Supports – Brackets – Article holding means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-15
2001-02-27
Shoap, Allan N. (Department: 3727)
Supports
Brackets
Article holding means
C220S737000, C229S904000, C229S906000, C248S205300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193201
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally pertains to a condiment container support structure. Specifically, the invention relates to a receptacle adapted to receive and support condiment containers of various shapes and sizes. More specifically the invention provides an adjustable receptacle for securely supporting condiment containers by being integrally adaptable to food trays, boxes and similar containers having various geometric shapes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and device for supporting condiment containers which contain supplemental foods such as catsup, cream, salad dressing, sauce and the like. More specifically the invention provides a universal condiment container support which is easily attached to primary food or takeout containers to promote ease in the handling, organizing and transporting of the supplemental foods.
Prior art condiment carriers and support devices generally require significant modifications of the primary food container before the support structure could be attached, thus increasing manufacturing costs. Further, some of the devices require a certain way of installing the condiment support and/or carrier making it inconvenient for users. This is especially uneconomical and undesirable in fast food service operations. Moreover, some of the prior art devices are cumbersome to store and may crowd out the food container if dispensed by the host within, for example, a takeout box. Yet another limitation of prior art condiment carriers is the fact that they can be attached only externally and do not provide options for internal attachment. In certain cases attachment of a condiment carrier internally is preferred to eliminate spillage and promote ease of handling.
Another limitation of the prior art is the fact that the condiment carrier or support is not easily adaptable to various geometric shapes. For example, prior art condiment support structures require that the container surface be either substantially flat or curvilinear and the user has to sort out/select among various types to determine which one to use with any primary food container. This means that at least two types of support structures should be stocked thus unduly increasing manufacturing and operating costs. Further, prior art support structures are rather cumbersome to use and bulky to store thus being, generally, unsuitable for fast food and takeout services.
Yet another limitation of the prior art is the lack of a condiment container or support structure which can provide more than one condiment and is easily attachable to a primary food container. Many restaurants and fast food chains prepare various menus which require different types of condiments. Therefore it is desirable to attach more than one condiment carrier to a primary food container.
Accordingly, there is need for a universal condiment support device which is easy to use while overcoming the limitations of the prior art. The present invention advantageously provides several distinguishing features structured to promote ease of use while enhancing operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a condiment container support device which is attachable to flat, curvilinear, convoluted and cylindrical surfaces or a combination thereof. The support structure includes preferably a compressed cardboard fiber sheet or equivalent with a cut out portion at the fore end and a flange at the aft end. The cut out at the fore end defines a substantially circular receptacle with a lip formed around the perimeter thereof. The flange is resiliently structured to support the fore end in a substantially horizontal orientation. Further, the flange includes an upper and lower surface on both sides of which a piece of label tape is installed. The label tape is preferably a removable top coat which covers an adhesive backing at the base. In the preferred embodiment, the adhesive base is directly applied to the cardboard fiber sheet on both sides.
The invention provides a user with a selection of condiment support devices to be attached to substantially flat and/or curvilinear surfaces. Specifically, the invention, inter alia, utilizes an adjustable adhesive flange to adapt to various shapes. The basic structure includes a creased-flange formed at the aft end of the device. The creased-flange includes floating ends to wrap around or conform to non-linear surfaces. The creased-flange is preferably treated with an adhesive coating on both sides to provide users with the option to attach the receptacle to a primary food container without regard to which of the adhesive-treated side of the creased-flange is exposed. Further, if the adhesive on one side fails to adequately stick, the user has the option to try the other end. More importantly, the application of adhesive coating on both sides of the creased-flange including the removable label tape provides a light weight and yet efficient structural reinforcement to the underlying cardboard fiber sheet.
Yet another aspect of the invention includes a condiment support structure to support at least two condiment carriers. The general structure includes a fore section with preferably two cutouts adjacently set with an adjoining common lip around the perimeter of the cutouts. A creased-flange is formed at the aft section and extends, preferably, at least equal to the length of the lip. Further, the creased-flange includes a floating section which is used to adjust/adapt the support device of the present invention around curvilinear food containers.
The present invention is a condiment container support device, the device being attachable to a supporting structure for supporting a condiment container. The condiment container includes a receptacle structure defining at least one condiment container receptacle aperture. A flange is resiliently operably coupled to the receptacle structure. And, an attachment for attaching the flange to a supporting structure surface to cantilever the receptacle structure substantially orthogonally with respect to the flange attached to the supporting structure surface. Further, the present invention is a method for supporting a condiment container.
With these and other features advantages and objects of the present invention which may become apparent, the various aspects of the invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, the appended claims and to the several drawings herein contained.
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Merek Joe
Patterson, Thuente & Skaar, P.A.
Shoap Allan N.
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