Food container apparatus

Abstract

A stackable food container includes a lower food receptacle portion, and an upper tray forming section with one or more sides foldably coupled to the lower food receptacle portion. The upper tray forming section encloses the contents of the food container when the one or more sides are in a closed state. The upper tray forming section is configured to cooperatively deploy into a tray when the one or more sides are in an open state. The tray may include an upward-facing rim substantially surrounding the contents of the food container.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
   
   
       13 . A container for a food item for facilitating both holding and consumption of the food item, said container comprising: 
 a tapered lower receptacle portion having ends, sides, a bottom, and an opening formed therein, said tapered lower receptacle portion being constructed and arranged to surround the food item to enable both holding in a substantially vertical orientation and consumption of the food item;    an upper tray forming section, said upper tray forming section having at least one edge foldably coupled to said tapered lower receptacle portion on at least one side of said opening;    said upper tray forming section being constructed and arranged to enclose the food item within the container when the container is in a closed state and to deploy into a substantially horizontal tray in an open state;    whereby said taper of said lower receptacle portion enables stacking of multiple empty containers when said upper tray forming section is in an open state.    
   
   
       14 . A container for enabling those eating a food item therefrom to prevent drips or crumbs from the food item from falling onto their clothes, said container comprising: 
 a tapered hollow lower portion constructed and arranged to include an opening for insertion of the food item in a substantially vertical orientation;    an upper tray forming section attached to at least one side of said opening and being foldably coupled to said tapered hollow lower portion;    said upper tray forming section being configured to close over said tapered hollow lower portion and deploy into a substantially horizontal surface for catching drips or crumbs while the food item is being eaten from the container.    
   
   
       15 . The container as defined in  claim 14  wherein said tapered hollow lower portion is shaped to facilitate stacking of empty containers when said upper tray forming section is not closed over said tapered hollow lower portion.