Lunchbox

Abstract

A lunchbox assembly comprising a base portion with one or more internal dividing walls defining a plurality of compartments, a lid portion adapted to fit onto the base portion and, in use, seal the inside from the outside, the lid portion also adapted to separate the compartments from one another when fitted to the base portion. The lunchbox assembly includes an insulated food container, preferably a double-wall, vacuum insulated container, that can be removably secured in one of the plurality of compartments. The insulated food container has a hinge-action closure configured to seal over the insulated container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Australian Patent Application No. 2025900397, filed Feb. 13, 2025, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a food storage container with separate interior compartments, an insulated component for the storage of hot or cold food, and an integral lid. The container is versatile and durable and allows for the storage and transportation of a variety of hot and cold food products, as well as utensils, making it suitable for a wide range of portable meal activates and locations.BACKGROUND

[0003] A so-called ‘lunchbox’ is a portable container used to carry meals, snacks, and sometimes beverages, typically for consumption at school, work, or while traveling. As such, lunchboxes may be used by a broad range of different kinds of people, for instance from construction workers to pre-school children. The lunchbox container can be made from various materials such as plastics and metal, and often feature internal compartments or dividers to keep foods separated and organized. Moreover, in the interests of food freshness and temperature control, some lunchboxes have insulated walls or a compartment to keep food warm or cold for hours. The insulation can be built into the lunchbox container itself, or a separate insulated food storage container may be included, accompanying the lunchbox container.

[0004] Double-wall, vacuum insulated food storage containers are also used to transport food items in a cold or hot state for school and work lunches, for parties or picnics, for home-bound persons, or other occasions. These insulated food storage containers typically have a cylindrical shape with a wide mouth opening to readily accept food items that might not fit so easily into a narrow mouth container. These insulated food storage containers have a corresponding cylindrical lid for closing the food storage container by threading the lid into the insulated food storage container, where interior threads in the cylindrical lid selectively engage with exterior threads on the lip of the insulated food storage container. In some instances, these insulated food storage containers also include a stopper or intermediate cover that is threaded such that it screws into an opening portion of the insulated storage container.

[0005] While screw threaded couplings offer the benefit of a secure connection between container and closure, they are not necessarily the easiest or most intuitive to operate to access food in the container, particularly for children with small hands. Moreover, the detachable screw cap is prone to being lost or misplaced.

[0006] Within this context there is a need for an improved food storage and transportation container system, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. The present invention was conceived with these issues in mind.SUMMARY

[0007] A food storage and transportation system in the form of a lunchbox assembly is disclosed herein that includes a separately sealed and insulated internal food container that can be used to keep hot food in the lunchbox along with fresh food without compromising either one. The lunchbox assembly is designed for use by people of all sizes, adults and children alike, and incorporates features make it suitable for use by even relatively small children. These features include a closure assembly for the insulated container that has a hinged mounting rather than a screw thread closure. The hinged mounting of the insulated container closure facilitates easy and intuitive opening and closing, even for those with small hands, while retaining the closure attached to the lunchbox assembly and not as a separate component that could be lost or misplaced.

[0008] The insulated food container may be attached by screw thread to an insert assembly that carries the hinged closure, and the insert assembly with container is removably mountable into a compartment of the lunchbox. An adjacent compartment of the lunchbox may be fitted with a movable floor panel beneath which a cold-pack can be stowed to maintain a lowered temperature. The lunchbox may include one or more additional compartments, separated by internal walls, wherein each of the compartments is sealed from one another when the lunchbox is closed. All of the internal compartments are preferably also sealed from the external environment while the lunchbox remains closed.

[0009] The lunchbox assembly disclosed herein enjoys a simple construction, as well as operation, by design. Specifically, the components that form the assembly, apart from the insulated container and several seals, can each be injection molded from food-contact appropriate plastics materials that can also be snap-fit together into engagements including hinges, latches and temporary fixings.

[0010] Further aspects, features, advantages and applications of the invention and its embodiments will be better understood from the detailed description presented below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments of the invention are described herein by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings which are briefly introduced below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system according to an embodiment of the invention, shown assembled and with a lid of the lunchbox partially open.

[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front perspective views of the lunchbox container system, also with the lunchbox lid open to illustrate operation of the internal insulated container closure. In FIG. 2A the insulated container is closed and sealed by the closure, and in FIG. 2B the closure is pivoted open to reveal the insulated container interior.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system with lid open.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional elevation view through A-A shown in FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional elevation view through B-B as seen in FIG. 4 (although in FIG. 5 the lid of the lunchbox is closed rather than open as in FIG. 4).

[0017] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of the lunchbox container system illustrating removal of an insulated container insert from a compartment of the lunchbox, the closure of the insulated container being open. FIG. 6B is the same front perspective view, but in this case the insulated container is shown demounted (unscrewed) from the rest of the assembly.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the insulated container insert, seen in isolation and sealed shut by the hinged closure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the insulated container insert, seen in isolation and with its closure unsealed and open to accept or consume food from the insulated container.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an overhead plan view of the insulated container insert with its closure open.

[0021] FIG. 10 is cross-sectional elevation view through C-C as shown in FIG. 9.

[0022] FIG. 11 is an overhead plan view of the insulated container insert in its sealed condition.

[0023] FIG. 12A is a side cross-sectional view through D-D shown in FIG. 8.

[0024] FIG. 12B shows an enlarged view of a latch portion of the insulated container insert.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system according to another embodiment of the invention, shown assembled and with a lid of the lunchbox enclosure closed.

[0026] FIG. 14 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system of FIG. 13.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a side view of the lunchbox container system of FIG. 13.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a lunchbox enclosure according to FIG. 13, shown empty with its lid open.

[0029] FIG. 17 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox enclosure of FIG. 16.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a side view of the lunchbox enclosure of FIG. 16.

[0031] FIG. 19A is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system with enclosure lid open, shown in a first configuration with an insulated container insert in one compartment and a blank tray in another compartment.

[0032] FIG. 19B is the same view as FIG. 19 although with the hinged closure of the insulated container insert shown open.

[0033] FIG. 20 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 19A.

[0034] FIG. 21 is a sectional view through E-E from FIG. 20.

[0035] FIG. 22 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 19B.

[0036] FIG. 23 is a sectional view through F-F from FIG. 22.

[0037] FIG. 25A is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system with enclosure lid open, shown in another configuration with blank tray inserts in both left and right compartments.

[0038] FIG. 25B is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 25A.

[0039] FIG. 25C is a sectional view through G-G from FIG. 25B.

[0040] FIG. 26A is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system with enclosure lid open, shown in a configuration as per FIG. 25A with the addition of a first multi-section tray.

[0041] FIG. 26B is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 26A.

[0042] FIG. 26C is a sectional view through H-H from FIG. 26B.

[0043] FIG. 27A is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system with enclosure lid open, shown in a configuration as per FIG. 25A with the addition of a second multi-section tray.

[0044] FIG. 27B is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 27A.

[0045] FIG. 27C is a sectional view through J-J from FIG. 27B. DETAILEDDESCRIPTION

[0046] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0047] A lunchbox container system 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, with salient structures, features and functions of the container system described below.

[0048] The lunchbox 10 has a generally rectangular base portion 20 and matching lid portion 40 that is attached to the base portion along an upper rear edge by way of hinges 30. The base portion 10 has a substantially flat bottom panel 21 and a peripheral wall structure 22 with a rim 23 that defines an open top. The peripheral wall 22 extends substantially vertical, or with a small outward draft angle, from the horizontal bottom panel, and has rounded corners for aesthetic appeal as well as ease of handling and cleaning. The base portion 20 also includes an internal wall structure that divides the interior into several compartments. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal wall structure comprises a first dividing wall 24 that extends between the front and rear sections of wall 22, and a second dividing wall 25 that extends from the first dividing wall to the right-hand side section of wall 22. This forms three internally divided compartments, one on the left-hand side of the first dividing wall 24 and two on the right-hand side thereof.

[0049] The lid portion 40 has a generally planar form, comprising a lid panel 41 with a downwardly projecting peripheral rim corresponding in shape to the peripheral wall rim 23 of the base portion. To enable the lid portion 40 to seal over the open top of the base portion 20, the peripheral rim of the lid portion supports a continuous, flexible sealing member that engages with the peripheral wall rim 23 when the lunchbox is in its closed configuration. The first and second dividing walls 24, 25 project to a height that is lower than the peripheral wall 22, and the lid panel 41 also has divider seals 43 mounted to its underside and located to engage against the top edges of the dividing walls when the lunchbox is closed.

[0050] The hinges 30 are supported on the outside of the wall structure 22 adjacent the rim 23 along a rear section thereof. The hinges couple the lid portion 40 to the base portion 20 and allow the lid portion to pivot relative to the base portion between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration (not shown in the drawings) the lid panel 41 lays parallel with the bottom panel of the base portion and the sealing member 42 is pressed against the peripheral wall rim which seals shut the top opening of the base portion 20. The front section of the base portion wall structure 22 has a recessed panel that forms a horizontal latching ledge 26 near the top rim. A lid latch member 44 is supported on the top of the lid portion at the front edge thereof with a downwardly projecting latch configured to engage under the latching ledge 26 to secure the lid in the closed configuration, in use. The latch member 44 is preferably supported by the lid panel 41 with a degree of flexibility or limited movement to facilitate latching and unlatching action between the latch member and the latching ledge 26 by the user.

[0051] While the latch member 44 is engaged with the latching ledge 26 the lunchbox is in the closed condition with the interior sealed from the exterior between the base portion and the lid portion by way of the peripheral sealing member 42. The user can manipulate the latch member 44 to disengage the latch, which frees the lid portion to pivot on the hinges 30 to the open configuration in which contents of the lunchbox are accessible through the open top of the base portion. The lunchbox is shown in an open configuration in FIG. 1 where the lid portion is pivoted by about 90 degrees with respect to its closed orientation, although the lid can pivot further than that as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6. For instance, the hinges 30 preferably allow the lid portion to pivot 180 degrees or more with respect to its closed orientation, which allows unobstructed access to the contents of the base portion for consumption.

[0052] The lunchbox container system 10 has features that allow food contents thereof to be maintained at an elevated temperature (hot) or at a reduced temperature (cold / chilled), or both at the same time. For example, a chilled fresh sandwich can be stored in one internal compartment and a small hot meal kept in another compartment, both at once. Moreover, the lunchbox container system is designed with features that promote ease of operation over a broad range of users, from small children to adults.

[0053] The ability to keep food hot in the lunchbox container system 10 is provided by an insulated container insert 50 that removably engages into the left-hand compartment of the base portion 20. The insulated container insert 50 includes a double-wall vacuum insulated flask container 60 that is separately sealable within the closed lunchbox to maintain the temperature of the contents. Meanwhile, the rear compartment on the right-hand side of the base portion is provided with a hinged base tray 35 that creates a false floor under which a cold pack can be stowed. A sandwich, or other food items, can be placed in that compartment on the base tray 35 where the cold pack can help retain a reduced temperature and freshness. While the lunchbox is closed the compartments housing the insulated container 60 and the base tray are separated and sealed from one another by the first dividing wall 24 and divider seal 43.

[0054] The insulated container insert 50 has a retaining portion 52 with which the insulated container 60 engages into an assembly as described below. The retaining portion 52 has an upper surface defining a periphery with a shape that matches the internal shape of the compartment walls only marginally smaller so that it can fit inside. Side edges of the retaining portion have locating ridges that, in use, engage in corresponding locating grooves 32 formed in the internal wall surfaces of the compartment and releasably retain the insert 50 in the base portion compartment.

[0055] The retaining portion of the insulated insert 50 has an internally threaded aperture 53 (seen best in FIG. 6B) that is adapted to engage with external screw thread formations on a neck portion 64 of the insulated container 60. This allows the insulated container to be separated from the retaining portion, for the purposes of washing, for example, and then reattached for use by screwing the two components together again. The top of the neck portion defines a circular mouth 65 where the inner and outer walls 61, 62 of the insulated container join one another. The internal diameter of the container inner wall 61 is substantially the same as the diameter of the mouth 65. This construction means there are no underhanging surfaces and no screw thread formations on the inside of the container, which is beneficial for user access to the food contents and ease of cleaning.

[0056] The inner and outer walls 61, 61 are closely spaced in the neck portion of the insulated container, below which the outer wall has a shoulder 63 and enlarged diameter which increases the separation between the inner and outer walls. The space between the inner and outer walls is sealed and evacuated of air (to the extent possible) to form a ‘vacuum’ insulation barrier that helps reduce heat transfer between inside and outside the container and maintain the temperature of the container contents relative to the environment.

[0057] The outer screw thread formations on the neck portion of the container and the matching inner screw thread formations below the aperture 53 allow the container 60 to be screwed into the underside of the insert retaining portion 52 until the mouth 65 abuts against the under surface of the retaining portion around the aperture, as best seen in the cross-sectional views. A flexible O-ring 68 is provided to sit between a lower extent of the threaded aperture 53 and an upper verge of the container shoulder 63, which additionally seals between the container 60 and retaining portion 52 when the two are engaged together.

[0058] The insert 50 has a hinged closure 54, the purpose of which is to seal over the top of the insulated container mouth opening so that the container contents do not spill out during transport and / or storage and to present a barrier to heat exchange through the top of the container. The closure could be made with a double-wall, vacuum insulated construction similar to the container body for maximum insulative effect, but in the illustrated embodiment the closure 54 has a single-wall, molded construction that has a hinge coupling 55 at a rear edge thereof that pivotally attaches the closure to the retaining portion 52. The hinge coupling 55 is preferable a snap-fit hinge construction in which molded parts of the closure 54 and retaining portion 52 are configured to snap-fit together and, when so attached, pivot relative to each other. The snap-fit hinge requires no additional components and permits the closure to be separated from the insert by the user, and replaced again, for cleaning, maintenance or the like.

[0059] Naturally the closure is larger than the diameter of the container mouth, but the closure 54 in the illustrated embodiment has the shape of a ‘squircle’ rather than matching the round shape of the container mouth and threaded aperture. This shape assists with a reliable sealing engagement between the hinged, pivoting closure 54 and the retaining portion 52. Around the peripheral edge of the closure 54 there is provided a continuous, flexible insert sealing member 66, for example accommodated partially in a continuous groove around the underside edge of the closure. Around the aperture 53 the upper surface of the retaining portion 52 is provided with a sealing flange 53A in the form of a small ridge or the like that is shaped to align and engage with the sealing member on the closure, in use.

[0060] The hinge coupling 55 permits the closure to pivot between a closed condition in which the sealing member 66, carried on the underside of the closure 54, is engaged with the flange 53A and sealed over the top of the aperture 53, and an open condition in which the closure is tilted back and allows access to the container contents through the aperture 53. The front of the closure is fitted with a latch member 56 configured to engage with the retaining portion 52, in use, and hold the closure shut when in the closed condition.

[0061] The latch member 56 has a snap-fit pivotal engagement with the closure 54, similar to the engagement between the lid latch member 44 and lid panel 41, with a portion overhanging the front edge thereof. The latch member 56 has a ‘downward’ extending latching portion 56A and a ‘horizontally’ extending unlatching portion 56B (the directional terms being relevant to the latch member when the closure is in its closed condition). When the container is closed, the latching portion 56A of the closure latch member56 projects over the front edge of the closure 54 and downwardly to where it can engage with a closure latch formation 57 on the retaining portion 52 and thereby hold the closure in place. The geometry of the closure, hinge coupling and latch is such that the flexible sealing member is compressed somewhat against the sealing flange, in the closed condition.

[0062] The unlatching portion 56B is in the form of a flat tab the projects forwardly from the front edge of the closure 54. To allow access beneath the unlatching portion, a recess compartment 58 is formed in the front of the retaining portion 52. The recess compartment may also be used to carry additional packaged food items, eating implements or hygienic wipes, for example. In order to unlatch the closure 54 and open the insulated container for access, the insert 50 is designed so that the user can simply lift from underneath the projecting tab of the unlatching portion 56, which disengages the latching mechanism by levering the latching portion 56A away from the latching formation 57. Once the latch is disengaged, continuing to lift from underneath the unlatching tab 56B then acts on the closure 54 to pivot the closure up and rearwardly on the hinge coupling 55 (FIG. 2B). When the closure is thereby placed in its open condition, the user is permitted unfettered access to the interior of the insulated flask 60, through the aperture 53 in the insert retaining portion, for loading or consumption of foodstuffs.

[0063] Closing and sealing the insulated container again is a simple matter of pivoting the closure 54 back towards the container mouth and then pressing down on top of the closure and latch member 56. This action re-engages the insert sealing member 66 carried on the closure with the sealing flange 53A on the retaining portion and re-engages the closure latch member 56 with the latch formation 57. The pivoting motion of the closure means that, when the flexible sealing member 66 engages with the sealing flange 53A, it does so progressively from back to front rather than in a single action. The squircular shape of the sealing member and corresponding flange has variable curvature which allows the seal to engage progressively, rear then sides then front, in a continuous manner but with some distinction therebetween. For the purposes of a hinged closure as in the illustrated embodiment, a squircle shaped sealing engagement may have superior reliability over repeated use as compared with either a circular or squared sealing arrangement.

[0064] When the insert 50 is fitted in the compartment of base portion 20, with ridges 59 located in grooves 32, the base of the insulated container 60 is positioned to rest on the flat bottom panel of the base portion, as seen in FIG. 5, and the top of the closure 54 sits a little beneath the underside of the closed lid panel 41. The engagement between the ridges and grooves 59, 32 acts to hold the insert 50 in its compartment, whether the lid 20 is closed or open, and no matter the orientation of the lunchbox 10 in use. Nevertheless, the entire insert assembly 50 is readily removable from the lunchbox base 20 by use of an upstanding removal tab 51 that forms part of the retaining portion 52, positioned near a rear corner thereof. The removal tab 51 provides the user with means by which to grip the retaining portion and pull it up, out of the base portion compartment. Making use of a small amount of flexibility in the walls of the base portion and / or retaining portion structure, pulling up on the release tab 51 disengages the ridges and grooves and allows the insert to be drawn out of the base portion compartment and removed. While the insert is separated from the base portion, the insulated container 60 can be unscrewed and detached from the retaining portion 52 so that they may be more effectively cleaned individually.

[0065] The longitudinal section seen in FIG. 5 also illustrates the compartment 28 next to the one that houses the insert 50, referred to as a sandwich compartment although it is of course capable of holding items other than sandwiches. The sandwich compartment 28 has a false bottom delineated by the base tray 35 which is supported on tray snap-hinges 36 and edge support formations 37 formed on interior surfaces of the compartment walls. The space 38 between the base tray 35 and the bottom panel 21 is designed to accommodate a cold-pack (not shown in the drawings) of the kind that can be chilled in a freezer before being placed in the lunchbox. The cold-pack may be of a rigid construction designed specifically to fit closely into the space 38, or it may be of a flexible nature, for example. By including the cold-pack in the space 38 under the false bottom 35, the contents of the compartment 28 can be maintained at a relatively lower temperature than ambient, even with hot food in the insulated container 60, due to effective thermal isolation and the heat capacity of the cold-pack. Moreover, the base tray 35 being positioned in between the cold-pack and the ‘sandwich’ stowed in compartment 28 avoids moisture that may condense on the surface of the cold-pack from affecting the food. The base tray 35 is able to be pivoted up about the snap-hinge formations 36 for insertion and removal of the cold-pack. The base tray preferably has a small recess in the end opposite the hinges 36 so that a user can insert a finger underneath for that purpose.

[0066] As described above, the lunchbox container system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed from a number of individually manufactured components. The container 60 is formed from sheet steel that can withstand the stresses of the double-wall, vacuum insulated construction, and may be provided with a ceramic coating or other coating, whether on the entire exposed surface or only the inside, food contact surface. The flexible sealing members 42, 43 and 66, and O-ring 68, on the other hand, may be made from natural or synthetic rubber materials such as silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), molded or extruded as the case may be in shapes to engage with their respective components and / or surfaces when assembled and in use. Aside from those, the remaining components of the lunchbox container system are preferably each made from injection molded plastics suitable to allow the reliable snap-fit connection between parts, as described above, so that no fasteners, hinge pins or other extra components are required, and adhesives are unnecessary.

[0067] Hot foods, as may be stowed in the insulated container 60 in use, oftentimes are unsuitable for consumption by the hands alone, due to food temperature and / or consistency. The lunchbox container system 10 disclosed herein includes an eating utensil 70 such as a spork for such occasions. The eating utensil 70 may be made from molded plastic and be detachably mountable to an underside surface of the lid panel 41 as shown in the drawings.

[0068] FIGS. 13 to 27 illustrate another embodiment of a lunchbox container system according to the invention, wherein reference symbols, with the addition of a prefix “1”, denote similar features as described above.

[0069] The lunchbox container system 110 has a lunchbox enclosure with a base 120 and lid 140 coupled by a hinge mechanism 130. When the lid 140 is closed it can be secured to the base portion 120 by way of the lid latch member 144. The base portion 120 has a flat bottom panel 121 and peripheral wall 122 defining a box structure that is divided in two equal sized, left and right, compartments by way of dividing wall 124. The matching lid 140 has a lid panel 141 that is similarly divided and has a peripheral seal 142 that seals against the peripheral wall rim 123 of the base portion, in use.

[0070] The left and right compartments of the lunchbox container system 110 may be configured in a number of different ways to suit different meal types or personal preferences. FIGS. 19A and 19B show the lunchbox enclosure configured with the insulated container insert 150 in one compartment. As described above, the insulated container insert has a double-wall insulated container 160 that is removably connectable to the retaining portion 152 which fits into the enclosure compartment. The insert also has a closure 154 with a hinged coupling 155 to the retaining portion that can seal over the opening to the container 160 when the closure is held shut by latch member 156. The closure 154 also has a double-wall insulating structure to minimize heat escape from the container when sealed (see, for example, FIGS. 21, 23).

[0071] FIGS. 25A-25C show the lunchbox container system configured without the insulated container insert. Instead, each compartment has a respective blank tray insert 190, 191 that can be used to carry less temperature critical foods such as salads, sandwiches, etc. The blank tray inserts fit snugly to the side walls of the lunchbox enclosure but are designed to retain a space between the bottom of the insert and the base 121 of the enclosure which can be used to stow a cold-pack / hot-pack.

[0072] FIGS. 26A-26C show the lunchbox container system configured as in FIG. 25 and with the addition of a multi-compartment tray 192. The multi-compartment tray 192 fits on top of a blank tray insert, in this case the right side insert 191, and is divided into four sections that can be used to store small foodstuffs to be added to the food in one of the main compartments or eaten separately.

[0073] FIGS. 27A-27B show the lunchbox container system configured as in FIG. 25 and with the addition of a different multi-compartment tray 193. The multi-compartment tray 193 also fits on top of a blank tray insert (e.g. insert 191) and in this case has a central round dish that can be used to house a liquid tub 194 for sauce or dressing, for example. A spoon 195 is provided in this configuration, also.

[0074] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

[0075] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0046]In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0047]A lunchbox container system 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, with salient structures, features and functions of the container system described below.

[0048]The lunchbox 10 has a generally rectangular base portion 20 and matching lid portion 40 that is attached to the base portion along an upper rear edge by way of hinges 30. The base portion 10 has a substantially flat bottom panel 21 and a peripheral wall structure 22 with a rim 23 that defines an open top. The peripheral wall 22 extends substantia...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Australian Patent Application No. 2025900397, filed Feb. 13, 2025, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a food storage container with separate interior compartments, an insulated component for the storage of hot or cold food, and an integral lid. The container is versatile and durable and allows for the storage and transportation of a variety of hot and cold food products, as well as utensils, making it suitable for a wide range of portable meal activates and locations.BACKGROUND

[0003] A so-called ‘lunchbox’ is a portable container used to carry meals, snacks, and sometimes beverages, typically for consumption at school, work, or while traveling. As such, lunchboxes may be used by a broad range of different kinds of people, for instance from construction workers to pre-school children. The lunchbox container can be made from various materials such as plastics and metal, and often feature internal compartments or dividers to keep foods separated and organized. Moreover, in the interests of food freshness and temperature control, some lunchboxes have insulated walls or a compartment to keep food warm or cold for hours. The insulation can be built into the lunchbox container itself, or a separate insulated food storage container may be included, accompanying the lunchbox container.

[0004] Double-wall, vacuum insulated food storage containers are also used to transport food items in a cold or hot state for school and work lunches, for parties or picnics, for home-bound persons, or other occasions. These insulated food storage containers typically have a cylindrical shape with a wide mouth opening to readily accept food items that might not fit so easily into a narrow mouth container. These insulated food storage containers have a corresponding cylindrical lid for closing the food storage container by threading the lid into the insulated food storage container, where interior threads in the cylindrical lid selectively engage with exterior threads on the lip of the insulated food storage container. In some instances, these insulated food storage containers also include a stopper or intermediate cover that is threaded such that it screws into an opening portion of the insulated storage container.

[0005] While screw threaded couplings offer the benefit of a secure connection between container and closure, they are not necessarily the easiest or most intuitive to operate to access food in the container, particularly for children with small hands. Moreover, the detachable screw cap is prone to being lost or misplaced.

[0006] Within this context there is a need for an improved food storage and transportation container system, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. The present invention was conceived with these issues in mind.SUMMARY

[0007] A food storage and transportation system in the form of a lunchbox assembly is disclosed herein that includes a separately sealed and insulated internal food container that can be used to keep hot food in the lunchbox along with fresh food without compromising either one. The lunchbox assembly is designed for use by people of all sizes, adults and children alike, and incorporates features make it suitable for use by even relatively small children. These features include a closure assembly for the insulated container that has a hinged mounting rather than a screw thread closure. The hinged mounting of the insulated container closure facilitates easy and intuitive opening and closing, even for those with small hands, while retaining the closure attached to the lunchbox assembly and not as a separate component that could be lost or misplaced.

[0008] The insulated food container may be attached by screw thread to an insert assembly that carries the hinged closure, and the insert assembly with container is removably mountable into a compartment of the lunchbox. An adjacent compartment of the lunchbox may be fitted with a movable floor panel beneath which a cold-pack can be stowed to maintain a lowered temperature. The lunchbox may include one or more additional compartments, separated by internal walls, wherein each of the compartments is sealed from one another when the lunchbox is closed. All of the internal compartments are preferably also sealed from the external environment while the lunchbox remains closed.

[0009] The lunchbox assembly disclosed herein enjoys a simple construction, as well as operation, by design. Specifically, the components that form the assembly, apart from the insulated container and several seals, can each be injection molded from food-contact appropriate plastics materials that can also be snap-fit together into engagements including hinges, latches and temporary fixings.

[0010] Further aspects, features, advantages and applications of the invention and its embodiments will be better understood from the detailed description presented below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments of the invention are described herein by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings which are briefly introduced below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system according to an embodiment of the invention, shown assembled and with a lid of the lunchbox partially open.

[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front perspective views of the lunchbox container system, also with the lunchbox lid open to illustrate operation of the internal insulated container closure. In FIG. 2A the insulated container is closed and sealed by the closure, and in FIG. 2B the closure is pivoted open to reveal the insulated container interior.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system with lid open.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional elevation view through A-A shown in FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional elevation view through B-B as seen in FIG. 4 (although in FIG. 5 the lid of the lunchbox is closed rather than open as in FIG. 4).

[0017] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of the lunchbox container system illustrating removal of an insulated container insert from a compartment of the lunchbox, the closure of the insulated container being open. FIG. 6B is the same front perspective view, but in this case the insulated container is shown demounted (unscrewed) from the rest of the assembly.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the insulated container insert, seen in isolation and sealed shut by the hinged closure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the insulated container insert, seen in isolation and with its closure unsealed and open to accept or consume food from the insulated container.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an overhead plan view of the insulated container insert with its closure open.

[0021] FIG. 10 is cross-sectional elevation view through C-C as shown in FIG. 9.

[0022] FIG. 11 is an overhead plan view of the insulated container insert in its sealed condition.

[0023] FIG. 12A is a side cross-sectional view through D-D shown in FIG. 8.

[0024] FIG. 12B shows an enlarged view of a latch portion of the insulated container insert.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system according to another embodiment of the invention, shown assembled and with a lid of the lunchbox enclosure closed.

[0026] FIG. 14 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system of FIG. 13.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a side view of the lunchbox container system of FIG. 13.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a lunchbox enclosure according to FIG. 13, shown empty with its lid open.

[0029] FIG. 17 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox enclosure of FIG. 16.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a side view of the lunchbox enclosure of FIG. 16.

[0031] FIG. 19A is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system with enclosure lid open, shown in a first configuration with an insulated container insert in one compartment and a blank tray in another compartment.

[0032] FIG. 19B is the same view as FIG. 19 although with the hinged closure of the insulated container insert shown open.

[0033] FIG. 20 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 19A.

[0034] FIG. 21 is a sectional view through E-E from FIG. 20.

[0035] FIG. 22 is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 19B.

[0036] FIG. 23 is a sectional view through F-F from FIG. 22.

[0037] FIG. 25A is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system with enclosure lid open, shown in another configuration with blank tray inserts in both left and right compartments.

[0038] FIG. 25B is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 25A.

[0039] FIG. 25C is a sectional view through G-G from FIG. 25B.

[0040] FIG. 26A is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system with enclosure lid open, shown in a configuration as per FIG. 25A with the addition of a first multi-section tray.

[0041] FIG. 26B is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 26A.

[0042] FIG. 26C is a sectional view through H-H from FIG. 26B.

[0043] FIG. 27A is a front perspective view of a lunchbox container system with enclosure lid open, shown in a configuration as per FIG. 25A with the addition of a second multi-section tray.

[0044] FIG. 27B is an overhead plan view of the lunchbox container system as seen in FIG. 27A.

[0045] FIG. 27C is a sectional view through J-J from FIG. 27B. DETAILEDDESCRIPTION

[0046] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0047] A lunchbox container system 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, with salient structures, features and functions of the container system described below.

[0048] The lunchbox 10 has a generally rectangular base portion 20 and matching lid portion 40 that is attached to the base portion along an upper rear edge by way of hinges 30. The base portion 10 has a substantially flat bottom panel 21 and a peripheral wall structure 22 with a rim 23 that defines an open top. The peripheral wall 22 extends substantially vertical, or with a small outward draft angle, from the horizontal bottom panel, and has rounded corners for aesthetic appeal as well as ease of handling and cleaning. The base portion 20 also includes an internal wall structure that divides the interior into several compartments. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal wall structure comprises a first dividing wall 24 that extends between the front and rear sections of wall 22, and a second dividing wall 25 that extends from the first dividing wall to the right-hand side section of wall 22. This forms three internally divided compartments, one on the left-hand side of the first dividing wall 24 and two on the right-hand side thereof.

[0049] The lid portion 40 has a generally planar form, comprising a lid panel 41 with a downwardly projecting peripheral rim corresponding in shape to the peripheral wall rim 23 of the base portion. To enable the lid portion 40 to seal over the open top of the base portion 20, the peripheral rim of the lid portion supports a continuous, flexible sealing member that engages with the peripheral wall rim 23 when the lunchbox is in its closed configuration. The first and second dividing walls 24, 25 project to a height that is lower than the peripheral wall 22, and the lid panel 41 also has divider seals 43 mounted to its underside and located to engage against the top edges of the dividing walls when the lunchbox is closed.

[0050] The hinges 30 are supported on the outside of the wall structure 22 adjacent the rim 23 along a rear section thereof. The hinges couple the lid portion 40 to the base portion 20 and allow the lid portion to pivot relative to the base portion between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration (not shown in the drawings) the lid panel 41 lays parallel with the bottom panel of the base portion and the sealing member 42 is pressed against the peripheral wall rim which seals shut the top opening of the base portion 20. The front section of the base portion wall structure 22 has a recessed panel that forms a horizontal latching ledge 26 near the top rim. A lid latch member 44 is supported on the top of the lid portion at the front edge thereof with a downwardly projecting latch configured to engage under the latching ledge 26 to secure the lid in the closed configuration, in use. The latch member 44 is preferably supported by the lid panel 41 with a degree of flexibility or limited movement to facilitate latching and unlatching action between the latch member and the latching ledge 26 by the user.

[0051] While the latch member 44 is engaged with the latching ledge 26 the lunchbox is in the closed condition with the interior sealed from the exterior between the base portion and the lid portion by way of the peripheral sealing member 42. The user can manipulate the latch member 44 to disengage the latch, which frees the lid portion to pivot on the hinges 30 to the open configuration in which contents of the lunchbox are accessible through the open top of the base portion. The lunchbox is shown in an open configuration in FIG. 1 where the lid portion is pivoted by about 90 degrees with respect to its closed orientation, although the lid can pivot further than that as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6. For instance, the hinges 30 preferably allow the lid portion to pivot 180 degrees or more with respect to its closed orientation, which allows unobstructed access to the contents of the base portion for consumption.

[0052] The lunchbox container system 10 has features that allow food contents thereof to be maintained at an elevated temperature (hot) or at a reduced temperature (cold / chilled), or both at the same time. For example, a chilled fresh sandwich can be stored in one internal compartment and a small hot meal kept in another compartment, both at once. Moreover, the lunchbox container system is designed with features that promote ease of operation over a broad range of users, from small children to adults.

[0053] The ability to keep food hot in the lunchbox container system 10 is provided by an insulated container insert 50 that removably engages into the left-hand compartment of the base portion 20. The insulated container insert 50 includes a double-wall vacuum insulated flask container 60 that is separately sealable within the closed lunchbox to maintain the temperature of the contents. Meanwhile, the rear compartment on the right-hand side of the base portion is provided with a hinged base tray 35 that creates a false floor under which a cold pack can be stowed. A sandwich, or other food items, can be placed in that compartment on the base tray 35 where the cold pack can help retain a reduced temperature and freshness. While the lunchbox is closed the compartments housing the insulated container 60 and the base tray are separated and sealed from one another by the first dividing wall 24 and divider seal 43.

[0054] The insulated container insert 50 has a retaining portion 52 with which the insulated container 60 engages into an assembly as described below. The retaining portion 52 has an upper surface defining a periphery with a shape that matches the internal shape of the compartment walls only marginally smaller so that it can fit inside. Side edges of the retaining portion have locating ridges that, in use, engage in corresponding locating grooves 32 formed in the internal wall surfaces of the compartment and releasably retain the insert 50 in the base portion compartment.

[0055] The retaining portion of the insulated insert 50 has an internally threaded aperture 53 (seen best in FIG. 6B) that is adapted to engage with external screw thread formations on a neck portion 64 of the insulated container 60. This allows the insulated container to be separated from the retaining portion, for the purposes of washing, for example, and then reattached for use by screwing the two components together again. The top of the neck portion defines a circular mouth 65 where the inner and outer walls 61, 62 of the insulated container join one another. The internal diameter of the container inner wall 61 is substantially the same as the diameter of the mouth 65. This construction means there are no underhanging surfaces and no screw thread formations on the inside of the container, which is beneficial for user access to the food contents and ease of cleaning.

[0056] The inner and outer walls 61, 61 are closely spaced in the neck portion of the insulated container, below which the outer wall has a shoulder 63 and enlarged diameter which increases the separation between the inner and outer walls. The space between the inner and outer walls is sealed and evacuated of air (to the extent possible) to form a ‘vacuum’ insulation barrier that helps reduce heat transfer between inside and outside the container and maintain the temperature of the container contents relative to the environment.

[0057] The outer screw thread formations on the neck portion of the container and the matching inner screw thread formations below the aperture 53 allow the container 60 to be screwed into the underside of the insert retaining portion 52 until the mouth 65 abuts against the under surface of the retaining portion around the aperture, as best seen in the cross-sectional views. A flexible O-ring 68 is provided to sit between a lower extent of the threaded aperture 53 and an upper verge of the container shoulder 63, which additionally seals between the container 60 and retaining portion 52 when the two are engaged together.

[0058] The insert 50 has a hinged closure 54, the purpose of which is to seal over the top of the insulated container mouth opening so that the container contents do not spill out during transport and / or storage and to present a barrier to heat exchange through the top of the container. The closure could be made with a double-wall, vacuum insulated construction similar to the container body for maximum insulative effect, but in the illustrated embodiment the closure 54 has a single-wall, molded construction that has a hinge coupling 55 at a rear edge thereof that pivotally attaches the closure to the retaining portion 52. The hinge coupling 55 is preferable a snap-fit hinge construction in which molded parts of the closure 54 and retaining portion 52 are configured to snap-fit together and, when so attached, pivot relative to each other. The snap-fit hinge requires no additional components and permits the closure to be separated from the insert by the user, and replaced again, for cleaning, maintenance or the like.

[0059] Naturally the closure is larger than the diameter of the container mouth, but the closure 54 in the illustrated embodiment has the shape of a ‘squircle’ rather than matching the round shape of the container mouth and threaded aperture. This shape assists with a reliable sealing engagement between the hinged, pivoting closure 54 and the retaining portion 52. Around the peripheral edge of the closure 54 there is provided a continuous, flexible insert sealing member 66, for example accommodated partially in a continuous groove around the underside edge of the closure. Around the aperture 53 the upper surface of the retaining portion 52 is provided with a sealing flange 53A in the form of a small ridge or the like that is shaped to align and engage with the sealing member on the closure, in use.

[0060] The hinge coupling 55 permits the closure to pivot between a closed condition in which the sealing member 66, carried on the underside of the closure 54, is engaged with the flange 53A and sealed over the top of the aperture 53, and an open condition in which the closure is tilted back and allows access to the container contents through the aperture 53. The front of the closure is fitted with a latch member 56 configured to engage with the retaining portion 52, in use, and hold the closure shut when in the closed condition.

[0061] The latch member 56 has a snap-fit pivotal engagement with the closure 54, similar to the engagement between the lid latch member 44 and lid panel 41, with a portion overhanging the front edge thereof. The latch member 56 has a ‘downward’ extending latching portion 56A and a ‘horizontally’ extending unlatching portion 56B (the directional terms being relevant to the latch member when the closure is in its closed condition). When the container is closed, the latching portion 56A of the closure latch member56 projects over the front edge of the closure 54 and downwardly to where it can engage with a closure latch formation 57 on the retaining portion 52 and thereby hold the closure in place. The geometry of the closure, hinge coupling and latch is such that the flexible sealing member is compressed somewhat against the sealing flange, in the closed condition.

[0062] The unlatching portion 56B is in the form of a flat tab the projects forwardly from the front edge of the closure 54. To allow access beneath the unlatching portion, a recess compartment 58 is formed in the front of the retaining portion 52. The recess compartment may also be used to carry additional packaged food items, eating implements or hygienic wipes, for example. In order to unlatch the closure 54 and open the insulated container for access, the insert 50 is designed so that the user can simply lift from underneath the projecting tab of the unlatching portion 56, which disengages the latching mechanism by levering the latching portion 56A away from the latching formation 57. Once the latch is disengaged, continuing to lift from underneath the unlatching tab 56B then acts on the closure 54 to pivot the closure up and rearwardly on the hinge coupling 55 (FIG. 2B). When the closure is thereby placed in its open condition, the user is permitted unfettered access to the interior of the insulated flask 60, through the aperture 53 in the insert retaining portion, for loading or consumption of foodstuffs.

[0063] Closing and sealing the insulated container again is a simple matter of pivoting the closure 54 back towards the container mouth and then pressing down on top of the closure and latch member 56. This action re-engages the insert sealing member 66 carried on the closure with the sealing flange 53A on the retaining portion and re-engages the closure latch member 56 with the latch formation 57. The pivoting motion of the closure means that, when the flexible sealing member 66 engages with the sealing flange 53A, it does so progressively from back to front rather than in a single action. The squircular shape of the sealing member and corresponding flange has variable curvature which allows the seal to engage progressively, rear then sides then front, in a continuous manner but with some distinction therebetween. For the purposes of a hinged closure as in the illustrated embodiment, a squircle shaped sealing engagement may have superior reliability over repeated use as compared with either a circular or squared sealing arrangement.

[0064] When the insert 50 is fitted in the compartment of base portion 20, with ridges 59 located in grooves 32, the base of the insulated container 60 is positioned to rest on the flat bottom panel of the base portion, as seen in FIG. 5, and the top of the closure 54 sits a little beneath the underside of the closed lid panel 41. The engagement between the ridges and grooves 59, 32 acts to hold the insert 50 in its compartment, whether the lid 20 is closed or open, and no matter the orientation of the lunchbox 10 in use. Nevertheless, the entire insert assembly 50 is readily removable from the lunchbox base 20 by use of an upstanding removal tab 51 that forms part of the retaining portion 52, positioned near a rear corner thereof. The removal tab 51 provides the user with means by which to grip the retaining portion and pull it up, out of the base portion compartment. Making use of a small amount of flexibility in the walls of the base portion and / or retaining portion structure, pulling up on the release tab 51 disengages the ridges and grooves and allows the insert to be drawn out of the base portion compartment and removed. While the insert is separated from the base portion, the insulated container 60 can be unscrewed and detached from the retaining portion 52 so that they may be more effectively cleaned individually.

[0065] The longitudinal section seen in FIG. 5 also illustrates the compartment 28 next to the one that houses the insert 50, referred to as a sandwich compartment although it is of course capable of holding items other than sandwiches. The sandwich compartment 28 has a false bottom delineated by the base tray 35 which is supported on tray snap-hinges 36 and edge support formations 37 formed on interior surfaces of the compartment walls. The space 38 between the base tray 35 and the bottom panel 21 is designed to accommodate a cold-pack (not shown in the drawings) of the kind that can be chilled in a freezer before being placed in the lunchbox. The cold-pack may be of a rigid construction designed specifically to fit closely into the space 38, or it may be of a flexible nature, for example. By including the cold-pack in the space 38 under the false bottom 35, the contents of the compartment 28 can be maintained at a relatively lower temperature than ambient, even with hot food in the insulated container 60, due to effective thermal isolation and the heat capacity of the cold-pack. Moreover, the base tray 35 being positioned in between the cold-pack and the ‘sandwich’ stowed in compartment 28 avoids moisture that may condense on the surface of the cold-pack from affecting the food. The base tray 35 is able to be pivoted up about the snap-hinge formations 36 for insertion and removal of the cold-pack. The base tray preferably has a small recess in the end opposite the hinges 36 so that a user can insert a finger underneath for that purpose.

[0066] As described above, the lunchbox container system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed from a number of individually manufactured components. The container 60 is formed from sheet steel that can withstand the stresses of the double-wall, vacuum insulated construction, and may be provided with a ceramic coating or other coating, whether on the entire exposed surface or only the inside, food contact surface. The flexible sealing members 42, 43 and 66, and O-ring 68, on the other hand, may be made from natural or synthetic rubber materials such as silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), molded or extruded as the case may be in shapes to engage with their respective components and / or surfaces when assembled and in use. Aside from those, the remaining components of the lunchbox container system are preferably each made from injection molded plastics suitable to allow the reliable snap-fit connection between parts, as described above, so that no fasteners, hinge pins or other extra components are required, and adhesives are unnecessary.

[0067] Hot foods, as may be stowed in the insulated container 60 in use, oftentimes are unsuitable for consumption by the hands alone, due to food temperature and / or consistency. The lunchbox container system 10 disclosed herein includes an eating utensil 70 such as a spork for such occasions. The eating utensil 70 may be made from molded plastic and be detachably mountable to an underside surface of the lid panel 41 as shown in the drawings.

[0068] FIGS. 13 to 27 illustrate another embodiment of a lunchbox container system according to the invention, wherein reference symbols, with the addition of a prefix “1”, denote similar features as described above.

[0069] The lunchbox container system 110 has a lunchbox enclosure with a base 120 and lid 140 coupled by a hinge mechanism 130. When the lid 140 is closed it can be secured to the base portion 120 by way of the lid latch member 144. The base portion 120 has a flat bottom panel 121 and peripheral wall 122 defining a box structure that is divided in two equal sized, left and right, compartments by way of dividing wall 124. The matching lid 140 has a lid panel 141 that is similarly divided and has a peripheral seal 142 that seals against the peripheral wall rim 123 of the base portion, in use.

[0070] The left and right compartments of the lunchbox container system 110 may be configured in a number of different ways to suit different meal types or personal preferences. FIGS. 19A and 19B show the lunchbox enclosure configured with the insulated container insert 150 in one compartment. As described above, the insulated container insert has a double-wall insulated container 160 that is removably connectable to the retaining portion 152 which fits into the enclosure compartment. The insert also has a closure 154 with a hinged coupling 155 to the retaining portion that can seal over the opening to the container 160 when the closure is held shut by latch member 156. The closure 154 also has a double-wall insulating structure to minimize heat escape from the container when sealed (see, for example, FIGS. 21, 23).

[0071] FIGS. 25A-25C show the lunchbox container system configured without the insulated container insert. Instead, each compartment has a respective blank tray insert 190, 191 that can be used to carry less temperature critical foods such as salads, sandwiches, etc. The blank tray inserts fit snugly to the side walls of the lunchbox enclosure but are designed to retain a space between the bottom of the insert and the base 121 of the enclosure which can be used to stow a cold-pack / hot-pack.

[0072] FIGS. 26A-26C show the lunchbox container system configured as in FIG. 25 and with the addition of a multi-compartment tray 192. The multi-compartment tray 192 fits on top of a blank tray insert, in this case the right side insert 191, and is divided into four sections that can be used to store small foodstuffs to be added to the food in one of the main compartments or eaten separately.

[0073] FIGS. 27A-27B show the lunchbox container system configured as in FIG. 25 and with the addition of a different multi-compartment tray 193. The multi-compartment tray 193 also fits on top of a blank tray insert (e.g. insert 191) and in this case has a central round dish that can be used to house a liquid tub 194 for sauce or dressing, for example. A spoon 195 is provided in this configuration, also.

[0074] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

[0075] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0046]In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0047]A lunchbox container system 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, with salient structures, features and functions of the container system described below.

[0048]The lunchbox 10 has a generally rectangular base portion 20 and matching lid portion 40 that is attached to the base portion along an upper rear edge by way of hinges 30. The base portion 10 has a substantially flat bottom panel 21 and a peripheral wall structure 22 with a rim 23 that defines an open top. The peripheral wall 22 extends substantia...

Claims

1. A lunchbox assembly comprising a base portion with one or more internal dividing walls defining a plurality of compartments, a lid portion adapted to fit onto the base portion and, in use, seal the inside from the outside, the lid portion also adapted to separate the compartments from one another when fitted to the base portion, the assembly including an insulated food container, preferably a double-wall, vacuum insulated container that can be removably secured in one of the plurality of compartments, the insulated food container having a hinge-action closure configured to seal over the insulated container.

2. A lunchbox assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hinge-action closure includes a latch member that secures the closure when sealed over the insulated container, wherein lifting the latch member unlatches the closure and opens the container for use.

3. A lunchbox assembly according to claim 2, wherein a second one of the plurality of compartments is provided with a false-floor panel under which a cold-pack can be stowed, in use.

4. A lunchbox assembly according to claim 3, wherein a continuous flexible sealing member is located between the hinge-action closure and the insulated food container, the continuous flexible sealing member being configured in a squircular shape.

5. A lunchbox assembly according to claim 1, wherein a second one of the plurality of compartments is provided with a false-floor panel under which a cold-pack can be stowed, in use.

6. A lunchbox assembly according to claim 5, wherein a continuous flexible sealing member is located between the hinge-action closure and the insulated food container, the continuous flexible sealing member being configured in a squircular shape.

7. A lunchbox assembly according to claim 2, wherein a continuous flexible sealing member is located between the hinge-action closure and the insulated food container, the continuous flexible sealing member being configured in a squircular shape.

8. A lunchbox assembly according to claim 1, wherein a continuous flexible sealing member is located between the hinge-action closure and the insulated food container, the continuous flexible sealing member being configured in a squircular shape.

Images