System for Transporting Hot Food

This patent application is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 18/442,308 filed Feb. 15, 2024, and titled System for Transporting Hot Food, which is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 18/179,754 filed Mar. 7, 2023, and titled System for Transporting Hot Food, which is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 17/857,798 filed Jul. 5, 2022, and titled System for Transporting Hot Food, which is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 17/154,592 filed Jan. 21, 2021, and titled System for Transporting Hot Food, which claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 62/963,946 filed Jan. 21, 2020, and titled System for Transporting Hot Food. The subject matter of patents application Ser. Nos. 18/442,308, 18/179,754, 17/857,798, 17/154,592 and 62/963,946 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

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The disclosed embodiments relate to the field of food containers, and more specifically to the field of boxes to transport hot foods from a source location to a predefined destination.

Containers to deliver freshly baked pizzas have existed at least since the 19th century, when Neapolitan pizza bakers put their products in multi-layered metallic containers and then sent them to the street sellers. The aerated container was round and made of tin or copper. Disposable packaging started to be developed in the United States, after the Second World War. At that time pizza was becoming increasingly popular and the first pizza delivery services were created. In the beginning they attempted to deliver pizzas in simple cardboard boxes, similar to those used in cake shops, but these often became wet, bent, or even broke in two. Other pizza chefs tried to put pizzas on plates and transport them inside paper bags. This partly solved the problem. However, it was almost impossible to transport more than a single pizza inside one bag. The first patent for a pizza box made of corrugated cardboard was applied in 1963 and displayed the characteristics of today's pizza packaging: plane blanks, foldability without need of adhesive, stackability and ventilation slots.

Nearly 60 years later, the pizza box design has not evolved much beyond the standard cardboard square. In fact, the pizza box remains a balancing act in proportions, which endeavors to retain just the right amount of heat to keep its contents warm and release the right amount of steam. On the one hand, if the pizza is completely sealed inside the pizza box, the steam released from the pizza will condense and create a soggy crust. On the other hand, if the pizza box has too much ventilation, the pizza will cool. Unfortunately, because the requirements between usability and functionality are often conflicting in nature, it is difficult to find a pizza box encompassing the above-mentioned elements without compromise. As a result, there exists a need for improvements over the prior art and more particularly, for a box that keeps its food contents fresh, crisp, and hot for an extended period of time.

A system for addition to a box for transporting hot food is disclosed. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

In one embodiment, a system for addition to a box for transporting hot food is disclosed. The system includes a sheet of paper having a length equal to at least two times the length of an interior of the box, and having a width greater than the width of the interior of the box, the sheet further including a fold in the sheet, wherein the fold defines a corresponding flap being a portion of the sheet configured to be folded on top of the food, such that when food is placed on the sheet, the sheet is folded according to the fold defined in the sheet, and the sheet is placed within the interior of the box, the sheet completely covers the food and the sheet fits securely within the interior of the box, a first food-safe coating on the sheet, wherein said first coating has heat reflecting characteristics, a second food-safe coating on the sheet, wherein said second coating has oil-resistant characteristics and heat reflecting characteristics, and wherein the sheet is configured for being removably positioned within the interior of the box, such that the food rests within the sheet.

Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

The claimed embodiments represent a significant advancement over previous technologies by introducing a system designed specifically for transporting hot food, ensuring that the food remains fresh, crisp, and hot for durations that were previously unattainable. This innovation addresses a common challenge faced by food delivery services and consumers alike: maintaining the optimal temperature and texture of hot food from the point of preparation to the point of consumption. While the examples herein primarily illustrate the system's application to pizza, a staple in the food delivery industry known for its sensitivity to temperature and humidity changes, it's important to recognize the system's versatility.

Experts in the culinary and food service industries will recognize the potential for these embodiments to revolutionize the delivery of a wide array of hot foods. The system's unique design and materials can be easily adapted to suit various types of cuisine that are traditionally difficult to transport without compromising quality. For instance, burritos, which are often wrapped in foil to retain heat, can benefit from this system by maintaining their warmth without becoming soggy due to trapped steam. Similarly, burgers, which require a delicate balance to keep the bun crispy and the patty juicy, could be delivered in optimal condition, preserving the integrity of each component.

Furthermore, items like French fries and nachos, which are notoriously known for losing their crispness during transport, stand to gain significantly from the system's innovative approach to moisture management and heat retention. The introduction of specialized coatings and strategically placed orifices within the transport material can facilitate the escape of excess moisture, thereby preventing the sogginess that often plagues these foods upon delivery.

In essence, the claimed embodiments extend beyond the realm of pizza delivery, offering a versatile solution to a longstanding problem in the food service industry. By maintaining the desired temperature and texture of a wide range of hot foods, this system enhances the overall dining experience for consumers who opt for delivery or takeout options. The adaptability of the design to accommodate different foods further underscores the inventive step and broad applicability of the claimed embodiments, making it a valuable addition to the art of food transportation.

This elaboration emphasizes the system's innovative features, broad applicability across various types of food, and its potential impact on the food delivery industry.

Referring now to the Figures,illustrates a prior art systemfor transporting hot food according to an example embodiment. The system includes a boxhaving a top sideand a bottom side. The top sideof the box defines a first substantial planar surface and the bottom sideof the box defines a second substantial planar surface. The bottom sideof the box is hingedly attached to the box such that the top sideof the box may pivot between an open position and a closed position (in the direction of double arrowed line D) to allow access to an interior volumeof the box. The interior volumeof the boxis formed by two opposing sidewallsand two opposing end wallson the bottom side of the box. The interior volumeof the box is configured to provide sufficient area to store at least one food item.

In the present embodiment, the boxis generally sized to store a pizza, however, it should be appreciated that the box may have other shapes and dimensions to accommodate additional foods, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed embodiments. The box is preferably comprised from an integral piece of recyclable, non-toxic and food safe paper-based material such as corrugated cardboard or may be similarly comprised of biodegradable or compostable materials such as sugarcane, bamboo, and plant-based materials. The pizza sits on an interior surfaceof the bottom sideof the boxand the interior surfaceof the top sideof the boxcloses onto and on top of the pizza when the box is in the closed position.

is a front view of a first embodiment of an insertable paper systemfor addition to a boxfor transporting food, the system comprising a sheet of paperhaving a single foldat or near a midpoint of the sheet, the single fold defining a top sheetand a bottom sheet. The top sheet may have a length and a width equal to the length and the width of an interior of the box(such as 18 inches by 18 inches), such that the top sheetfits within the interior of the box without being folded. The top sheet may alternatively have a length and a width that are both at least half an inch or an inch longer than the length and the width of the interior of the box(such as 18.5 inches by 18.5 inches or 19 by 19 inches).

The bottom sheetmay have a length and a width equal to the length and the width of an interior of the box(such as 18 inches by 18 inches), such that the bottom sheet fits within the interior of the box without being folded. The bottom sheetmay alternatively have a length and a width that are both at least half an inch or an inch longer than the length and the width of the interior of the box(such as 18.5 inches by 18.5 inches or 19 by 19 inches), such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.

A first food-safe laminate (or non-laminate) coating may be deposited on an interior surfaceof the top sheet, wherein said first coating has heat reflecting characteristics. A second food-safe laminate (or non-laminate) coating may be deposited on an interior surfaceof the bottom sheet, wherein said second coating has oil-resistant characteristics. A plurality of orificesmay optionally be located in the top sheet, the plurality of orifices configured for allowing moisture to escape therethrough. In one embodiment, the plurality of orificesmay be slits, holes, perforations, cuts, cutouts, of the like. The insertable paper systemis configured for being removably positioned within the interior of the box, such that the food rests on the interior surfaceof the bottom sheet. The system is configured to allow steam and moisture to escape to prevent the food or pizza crust from getting soggy.

The food-safe laminate coatings are comprised of impermeable, nonstick material capable of resisting high temperatures, however, it should be appreciated that other impermeable, nonstick materials may be employed provided that they effectively prevent the top of the pizza from adhering to the system. It should be appreciated that attachment devices may be used to secure the systemto the interior surfaceof the top sideof the box, including backing materials coated with natural adhesives made from organic sources such as vegetable starch, natural resins, or animals, clamps, brackets, slots, or any other suitable method known in the art. Note also that the insertable paper systemmay be removably coupled to an interior surfaceof the bottom sideof the box, according to an example embodiment.

The insertable paper systemis configured to maintain the freshly prepared pizzawarm during transportation. In operation, the systemis positioned inside the boxsuch that when the hot pizza is removed from the oven and placed directly on the box, the pizzais elevated off the interior surface of the bottom side of the box by the thickness of system.

also shows another foldat a top of the top sheet, the folddefining a strip, which acts as a handle or tab that may be handled by a person wanting to move the device. The foldand foldmay optionally be perforated folds. The strip may have the same width as the top sheet but have a height (such as ½ to 1 inch) that is much smaller than the top sheet, hence referring toas a strip. The strip may not include the orifices located in the top sheet.

is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the insertable paper systemfor addition to a box for transporting hot food, shown in a partially folded orientation, according to an example embodiment.

is a front perspective view of the insertable paper systemin use with a pizza box, according to an example embodiment.shows that the sheet has been folded along foldand folded along fold. Further, the figure shows that the pizzahas been placed on top of surfaceof bottom sheet.

also shows that the bottom sheetmay optionally have a length and a width that are both longer (at least half an inch longer) than the length and the width of the interior surfaceof the bottom sideof the box, such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.shows that the edges of the bottom sheettravel upwards along the two opposing sidewallsand two opposing end wallson the bottom side of the box.shows that the edges of the bottom sheettravel upwards around the entire perimeter of the box, so as to create a bowl-like shape that is able to hold liquid such as grease, oil, and the like. This prevents the pizza oil from touching or soaking the box, which allows the box to be recycled, since pizza boxes soiled with oil are not recyclable.

In one embodiment, the bottom sheetmay optionally include a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet. Scoring may comprise a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet is to allow for the easy folding or turning of the bottom sheet when it is placed in the interior surfaceof the bottom sideof the box, as shown in. That is, when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, the bottom sheet folds at the plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements, such that the edges,of the bottom sheet extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.

is a cross-sectional view of the embodiments of the systemfor transporting hot food, according to an example embodiment.shows that the bottom sheethas a length and a width that are both longer (at least half an inch longer) than the length and the width of the interior surfaceof the bottom sideof the box, such that when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, edges,of the bottom sheet are configured to extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.show that the edges,of the bottom sheet travel upwards along the two opposing sidewallson the bottom side of the box.shows that the edges of the bottom sheettravel upwards around the entire perimeter of the box, so as to create a bowl-like shape that is able to hold liquid such as grease, oil, and the like.

In one embodiment, the bottom sheetmay optionally include a plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements along the sides of the bottom sheet that allow for the easy folding or turning of the bottom sheet when it is placed in the interior surfaceof the bottom sideof the box, as shown in. That is, when the bottom sheet is placed within the interior of the box, the bottom sheet folds at the plurality of perforations, scoring or pre-folded elements, such that the edges,of the bottom sheet extend upwards along sides of the interior of the box.

is a cross-sectional view of the embodiments of the insertable paper system, according to an example embodiment. The sheet of the systemmay be composed of a first layerof paper, wherein the first layer is configured for being removably coupled to an interior surface of the box. In one embodiment, the sheet of the systemis not coupled to an interior surface of the box but rather simply lie(s) on top of, or under, the food in the box, set in place using solely gravity and friction. The second layermay include printed material configured for advertising.

The first layer may be composed of paper, such as cotton paper, synthetic paper, parchment paper, baking paper, liners or bakery release paper is cellulose-based paper that has been treated or coated to make it non-stick. Said paper may have a certain pliability and have a reflectivity coating to reflect heat. Alternative to parchment paper is wax paper, which is paper that has been made moisture-proof through the application of wax. Alternative to parchment paper is acetate paper, which is a transparent material that is made by reacting cellulose with acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid. The first layer may be food and liquid impermeable, such that food and liquid from food (such as oil and water) does not pass through said first layer.

Tests performed using the claimed embodiments show that food can be kept at least at the recommended standard of 140 degrees for extended periods of time, using the claimed box system. Tests performed used the claimed embodiments show that food can also be kept at a 10-12-degree higher temperature of 152-154 for extended periods of time. Systems that do not use the claimed embodiment result in food temperatures well below the 140-degree mark (from 95 to 120 degrees), inviting food borne bacterial growth.

The claimed embodiments provide outstanding results achieving 30 minutes of travel time keeping pizza hot, safe, well above temperatures that eliminates bacterial growth. The size and shape of the claimed embodiments may be oversized by ¼″-¾″+ to create an oil containment edge within the bottom insert. The built-in edge trap holds spillages of cheesy residue and oils on the inside edges of the insert blocking any leakage that ruins the pizza box for recycling. For example, for a small 10″×10″ pizza, the claimed embodiments would be slightly oversized by ¼″-¾″ to allow for the confinement edge to curl upward to confine the hot oils from escaping past the insert. The curled edges maintain that the pizza stays centered inside the box.

A single fold/or a double folded insert positions the pizza as a nesting pouch onto the non-porous insert. The pizza will not shift around and bump into the edges of the pizza box. Thus, making the entire pizza box fully recyclable.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.