Freezer to conventional oven container with matching lid

The present disclosure generally relates to food storage containers and, more particularly, relates to food storage containers adapted to withstand a wide temperature range extending from the freezer to a conventional oven.

Food storage containers come in a variety of forms. Very common examples include ceramic, glass bowls, and casserole dishes into which food can be loaded and closed using a secondary layer such as aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Given the rigid form of such containers, as well as temperature resistance of ceramics, they can easily be used across an extended temperature range including that of a conventional freezer and a conventional oven. However, they can be fairly expensive to purchase, and are susceptible to damage and chipping from relatively minor contact or droppage.

Accordingly, over time, more disposable and durable forms of food containers have been developed. Such containers are typically manufactured from a polymeric material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyvinylchloride. All such materials are durable but are not necessarily able to withstand such a temperature range. They also are manufactured from fossil based components, the price of which is greatly dependent upon the price of petroleum. As the price of petroleum escalates so do the cost of such polymers and thus so do the cost of such containers. In addition, environmental interests have recently dictated that alternative materials be sourced for manufacturing such containers.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a food storage container is disclosed which comprises a base and reinforcement members. The base includes a bottom wall from which a side wall upwardly extends. The base and side wall are manufactured from silicone rubber. The reinforcement members are fully encapsulated in at least one of the bottom wall and side wall.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a food storage container is disclosed which comprises a base and reinforcement members. The base includes a bottom wall from which a side wall upwardly extends. The base and side wall are manufactured from silicone rubber. The reinforcement members are provided external to the base and include a bottom wall from which a side wall upwardly extends. The reinforcement members are manufactured from thermoset resin.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a food storage container is disclosed comprising a base, reinforcement members, and a lid. The base includes a bottom wall from which a side wall upwardly extends. The base and side wall are manufactured from silicone rubber. The reinforcement members are operatively associated with the base. The reinforcement members are manufactured from a thermoset resin with the thermoset resin being one of phenolic and melamine. The lid is removably set upon the base side wall and is manufactured from silicone rubber.

These are other aspects and features of the disclosure will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.