CN106573697A - Snack food container - Google Patents

Abstract

A snack food container having a square base, side walls substantially consisting of four right triangular panels and two isosceles triangular panels, and a flat, two dimensional end seal. The container is opened by use of a tear feature just below the end seal. The container is of paperboard construction with a barrier lining.

Description

snack food container

technical field

The present invention relates to snack containers having a three-dimensional base and a two-dimensional top. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a lined paperboard container filled with snack food, the top of which is sealed by a flat two-dimensional seal and the container has a square three-dimensional base, such as a square base . For example, such containers are suitable for display on wire display shelves in convenience store settings. Additionally, the container is shaped such that it fits in a standard car cup holder and is easy to hold. By using a tear strip or tear feature located slightly below the top of the container, removal of the top of the container opens the container, allowing easy access to the snack food contained therein and, due to the geometry of the container, a natural reclosing function.

Background technique

Snack foods such as potato chips or crisps, corn chips or corn chips, nuts, popcorn, and other bite-sized flavored treats are often packaged in flexible bags known as pillow bags. The pillow bag is suitable for display on a wire shelf because the pillow bag can be easily attached to the shelf by clipping the top seal of the pillow bag or by inserting a wire display rod into the hole in the top seal. This attribute may also allow for vending of vending machines using wire suspension. However, since pillow bags are flexible, they do not help protect the product once the bag is opened and the gas pressure inside the pillow bag is released. Furthermore, the shape of the pillow bag is not suitable for use with certain convenience accessories, such as cup holders in automobiles or cup holders in seats in entertainment venues (ballparks, movie theaters, etc.). Furthermore, once opened, pillow bags do not reclose naturally. Pillow bags generally require some type of external clip to close the bag so that if the bag is tipped over on its side, the product will not fall out of the bag.

Another type of container commonly used for snacks is the rectangular cardboard container such as traditionally used for Cracker and other containers of similar products. These rectangular cardboard containers have the advantage of protecting the product even after the container has been opened. Furthermore, the container allows the packaging to be mouth-to-mouth, consuming the product contained therein. However, such rectangular cardboard containers cannot be displayed in the same manner as pillow bags because these containers do not have a flat or two-dimensional top seal, and they generally do not have a hole through the top through which a display rod can be inserted to Hanging packages for retail display. Additionally, rectangular boxes are often not suitable for use with cup holders due to their size. Rectangular cardboard containers also often require folding or manipulation of the top to reseal the container.

Another type of container used in the snack industry is a cylindrical container with a top closure such as, for Container for potato chip products. Like rectangular cardboard containers, cylindrical containers, usually made of plastic or cardboard material, tend to protect the product even after the cylindrical top is opened. Cylindrical container is suitable for use with cup holders and is suitable for one-handed use. However, cylindrical containers typically cannot be displayed on the wire racks used for pillow bag displays because cylindrical containers do not have a two-dimensional top seal, nor do they have holes through which the display rods can be inserted. Additionally, cylindrical containers require manual application of the cap in order to reseal the container.

Therefore, there is a need for a snack container for savory or sweet foods that can be displayed on a wire display shelf in a retail setting or hung in a vending machine similar to a pillow bag, and that The snack container has the rigidity of a cardboard or plastic container to protect the product. Additionally, such a container should be suitable for use with a cup holder, once opened, should ergonomically fit a human hand for one-handed use, and allow the package to fit the mouth and consume the product contained therein. Additionally, the container should be designed to reclose naturally without folding or application of external clips or lids. The exterior of such containers should be capable of carrying graphics, and such containers should have interior barrier properties sufficient to protect the snack product and enhance storage stability.

Contents of the invention

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention utilizes a paperboard structure lining the interior of the container with a barrier material, typically a combination of a low density polyethylene base layer and an aluminum foil or some other metalized layer, to improve containment in Storage stability of the product contained therein. The container includes a relatively square base that transitions to a flat, two-dimensional top seal through a geometric design utilizing fold and crease lines. As used herein, the term "fold line" or "fold lines" refers to a bend in the material greater than 89 degrees. As used herein, the term "crease line" or "crease lines" means that the material undergoes a bend of less than 90 degrees.

The transition from the three-dimensional base to the two-dimensional top is accomplished by two opposing fold lines extending vertically from opposing corners of the square base along opposing sides of the container to opposing sides of the top closure. Two "V" shaped crease lines are provided between these two fold lines, starting at opposite corners of the base of the square and terminating at the ends of the preceding fold lines below the top seal. a point on each. This results in a container having side walls having the shape of four right triangles separated by two isosceles triangles and each located below the top seal at the intersection of the "V" shaped crease line and the fold line point below.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, in order to open the container and remove the top seal, a horizontal tear feature is built directly below the top seal. Once the container is opened and the top seal removed, the container can be squeezed from the fold line, opening the mouth of the container, allowing access to the snack product contained therein and allowing the package to be consumed directly to the mouth. Due to the geometry of the structure, the container is substantially reclosed once the pressure on the fold line disappears.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is sized to fit easily into a cup holder, ergonomically fitting a human hand for one-handed use. The use of an end seal at the top allows the container to be retail displayed in retail settings and in vending machines in a manner similar to pillow bags. Specifically, in one embodiment, a hole or opening is made in the center of the top seal so that the container can be hung from the rod of the wire display by passing the rod through the hole. In addition, the flat end closures allow the container to be hung on a display shelf by using clips.

Description of drawings

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, its preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a cardboard blank used to construct one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention constructed; and

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention with the top seal removed.

detailed description

Figure 1 shows a cardboard blank used to construct one embodiment of a container. The blank 102 is initially flat, having a front side (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a back side (not shown). In construction, the front side flaps 104 are joined to the back side of the blank 102 along the left side 106 of the blank 102 . Additionally, the left top 108 and right top 110 are joined together. This results in a partially constructed container comprising a two-dimensional top feature with a flattened end closure formed by the top 108 , 110 . In one embodiment, a hole or opening 112 is provided in the left top 108 and a corresponding hole or opening 114 is provided in the right top 110 . When the two tops 108, 110 are engaged, the holes 112 and 114 are aligned, thereby giving the product the function of having a hole or opening in the top of the container so that a wire rod can be inserted into the hole or opening for retail display or automatic sale.

FIG. 1 also shows two "V" shaped crease lines 166 . As used in the detailed description and claims of this application, the term "fold line" or "fold lines" refers to a bend of the blank 102 material that is greater than 89 degrees. In addition, the term "crease line" or "crease lines" as used herein means that the material of the blank 102 is bent less than 90 degrees.

In one embodiment of the invention, a barrier layer, such as a film consisting of MG bleached kraft paper, low density polyethylene, aluminum foil, and Surlyn 1652 sealant, is attached to the blank 102 on the back of the blank 102 such that When the side flaps 104 are sealed to the left side 106, the partially constructed container then has a barrier layer on its interior. In a preferred embodiment the paperboard is 0.014, 0.015, 0.016, 0.018 or 0.020 caliper paperboard and the paperboard is SBS, SUS, CCNB or some combination thereof. The front side of the paperboard includes a graphic treatment including, but not limited to, UV (high gloss) coating, matte coating, register matt or gloss coating, embossing and/or debossing. Also, special inks such as thermochromic inks and/or phosphorescent inks may be used.

The partially constructed container as described above is filled with product through the base of the partially constructed container. Such products include, but are not limited to, bite-sized savory or sweet snack foods such as chips or crisps, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, extruded puffs, puff snacks, fried snacks, baked snacks, fruit Chips, fudge chips, chocolate, biscuits, cereal and mixtures thereof. Once loaded, the construction is completed by using four bottom or base flaps 116, 118, 120, 122 to form a relatively square base.

Returning to the description of the blank 102, in a preferred embodiment, the distance 124 from the top end of the blank 102 to the bottom ends of the bottom flaps 116, 118, 120, 122 is about 10 inches. The distance 126 from the top end of the blank 102 to the top ends of the bottom flaps 116, 118, 120, 122 is about 8 inches. The distance 128 from the top end of the top 108, 110 to the bottom end of the top 108, 110 is about 0.5 inches. The length 130 and width 132 of the side flap 104 are about 7.134 inches and about 0.5 inches, respectively. The width 134 of the blank 102 minus the side flaps 104 is about 8 inches. The maximum width 136 of the slightly tapered bottom or base flaps 116, 118, 120, 122 is about 2 inches, resulting in a square base of about 2 inches by 2 inches when the container is finally constructed. The distance 138 from the top end of the blank 102 to the top end of the "V"-shaped crease line 166 is 1 inch to 1.75 inches, and in a preferred embodiment, is about 1.5 inches.

Referring now to Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, a fully constructed container is shown. Fig. 2A is a front view of the container. Figure 2B is a top perspective view of the right front side of the container. Figure 2C is a bottom perspective view of the right front side of the container. Figure 2D is a right side view of the container.

In a preferred embodiment, when fully constructed, the container includes a square base 250 and a top seal 252 that is two-dimensionally flat. The left side of the container is defined by left fold line 256 . The right side of the container is defined by right fold line 254 . Thus, the right fold line 254 begins at the right corner 258 of the square base 250 and extends to the right apex 260 of the end seal 252 . Likewise, the left fold line 256 begins at the left corner 262 of the base and extends upwardly to the left top edge 264 of the top seal 252 .

2A shows a front view of the container and shows a "V" shaped crease line 266 starting at the front corner 268 of the square base 250 and extending below the top seal 252 A point 270 in the horizontal plane of , and intersects the right fold line 254 and the left fold line 256 . The same geometry as that of the front of the container (as shown in Figure 2A and described above) is repeated on the back of the container. That is, the second "V"-shaped crease line begins at the rear corner of the base and ends at points on the right fold line 254 and left fold line 256, which are similar to those shown on the front face of the container in FIG. 2A. The top ends of the first "V"-shaped crease lines 266 lie in the same vertical plane.

Thus, the container has two side walls that are in planar contact with each other above a horizontal crease line 272 that defines the bottom end of the end closure 252 . A hole or opening 274 in the end seal 252 is also shown. The geometry of the two fold lines 254, 256 and the two "V" crease lines 266 provides four right triangle shaped side walls 276 and The container is defined by two side walls 278 in the shape of an isosceles triangle.

In a preferred embodiment, the embodiment of the container shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D has a horizontal tear feature 280 along at least one side wall, the horizontal tear feature 280 passing through both sides. wall, below the top seal 252 and above the termination point 270 at the top of the “V” crease line 266 . The tear feature 280 may be a perforated pattern in which the container material is partially cut, an embedded tear cord in the container, or other forms of separate sections of paperboard known in the art.

The precise dimensions of the containers formed may vary between embodiments. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the square base 250 measures less than 3 inches by 3 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the square base 250 measures approximately 2 inches by 2 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the lengths of both fold lines 254, 256 are both less than 10 inches and both are greater than 6 inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the lengths of both fold lines 254, 256 are both less than 9 inches and both are greater than 7 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the vertical distance from the top corners 260, 264 of the top seal 252 to the top 270 of the "V"-shaped crease line 266 is 1 inch to 2 inches.

Figures 3A and 3B show the container after application of the tear feature such that the top has been removed, allowing access to the product found inside. Figure 3A shows the container with the top fully opened, allowing the package to be directly brought to the mouth for consumption of the product. Once the top over the tear feature is removed, the configuration of the container shown in Figure 3A occurs when the consumer squeezes the package along fold line 354, thereby opening the top of the container 382 at this time. Due to the geometric design of the container, when the consumer releases the pressure on the fold line 354, as shown in Figure 3B, the container returns to the substantially closed position of the top 382. This enables the container to be preset to a substantially closed position when the container is not squeezed by the consumer's hand.

Returning to FIG. 1 , a method for constructing one embodiment of a container includes first cutting a paperboard blank with a graphic layer on one side and a barrier layer on the other side. This cutting forms a flat blank having four base flaps 116, 118, 120, 122 and a side flap 104 along one side. The blank 102 is then folded and creased such that there is a fold line 105 extending longitudinally down the middle of the blank and a crease line 166 at either side of the middle fold line 105. Two "V" crease lines are formed on one side. The two longitudinal sides 106 , 107 of the blank 102 are secured together by use of side flaps 104 . The tops 108, 110 of the blank 102 are secured together to form end closures, resulting in a partially constructed container with an opening in the base.

Once the container is partially constructed, snack product is filled into the container through the opening in the base. Finally, the four base flaps 116, 118, 120 and 122 are used to form a square base.

The method may include the step of scoring a tear feature 180 proximate the top of the blank 102 . Additionally, openings may be cut at two locations 112 and 114 near the top of the blank 102 such that when the end seal is formed, the openings 112 and 114 align to form a single opening through the end seal into which the rod may be inserted. The opening for displaying the container in a hanging configuration.

The foregoing is only an illustration of the principle of the present invention, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, it is to be understood that the materials used in construction, the methods used to construct the containers, and the products used to fill the containers may vary and are not limited to the specific disclosure set forth herein.

Claims (16)

1. a kind of snacks container, with base portion, side wall and top margin, the top margin has left side and right side, wherein the container bag Include：

Substantially square base portion, the base portion has left comer, right corner, anterior angle and relief angle；

First fold line, first fold line starts from the left comer of the base portion, terminates at the left side of the top margin of the container；

Second fold line, second fold line starts from the right corner of the base portion, terminates at the right side of the top margin of the container；

First " V " type crease line, described first " V " type crease line starts from the anterior angle of the base portion, terminates at first folding The point positioned at the top margin lower section of the container in same perpendicular of superimposing thread and second fold line；

Second " V " type crease line, described second " V " type crease line starts from the relief angle of the base portion, terminates at first folding The point with the top of described first " V " type crease line in same perpendicular of superimposing thread and second fold line；

Plat part, the plat part is limited by the top margin of the container, and extends to the terminating point positioned at " V " the type crease line The horizontal creases line of top；

Wherein in the lower section of the terminating point at the top of " V " the type crease line, the fold line and " V " the type crease line are limited The side wall of the side wall of four right-angle triangles and two isosceles triangle shapes；

Wherein the top of " V " the type crease line terminating point more top, the container include two side walls, it is described two Side wall is contacted in the top flat against one another of the horizontal creases line, so as to form top closure.

2. container according to claim 1, also includes that, along the horizontal tear characteristics portion of at least one side wall, the tearing is special Levy portion and be located at the lower section of the top closure and the top of the terminating point at the top of " V " the type crease line.

3. container according to claim 2, wherein the horizontal tear characteristics portion extends through described two side walls.

4. container according to claim 1, also includes the opening through the top closure.

5. container according to claim 1, wherein the container includes the cardboard with inner barrier layer.

6. container according to claim 5, wherein the inner barrier layer includes Low Density Polyethylene and aluminium foil.

7. container according to claim 1, wherein the square base portion is less than 3 inches × 3 inches.

8. container according to claim 7, wherein the square base portion is about 2 inches × 2 inches.

9. container according to claim 1, wherein the length of described two fold lines is respectively less than 10 inches and is all higher than 6 English It is very little.

10. container according to claim 9, wherein the length of described two fold lines is respectively less than 9 inches and is all higher than 7 English It is very little.

11. containers according to claim 1, wherein from the top margin to the terminating point at the top of " V " the type crease line Vertical distance be 1 inch to 1.75 inches.

A kind of 12. methods for building snacks container, the container has square base portion, side wall and two-dimentional top closure, Wherein the method comprising the steps of：

A) to having graph layer on side, the paperboard blank with barrier layer is cut on opposite side, and wherein this cuts and is had There is the flat base substrate of four base portion flaps and the side flap along one side；

B) along the downward longitudinal folding base substrate in middle part, two longitudinal edges of the base substrate are fixed on into one using the side flap Rise；

C) will be fixed together at the top of the base substrate, so as to the structure of the part with opening in forming end seals and base portion Container；

D) container for building coated snack product by the opening filling part in the base portion；

E) the square base portion of the container is formed using four base portion fold lines, so as to seal the container.

13. methods according to claim 12, the near top that the step a) is additionally included in the base substrate carves tearing Features.

14. methods according to claim 12, the step a) is additionally included in two positions of the near top of the base substrate The place of putting cuts out two openings so that when the end seals are formed in step c), the opening alignment.

15. methods according to claim 12, wherein the folding of the step b) is also included the base substrate folding line with shape Into two " V " type crease lines.

The 16. snacks containers formed by the method described in claim 12.