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  Container for foodstuffsUSPTO Application #: 20070261981Title: Container for foodstuffs Abstract: A foodstuff container to be held in a cup receptacle of the armrest of a theater seat. The container has a large generally cylindrical popcorn-holding portion affixed to a base which is shaped on the outside the same as a conventional beverage cup. (end of abstract)
Agent: Averill & Varn - Whittier, CA, US Inventor: Pedro Ojeda USPTO Applicaton #: 20070261981 - Class: 206487000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Special Receptacle Or Package, Article Held In Aperture In Base, Tongue And Slot-type Base Sample Connection The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070261981. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of applicant's Ser. No. 10/452,325 filed Jun. 2, 2003. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of apparatus for receiving foodstuffs for ready consumption, and more specifically, to an improved apparatus having a compound construction for enhanced capacity configured to be received in standard sized and shaped receptacles for receiving and supporting solid and liquid foodstuffs. [0003] Popular culture virtually demands the convenience of food and drink holders in home, entertainment and mobile venues, to receive and support beverages within easy reach of the consumer. With respect to many entertainment venues such as movie theaters, theater owners and operators have sought both to please patrons and to increase revenue by selling various refreshments and snacks in addition to tickets. This includes drinks of various types and snacks such as popcorn. Commonly, such snacks are provided in a variety of containers, mostly large cups or boxes which are inconvenient to hold in the patron's lap. Most theater and many sports arenas have a receptacle holder, often referred to as a cup holder, in an armrest or other structure. Popcorn containers are far too large to be held in such cup holders. One method which allows larger containers to fit in standard vehicle container receptacles involves the use of an adapter. The adapter modifies the standard vehicle container receptacle to a size such that larger containers can be accommodated by the standard vehicle container receptacle. Dahlquist II et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,468, shows a holder for a cup which holder has a lower portion which fits within a cup holder and a larger upper portion which holds a beverage cup having a diameter larger than the cup holder lower portion. Chandler, U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,673, discloses a container adapter device designed so that a standard vehicle container receptacle can accommodate containers that are too large to fit in the standard vehicle container receptacle. [0004] Some cups are designed with a base proportioned to fit the standard vehicle container receptacle having a main body portion of a size larger than the base have attempted to overcome the problems of the limited container volume and top heaviness. However, these designs do not accommodate solid food stuffs in the manner described above. [0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved food stuffs container that overcomes these prior art shortcomings. It should be noted and understood that with respect to the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, the materials, methods, apparatus and processes disclosed and suggested may be modified or substituted to achieve the desired protected structures without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed and claimed invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of an assembly of the novel integrated apparatus of the present invention, configured to receive an optional beverage cup, further configured to be secured to a cup holder provided in an arm rest such as an arm rest commonly found in many movie theaters, showing the walled tray structure supported by contiguously formed support base. [0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing the assembly of the cup and walled tray components to be secured together for use, further showing a clip for securing the so-attached apparatus to the armrest or other structure to which the invention is to be received. [0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention, shown further configured to receive a shaped container within the base recess, having a closed bottom. [0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a shaped container being fully inserted within the base recess, having an open bottom. [0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing the walled tray structure with a thicker supporting wall portions, further defining a shoulder for supporting a corresponding rim of a standard beverage container to be used therewith. [0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing a locking engagement between a rim portion of the base receptacle to be secured to with a corresponding rib-receiving structure provided in the floor of the walled tray structure to achieve the contiguous foodstuffs container of the present invention. [0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the integrated foodstuffs container of the present invention, showing partitioned compartments for separating foodstuffs or other substances, and an optional container for being received within the contiguous base receptacle. [0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the integrated foodstuffs container of the present invention, showing a circular-shaped foodstuffs receiving volume of the walled tray portion contiguous with an integrally formed, coaxially aligned base receptacle. [0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the popcorn holder of the present invention showing the front and top thereof. [0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the popcorn holder of the present invention showing the front and bottom thereof. [0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the popcorn holder of the present invention showing the top and interior thereof. [0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view thereof filled with popcorn. [0018] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pair of theater seats showing cup receptacles in the armrests thereof and one of which is holding the popcorn holder of the present invention. [0019] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0020] The detailed description as set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to represent the only form(s) in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth functions and sequence of steps for constructing, using, displaying, packaging, or using the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is understood, however, the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this invention. Continue reading... Full patent description for Container for foodstuffs Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Container for foodstuffs patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Container for foodstuffs or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Package Next Patent Application: Container sealing and/or protection apparatus Industry Class: Special receptacle or package ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Container for foodstuffs patent info. 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