WO2000012398A1

WO2000012398A1 - Food storage and serving bag

Info

Publication number: WO2000012398A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/019817
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pamela D. Monson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-08-28
Filing date: 1999-08-27
Publication date: 2000-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2001-02-28
Also published as: AU5697899A; WO2000012398A9

Abstract

A food storage and serving bag which includes an open top enclosure having a base surrounded by at least one generally vertical sidewall to define an upright compartment and a separation facility interacting with the sidewall to enable separation of the sidewall along vertical and horizontal paths to define one or more attached apron portions. The separation facility is configured to include a longitudinal component to facilitate separation of the sidewall in the up and down or vertical direction and a transverse component to facilitate separation of the sidewall in a horizontal direction. The separation facility facilitates formation of a truncated upright compartment having an attached apron portion.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION: Food Storage and Serving Bag

INVENTOR: Pamela D. Monson, Middleton ID.

D E S C R I P T I O N BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field. This invention generally relates to packaging for food articles. More particularly, this invention relates to a bag for food which can provide secure storage during transport and consumption, and contribute to highway safety by reducing driver inattention due to food related distractions in motor vehicles. This invention also provides convenient physical and visual access to the food during consumption, aprons to provide a physical barrier between food and a surface to prevent cross-contamination of the food, protective aprons for clothing and surrounds, a crumb tray, a sauce receptacle, a securing mechanism for drinks and liquid foods, and a refuse receptacle for wrappers, sauce packets and the like, as well as a bag which can provide new promotional, entertainment and educational opportunities.

Background. Most people can appreciate the frustration and mess associated with eating fast food, especially when the food is consumed in a vehicle. A 1998 trade industry study indicates that 21 % of all takeout food is eaten in the car. This includes fast food restaurants, carry-out places, full-service restaurants, cafeteria/buffets, grocery stores, convenience stores, deli, bagel and donut shops and ice cream, snack and gourmet coffee shops. This same study reported that 31 % of the meals served at fast food restaurants and 39% of takeout food from convenience stores were eaten in the consumer's vehicle. Eating in a motor vehicle is so prevalent that this study has coined and used the phrase "dashboard dining."

Normally, fast food articles are individually packaged within a suitable container such as paper cups for drinks, clamshell cartons, paper wrappers or small bags for sandwiches, and paper bags or open cartons for finger foods such as french fries. These individual articles are then placed in a larger paper bag for transport from the restaurant. Unfortunately, these larger bags greatly reduce the accessibility to the food for consumption. The limited access is the result of the bag providing only unidirectional vertical access. This difficulty is further complicated by a narrow line of sight to the food items contained within the bag. Because it is very inconvenient to eat from the larger bag, oftentimes all the articles are removed from the bag by the consumer for consumption. Additionally, waste materials generated during consumption, such as straw wrappers, seasoning packets, ketchup or sauce packets, as well as torn packet corners, need to be placed somewhere to avoid stains and disposed of to avoid litter. As each article is removed from the bag, it is usually placed somewhere in the vehicle such as on the car seat, between the persons legs, immediately beside the person or on the dashboard, and almost always in a precarious position. When food is placed between a persons legs, it becomes difficult to adequately cover the persons lap with a protective apron such as a paper napkin. Because the food articles are precariously placed about the vehicle, spillage often occurs and injury has resulted when hot beverages are involved.

The problem of food accessibility becomes even more apparent when drive-through meals include finger foods such as french fries, onion rings, tator gems, etc. These food items are often consumed with sauces such as ketchup, mustard and/or barbecue sauce, normally packaged in packets or small plastic cups. The fast food industry standard of presenting a meal to the customer in a paper sack provides nothing to the consumer to assist in accessing sauce usage in a safe and convenient manner. Small containers scoot around a vehicle and packets of sauce are often unused as there is no adequate means of accessing the contents. Frequently the seat upholstery is the recipient of the sauce and not the french fry.

In addition to consumer convenience problems, greater issues of safety surround these mentioned problems of food accessibility. Specifically, issues of highway safety, driver inattention and foodborne illness are critical public issues that concern not only the restaurant industry but all who utilize our nations highways or eat takeout or drive-through meals. Spin-offs of these problems affect personal livelihoods and the restaurant industry itself through lawsuits. In today's litigious society, one incident involving foodborne illness can cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, medical claims, wasted food supplies and lost income from negative publicity.

Worldwide, half a million people are killed every year in vehicular accidents, 42,000 of them Americans. Driver inattention is listed as a factor in one half of all accidents nationwide, with food related distractions while driving listed as one of the top three contributors to driver inattention. Further, restaurant industry studies indicate that 51 percent of the drive-through restaurant business is conducted by those individuals categorized as Daily Users. The Daily Users are generally young and mobile. They are more likely to be men than women and they depend on take-out foods for much of their total food intake. These individuals are listed as always on the go and fast-food restaurants account for the majority of take-out occasions.

Fueled by an approximate 260 billion dollars a year in domestic sales, fast-food captures 52 percent of off-premises eating occasions (1998 figures). Further, takeout food occasions can be divided into several categories that reflect different consumer motivations: "In a Hurry," "Tired," and "Treat," to list three. Consumers may experience each of these need states at times; it is their need at the moment of purchase that will direct them to different types of outlets for their off-premises eating occasions. The "In a Hurry" consumers often have too many things to do and not enough time. They purchase food items that are quick and easy to eat on the run, frequently in the car. The "Tired" consumers don't have any interest in or energy to fix a meal. Often facing hungry kids at the end of a long day, they want a meal that will take as little effort as possible. Along these same lines, the "Treat" consumer will also frequently have children with them. In essence, this translates into food related distractions in a moving vehicle with tired, hungry and time pressed individuals. Combine this with the virtual inaccessibility of the fast food meal presented to the consumer in a unidirectional paper sack, children with their natural dexterity problems, and the perfect combination exists for a vehicular crash. The industry standard of using a paper sack for presenting a meal to a drive-through customer accomplishes nothing toward assisting the driver in getting through the meal accident free. It would, in fact, be difficult to design a container better suited for causing inattention than the standard paper sack.

The problem of food related distractions affects every motorist, even if they themselves are not eating. Diverted driver attention to a child within the vehicle dripping sauce on the seat of the car and/or clothing can also lead to an accident or undue frustration. Countless children have been scolded, disciplined and even abused over a food spill in an automobile. Often, the child can do nothing to avoid the situation due to the consumer unfriendly nature of the traditional fast food meal packaging and the same type of meal mess will occur again and again. In addition to a driver diverting attention to eat themselves or attending to a passengers' food related needs, an accident may well occur when there is no food in the vehicle at all. Other drivers can present a hazard when they look down to grab more food or wipe a spill off their clothing. The other driver's diverted attention may very well prove injurious or fatal to innocent motorists sharing the highways. Inattention and distractions are a major factor in vehicular crashes resulting in property damage, injury and death. In part, food and food related distractions inside a moving vehicle are the direct inattention factors which lead to a crash. This is not only a local, state and national problem, but indeed a world-wide problem on the rise. Another safety problem arises when the food is removed from the bag and placed on surrounding surfaces for consumption. Cross-contamination is listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the top four causes of foodborne illness. There are 80 million reported cases of foodborne illnesses a year in the United States. By the very nature of takeout foods, 100% of these meals are at risk of potential consumer contamination once the food leaves the premises and control of the restaurant. Often the consumer will cause the foodborne illness by placing food on a contaminated surface such as a picnic table or vehicular dashboard. Several recent articles in restaurant trade journals have addressed the need to educate consumers on the proper handling of leftovers and takeout meals.

A greater appreciation for risk of contamination can be gained after having eaten a fast food meal at a public picnic table or similar environment. Often, if illness does result, the restaurant gets blamed, as previously mentioned, leading to lawsuits endangering the individual restaurateurs and the restaurant industry itself. There is a current wave of food phobia and the lost income from negative publicity can devastate a business or chain. The restaurant industry leaders are urging their trade to take a pro-active stance in educating and restoring customers' confidence in the safety of their establishments and the food served. U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,248 teaches a fast food bag which includes employing stiffer interior support members configured to form a cup holder and a food platform. While this invention provides a more secure transport mechanism, it does not solve the problems of food accessibility or lack of apron protection. German Pat. No. 1804423 teaches a fresh vegetable bag which includes a crosswise perforation around three sides of the bag and an intersecting lengthwise perforation down the center of one of the three sides, which is configured to lay in a horizontal position with the perforations open to form a pad for cleaning vegetables while the remaining enclosed floor portion forms an open sided enclosure for waste. Unfortunately, this design does not solve the convenience problems associated with the storage and consumption of fast food, nor does it contribute to food or roadway safety.

What is needed is a consumer friendly bag or sack which provides convenient physical and visual access to contained fast food items and which is configurable to provide one or more protective aprons for the consumer, as well as to provide protection from common fast food meal related messes and to provide a clean surface to place food articles on during consumption. This type of bag or sack will allow both the consumer and the restaurant industry to adapt a pro-active stance in solving the convenience, highway safety and health issues currently remaining unaddressed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs are satisfied, as well as other advantages realized, by a food storage and serving bag which includes an open top enclosure having a base surrounded by at least one generally vertical side wall to define an upright compartment and a separation facility interacting with the side wall to enable separation of the side wall along one or more paths to define one or more attached apron portions. The separation facility is configured to include a longitudinal component to facilitate separation of the side wall in the up and down or vertical direction and a transverse component to facilitate separation of the side wall in a horizontal direction. The separation facility facilitates formation of a truncated upright compartment, with or without an attached apron portion. The truncated upright compartment provides both an increased line of sight to the food as well as multi-directional access, including much more convenient access angles to grasp food contained within the truncated upright compartment. The attached apron portion can be folded away from the longitudinal axis of the upright compartment to form a protective surface for protecting the surrounding areas, such as the consumer's lap, clothing, automobile seat, etc. By placing an additional fold in the apron portion, a crumb tray is created for catching food crumbs and the like while eating.

For purposes of this disclosure, the separation facility is defined as one or more perforations, one or more score marks, one or more pull-tabs, strings or similar mechanisms or means which facilitate the physical separation of two portions of the bag material along a predetermined path, as well as facilitating folding of partially separated panels away from other portions of the bag. Even fold lines, such as those used to form the bag, or directional indicia printed on the bag can serve as separation facilities. Advantageously, folds or creases compromise the structural integrity of the bag material along a predetermined line to facilitating separation of the bag material along the line by tearing. Additionally, the separation facility may be manufactured using a self sticking removable adhesive such that used on Post-It® notes to removably seal one or more seams in the bag. The separation facility and the bag material are selected to be mutually compatible, which generally means that durable bag materials require more aggressive separation facilities while less durable materials require very little encouragement to separate along a predetermined path. Suitable bag materials include paper, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, natural and synthetic fabrics, plastic, foil and wax coated materials and similar materials, as well as combinations including one or more of these materials. In the case where reusable materials are employed as the bag material, the separation facility can include mechanisms such as zippers, hook and loop fastening surfaces, reseaiable zip-lock type closure systems, etc. The separation facility can also help facilitate folding the attached apron portions along a predetermined path with respect to the upright compartment to enable the apron to be used in one or more planes which are not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upright compartment. Finally, the separation facility can be used to form decorative silhouettes, shapes and pop-outs in the bag and/or the apron as well as totally separating one portion of the bag from the remainder of the bag, as may be desired to form a play mat, game piece, advertising and education media, posters, coupons, coloring sheet, book chapters, comic strips, etc. Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 A is a front isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally horizontally oriented paths or transverse components of the separation facility;

Fig. 1 B is a right side isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally horizontally oriented paths or transverse components of the separation facility;

Fig. 1C is a left side isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally horizontally oriented paths or transverse components of the separation facility;

Fig. 1 D is a back isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally horizontally oriented paths or transverse components of the separation facility; Fig. 2A is a front isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally vertically oriented paths or longitudinal components of the separation facility;

Fig. 2B is a right side isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally vertically oriented paths or longitudinal components of the separation facility;

Fig. 2C is a left side isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally vertically oriented paths or longitudinal components of the separation facility;

Fig. 2D is a back isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally vertically oriented paths or longitudinal components of the separation facility;

Fig. 3A is a front isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally angularly oriented paths or paths having both the transverse and longitudinal components of the separation facility; Fig. 3B is a right side isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally angularly oriented paths or paths having both the transverse and longitudinal components of the separation facility; Fig. 3C is a left side isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally angularly oriented paths or paths having both the transverse and longitudinal components of the separation facility;

Fig. 3D is a back isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the generally angularly oriented paths or paths having both the transverse and longitudinal components of the separation facility;

Fig. 4A is a front isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the score or fold lines, as well as the seams of a standard paper bag;

Fig. 4B is a right side isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the score or fold lines, as well as the seams of a standard paper bag; Fig. 4C is a left side isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the score or fold lines, as well as the seams of a standard paper bag; Fig. 4D is a back isometric view of a bag in which the invention may be implemented, illustrating the score or fold lines, as well as the seams of a standard paper bag;

Fig. 5 is a back isometric view of a single side trash receptacle configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a back isometric view of a second version of a single side trash receptacle configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a back isometric view of a third version of a single side trash receptacle configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a back isometric view of a fourth version of a single side trash receptacle configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9 is a front isometric view of a first version of an upright truncated compartment configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10A is a front isometric view of a second version of an upright truncated compartment configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10B is a back isometric view of the separated panel portion of the sixth embodiment;

Fig. 11 is a back isometric view of a first version of a single side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12A is a front isometric view of a first version of a separate apron upright truncated compartment configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, including double separate aprons; Fig. 12B is a plan view of double separate aprons;

Fig. 13 is a back isometric view of a first version of a double side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a ninth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 14 is a front isometric view of a second version of a single side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a tenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 15 is a front isometric view of a second version of a double side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 16 is a front isometric view of a first version of a double side double end apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 17 is a front isometric view of a second version of a double side double end apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 18 is a front isometric view of a third version of a double side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 19 is a front isometric view of a first version of a double end apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 20 is a back isometric view of a first version of a single end lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 21 is a back isometric view of a second version of a double end lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 22 is a front isometric view of a third version of a single side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 23 is a front isometric view of a first version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 24A is a back isometric view of a first version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 24B is a detail view of an upper back corner of a first version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 25 is an isometric view of a second version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twentieth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 26 is an isometric view of a third version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty- first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 27A is a front isometric view of a bag according to a twenty-first embodiment of the invention illustrating detail location;

Fig. 27B is a detail view of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty-first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 28 is an isometric view of a fourth version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty- second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 29A is a front isometric view of a bag illustrating detail location according to a twenty-third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 29B is a detail view of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty-third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 29C is a detail view of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty-third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 30 is a front isometric view of the first version of the car seat configuration of a food storage and serving bag is use according to a twenty- fourth embodiment of the invention ;

Fig. 31 is a front isometric view of a second car seat configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 32 is a back isometric view of a third car seat configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 33 is an isometric view of a bag illustrating some of the possible locations for placement of tape tabs for use with the invention; Fig. 34 is a front isometric view of a bag in which a design element configuration of the invention may be implemented, showing a set of separation facilities which may be used to construct a twenty-sixth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 35 is a front isometric view of a first design element configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 36 is a front isometric view of a second design element configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the invention; Fig. 37 is a partial cut-away view of an upright truncated compartment illustrating some of the possible placements for sauce receptacles and sauce receptacle retaining straps;

Fig. 38 is a top perspective view of an upright truncated compartment illustrating some of the possible placements for sauce receptacles, sauce receptacle retaining straps and trash receptacles;

Fig. 39 is a top perspective view of an upright truncated compartment illustrating some of the possible placements and shapes for sauce receptacles and trash receptacles;

Fig. 40 is a 3/4 perspective view of an upright truncated compartment illustrating some of the possible placements and shapes for sauce receptacles and trash receptacles;

Fig. 41 is a front isometric view of a bag from which a fourth version of a single side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the invention can be constructed; Fig. 42 is a front isometric view of a fourth version of a single side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty- eighth embodiment of the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures, several embodiments of a food storage and serving bag according to the invention will be described in detail. These embodiments have been implemented using a perforation separation facility in conjunction with a rectangular paper bag similar to those familiar with fast food packaging. It should be noted that the invention is not so limited and may be incorporated into other containers using suitable separation facilities such as those mentioned or their equivalents. Figs. 1 A through 1 D illustrate some possible locations of the generally horizontal paths along which separation facilities can be located according to some embodiments of the invention. These strictly horizontal paths contain only a transverse component of the separation facilities.

Figs. 2A through 2D illustrate some possible locations for vertically oriented paths along which separation facilities can be located according to some embodiments of the invention. Analogously to the horizontally oriented paths, the vertically oriented paths contain only a longitudinal component of the separation facilities.

Figs. 3A through 3D illustrate various angularly oriented paths along which a separation facility may be located for some embodiments of the invention. Here, the separation facilities located along an angularly oriented path contains both a transverse and longitudinal component of the separation facility. It should be noted that, for the purposes of the invention, connected or intersecting horizontal and vertical paths can define a single separation facility having both a longitudinal and a transverse component of separation.

Figs. 4A through 4D illustrate the conventional fold lines and seam lines which a typical manufacturer uses to form a rectangular shaped paper bag which here has been selected to illustrate the invention. However, it should be noted that the invention does not require a particular configuration or composition of bag as long as it is a generally open top enclosure having a base surrounded by at least one generally vertical sidewall thereby defining an upright compartment including a generally vertical longitudinal axis.

The folds and seams which define a standard paper bag may have separation paths or facilities which lie coincident with them. For example, the separation folds S-7, S-9, S-10 and S-12, which define the corner edges of the bag, lie coincident with separation paths or facilities 7, 9, 10 and 12. Similarly, separation facilities 8 and 11 lie coincident with folds S-8 and S-11 while separation facilities 2, 3, 4, 5, 21 , 43 and 44 lie coincident with their corresponding fold lines.

Additionally, the exact placement of the separation paths as well as the nomenclature can be varied to define other configurations and are within the scope of this invention. Most bags are symmetrical about one or more axes so that the nomenclature is relative to a particular definition and can be interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention. The particular reference system used here, was chosen for illustrative purposes only.

Fig. 5 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a single side receptacle configuration of the food storage and serving bag 100. Food bag 100 is formed by separating bag 101 along paths 2, 3 and 4. The upper portion of bag 101 is then folded back along path 5. Additionally, the top edge of bag 101 is folded over on itself to form an upright truncated compartment 103 having a closed bottom trash receptacle 102 attached thereto. Trash receptacle 102 can then be used to store refuse during consumption of a meal. Fig. 6 shows a second configuration of a single side trash receptacle configuration of food storage and serving bag 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Food bag 200 is formed and functions similarly to food bag 100 with the exception that the top edges of bag 201 are taped to a bottom portion of upright truncated compartment 203 using tape segments 204. Fig. 7 illustrates a third possible configuration of a single side trash receptacle configuration of food storage and serving bag 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention. Bag 300 is similar in all respects to bag 100 with the exception that bag 301 is separated along paths 21 , 22 and 23 to form an upright truncated compartment 303 having a lower front edge. Receptacle 302 is similar to receptacle 202. Additionally, the bag can be separated along the lines 2, 3 and 4 to remove a depending portion of bag 301 so as not to interfere with use of receptacle 302. Alternatively, this portion of bag 301 can be folded over into the interior of receptacle 302.

Fig. 8 illustrates a fourth possible configuration of a single side trash receptacle configuration of food storage and serving bag 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a single side trash receptacle configuration of food storage and serving bag 400. Bag 400 is similar in all respects to bag 300 with the exception that the top edge of bag 401 is taped to a bottom portion of upright truncated compartment 403 using tape segments 404.

Fig. 9 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a first version of an upright truncated compartment configuration of food storage and serving bag 500. Food bag 500 is formed by separating bag 501 along paths 2, 3, 4 and 5 to form upright truncated compartment 503 and a detached separate panel 502. Panel 502 is actually the upper portion of bag 501 which can be used in as a protective apron or mat, or simply discarded.

Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate a sixth embodiment of the invention which is here defined as an upright truncated compartment configuration of food storage and serving bag 600. Food bag 600 is for my separating bag 601 along paths 5, 21 , 22 and 23. This forms and upright truncated compartment 603 and detached separate panel 602. The primary distinction between this embodiment and the fifth embodiment is that the front edge of upright truncated compartment 603 has a lower profile to facilitate easier access. Fig. 10B shows the back side of panel 602.

Fig. 11 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a first version of a single side lap apron configuration of the food storage and serving bag 800. Food bag 800 is formed by separating bag 801 along paths 1, 1 D, 21 B, 21 A, 22 and 23. The resulting attached panel 802 is then folded along path 5 so that it is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of truncated upright compartment portion 803. Panel 802 can then be used as an apron to protect clothing or other surfaces while the truncated compartment 803 defines a food storage and serving tray. The primary distinction between bag 800 and bag 700 is that bag 800 provides a lower front edge to truncated compartment 803 to facilitate access thereto.

Figs. 12A and 12B illustrate an eighth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a double separate apron upright compartment configuration of food storage and serving bag 1300. Food bag 1300 is formed by separating bag 1301 along lines 1 , 1D, 5A, 5B, 6, 21 A, 21 B, 22 and 23. Aprons 1302 are formed by separating the upper portion of bag 1301 along a center line. Fig. 13 illustrates a ninth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a first version of a double side lap apron configuration of food storage and serving bag 1600. Food bag 1600 is formed by separating bag 1601 along lines 8, 11 , 65, 66, 69, and 70. The resulting attached panels one 1602 and 1603 are then folded along paths 21 and 24 so that they are generally perpendicular to be longitudinal axis of truncated upright compartment portion 1604. Panels of 1602 and 1603 can then be used as aprons while truncated compartment 1604 defines a food storage and serving tray shown with modified pull tabs.

Fig. 14 illustrates a tenth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a second version of a single side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 2000. Food bag 2000 is formed by separating bag 2001 along lines 8, 11 , 41 , and 42. The resulting attached panel 2002 is then folded along paths 17, 18A, 20A and 21. Panel 2002 can then be used as an apron while truncated compartment 2004 defines a food storage and serving tray. Fig. 15 illustrates an eleventh possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a second version of a double side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 2100. Food bag 2100 is formed by separating bag 2101 along lines 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 8, and 11. The resulting attached panel 2102 is then folded along paths 2, 5, 17, 18A, and 20A. Panel 2102 can then be used as an apron while truncated compartment 2104 defines a food storage and serving tray.

Fig. 16 illustrates a twelfth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a first version of a double side double end apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 3200. Food bag 3200 is formed by separating bag 3201 along lines 7, 7D, 9, 9D, 10, 10D, 12 and 12D. The resulting attached panels 3202, 3203, 3205 and 3206 are then folded along paths 19, 21 , 24, 43 and 44. Panels 3202, 3203, 3205 and 3206 can then be used as aprons while truncated compartment 3204 defines a food storage and serving tray.

Fig. 17 illustrates a thirteenth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a second version of a double side double end apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 3400. Food bag 3400 is formed by separating bag 3401 along lines 7, 9, 9D 10, 10D and 12. The resulting attached panels 3402, 3403, 3405 and 3406 are then folded along paths 5, 19, 21 , 22 and 23. Panels 3402, 3403, 3405 and 3406 can then be used as aprons while truncated compartment 3404 defines a food storage and serving tray.

Fig. 18 illustrates a fourteenth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a third version of a double side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 3700. Food bag 3700 is formed by separating bag 3701 along lines 7, 12, 22 and 23. The resulting attached panels 3702 and 3703 are then folded along paths 5, 19, and 21. Panels 3702 and 3703 can then be used as aprons while truncated compartment 3704 defines a food storage and serving tray.

Fig. 19 illustrates a fifteenth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a first version of a double end apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 4000. Food bag 4000 is formed by separating bag 4001 along lines 1 , 6, 13A, 13B, 16A and 16B. The resulting attached panels 4002 and 4003 are then folded along paths 14 and 15. Panels 4002 and 4003 can then be used as aprons while truncated compartment 4004 defines a food storage and serving tray.

Fig. 20 illustrates a sixteenth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a first single end lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 5000. Food bag 5000 is formed by separating bag 5001 along lines 2, 3A, 3B, 5 and 8. The resulting attached panel 5002 is then folded along path 4. Panel 5002 can then be used as an apron while truncated compartment 5004 defines a food storage and serving tray.

Fig. 21 illustrates a seventeenth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a second version of a double end lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 5200. Food bag 5200 is formed by separating bag 5201 along lines 2, 5, 60 and 61. The resulting attached panels 5202 and 5203 are then folded along paths 3 and 4. Panels 5202 and 5203 can then be used as aprons while truncated compartment 5204 defines a food storage and serving tray.

Fig. 22 illustrates an eighteenth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a third version of a single side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 5500. Food bag 5500 is formed by separating bag 5501 along lines 1 , 21 A, 21 B, 22 and 23. Parallel separation facilities along the lines designated at 1 form a pull tab designated as 5503. The resulting attached panel 5502 is then folded along path 5. Panel 5502 can then be used as an apron while truncated compartment 5504 defines a food storage and serving tray.

Figs. 23 through 24B illustrate a nineteenth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a first version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag 5700. Food bag 5700 is formed by separating bag 5701 along lines 32, 33, 101 and 102. The resulting attached panel 5702 is then folded along paths 2, 3A, 4A, 19 and 21 to form crumb tray 5703. Panel 5702 can then be used as an apron/crumb tray while truncated compartment 5704 defines a food storage and serving tray. Figs. 24A and 24B illustrate a locking fold feature which helps hold a folded panel in place. In this case the resulting back panel is folded down and out of the way.

Fig. 25 illustrates a twentieth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a second version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag 6100. Food bag 6100 is formed by separating bag 6101 along lines 22, 23, 46 and 48. The resulting attached panels 6102 and 6103 are then folded along paths 2, 5 and 21 to form crumb tray 6105. Panels 6102 and 6103 can then be used as an apron/crumb tray while truncated compartment 6104 defines a food storage and serving tray. Figs. 26 through 27B illustrate a twenty-first possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a third version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag 6200. Food bag 6200 is formed by separating bag 6201 along lines 3, 4, 6, 55 and 56. Separation facilities lying along lines 55 and 56 form pull tab 6206 which can be folded out of the way by folding by folding pull tab 6206 along line 5. The resulting attached panels 6202 and 6203 are then folded along paths 2, 13, 14 and 15 to form crumb tray 6205. Panels 6202 and 6203 can then be used as an apron/crumb tray while truncated compartment 6204 defines a food storage and serving tray. Figs. 27A and 27B illustrate the formation of a pull tab separation facility. Fig. 28 illustrates a twenty-second possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a fourth version of a combination apron and crumb tray configuration of a food storage and serving bag 6300. Bag 6300 is formed by separating bag 6301 along lines 22, 23, 55 and 56. Separation facilities lying along lines 55 and 56 form pull tab 6306 which can be folded out of the way by folding by folding pull tab 6306 along line 5. The resulting panels are folded along lines 2 and 21 to form crumb tray 6305. Panels 6302 and 6303 can then be used as an apron/crumb tray while truncated compartment 6304 defines a food storage and serving tray.

Figs. 29A and 29B illustrate the formation of a second configuration of a pull tab separation facility.

Figs. 30 and 31 illustrate a partially constructed twenty-fourth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a first version of a car seat configuration of a food storage and serving bag 6900. Food bag 6900 is formed by separating bag 6901 along lines 5A, 5B, 6, 22 and 23. Parallel separation facilities along the lines designated at 6 form a pull tab designated as 6903. The resulting attached panel 6902 is then folded along paths 2, 3, 4 and 21 to form crumb tray 6905. Next, panel 6902 is separated along paths 29 and 30 to form restraint bar cover panels 6906 and 6907. These panels are then folded along lines 5A and 5B to complete the restraint bar covers. Panel 6902 can then be used as an apron/crumb tray while truncated compartment 6904 defines a food storage and serving tray. Pull tab 6903 can be separated from the resulting upright truncated compartment 6904 by separating it along line 5C. Fig. 30 illustrates the first version of a car seat configuration of a food storage and serving bag 6900 in use.

Fig. 32 illustrates a twenty-fifthth possible embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a third version of a car seat configuration of a food storage and serving bag 7100. Food bag 7100 is formed by separating bag 7101 along lines 6, 9, 9D and 10D. The resulting attached panels 7102, 7106 and 7107 are then folded along paths 2, 17, 21 , 22 and 23 to form crumb tray 7105 and restraint bar panels 7106 and 7107. Panel 7102 can then be used as an apron/crumb tray while truncated compartment 7104 defines a food storage and serving tray. Fig. 33 illustrates some of the possible locations for placement of tape tabs for use with the invention. Tape tabs can be used to both secure the various versions of the food storage and serving bags to their surrounds as well as facilitating the construction of some configurations. For example, tape tabs could be placed on the bottom of the bags.

Figs. 34 and 35 illustrate a first design element configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the invention here designated as food storage and serving bag 8300. In these embodiments, the separation facilities may also define one or more design elements, here in the form of a silhouette such as a dinosaur. As is shown in the figures, one or more separation facilities follow the outline of a scene or depiction printed on the interior of the bag. This particular embodiment illustrates how the separation facility follows other than rectilinear paths, e.g. the irregular and curved paths which may define the outline of the depiction. Advantageously, the silhouette can take the form of a restaurant signature character or similar depiction with printed indicia used to complete the effect. The truncated upright compartment and silhouette panel can also double as a diorama or play environment which can be used with the action figures and toys which often accompany children's fast food meals.

The design elements can be integrated into the bag or they can be separate such as that shown in Fig. 36. Fig. 36 illustrates a second design element configuration of a food storage and serving bag according to a twenty- seventh embodiment of the invention here designated as food storage and serving bag 8400. Here, bag 8401 is formed into a separate truncated upright compartment portion and a separate apron element which can double as a play mat, coloring sheet, poster, game board, etc., which can also be used with the action figures and toys. The separate apron portion can remain attached during consumption of the meal to act as an apron and/or crumb tray and be detached after the meal is complete for entertainment, collection, display, etc.

Figs. 37 through 40 illustrate some of the possible placements and configurations for sauce and trash receptacles, as well as some of the possible placements and configurations for receptacle retaining straps. Other features which can be implemented on the various embodiments include container holders for holding coffee cups, soup and chili bowls. Some of these features are shown in combined in a single upright truncated compartment for convenience of illustration and discussion only. Virtually any combination, or none of these features, can be used in the various embodiments. These receptacles can be located either on the interior of the truncated compartment or on its exterior surface, such as the trash receptacle indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 38.

Sauce receptacle 9000 is here formed using a single strap 9001 and elongated sauce container 9002 secured within strap 9001. Strap 9001 is formed by a pair of parallel spaced apart slits or cuts in the wall of truncated upright compartment 9004. It could also be formed with the aid of a separation facility. Double straps can be implemented for long receptacles which can be used to aid the dipping of long finger foods such as french fries. A longer receptacle sitting on the bottom of truncated upright compartment may need to use only the upper strap while a shorter receptacle sitting on the bottom may only use the lower strap. Various shapes, sizes, configurations and constructions of receptacles, including ornamental designs, can be implemented and they can be positioned on either or both of the interior and exterior of the truncated compartment. Interior corner positioning of sauce receptacles can be particularly advantageous for support of the receptacle. Sauce receptacles can also be free standing within the truncated compartment and/or adhesively affixed to a side wall.

Trash receptacle 9005 is here shown as a bag attached to an interior surface of truncated upright compartment 9004. The relative size and shape of receptacle 9005 can be varied to accommodate anticipated needs. Trash receptacle 9005 can also take the form of a partitioned compartment within the truncated upright compartment or a separate container attached within the truncated upright compartment. Generally speaking, trash receptacle 9005 is intended to store small articles of trash such as sauce packets, straw wrappers and similar trash generated during consumption, with the truncated upright compartment serving as a larger trash receptacle for larger trash generated at the end of the meal. Various configurations of the trash receptacles can be implemented and include flat single sided receptacles, flat double sided receptacles, pleated designs as well as ornamental designs.

Cup holders and storage and serving partitions can be integrated into truncated upright compartment 9004. For example, a preformed tray can be fitted into the base of truncated upright compartment, which could include one or more cup holders and/or partitions for various items, an example of which is shown in Figs. 41 and 42.

Fig. 42 illustrates a twenty-eights embodiment of the invention which is here defined as a fourth version of a single side lap apron configuration of a food storage and serving bag 8500. Food bag 8500 is formed by separating bag 8501 along lines 6, 39, 40, 105, 106, 107, 108A and 109A. Parallel separation facilities generally located along lines 6 define a pull tab 8503 to facilitate separation of bag 8501. Resulting panel 8502 is then folded along line 107 to form an apron and attached upright truncated compartment 8504. A partitioned tray 8505 is positioned in the bottom of compartment 8504 to separate food items during storage and consumption.

Using multi-distinctive indicia, multiple configurations can be laid out on a single bag thereby allowing multiple embodiments to be formed from a single bag. The end user can then decide which configuration he or she would like. For example, blue arrows could be used for demarcation of the separation paths for one configuration and green circles could be used for demarcation of the separation paths for a second configuration, it should be noted that the colors and patterns chosen for demarcation are not limited and can be varied to suit almost any theme or advertising desire. Additionally, the usage of multi- distinctive indicia can also serve to assist persons which vision deficiencies such as color blindness.

Another feature which can be implemented is to incorporate indicia on removable sections of the various bags. For instance, a pull tab might contain advertising incentives such as a coupon which could be detached to encourage repeat patronage. Other things which could be incorporated include proof of purchase indicia, fund raising information, a book mark, game pieces, advertising materials, collectable pieces, etc. Other additions and modifications include the use locking tongue and slot connectors to aid construction as well as thin wire segments incorporated into the bags to facilitate construction and closure.

While there is shown and described certain embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. I claim:

Claims

1. A food storage and serving bag which comprises: an open top enclosure having a base surrounded by at least one generally vertical side wall to define an upright compartment having a generally vertical longitudinal axis; a separation facility interacting with the side wall, the separation facility configured to include a longitudinal component to facilitate separation of the side wall in a direction having a directional component parallel to the longitudinal axis and a transverse component to facilitate separation of the side wall in a direction having a directional component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the separation facility being further configured to facilitate formation of a truncated upright compartment and an apron portion upon separation of the side wall, wherein the apron portion generally lies in a plane which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

2. The food storage and serving bag of claim 1 wherein the separation facility is further configured to facilitate formation of a second apron portion upon separation of the side wall, wherein the second apron portion lies in a plane which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

3. The food storage and serving bag of claim 1 wherein the separation facility is further configured to facilitate formation of a plurality of apron portions upon separation of the side wall.

4. The food storage and serving bag of claim 3 wherein at least one of the apron portions includes an intermediate fold forming a crumb tray.

5. The food storage and serving bag of claim 2 wherein at least one of the apron portions includes an intermediate fold forming a crumb tray.

6. The food storage and serving bag of claim 1 wherein the apron portion includes an intermediate fold forming a crumb tray.

7. The food storage and serving bag of claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein the separation facility is further configured to produce an ornamental silhouette.

8. A food storage and serving bag which comprises: an open top enclosure having a base surrounded by at least one generally vertical side wall to define an upright compartment having a generally vertical longitudinal axis; a separation facility interacting with the side wall, the separation facility configured to include a transverse component to facilitate separation of the side wall in a direction having a directional component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the separation facility being further configured to facilitate formation of a truncated upright compartment upon separation of the side wall and an attached portion.

9. The food storage and serving bag of claim 8 wherein the separation facility is further configured to facilitate formation of a truncated upright compartment upon separation of the side wall and a detached portion.

10. The food storage and serving bag of claim 1 , 8 or 9 further comprising a receptacle affixed to the truncated upright compartment portion.

11. A food storage and serving bag which comprises: an open top enclosure having a base surrounded by at least one generally vertical side wall to define an upright compartment having a generally vertical longitudinal axis; a separation facility interacting with the side wall, the separation facility configured to include a longitudinal component to facilitate separation of the side wall in a direction having a directional component parallel to the longitudinal axis and a transverse component to facilitate separation of the side wall in a direction having a directional component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the separation facility being further configured to facilitate formation of a truncated upright compartment, an apron portion upon separation of the side wall and a pair of opposing restraint bar cover panels, wherein the apron portion and restraint bar cover panels generally lie in planes which are not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

12. The food storage and serving bag of claim 11 wherein the apron portion includes an intermediate fold forming a crumb tray.

13. The food storage and serving bag of claim 11 or 12 further comprising at least one adhesive tape segment attached to the bag and positioned to facilitate attachment of the bag to a child car seat.