CA2150145A1

CA2150145A1 - Circular pizza box

Info

Publication number: CA2150145A1
Application number: CA 2150145
Authority: CA
Inventors: Mark Victor Keefe Fiori
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-11-25
Filing date: 1993-11-25
Publication date: 1994-06-09
Also published as: WO1994012397A1

Abstract

A container (11) for circular foodstuffs comprising a base (13) and a lid (15), integrally formed and interconnected by hinging means (33).
The base (13) has a substantially circular bottom (19) and a peripheral wall (21). The lid (15) is circular and of corresponding size to the base (13). The lid (15) has an expansive top (27) for engaging the base (13) in juxtaposition with the top (21a) of the base wall (21). The container (11) includes fastening means (17) for positively locking the lid (13) and the base (15) together.
The fastening means (17) comprises a circumferential tongue (43) and groove (45) arrangement. The tongue (43) is integrally formed with the top (21a) of the base wall (21) and the groove (45) is integrally formed with the lid (15). The groove is defined by an outer flared portion (38) and outer peripheral depending lip (41) complementary to said tongue (43). The depending lip (41) is sized and shaped to overlap and frictionally engage the outer circumferential extend of the tongue (43) when the lid (15) is brought into the closed position.

Description

~ W094/1~97 215 0 1 4 ~ PCT/AU93/00601 "Circular Pizza Box"
TECHNI~AT FIELD
.
This invention relates to a container which is particularly suited for circular food stuffs such as pizzas, hamburgers or the like.

BACKGROUND ~T

It is current practice to package circular takeaway food stuffs such as pizzas in rectangular cardboard boxes and hamburgers in paper or soft cardboard packaging.

With respect to pizzas, accommodating the intense residual heat arising from baking of the pizza in an oven and the consequent semi-liquid state of the pizza topping during the time that the pizza is hot has caused the design of pizza boxes to be considerably improved over the years.
This has been particularly noticeable with the advent of home delivery services, where it is essential to optimally preserve the form and temperature of the pizza right to the customer's home. Consequently the nature of the cardboard used nowadays is relatively heavy duty and the fastening mechanisms employed to lock the baæe and lid of the box together have become relatively sophisticated so that the form and temperature of the pizza can be preserved for as long as possible. Earlier forms of thin cardboard boxes have virtually disappeared for home delivery service, as these did not protect the pizza particularly well from buffeting, the boxes becoming structurally defective on absorbing the intense heat Pf the baked pizza when taken immediately from the oven. Consequently, these boxes were quite prone to twisting and buckling resulting in the partial collapse of the box, and so causing the pizza topping to become entrained with the inside of the lid of the box in many cases.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26 WO94/L~97 215 ~ PCT/AU93/00601 A disadvantage with the relatively heavy duty pizza boxes currently in use is their increased cost due to the heavy duty nature of the cardboard used. A further disadvantage is the increased space that they occupy when stored in pizza shops. This is attributable to the increased thickness of the cardboard and the increased size of the blanks incorporating extensive tab portions for forming the walls and complex fastening mechanisms of the box. Another obvious disadvantage associated with these types of pizza boxes is the time factor involved with having to manually assemble the boxes from the blanks.

In the presently highly competitive market of pizza shops, these disadvantages convert into lost efficiency and lost revenue.

With respect to hamburgers and like food products, due to packaging problems associated with them, it has not been possible to provide a high quality home delivery hamburger service. Unfortunately, due to the smaller ~size and composite nature of hamburgers, they are much more prone to degradation in quality than pizzas. Moreover they need to be closely wrapped in paper or the like in order to maintain their form so that they do not simply disintegrate from handling or buffeting during transport, and consequently are prone to becoming soggy due to the inability of the hot vapour to freely dissipate from the confines of their wrapping and any further packaging material used to contain the wrapped hamburger.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a container which overcomes some, if not all, ~of the ~ W094/~97 215 01~ S PCT/AU93100601 aforementioned disadvantages associated with preserving and transporting hot circular foodstuff products.
.~ .
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for circular foodstuffs comprising:

a base having a substantially circular bottom and a peripheral wall;
a circular lid of corresponding size to said base having an expansive top for engaging said base i~
juxtaposition with the top of said wall when said lid and said base are disposed in a closed position; and fastening means for positively locking said lid and said base together when disposed in said closed position.

By adopting this arrangement the walls of the container are able to engage the entire outer circumference of the circular foodstuff, confining its position within the container and thereby substantially preventing or limiting movement of the foodstuff within the container so as not to spoil the topping or filling of the foodstuff.

Preferably, said fastening means comprises a circumferential tongue and groove arrangement wherein the tongue is integrally formed with the top of said wall and the groove is integrally formed with said lid, said groove being defined by an outer peripheral depending lip, complementary to said tongue, whereby said depending lip is sized and shaped to overlap and frictionally engage the outer circumferential extent of said tongue when said lid is brought into the closed position.

Preferably, the outer circumferential extent of said tongue W094/~397 PCT/AU93/00601 215~45 is formed with a radially outwardly projecting rib for positively engaging and ret~;ning said depending lip in the closed position.

Preferably, the container includes hinging means integral~y formed with said base and said lid at one portion of the periphery thereof for conjoining said basé and said lid.

Preferably, said walls are concavely curved on the inside of the base.

Preferably, the inner surface of the bottom is domed convexly.

Preferably, said lid has integrally formed therewith a plurality of corrugations for strengthening purposes.

Preferably, said bottom has integrally formed therewith a plurality of bottom corrugations for elevating the foodstuff relative to the bottom of said corrugations.

Preferably, said bottom corrugations project inwardly of the general plane of said bottom.

Preferably, said bottom corrugations span substantially the entire bottom of said base.

Preferably, said bottom corrugations are disposed in a parallel configuration.

Alternatively, said bottom corrugations are disposed in a circular configuration.

Alternatively, said bottom corrugations are disposed in a spiral configuration.

WO94/1~97 ~ 5 ~ PCT/AU93100601 Alternatively still, said bottom corrugations are in the form of discrete circular dome formations.

Preferably, said lid is provided with an indentation or a hole shaped to accommodate a finger for engaging a~d lifting said lid to open the container, said indentation or hole being disposed generally diametrally opposite to said hinging means.

Preferably, said lid comprises one or more vents for exhausting hot vapour from within the container when in thé
closed position.

Preferably, a said vent is disposed generally diametrally opposite to said hinging means and has integrally formed therewith said indentation.

Preferably, said base includes a circumferential flange projecting outwardly from the top of said wall and said lid similarly includes a circumferential flange substantially corresponding in shape and size to the base flange for engaging said base lip in juxtaposition when the container is in the closed position.

Preferably, said top is domed.

Preferably, said fastening means includes an indent formed in one of the flanges or lips to expose a portion of the confronting surface of the other flange or lip when in the closed position to facilitate opening the container from the closed position.

Preferably, the container includes locking means comprising a tab integrally formed with one of said flanges or lips WO94/1~97 21~ PCT/AU93/00601 and a complementary slit integrally formed with the other flange or lip so that said tab may be slidably and lockingly disposed with said slit when the container is disposed in the closed position. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DR~WINGS

The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description of several embodiments thereof. The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein;

Figure l is a fragmentary perspective view of a container in accordance with the first embodiment;
Figure 2a is a plan view of the container shown at figure l in the open condition;
Figure 2b is a cross sectional side elevation of the container shown at figure 2a, taken along section A-A;
Figure 2c is a bottom view of the container shown at figure 2a of the drawings;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the second embodiment;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the container shown in figure 3 in the open position;
Figure 5 is a sectional side elevation of figure 4;
Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the container in accordance with the third embodiment;
Figure 7 is a plan view of the container at figure 6 in the open condition;
Figure 8 is a side elevation of figure 7;
Figure 9 is a bottom view of figure 8;
Figures l0, ll, 12 and 13 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively in accordance with the fourth embodiment;

W094/~397 ~1 ~ 01 1~ PCT/AU93/00601 Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the fifth embodiment;
Figures 18, 19, 20 and 21 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the sixth embodiment;
Figures 22, 23, 24 and 25 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the seventh embodiment;
Figures 26, 27, 28 and 29 are similar views of figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the eighth embodiment;
Figures 30, 31, 32 and 33 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the ninth embodiment;
Figures 34, 35, 36 and 37 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the tenth embodiment;
Figures 38, 39, 40 and 41 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively in accordance with the- eleventh embodiment;
Figures 42, 43, 44 and 45 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the twelfth embodiment;
Figures 46, 47, 48 and 49 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment;
Figures 50, 51, 52 and 53 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment;
Figures 54, 55, 56, 57 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment;
Figures 58, 59, 60 and 61 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with WO9411~97 21 S O i 4 5 PCT/AU93/00601 ~

the sixteenth embodiment;
Figures 62, 63, 64 and 65 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a contalner in accordance with the seventeenth embodiment; ~
Figure 66 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container in accordance with the eighteenth embodiment;
Figure 67 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container in accordance with the nineteenth embodiment;
Figure 68 and 69 are plan and side elevation views of a container in the open position is accordance with the twentieth embodiment; and Figures 70 and 71 are similar views to figures 68 and 69 respectively of a container in accordance with the twenty-first embodiment.
Figures 72, 73, 74 and 75 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively o~ a container in accordance with the twenty-second embodiment, with figure 74 showing enlarged detail of the tongue and groove arrangements of the base and lid respectively;
Figures 76, 77, 78 and 79 are similar views to figures 72 to 75 respectively of a. container in accordance with the twenty-third embodiment;
Figures 80, 81, 82 and 83 are similar views to figures 72 to 75 respectively of a container, with figure 80 including an enlar~ed view of the opening arrangement, in accordance with the twenty-fourth embodiment;
Figures 84, 86, 87 and 88 are similar views to figures 72 to 75 respectively of a container in accordance with the twenty-fifth embodiment;
Figure 85 is a similar view to figure 84, but taken from view X as shown in figure 84;
Figures 89, 90, 91 and 92 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with W094/~97 ~15 0 I ~ 5 PCT/AU93/00601 the twenty-sixth embodiment;
Figures 93, 94, 95 and 96 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the twenty-seventh embodiment;
Figure 97, 98, 99 and 100 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the twenty-eighth embodiment;
Figures 101, 102, 103 and 104 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the twenty-ninth embodiment;
Figures 105, 106, 107 and 108 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the thirtieth embodiment;
Figures 109, 110, 111 and 112 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively, with figu~e 11 including an enlarged view of the groove portion thereof, of a container in accordance with the thirty-first embodiment;
Figures 113, 114, 115 and 116 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the thirty-second embodiment;
Figures 117, 118, 119 and 120 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the thirty-third embodiment;
Figures 121, 122, 123 and 124 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the thirty-fourth embodiment;
Figures 125, 126, 127 and 128 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the thirty-fifth embodiment;
Figures 129, 130, 131 and 132 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the thirty-sixth embodiment;
Figures 133, 134, 135 and 1-36 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in WO94/1~97 PCTIAU93/00601 ~

2~sa~4~

accordance with the thirty-seventh embodiment;
Figures 137, 138, 139 and 140 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the thirty-eighth~embodiment;
Figures 141, 142, 143 and 144~are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectivelly of a container in accordance with the thirty-ninth embodiment;
Figure 145 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the fortieth embodiment;
Figure 146 is a plan view of figure 145;
~igure 147 is a cross sectional side elevation taken along section A-A of figure 146;
Figure 148 is a cross sectional side elevation taken along section B-B of figure 146;
Figure 149 is an enlarged detail view of the hinging means identified as detail H in figure 148;
Figure 150 is a sectional plan view taken along section C-C of figure 147;
Figures 151, 152, 153 and 154 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively in accordance with the forty-first embodiment;
Figures 155, 156, 157, 158, 159 and 160 are similar views to figures 145 to 150 respectively in accordance with the forty-second embodiment; and Figures 161, 162, 163 and 164 are similar views to figures 6 to 9 respectively of a container in accordance with the forty-third embodiment.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The first embodiment is directed towards a container for a circular foodstuff in the form of a pizza.

The container 11 comprises a circular base 13, a circular lid 15 and fastening means 17.

WO94/1~97 PCT/AU93/00601 2~5 dl~

The container 11 is integrally formed from a single layer of flexible material of any convenient composition. For example, the container can be formed from either metallised plastic, aluminium, polystyrene, cardboard material, CFC-free polystyrene, orientated polystyrene (OPS), PV~, mineral filled propylene, or a composite of two or more of these materials.

The container is formed by pressing it into a prescribed shape determined by a mould by any suitable forming or moulding process for the purposes of the material which is used and the desired shape and size to be ultimately obtained. For example, the container may be formed using heat moulding or ironing techniques.

In the present embodiment, the base 13 comprises a circular bottom 19 and an upstanding peripheral wall 21, which is concavely curved on the inside of the base to facilitate cutting of the pizza within the base, with a circular pizza knife, right up to the wall 21. The bottom 19 is provided with a plurality of circular corrugations 23 integrally formed therewith which project inwardly from the general plane of the bottom as shown in figures 1 and 2b of the drawings for elevating a pizza contained within the container above the general plane of the bottom 19.

The lid 15 is of similar shape to the base 13 comprising a substantially planar expansive top 27 and a peripheral wall 29. The wall 29 is of similar concave shape to the wall 21 of the base, although being of marginally shallower concavity (greater radius), and is correspondingly sized so that the top 29a of the wa]l 29 may repose in juxtaposition with the top 2la of the wall 21 of the base, when the container is disposed in the closed position as shown in WO94/L~97 PCT/AU93/00601 ~
~o~4~

figure 1. The wall 29 of the lid includes vents in the form of a series of arcuate apertures 31 which are equidistantly disposed around the lid for the purpose of exhausting hot vapour from~ within the confines of the container. ~

The top 27 of the lid 15 is also provided with a plurality of circular corrugations 32 integrally formed therewith which similarly project inwardly from the general plane of the top as shown in figure 2b of the drawings. The corrugations 32 increase the intrinsic strength of the top 27 to prevent it from collapsing upon the top of the pizza disposed within the container.

The base and lid are conjoined by hinging means 33 comprising a continuum of corresponding portions of the tops 21a and 29a of the peripheral walls 21 and 29 respectively.

One of the arcuate apertures 31a is disposed-generally diametrally opposite to the hinging means 33 and has integrally formed therewith an indentation 34 which is specially shaped to accommodate a finger therein for engaging and lifting the lid 15 to open the container. The indentation 34 is contiguous with the upper side of the aperture 3la and consequently forms part of the vent.

The fastening means 17 comprises a circumferential tongue and groove arrangement. The tongue 43 is integrally formed with the wall top 21a and is defined by an outwardly turned and depending lip 39, presenting an outer circumferential extent on which is disposed a series of discrete, radially outwardly projecting ribs 25. The groove 45 is integrally formed with the lid and is essentially defined by-an outer r~r~Au93/ 006 0 1 R~CEIVE~ 2 4 û~T t994 2 ~ s radially extending circumferential flared portion 38 and an outer peripheral depending lip 41, complementary to the tongue 43. The depending lip 41 is sized and shaped to overlap and frictionally engage the outer circumferential extent of the tongue 43 when the lid is brought into the closed position. The outwardly projecting ribs 25 of the tongue 43 are provided to enhance the frictional engagement between the tongue and groove ret~;n;ng the depending lips in mutual engagement when the container is lockingly closed.

To close the container, the lid 15 is simply folded about the hinging means 33 over to repose in juxtaposition with the base 13 and the two depending lips 39 and 41 are pressed together so that the groove 45 of the lid frictionally engages with the outer circumferential extent of the tongue 43 to positively and retainedly lock the lid in position upon the base.

The inner surface of the lid and base is optionally lined with thermal insulating material such as aluminium foil or the like to help retain the heat within the container once closed. The outer surface of the container may be of an appropriate type which can be suitably coloured, where ample surface area is provided for the provision of trade marks and appropriate advertising get up.

The particular form of the container herein described is easily stackable either when opened or closed. It is very portable, light, strong and extremely versatile. Moreover, the basic container design can be used to store foodstuffs other than pizzas such as pancakes, quiche, crepes, etc, as well as hot or cold foods such as salads or desserts.

Importantly, the round or circular shape of the container AM~NDEDSHE~

WO94/1~97 PCT/AU93/00601 2 ~S ~ 14 -enables the entire periphery of the round food item stored therein to be supported by the wall of the base, protecting and harbouring the food item from movement while in transport. Thus, the ~;od item contained therein is prevented from being damaged or crushed, and spillage of the topping in the case of pizzas is mitigated.

The integral formation of the corrugations support the structural shape of the container and mitigate buckling or twisting thereof and collapsing of the top or bottom of the container. The structural rigidity also facilitates the opening of the container. Additionally, the corrugations keep the base of the food item off the floor of the container to allow air flow around the food item keeping the pizza base firm, dry and crispy. Further, they allow moisture and food juices to drain away from the pizza to be absorbed into the container material, if formed from absorptive material, thereby preventing spoilage and degradation of the food stored therein.

In the description of the rem~in~ing embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to denote corresponding parts of the containers which are described. Furthermore, new reference numerals are introduced to describe and identify new parts of the container which are not disclosed in a previous embodiment.

The second embodiment, is similar to the first embodiment, but discloses another type of lid and base and also a marginally different form of fastening means as shown in figures 3 to 5 of the drawings. Moreover, the lid 15 of the present embodiment has a top 27 which is domed as opposed to being planar, and dispenses with the provision of corrugations and the discrete wall.

WO94/L~97 21 S O ¦ ~ S PCT/AU93/00601 Accordingly, the dome shape provides the intrinsic strength to the lid required to prevent collapsing of the top onto the contents of the container.

In the base 13, the corrugations 23 of the present embodiment are rectilinear and of a saw tooth profile, being more closely spaced together and substantially spanning the entire bottom 19 of the base. Furthermore the wall 21 is angularly disposed with respect to the bottom to define a bevel shape instead of a concave shape.

The fastening means of this embodiment involve modifications to the base 13 and lid 15. The base 13 includes an outer circumferential flange 46 projecting outwardly from the distal end of the depending lip 39 of the base, in substantially parallel relationship with the bottom 19. The lid 15 similarly includes an outer circumferential flange 48 projecting outwardly from the distal end of the depending lip 41 of the lid, substantially corresponding in shape and size to the base flange 46 for engaging the base flange in juxtaposition when the container is in the closed position. The radially extending outer flared portion between the top and the depending lip of the lid, however, is dispensed with, the dome shaped top 27 extending to directly adjoin the proximal end of the depending lip 39 of the lid.

The provision of the outer circumferential flanges 46 and 48 facilitate closing of the container, enabling a person closing the container to simply run their fingers along the flat surfaces of the flanges pressing them into juxtaposition, consequently positively locking the lid and the base together.

~9~1 ~ 01 ~ 5 PCT/AU93/00601 The fastening means also includes a cut out portion 47 formed in the base flange 46 to expose a portion of the corresponding confronting surfacé of the lid flange 48 when the container is in the closed position to facilitate opening the container from the closed position.
Consequently, the indentation formed with the arcuate aperture 3la is dispensed with.

The third embodiment as shown in figures 6 to 9 is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment except that the top 27 of the lid is frusto-conical as opposed to being domed, the walls of the base are of a different form, and the fastening means is of a further modified form.

The lid 15 comprises a top 27 and an annular bevelled wall 29. The bevelled wall 29 adjoins the peripheral depending lip 41 defining the groove 45 of the fastening means, and the lid flange 48 is dispensed with.

The annular apertures 31 are also configured slightly differently relative to the hinging means 33, whereby an aperture 31b is disposed within the wall 29 proximate to the hinging means 33 and the rem~in;ng apertures are equidistantly spaced therewith, so that no aperture is disposed diametrally opposite the hinging means.

The fastening means additionally includes an indent 49 formed in the base flange 46, as opposed to the cut out in the preceding embodiment, to expose a portion of the underside of the depénding lip 41 of the lid.

Accordingly, the lid can be brought into the closed position so that the distal end of the depending lip 41 of the lid is pressed into-juxtaposition with the base flange WO94/1~97 2 1 5 0 ~ ~ S PCT/AU93/00601 46, as shown in figure 6 of the drawings, so as to positively lock the lid and the base together. The lid may be simply opened by inserting a finger into the recess defined by the indent 49 and the corresponding exposed end of the lid lip 41, and raising the lid relative to the base.

The base 13 is modified by being formed with axially extending walls 21, as opposed to bevelled walls in the preceding embodiment, enabling better retention of the pizza within the base but not as good cutting access for circular cutting knives. In addition, the corrugations 23 are of the castellated type, being wider spaced than the saw tooth corrugations of the preceding embodiment.

The fourth embodiment as shown in figures lO to 13 of the drawings is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment except that the base 13 is formed with concave walls 21 relative to the inside of the base, enabling easier cutting of the pizza into pieces whilst the pizza is disposed within the base.

The fifth embodiment as shown in figures 14 to 17 of the drawings is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment except that the wall 21 of the base is of a bevelled form.

The sixth embodiment as shown in figures 18 to 21 of the drawings is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment except that the fastening means is of an alternative form and the lid 15 is of a planar design, provided with circular apertures 51.

The fastening means, additional to the tongue and groove arrangement of the preceding embodiments, comprises a WO94/1~97 2 ~ 5 PCT/AU93/00601 discrete tongue portion 53 integrally formed with the lid 15, diametrally opposite to the hinging means 33, and a socket portion 55 integrally formed with the base 13.

The lid 15 comprises a totally planar top 27 and the depending lip 41, as described in previous embodiments.
Thus, when the lid 15 is brought to the closed position, the lid lip 41 is pressed into engagement with the base lip 39 as previously described and the tongue 53 is located within the socket 55 for retained locking therewith.

The seventh embodiment as shown in figures 22 to 25 of the drawings is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment except that the lid 15 is of frusto-conical form, defining a top 27 and a bevelled wall 29, similar to the third, and fifth embodiments, and the base and lid are both provided with circular apertures 57 and 51 respectively for venting purposes. Four equidistant apertures 57 are formed in the bevelled wall 21 of the base and two apertures 51 are formed in the bevelled wall 29 of the lid.

The eighth embodiment as shown.in figures 26 to 29 of in the drawings is substantially similar to the sixth embodiment except that circular apertures 57 are incorporated into the bevelled wall 21 of the base 13, as in the seventh embodiment.

The ninth embodiment as shown in figures 30 to 33 of the drawings is of the general form of container described in the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, except having a lid formed with a domed top 27 similar to that described in the second embodiment and circular apertures 51 similar to that described in the sixth, seventh and eighth WO94/12397 21~ PCT/AU93/00601 embodiments. In addition, the walls 21 of the base 13 are of a concave form.

The tenth embodiment as shown in figures 34 to 37 of the drawings is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment except that the base is formed with a bevelled wall 21.

The eleventh embodiment as shown in figures 38 to 41 of the drawings is substantially similar to the ninth and tenth embodiments except that the base is formed with a vertical wall 21.

The twelfth embodiment as shown in figures 42 to 45 of the drawings is substantially similar to the seventh embodiment except that the apertures 57 are omitted from the walls 21 of the base 13.

The thirteenth embodiment as shown in figures 46 to 49, is a variation of the preceding embodiments, comprising a base 13 having vertical walls 21 and fastening means including an indent 49, the lid 15 being of the planar form, but being provided with vents of a different form. Moreover, the vents are formed in the sides of the container, comprising aligned rectangular slots 59 formed into diametrally opposed portions of the tongue 43 and the lid lip 41.

.
The fourteenth embodiment as shown in figures 50 to 53 is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment except that the base 13 is formed with concave walls 21.

The fifteenth embodiment as shown in figures 54 to 57 of the drawings is substantially similar-to the thirteenth and WO94/L~97 PCT/AU93/00601 21~145 fourteenth embodiments except that the wall 21 of the base is of the bevelled form.

The sixteenth embodiment as shown.~in figures 58 to 61 of the drawings is substantially similar to the ninth embodiment except that the vents of the lid are in the form of arcuate apertures 31 configured in an arrangement similar to the second embodiment, to include the aperture 31a diametrally opposite to the hinging means 33.

The seventeenth embodiment as shown in figures 62 to 65 of the drawings is substantially similar to the precedi`ng émbodiment except that the wall 2i of the base 13 is of the bevelled form.

The eighteenth embodiment as shown in figure 66 of the drawings is substantially similar to the ninth embodiment except that an additional pair of circular apertures 51 are incorporated into the lid, providing a total of four, and the radial projecting ribs 25 of the tongue 43 are clearly depicted on the outer side of the base lip 39 of the tongue 43.

The nineteenth embodiment as shown in figure 67 of the drawings is substantially similar to the .preceding embodiment except that provision is made for four equidistant arcuate slots 31 in the lid, one (not shown) diametrally opposite to the hinging means 33 and one 31b proximate to the same.

The twentieth embodiment as shown in figures 68 and 69 of the drawings is of the general ~orm of container described in the seventh embodiment except that the tongue portion 53 and the socket portion 55 are formed within the confines of the lid 15 and base 13 respectively, and the lid 15 being of a modified form.

The lid 15 is provided with an outwardly projecting flange 48, as in the second embodiment, and is formed with a concave wall 29, as opposed to the bevelled wall of the seventh embodiment. Furthermore, the top 2i of the lid has incorporated therein a series of corrugations 61 which are of a castellated form and being more widely spaced than the corrugations 23 of the base.

The base 13 is formed with a concave wall 21 as opposed -to a bevelled wall and the corrugations 23 which span the bottom 19 are of the saw tooth profile as described in relation to the second embodiment.

The tongue portion 53 is incorporated into the wall 29 of the lid so that the proximal end of the tongue is disposed proximate to the junction between the wall 29 and the top 27 of the lid, and the distal end of the tab -does not project beyond the locus of the outer circumference of the lid as defined by the outer extremity of the lid flange 48.
Correspondingly, the socket portion 55 is incorporated into the design of the wall 21 of the base, whereby the proximal end of the tab defining the socket is disposed proximate to the junction between the wall 21 and the bottom 19 of the base and the distal end of the tab does not project beyond the locus of the outer circumference of the base as defined by the outer extremity of the base flange 46.

The twenty-first embodiment as shown in figures 70 and 71 of the drawings is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment except that arcuate slots 31 are incorporated into the wall 29 of the lid of a similar arrangement to WO94/L~97 215 ~ i ~ 5 PCTIAU93/00601 ~

that of the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, as opposed to the circular apertures 51 provlded in the previous embodiment. `~

The twenty-second embodiment is shown in figures 72 to 75, is substantially similar to the first embodiment except that the vents in the lid 13 comprise a combination of circular apertures 51 and a single arcuate aperture 31, as opposed to a series of equidistant arcuate apertures.
Moreover, two circular apertures 51a and 51b are disposed equidistantly between the centre of the top 27 and the hinging means 33, and a small clrcular aperture 51c is disposed at the centre of the top 27. The arcuate aperture 31a is disposed within the top 27, diametrally opposite to the hinging means 33, discrete from an opening hole 56 which is disposed within the concave wall 29, diametrally opposite to the hinging means. The opening hole 56 essentially comprises another circular aperture, of sufficient size to allow a finger to be accommodated therein for opening the container.

By adopting this configuration and arrangement of vents, the various apertures depict a face caricature of the eyes, nose and mouth, to enhance the consumer appeal of the container.

The twenty-third embodiment as shown in figures 76 to 79 of the drawings, is also substantially identical to the first embodiment, except that the arcuate slots 31 are configured in an arrangement similar to that shown in the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, whereby one of the apertures 31b is disposed proximate to the hinging means 33. In addition, the opening hole 56 has been modified to instead comprise a perforated tab portion 57, disposed at-the same position within the concave wall 29 of the lid. Moreover, W094/~97 2 3 5 014 ~ PCTtAU93/00601 the tab is scored with perforations arranged in a U-shape to enable a finger to press the tab 57 inwardly, and thus form an indentation whereby the lid 13 can be lifted away from the base 15, about the hinging means 33.

The twenty-fourth embodiment, as shown in figures 80 to 83, is substantially identical to the preceding embodiment except that an alternative form of opening mechanism is utilised to the perforated tab. Moreover, a portion of the groove 45, generally diametrally opposite to the hinging means 33, is formed with a rectangular shaped cutout 61 extending into the outer peripheral depending lip 41 and the flared portion 38, thereby exposing a corresponding portion of the tongue 43. The tongue 43 of the base, immediately adjacent that portion of it which is exposed by the cutout 61, is in turn formed with a similar cutout 63 extending into the outer radially projecting depending lip 39 and the top 21a of the wall. This cutout 63 in turn exposes the underside of the groove 4S of the lid, immediately adjacent to the cutout 61.

Consequently, by appropriate placing of two fingers within the cutouts 61 and 63, a moment can be simply applied to the exposed portions of the tongue and groove, so as to overcome the frictional restraint of the fixing means enabling the lid to be opened from the base about the hinging means 33.

The twenty-fifth embodiment as shown in figures 84 to 88 is also substantially identical to the twenty-third embodiment, except that the perforated tab is replaced by an opening hole 56, as described in the twenty-second embodiment, and the hinging means 33 depends from the edge of the container to mi n; m;se its obtrusiveness.

W0941~397 PCT/AU93100601 ~
014~

The twenty-sixth embodiment as shown in figures 89 to 92 is similar in some respects ~o the first and fourteenth embodiments. Moreover, t~e`container lI as shown comprises a base 13 similar to the first embodiment except that a diametral partition 65, integrally formed with the base, divides the base into two discrete compartments 67a and 67b so that two separate foodstuffs may repose discretely therein. Furthermore, the tongue 43 of the base is provided with a pair of rectangular slots 59 diametrally opposite to each other so that one slot 59a communicates with the compartment 67a and the other slot 59b communicates with the compartment 67b. These slots 59 have associated therewith corresponding slots in the lid to perform the same function as the corresponding slots described in the fourteenth embodiment.

The lid 15 is of the planar form as described in the fourteenth embodiment, but includes an opening hole 56 generally diametrally opposite to the hinging means 33 but offset to one side so as not to overlie the partition 65 when closed, to facilitate opening of the lid.

The twenty-seventh embodiment as shown in figures 93 to 96 is substantially identical to the preceding embodiment except that the base is provided with a further partition 69 which divides one of the compartments into half, thereby providing three discrete compartments 67a, 67b and 67c, instead of two. The rectangular slots 59 are correspondingly disposed to communicate with each compartment to provide for discrete venting thereof in each case.

The twenty-eighth embodiment as shown in figures 97 to lO0 WO94/1~97 215 01~ ~ PCT/AU93/00601 is substantially identical to the two preceding embodiments except that the base is divided into quadrants by the provision of four orthogonally intersecting partitions 69.
Accordingly, corresponding rectangular slots 59 are provided to vent each of the compartments 67 so formed.

The twenty-ninth embodiment as shown in figures 101 to 104 is generally similar to the first embodiment except that it is provided with minor modifications to the base, and a substantially different lid. Moreover, the base 13 is provi,ded with a series of rectilinear castellated corrugations 23 as described in other embodiments,'as opposed to circular corrugations. The lid 15, however, comprises a tiered formation comprising a series of concentric, annular platforms 71 which are stepped outwardly from the top of the lid. The annular platforms provide an alternative means of reinforcing the lid to prevent collapsing of the top upon the contents of the container.

As shown in the drawings, a venting arrangement similar to the twenty-fifth embodiment is adopted in the lid.

The thirtieth embodiment is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment except that it adopts a circular arrangement of corrugations 23 in the base and a pair of circular apertures 51 in the lid, in addition to the opening hole 56.

The thirty-first embodiment as shown in figures 109 to 111 is substantially identical to the twenty-fifth embodiment except that a series of discrete circular corrugations 23, disposed in an annular configuration around a central corrugation is provided in the base 13. --W094/~397 ~014~ ~CT/AU93/00601 The thirty-second embodiment is substantially identical to the preceding embodiment except-that the base is formed with a plurality of corrugations 23 arranged in a rectangular lattice formation. In addition, the corrugations provided in the base are dispensed with.

The thirty-third embodiment is substantially identical to the preceding embodiment except that the base is provided with a series of L-shaped corrugations arranged into discrete quadrants, as best shown in figure 118 of the drawings.

The thirty-fourth embodiment is substantially identical to the preceding embodiment, except that the base is provided with a spirally formed corrugation 23, as best shown in figure 122 of the drawings.

The thirty-fifth embodiment is substantially identical to the preceding embodiment, except that the base is provided with a series of radially disposed corrugations 23, as best shown in figure 126 of the drawings.

The thirty-sixth embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment except that the corrugations 23 of the base have a series of radially disposed corrugations in addition to the circular corrugations. This composite arrangement of the corrugations is also provided within the lid, as best shown in figure 13~ of the drawings.

The thirty-seventh embodiment is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment, except that the arrangement of the corrugations in the lid and the base are of a continuous radial type of formation as best shown in figure 134 of the drawings.

WO94/L~97 21 S O 14 ~ PCT/AU93100601 The thirty-eighth embodiment as shown in figures 137 to 140 is substantially identical to the preceding embodiment, except that the corrugations are arranged in a series of pie shaped formations as best shown in figure 138 of the drawings.

The thirty-ninth embodiment as shown in figures 141 to 144 of the drawings is substantially identical to the ninth embodiment except that the inner surface of the bottom 19 of the base 13 is domed convexly and the lid 15 incorporates an opening hole 56 instead of the indent 49.
The convex curvature of the bottom maintains the separation of the pieces of the foodstuffs once they are cut into its discrete sections. Thereby in the case of a pizza this separation prevents the topping from reconstituting itself between separately cut pieces.

Furthermore, the convex shape conveniently directs condensation and juices of the hot foodstuff towards the perimeter of the base, where normally the crust of the foodstuff is thickest, away from the centre where the crust is generally at its weakest.

The fortieth embodiment as shown in figures 146 to 150 of the drawings, although similar in concept to the preceding embodiments, is more suited to containing foodstuff items such as sandwiches and hamburgers. In this respect, the container 111 of the present embodiment is more upright, than the generally planar form of the preceding embodiments. Consequently, in accommodating hamburgers or sandwiches as opposed to pizzas, the container 111 is of significantly less diameter than the containers ll of the preceding embodiments.

W094/L~97 PCT/AU93/00601 ~
2 ~ 5 As shown in the drawings, the container 111 still comprises a circular base 113, a circular lid 115 and fastening means 117.

The base 113 still comprises a circular bottom 119 and an upstanding peripheral wall 121, which is concavely shaped relative to the inside of the container. The wall 121, however, is not of constant height, being depressed at either side of the base and so defining a pair of peaked portions 121a, proximate to the hinging means 133, and 121b proximate to that part of the wall diametrally opposite to the hinging means 133.

The lid 115 comprises a top 127 and a circumferential wall 129 which is much more pronounced than in the preceding embodiments. Consequently, the wall 129 is more upright and surrounds the majority of the foodstuff accommodated within the container, as opposed to the wall 121 of the base to facilitate access to the contents of the container once open.

The distal end of the wall 129 is of complementary shape to the wall 121 of the base, being marginally longer at the sides of the hinging means 133 in order to engage the depressed sides of the base, and marginally shorter adjacent to the hinging means and the diametrally opposite part thereof to accommodate the peaked portions 12la and 12lb of the base.

The fastening means is of the same tongue and groove arrangement as described in the preceding embodiments, whereby the tongue 143 is formed along the top of the wall 121 of the base and the groove 145 is formed along the distal end of the wall 129 of the lid. Accordingly, the WO94/1~97 PCT/AU93/00601 tongue 143 is defined by an outwardly depending lip 139 and the groove 145 is defined by an outwardly flared portion 138 and an outer depending lip 141 which are adapted to overlap and frictionally engage the outer circumferential extent of the depending lip 139.

The outer circumferential extent of the base lip 139 is similarly provided with a series of radially outwardly projecting ribs 125 to enable frictional engagement and retention of the lid upon the base when in the closed position, as is the case in the preceding embodiments.

The base is also provided with corrugations 123 along the inside of the bottom 119 thereof and the lid 115 is provided with a series of arcuate apertures 131 for venting purposes in the top 127 thereof. Additionally, a corrugation 132 is provided along the underside of the top 127 of the lid in order to strengthen the same.

The hinging means 133 depends from the side of the container, as best shown in figure 149 of the drawings, in order to minim; se its obtrusiveness.
By adopting the present form of container design, a hamburger or sandwich can be accommodated therein without the need of pre-wrapping the same, whereby the form of the container itself closely corresponds to the shape of the sandwich or burger contained therein in order to confine it from moving within the container itself.

In addition, opening of the container from the closed position is facilitated by biasing the peaked portion 12lb opposite the hinging means 133, inwardly of the container, enabling the outer depending lip 139 to be grasped sufficiently to lift away from the--groove tongue 143 of the base.

WO9411~97 PCT/AU93100601 21~01~5 The forty-first embodiment is substantially identical to the preceding embodiment, except that the wall 121 of the base is of a constant height, whereby the peaked portions 121a and 121b are dispensed with to provide a continuous, relatively depressed wall for the base. In addition, a cutout portion 161 is provided in the depending lip 141 and projecting into the flanged portion 138, diametrally opposite to the hinging means, exposing the corresponding portion of the tongue so as to facilitate opening of the container when in the closed position.

The forty-second embodiment as shown in figures 155 to I60 is substantially identical to the first embodiment except that the lid 113 is more domed, dispensing with a planar top. Consequently, and so the walls adopt a more convex curvature with respect to the outside of the lid. In this manner, the more convex shaped hamburger buns can be closely contained therein. Accordingly, the arcuate apertures 131 are equidistantly disposed around the wall 129 of the lid as opposed to the top.
The forty-third embodiment as shown in figures 161 to 164 is substantially identical to the preceding embodiment except that the container 111 adopts a base and opening arrangement similar to that of the forty-first embodiment.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein and that further variations or modifications can be made to the container of the invention, covering different combinations or incorporating aspects of common general knowledge, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS defining the invention are as follows:-

1. A container for circular foodstuffs comprising:

a base having a substantially circular bottom and a peripheral wall;
a circular lid of corresponding size to said base having an expansive top for engaging said base in juxtaposition with the top of said wall when said lid and said base are disposed in a closed position; and fastening means for positively locking said lid and said base together when disposed in said closed position;
said fastening means comprising a circumferential tongue and groove arrangement wherein the tongue is integrally formed with the top of said wall and the groove is integrally formed with said lid , said groove being defined by an outer peripheral depending lip, complementary to said tongue, whereby said depending lip is sized and shaped to overlap and frictionally engage the outer circumferential extent of said tongue when said lid is brought into the closed position;
wherein said container is formed of flexible material and said outer circumferential extent of said tongue has a series of discrete, radially outwardly projecting and circumferentially elongated and spaced apart ribs to form a castellated tongue for positively engaging and releasedly retaining said depending lip in the closed position.

2. (Cancelled)

3. ( Cancelled)

4. (Cancelled)

5. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including hinging means integrally formed with said base and said lid at one portion of the periphery thereof for conjoining said base and said lid.

6. A container as claimed in claim 5, wherein said hinging means depends from the side or edge of the container to mitigate the obtrusiveness thereof.

7. A container as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein said lid is provided with an indentation or hole shaped to accommodate a finger for engaging and lifting said lid to open the container, said indentation or hole being disposed generally diametrally opposite to said hinging means.

8. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lid comprises one or more vents for exhausting hot vapour from within the container when in the closed position.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8, wherein a said vent is disposed generally diametrally opposite to said hinging means and has integrally formed therewith said indentation.

10. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said walls are concavely curved on the inside of the base.

11. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface of the bottom is domed convexly.

12. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lid has integrally formed therewith a plurality of corrugations for strengthening purposes.

13. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bottom has integrally formed therewith a plurality of bottom corrugations for elevating the foodstuff relative to the bottom of said corrugations.

14. A container as claimed in claim 13, wherein said bottom corrugations project inwardly of the general plane of said bottom.

15. A container as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein said bottom corrugations span substantially the entire bottom of said base.

16. A container as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said bottom corrugations are disposed in a parallel configuration.

17. A container as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said bottom corrugations are disposed in a circular configuration.

18. A container as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said bottom corrugations are disposed in a spiral configuration.

19. A container as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said bottom corrugations are in the form of discrete circular dome formations.

20. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base includes a circumferential flange projecting outwardly from the top of said wall and said lid similarly includes a circumferential flange substantially corresponding in shape and size to the base flange for engaging said base flange in juxtaposition when the container is in the closed position.

21. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said top is domed.

22. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening means includes an indent formed in one of the flanges or lips to expose a portion of the confronting surface of the other flange or lip when in the closed position to facilitate opening the container from the closed position.

23. A container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said fastening means includes a further indent in the other flange or lip immediately adjacent to the exposed portion of said confronting surface to expose a portion of the surface of the one flange or lip immediately adjacent to said indent, when in the closed position to further facilitate opening the container from the closed position.

24. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including locking means comprising a tab integrally formed with one of said flanges or lips and a complementary slit integrally formed with the other flange or lip so that said tab may be slidably and lockingly disposed with said slit when the container is disposed in the closed position.

25. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base includes a partition integral therewith to divide the contents thereof into discrete compartments.

26. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lid includes a plurality of concentric annular platforms, successively tiered outwardly from the outer side of said top.

27. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base wall is depressed at either side of said base with respect to said hinging means to define a pair of peaked portions one proximate to said hinging means and the other diametrally opposite thereto, and the lid wall is complementary thereto.

28. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid wall of the container is more pronounced than the base wall of the container to surround the majority of the foodstuff accommodated within the container.

29. A container substantially as herein described in any one of the preceding embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings corresponding hereto.