REUSABLE STORAGE BAG

Abstract

A reusable food storage receptacle is disclosed comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall integrally molded at a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge to form the storage receptacle. The first sidewall and the second sidewall have a releasable seal at a top portion to seal a foodstuff therein. A panel is attached to an exterior surface of the first sidewall. The panel is configured to retain a plurality of utensils.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiments generally relate to food storage containers and more specifically relate to reusable food storage bags.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Disposable bags and containers are commonly used to transport foodstuffs. These allow food to be heated and/or refrigerated and function to allow the user to consume the foodstuff directly from the bag or container. Flexible packages are especially well suited to contain and dispense easily portable food products. Often, both solid and liquid items are stored and form an easily dispensable receptacle to allow the consumer to ingest the foodstuff contained therein.

[0003] In the current arts, consumers must carry the necessary utensils to consume the food stored in the receptacle. The utensils and napkins are stored or provided separately from the food to avoid dirtying of the utensil before use. Further, for some food items such as salads, condiments are preferably separated until the time of consumption. This requires additional containers to be used, resulting in excess waste, and in some instances, require the consumer to remove the additional container before heating or to refrigerate the contents of the primary container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] The embodiments herein provide a reusable food storage receptacle comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall integrally molded at a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge to form the storage receptacle. The first sidewall and the second sidewall have a releasable seal at a top portion to seal a foodstuff therein. A panel is attached to an exterior surface of the first sidewall, the panel configured to retain a plurality of utensils.

[0006] In one aspect, the reusable food storage receptacle also comprises an indicator to permit a user to selectively indicate a date. The date may correspond to the date the foodstuff was prepared, the date the foodstuff was stored within the storage receptacle, or the date which the foodstuff expires.

[0007] In one aspect, the indicator is positioned on the exterior surface of the second sidewall.

[0008] In one aspect, the indicator is further comprised of a rotationally mounted knob and a pointer, wherein the pointer is positioned to indicate the date.

[0009] In one aspect, the storage receptacle is constructed of a flexible material permitting the storage of a liquid or a solid foodstuff.

[0010] In one aspect, the storage receptacle may be configured in a collapsed or an expanded configuration.

[0011] In one aspect, a tab is integrally molded to the left edge or the right edge, the tab comprised of an aperture to permit the user to hang the storage receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the food storage receptacle, according to some embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the food storage receptacle, according to some embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the food storage receptacle and indicator, according to some embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a right side elevation view of the food storage receptacle, according to some embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a left side elevation view of the food storage receptacle, according to some embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of the food storage receptacle, according to some embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom plan view of the food storage receptacle, according to some embodiments; and

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the food storage receptacle, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described receptacle and methods of use. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

[0022] In general, the embodiments described herein relate a storage receptacle for foodstuff. As used herein, the term foodstuff may include solid or liquid food items or beverages.

[0023] In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the food storage receptacle 100 is illustrated having a first sidewall 110 and second sidewall 120 attached at a left edge 130, a right edge 140, and a bottom edge 150 to form an interior cavity to store a foodstuff therein. A tab 160 extends from the left edge 130 and/or the right edge 140 of the food storage receptacle 100. The tab 160 includes an aperture 170 to permit the user to hang the food storage receptacle 100. A releasable seal 180 is positioned at a top end to permit the user to selectively open and close the food storage receptacle 100. Protrusion 190 (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) is positioned at the top end of the food storage receptacle to facilitate opening of the releasable seal.

[0024] In some embodiments, the food storage receptacle is constructed of a single mold such that the first sidewall and the second sidewall are integrally molded to one another.

[0025] In some embodiments, the food storage receptacle is configured to stand in an upright, wherein the releasable seal is at a top end of the food storage container.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates the food storage receptacle 100 in an exemplary embodiment wherein an indicator 300 is positioned on the exterior surface 310 of the second sidewall 120. The indicator 300 may be rotationally mounted to the exterior surface 310 of the food storage receptacle 100 to permit the user to rotate the indicator 300 to display a date.

[0027] In some embodiments, the indicator 300 may be comprised of a rotating knob 320 and a pointer 330 extending circumferentially from the rotating knob 320, such that the pointer 330 identifies a date provided on the exterior surface of the food storage receptacle 100.

[0028] In some embodiments, the date may be the date the foodstuff was disposed within the food storage receptacle 100, the date the food is intended to be consumed, or the date which the foodstuff within the receptacle may perish.

[0029] In some embodiments, the indicator 300 may be positioned on the second sidewall 120 of the food storage receptacle 100. Further, a plurality of indicators may be provided on the exterior surface 310 of the food storage receptacle 100 each indicating a metric related to the foodstuff within the food storage receptacle 100.

[0030] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate the food storage receptacle 100 in a collapsed configuration wherein the first sidewall 110 and the second sidewall 120 are contacting or nearly contacting one another. The collapsed configuration may facilitate storage of a plurality of food storage receptacles 100 when not in use. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate the food storage receptacle in an expanded configuration wherein the first sidewall 110 and the second sidewall 120 are separated to accommodate the foodstuff therein. One skilled in the arts will understand that the food storage receptacle may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes to accommodate the storage and transportation of a plurality of foodstuff therein.

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates the food storage panel arranged in an upright position. A panel 800 attached to the exterior surface 310 of the food storage receptacle 100 to retain a plurality of items therein. Such items may include utensils or condiments which are separated from the foodstuff retained within the interior of the food storage receptacle. Such utensils may include forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks, or similar items commonly utilized. The upright position facilitates consumption of the foodstuff stored within the storage receptacle, such that the user may consume the foodstuff directly therefrom. In such, the food storage receptacle 100 may be utilized as a lunchbox.

[0032] In some embodiments, the panel is configured to retain a heating and cooling system, such as a heat retaining pack or a cold pack. The heating and cooling system pack may be heated or cooled water, or a similar previously frozen or heated compound or mixture known in the arts which facilitates temperature regulation of the items disposed within the food storage receptacle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the panel is gusseted to the exterior surface of the food storage receptacle 100 to provide a sealed bond therebetween.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first sidewall and/or the second sidewall may be comprised of a writeable surface to permit the user to write information using a pen, pencil, marker, or other writing utensil. In one example, the writing surface is positioned on the panel.

[0035] In some embodiments, the storage receptacle may be configured to store a foodstuff, a utensil, a plurality of home goods, a plurality of office supplies, and various other items which may be contained in the interior of the receptacle.

[0036] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or sub combination.

[0037] An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0038] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A reusable food storage receptacle, comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewall integrally molded at a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge to form a storage receptacle, the first sidewall and the second sidewall having a releasable seal at a top portion to seal a foodstuff therein; and a panel attached to an exterior surface of the first sidewall, the panel configured to retain a plurality of utensils.

2. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 1, further comprising an indicator.

3. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 2, wherein the indicator is positioned on the exterior surface of the first sidewall.

4. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 3, wherein the indicator is further comprised of a rotationally mounted knob and a pointer.

5. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 4, wherein the indicator is further comprised of a plurality of text to indicate a date.

6. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein the storage receptacle is constructed of a flexible material.

7. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 6, wherein the storage receptacle can store a liquid and a solid foodstuff.

8. A reusable food storage receptacle, comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewall integrally molded at a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge to form a storage receptacle, the first sidewall and the second sidewall having a releasable seal at a top portion to seal a foodstuff; a panel attached to an exterior surface of the first sidewall, the panel configured to retain a plurality of utensils; and an indicator positioned on an exterior surface of the second sidewall to selectively indicate a date.

9. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 8, wherein the indicator is further comprised of a rotationally mounted knob and a pointer.

10. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 9, wherein the pointer points to the date to indicate the date the foodstuff was stored.

11. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 8, wherein the storage receptacle is configured to stand in an upright position.

12. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 8, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall define an interior of the food storage receptacle wherein foodstuff is stored.

13. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 8, wherein the storage receptacle is configurable in a collapsed configuration to facilitate storage.

14. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 8, further comprising a writing surface to permit the user to write on at least one of the following: first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the panel.

15. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 8, further comprising a heating and cooling system retained by the panel.

16. A reusable food storage receptacle, comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewall integrally molded at a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge to form a storage receptacle defined by an interior formed by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall having a releasable seal at a top portion to seal a foodstuff; a panel attached to an exterior surface of the first sidewall, the panel configured to retain a plurality of utensils and a plurality of liquids; a rotationally mounted indicator to permit a user to selectively indicate a date; and a tab integrally molded to the left edge or the right edge, the tab comprised of an aperture to permit the user to hang the storage receptacle.

17. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 16, wherein the storage receptacle is configurable in a collapsed configuration to facilitate storage.

18. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 16, wherein the storage receptacle is configurable in an expanded configuration to facilitate maximum foodstuff storage therein.

19. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 18, wherein the storage receptacle can store a foodstuff, a utensil, a plurality of home goods, and a plurality of office supplies.

20. The reusable food storage receptacle of claim 16, wherein the indicator is further comprised of a rotationally mounted knob and a pointer.