion. Each first side fin 118a, 118b is defined in part by a first line of 15 side fin fold 120a, 120b along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion 110.Each first lateral fin 118a, 118b has at least one contoured upper edge 122a, 122b extending from the first body portion 110. As shown in Figure 3 and discussed later, the first lateral fins 118a, 118b form an inner dividing wall 210 when the first and second body portions 110, 114 are joined close together at opposite sides 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d thereof to define the vessel 200, which has an interior wall. With reference to Figure 3, the wall. QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YΙΛΙ interior divider 210 defines a portion of and separates, at least partially, compartments 212, 214 inside the container. Additionally or alternatively, and as included herein, the rough piece 100 includes the second side fins 118c, 118d that extend laterally from opposite sides 116c, 116d of the second body portion. Each second side fin 118c, 118d is defined in part by a second side fin fold line 120c, 120d along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion 114. Each second side fin 118c, 118d has at least one contoured upper edge 128a, 128b extending from the second body portion 114. As shown in Figure 3, and as discussed later, the second side fins 118c, 118d, if proportioned, further form the inner dividing wall 210 when the first and second body portions 110, 114 are joined close together at opposite sides 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d thereof to define the vessel 200 having an interior. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, and as included herein, at least one of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 114 has a first arched upper edge 136a that defines a mouth portion 25 and extends into the interior of the QACQnn / l 7P7 / E / YILI container. The other of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 114 has a second arched upper edge 136b that defines a portion of the mouth and extends outward from the inside of the container. In an additional or alternative manner, at least one of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 114 has the fold lines 138 that extend along at least a portion of the length thereof to provide the contoured condition of at least one of the first body portion 110 and the second body portion 114. As further included herein, the rough piece 100 further includes a base panel 130 situated between the base edge 112a of the first body portion 110 and the base edge 112b of the second body portion 114. The base panel 130 includes a longitudinal base fold line 132 extending substantially parallel to the base edges 112a, 112b. The base panel 130 includes at least one side base fold line 134 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal base fold line. The base panel 130 includes the arcuate fold lines 142a, 142b on opposite sides of the side base fold line. Additionally, and as included herein, the rough part 100 has one or more 25 clutch configurations to form the container 200 with QRCQnn / ι znz / E / YiAi the inner dividing wall 210. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, as included herein, one of the first side fins 118a has a free end 124a opposite the first fold line of side fin 120a with a tab 126a extending therefrom. With reference to Figure 3, the tab 126a forms tab 126 of the vessel 200 when the first side fin 118a is joined with the second side fin 118c to form the vessel 200. As included herein, one of the second side fins 118c has a free end 124b with a tab 126b extending therefrom.The tab 126a of the first side fin 118a and the tab 126b of the second side fin 118c are positioned adjacent to and aligned with each other to form tab 126 of the vessel 200 when the first side fin 118a is joined with the second side fin 118c to form the vessel 200, as described below. Furthermore, as shown for example in Figure 3, the container 200 formed from the rough part 100 20 further has an opening 140 defined therein to receive the tab 126. For illustrative purposes and not for limitation, as shown for example in Figures 1 and 2, the opening 140 is defined by an area 140a of a first lateral fin 118b and an area 140b of a second lateral fin 118d that is free of adhesive when the first QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ side fin 118b is joined with the second side fin 118d to form the container. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, as included herein, the container 200 is formed from the rough piece 100 by folding the first side fin 118b and the second side fin 118d inwards along the first side fin fold line 120b and the second side fin fold line 120d, respectively, and by folding the first side fin 118a and the second side fin 118c inwards along the first side fin fold line 120a and the second side fin 120c, respectively. Thus, as shown for example in Figure 2, the first lateral fin 118a overlaps, at least partially, the first lateral fin 118b, and the second lateral fin 118c overlaps, at least partially, the second lateral fin 118d.Additionally, as included herein, the first side fin 118a is joined to the second side fin 118c near the first side fin fold line 120a and the second side fin fold line 120c. Furthermore, as included herein, the first side fin 118b is joined to the second side fin 118d near the first side fin fold line 120b and the second side fin fold line 120d, with areas 140a and 140b free of adhesive to form the hole. QECQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI 140 (shown in Figure 3). In this configuration, the bonded pair of fins 118a, 118c moves inward independently of the bonded pair of fins 118b, 118d, with the fins 118a, 118c moving inward and between the bonded fins 118b, 118d from an initial flat configuration to the expanded configuration. As the vessel 200 is pushed into the expanded configuration, the tabs 126a, 126b move across the non-adhesive bonded areas 140a, 140b of the bonded fins 118b, 118d. As included herein, areas 140a, 140b form bore 140 which is sized to engage with attached tabs 126a, 126b within attached fins 118b, 118d in a friction clutch.Thus, the first and second body portions 110, 114 are secured in a contoured condition with the dividing wall 210 formed between them, as shown, for example, in Figure 3, with or without the additional clutch configurations, as described later. With reference to Figure 3, in the contoured configuration, the contoured upper edges 122a, 122b of the first side fins 118a, 118b and the contoured upper edges 128a, 128b of the second side fins 118c, 118d define a contoured upper edge of the inner dividing wall 210, which facilitates access to the compartments 212, 214 inside. QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / ΥΙΛΙ container . Furthermore, and as included herein, at least one of the first and second body portions 110, 114 has a folding support formed therein to retain a receptacle, as shown and described for example in United States Patent No. 8,584,884, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference is then made to an alternative form of a single piece in rough 300 for the 10 container shown in Figures 4 and 5, together with the 600 container of Figures 6 and 7 formed by the 400 piece in rough 4 of Figures 4 and 5. The 300 piece in rough and the 400 container include some or all of the different configurations described herein with respect to the 100 piece in rough and the 200 container. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, rough part 300 generally includes a first body portion 310 and a second body portion 314 aligned along a longitudinal axis. Each of the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 314 has a base edge 312a, 312b and opposite sides 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d. The base edge 312a of the first body portion 310 orients the base edge 312b of the second body portion 314. Rough part 300 further includes QBCQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI the first lateral fins 318a, 318b that extend laterally from opposite sides 316a, 316b of the first body portion. Each first side fin 318a, 318b is defined in part by a first line of 5 side fin folds 320a, 320b along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion 310. As shown in Figures 6 and 7 and as discussed below, the first side fins 318a, 318b form an inner dividing wall 410 when the first and second 10 body portions 310, 314 are joined close together at opposite sides 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d thereof to define the vessel 400 having an interior. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the inner dividing wall 410 defines a portion of and separates, at least alternately, the 15 compartments 412, 414 within the vessel. Additionally or alternatively, and as included herein, the rough part 300 includes the second side fins 318c, 318d extending laterally from opposite sides 316c, 316d of the second body portion. Each second side fin 318c, 318d is defined in part by a second side fin fold line 320c, 320d along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion 314. Each second side fin 318c, 318d has at least one contoured upper edge 328a, 328b extending to QRConn / i ζηζ / E / γίΛΐ from the second body portion 314. As shown in Figure 3, and as discussed later, the second side fins 318c, 318d, if proportioned, further form the inner dividing wall 410 when the first and second body portions 310, 314 are joined close to opposite sides 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d thereof to define the container 400 having an interior. As included herein, at least one of the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 314 has a first arched upper edge 336a defining a mouth portion and extending into the interior of the container. The other of the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 314 has a second arched upper edge 336b defining a mouth portion and extending outward from the interior of the container. In addition or alternatively, at least one of the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 314 has fold lines 338 extending along at least a portion of its length to provide the contoured condition of at least one of the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 314. As also included herein, the rough part 300 also includes a base panel 330 located between the base edge 312a of the first body portion 310 and QRConn / i ζηζ / E / γίΛΐ the base edge 312b of the second body portion 314. Base panel 330 includes a longitudinal base fold line 332 that extends substantially parallel to the base edges 312a, 312b. Base panel 330 includes at least one side base fold line 334 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal base fold line. Base panel 330 includes the arcuate fold lines 342a, 342b on opposite sides of the side base fold line. Furthermore, and as included herein, the rough part 300 has one or more clutch configurations to form the vessel 400 with the inner dividing wall 410. For example, and as included herein, each first side fin 318a, 318b has clutch configurations in the form of opposing hooks 322a, 322b extending from the first body portion 310. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the hooks 322a, 322b are positioned to clutch each other when the first side fins 318a, 318b are folded along the first 20 side fin fold lines 320a, 320b and moved toward each other. As shown, for example, in Figures 4 and 6, hooks 322a and 322b are formed with edges and corners that define the interconnecting hooks. Alternatively, in some embodiments, hooks 322a and 322b are configured with rounded or softened corners and / or edges. QBCQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / ΥΙΛΙ redondeados o suavizados. Additionally, and as noted above, clutch configurations may be provided in the form of tabs. For illustrative purposes and not for limitation, as included herein, one of the first side fins 318a has a free end 324a opposite the first side fin fold line 320a with a tab 326a extending therefrom. With reference to Figure 6, tab 326a forms tab 326 of the vessel 400 when the first side fin 318a is joined with the second side fin 318c to form the vessel 400. As included herein, one of the second side fins 318c has a free end 324b with a tab 326b extending therefrom.The tab 326a of the first side fin 318a and the tab 326b of the second side fin 318c are positioned adjacent to and aligned with each other to form tab 326 of the vessel 400 when the first side fin 318a is joined with the second side fin 318c 20 to form the vessel 200, as described below. Furthermore, as previously noted, the container 400 formed from the rough piece 300 also has a defined hole 340 therein to receive the tab 326. The hole 340 is defined by an area 340a of the first side fin 318b and an area 340b of QACQnn / l 7Π7 / E / YILI the second side fin 318d which is free of adhesive when the first side fin 318b is joined with the second side fin 318d to form the container. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, as included herein, the container 400 is formed from the rough piece 300 by folding the first side fin 318b and the second side fin 318d inwards along the first side fin fold line 320b and the second side fin fold line 320d, respectively, and by folding the first side fin 318a and the second side fin 318c inwards along the first side fin fold line 320a and the second side fin 320c, respectively. Thus, as shown for example in Figure 5, the first lateral fin 318a overlaps, at least partially, the first lateral fin 318b, and the second lateral fin 318c overlaps, at least partially, the second lateral fin 318d.Additionally, and as included herein, the first side fin 318a is joined to the second side fin 318c near the first side fin fold line 320a and the second side fin fold line 320c. Furthermore, and as included herein, the first side fin 318b is joined to the second side fin 318d near the first side fin fold line 320b and the second side fin fold line 320d. QBCQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI areas 340a and 340b free of adhesive to form hole 340 (shown in Figure 6). In this configuration, the joined pairs of fins move inward, independently of each other, from an initial flat configuration to the expanded configuration with the first and second body portions 310, 314 in a contoured condition, as shown for example in Figures 6 and 7. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, in the contoured configuration, the contoured upper edges of the first side fins 318a, 318b and the contoured upper edges of the second side fins 318c, 318d define a contoured upper edge of the inner partition wall 410, which facilitates access to the compartments 412, 414 inside the vessel. Furthermore, and as included herein, at least one of the first and second body portions 310, 314 has a folding support formed therein for retaining a receptacle, as shown and described for example in United States Patent No. 8,584,884, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The following refers to another alternative form of a single piece in rough 500 for the container shown in Figures 8-10, in conjunction with the container 600 of Figures 11 and 12 formed by the 25 pieces in rough 500 of Figures 8-10. The single piece in QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI rough 500 and container 600 include some or all of the different configurations described herein with respect to the unit piece in rough 100 and container 200 and / or the piece in rough 300 and container 400. As shown in Figures 8-10, the rough part 500 generally includes a first body portion 510 and a second body portion 514 aligned along a longitudinal axis. Each of the first body portion 510 and the second body portion 514 has a base edge 512a, 512b and opposite sides 516a, 516b, 516c, 516d. The base edge 512a of the first body portion 510 orients the base edge 512b of the second body portion 514. The rough part 500 further includes the first side fins 518a, 518b extending laterally from the opposite sides 516a, 516b of the first body portion. Each first side fin 518a, 518b is defined in part by a first side fin fold line 520a, 520b along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion 20 510.As shown in Figures 11 and 12, and as discussed later, the first side fins 518a, 518b form an inner dividing wall 610 when the first and second body portions 510, 514 are joined close to opposite sides 516a, 516b, 516c, 516d of the same to define the container 600 having an interior. QRCQnn / ι ζηζ / E / γίΛΐ With reference to Figures 11 and 12, the inner dividing wall 610 defines a portion of and separates, at least partially, compartments 612, 614 inside the container 600. As included herein, at least one of the first body portion 510 and the second body portion 514 has a first arched upper edge 536a defining a portion of the mouth and extending into the interior of the container. The other of the first body portion 510 and the second body portion 514 has a second arched upper edge 536b defining a portion of the mouth and extending outward from the interior of the container. In addition or alternatively, at least one of the first body portion 510 and the second body portion 514 has the fold lines 538 extending along at least a portion of its length to provide the contoured condition of at least one of the first body portion 510 and the second body portion 514. Furthermore, and as included herein, the rough part 500 has one or more clutch configurations to form the vessel 600 with the inner dividing wall 610. For example, with reference to Figure 8, the rough part 500 has a clutch configuration in the form of a raised surface located within an opening, as shown. QRCQnn / ι znz / E / YiAi is described later. For example, and as included herein, each of the first side fins 568b and one of the second side fins 568d has an aperture 570a, 570b defined therein. Each of the opening 570a of the first lateral fin 568b and the opening 570b of the second lateral fin 568d is separated by a similar distance from a corresponding base edge 572a, 572b and is aligned with each other. The other of the first lateral fins 568a and the other of the second lateral fins 568c are secured together at a discrete location 574a, 574b, which may be situated within the opening 570a of the first lateral fin 568b and the opening 570b of the second lateral fin 568d. Each second lateral fin 568c, 568d has at least one contoured upper edge 528a, 528b extending from the second body portion 514. Additionally, and as included herein, the discrete location 574a, 574b of each of the first side fins 568a and the other of the second side fins 568c includes a raised surface 580a, 580b. The first side fin 568a and the second side fin 568c are secured together by an adhesive applied to the raised surfaces 580a, 580b at the discrete location 574a, 574b. For example, and as included herein, the first fin QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / YILI lateral 568a and the second lateral fin 568c are folded inwards, and the first lateral fin 568b and the second lateral fin 568d are folded inwards. In this way, the first lateral fin 568b overlaps, at least partially, the first lateral fin 568a, and the second lateral fin 568d overlaps, at least partially, the second lateral fin 568c. Furthermore, and as included herein, in this configuration, the raised surfaces 580a, 580b of the discrete locations 574a, 574b of the first side fin 568a and the second side fin 568c, respectively, are exposed through the opening 570a, 570b in the overlap of the first side fin 568b and the second side fin 568d.The adhesive is applied to the raised surfaces 580a, 580b, and the corresponding first side fin 568a and second side fin 568c are joined and secured together, in an adhesive manner, close to the raised surfaces 580, 580b. The first attached side fin 568a and the second attached side fin 568c move, for example and without limitation, 20 within the openings 570a, 570b of the first attached side fin 568b and the second attached side fin 568d from an initial flat configuration to the expanded configuration with the corresponding body panels in a contoured condition. That is, as shown for example and without QECQnn / l 7P7 / B / YILI limitation in Figures 11 and 12, the secured raised surfaces 580a, 580b at discrete location 574a, 574b are situated in a region 576a, 576b of the opening 570a, 570b when the vessel 600 is in the flat configuration 5. The secured raised surfaces 580a, 580b at discrete location 574a, 574b move to another region 578a, 578b of the opening 570a, 570b when the vessel 600 is pushed into the expanded configuration. When the vessel 600 is in the expanded configuration, the secured raised surfaces 580a, 580b can engage with the first and second side fins 568b, 568d adjacent to the other region 578a, 578b of the opening 570a, 570b. With reference to Figures 11 and 12, in the contoured configuration, the contoured upper edges 528a, 528b of the second side fins 568c, 568d define a contoured upper edge of the inner dividing wall 610, which facilitates access to compartments 612, 614 inside the container. Additionally, as noted previously, the clutch configurations are provided in the form of hooks. For example, as included herein, each first side fin 568a, 568b has opposing hooks 522a, 522b extending from the first body portion 510. With reference to Figures 11 and 12, the hooks 522a, 522b are QBCQnn / l 7P7 / B / YILI are positioned to engage with each other when the first side fins 568a, 568b are folded along the first side fin fold lines 520a, 520b and moved towards each other. Additionally, or alternatively, and as noted above, the engagement configurations may be provided in the form of tabs (not shown). Ideally, the containers described herein are disposable, although it is envisaged that they may be reused in the future. Likewise, the containers are constructed of materials suitable for use in a heating appliance, such as a microwave, for heating food and / or for storage in a refrigerator or freezer. Furthermore, the materials from which the food containers are made need not be the same. The containers and rough parts described herein are manufactured from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, cardboard. It is recognized that the dimensions and relative proportions of the first body portions, second body portions, fins, etc., of food containers or rough pieces vary according to the exact size and intended use of the containers. QACQnn / l 7P7 / B / YILI food or rough pieces. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, the example dimensions and angles shown in Figures 1, 4, and 8 are provided in Table 1. However, it is apparent to those 5 skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the example dimensions and angles without departing from the spirit or scope of the matter described. A person of ordinary experience recognizes that any suitable shape and depth of the 10 food container and the corresponding rough piece may be employed, and the matter described is not limited to the sizes and shapes illustrated in Figures 1-12. Other suitable shapes include rectangles, triangles, cylinders, ovals, various polygons, etc., having any kind of suitable dimensions. In addition to the specific forms claimed below, the subject matter described herein also addresses other forms having other possible combinations of the dependent features claimed below and those described above. As such, the particular features described herein may be combined with each other in other ways within the scope of the subject matter described, and it must be recognized that the subject matter described herein is specifically directed to other forms that QACQnn / l 7P7 / B / YILI have other possible combinations. Thus, the above description of the specific modalities of the matter described has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the matter described to those modalities described. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the method and system of the subject matter described without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter described. Thus, it is intended that the subject matter described includes modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Table 1 - Example Dimensions 15 Dimension Length in Centimeters (Inches) L101 28.19 (11.1) L102 25.44 (10 1 / 64) L103 4.76 (1 7 / 8) L104 5.63 (2 7 / 32) 20 L105 1.905 (3 / 4) L106 11.39 (4 17 / 32) L107 12.7 (5) L108 7.112 (2.8) L109 0.95 (3 / 8) 25 L110 2.79 (1.1) Lili 4.64 (1 53 / 64) wlOl 7.38 (2 29 / 32) wl02 10.75 (4 15 / 64) wl03 24.81 (9.77) 5 L201 28.09 (11.06) L202 5.318 (23 / 23) L. (4 15 / 32) L204 12.58 (4 61 / 64) L205 7.858 (3 3 / 32) 10 L206 2.54 (1) L207 5.238 (2 1 / 16) w2 01 25.4 (10) w202 1.39 (2.33) w 7.54 (2 31 / 32) 15 L301 28.09 (11.06) L302 5.318 (2 3 / 32) L303 11.35 (4 15 / 32) L304 12.58 (4 61 / 64) L305 7.858 (3 / 30) 2032 w. 24.61 (9.69) w302 13.79 (5.43) w303 7.54 (2 31 / 32) Dimension Radius of Curvature in Centimeters (Inches) 25 11 6.585 (2 19 / 32) QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / ΥΙΛΙ R21 6.53 (2.572) R22 5.56 (2 3 / 16) R2 3 6.53 (2.572) R31 6.53 (2.572) 5 R32 5.56 (2 3 / 16) R33 6.53 (2.572) Angle 111 11 11 ΘΘ 10 Θ31 11 QACQnn / l 7Π7 / Β / ΥΙΛΙ

Claims

1. A unitary rough piece for forming a food container characterized in that it comprises: a first body portion, a second body portion 5 and a base panel aligned along a longitudinal axis, each of the first body portion and the second body portion having a base edge and opposite sides, the base edge of the first body portion being oriented to the base edge of the second body portion with the base panel situated between them, the base panel having a longitudinal base fold line extending substantially parallel to the base edge of the first body portion and the base edge of the second body portion and a side fold line extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal base fold line;and first side fins extending laterally from opposite sides of the first body portion, each first side fin being defined in part by a first lateral fin fold line 20 along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion, at least one of the first side fins having a clutch configuration located thereon, the clutch configuration being positioned to engage with the opposite first side fin when it is folded along the first lateral fin fold lines and moved towards each other, the first side fins forming an inner dividing wall when the first and second body portions are joined close to opposite sides thereof to define a container having an interior.

2. The rough piece, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first side fins has a free end opposite the first side fin fold line, the clutch configuration is configured as a tongue extending from the free end, the container formed from the rough piece further having a defined hole therein to receive the tongue.

3. The rough part, according to claim 2, characterized in that the clutch configuration further comprises a first interconnecting hook located on at least one of the first side fins to engage with a second interconnecting hook located on the opposite first side fin when the container is in the expanded configuration to form the inner dividing wall.

4. The rough piece, according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises second side fins extending from opposite sides 25 of the second body portion, each second side fin Q^conn / i ζηζ / E / γίΛΐ being defined in part by a second side fin fold line along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion, each second side fin being configured to be folded inwards 5 in the direction of the interior of the container.

5. The rough piece, according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the first side fins and one of the second side fins each has a free end with a clutch configuration configured as a tongue extending from the free end, the tongue of at least one of the first side fin and the tongue of the second side fin are adjacent and aligned with each other, the container formed from the rough piece further having a defined hole therein to receive the tongue of at least the first side fin and the tongue of the second side fin.

6. The rough part, according to claim 4, characterized in that the clutch configuration 20 is configured as a defined opening in one of the first side fins and one of the second side fins, the opening of the first side fin and the opening of the second side fin being separated by a similar distance from a corresponding base edge and 25 being aligned with each other. Q^CQnn / i znz / E / YiAi 7. The rough-cut piece, according to claim 1, characterized in that the base panel comprises arched fold lines on opposite sides of the lateral base fold line. 5 8. A unitary rough piece for forming a food container characterized in that it comprises: a first body portion and a second body portion aligned along a longitudinal axis, the first body portion and the second body portion each having a base edge and opposite sides, the base edge of the first body portion being oriented towards the base edge of the second body portion;and first side fins extending laterally from opposite sides of the first body portion, each first side fin defined in part by a first side fin fold line along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion, at least one of the first side fins having a clutch configuration located therein including an opening defined in at least one first side fin, the clutch configuration being located to engage an opposite first side fin when folded along the fold lines of the first side fin and moved towards each other, the first side fins forming an inner dividing wall when the first and second body portions are joined near opposite sides thereof to define a container having an interior;and second lateral fins extending from opposite sides of the second body portion, each second lateral fin defined in part by a second lateral fin fold line along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion, each second lateral fin configured to be folded inwards into the interior of the container, and one of the second lateral fins having an opening defined therein, the opening of the second lateral fin and the opening of at least one first lateral fin are separated by a similar distance from a corresponding edge of the base and aligned with each other.

9. The rough part according to claim 8, characterized in that the clutch configuration further comprises a first interconnecting hook located on at least one of the first side fins to engage a second interconnecting hook located on the opposite first side fin when the container is in the expanded configuration, to form the inner dividing wall.

10. A food container comprising: a first body portion and a second body portion, the first and second body portions being joined close together 25 to opposite sides thereof to define an interior of the QRCQnn / ι znz / E / YiAi container and an inwardly facing mouth, each of the first and second body portions having a base rim and a foot extending beyond the base rim to define a support surface, and a base portion 5 situated between the base rim of the first body portion and the base rim of the second body portion, the container having a flat configuration with the first and second body portions in a generally flat condition and an expanded configuration with the first and second 10 body portions in a contoured condition and the base portion in an upwardly arched condition extending inwards;and first side fins extending from opposite sides of the first body portion and folding inwards into the interior of the vessel, at least one of the first side fins having a clutch configuration located thereon, the clutch configuration of the at least one first side fin located to engage the opposite first side fin when the vessel is in the expanded configuration to form an inner partition wall within the interior of the vessel.

Images