BR112015012975B1 - UNIT FLEXIBLE PACKAGE - Google Patents

Abstract

flexible unitary package This is an invention that refers to a new unitary package format for chewing gum and other confections that are compressible by the consumer for direct product distribution. the invention relates to a new form of packaging for use with clothing. in particular, the present invention relates to a flexible portable unitary package designed for easy distribution of chewing gum and other confectionable products.

Description

UNIT FLEXIBLE PACKAGE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a new form of packaging for use with clothing. In particular, the present invention relates to a flexible portable unitary package designed for rapid distribution of chewing gum and other confectionable products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In general, a pack of ready-made products provides consumers with a convenient package that is easy to use and offers a fresh and pleasant product for consumption. Recently, product packaging has been used to provide a unique consumer experience that adapts to a consumer's lifestyle through a variety of occasions.

[0003] It is desirable to present an attractive and distinctive package, although, at the same time, it is fully functional and appealing, in order for the consumer to purchase the same. The packaging must also meet practical needs, such as preventing products from being damaged during transport, keeping products fresh and, in some cases, providing a receptacle to retain the product for continuous consumption both during an occasion and for a period of time. prolonged time. Each of these considerations and factors impact the experience that consumers have when they enjoy chewing gum or other confections, therefore, packaging is an important component of consumers' overall pleasure and satisfaction with a product.

[0004] Additionally, it is desirable to provide a package that is convenient for use as a portable package, so that, for example, the package is conveniently fitted to a shirt or to a trouser pocket of an individual who is on the move .

[0005] Containers similar to a compressible material for use with small objects are known, such as those described and shown in Patents no. US 2,520,467; 3,063,487, 3,176,743; 3,280,870; and 3,426,814. These compressible containers are traditionally made from a variety of materials, including fabrics, rubber or rubber-like material or injection molded plastic, thereby providing a flexible package that is relatively malleable and incorporates a sealing mechanism to hold various objects small. In addition, additional sealing type members, such as reinforcement strips, molded or metallic locking mechanisms or other additional / secondary components have been integrated or added to ensure that the package can readily seal objects within the package shapes.

[0006] Injection molding was the traditional method used to form these compressible materials and to form these types of packages in order to form a desired package, which offers a fully operational package that would be compressible to open, would have integrated closing mechanisms and that it would traditionally be refillable with products for continuous use for an extended period of time. Each of these types of packages has a prohibitive cost for use in conjunction with clothing. In addition, the use of injection molded technology offers a package that has a relatively malleable wall with relative thickness that provides a more bulky package. More specifically, thermoforming offers a package wall, the wall having a relative thickness of less than 1.5 mm. Alternatively, injection molding results in a package wall that has a relative thickness greater than 0.75 mm and up to 4 mm.

[0007] Consequently, there is a need to develop an economical compressible package that has improved functionality and performance, however, that is easily portable and discreet to enjoy consumable products.

[0008] WO 2008/076422 discloses a package that includes a package body with closed ends, at least one of the closed ends can be opened. A resealable member is provided, including a band disposed in the body of the package, the band being adjacent and surrounding the closed end that can be opened. The resealable member maintains at least one end that can be opened in a closed condition after opening. The openable end is selectively and repeatedly opened and retractable after manipulating the package body.

[0009] WO 2010/142744 discloses a fast opening closure device for sealed bags that can be opened and used by one hand, the mouth being torn by the compression made by two fingers, folding two juxtaposed sheets.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention is defined in the attached independent claim to which reference must now be made. In addition, optional features can be found in the attached claims.

[0011] The present invention relates to an innovative unit package format for chewing gum and other confections that are compressible by the consumer for direct distribution of the product. As described in more detail below, the package of the present invention additionally provides features to enable optimal opening and distribution of the product, while providing convenience for consumers.

[0012] Each of these features and several aspects of the present invention are shown in the attached Figures, as shown on the attached pages. All Figures provided (Figures 1 to 17) are exemplary in essence.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, the package of the present invention is comprised of a rigid unitary body. The thermoformed package is rigid to the point that the wall is thin enough, however, structured to provide sufficient protection to prevent the product from breaking. The rigidity of the package is unique, so that it provides a thin-walled body that houses the garments, however, which can be promptly discarded after use, due to the economical construction of the package. The package body is formed by combining walls (ie panels) that are thermoformed to the desired shape (as discussed in more detail below). The thermoformed walls are then sealed together to provide a hermetically sealed package that has a unitary body (comprised of multiple faces) to accommodate ready-made products. The seal extends around the package to ensure that the package is completely sealed from the environment. Several types of techniques can be used to seal the thermoformed components, for example, the use of heat to seal the walls together. Heat can be applied through a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, heat application, ultrasonic or direct induction. Due to the hermetically sealed essence of the package, the confectionable products do not need to be packaged, and individual pieces, such as lozenges or individual pieces of clothing can be disposed in the cavity of the package body.

[0014] Thermoforming of the body additionally provides an economical way compared to plastic injection molding or the integration of multicomponents to form a disposable package. In addition, the thermoformed package additionally provides an opening or a door (by removing the flange member) that tends to close or be in a closed orientation (ie, no external force is required to close the package) as opposed to an open configuration (where an external force must be exerted to open the package).

[0015] In one embodiment, the present invention is a package that has a body that defines a cavity to contain an edible product. The body additionally includes an opening flange that is removable for access to the cavity through an opening door. The package body additionally comprises at least one flexion initiator, the flexion initiator protruding from a side wall of the body in an outward direction. A hitch notch can be additionally integrated into the package body to identify where the package should be compressed to open.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the attached Figures, the package includes a body defined by the side walls (or panels) coupled together, which have two closed ends. The side walls of the body further define a cavity or receptacle for containing edible products, such as, for example, pieces of chewing gum or other confections. The package body additionally includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion comprises a flange member. At the time of intended use, the flange member can be separated from the rest of the body, thereby providing an open access door to the cavity along line A-A of the body. At least one tear member can be arranged along line A-A to further assist in separation of the top portion from the bottom portion. In addition, line A-A can be creased, drilled or loosened, so that the flange member can be readily separated from the bottom portion of the package body. The food product disposed in the cavity can then be accessed through an open access door through the compressible material of the bottom portion of the body, as is discussed in more detail below.

[0017] As previously described, one embodiment of the present invention is a thermoformed package. More specifically, as shown in the attached Figures 1 to 8, the package 10 includes a body 12 defined by side walls 14, 16 (or panels) coupled and sealed together around the entire package, so that the package has two ends 18, 20. An amendment 21 is additionally provided around the perimeter of the package. The size (that is, the width) of the splice can vary depending on the material and the shape of the body, and can be in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 4 mm. Alternatively, the splice can be dimensioned with a thickness to retain the products inside the cavity and provide a hermetically sealed package.

[0018] The side walls of the body additionally define a cavity or receptacle 50 for containing edible products. The package body additionally includes a top portion 22 and a bottom portion 24. The top portion 22 comprises a flange member 26. At the time of intended use, the flange member 26 can be separated from the bottom portion 24 of the body 12, thereby providing an open access door (O) (as shown in Figures 8A to 8C) up to the cavity 50 along the line AA of the body. The body may additionally incorporate at least one slot member 32 arranged along line A-A. In addition, line A-A can be creased, perforated or loosened, so that the flange member 26 can readily separate from the bottom portion 24 of the package body. The bottom portion 24 can additionally be separated into a transition portion 28 and a shoulder portion 30. The food product disposed in the cavity can then be accessed through an open access door (O) through the compressible material of the bottom portion 24 of body 12. Edible products can be readily distributed from the package, once opened along the AA line.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 to 8 and 13 to 17, the body of the package can be longer than wide, so that the height (H) of the body is greater than the width (W), such as example, a 2: 1 ratio. In alternative configurations, the package body may have different shapes or sizes to accommodate a variety of edible products (C). Alternatively, the height (H) and width (W) of the body can have a ratio of 1: 1, as shown in Figures 9 to 12. The ideal configuration and preferred package size parameters are those in which the height and the width is relatively proportional and dimensioned so that the package can be easily contained in one hand, once opened for distribution, and portable inside a pocket.

[0020] The body of the package can be dimensioned and shaped additionally to accommodate a cavity with both an equal shape and a different shape, as long as a sufficient seam (ie, seal) is present and additional elements can be integrated into the interior of the package, as discussed in more detail below.

[0021] As shown in Figures 3 to 4, cavity 50 includes a depth (d) (comprised of d1 and d2) that is sufficient to accommodate a variety of edible products, while still allowing the package to be pocketable for discreet and for product distribution. In Figures 3 to 4, the cavity 50 of the body 12 is formed so that each of the side walls or panels 14, 16 includes a shape similar to a projected cylinder or semi-oval. As a result, when the two walls, or panels, are coupled, a cavity similar to an egg or cylinder is formed. In addition, the package cavity, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, has cross-sections shaped like an eclipse or egg. As shown in Figures 9 to 12, a circular body 112 is shown, which additionally provides a cavity 150 that is shaped like a sphere.

[0022] According to additional modalities of the present invention, the body of the package may have alternative shapes, including, however, without limitation, oval, semi-oval, circular, square, faceted or any other type of configuration or shape that can be thermoformed . In alternative configurations, the package (i.e., dispenser) of the present invention can be formed with different faces, so that the package body is formed with multiple wall members coupled to form a unitary multifaceted package body. This type of package configuration would then form a single body and cavity, so that the cross-section of the cavity would be triangular, similar to a square or other geometrically shaped designs. These shapes and configurations are easier to manufacture through the use of thermoforming.

[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the package additionally includes at least one flexion initiator 60. Flexion initiator 60 is provided to assist in projecting sidewalls 14, 16 in an outward direction, resulting in a larger opening, or door (O) being formed, as shown in Figures 8A to 8C. Flexion initiators 60 (1,2) can be dimensioned according to the drawing of the package body 12, so that flexion initiator 60 (1,2) protrudes no more than ½ of the depth (d) of the cavity 50 of the longitudinal or central geometric axis (ℓy) of the body 12 of the package 10. In an alternative configuration, the flexion initiators 601 and 602 on each wall of the body can be dimensioned, so that each of the flexion initiators is project no more than d1 and d2 from the cavity, respectively. In contrast to the other types of bending means used within the injection molding, the bending initiator 60 of the present invention is integrated with the thermoformed material and extends outwardly from the side wall to assist in projecting the side walls outwards. .

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, at least one flexion initiator is integrated within each of the side walls 14, 16, so that, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, two flexion initiators 60 (1,2 ) are integrated into the body 12 of the package 10. As shown in the Figures, the flexion initiator 60 is an integrated portion projecting out of the side wall disposed within a transition portion 28 of the bottom portion 24 of the body 12 and extends perpendicularly from the AA line of the body through the transition portion 28 to the top of the cavity 50. In one embodiment, the flexion initiator 60 is positioned along the longitudinal geometric axis of the body, consequently, the initiators of flexion bending positions are positioned in a relatively central position (along a central geometric axis ℓy) of the side walls or cavity, as shown in Figure 3. As a result, the central positioning of the fl primers Exion in each of the side walls allows for a uniform transfer of force when the package is compressed for opening, and optimizes the size of the opening with relative ease.

[0025] Alternatively, in another modality, the flexion initiators can be displaced from the central geometric axis (ℓy) of the package body. In addition, each of the flexion initiators on each of the side walls can be moved in opposite directions, in order to further assist in opening the package. Depending on the number and position of the flexion initiators integrated into the package, the opening may take the form of different shapes, sizes or other configurations when compressed by opening. According to one embodiment, multiple flexion initiators can be integrated within the transition portion of the bottom portion of the body.

[0026] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of engagement notches 70 are provided to further facilitate the opening of the package, once the opening flange has been removed. The coupling notches 70 are positioned on the sealed edges of the package body. Coupling notches can be of any size or shape and serve as an indicator to the consumer of where to compress the package for optimal opening and product distribution by removing the opening flange. As shown in the attached Figures and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement notches 70 are positioned within the bottom portion 24 of the body 12. More specifically, the engagement notches 70 can be positioned between the central geometric axis ( ℓx) of the body and extends to the shoulder region 30 of the bottom portion 24. According to an embodiment of the invention, the shoulder region 30 of the body 12 includes the curved portion of the cavity. For optimal opening performance, the hitch notches 70 will not extend beyond the central point of the shoulder region of the body, as indicated by the SS line in Figure 2. Consequently, the area between the central geometric axis (ℓx) and the center of the SS line of the shoulder portion 30 refers to the engagement region 72 of the body 24 of the package. Depending on the design and the number of side walls combined to form the body of the package, at least two engagement notches can be integrated into the package within the engagement region 72.

[0027] As previously discussed and shown in the attached Figures, once the opening flange has been removed, the bottom portion of the package is retained. The consumer compresses the coupling notches on either side of the package, transferring the opening force there to the flexion indicators, and opening the package along line AA, as can be seen in Figures 7A / 7B and 8. The opening (O), as shown in Figures 8A to 8C, is dimensioned for the distribution of solid confections (C). In particular, the opening (O) is continuous with the cavity 50 and provides an unobstructed opening, since the flexion indicators project in an outward direction from the side walls. As a result, the unobstructed opening allows for easy distribution and “easy spillage” of products from the cavity.

[0028] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, an alternative configuration is represented in the present invention. The elements of the present invention shown in Figures 9 to 12, are additionally identified with the same numbering in Figures 1 to 8, except through the designation 1XX (i.e., the body 112, the top portion 122, the bottom portion 124 , etc.).

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the package is formed from plastic materials that can be easily thermoformed. Any standard thermoforming material can be used in creating a package of the present invention. More specifically, the materials include, however, without limitation, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or low density polyethylene can be used. Additional coatings, or other materials, can be applied to the plastic both before thermoforming and after reaching the desirable barrier properties needed to use the pack with confections. This can be particularly important to the extent that no additional packaging is provided, and the flexible package is used as the only packaging material that offers the product to consumers.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the package can be transparent (i.e., the material used to form the package is translucent). In another modality, the package can be colored, include reliefs, surface improvements and aesthetic elements (that is, texturing), or other features incorporated inside the package to add to the visual appeal of the package. In addition, the side walls of the thermoformed package can be printed directly to incorporate a brand or message related to the food product contained within the package.

[0031] In another embodiment, the package may additionally incorporate a secondary retaining member. The secondary retaining member may be additionally provided to seal the package and may include various means known to those in the industry, such as the use of adhesives, velcro-type mechanisms, pressure members or other types of closing and sealing members. In addition, a plurality of retaining members can be integrated into the interior of the package. If a secondary retaining member (s) is (are) integrated into the package, it is important that such member (s) does not prevent the distribution of the products inside the cavity.

[0032] In another embodiment, an opening can be provided, which would allow the package to be readily attached to a purse, bag, key chain or any other type of hook or loop to transport the package.

[0033] Furthermore, a secondary packaging, such as, for example, however, without limitation, cardboard gloves, flexible films or other materials in various configurations, can be used in conjunction with the present invention for purposes of providing a brand and an additional message to consumers at the place of purchase. In addition, secondary packaging can be used if additional barrier priorities are required for edible products.

[0034] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the packages can be connected and / or formed together to create a configuration similar to the multi-package shell. As shown in Figures 13 to 17, multi-pack cartridge 200 provides a unique method for providing multi-pack configurations of products. The packages can be separated between each one of the packages along the P-P lines, consequently, resulting in individual packages for consumption. The package features, as discussed in detail earlier, would be incorporated into the interior of the multipack cartouche. An alternative cartridge 200 can be formed from the exemplary package 100 shown in Figures 9 to 12. Similarly, bandoliers can be formed from several packages configured as contemplated within the scope of the invention. The cartridge configuration can additionally be incorporated into the additional secondary packaging for distribution of individual packages.

[0035] The present invention additionally contemplates the ability to commercialize the package format in several forms, as long as they are consistent with traditional marketing methods and incorporate new thermoformed resources that would allow new commercialization opportunities.

[0036] One embodiment of the present invention may additionally include an opening that can be integrated or thermoformed within the display media package. As with a standard flow wrap packaging, an opening can be integrated into the interior of the package (such as, for example, on the opening flange) to market the product in a peg or other type of display medium. Alternatively, a protrusion (such as a ball-like protrusion) can extend from the body of the package and be received inside a rail or some other type of system for an innovative method of displaying and marketing the package.

[0037] It will be understood that the format and size of the package can be varied to accommodate different types, sizes and quantities of consumable products. It will also be understood that the terms such as "anterior", "posterior", "top", and "bottom" are used in this document and in the Figures for convenient reference and description and are not intended to be a limitation in any way. For example, the “front” and “back” parts of the package can be exchanged, if desired.

[0038] Although the particular elements, modalities and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited to them due to the modifications that can be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in consideration of the aforementioned teaching. Therefore, the scope of such modifications and incorporation of these resources that fit the spirit and scope of the invention are contemplated by the attached claims.

Claims (6)

Package (10) comprising:
a package body (12) defining a cavity (50) to contain edible products, wherein the body (12) additionally comprises at least one flexion initiator (60), wherein the flexion initiator (60) protrudes from from a side wall (14, 16) of the body (12) to the outside, FEATURED by the fact that the body (12) includes an opening flange (26) that is removable to access the cavity (50) through a opening door (O), and the bending initiator (60) helps to project the side wall (14, 16) outwards to increase the opening door (O) when the packaging body (12) is compressed for opening . Package (10), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the body additionally includes at least one coupling notch (70). Package (10), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the body is thermoformed. Package (10), according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the body comprises at least two side walls (14, 16). Package (10) according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first wall (14) includes a first flexion initiator (60/1) and the second side wall (16) includes a second flexion initiator (60 / two). Package set (200) FEATURED by the fact that it comprises:
a plurality of packages (10), each as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, coupled in a side-by-side arrangement.

Images