Heat retaining container and method of forming same

Details Heat retaining container and method of forming same Heat retaining container and method of forming same

2000-01-05

2001-03-13

Pascua, Jes F. (Department: 3727)

Flexible bags

Wall details

Multi-layer or ply

C383S084000, C383S111000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06200029

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a heat retaining container and more specifically to a readily inexpensive and reusable box-like container for effectively maintaining cooked foods, e.g. pizza, warm over a considerable period of time and method of forming same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Over the years, there has been an increasing demand of patrons ordering cooked food and/or meals for take-out and/or for delivery, e.g. pizza and the like, for a reliable and inexpensive container for storing and maintaining such cooked foods warm. Accordingly, there exists the problem of maintaining such foods in a heated state during the period that the cooked food, pizza and the like has been ordered to the time at which it is to be consumed. Heretofore, it is known that efforts have been made to provide a container for keeping such foods warm. Such known efforts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,428,103; 3,938,726; 4,578,814; 5,180,075; 5,445,286 and 5,568,877. While these known insulated containers may be capable of maintaining a pizza warm for a limited period of time, their constructions are relatively complex and difficult to fabricate, thereby rendering them quite costly. Accordingly, there is a need for a more simplified means for containing and/or storing heated or cooked foods such as pizza in a manner whereby the pizza is maintained in a heated state over a considerable period of time that is relatively simple in construction and relatively inexpensive to fabricate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to provide a simplified insulated container which is relatively easy to fabricate from inexpensive materials, and yet capable of maintaining a pizza and the like in a heated state over a considerable period of time.
The foregoing objects and other advantages are attained by a container which includes an outer cover formed of a rectangular blank of foldable sheet material wherein the opposed marginal end portions of the blank are reversibly folded to define opposed end marginal pockets. An insulating layer formed of opposed sheets of a metallic foil material, e.g. aluminum foil, having sandwiched therebetween a layer of cellular material, e.g. bubble-like liner formed of opposed plastic sheets having defined therebetween a series of individual cells or pockets of entrapped air. The insulating layer is sized so as to conform substantially to the size and shape of the outer cover, whereby the opposed ends of the insulated layer are received and retained within the opposed corresponding end marginal pockets. The outer cover and insulating layer so disposed is then reversely folded along a transverse medial foldline to define opposed overlying panel portions whereby one panel portion is greater or longer than the other. The opposed side edges of the reversely folded panel portions of said cover and insulated liner are sealed or bonded together by suitable means, e.g. heat seal, adhesive, tape and/or the like. The extended portion of one of the reversely folded panel portions which extends beyond the end of the other panel portion is then reversely folded to define a closure flap. The marginal edge of the closure flap is provided with suitable fastening means for maintaining the closure flap in a closed or sealing position. The arrangement is such that a highly efficient, thermal insulating container is formed of relatively inexpensive materials which is simple to manufacture and positive in operation.
In an alternate arrangement, the outer cover in its folded position may be sealed along the opposed side edges after which the liner, as described herein, is inserted in its folded position into the preformed cover, whereby the opposed ends of the liner are tucked into the marginal pockets formed at the opposed ends of the cover.


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