The present invention claims priority on United States Provisional Patent Applications 61/559,197 filed November 14, 2011 and 61/651,238 filed May 24, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of United States Design Patent Application Serial Nos. 29/429,211 filed August 8, 2012 and 29/436,592 filed November 7, 2012, which are both incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention is directed to a sandwich wrap, and more particularly to a sandwich wrap that can be used to assemble a sandwich thereon and/or to limit or prevent crushing of stacked sandwiches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fast food restaurants and convenience food marts commonly wrap and package sandwiches in two primary ways, namely in a clamshell container or in paper wrapping. The clamshell containers are typically formed of paper board or a plastic or Styrofoam material. Although both of these types of sandwich packaging are very popular, both types of packaging have one or more disadvantages.

The clamshell containers are shaped and formed so that a pre-assembled sandwich can be placed in the lower portion of the container and thereafter the container lid is closed over the sandwich. Due to the shape and design of clamshell containers, the sandwich cannot be easily made in the container, thus the sandwich is required to be assembled on a separate counter top prior to being placed in the clamshell container. Generally the sandwich assembly location is on a hard surface such as a stainless steel counter top or the like. This counter top requires constant cleaning, thus potentially introducing undesirable chemicals and microorganisms to the sandwich while the sandwich is assembled on the counter top. Furthermore, the continuous cleaning of the counter top is time consuming and adds additional costs to the sandwich. Styrofoam and plastic clamshell containers have the further disadvantage of being environmentally unfriendly due to the materials used for the clamshell container.

Clamshell containers also are inconvenient to the consumer when eating the sandwich. Due to the configuration of the clamshell container, the sandwich typically needs to be fully removed from the clamshell container before the consumer can eat the sandwich. During sandwich removal, the sandwich can break apart, and/or ingredients can fall or drip from the sandwich. Furthermore, many sandwiches require two hands to initially hold and eat. Consumers that are driving find it difficult, if not impossible, to eat a sandwich with two hands while also driving. Consumers sitting in cars also must lift the sandwich out of the clamshell container and risk portions of the sandwich falling onto the consumer's lap, especially when the car ride is not a smooth ride.

Paper wrapping addresses some of the concerns associated with clamshell containers. Paper wrapping does enable the sandwich to be directly assembled on the paper wrapping, thus insulating the sandwich from a hard surface counter top. Paper wrapping also enables an individual to consume the sandwich while at least a portion of the sandwich is still in the paper wrapping. However, paper wrapping provides very little protection to the compression of the sandwich while in the wrapping. When sandwiches are stored on a shelf, the sandwiches are commonly stacked on one another. The clamshell container is designed to maintain the integrity of the sandwich when multiple sandwich containers are stacked on one another. The paper wrapping does little to prevent compression of a sandwich when multiple sandwiches are stacked on one another, thus potentially resulting in a crushed and/or undesirable looking sandwich.

In view of the existing problems associated with prior art sandwich packaging, there remains a need for an improved sandwich container that overcomes one or more of the deficiencies of prior art sandwich containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved sandwich wrap. The sandwich wrap is designed to be formed of environmentally friendly materials, namely paper, paper board, and/or metal; however, other or additional materials can be used to form one or more portions of the sandwich wrap (e.g., plastic, adhesives, ink, fiber board, composite materials, etc.). The sandwich wrap of the present invention is configured to a) enable a sandwich to be assembled on a portion of the sandwich wrap and then enabling the sandwich to be enclosed within the sandwich wrap without having to move or lift the sandwich off the assembly surface of the sandwich wrap, b) enable a consumer to conveniently eat the sandwich while the sandwich is partially in the sandwich wrap, c) function as a convenient sandwich holder while the consumer eats the sandwich in the sandwich wrap, d) protects the integrity of the sandwich when positioned in the sandwich wrap so as to limit the crushing and/or disassembly of the sandwich when a plurality of sandwiches in the sandwich wraps are stacked on one another and/or placed in a bag after the sandwich is purchased by the consumer, and/or e) improve the taste of the wrapped sandwich as compared to a sandwich that has been placed in a plastic, compressed paperboard or Styrofoam clamshell container. The sandwich wrap of the present invention can have additional advantages such as, but not limited to, 1) including one or more viewing panels to enable a consumer to easily view the sandwich in the closed sandwich wrap, 2) including an adhesive tab for convenient closing of the sandwich wrap after the sandwich is placed in the sandwich wrap, 3) including a security seal that limits or prevents tampering of the sandwich in the sandwich wrap until the consumer purposely opens the sandwich wrap, and/or 4) including printing on one or more portions of the sandwich wrap (e.g., printed labels, printing material directly on the wrap surface, stamped or embossed material directly on the wrap surface, etc.). The shape, size, color and texture of the sandwich wrap of the present invention is non-limiting. The material selection for the sandwich wrap is limited only to the intended use of the sandwich wrap. As such, many different materials can be used. Although the sandwich wrap is designed for use with a food item such as sandwiches that include one or more slices of bread or a bun or a roll or a croissant, or pita bread, or a bagel, etc. and one or more fillings (e.g., cheese, hamburger, deli meat, pork, meatball, steak, roast beef, chicken, tuna salad, chicken salad, sausage, hot dog, vegetables, fruit, beans, etc.), it can be appreciated that the sandwich wrap can be designed for use with many other food items (e.g., pizza, egg rolls, pie, cake, pastries, rolls, chicken, corn dogs, wraps, burritos, enchilada, tostada, bread sticks, cinnamon rolls, tacos, pretzels, etc.).

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sandwich wrap that includes a sheet portion and a reinforcement portion. The reinforcement portion is designed to partially or fully encircle a food item that is wrapped in the sandwich wrap. The sheet portion is designed to partially or fully enclose or encapsulate the food item in the sandwich wrap.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the sheet portion is generally formed of a flexible material (e.g., paper, metal foil, composite material, fabric, polymer film, etc.). The sheet portion can be formed of one or more layers (e.g., single sheet of paper, single metal foil layer, paper layer and metal foil layer, paper layer and polymer film layer, paper layer and metal foil layer and polymer film layer, two sheets of paper and metal foil layer, etc.). The thickness of the sheet portion and the thickness of the one or more layers of the sheet portion are non-limiting. The thickness of the sheet portion can be uniform or non-uniform. The thickness of the one or more layers of the sheet portion can be uniform or non-uniform. In one non- limiting embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the sheet portion is uniform. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the thickness of each of the layers of the sheet portion is uniform. In still another non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the sheet portion is about 0.0001-0.25 inches, typically about 0.0002-0.1 inches, and more typically about 0.0002-0.05 inches. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the sheet portion includes a plurality of layers. Each of the layers of paper or metal foil generally has a thickness of about 0.0001-0.2 inches, typically about 0.0002-0.1 inches, and more typically about 0.0002-0.05 inches. The thicknesses of the layers can be the same or different. The layers can be formed of the same material, or one or more of the layers can be formed of a different material. In one non-limiting configuration, the sheet portion is formed of a single layer of material. Such single layer can include, but is not limited to a metal foil material, paper material or polymer material (e.g., polymethylpentene (PMP), styrene-acrylic latex copolymers, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyolefins [e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene-polypropylene copolymers, and polybutylene], polyimides, polyamides, urethanes, silicones, polysulfones, and/or the like). The thickness of the single layer is about 0.00015-0.1 inches, typically about 0.0002-0.05 inches, and more typically about 0.0002-0.02 inches. In another non-limiting configuration, the sheet portion includes a first and second layer. Each of the first and second layers have a thickness of about 0.0001-0.25 inches, typically about 0.0002- 0.1 inches, and more typically about 0.0002-0.05 inches. The first and second layers can have an equal thickness, or the first layer can have a greater thickness than the second layer, or the first layer can have a lesser thickness than the second layer. The first and second layer can be formed of the same or different material. In one specific example, the first layer is a paper layer and the second layer is a metal foil layer (e.g., aluminum foil layer, etc.). Each of the first and second layers have a thickness of about 0.0001-0.2 inches, typically about 0.0002-0.1 inches, and more typically about 0.0002-0.05 inches. In this non-limiting example, the paper weight can be 4-40 lbs./msf, typically 4-20 lbs./msf, more typically, 4-15 lbs./msf. The thickness of the metal foil layer in this non-limiting examples is about 0.00015-0.001 inches, typically about 0.0002-0.0005 inches, and more typically about 0.0002-0.0005 inches. The first and second layer can be connected together by one or more ways (e.g., heat bonding, pressure bonding, adhesive, melt bonding, etc.). In another non-limiting specific example, the first layer includes a paper or metal foil layer and the second layer includes a polymer film coating. The first layer has a thickness of about 0.0001-0.2 inches, typically about 0.0002-0.1 inches, and more typically about 0.0002- 0.05 inches. The thickness of the second layer is less than the first layer that includes a paper layer or metal foil layer; however, this is not required. The second polymer film coating can have a coating weight of about 0.1-30 P/MSF, typically about 0.1-20 P/MSF, more typically about 0.5-20 P/MSF, still more typically about 1-15 P/MSF, and yet still more typically about 2- 12 P/MSF. Generally the weight of the first layer that includes a paper layer or metal foil layer has a greater weight than the polymer film coating; however, this is not required. In still another non-limiting configuration, the sheet portion includes a first, second and third layer. The layers can be formed of the same or different material. In one specific example, the first layer is a paper layer and the second layer is a paper layer or a metal foil layer (e.g., aluminum foil layer, etc.) and the third layer is a polymer film layer. The two paper layers or the paper and metal foil layer have a thickness of about 0.0001-0.2 inches, typically about 0.0001-0.1 inches, and more typically about 0.0002-0.05 inches. The polymer film coating has a coating weight of about 0.1- 30 P/MSF, typically about 0.1-20 P/MSF, more typically about 0.5-20 P/MSF, still more typically about 1-15 P/MSF, and yet still more typically about 2-12 P/MSF. Generally, the thickness of the polymer film layer is less than each of the paper layers or metal foil layers; however, this is not required. The first and second layers can be connected together by one or more ways (e.g., heat bonding, pressure bonding, adhesive, melt bonding, etc.). The third layer can be coated on either the first or second layer. Generally, one side of the paper layer is coated with the polymer film layer; however, it can be appreciated that the polymer film layer can be coated onto the metal foil layer, when used. In another specific example, the first layer is a metal foil layer and the second layer is a paper layer or a metal foil layer (e.g., aluminum foil layer, etc.) and the third layer is a polymer film layer. The two metal foil layers or the paper and metal foil layer have a thickness of about 0.0001-0.2 inches, typically about 0.0001-0.1 inches, and more typically about 0.0002-0.05 inches. The polymer film coating has a coating weight of about 0.1-30 P/MSF, typically about 0.1-20 P/MSF, more typically about 0.5-20 P/MSF, still more typically about 1-15 P/MSF, and yet still more typically about 2-12 P/MSF. Generally, the thickness of the polymer film layer is less than each of the paper layers or metal foil layers; however, this is not required. The first and second layers can be connected together by one or more ways (e.g., heat bonding, pressure bonding, adhesive, melt bonding, etc.). The third layer can be coated on either the first or second layer.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement portion is generally formed of a flexible material (e.g., paper, corrugated paper board, metal foil, fabric, composite material, plastic film, etc.). Generally, the reinforcement portion and the sheet portion are formed of one or more different materials; however, this is not required. The thickness of the reinforcement portion is generally equal to or greater than the thickness of the sheet portion. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the thickness of the reinforcement portion to the sheet portion is about 1.01-1000:1, generally about 1.5-200:1, and more typically about 2-100:1. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement portion is partially or fully formed of a corrugated material. In one non-limiting example, the corrugated material is formed of a paper material. Generally the height of the flutes of the corrugated material has an average height of about 0.02-0.5 inches. The thickness of the paper material used to form the corrugated material, when paper is used, is about 0.002-0.01 inches. Generally, the average height of the flutes of the corrugated material is greater than the thickness of the sheet portion. Also, the thickness of the material used to form the corrugated material is generally equal to or greater than the thickness of the sheet portion. The shape of the flute of the corrugated material is non-limiting. The reinforcement portion can be formed of one or more layers. In one non-limiting example, the reinforcement portion is only formed of a corrugated material. In another non-limiting example, the reinforcement portion is formed of a board material (e.g., paper board, plastic sheet, etc.) that optionally includes one or more slots and/or grooves to facilitate in the bending of the board material. In still another non-limiting example, the reinforcement portion is formed of two layers of corrugated material. In yet another non- limiting example, the reinforcement portion is formed of a layer of corrugated material and a layer of board material. When the reinforcement portion is formed of two or more layers, the layers can be connected together in a variety of ways (e.g., heat bonding, pressure bonding, adhesive, melt bonding, etc.). Also, the reinforcement portion can be connected to the sheet portion in a variety of ways (e.g., heat bonding, pressure bonding, adhesive, melt bonding, etc.).

In still another non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement portion can overlay all or a portion of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement portion only overlies a portion of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the reinforcement portion only overlies 5-95% of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. In another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the reinforcement portion only overlies 10-90% of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. In still another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the reinforcement portion only overlies 20-80%o of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. In yet another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the reinforcement portion only overlies 20-60% of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. In still yet another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the reinforcement portion only overlies 20- 49.99%) of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. In another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the reinforcement portion only overlies 20-49% of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. In still another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the reinforcement portion only overlies 25-40% of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. In yet another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the reinforcement portion only overlies 30-35% of the sheet portion when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion. When the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion, none, all or only a portion of the peripheral edge of the reinforcement portion can be spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge of the sheet portion. In one non-limiting example, only a portion of the peripheral edge of the reinforcement portion can be spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge of sheet portion. In such example, about 5-95% of the peripheral edge of the reinforcement portion can be spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge of sheet portion. In one specific aspect of this example, about 10-49% of the peripheral edge of the reinforcement portion is spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge of sheet portion, and more typically about 15-35% of the peripheral edge of the reinforcement portion is spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge of sheet portion. The reinforcement portion can optional have all or a portion of an outer surface coated with a polymer material (e.g., polymethylpentene (PMP), styrene-acrylic latex copolymers, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyolefins [e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene-polypropylene copolymers, and polybutylene], polyimides, polyamides, urethanes, silicones, polysulfones, and/or the like); however, this is not required. The polymer coating, when used, has a coating weight of about 0.1-30 P/MSF, typically about 0.1-20 P/MSF, more typically about 0.5-20 P/MSF, still more typically about 1- 15 P/MSF, and yet still more typically about 2-12 P/MSF. Generally, the thickness of the polymer coating, when used, is less than the thickness of some or all of the other layers in the reinforcement portion; however, this is not required.

In yet another non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement portion is sized and shaped such that the peripheral edges of at least a portion of the reinforcement portion overlap one another when a food item is wrapped in the sandwich wrap; however, this is not required. In such an arrangement, the overlapping peripheral edges provide additional structural support for the sandwich wrap so as to further resist the crushing of a food item that is wrapped in the sandwich wrap.

In still yet another non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement portion is sized and shaped such that 50% -100% of a food item can be supported on the reinforcement portion. Generally at least 60%, more typically at least 75%, and still more typically at least 90% of a food item can be supported on the reinforcement portion. Such a configuration of the reinforcement portion facilitates in the ability of a food item to be built on the reinforcement portion prior to fully wrapping the food item in the sandwich wrap.

It is one non-limiting object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that is simple to assemble.

It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that is simple to use.

It is still another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that can be formed of environmentally friendly materials.

It is still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that can have a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors and/or textures.

It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that can be used with sandwiches and other food items.

It is still another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that is configured to enable a sandwich to be assembled on a portion of the sandwich wrap and then enclosing the sandwich within the sandwich wrap without having to remove, move or lift the sandwich off the assembly surface of the sandwich wrap.

It is yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that is configured to enable a consumer to conveniently eat a sandwich or other food item while the sandwich or other food item is partially in the sandwich wrap.

It is still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that is configured to support a portion of the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich wrap while a consumer eats the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich wrap.

It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that is configured to capture drippings and portions of the sandwich or other food items in the sandwich wrap while the consumer eats the sandwich or other food item in the sandwich wrap.

It is still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that is configured to protect the integrity of the sandwich or other food item when the sandwich or other food item is positioned in the sandwich wrap so as to limit the crushing and/or disassembly of the sandwich or other food item when the sandwich wrap that contains a sandwich are stacked with other sandwich wraps containing sandwiches and/or placed and conveyed in a bag after the sandwich or other food item is purchase by the consumer.

It is another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that is configured to include printing on one or more portions of the sandwich wrap.

It is still another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that includes a sheet portion and reinforcement portion that is connected to the sheet portion.

It is yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention to provide an improved sandwich wrap that includes a reinforcement portion that is sized to enable at least a portion of a food item to be supported on the reinforcement portion during the assembly of the food item and/or after the food item has been wrapped in the sandwich wrap.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and following the description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate various non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangement of parts wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a top elevation view of a non-limiting sandwich wrap that has a sandwich represented in dashed lines placed on the top surface of the reinforcement portion;

FIGURE 2 is a bottom elevation view of the sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a left side view of the sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a front end view of the sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a front elevation view of a sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1 that is partially wrapped over a sandwich;

FIGURE 7 is a front elevation view of a sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1 that is partially wrapped over a sandwich; FIGURE 8 is a front elevation view of a sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1 that is fully wrapped in one non-limiting configuration about a sandwich;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged sectional view of another embodiment of the sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged sectional view of another embodiment of the sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged sectional view of another embodiment of the sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1; and,

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged sectional view of another embodiment of the sandwich wrap of FIGURE 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIGURES 1-12 illustrate non-limiting configurations of the sandwich wrap 100 of the present invention. The sandwich wrap includes a sheet portion 200 and a reinforcement portion 300. As illustrated in FIGURES 1, 3, 4 and 6, a food item such as, but not limited to, a sandwich S as illustrated in dashed lines can be placed on a portion of the top surface 310 of the reinforcement portion 300. As illustrated in FIGURES 6-8, the sandwich wrap is designed to partially or fully wrap a food item within the sandwich wrap.

As illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the sheet portion 200 has a generally square or rectangular shape; however, it can be appreciated that the sheet portion can have other shapes (e.g., circular, oval, polygonal, etc.). The size, shape and color of the sheet portion are non- limiting. Generally, the sheet portion has a size of up to about 600 sq. in., typically about 100- 550 sq. in., and more typically about 200-500 sq. in.; however, other sizes can be used. The thickness of the sheet portion is generally about 0.001-0.05 inches.

The sheet portion can be formed of one or more layers. As illustrated in FIGURE 5, the sheet portion 200 is formed of a single layer of material 250; however, this is not required. Layer 250 has a top and bottom surface 252, 254. Generally the single layer of a material is a paper layer or a metal foil layer. As can be appreciated, the paper layer or a metal foil layer could be coated with a polymer or wax coating 400 as illustrated in FIGURE 9; however, this is not required. The polymer or wax coating, when used, can be used to inhibit or prevent absorption of liquids into one or more of the layers of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. The sheet portion can include printed material on one or more surfaces of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. The sheet portion is generally planar or flat on the top and/or bottom sides 210, 220; however, this is not required. The sheet portion is formed of a material and has a thickness that enables the sheet portion to be folded about a food item so that the food item can be wrapped in the sandwich wrap as illustrated in FIGURES 6-8.

As illustrated in FIGURE 1, a portion of the top side 210 of the sheet portion 200 includes the reinforcement portion 300. As illustrated in FIGURE 5, the reinforcement portion is formed of a single layer 320. Layer 320 is illustrated as a corrugated layer. The type of flutes on the corrugated layer is non-limiting. Generally, layer 320 is formed of a single continuous layer; however, this is not required. The lower side 324 of layer 320 is generally connected to the top side 210 of the sheet portion 200 by an adhesive and/or a melted seam 500. The thickness of the reinforcement portion is generally greater than the thickness of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. Also, the height of the flutes of the corrugated layer is generally greater than the thickness of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. When the reinforcement material is made of the paper, the thickness of the corrugated top layer is generally greater than the thickness of the sheet portion; however, this is not required.

As best illustrated in FIGURE 1, the reinforcement portion has a generally rectangular shape; however, the reinforcement portion can have other shapes (e.g., circular, oval, polygonal, etc.). The reinforcement portion has a front edge 302, a back edge 304, and two side edges 306, 308. The front and back edges 302, 304 extend to the front and back edges 202, 204, respectively of the sheet portion; however, it can be appreciated that front edge 302 is spaced from or extends beyond front edge 202 and/or back edge 304 is spaced from or extends beyond back edge 204. The two side edges 306, 308 of the reinforcement portion are illustrated as being spaced from side edges 206, 208, respectively of the sheet portion; however, it can be appreciated that side edge 306 extends to or extends beyond side edge 206 and/or side edge 308 extends to or extends beyond side edge 208. Generally, when the reinforcement portion is connected to the sheet portion, the reinforcement portion overlies less than 100% of the top side 210 of the sheet portion, typically overlies about 20-80%) of the top side of the sheet portion, typically overlies about 25-45% of the top side of the sheet portion, and still more typically about 28-28 of the top side of the sheet portion, and even more typically about 32-34%» of the top side of the sheet portion. As illustrated in FIGURE 1, the reinforcement portion is generally centered between side edges 204, 206 of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. Generally the ratio of the distance between edges 306 and 206 to the distance between edges 308 and 208 is 0.5-2:1, typically 0.75-1.5:1, and more typically 0.9-1.1:1.

The width of the reinforcement portion is generally selected to be equal to or greater than the width of sandwich S as illustrated in FIGURE 1; however, this is not required. The length of the reinforcement portion and the sheet portion are generally selected so that edges 302, 304 and edges 202 and 204 overlap one another when the sheet portion and reinforcement portion are folded over and about the sandwich S as illustrated in FIGURE 7; however, this is not required. The width of the sheet portion is generally selected such that once edges 302, 304 and edges 202 and 204 are positioned in an overlap position when the sheet portion and reinforcement portion are folded over and about the sandwich S, side edges 204, 206 can be folded so as to fully encapsulate sandwich S with the sheet portion as illustrated in FIGURE 7.

When sandwich S is partially of fully encapsulated in the sandwich wrap, the reinforcement portion as configured in FIGURE 1 is positioned about or around all or over a majority of the bottom portion, front portion, back portion and top portion of the sandwich. Only the side portions of the sandwich are not covered by the reinforcement portion. As can be appreciated, the reinforcement portion can have a cross configuration or some other configuration such that all or substantially all of the sandwich encompasses or surrounds the sandwich. Generally, the reinforcement portion is sized and configured such that over 50% of the sandwich is encompassed or surrounded by the reinforcement portion sandwich S and is partially or fully encapsulated in the sandwich wrap. Typically, the reinforcement portion is sized and configured such that at least 60% of the sandwich is encompassed or surrounded by the reinforcement portion sandwich S and partially or fully encapsulated in the sandwich wrap. More typically, the reinforcement portion is sized and configured such that at least 75% of the sandwich is encompassed or surrounded by the reinforcement portion sandwich S and is partially or fully encapsulated in the sandwich wrap.

As discussed above, the sandwich wrap 100 of the present invention can be formed of two layers of material (i.e., sheet portion 200 and reinforcement portion 300) as illustrated in FIGURE 5 that are connected together by an adhesive 500 and/or by some other or additional arrangement. As illustrated in FIGURE 5, both the sheet portion 200 is formed of a single layer of material 250 and the reinforcement portion 300 is formed of a single layer of material 320. The sheet portion 200 and reinforcement portion 300 can be formed of the same or different material. Generally the thickness of the sheet portion is less than the thickness of the material used to form the reinforcement portion; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the sheet portion illustrated in FIGURE 5 is formed of a paper material. In another non-limiting arrangement, the sheet portion illustrated in FIGURE 5 is formed of a metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil layer, etc.). In another non-limiting arrangement, the reinforcement portion illustrated in FIGURE 5 is formed of a paper or paper board material that is corrugated. The bottom surface 324 of layer 320 of the reinforcement portion is connected to the top surface 252 of layer 250 of the sheet portion by a connection arrangement 500 such as an adhesive, melted connection, etc.

The sheet portion can optionally include a coating such as a wax and/or polymer layer. As illustrated in FIGURE 9, the top surface 252 of layer 250 of the sheet portion 200 is coated with a wax and/or polymer layer 400. The thickness of layer 400 is generally less than the thickness of layer 250. One or more layers of wax and/or polymer layer 400 can be applied to the top surface 252 of layer 250. As can be appreciated, one or more layers of wax and/or polymer layer 400, not shown, can also or alternatively be applied to the bottom surface 254 of layer 250. As illustrated in FIGURE 9, the bottom surface 324 of layer 320 of the reinforcement portion 300 is secured by an adhesive 500 to the wax and/or polymer layer 400. Also illustrated in FIGURE 9, the reinforcement portion can optionally include a coating such as a wax and/or polymer layer. As shown in FIGURE 9, the top surface 332 of layer 320 of the reinforcement portion 300 includes a coating 420 such as a wax and/or polymer layer. As can be appreciated, one or more layers of wax and/or polymer layer 420, not shown, can also or alternatively be applied to the bottom surface 324 of layer 320 of the reinforcement portion. The composition of layer 420 can be the same or different from layer 400. The thickness of layer 420 can be the same or different from layer 400. The thickness of layer 420 is generally less than the thickness of layer 320 of the reinforcement portion. Generally the thickness of the sheet portion 200 is less than the thickness of the reinforcement portion 300; however, this is not required.

Referring now to FIGURE 11, the sheet portion is formed of two layers, namely a top layer 250 and a bottom layer 260. The composition of layers 250, 260 can be the same or different. In one non-limiting embodiment, the two layers are formed of the same material such as two paper layers or two metal foil layers. In another non-limiting embodiment, layer 250 is formed of a paper material and layer 260 is formed of a metal foil material. In still another non- limiting embodiment, layer 250 is formed of a metal foil material and layer 260 is formed of a paper material. The thickness of layers 250, 260 can be the same or different. In one non- limiting embodiment, layers 250, 260 have generally the same thickness. In another non-limiting embodiment, layer 250 has a larger thickness than layer 260. In still another non-limiting embodiment, layer 260 has a larger thickness than layer 250. Layers 250, 260 can be connected together in a variety of way (e.g., adhesive, melted bond, etc.). The top surface 252 of layer 250 is illustrated as being connected to the bottom surface 324 of layer 320 of the reinforcement portion 300 by an adhesive 500 or by some other arrangement (e.g., melted bond, etc.). Generally the thickness of the sheet portion formed of two layers is less than the thickness of the reinforcement portion; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the top surface 322 and/or the bottom surface 324 of layer 320 of the reinforcement portion can optionally include a polymer and/or wax layer. For example, the polymer and/or wax layer 420 illustrated in FIGURE 9 can be applied to the top surface 322 of layer 320 of the reinforcement layer 300 that is illustrated in FIGURE 11 ; however, this is not required.

Referring now to FIGURE 10, the sandwich wrap 100 is similar to the sandwich wrap

100 illustrated in FIGURE 11 except that the top surface 252 of layer 250 of the sheet portion 200 includes a coating 400 such as polymer or wax layer. As can be appreciated, the bottom surface 254 of layer 250 can also or alternatively optionally include a polymer or wax layer 400. Likewise, the top surface 262 and/or bottom surface 264 of layer 260 can optionally a polymer or wax layer 400. As can also be appreciated, the top surface 322 and/or the bottom surface 324 of layer 320 of the reinforcement portion can optionally include a polymer and/or wax layer. For example, the polymer and/or wax layer 420 illustrated in FIGURE 9 can be applied to the top surface 322 of layer 320 of the reinforcement layer 300 that is illustrated in FIGURE 10; however, this is not required.

Referring now to FIGURE 12, the reinforcement portion 300 is formed of two layers 320, 330. The top layer 320 is a corrugated layer. The type of flutes on the corrugated layer is non- limiting. Both sides 332, 334 of the bottom layer 330 are generally flat or planar layers. The lower side 324 of the top layer 320 and upper side 332 of the bottom layer 330 are generally connected together by an adhesive and/or a melted seam. The lower side 334 of the bottom layer is generally connected to the top surface 252 of layer 250 of the sheet portion by an adhesive and/or a melted seam 500. The thickness of the reinforcement portion is generally greater than the thickness of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the top and/or bottom sides 322, 324 of layer 320 can optionally include one or more coatings of polymer and/or wax. Likewise, the top and/or bottom sides 332, 334 of layer 330 can optionally include one or more coatings of polymer and/or wax. Also, the top and/or bottom sides 252, 254 of layer 250 of sheet portion 200 can optionally include one or more coatings of polymer and/or wax. Also, the sheet portion can be formed of two layers as illustrated in FIGURES 10 and 11.

As can be appreciated, the reinforcement portion 300 illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 9-11 can also be formed of two layers as illustrated in FIGURE 12. Generally, for the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 9-12, the height of the flutes of the corrugated top layer is generally greater than the thickness of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. Furthermore, when the reinforcement layer is formed of two layers, the height of the flutes of the corrugated top layer 320 is generally greater than the thickness of bottom layer 330; however, this is not required. When the reinforcement material is made of paper, the thickness of the corrugated top layer 320 is generally greater than the thickness of sheet portion; however, this is not required.

In summary, the shape of the sandwich wrap is non-limiting and can have many shapes (e.g., cross-shaped, square, rectangular, oval, circular, polygonal, etc.). The size of the sandwich wrap is also non-limiting. The material used to form the sandwich wrap is generally paper, paper board, and/or metal foil; however, other or additional materials can be used to form the sandwich wrap. The sandwich wrap is generally designed to package sandwiches; however, it will be appreciated that many other or additional food items can be packaged in the sandwich wrap of the present invention. The sandwich wrap is a multiple piece and multi-layer sandwich wrap. The sheet portion can be formed of one or more layers. Generally, the sheet portion has one to three layers; however, this is not required. The material used to form the sheet portion can be the same or similar to the paper wraps or paper and metal foil wraps that are commonly used in fast food restaurants to wrap sandwiches. The weight of the sheet portion is generally selected to be easily foldable about a food item. One or both sides of the sheet portion can be coated with a material (e.g., plastic, polymer, wax, etc.) designed to a) limit or prevent absorption of liquids and/or other components of a food item on the first piece of material, b) limit microorganism growth on the first piece of material, c) reduce porosity of the first piece of material (e.g., gas and/or liquid porosity), d) inhibit or prevent delaminating of the sheet portion when formed of multiple layers, and/or e) improve the insulating properties of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. The shape of the sheet portion is generally square or rectangular; however, other shapes can be used. The length, width and thickness of the sheet portion are non-limiting.

The reinforcement portion generally overlays a portion of the sheet portion. The reinforcement portion can be connected to the sheet portion in a variety of ways (e.g., adhesive, hot melt, compression connection, starch connection, etc.). The reinforcement portion can be formed of one or more layers. Generally, the reinforcement portion includes a layer of corrugated material; however, this is not required. The weight and/or thickness of the reinforcement portion are generally greater than the weight and/or thickness of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. The weight, shape and/or thickness of the reinforcement portion is generally selected to provide structural support to the sandwich wrap so as to limit or prevent crushing of a food item that is wrapped in the sandwich wrap and which wrapped food item is stacked with other wrapped food items. One or both sides of the reinforcement portion can be coated with a material (e.g., plastic, polymer, wax, etc.) designed to a) limit or prevent absorption of liquids and/or other components of a food item on the second piece of material, b) limit microorganism growth on the second piece of material, c) reduce porosity of the second piece of material (e.g., gas and/or liquid porosity), d) inhibit or prevent delaminating of the reinforcement portion from the sheet portion, e) inhibit or prevent delaminating of the layers of the reinforcement portion when the reinforcement portion is formed of multiple layers, and/or f) improve the insulating properties of the reinforcement portion; however, this is not required. The sheet portion and/or the reinforcement portion can include color and/or include printed material; however, this is not required. The shape of the reinforcement portion can be generally square or rectangular; however, other shapes can be used (e.g., cross-shaped, circular, oval, polygonal, etc.). The length, width and thickness of the reinforcement portion are non-limiting.

The food item can be placed on a portion of the top surface of the reinforcement portion at or near the center of the sandwich wrap. The food item can be optionally assembled on the sandwich wrap; however, this is not required. Once the food item is ready to be wrapped, portions of the reinforcement material are bent about the food item until at least a majority (e.g., 55%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 95%, 100%, etc.) of the food item is encircled by the reinforcement portion. Generally the edges of the reinforcement portion overlay one another when the reinforcement material is bent about the food item. Generally at least a portion of the food item is fully encircled by the reinforcement portion during the wrapping of the food item. The size and shape of the reinforcement portion is generally selected such that at least 30% of the food item is encapsulated by the reinforcement portion when the sandwich wrap is fully wrapped about the food item, typically at least 40% of the food item is encapsulated by the reinforcement portion when the sandwich wrap is fully is wrapped about the food item, more typically a majority of the food item is encapsulated by the reinforcement portion when the sandwich wrap is fully wrapped about the food item, still more typically at least 60% of the food item is encapsulated by the reinforcement portion when the sandwich wrap is fully wrapped about the food item, and yet still more typically at least 70% of the food item is encapsulated by the reinforcement portion when the sandwich wrap is fully wrapped about the food item. When the reinforcement portion is or includes a corrugated layer, the design of the corrugated layer facilitates in the bending of the reinforcement portion. The corrugated layer, when used, can also facilitate in the structural strength and integrity of the bent reinforcement portion and/or facilitate in the insulating properties of the sandwich wrap; however, this is not required. After the reinforcement portion is bent about the food item, the sheet portion is folded so as to partially or fully encapsulate the food item in the sandwich wrap. The folded portions of the sheet portion can be maintained together by a connector (e.g., slot and latch connection, adhesive strip, tape, sticker, etc.); however, this is not required. The reinforcement portion is used to provide integrity to the formed sandwich wrap and to limit or prevent crushing of food items in the formed sandwich wrap. When corrugated material is used to form a portion or the entire reinforcement portion, the flutes of the corrugated material facilitate in the bending and forming of the reinforcement portion about the food item; however, this is not required.

The sheet portion can be formed of one or more layers (e.g. paper, coated paper, wax paper, foil, paper & foil layer, coated paper & foil layer, etc.). For example, the sheet portion can include an outer foil layer and an inner paper or coated paper layer. The thickness of the sheet portion is non-limiting. When the sheet portion is formed of two or more layers of material, the thickness of the layers of material, and/or type of material for each of the layers of material can be the same or different. When the sheet portion is formed of two or more layers of material, the manner in which the layers are connected together is non-limiting (e.g., adhesive, melt bond, etc.). The inner side (e.g., food side) and/or outer side can include printed material; however, this is not required. The shape of the sheet portion can be generally square or rectangular shaped; however, it can be appreciated that other shapes for the sheet portion can be used (e.g., polygonal, oval, circular, etc.). The surface area of the sheet portion is non-limiting.

As also can be appreciated, the sandwich wrap can include a plurality of reinforcement portions. The one or more of the plurality of reinforcement portions can be positioned a) on the top surface of the inner side of the sheet portion, b) between two of the layers of material of the sheet portion when the sheet portion is formed of a plurality of material layers, and/or c) on the top surface of the outer side of the sheet portion.

The width, length and thickness of the reinforcement portion are non-limiting. Generally, the thickness of the reinforcement portion is greater than the thickness of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. The width of the reinforcement portion is generally selected to be at least about 30% the width of a sandwich to be wrapped in the sandwich wrap, typically at least about 40% the width of a sandwich to be wrapped in the sandwich wrap, more typically at least about 50% the width of a sandwich to be wrapped in the sandwich wrap, still more typically at least about 60%» the width of a sandwich to be wrapped in the sandwich wrap, yet more typically at least about 75%» the width of a sandwich to be wrapped in the sandwich wrap, still yet more typically at least about 90% the width of a sandwich to be wrapped in the sandwich wrap, still more typically at least about 100% the width of a sandwich to be wrapped in the sandwich wrap, and yet still more typically at least about 110% the width of a sandwich to be wrapped in the sandwich wrap. Generally, the width of the reinforcement material is less than the width of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. For instance, the ratio of the width of the reinforcement portion to the width of the sheet portion is generally about 0.1-0.99:1, typically about 0.2-0.9:1, more typically about 0.3-0.8:1, still more typically about 0.4-0.8:1, and yet more typically about 0.4-0.6:1. Generally, the length of the reinforcement portion is less than, or the same as, the length of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. For instance, the ratio of the length of the reinforcement portion to the length of the sheet portion is generally about 0.1- 1 :1, typically about 0.25-1 :1, more typically about 0.5-1 :1, still more typically about 0.75-1 :1, and yet more typically about 0.8-1:1. Generally, the thickness of the reinforcement portion is the same or greater than the thickness of the sheet portion; however, this is not required. For instance, the ratio of the thickness of the reinforcement portion to the thickness of the sheet portion is generally about 0.5-20:1, typically about 0.75-15:1, more typically about 1-10:1, still more typically about 1.5-10:1, and yet more typically about 2-8:1. The material that is used to form the reinforcement portion is non-limiting (e.g., paper, cardboard, corrugated material, plastic, metal, etc.). Generally, the reinforcement portion is paper board or a fluted paper layer; however, this is not required.

As illustrated in FIGURES 1, 3, 4 and 6-8, a non-limiting method for wrapping a food item such as a sandwich S in the sandwich wrap of the present invention is illustrated. As illustrated in FIGURE 1, the sandwich wrap 100 is in the non-folded position. The sandwich wrap is designed such that a food item can be fully assembled on the sandwich wrap prior to the food item being wrapped in the sandwich wrap. The reinforcement portion is generally shaped and sized so that the full base of the food item rests on and/or can be assembled on the reinforcement portion. As illustrated in FIGURES 1, 3, 4 and 6, the full base of sandwich S rests on the top side 310 of the reinforcement portion.

Once the food item is fully assembled and/or partially or fully positioned on the top side 310 of the reinforcement portion, the reinforcement portion is bent about the food item as illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7. As illustrated in FIGURE 7, the edges of the reinforcement portion overlap one another when the reinforcement portion is fully bent about the food item. As illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7, over a majority (e.g., 55-80%) of the food item is fully encircled by the reinforcement portion. The full encircling of all or a portion of the food item by the reinforcement portion facilitates the inhibiting or preventing of the food item from being crushed when the food item is stacked with other food items or placed in a bag with other food items.

After the reinforcement portion is fully bent about the food item as illustrated in FIGURE 7, the side regions of the sheet portion are folded so as to partially or fully encapsulate the food item in the sandwich wrap. FIGURE 8 illustrates the food item fully encapsulated in the sandwich wrap. An adhesive label or the like can be used to prevent the inadvertent unwrapping of the food item in the sandwich wrap.

The sandwich wrap of the present invention has the advantages of enabling the food item to be assembled on and then wrapped in the sandwich wrap without having the food item contact other surfaces. The sandwich wrap of the present invention facilitates in inhibiting or preventing of the food item from being crushed when the food item is stacked with other food items or placed in a bag with other food items. Preliminary tests have also revealed that the food item has a better perceived taste when consumed from the sandwich wrap of the present invention as compared to a food item from a Styrofoam or plastic clamshell container. It is believed that the corrugated layer allows the bread to breathe better, thus providing the better taste.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

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