Paper Plate Insert for Sandwich Bag Structural Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for food storage, such as plastic bags and paper plates, fail to provide adequate support and protection for pliable and portable food items like sandwiches during transport and consumption, requiring separate methods for preparation, transport, and eating.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose paper plate insert designed for use within a plastic sandwich bag, offering support during transport and serving as a consumption plate, with features like pleated folds and corner spacers to maintain food integrity and prevent bag collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plastic bag is used for food storage, then portability and flexibility are improved, but structural support and food item protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a rigid paper plate with a flexible plastic bag to create a composite container system. The paper plate provides structural support while the plastic bag provides portability and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by inserting a rigid paper plate into a flexible plastic bag, creating a hybrid structure that exhibits both the portability of the plastic bag and the structural support of the paper plate.
2Strength
If a rigid container is used for food storage, then structural support is improved, but portability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rigid paper plate (providing structural support) with the flexible plastic bag (providing portability) into a unified container system, allowing both characteristics to coexist.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate containers are used for preparation, transport, and consumption, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The paper plate serves multiple functions: as a preparation surface, as a structural support during transport, and as a consumption plate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate containers for each stage, reducing complexity and material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the preparation plate, transport container, and consumption plate into a single integrated system consisting of the paper plate and plastic bag combination.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a paper plate is used for food consumption, then cleanliness and sanitation are improved, but structural support for pliable food items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sanitary paper plate with the protective plastic bag to create a system that provides both cleanliness during consumption and structural support for pliable food items during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination in accordance with the present invention comprises two elements; an insert and a sealable plastic bag. In the preferred embodiment, the insert comprises an outer perimeter; a plurality of primary folds formed within the outer perimeter; a plurality of side supports extending outwardly from the plurality of primary folds; and a plurality of secondary corner folds at the outer perimeter. The insert is used with a pliable and portable food item, such as a sandwich, and placed within the sealable plastic bag. The insert further comprises elements to tent or protect the food item during transport of the insert and food item within the bag.