Receptacles – Sectional – Container formed of only two similar sections
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-14
2001-03-06
Newhouse, Nathan J. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Sectional
Container formed of only two similar sections
C220S780000, C220S781000, C220S792000, C206S505000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196404
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to containers for storing and transporting food, and in particular to a sealing component formed between a base and a rim of a container for storing food.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are various container assemblies currently used in the “take-out” food industry which are capable of transporting and storing food for a temporary period. It is important that such containers may be sealed to prevent the leakage and/or spoilage of food while in transport or storage. Currently, there are various designs available for such a purpose in the food industry.
An example of such a container consists of a lid and base portion that, upon mating form a seal to prevent leakage and spoilage. These containers are made of various materials including an aluminum base having a cardboard lid and a plastic base with a plastic lid. Specifically, an aluminum base forms a seal with the lid by the folding of the base around the peripheral to grasp the lid. This seal is not effective at preventing the food from leaking out of the container through the seal, especially when liquid is contained within the container. In addition, such containers are inconvenient because the assembly and disassembly proves to be both time consuming and messy.
Containers which consist of a base and lid made of plastic typically have only one or two seals to prevent the flow of food out of the container area and to prevent the introduction of bacteria and air into the container. With such containers, however, food leakage can occur when one or both seals are broken. Typical double seal containers provide two identical seals, one interior to the other. The seals have small surface areas to prevent the flow of food, liquids and/or air. Disadvantageously, the small surface area of the seals results in failure of the seal more often than acceptable. In addition, double seal containers typically have the two seals located right next to each other, so that if food has leaked through one seal, it is highly likely that the food will leak through the other. In other words, the placement of the seals on the currently available containers does not allow the seals to reinforce each other because they are close in proximity.
There are also available certain containers having three seals. Again, as with the double and single seal containers, the surface area of the seals is small and the proximity of the seals is close. Therefore, the likelihood of failure of theses seals is great.
Yet another example of a container currently available in the “take-out” food industry are the traditional Chinese Food take-out containers. These containers are made completely of cardboard. These containers form a seal on top by the folding over of interlocking flaps. This seal is not airtight and thus, leakage is a common occurrence. In addition, food often leaks out of the bottom of such containers because the bottom is composed of one piece of cardboard folded to form the container. Thus, there are gaps in the container, along the folds. In addition, the cardboard of the container weakens easily and is not effective for storing food that may be left over.
Considering the great number of containers in use in the take-out industry, there is a need for a container having a seal which prevents food leakage and spoilage. In addition, there is a need for a container which may be easily and readily assembled and disassembled. In addition, the container must be of such quality such that it is capable of storing foods for some length of time. Yet another desirable feature is for a container that may be easily and compactly stored.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a triple seal container having a protrusion on the lid which reinforces the triple seal formed between the lid and base. The invention uses a series of three self-reinforcing seals. The protrusion applies a force to the base, locking the lid and base together. The third seal has the largest surface area and acts as a first line of defense against food leakage out of the container and a last line of defense against the entry of contaminants into the container.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art because it is easily assembled and disassembled while having a triple seal reinforced by the protrusion. In addition, such a triple seal is excellent for protecting food while in transport and storing such food in the container for a long period of time. The invention also provides for an area for easy grasping of the container without burning the user's fingers, if the contents of the container are hot.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a base and a lid which, when mated, form three seals, two of which are reinforced by the protrusion. The interior seal has a surface area larger than the middle and exterior seals. The protrusion is located on the lid and urges the base to contact with the lid at such a point, resulting in the reinforcement of the middle and exterior seals.
Advantageously, the use of three seals and a protrusion on the container does not preclude easy assembly of the lid and base. The ability to break the seal, and remove or introduce food to the container, then close all three seals is easily accomplished with the present invention through the application of a small force. The closure involves no more than simple pressure on the lid and the sealing of the exterior or middle seal ensures the closure of the remaining seals.
The container of the present invention are same size stackable, with one base fitting into the base of the next container, and the lids acting in the same fashion. The invention is stackable when in the fully assembled position as well. This dramatically reduces the storage space required to keep large quantities of the invention. The present invention is, therefore, a safe, easy to use container that can be used in the food preparation and distribution industries and in the private home.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2798631 (1957-07-01), Engel
patent: 4124141 (1978-11-01), Armentrout et al.
patent: 4555043 (1985-11-01), Bernhardt
patent: 4844263 (1989-07-01), Hadtke
patent: 5377860 (1995-01-01), Littlejohn et al.
patent: 5553701 (1996-09-01), Jarecki et al.
patent: 5758791 (1998-06-01), Mangla
patent: 6056138 (2000-05-01), Chen
Gibbons Del Deo Dolan Griffinger & Vecchione
Newhouse Nathan J.
Newspring Industrial Corp.
LandOfFree
Triple seal container with protrusion does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Triple seal container with protrusion, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Triple seal container with protrusion will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2447986