Collapsible Food Containers with Divider Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel food storage device. The device is a set of food storage containers that are collapsible, range in size and shape, and nest within each other. The device comprises a base component with a flexible body and grooves around an inner perimeter, to give the base component a rigid structure when expanded. Further, the base component comprises similar-shaped lockable inserts containing freezer gel, thus allowing the food to be separated and kept cold when stored. The lockable inserts are locked into the grooves by wedging the inserts into the expanded sides of the base component via a friction fit design. Further, the base component can also comprise a plurality of rigid, vertical spacers/dividers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A food storage device that provides users with food storage containers capable of keeping food stored and organized, the food storage device comprising:
 a base component;   a sidewall portion;   a rim; and   a plurality of lockable inserts that are thin, plastic dividers; and   wherein the plurality of lockable inserts provide rigidity to the base component and the sidewall portion and divide food stored therein; and   further wherein the food storage device is configured to collapse from a raised position, in which the food storage device is configured to retain food, to a collapsed position, in which the food storage device is collapsed for storage and can be nested with other food storage devices.   
     
     
         2 . The food storage device of  claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the food storage device progresses from large to small, allowing the plurality of lockable insert components to be inserted into a larger part of the diameter and secured around a full perimeter of the food storage device. 
     
     
         3 . The food storage device of  claim 2 , wherein the sidewall portion is perpendicular to and projects outwardly from the base component and terminates at a distal end to form an opening. 
     
     
         4 . The food storage device of  claim 3 , wherein the sidewall portion surrounds and defines an interior cavity of the food storage device configured to receive food for storage. 
     
     
         5 . The food storage device of  claim 4 , wherein the sidewall portion is comprised of an inner surface and an outer surface. 
     
     
         6 . The food storage device of  claim 5 , wherein the sidewall portion comprises a groove therein that is generally orthogonal to a direction of collapse and erection of the food storage device. 
     
     
         7 . The food storage device of  claim 6 , wherein the groove is formed by providing a line of weakness in the sidewall portion. 
     
     
         8 . The food storage device of  claim 7 , wherein the line of weakness is an area of reduced wall thickness. 
     
     
         9 . The food storage device of  claim 8 , wherein the line of weakness allows the sidewall portion to collapse either inwardly or outwardly relative to the food storage device. 
     
     
         10 . The food storage device of  claim 9  further comprising a plurality of rigid, vertical spacers. 
     
     
         11 . The food storage device of  claim 10  wherein the plurality of rigid, vertical spacers are configured to interlock in a perpendicular configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The food storage device of  claim 11  wherein the rim is positioned above the sidewall portion and comprises a vertically extending mating portion and an outwardly extending flange. 
     
     
         13 . The food storage device of  claim 12 , wherein the vertically extending mating portion is configured to mate with a lid and the outwardly extending flange provides rigidity for the food storage device and a grip point for a user applying or removing the lid from the food storage device. 
     
     
         14 . The food storage device of  claim 13 , wherein the lid comprises a label area and a flip handle. 
     
     
         15 . The food storage device of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of lockable inserts comprise a freezer gel. 
     
     
         16 . The food storage device of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of lockable inserts would be inserted into the groove of the sidewall portion and retained therein via a friction fit design that prevents leaks. 
     
     
         17 . A food storage device that provides users with food storage containers capable of keeping food stored and organized, the food storage device comprising:
 a base component;   a sidewall portion;   a rim;   a lid with a tab and through-hole; and   a plurality of lockable freezer gel inserts; and   wherein the sidewall portion is perpendicular to and projects outwardly from the base component and terminates at a distal end forming an opening;   wherein the sidewall portion surrounds and defines an interior cavity of the food storage device configured to receive food for storage;   wherein the sidewall portion has a groove therein that is generally orthogonal to a direction of collapse and erection of the food storage device;   wherein the groove is formed by providing a line of weakness in the sidewall portion;   wherein the plurality of lockable freezer gel inserts provide rigidity to the base component and the sidewall portion and divide food stored therein;   wherein the food storage device is configured to collapse from a raised position, in which the food storage device is configured to retain food, to a collapsed position, in which the food storage device is collapsed for storage and can be nested with other food storage devices; and   further wherein the rim is positioned above the sidewall portion and includes a vertically extending mating portion for mating with the lid and an outwardly extending flange that provides rigidity for the food storage device and a grip point for a user applying or removing the lid.   
     
     
         18 . The food storage device of  claim 17  further comprising a plurality of indicia. 
     
     
         19 . The food storage device of  claim 18  further comprising a plurality of rigid, vertical spacers that would interlock in a perpendicular configuration. 
     
     
         20 . A method of storing food in a refrigerator or freezer comprising the steps of:
 providing a food storage device comprising a base component with a plurality of freezer gel inserts for rigidity;   choosing a specific style and size of the food storage device depending on the needs or wants of a user;   expanding the base component of the food storage device;   positioning food and the plurality of freezer gel inserts within the base component;   positioning a plurality of vertical spacers within the base component; and   sealing a lid on the food storage device for transport or storage in a freezer or refrigerator.