GB2505181A

GB2505181A - A lunch box with removable picture inserts

Info

Publication number: GB2505181A
Application number: GB201214846A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillipa Sexton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-08-20
Filing date: 2012-08-20
Publication date: 2014-02-26
Also published as: GB201214846D0

Abstract

A container suitable for carrying food, such as a lunch box, comprises two opposing planar faces 1 and 2. Both of the faces 1 and 2 may receive displaceable planar inserts in a pocket thereon. The container may comprise insulating material, and may have internal dividers to create internal compartments. The planar face 2 may be formed by the lids of a number of compartments. The inserts are preferably housed on the external face of the container, and may be changed as a child matures and their interests develop. The insert may provide information about allergies or medical conditions.

Description

A FOOD CONTAINER.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a food container, more particularly but not exclusively to a food cdntainer for provision of messages.

Background

Many users utilise lunch, beverage or food containers, such as lunch boxes, that are generally rigid or semi rigid boxes well-disposed for carrying food, some including insulative material.

Typically such food containers may be coloured, patterned and/or have an image on them for example of a favourite character such as an action hero.

However over time a user's tastes may change and a once favourite character or picture may easily fall out of favour, become out-dated or out-grown. This may lead to the user or more particularly a child refusing to or no longer wanting to use that * 20 particular food container. * *5 *

: Therefore often a ew food container may be purchased despite the food container *5 still being functional, as an image or style is no longer wanted. This has economic and environmental costs associated.

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It may also be often important, particularly with young or challenged users, for information to be included on the food container or with the users property, such as name, an emergency contact and any medical conditions, as the user may not be able to remember all this information or may be unable to easily recall the information.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 8 028 730 (WHITING) discloses a purse comprising: a base formed of rigid transparent or translucent material; and a removable liner that is to be inserted in the base of the purse so as to be visible from outside the base, the removable liner being provided in a plurality of colors and textures and patterns and being made of a pliable, sturdy material, wherein the liner provides a creative, decorative design for the purse.

Granted United States patent US 6 173 837 (MARCONI) discloser a carrying case comprising: a suitcase having two halves which may be brought together forming a closed container, each half having a structural side panel of substantial size; and a plurality of ornamental side panels about the same size as the structural side panels reasonably attachable over the structural side panels outside the closed container; wherein the suitcase further includes flanged framework surrounding each of the structural side panels outside the closed container, the flanged framework configured such that edges of the ornamental side panels may be tucked under the flanged framework when attaching the ornamental side panels; whereby the ornamental side panels substantially cover the structural side panels, and may be interchanged without opening the closed container or disassembling the suitcase. * . * *

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* 20 In contrast the present invention provides an easily and cost effectively customisable container for food for provision of messages and styles.

Summary of the Invention * .

According to the present invention there is provided a food container comprising: at least two opposing planar faces, wherein both of said faces supplies housing dimensioned and arranged to receive displaceable planar inserts.

In preferred embodiments the container is formed of a lightweight, flexible, non absorbent durable material, such as a woven synthetic plastic so as to be easy to transport and maintaining hygienic, in particular not absorbing spilt food, drinks or contents. In such embodiments the faces may be substantially planar at rest and disposed to movement and deformation in use.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a food container system comprising a food container as described herein and at least one displaceable planar insert.

Preferably the inserts are planar and of relative lightweight thinness of formation at rest, for example wherein the insert is formed of a deformable material such as paper. In this Way the insert may be written or printed upon by a user, to display a customized message.

In some embodiments the container may include insulated sections or panels or be formed from insulating material so as to keep contents in the container cooled or warmed.

In some embodiments the container includes reinforced portions that provide support to limit the container from being squashed, flattened or deformed when in use.

In other embodiments the container may be formed of rigid synthetic plastic, metal or carbon.

In preferred embodiments the container's formation includes a base, four sides and a lid, surrounding a storage space, core or coffer.

* 20 Preferably the lid is a displaceable face and is openable and closeable with respect to the container or more particularly storage space, by a hinge, so as to allow * contents to be easily added and removed from the container.

Typically the lid includes a clip, clamp, hook and loop arrangement such as Velcro (Trade Mark), or a zipper to secure the lid in position when closed preventing items from being lost. In other embodiments the lid may be displaceable such as by provision of multiple sliding panels.

In some embodiments the container may include removable or permanent dividers so as to create compartments within the container to support the contents such as food, preventing contents from becoming damaged. The dividers may also include ruoulded sections to hold for example fruit or cutlery within the container.

In some such embodiments the faces may be formed of or provided in relation to lids over each of said compartments.

In another embodiment the inside faces of the container may include elasticated lOoPs, straps or buckles for securing contents in the container to the sides, lid or base. For example for holding a drinks bottle in position, limiting the bottle from rolling over other contents in the container.

In all preferred embodiments at least one external face of the container is capable of housing an insert. Inserts may also be housed on internal faces, and preferably the container houses inserts externally on both opposing faces.

Preferably said insert is housed in a pocket on an external face of the container wherein typically the pocket comprises a transparent square or rectangular panel that attaches to the external face of the container, wherein one side of the panel has an opening so as to receive the insert. In some embodiments the panel may include a non-transparent border or frame which surrounds and supports the transparent panel.

In other embodiments the panel may be circular, ovaloid or trapezoid. S.

Ideally the pocket has an opening to receive the insert. Typically on square or :":2o rectangular panels one of the four sides is not attached to the face of the container enabling it to receive the insert. S*

* The opening may be removably attached to the face for example by means of hook and loop attachment such as Velcro (Trade Mark) so as to allow the pocket to be opened to receive the insert but to enable it to be closed to prevent the insert falling out.

In other embodiments the opening may have a flap that extends over the opening so as to prevent the insert from falling out.

Typically the panel is permanently attached to the face on at least one side or edge so as to ensure the panel is not removed inadvertently or misplaced. It is envisaged that the panel may be attached by adhesive, or may be stitched onto the face.

the insert is a messaging media that may be an image, text or combination of both.

Ideally the insert is a plastic laminated document suitable for fitting into the pocket.

The insert may include information about the user such as their name, dietary information, allergies or medical conditions. The insert may also include an image such as cartoon character, favourite animal or team, a celebrity, family photo or drawing.

Ideally the inserts are interchangeable and may be changed to alter the aesthetics of the container to make it more appealing for example if an image is out of favour with the child or user a new image can be added rather than buying a new container, reducing costs.

In some embodiments therefore the faces' exterior may include at least a portion that is writeable, or otherwise customisable or user-alterable. For example in some embodiments there may be included a light source and battery in order to illuminate the insert or message.

In preferred embodiments the container includes at least one handle for carrying. In ". : some embodiments the handle may also accept an insert, for example to include a * name of the user. * 20

Brief Description of Figures *..

Figures 1 shows reverse views of a preferred embodiment of the food container; * 25 Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figures 3 show side views of the embodiment of Figure 1

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the food container includes the following: A food container comprising two opposing planar faces: a first face 1 and a second face 2.

The food container Further comprises a base 3, four sides 4, a lid 5 (figure 2) and a handle 6. Both of said faces 1 and 2 supplies housing dimensioned and arranged to receive displaceable planar inserts. The inserts are interchangeable and may be changed to alter the aesthetics of the container to make it more appealing for example if an image is out of favour with the child or user a new image can be added rather than buying a new container, reducing costs.

The insert is housed in a pocket on the external face 1 and 2 of-the container. The pocket comprises a transparent rectangular panel that attaches to the external face 1 and 2 of the container. One side of the panel has an opening so as to receive the insert. One of the four sides of the panel is not attached to the face of the container enabling it to receive the insert.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, * materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are * deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further! since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention

Claims

Claims 1. A food container comprising: at least two opposing planar faces, wherein both of said faces supplies housing are dimensioned and arranged to receive displaceable planar inserts.
2. A food container according to claim 1, in which the container further comprises insulating material.
3. A food container according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the lid is a displaceable face.
4. A food container according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the lid may be displaceable by provision of multiple sliding panels.
5. A food container according to any of the preceding claims wherein the container includes dividers so as to create internal compartments.

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6. A food container according to any of the preceding claims wherein the container includes removable dividers so as to create compartments.
7. A food container according to any of claims 7 or 8 wherein the faces may be formed of or provided in relation to lids over each of said compartments.
8. A food container according to any of the preceding claims wherein inserts are housed on external faces of the container in use.
9. A food container according to any of the preceding claims wherein inserts are housed on internal faces of the container in use.
10. A food container system comprising a food container as claimed in any preceding claim and at least one displaceable planar insert.
11. A system as claimed in claim 12, in which the planar insert is paper.
12. A method of forming a food container according to any of the preceding claims.
13. A method of forming a food container with reference to the figures. * * * . * ** * * * ** * * * * ** *** * * * * * * * * * **