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Title:
A BOX SUITABLE FOR CARRYING A STACKED TYPE FOOD ITEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/236007
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
There is provided a box suitable for carrying a stacked type food item (e.g., a burger or a sandwich) which can include a wet layer and a dry layer. Preferably, when the food item is carried within the box, the wet layer and the dry layer can be separated.

Inventors:
RAJOO RAJASHWARY (SG)
NG PEI KANG (SG)
Application Number:
PCT/SG2019/050287
Publication Date:
December 12, 2019
Filing Date:
June 06, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
4FINGERS CONCEPTS PTE LTD (SG)
International Classes:
B65D81/24; B65D25/08
Foreign References:
US5213256A1993-05-25
US4951866A1990-08-28
US4844330A1989-07-04
US20130224354A12013-08-29
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
YUSARN AUDREY (SG)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claim(s)

1. A box suitable for carrying a stacked type food item which comprises at least one wet layer and at least one dry layer, the box being shaped and dimensioned in a manner such that at least one access portion is defined and in a manner so as to be capable of carrying a partition portion comprising a tongue part, the partition portion being disposable within the stacked type food item so as to form an assembly in which the wet layer and the dry layer are separated, the box comprising:

a cover portion; and

a body portion, the cover portion being movable relative to the body portion such that the box is in one of an open configuration and a closed configuration,

wherein an enclosure is defined within the box based on at least one of the cover portion and the body portion when the box is in the closed configuration, the assembly capable of being carried within the enclosure in a manner such that the tongue part protrudes from the box via the access portion.

2. The box as in claim 1 ,

wherein the partition portion further comprises a separation part, wherein the separation part is coupled to the tongue part, and wherein the wet layer and the dry layer are separated by the separation part when the partition portion is disposed within the stacked type food item.

3. The box as in claim 1 , wherein the access portion is defined between the cover portion and the body portion.

4. The box as in claim 1 , wherein the partition portion is capable of being extracted from the assembly while the box is in the closed configuration, extraction being by manner of the tongue part being gripped and pulled so as to remove the partition portion from the box via the access portion, and leaving the stacked type food item within the box.

5. A food-packing method in association with a stacked type food item comprising at least one wet layer and at least one dry layer, the method comprising:

forming an assembly by disposing a partition portion between a wet layer and a dry layer, the partition portion having a tongue part; and

enclosing the assembly within an enclosure defined within a box having an access portion, the box capable of being in one of an open configuration and a closed configuration,

wherein the tongue part protrudes from the box via the access portion when the box is in the closed configuration. 6. The method as in claim 5, wherein the partition portion is capable of being removed from the box while the box is in the closed configuration.

7. The method as in claim 5,

wherein the assembly is formed and disposed within the box when the box is in the open configuration,

wherein the enclosure is defined when the box is in the closed configuration, and

wherein the assembly is enclosed within the enclosure when the box is in the closed configuration.

8. The method as in claim 5,

wherein the stacked type food item is disposed within the box when the box is in the open configuration,

wherein the enclosure is defined when the box is in the closed configuration,

wherein enclosure initially carries the stacked type food item, and wherein the assembly is subsequently formed when the partition portion is subsequently inserted into the box via the access portion when the box is in the closed configuration.

Description:
A BOX SUITABLE FOR CARRYING A STACKED TYPE FOOD ITEM

Field Of Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to a box suitable for carrying a stacked type food item such as a burger or a sandwich.

Background

In the food and beverage (F&B) industry, it is not uncommon for consumers/customers to make take-away (i.e., to go) type orders.

Typically, for such orders, the food item(s) ordered by the consumers/customers would be packed into takeaway boxes so that the food item can be conveniently carried out of the F&B establishment. However, for takeaway orders, it is typical that the food item(s) would be consumed only after some time has passed (i.e., the food items(s) would typically not be immediately consumed).

As such, condition of the food item(s) contained in a takeaway box may become less than optimal over time. For example, the food item(s) may turn soggy and may thus become less palatable for the consumer.

The present disclosure contemplates that there is a need to improve the manner in which a food item can be carried in a takeaway box.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a box. Preferably, the box can be suitable for carrying a stacked type food item (e.g., a burger or a sandwich) which can include at least one wet layer and at least one dry layer. The box can include a cover portion and a body portion. The cover portion can be moved relative to the body portion in a manner such that the box can be in either an open configuration or a closed configuration.

Moreover, the box can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner such that at least one access portion can be defined. For example, an access portion (e.g., in the form of a slit) can be defined between the cover portion and the body portion. In one example, the access portion can be defined between the cover portion and the body portion when the box is in the closed configuration. In a more specific example, the access portion can be defined between the cover portion and the body portion only when the box is in the closed configuration and not when the box is in the open configuration.

Additionally, the box can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to be capable of carrying a partition portion. The partition portion can include a tongue part. Preferably, the partition portion can be disposed within the stacked type food item so as to form an assembly in which the wet layer and the dry layer are separated. In one embodiment, the partition portion can further include a separation part which can be coupled to the tongue part. In one specific example, a wet layer and a dry layer can be separated by the separation part when the partition portion is disposed within the stacked type food item.

When the box is in the closed configuration, an enclosure can be defined within the box. The enclosure can be defined based on one or both of the cover portion and the body portion.

Preferably, the assembly can be carried within the enclosure in a manner such that the tongue part protrudes from the box via the access portion (i.e., when the box is in the closed configuration). Preferably, the partition portion can be extracted from the assembly while the box is in the closed configuration. Extraction can, for example, be by manner of the tongue part being gripped (e.g., finger-gripped by the thumb and index finger of a consumer) and pulled so as to remove the partition portion from the box via the access portion. Therefore, in regard to the assembly initially carried within the box, it is appreciable that after the partition portion has been extracted, only the stacked type food item is left behind within the box. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a food-packing method is provided. The food-packing method can be in association with a stacked type food item which includes at least one wet layer and at least one dry layer.

The food-packing method (i.e. , also referable to as“method”) can include an assembly step and a pack step. The method can, as an option, further include an extraction step.

With regard to the assembly step, an assembly can be formed by disposing a partition portion between a wet layer and a dry layer. The partition portion can include a tongue part.

With regard to the pack step, the assembly can be enclosed within an enclosure defined within a box having an access portion. The box can be capable of being in either an open configuration or a closed configuration. The enclosure can be defined when the box is in the closed configuration.

Preferably, the tongue part protrudes from the box via the access portion when the box is in the closed configuration. In one embodiment, the assembly is formed and disposed within the box when the box is in the open configuration. In this regard, the assembly can subsequently be enclosed within the enclosure when the box is in the closed configuration. In another embodiment, the stacked type food item is initially disposed within the box when the box is in the open configuration. The box can subsequently be closed (i.e., in the closed configuration). In this regard, the enclosure can be considered to be initially carrying the stacked type food item. The assembly can be subsequently formed when the partition portion is subsequently inserted into the box when the box is in the closed configuration.

With regard to the extraction step, the partition portion can be removed (i.e., extracted) from the box while the box is in the closed configuration. Removal/extraction can, for example, be by manner of the tongue part being gripped (e.g., finger-gripped by the thumb and index finger of a consumer) and pulled so as to remove the partition portion from the box via the access portion. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 a to Fig. 1 c show a box suitable for carrying a stacked-type food item, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

Fig, 2 shows a food-packing method in association with the box of Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Detailed Description

The present disclosure contemplates that the issue of deterioration in condition of a food item (e.g., the earlier discussed issue of sogginess) can be more apparent for a food item which includes both dry and wet portions. More specifically, a food item can be a stacked type food item which can include a plurality of layers. One of the layers can be considered a wet layer and another one of the layers can be considered a dry layer. It is contemplated that in order to impede deterioration, over time, in condition of a food item which is packed for a takeaway order, contact between the wet layer and the dry layer should be minimized.

Examples of a stacked type food item can include a burger and a sandwich. In one specific example, a burger can include a patty and a bun. The bun can be separated into a top part and a bottom part. The patty can be sandwiched between the top part and the bottom part. The patty can be considered a wet layer. The top part can be considered a dry layer and the bottom part can be considered another dry layer. When ordered as a takeaway and the burger is packed into a takeaway box or a food box (hereinafter referred to as a box), it is contemplated that contact should be minimized between at least the patty (i.e., a wet layer) and the bottom part (i.e., a dry layer) since moisture exuding from the patty could continuously drip onto the bottom part and cause sogginess over time.

The foregoing will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 hereinafter.

Referring to Fig. 1 a to Fig. 1 c, a box 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Fig. 1 a shows the box 100 in an open configuration 100a, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Fig. 1 b and Fig. 1 c show the box in a closed configuration 100b, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in Fig. 1 a, the box 100 can include a cover portion 102 and a body portion 104. The cover portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 in a manner such that the box 100 is either in an open configuration 100a (as shown in Fig. 1 a) and a closed configuration 100b (as will be shown in Fig. 1 b and Fig. 1 c). In one embodiment, the cover portion 102 can, as an option, be coupled to the body portion 104. For example, the cover portion 102 can be joined to the body portion 104 at an adjoining portion 105. In this regard, the cover portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 about the adjoining portion 105. For example, the cover portion 102 can be flipped about the adjoining portion 105 in a manner such that the box 100 is either in the open configuration 100a or the closed configuration 100b. The box 100 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to be capable of carrying one or more partition portions 106. Preferably, the partition portion(s) 106 can be carried within the box 100. A partition portion 106 can include a separation part 106a and a tongue part 106b. The separation part 106a can be coupled to the tongue part 106b.

The box 100 can be further shaped and dimensioned so that one or more access portions 108 can be defined, as will be shown in Fig. 1 b and Fig. 1 c. Preferably, an access portion 108 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so that the partition portion 106 can, when the box 100 is in a closed configuration 100b, be either inserted into the box 100 or extracted from the box 100. In this regard, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b, the partition portion 106 can be one of inserted into the box 100 and extracted from the box 100 via an access portion 108. Preferably, when the partition portion 106 is inserted into the box 100, the separation part 106a can be carried within the box 100 and the tongue part 106b can protrude from the box 100 via the access portion 108.

In one embodiment, an access portion 108 can be defined at the cover portion 102. In another embodiment, an access portion 108 can be defined at the body portion 104. In yet another embodiment, an access portion 108 can be defined between the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104.

In yet a further embodiment, one or more access portions 108 can be defined at any one of:

1 ) the cover portion 102,

2) the body portion 104, and

3) between the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104,

or any combination thereof. An access portion 108 can, for example, be in the form of a slit or an opening. Preferably, the access portion 108 can be defined between the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b. More preferably, the access portion 108 can be defined only after the cover portion 102 has been moved relative to the body portion 104 so that the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b (e.g., the access portion 108 is defined only when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b and not when the box 100 in the open configuration 100a). For example, the access portion 108 can correspond to a slit which can be defined or formed between the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b.

In general, the box 100 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to capable of carrying a food item 1 10. Preferably, the food item 1 10 corresponds to a stacked type food item (e.g., a burger) which can include a plurality of layers. The layers can include at least one wet layer 1 10a and at least one dry layer 1 10b. Preferably, a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b can be separated by at least one partition portion 106. Specifically, a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b can be separated by the separation part 106a of a partition portion 106.

In one example, the dry layer 1 10b can include a first dry layer (e.g., analogous to the earlier mentioned top part) and a second dry layer (e.g., analogous to the earlier mentioned bottom part), and the wet layer 1 10a can be disposed between the first and second dry layers 1 10b.

Preferably, the wet layer 1 10a can be separated from the second dry layer (not shown) by at least one partition portion 106. Fig. 1 a shows the first dry layer and the wet layer 110a whereas the second dry layer is obscured from view by a partition portion 106.

Additionally, the wet layer 1 10a can optionally be separated (not shown) from the first dry layer 110b by at least one partition portion 106.

In this regard, an assembly can be carried within the box 100. The assembly can include a food item 110 and at least one partition portion 106 which can be disposed between the food item 110. Specifically, an assembly of a food item 1 10 where a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b are separated by at least one partition portion 106 can be carried within the box 100. Moreover, when the assembly is carried within the box 100 and the box 100 is in a closed configuration 100b, the tongue part 106b of the partition portion 106 can protrude from the box 100 via the access portion 108.

More specifically, when in the closed configuration 100b, an enclosure (not shown) can be defined within the box 100 and the aforementioned assembly can be carried within the enclosure. The enclosure can be defined by one or both of the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104 as will be discussed in further detail hereinafter.

In one embodiment, the enclosure can be defined by the cover portion 102. In another embodiment, the enclosure can be defined by the body portion 104. In yet another embodiment, the enclosure can be defined by a combination of the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104. Generally, the enclosure can be defined by one or both of the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b.

Specifically, one or both of the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to form a receptacle 1 12. In one example, the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104 can each be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to form a receptacle 1 12. In a more specific example, the cover portion 102 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to form a receptacle 1 12 and the body portion 104 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to form a receptacle 1 12.

In this regard, the enclosure, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b, can be defined based on the receptacle 1 12 formed at one or both of the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104. In one example, the enclosure can be defined based on the receptacles 1 12 formed at the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104. The foregoing will be put in perspective in one exemplary situation where a food item 1 10 is to be packed into the box 100 for takeaway by a customer. Each of the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104 can be shaped and dimensioned so as to form a receptacle 1 12. In this regard, the enclosure (i.e., when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b) can be defined based on the receptacle

1 12 formed at the cover portion 102 and the receptacle 112 formed at the body portion 104. Moreover, the access portion 108 can be formed between the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104. Additionally, the food item 1 10 can include a first dry layer 1 10b (e.g., analogous to the earlier mentioned top part) and a second dry layer 1 10b (e.g., analogous to the earlier mentioned bottom part), and a wet layer 1 10a which can be disposed between the first and second dry layers 1 10b. At least the wet layer 1 10a and the second dry layer 1 10b can be separated by at least one partition portion 106. More specifically, the separation part(s) 106a of the partition portion(s) 106 can be disposed between at least the wet layer 1 10a and the second dry layer 1 10b of the food item 1 10. In this manner, the combination of the food item 1 10 and at least one partition portion(s) 106 form an assembly. In the exemplary situation, the box 100 can initially be empty and be in the closed configuration 100b. In this regard, the cover portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 such that the box 100 is in the open configuration 100a.

When the box 100 is in the open configuration 100a, access to at least a part of the enclosure can be allowed for the purpose of placing the assembly (i.e., food item 1 10 and the partition portion(s) disposed within the food item 110) within the box 100. For example, access to at least the receptacle 1 12 formed at the body portion 104 can be allowed for placement of the assembly therein when the box is in the open configuration 1 10a.

After the assembly has been placed within the receptacle 1 12 formed at the body portion 104, the cover portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 so that the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b and the assembly is enclosed within the box 100. More specifically, the assembly is carried within the enclosure defined in the box 100. More generally, the assembly can be considered to be carried within the box 100. In this regard, the cover portion 102 can generally be moved relative to the body portion 104 to one of allow and impede access into box 100. More specifically, the cover portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 to either allow access to the enclosure or at least a part thereof so that the assembly to be placed within the box 100 or impede access to the enclosure so that the assembly cannot be placed within the box 100. After the assembly is placed within the box 100 (i.e., or at least a part thereof), the cover portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 so that access to the assembly carried within the box 100 can be impeded (e.g., the cover portion 102 can be moved in a manner so as to cover the body portion 104 which carries the assembly so that access to the assembly can be impeded).

When assembly is carried within the box 100 and the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b, the tongue part 106b of the partition portion 106 can be protruding (e.g., sticking out) from the box 100 via the access portion 108.

Preferably, the tongue part 106b can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to facilitate extraction, if desired, of the partition portion 106 from the box 100 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b (i.e., leaving the food item 1 10 within the box 100 while the box 100 is still in the closed configuration 100b) when the customer is ready to consume the food item 1 10. In one embodiment, the tongue part 106b can be in the form of a tab portion shaped and dimensioned (i.e., at least of a size large enough) to be finger-gripped (e.g., by a combination of the thumb and the index finger) by the customer for extraction of the partition portion 106 from the closed (i.e., in the closed configuration 100b) box 100 via the access portion 108 by manner of, for example, a pulling action. The tongue part 106b can, for example, be shaped in accordance with a trademark, brand and/or an identifier of the F&B establishment (e.g., 4FINGERS®). Specifically, when the customer is ready to consume the food item 1 10 which is carried within the box 100 in the form of an assembly (i.e., with the partition portion 106 being disposed within the food item 110), the customer can be provided with the option of removing the partition portion 106 from the food item 1 10 while the box 100 is still in the closed configuration 100b. After the partition portion 106 has been extracted (e.g., removed from the box 100) via the access portion 108, the customer can move the cover portion 102 relative to the body portion 104 so that the box 100 is in the open configuration 100a (i.e., from the closed configuration 100b). When in the open configuration 100a, the food item 1 10 can be accessed and subsequently removed from the box 100 by the customer for consumption.

By removing the partition portion 106 while the box 100 is still in the closed configuration 100b, it is appreciable that the wet layer 1 10a and the dry layer 1 10b (i.e., the aforementioned second dry layer 1 10b) initially (i.e., while in the form of the aforementioned assembly) separated by the separation part 106a would come into contact with each other. Moreover, by removing the partition portion 106 while the box 100 is still in the closed configuration 100b, only the food item 1 10 would remain within the box 100 (i.e., as opposed to an assembly which includes both the food item 1 10 and the partition portion 106).

It is further appreciable that by providing the customer the option of removing the partition portion 106 while the box 100 is still in the closed configuration 100b, the food item 110 can be ready for customer consumption as soon as the customer opens (i.e., the open configuration 100a) the box 100. It is contemplated that providing the option of removing the partition portion 106 by manner of extraction via the access portion 108 would facilitate a convenient and/or user friendly manner of the removal/extraction of the partition portion 106 from the food item 1 10 (i.e., as opposed to the customer having to physically separate the layers of the food item 110 for the purpose of removing/extracting the partition portion 106 after the box 100 has been opened). In this regard, it is yet further appreciable the customer experience can be improved in the sense that the palatability of the food item 1 10 can be substantially preserved (e.g., excessive sogginess of a dry layer 1 10b can be prevented) without excessive inconvenience caused to the customer (i.e., the customer can simply extract the partition portion 106 before the box 100 is opened and enjoy the food item 1 10 after the box 100 is opened).

The insertion and/or extraction of one or more partition portion(s) 106 via the access portion(s) 108 while the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 b and Fig. 1 c hereinafter.

Specifically Fig. 1 b and Fig. 1 c show the box 100 in the closed configuration 100b, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. More specifically, Fig. 1 b and Fig. 1 c show the box 100 in the closed configuration 100b with the assembly being carried within the box 100, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in Fig. 1 b, when the assembly is carried within the enclosure defined within the box 100, the tongue part 106b of the partition portion 106 can be protruding (i.e.,“sticking out”) from the box 100 via the access portion 108.

As shown in Fig. 1 c, the partition portion 106 can be extracted from the food item 1 10 and subsequently from the box 100 by manner of a customer finger gripping (e.g., by use of the thumb and index finger) the tongue part 106b and pulling/extracting the partition portion 106 in an outward direction as denoted by directional arrow 120.

Alternatively, one or more additional partition portions 106 can be inserted into (i.e., pushing/inserting a partition portion 106 in an inward direction as denoted by directional arrow 130) the box 100 via the access portion 108.

In view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure contemplates, in general, a box 100 suitable for carrying a stacked type food item 1 10 which can include at least one wet layer 1 10a and at least one dry layer 1 10b. The box 100 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner such that at least one access portion 108 can be defined. Additionally, the box 100 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to be capable of carrying a partition portion 106 which can include a tongue part 106b.

Generally, the partition portion 106 can be disposed within the stacked type food item 1 10 so as to form an assembly in which the wet layer 1 10a and the dry layer 1 10b are separated. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, the box 100 can include a cover portion 102 and a body portion 104. The cover portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 such that the box 100 can be in one of an open configuration 100a and a closed configuration 100b. An enclosure can be defined within the box based on one or both of the cover portion 102 and the body portion 104 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b.

Preferably, the assembly can be carried within the enclosure in a manner such that the tongue part 106b protrudes from the box 100 via the access portion 108. Referring to Fig. 2, a food-packing method 200 in association with the box 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, the food packing method 200 can be directed at packing the food item 1 10 (e.g., a stacked type food item 1 10 which can include a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b) for the purpose of, for example, facilitating takeaway from an F&B establishment (e.g., a takeaway order by a customer).

The food-packing method 200 can include an assembly step 202 and a pack step 204. The food-packing method 200 can, as an option, further include an extraction step 206.

With regard to the assembly step 202, a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b of the food item 110 can be separated by at least one partition portion 106. Specifically, at least one partition portion 106 can be disposed between a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. More specifically, a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 110b can be separated by the separation part 106a of at least one partition portion 106, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Earlier mentioned, the food item 110 in combination with at least one partition portion 106 can be considered an assembly. Specifically, an assembly can correspond to, generally, at least one partition portion 106 disposed within the food item 1 10. With regard to the pack step 204, the assembly can be disposed and carried within an enclosure defined within the box 100.

Specifically, when the box 100 is in the open configuration 100a, either the food item 1 10 or the assembly can be placed within a receptacle 1 12 formed at the cover portion 102 and/or body portion 104. After the food item 1 10 or the assembly has been disposed within the receptacle 1 12, the cover portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 in a manner so that the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b. In one exemplary scenario where the food item 110 is carried within the box 100 without at least one partition portion 106 initially separating a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b, it is appreciable that at least one partition portion 106 can be subsequently inserted into the box 100 via the access portion(s) 108 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b. In this regard, it is appreciable that only the food item 1 10 can be initially carried within the box 100 and an assembly can be formed when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b after at least one partition portion 106 is subsequently inserted, via the access portion(s) 108, into the box 100 to separate a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b of the food item 1 10 carried within the box 100.

In another exemplary scenario, the assembly can be formed while the box 100 is in the open configuration 100a. The assembly can be disposed within a receptacle 112 (formed at the cover portion 102 and/or the body portion 104) when the box 100 is in the open configuration 100a. Thereafter, the cover portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 in a manner such that the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b. In this regard, the assembly can initially be formed and subsequently carried within the box 100.

Preferably, in both exemplary scenarios above, the assembly can be formed in a manner such that a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b are separated by the separation part 106a. Moreover, the tongue part 106b can be protruding from the box 100 via the access portion 108.

With regard to the extraction step 206, the partition portion(s) 106 can be extracted from the box 100 while the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b.

Specifically, when a customer is ready to consume the food item 1 10, the customer is provided with the option of removing the partition portion(s) 106 from the assembly carried within the box 100, prior to opening the box 100.

More specifically, by manner of, for example, finger gripping the tongue part 106b and a pulling action in an outward direction, the customer can extract (i.e., via the access portion(s) 108 while the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b) the partition portion(s) 106 in a convenient manner so that the food item 1 10 can be ready for consumption as soon as the box 100 is opened (i.e., from the closed configuration 100b to the open configuration 100a). Therefore it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates a food-packing method 200 in association with a stacked type food item 1 10 which can include at least one wet layer 1 10a and at least one dry layer 1 10b. The method 200 can include 1 ) forming an assembly by disposing a partition portion 106 between a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b. 2) enclosing the assembly within an enclosure defined within a box 100 having an access portion 108.

Earlier mentioned, the partition portion 106 can include a tongue part 106b. Moreover, the box 100 can be capable of being in one of an open configuration 100a and a closed configuration 100b. Preferably, the tongue part 106b protrudes from the box 100 via the access portion 108 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b. It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of features described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments.

In one example, as discussed earlier, the cover portion 102 can be coupled, at the adjoining portion 105, to the body portion 104, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. It is appreciable that the cover portion 102 need not be coupled to the body portion 104, in accordance with another embodiment. Specifically, in another embodiment, the cover portion 102 can be physically separated from the body portion 104 when in the open configuration 100a.

In another example, the assembly is earlier discussed in the context where at least one partition portion 106 has been disposed within the food item 110 (i.e., for separating a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b) prior to placing the assembly into the box 100 (i.e., while in the open configuration 100a) then closing the box 100 (i.e., from the open configuration 100a to the closed configuration 100b).

It is further contemplated as an alternative, the food item 1 10 can be first placed within the box 100 and closing the box 100. At least one partition portion 106 can be inserted (i.e., in an inward direction opposing the aforementioned outward direction) into the box 100 (i.e., to separate a wet layer 1 10a and a dry layer 1 10b of the food item 1 10 already enclosed within the box 100) via the access portion 108 only after the box 100 is closed. In this regard, an assembly (i.e., the food item 1 10 with at least one partition portion 106 disposed within the food item 110) can be formed when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100b after the food item 1 10 has initially been placed within the box 100 without a partition portion 106.

As a further alternative, at least one or more further partition portion(s) 106 can be further inserted via the access portion 108 after the assembly is enclosed within the box 100. In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.