Container

Abstract

The present invention comprises a container for presenting foodstuff and other items in a reliable yet appealing fashion. The container includes a sidewall having an inner surface, wherein the sidewall is configured to substantially define a container volume, the volume being partially defined by an upper edge formed in a top section of the sidewall. Additionally, the container includes a center section that is substantially centrally positioned within the volume defined by the sidewall. The center section is configured to hold foodstuff or other items in the area defined by the center section. The container also includes at least one channel contacting the inner surface, the channel being configured to hold an item placed about the upper edge of the container. The channel can be either integrally formed as part of the inner surface or the channel can be otherwise attached to inner surface.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A container, comprising: 
 a sidewall having an inner surface configured to substantially define a container volume, the sidewall having an upper edge forming a top of the sidewall;    a center section, the center section being substantially centrally positioned within the sidewall; and,    at least one channel contacting the inner surface, the channel being configured to hold an item placed about the upper edge of the container.    
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container is constructed from a material that is at least one of a clear glass, colored glass, plastic, Plexiglas, ceramic, wood, cloth, or metal or metal alloy.  
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one channel has a geometry that is at least one of a substantially cylindrical, c-shaped or t-shaped element.  
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one channel is integrally formed as part of the inner surface.  
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one channel is separate structure attached to the inner surface.  
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one handle attached to the container.  
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of containers are connected to form a multi-container display.  
     
     
         8 . A container, comprising: 
 a sidewall having an inner surface configured to substantially define a container volume, the sidewall having an upper edge forming a top of the sidewall;    a center section, the center section being substantially centrally positioned within the sidewall; and,    a means for holding an item placed about the upper edge of the container.    
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the container is constructed from a material that is at least one of a clear glass, colored glass, plastic, Plexiglas, ceramic, wood, cloth, or metal or metal alloy.  
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the means for holding an item is at least one of a substantially cylindrical, c-shaped or t-shaped element.  
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein the means for holding an item is integrally formed as part of the inner surface.  
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein the means for holding an item is a separate structure attached to the inner surface.  
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 8 , further comprising at least one handle attached to the container.  
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein a plurality of containers are connected to form a multi-container display.  
     
     
         15 . A container, comprising: 
 a sidewall having an inner surface configured to substantially define a container volume, the sidewall having an upper edge forming a top of the sidewall; and,    at least one channel, the channel having a top edge, the channel contacting the inner surface, the channel being configured to hold an item placed about the upper edge of the container;    wherein the top edge of the at least one channel is substantially flush with the upper edge.    
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein the container is constructed from a material that is at least one of a clear glass, colored glass, plastic, Plexiglas, ceramic, wood, cloth, or metal or metal alloy.  
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one channel has a geometry that is at least one of a substantially cylindrical, c-shaped or t-shaped element.  
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 15 , further comprising at least one handle attached to the container.  
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein a plurality of containers are connected to form a multi-container display.  
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 15 , further comprising a center section, the center section being substantially centrally positioned within the sidewall.