Food container having an integrated napkin housing

Abstract

Disclosed is a container for holding food, the container comprising a food-receiving compartment defined by a top panel, a bottom panel and at least one side panel. There is a separable section defined within one of the top, bottom and at least one side panel. A housing is associated with the separable section, the housing adapted to house a single napkin or multiple napkins that are interleaved within one another. An opening or slit is defined in the housing wherein when the separable section is separated from the panel, the opening is exposed and napkins can be withdrawn singly therethrough. The housing may be positioned in the food-receiving compartment or in a double-layered panel. The housing may be a plastic film retainer or a foil pouch. The container is especially useful as a pizza delivery box or a take-out food box.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to containers for holding food. More specifically, the present invention relates to a food container having an integrated napkin housing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is well acknowledged that the fast-food and take-out food industry is enormously popular and competitive. Various vendors must increasingly improve their service to grow and maintain their market share.[0003]Sometimes customers find themselves without any napkins or serviettes to wipe and clean themselves with. This can be quite messy and distressing, especially when one is “eating on the run”. Alternatively, some vendors provide napkins on a self-serve basis, resulting in customers taking large bundles of napkins. This results both in wastage and added expense for the vendor.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]Accordingly, disclosed is a container for holding food having an integrated napkin housing. In this way, when a customer picks up or receives a food cont...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In one embodiment, the napkins include logos thereon. This has the added benefit of increasing advertising the vendor's product, especially if combined with the removable housing feature such that logo napkins will continue to be used.

[0012]There are many advantages in using a food container in accordance with the teachings of this invention. By pre-loading a set amount of napkins in a removable, sealed housing or package attached to the food container, the fast food producer: can predetermine and control the costs normally associated with the acquisition, handling and distribution of napkins. Embodiments of the invention may also serve to reduce waste by eliminating the problem of napkins that become unacceptable for distribution due to improper handling and storage. Further, the operation at a pick-up and delivery outlet is simplified by eliminating the necessity to order and inventory napkins.

[0013]A food container in accordance with the teachings of this invention permits the control of the quantity of napkins supplied with the product sold (no more handfuls passed out to customers because it is the easy thing to do) and ensures that all customers ordering from a hotel room or picking up for a meal en route will have napkins for their convenience.

[0014]In one embodiment, since napkins are withdrawn singly, waste caused when a soiled hand attempts to retrieve a single napkin from a pile of napkins and soils two or more napkins in the attempt is alleviated.

Problems solved by technology

This can be quite messy and distressing, especially when one is “eating on the run”.

Alternatively, some vendors provide napkins on a self-serve basis, resulting in customers taking large bundles of napkins.

This results both in wastage and added expense for the vendor.

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