Food container with movable tray

Abstract

A food container designed for the storage, transportation, and consumption of food includes a container body with a hollow interior formed by multiple faces and an opening for access. A container lid covers the opening. A movable tray within the interior features a top surface for holding food. Tray knobs extend through tray slots on the container's exterior, enabling translational movement of the tray within the container. Elongated seals attached to the tray slots limit air exposure, preserving food freshness. Ridged guides adjacent to the slots stabilize the tray knobs and allow height adjustment without external support. The container's modular construction facilitates easy cleaning and supports reusable applications. The design enhances food protection, minimizes contamination risks, and supports convenient access to stored food.

Description

FOOD CONTAINER WITH MOVABLE TRAYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a food container, and more particularly to a food container with a movable tray disposed therein.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Food containers are widely used in various applications, including the storage, transportation, and consumption of food. These containers are essential in preserving food quality, extending shelflife, and maintaining hygiene during handling and consumption. Historically, food containers have been designed to address several key requirements such as durability, ease of use, portability, and the ability to maintain the freshness of food. Conventional food containers come in a variety of forms, including plastic boxes, glass jars, metal cans, and disposable packaging materials.SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0003] Conventional food containers often suffer from design limitations that compromise the user experience and hygiene. One common issue is the inadequate structural support provided by many containers, which can cause the food to fall apart or become disorganized during storage, transportation, or consumption. This is particularly problematic for delicate or layered foods, such as sandwiches, or pastries, which can lose their intended presentation and appeal. Furthermore, many conventional containers require users to directly handle the food during consumption, exposing the food to germs and increasing the risk of cross-contamination or illness. This is especially concerning in settings where hygiene is paramount, such as during outdoor activities, at work, or in public spaces. These shortcomings highlight the need for improved container designs that preserve the integrity of the food and minimize direct contact, ensuring a more hygienic and user-friendly experience.Solution to Problem

[0004] A food container with a movable tray is disclosed. The food container comprises a container body having a hollow interior formed by a plurality of faces. A plurality of tray slots is disposed on one or more of the plurality of faces. The movable tray is disposed within the hollow interior. The movable tray comprises a top surface for holding a serving of food. A plurality of knobs is coupled to the movable tray and extend outwardly through the plurality of tray slots such that the plurality of tray slots is externally accessible. The plurality of tray knobs is configured to translationally move the movable tray upwards and downwards within the hollow interior. In some embodiments, the plurality of tray slots may comprise elongated seals.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0005] The movable tray facilitates easy access to food without direct contact, thereby minimizing contamination risk and improving hygiene.

[0006] The eternally accessible tray knobs allow the movable tray to be adjusted up or down without opening the container.

[0007] The sealing mechanism limits air exposure to preserve food freshness for longer periods.

[0008] The detachable and hinged faces allow for easy and thorough cleaning of the container.

[0009] The container body protects food contained there during transportation and storage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. l shows a perspective view of a food container with a movable tray in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

[0012] FIG.2 shows a perspective of an interior of the food container with the movable tray according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0013] FIG.3 shows a perspective view of the food container with a serving of food according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0014] FIG.4 shows a front view of the interior of the food container with the movable tray according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0015] FIG.5 shows a perspective view of the food container with movable tray in an open state according to the first illustrated embodiment;

[0016] FIG.6 shows a top view of the food container with the movable tray in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment;

[0017] FIG.7 shows a perspective view of the food container with the movable tray according to the second illustrated embodiment;

[0018] FIG.8 shows a face view of the food container with the movable tray according to the second illustrated embodiment;

[0019] FIG.9 shows a face view of the food container with the movable tray in accordance with a third illustrated embodiment;

[0020] FIG.10 shows a perspective view of the food container with the movable tray according to the third illustrated embodiment;

[0021] FIG.11 shows a front view of the food container with the movable tray in accordance with a fourth illustrated embodiment;

[0022] FIG.12 shows a cross-section view of the food container with the movable tray in accordance with a fifth illustrated embodiment;

[0023] FIG.13 shows a perspective view of the food container with the movable tray in accordance with a sixth illustrated embodiment;

[0024] FIG.14 shows perspective view of the movable tray according to the sixth illustrated embodiment;

[0025] FIG.15 shows a face view of the food container according to the sixth illustrated embodiment;

[0026] FIG.16 shows a back view of the food container according to the sixth illustrated embodiment;

[0027] FIG.17 shows a close-up view of the back of the food container according to the sixth illustrated embodiment;

[0028] FIG.18 shows a top plan view of a tray knob of the food container according to the sixth illustrated embodiment;

[0029] FIG.19 shows a top view of an elongated seal according to the sixth illustrated embodiment;

[0030] FIG.20 shows a face view of the elongated seal according to the sixth illustrated embodiment; and

[0031] FIG.21 shows a perspective view of the movable tray according to the sixth illustrated embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0033] For purposes herein, the term “translational movement” means movement where all points of a moving body move uniformly in the same line or direction.

[0034] The term “coupler element” can include but is not limited to latches, clasps, adhesives, clips, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or any other engagement feature that can be appreciated by one having skill in the art.

[0035] The terms “major face” and “minor face” are used relatively such that the major face comprises a greater surface area than the minor face.

[0036] The term “externally accessible” means exterior to a defined container body.

[0037] Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.General Description of Embodiments

[0038] In one general embodiment, a food container is disclosed. The food container comprises a container body having a hollow interior formed by a first major face, a second major face opposite the first major face, a first minor face, a second minor face opposite the first minor face, and a bottom face. The first major face is hingedly coupled to the bottom face wherein the first major face, the second major face, the first minor face, and the second minor face form an opening for accessing the hollow interior. A container lid is hingedly coupled to the first major face. The container lid is configured to cover the opening with a coupler element configured tocouple to the second major face. The food container further comprises a plurality of tray slots disposed on the second major face extending from the opening toward the bottom face. A movable tray is disposed within the hollow interior. The movable tray comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface to form a platform member wherein the top surface is configured to hold a serving of food. A support member is in orthogonal relationship with the platform member. The food container further comprises a plurality of tray knobs coupled to the movable tray at the support member. Each of the plurality of tray knobs extends outwardly through one of the plurality tray slots such that the plurality of tray knobs is externally accessible. The plurality of tray knobs is configured to translationally move the movable tray upward towards the opening. The food container further comprises a plurality of elongated seals. Each of the plurality of the elongated seals is coupled to one of the plurality of tray slots. Each of the plurality of elongated seals comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side comprising a flat surface, a slit extending along a longitudinal midsection to form a first half and a second half, a lip disposed at the first side flanking the slit, wherein the lip is configured to extend into one of the plurality of tray slots, and a plurality of tabs disposed on the first side at both the first half and the second half. Ridged guides are disposed on the second major face along both sides of each of the plurality of tray slots. Each of the plurality of knobs is disposed between two ridged guides and is configured to engage with the ridged guides for holding each of the plurality of tray knobs in place. A plurality of holes extends through the second major face and is disposed along each of the ridged guides. The plurality of holes is configured to receive the plurality of tabs from the plurality of elongated seals.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first major face may be in a parallel configuration with the second major face.

[0040] In some embodiments, the bottom face may be coupled to each of the first major face, second major face, first minor face, and second minor face.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first minor face and the second minor face may be configured to detachably couple from the first major face.

[0042] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of elongated seals may be disposed within the hollow interior.

[0043] In some embodiments, the movable tray may further comprise a plurality of gussets coupled to the platform member and the support member.

[0044] In another general embodiment, a food container is disclosed. The food container comprises a container body having a hollow interior formed by a first major face, a second major face opposite the first major face, a first minor face, a second minor face opposite the first minor face, and a bottom face. The first major face, the second major face, the first minor face, and the second minor face form an opening for accessing the hollow interior. A container lid is detachably coupled to the container body for covering and accessing the opening. The food container further comprises a plurality of tray slots disposed on at least one of the first major face, the second major face, the first minor side, and the second minor side. A movable tray is disposed within the hollow interior. The movable tray comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, wherein the top surface is configured to hold a serving of food. The food container further comprises a plurality of tray knobs coupled to the movable tray. Each of the plurality of tray knobs extends outwardly through one of the plurality tray slots such that the plurality of tray knobs is externally accessible. The plurality of tray knobs is configured to translationally move the movable tray upward towards the opening.

[0045] In some embodiments the first major face may be in a parallel configuration with the second major face.

[0046] In some embodiments, the bottom face may be coupled to each of the first major face, second major face, first minor face, and second minor face.

[0047] In some embodiments, wherein the first major face may be hingedly coupled to both the bottom face and the container lid. The first minor face and the second minor face may be configured to detachably couple from the first major face.

[0048] In some embodiments, the container lid may further comprise a coupler element configured to couple to the container body.

[0049] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of tray slots may further comprise an elongated seal coupled therewith. Each of the elongated seals may be disposed within the hollow interior. The elongated seal may further comprise a slit extending along a longitudinal midsection to form a first half and a second half. The elongated seal may further comprise a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side comprises a flat surface and the first side comprises a lip flanking the slit. The elongated seal may further comprise a plurality of tabs disposed on the first side at both the first half and the second half. The lip of each of the elongated seals may extend into one of the plurality of tray slots.

[0050] In some embodiments, the plurality of tray slots may be disposed on the second major face. The food container may further comprise ridged guides disposed on the second major face along both sides of each of the plurality of tray slots. The food container may further comprise a plurality of holes extending through the second major face, the plurality of holes disposed along each of the ridged guides. Each of the plurality of tray knobs may be disposed between two ridged guides. Each of the plurality of tray knobs may be configured to engage with the ridged guides for holding each of the plurality of knobs in place.

[0051] In some embodiments, the movable tray may further comprise a platform member and a support member forming an orthogonal relationship, wherein the platform member comprises the top surface and the bottom surface. The plurality of tray knobs may be coupled to the support member. The movable tray may further comprise a plurality of gussets coupled to the platform member and the support member.

[0052] In another general embodiment, a food container is disclosed. The food container comprises a container body having a hollow interior formed by a plurality of faces, and an opening for accessing the hollow interior. A container lid detachably coupled to the container body for covering and accessing the opening. The food container further comprises a tray slot disposed on one or more of the plurality of faces. A movable tray is disposed within the hollow interior, the movable tray comprising a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, wherein the top surface is configured to hold a serving of food. The food container further comprises a tray knob coupled to the movable tray, wherein the tray knob extends outwardly through the tray slot such that the tray knob is externally accessible. The tray knob is configured to translationally move the movable tray upward towards the opening.

[0053] In some embodiments, the container lid may further comprise a coupler element configured to couple to the container body.

[0054] In some embodiments, the tray slot may further comprise an elongated seal coupled therewith. The elongated seal may be disposed within the hollow interior. The elongated seal may further comprise a slit extending along a longitudinal midsection to form a first half and a second half. The elongated seal may further comprise a plurality of tabs disposed on the first side at both the first half and the second half. The elongated seal may further comprise a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side comprises a flat surface and the first side comprises a lip flanking the slit. The lip of the elongated seal may extend into the tray slots.

[0055] In some embodiments, the food container may further comprise ridged guides disposed on both sides of the tray slot. The food container may further comprise a plurality of holes disposed along each of the ridged guides. The tray knob may be disposed between two ridged guides. The tray knob may be configured to engage with the ridged guides for holding the tray knob in place.

[0056] In some embodiments, the movable tray may further comprise a platform member and a support member forming an orthogonal relationship, wherein the platform member comprises the top surface and the bottom surface. The tray knob may be coupled to the support member. The movable tray may further comprise a plurality of gussets coupled to the platform member and the support member.Manufacturing

[0057] Generally, the container body and the movable tray can be made of various materials including thermoplastics or metals.

[0058] Each of the components of the food container with movable tray described herein may be manufactured and / or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art.

[0059] While various details, features, combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.First Illustrated Embodiment

[0060] Now turning to the drawings, FIG.1-5 show the food container (100) with the movable tray (120) in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment. The food container comprises a container body (110) having a first major face (111) and a second major face (112) each coupled to both a first minor face (113) and a second minor face (114). The first major face is in a parallel configuration with the second major face, and the first minor face is in a parallel configuration with the second minor face. Each of the faces is fixedly coupled to a lower portion (115) of the container body. The faces form a hollow interior (117) disposed within the food container which allows the movable tray to nest therein. A container lid (118) is hingedly coupled to the second major face and configured to couple to the first major face by a coupler element(130) in order to cover an opening (116) of the container body. On each of the first minor face and the second minor face comprises a tray slot (121) extending from the lower portion to the opening.

[0061] The movable tray (120) comprises a top surface (123) and a bottom surface (124) opposite the top surface wherein the top surface is configured to hold a serving of food. The movable tray further comprises a tray knob (122) extending from each side of the movable tray. As shown, the two tray knobs are configured to extend outwardly from the tray slots (121) of the first and second minor faces (113; 114), thereby making the tray knobs externally accessible. A user can apply upward force to each of the tray knobs which will cause the movable tray to translationally move upward toward the opening (116). This will cause a portion of the serving of food disposed on the movable tray to pass through the opening and allow the user to consume without making any direct contact.

[0062] The movable tray (120) comprises a perimeter (125) extending upward from the top surface (123) in order to hold the serving of food in place. The perimeter is disposed on two opposing edges of the top surface. In other embodiments, the perimeter is disposed on each of the four edges of the top surface.

[0063] As shown, the tray knobs (122) are each coupled to a monolithic element, the monolithic element being coupled to the bottom surface (124) of the movable tray (120). Alternatively, the tray knobs may be individually coupled to any portion of the movable tray. The tray knobs may be detachably coupled to the movable tray so as to allow for easy removal of said movable tray from the container body (110) to clean. In some embodiments, the tray knobs may comprise a friction engagement with the tray slots (121) such that the movable tray remains in place at any position without the support from the user.

[0064] In order to aid in cleaning the hollow interior (117) of the container body (110) in addition to the movable tray (120), the second major face (112) is hingedly coupled to the bottom face (115) as well as detachably coupled to each of the first minor face (113) and the second minor face (114), as shown in FIG.5. This configuration allows for the container lid (118) and the second major face to rotate away from the first major face (111), to expose the hollow interior.

[0065] In some embodiments, each of the tray slots (121) comprises a sealing mechanism configured to seal a majority of the tray slot while still allowing the tray knob (122) to protrude outwards and translate therewith. Limiting the exposure of the serving of food to air can improve freshness. The sealing mechanism may include a zipper feature that opens along the tray knob'spath while closing behind it. In other embodiments, the sealing mechanism may comprise a compressed slot which can flex a portion thereof for the tray knob but is everywhere in a closed and sealed configuration. In some embodiments, the food container (100) with the movable tray (120) comprises clamping component in order to hold the serving of food in place to prevent movement when a bite is taken. The clamping component may be integrated with the movable tray or the perimeter (125) thereof. In some embodiments, the clamping component is part of the container body (110) wherein at least one of the first major face (111) and the second major face (112) comprise a deformable portion to allow the user to press and hold the serving of food between the first and second major faces.

[0066] The container body (110) as disclosed herein comprises a generally rectangular boxed shape. Other shapes can also be utilized without departing the invention. The bottom face (115) of the container body (110) comprises a flat surface configured to rest evenly on a flat surface, such as a table.Second Illustrated Embodiment

[0067] FIG.6-8 show the food container (200) with the movable tray (220) in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment. The food container comprises a container body (210) having a first major face (211) and a second major face (212) each coupled to a first minor face (213) and a second minor face (214) wherein the first major face and the second major face are in a parallel configuration. The first major face, the second major face, the first minor face, and the second minor face form an opening (216) for receiving a serving of food. A hollow interior (217) extends from the opening toward a bottom face (215) of the container body wherein each of the faces are fixedly coupled to the lower portion as well as being fixedly coupled to each other. The movable tray is disposed within the hollow interior and is configured to translationally move upwards and downwards relative to the opening and the bottom face. The first and second minor faces each comprise a tray slot (221) to allow a tray knob (222) of the movable tray to be externally accessible for a user, while also guiding movement of the movable tray. A container lid (218) is configured to removably couple to the container body to cover the opening, said container lid comprises a plurality of coupler elements (230) for engagement to said container body.Third Illustrated Embodiment

[0068] FIG.9- 10 show the food container (300) with the movable tray (320) in accordance with a third illustrated embodiment. The food container comprises a container body (310) with themovable tray disposed within a hollow interior (317) of the container body. The container body comprises a first major face (311), a second major face (312), a first minor face (313), and a second minor face (314) each coupled to a bottom face (315). A container lid (318) is hingedly coupled to the second minor face. The first major face is fixedly coupled to each of the first and second minor faces. The second major face is detachably coupled to each of the first minor face, the second minor face, and the bottom face with a plurality of coupler elements (330). Detachment of the second major face exposes the movable tray disposed therein and allows for easy cleaning. The container lid further comprises a coupler element (330) for engagement with the first major face in order to properly cover an opening (316) of the container body.Fourth Illustrated Embodiment

[0069] FIG.11 shows the food container (400) with the movable tray (420) in accordance with a fourth illustrated embodiment. The food container comprises a container body (410) having a first major face (411) coupled to each of a first minor face (413), a second minor face (414), a bottom face (415), and a container lid (418). The first major face comprises a single tray slot (421) extending along a center of the first major face from the container lid toward the bottom face. A tray knob (422) extends through the single tray slot and is coupled to the movable tray. In other embodiments, the tray slot may be disposed on a second major face (not shown) disposed opposite the first major face. In yet other embodiments, each of the first major face and the second major face comprise a tray slot disposed thereon.Fifth Illustrated Embodiment

[0070] FIG.12 shows a cross-section view of the food container (500) with the movable tray (520) in accordance with a sixth illustrated embodiment. The food container comprises a container body (510) having a first major face (not shown), a second major face (512), a first minor face (513), and a second minor face (514). The container body is devoid of a bottom face as disclosed in previous embodiments. Instead, one or more stopper components (540) are disposed at a lowermost portion of the compartment body in order to prevent the movable tray from falling out. The movable tray comprises a top surface (523) and a bottom surface (524) opposite the top surface wherein the top surface is configured to hold a serving of food and the bottom surface is externally accessible to the user. The movable tray is configured to translationally move upwards towards an opening (516) of the container body by a user applying a force on the bottom surface of the movable tray. In some embodiments, the movable tray comprises a snug fit with two or morefaces of an interior of the container body in order to allow the movable tray to remain static at any level while also reducing air exposure from the bottom of the food container.Sixth Illustrated Embodiment

[0071] FIG.13-18 show the food container (600) with movable tray (620) in accordance with a sixth illustrated embodiment. The container comprises a container body (610) having a first major face (611) hingedly coupled to both a container lid (618) and a bottom face (615) of the container body. A second major face (612) is rigidly coupled to each of a first minor face (613), a second minor face (614), and the bottom face, wherein the first minor face is in parallel configuration with the second minor face. The first major face is configurable into a closed state by rotating and detachably coupling to each of the first minor face and the second minor face thereby making the first major face in parallel configuration with the second major face. While in the closed state each of the faces forms an opening (616) located at an end opposite the bottom face. The opening provides access to a hollow interior (617) formed by the container body. The container lid is configured to hingedly cover the opening by detachably coupling to the second major face via a coupler element (630).

[0072] Disposed inside the container body (610) is the movable tray (620). The movable tray is coupled to the second major face (612) by two tray slots (621) that extend vertically from the bottom face (615) to the opening (616). A tray knob (622) extends through each of the two tray slots and couples to the movable tray. Translation of one or both of the tray knobs causes the movable tray to move translationally upwards and downwards inside the hollow interior (617). The tray knobs stay aligned with each other due to the coupling with the movable tray. Each of the tray slots further comprises an elongated seal (640) to limit air inside the container body in order to preserve freshness of food contained therein. Each of the tray knobs passes through a slit (641) of the respective elongated seal to allow movement of the tray knob. As the tray knobs extend up and down the elongated seal, the slit in front of the tray knob movement is opened while the slit behind the tray knob movement closes together.

[0073] The second major face (612) further comprises ridged guides (650) flanking both sides of each tray slot (621). The ridged guides engage with the tray knobs (622), providing resistance that allows the movable tray (620) to remain in place at any height without requiring user support. Each of the tray knobs comprises a plurality of arms (651) for engaging with the ridged guides. Disposed outside of each pair of ridged guides are series of a plurality of holes(648) extending through the second major face. The elongated seals (640) couple to the plurality of holes to maintain a fixed position within the hollow interior (617) against the second major face.

[0074] FIG.19-20 show the elongated seal (640) according to the sixth illustrated embodiment. The elongated seal comprises a first side (645), a second side (646) opposite the first side, and a slit (641) extending down a longitudinal midsection (642) to form a first half (643) and a second half (644). The second side comprises a flat surface and is configured to face the movable tray (620) when installed. The first side comprises a lip (649) flanking both sides of the slit. The lip extends into the tray slot (621) and to provide a semi-airtight barrier while still allowing the tray knobs to translate along the slit. The first side further comprises a plurality of tabs (647) disposed near an edge of both the first half and the second half. The plurality of tabs is configured to coupled to the plurality of holes on the second major face for coupling the elongated seal to the container body (610).

[0075] FIG.21 shows the movable tray (620) according to the sixth illustrated embodiment. The movable tray comprises a platform member (660) and a support member (661) wherein the platform member is in orthogonal alignment with the support member. The platform member comprises a top surface (623) and a bottom surface (624) and is parallel with the bottom face (615) such that the food rests on the top surface. The support member is parallel to the second major face (612) and couples to the tray knobs (622) via knob channels (663). A plurality of gussets (662) is coupled to both the platform member and the support member. The support member establishes a lowest position of the movable tray due to the support member contacting the bottom face of the container body (610). The support member, the bottom face, the second major face, and the bottom surface of the platform member forms a volume to allow for storage of various items including napkins, utensils, condiments, and the like.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0076] The claimed invention is applicable for food storage, transportation, and consumption.Feature List

[0077] food container (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600)

[0078] container body (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610)

[0079] first major face (111; 211; 311; 411; 611)

[0080] second major face (112; 212; 312; 512; 612)

[0081] first minor face (113; 213; 313; 413; 513; 613)

[0082] second minor face (114; 214; 314; 414; 514; 614)

[0083] bottom face (115; 215; 315; 415; 615)

[0084] opening (116; 216; 316; 516; 616)

[0085] hollow interior (117; 217; 317; 517; 617)

[0086] container lid (118; 218; 318; 418; 618)

[0087] movable tray (120; 520; 620)

[0088] tray slot (121; 221; 321; 421; 621)

[0089] tray knob (122; 222; 322; 422; 622)

[0090] top surface (123; 523; 623)

[0091] bottom surface (124; 524; 624)

[0092] perimeter (125)

[0093] coupler element (130; 230; 330; 630)

[0094] stopper component (540)

[0095] elongated seal (640)

[0096] slit (641)

[0097] longitudinal midsection (642)

[0098] first half (643)

[0099] second half (644)

[0100] first side (645)

[0101] second side (646)

[0102] plurality of tabs (647)

[0103] plurality of holes (648)

[0104] lip (649)

[0105] ridged guide (650)

[0106] plurality of arms (651)

[0107] platform member (660)

[0108] support member (661)

[0109] plurality of gussets (662)

[0110] knob channel (663)

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A food container, comprising: a container body having a hollow interior formed by a first major face, a second major face opposite the first major face, a first minor face, a second minor face opposite the first minor face, and a bottom face, the first major face hingedly coupled to the bottom face, wherein the first major face, the second major face, the first minor face, and the second minor face form an opening for accessing the hollow interior; a container lid hingedly coupled to the first major face, the container lid configured to cover the opening, the container lid further comprising a coupler element configured to couple to the second major face; a plurality of tray slots disposed on the second major face extending from the opening toward the bottom face; a movable tray disposed within the hollow interior, the movable tray comprising a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface to form a platform member wherein the top surface is configured to hold a serving of food, and a support member in orthogonal relationship with the platform member; a plurality of tray knobs coupled to the movable tray at the support member, wherein each of the plurality of tray knobs extends outwardly through one of the plurality tray slots such that the plurality of tray knobs is externally accessible, wherein the plurality of tray knobs is configured to translationally move the movable tray upward towards the opening; a plurality of elongated seals, each of the plurality of the elongated seals coupled to one of the plurality of tray slots, each of the plurality of elongated seals comprising: a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side comprising a flat surface, a slit extending along a longitudinal midsection to form a first half and a second half,a lip disposed at the first side flanking the slit, wherein the lip is configured to extend into one of the plurality of tray slots, and a plurality of tabs disposed on the first side at both the first half and the second half; ridged guides disposed on the second major face along both sides of each of the plurality of tray slots, wherein each of the plurality of knobs is disposed between two ridged guides, each of the plurality of tray knobs is configured to engage with the ridged guides for holding each of the plurality of tray knobs in place; a plurality of holes extending through the second major face, the plurality of holes disposed along each of the ridged guides, the plurality of holes configured to receive the plurality of tabs from the plurality of elongated seals;2. The food container of claim 1, wherein the first major face is in a parallel configuration with the second major face.

3. The food container of claim 1, wherein the bottom face is coupled to each of the first major face, second major face, first minor face, and second minor face.

4. The food container of claim 1, wherein the first minor face and the second minor face are configured to detachably couple to the first major face.

5. The food container of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of elongated seals is disposed within the hollow interior.

6. The food container of claim 1, the movable tray further comprising a plurality of gussets coupled to the platform member and the support member.

7. A food container, comprising: a container body having a hollow interior formed by a first major face, a second major face opposite the first major face, a first minor face, a second minor face opposite the first minor face, and a bottom face, wherein the first major face, the second major face, the first minor face, and the second minor face form an opening foraccessing the hollow interior; a container lid detachably coupled to the container body for covering and accessing the opening; a plurality of tray slots disposed on at least one of the first major face, the second major face, the first minor side, and the second minor side; a movable tray disposed within the hollow interior, the movable tray comprising a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, wherein the top surface is configured to hold a serving of food; and a plurality of tray knobs coupled to the movable tray, wherein each of the plurality of tray knobs extends outwardly through one of the plurality tray slots such that the plurality of tray knobs is externally accessible; wherein the plurality of tray knobs is configured to translationally move the movable tray upward towards the opening.

8. The food container of claim 7, wherein the first major face is in a parallel configuration with the second major face.

9. The food container of claim 7, wherein the bottom face is coupled to each of the first major face, second major face, first minor face, and second minor face.

10. The food container of claim 7, wherein the first major face is hingedly coupled to both the bottom face and the container lid.

11. The food container of claim 10, wherein the first minor face and the second minor face are configured to detachably couple to the first major face.

12. The food container of claim 7, the container lid further comprising a coupler element configured to couple to the container body.

13. The food container of claim 7, each of the plurality of tray slots further comprising an elongated seal coupled therewith.

14. The food container of claim 13, wherein each of the elongated seals is disposed within the hollow interior.

15. The food container of claim 13, the elongated seal further comprising a slit extending along a longitudinal midsection to form a first half and a second half.

16. The food container of claim 14, the elongated seal further comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side comprises a flat surface and the first side comprises a lip flanking the slit.

17. The food container of claim 14, the elongated seal further comprising a plurality of tabs disposed on the first side at both the first half and the second half.

18. The food container of claim 17, wherein the lip of each of the elongated seals extends into one of the plurality of tray slots.

19. The food container of claim 7, wherein the plurality of tray slots is disposed on the second major face.

20. The food container of claim 19, further comprising ridged guides disposed on the second major face along both sides of each of the plurality of tray slots.

21. The food container of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of holes extending through the second major face, the plurality of holes disposed along each of the ridged guides.

22. The food container of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of tray knobs is disposed between two ridged guides.

23. The food container of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of tray knobs is configured to engage with the ridged guides for holding each of the plurality of knobs in place.

24. The food container of claim 7, the movable tray further comprising a platform memberand a support member forming an orthogonal relationship, wherein the platform member comprises the top surface and the bottom surface.

25. The food container of claim 24, wherein the plurality of tray knobs is coupled to the support member.

26. The food container of claim 24, the movable tray further comprising a plurality of gussets coupled to the platform member and the support member.

27. A food container, comprising: a container body having a hollow interior formed by a plurality of faces, the container body further comprising an opening for accessing the hollow interior; a container lid detachably coupled to the container body for covering and accessing the opening; a tray slot disposed on one or more of the plurality of faces; a movable tray disposed within the hollow interior, the movable tray comprising a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, wherein the top surface is configured to hold a serving of food; and a tray knob coupled to the movable tray, wherein the tray knob extends outwardly through the tray slot such that the tray knob is externally accessible; wherein the tray knob is configured to translationally move the movable tray upward towards the opening.

28. The food container of claim 27, the container lid further comprising a coupler element configured to couple to the container body.

29. The food container of claim 27, the tray slot further comprising an elongated seal coupled therewith.

30. The food container of claim 29, wherein the elongated seal is disposed within the hollow interior.31 . The food container of claim 29, the elongated seal further comprising a slit extending along a longitudinal midsection to form a first half and a second half.

32. The food container of claim 31, the elongated seal further comprising a plurality of tabs disposed on the first side at both the first half and the second half.

33. The food container of claim 31, the elongated seal further comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side comprises a flat surface and the first side comprises a lip flanking the slit.

34. The food container of claim 33, wherein the lip of the elongated seal extends into the tray slots.

35. The food container of claim 27, further comprising ridged guides disposed on both sides of the tray slot.

36. The food container of claim 35, further comprising a plurality of holes disposed along each of the ridged guides.

37. The food container of claim 35, wherein the tray knob is disposed between two ridged guides.

38. The food container of claim 35, wherein the tray knob is configured to engage with the ridged guides for holding the tray knob in place.

39. The food container of claim 27, the movable tray further comprising a platform member and a support member forming an orthogonal relationship, wherein the platform member comprises the top surface and the bottom surface.

40. The food container of claim 39, wherein the tray knob is coupled to the support member.

41. The food container of claim 39, the movable tray further comprising a plurality of gussets coupled to the platform member and the support member.

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