EP2655208B1 - Infant formula container - Google Patents
Infant formula container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2655208B1 EP2655208B1 EP11811387.7A EP11811387A EP2655208B1 EP 2655208 B1 EP2655208 B1 EP 2655208B1 EP 11811387 A EP11811387 A EP 11811387A EP 2655208 B1 EP2655208 B1 EP 2655208B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- lid
- collar
- reservoir
- contents
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 235000013350 formula milk Nutrition 0.000 title claims description 20
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000003032 molecular docking Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 10
- -1 polyethylene copolymers Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- PYSRRFNXTXNWCD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-(2-phenylethenyl)furan-2,5-dione Chemical compound O=C1OC(=O)C(C=CC=2C=CC=CC=2)=C1 PYSRRFNXTXNWCD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000147 Styrene maleic anhydride Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920005606 polypropylene copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002655 kraft paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012254 powdered material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009461 vacuum packaging Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/18—Non-removable lids or covers pivoted for movement in plane of container mouth
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/246—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with eating utensils or spatulas
- B65D51/247—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with eating utensils or spatulas located between an inner and an outer closure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/05—Tearable non-integral strips
Definitions
- This invention pertains to an improved, tamper evident container for storing and dispensing flowable products.
- granulated or powder products such as infant formula
- containers Consumers or users of such containers have often found that it is difficult to open the container and to locate and remove the scoop from the packaging upon the first use without experiencing spillage.
- the container lid is removed or opened, the granulated or powdered contents are often packed into parts of the interior of the lid or top of the container, which results in spillage as the contents fall away from the lid or top. While some of the falling powder may fall back into the interior of the container, much of it is wasted and contaminated as it spills onto the surrounding workspace.
- containers may not adequately seal the contents after the container has been opened for the first time, allowing the contents to become oxidized and/or contaminated.
- the design of such containers also may permit undesirable and inadvertent discharge of the contents from various poorly sealed areas of the container.
- US2008156858 A1 by James Perry et al FR2915969 A1 assigned to Gervais Danone SA (F)
- EP1157933 A2 assigned to Kraft Foods Holdings inc, (US) all describe variants of related containers, comprising at least a container body and a lid.
- WO2005/075314 A2 discloses a container according to the preamble of claim 1.
- the present invention provides a container according to claim 1.
- the container comprises a leveling bar located at or near the top of the reservoir to allow the contents of the scoop to be leveled so that a consistent amount is dispensed by the scoop.
- the lid closes tightly against the collar to seal the can and prevent spillage of the contents.
- the docking station is inside the can so that any measuring device docked therein will be secure from loss or contamination.
- the container may also include a tamper evident band on a portion of the lid and/or collar to indicate if the container has been opened. It may also include a tamper strip on one side which will indicate the amount or condition of the contents.
- the present invention provides a container suitable to hold flowable contents, such as a powdered or granular infant formula, which includes a removable seal to seal in the contents held in the reservoir of the container, a collar attached to the top of the container, and a lid hingedly attached to the collar.
- a container suitable to hold flowable contents such as a powdered or granular infant formula
- a removable seal to seal in the contents held in the reservoir of the container a collar attached to the top of the container, and a lid hingedly attached to the collar.
- the underside of the lid which is inside the container when the lid is closed, contains a docking station and sufficient space so that a measuring device, such as a scoop, may be stored securely within the can to prevent loss or contamination thereof.
- a leveling bar for leveling the contents removed by the scoop is located near the top of the reservoir.
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the infant formula container 100 in an open position.
- Infant formula container 100 includes a reservoir 101 configured to hold contents to be dispensed; a collar 102 affixed to a top end of the reservoir 101 ; the collar further comprising a removable seal 103 that seals the contents held in the reservoir 101 ; a lid 104, hingedly engaged with the collar 102 , providing an open position wherein the contents of the container can be dispensed from the reservoir 101 or providing a closed position wherein the lid 104 is resealed to the collar 102.
- the lid 104 provides space and a docking station 106 for holding and storing a scoop 107.
- the container further comprises a leveling bar 108 for leveling the contents removed by the scoop 107.
- the reservoir 101 of the infant formula container 100 is designed to hold granulated infant powder, or the like.
- the body of the container 100 is constructed of a suitable metal or plastic material to be a unitary member of approximately uniform wall thickness.
- the body of the container 100 is constructed from a metal material, including but not limited to tin, metal plated tin, and aluminum.
- the body of the container 100 is constructed from a suitable plastic material that is recyclable or non-recyclable.
- Suitable plastics for forming the container 100 include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, polypropylene copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and the like, and blends thereof.
- the container 100 will have a semi-transparent to transparent tamper evident strip as part of the side wall to allow one to see into the reservoir 101 and thus to visually indicate to a potential user the quality and/or volume of the granulated infant formula in the reservoir.
- containers of the invention are constructed to accommodate infant powder weights of: 100 to 2000g; more typically 500 to 1000g; for example 900g.
- the container 100 has a cylindrical body, providing a circular cross-section, and the collar 102 is circular.
- the body has a rectangular cross-section and the collar is likewise rectangular.
- the lid 104 is shaped to snugly mate with the collar 102.
- FIG. 2 there is shown a perspective view of the infant formula container 100 with the lid 104 in an open position with the removable seal 103 in the collar 102 in a partially opened position.
- the lid 104 will have a tamper evident band that is wrapped around the lid 104 of the infant formula container 100.
- the band there is a noticeable red strip between perforated lines to indicate to a user where to tear the tamper evident band off, and a container opening icon located in four places on the tamper evident band communicating to the user the best way to open the infant formula container.
- the tamper evident band also adds a level of security preventing the closure from opening during transporting, handling, shipping, shelf stocking and consumer handling.
- a removable seal 103 is attached to container 100 at the top of the reservoir 101 to vacuum seal the contents in the reservoir 101.
- the removable seal 103 allows for vacuum packaging of the contents in the container 100 and acts as an anti-tamper inner liner.
- One skilled in the art of food packaging will be familiar with such releasably or removably attached packaging seals. Specifically, metal processing, adhesive or heat may be used to attach a seal formed of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, metal foil, plastic foil or other suitable material to form an airtight seal. Therefore, opening of the lid 100 will not disturb the seal 103 unless the seal 103 is cut or removed by the use.
- the lid and collar are constructed from a suitable plastic material that is recyclable or non-recyclable.
- Suitable plastics for forming the lid and collar include, but are not limited to, various polymers such as polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride, polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, polypropylene copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and the like, and blends thereof.
- various polymers such as polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride, polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, polypropylene copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and the like, and blends thereof.
- the lid 104 is dome shaped and hingedly attached to the collar 102 , in a skirt and a sleeve type arrangement that allows them to snap together.
- the lid 104 and the collar 102 are connected together by a butterfly hinge and are molded as one piece.
- the lid 104 swings into the collar 102 to form a sleeve type seal.
- the outer diameter of the lid 104 and the inner diameter of the collar 102 are designed to have minimum clearance for air passing and to minimize air oxidation of the contents.
- a sealing rim (bead), which has an interference fit with the lid 104, so that when the lid is pushed down to pass the sealing bead and the skirt, air is forced out through the minimum space between lid 104 and the collar 102 and a tight seal is obtained.
- FIG 4 there is shown a perspective view of a scoop 107 .
- the scoop 107 consists of a bifurcated handle attached to a scoop bowl.
- the scoop handle is bifurcated where it connects to the scoop bowl to allow the scoop 107 to efficiently collect infant powder and avoid powder build-up on the handle, so less powder spills on the preparation area.
- the scoop 107 is molded from a suitable plastic material, which may be blow molded, by extrusion or injection.
- suitable plastics for forming the scoop include, but are not limited to, various polymers such as polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, polypropylene copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and the like, and blends thereof.
- the scoop has a small opening at the bottom of the bowl to allow air to exit while collecting infant powder so that the powder will pack better in the scoop.
- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the leveling bar 108 .
- infant formula container of this invention provides previously unavailable features including improved sealing capabilities, new ways to minimize contamination of infant formula and control spillage of the contents, integrated dispensing scoops, and strengthened containers that can further protect against spillage and damage to product due to adverse pressure differentials between the sealed product container and the external environment.
- the embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications that involve manufacture, distribution, storage, sale, and use of flowable substances such as powders, granular materials, or liquids.
- the configurations of the inventive container can be modified to accommodate nearly any conceivable type of such materials, and the shape, size, and arrangement of the features and components of the novel container can be modified as may be required to suit a particular type or quantity of flowable material, as well as a preferred mode of use, storage, manufacture, distribution, and/or sales environment.
Description
- This invention pertains to an improved, tamper evident container for storing and dispensing flowable products.
- Currently, granulated or powder products, such as infant formula, are packaged in containers. Consumers or users of such containers have often found that it is difficult to open the container and to locate and remove the scoop from the packaging upon the first use without experiencing spillage. Once the container lid is removed or opened, the granulated or powdered contents are often packed into parts of the interior of the lid or top of the container, which results in spillage as the contents fall away from the lid or top. While some of the falling powder may fall back into the interior of the container, much of it is wasted and contaminated as it spills onto the surrounding workspace.
- Additionally, containers may not adequately seal the contents after the container has been opened for the first time, allowing the contents to become oxidized and/or contaminated. The design of such containers also may permit undesirable and inadvertent discharge of the contents from various poorly sealed areas of the container.
- Certain infant formula container designs are known in the art. For example,
U.S. Patent Appl. Publ. No. 2008/0173657 discloses a container and congruent scoop assembly with a removable lid for holding powdered material. There is a need for an improved infant formula container that is tamper evident, that allows a user to accurately measure infant formula to be dispensed, that enables a user to open and re-open the container without contaminating the infant formula, that allows a user access to the measuring scoop without contamination of the contents, that minimizes pressure differentials to the container without compromising the contents of the container and which minimizes spillage and contamination of the contents of the container. -
US2008156858 A1 by James Perry et al ,FR2915969 A1 WO2005075314 A2 assigned to Nutricia NV (NL) andEP1157933 A2 assigned to Kraft Foods Holdings inc, (US) all describe variants of related containers, comprising at least a container body and a lid. In particularWO2005/075314 A2 discloses a container according to the preamble of claim 1. - The present invention provides a container according to claim 1. The container comprises a leveling bar located at or near the top of the reservoir to allow the contents of the scoop to be leveled so that a consistent amount is dispensed by the scoop.
- The lid closes tightly against the collar to seal the can and prevent spillage of the contents. In the closed position, the docking station is inside the can so that any measuring device docked therein will be secure from loss or contamination.
- The container may also include a tamper evident band on a portion of the lid and/or collar to indicate if the container has been opened. It may also include a tamper strip on one side which will indicate the amount or condition of the contents.
- Features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the relative sizes of certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate the features. Embodiments will be described with reference to the following figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of theinfant formula container 100 in an open position with ascoop 107 held in thelid 104 by adocking station 106, with theremovable seal 103 over the reservoir in a closed position. -
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of theinfant formula container 100 with thelid 104 in an open position with theseal 103 over thereservoir 101 in a partially opened position. -
FIG. 3 shows a side view of thecontainer 100,collar 102 and hingedly attachedlid 104. -
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of ascoop 107. -
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of theinfant formula container 100 in which thelid 104 is open, theseal 103 has been removed, and ascoop 107 is in contact with aleveling bar 108 at the top of thereservoir 101. - In one embodiment, the present invention provides a container suitable to hold flowable contents, such as a powdered or granular infant formula, which includes a removable seal to seal in the contents held in the reservoir of the container, a collar attached to the top of the container, and a lid hingedly attached to the collar. When the lid is open the contents of the container can be dispensed from the reservoir; when closed, the lid tightly engages the collar to seal in the contents. The underside of the lid, which is inside the container when the lid is closed, contains a docking station and sufficient space so that a measuring device, such as a scoop, may be stored securely within the can to prevent loss or contamination thereof. A leveling bar for leveling the contents removed by the scoop is located near the top of the reservoir.
- According to an exemplary embodiment,
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of theinfant formula container 100 in an open position.Infant formula container 100 includes areservoir 101 configured to hold contents to be dispensed; acollar 102 affixed to a top end of thereservoir 101; the collar further comprising aremovable seal 103 that seals the contents held in thereservoir 101; alid 104, hingedly engaged with thecollar 102, providing an open position wherein the contents of the container can be dispensed from thereservoir 101 or providing a closed position wherein thelid 104 is resealed to thecollar 102. Thelid 104 provides space and adocking station 106 for holding and storing ascoop 107. The container further comprises aleveling bar 108 for leveling the contents removed by thescoop 107. - The
reservoir 101 of theinfant formula container 100 is designed to hold granulated infant powder, or the like. The body of thecontainer 100 is constructed of a suitable metal or plastic material to be a unitary member of approximately uniform wall thickness. - In one embodiment, the body of the
container 100 is constructed from a metal material, including but not limited to tin, metal plated tin, and aluminum. In a separate embodiment, the body of thecontainer 100 is constructed from a suitable plastic material that is recyclable or non-recyclable. Suitable plastics for forming thecontainer 100 include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, polypropylene copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and the like, and blends thereof. - In one embodiment, the
container 100 will have a semi-transparent to transparent tamper evident strip as part of the side wall to allow one to see into thereservoir 101 and thus to visually indicate to a potential user the quality and/or volume of the granulated infant formula in the reservoir. Typically, containers of the invention are constructed to accommodate infant powder weights of: 100 to 2000g; more typically 500 to 1000g; for example 900g. - In one embodiment, the
container 100 has a cylindrical body, providing a circular cross-section, and thecollar 102 is circular. In another example, the body has a rectangular cross-section and the collar is likewise rectangular. In any case, thelid 104 is shaped to snugly mate with thecollar 102. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that other shapes are also feasible in the practice of this invention; the invention is not limited to the shapes described herein. - Referring now to
Figure 2 , there is shown a perspective view of theinfant formula container 100 with thelid 104 in an open position with theremovable seal 103 in thecollar 102 in a partially opened position. - In one embodiment, the
lid 104 will have a tamper evident band that is wrapped around thelid 104 of theinfant formula container 100. In one example of the band, there is a noticeable red strip between perforated lines to indicate to a user where to tear the tamper evident band off, and a container opening icon located in four places on the tamper evident band communicating to the user the best way to open the infant formula container. The tamper evident band also adds a level of security preventing the closure from opening during transporting, handling, shipping, shelf stocking and consumer handling. - A
removable seal 103 is attached tocontainer 100 at the top of thereservoir 101 to vacuum seal the contents in thereservoir 101. Theremovable seal 103 allows for vacuum packaging of the contents in thecontainer 100 and acts as an anti-tamper inner liner. One skilled in the art of food packaging will be familiar with such releasably or removably attached packaging seals. Specifically, metal processing, adhesive or heat may be used to attach a seal formed of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, metal foil, plastic foil or other suitable material to form an airtight seal. Therefore, opening of thelid 100 will not disturb theseal 103 unless theseal 103 is cut or removed by the use. - Referring now to
Figure 3 , there is shown a side view of thecontainer 100 havingreservoir 101,collar 102, and hingedly attachedlid 104. In one embodiment, the lid and collar are constructed from a suitable plastic material that is recyclable or non-recyclable. - Suitable plastics for forming the lid and collar include, but are not limited to, various polymers such as polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleicanhydride, polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, polypropylene copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and the like, and blends thereof.
- As shown in
Fig. 3 , thelid 104 is dome shaped and hingedly attached to thecollar 102, in a skirt and a sleeve type arrangement that allows them to snap together. Thelid 104 and thecollar 102 are connected together by a butterfly hinge and are molded as one piece. When closing thelid 104, the thelid 104 swings into thecollar 102 to form a sleeve type seal. The outer diameter of thelid 104 and the inner diameter of thecollar 102 are designed to have minimum clearance for air passing and to minimize air oxidation of the contents. On top of thecollar 102, there is a sealing rim (bead), which has an interference fit with thelid 104, so that when the lid is pushed down to pass the sealing bead and the skirt, air is forced out through the minimum space betweenlid 104 and thecollar 102 and a tight seal is obtained. - In
Figure 4 , there is shown a perspective view of ascoop 107. Thescoop 107 consists of a bifurcated handle attached to a scoop bowl. The scoop handle is bifurcated where it connects to the scoop bowl to allow thescoop 107 to efficiently collect infant powder and avoid powder build-up on the handle, so less powder spills on the preparation area. - In one embodiment, the
scoop 107 is molded from a suitable plastic material, which may be blow molded, by extrusion or injection. Suitable plastics for forming the scoop include, but are not limited to, various polymers such as polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitile, acrylonitile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, polypropylene copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and the like, and blends thereof. In one embodiment, the scoop has a small opening at the bottom of the bowl to allow air to exit while collecting infant powder so that the powder will pack better in the scoop. -
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the levelingbar 108. - Many of the problems of the prior art are solved by the infant formula container of this invention, which provides previously unavailable features including improved sealing capabilities, new ways to minimize contamination of infant formula and control spillage of the contents, integrated dispensing scoops, and strengthened containers that can further protect against spillage and damage to product due to adverse pressure differentials between the sealed product container and the external environment.
- The embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications that involve manufacture, distribution, storage, sale, and use of flowable substances such as powders, granular materials, or liquids. The configurations of the inventive container can be modified to accommodate nearly any conceivable type of such materials, and the shape, size, and arrangement of the features and components of the novel container can be modified as may be required to suit a particular type or quantity of flowable material, as well as a preferred mode of use, storage, manufacture, distribution, and/or sales environment.
- Modifications and alternative embodiments which may be necessary or desired to establish compatibility with the wide variety of possible applications for the container of this invention are contemplated herein. Accordingly, even though only a few embodiments and modifications of the present invention are described and illustrated, it is to be understood that the practice of such additional modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
Claims (9)
- A container (100) comprising:a body having a bottom and a side wall defining a reservoir (101);a collar (102) attached to a top end of said body;a removable seal (103) at the top end of said body to seal the reservoir (101); and,a lid (104) hingedly engaged with said collar (102), said lid (104) having an underside and configured to provide a docking station (106) on the underside for holding a measuring device (107);a leveling bar (108) at the top of the reservoir (101);characterized in that said collar (102) comprises said removable seal (103) that seals the content held in said reservoir (101).
- The container (100) of claim 1 wherein the side wall is a cylindrical sleeve attached at one end to the bottom and at the other end to the collar (102).
- The container of any of claims 1-2, wherein a semi-transparent to transparent tamper strip is disposed on said side wall, which visibly indicates the volume or condition of the contents in the container (100) to a user.
- The container of any of claims 1-3, wherein a tamper evident band is wrapped around the lid (104).
- The container of any of claims 1-4, wherein the lid (104) and collar (102) are constructed from a plastic material.
- The container of claim 5, wherein the lid (104) and the collar (102) are connected together by a butterfly hinge and are molded as one piece.
- The container of any of claims 1-6, wherein the removable seal (103) is a metal or polymer foil.
- A container (100) of claim 1 for holding powdered or granulated infant formula wherein said side wall is cylindrical.
- A container (100) as in claim 8 further comprising a measuring device (107) designed to fit into the docking station (106), wherein said measuring device is a scoop (107) comprising a bowl and a handle affixed to the bowl.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201061425978P | 2010-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | |
PCT/IB2011/055719 WO2012085783A1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2011-12-15 | Infant formula container |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2655208A1 EP2655208A1 (en) | 2013-10-30 |
EP2655208B1 true EP2655208B1 (en) | 2018-04-18 |
EP2655208B2 EP2655208B2 (en) | 2024-03-27 |
Family
ID=45524892
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11811387.7A Active EP2655208B2 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2011-12-15 | Infant formula container |
Country Status (13)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140299598A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2655208B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103328341B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011346625B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112013016251A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2822799A1 (en) |
CL (1) | CL2013001857A1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2672649T3 (en) |
IN (1) | IN2013DN05893A (en) |
MX (1) | MX348885B (en) |
RU (1) | RU2596450C2 (en) |
SG (1) | SG191333A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012085783A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (30)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014129887A1 (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2014-08-28 | N.V. Nutricia | Thermoformed container with lid |
CN105000248A (en) * | 2013-06-24 | 2015-10-28 | 胡小青 | Packaging tank bottom-tank assembly easy for placing fetching spoon |
CN106005744A (en) * | 2013-06-24 | 2016-10-12 | 申清章 | More sanitary packing tank |
CN105667996A (en) * | 2013-06-24 | 2016-06-15 | 李建勋 | Packaging tank with article taking spoon |
FR3008395B1 (en) * | 2013-07-09 | 2016-04-15 | Ardagh Mp Group Netherlands Bv | PACKAGING STRUCTURE FOR STORING AND DISPENSING A BULK PRODUCT |
MX2016007561A (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2016-10-03 | Nestec Sa | Packaging system for infant nutritional composition with dosing devices. |
US9505534B2 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2016-11-29 | Mead Johnson Nutrition (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd. | Resealable container with collar and lid |
US9387962B2 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2016-07-12 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Company | Resealable container with collar and lid |
US9930996B2 (en) | 2014-07-01 | 2018-04-03 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. | Flip top plastic lid |
US11111050B2 (en) | 2014-07-01 | 2021-09-07 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Company | Pillar-shaped container |
US20160000268A1 (en) * | 2014-07-01 | 2016-01-07 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Company | Measuring device and container |
USD769122S1 (en) | 2014-08-15 | 2016-10-18 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Company | Container |
USD760556S1 (en) | 2014-08-15 | 2016-07-05 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Company | Scoop |
AU2015308480C1 (en) * | 2014-08-29 | 2019-11-14 | Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. | Infant formula container with compartment and lid |
CN204587635U (en) * | 2014-11-20 | 2015-08-26 | 曹文岭 | A kind of bottle cap |
USD787317S1 (en) | 2015-02-25 | 2017-05-23 | Munchkin, Inc. | Container |
AU2016222605A1 (en) * | 2015-02-25 | 2017-09-14 | Munchkin, Inc. | Powdered dispenser container with a combined scoop holder and scraper |
WO2016166562A1 (en) * | 2015-04-17 | 2016-10-20 | Graham Packaging Company, L.P. | Container with sealing area in finish portion |
WO2017069609A1 (en) * | 2015-10-22 | 2017-04-27 | N.V. Nutricia | Sealing foil with pull tab |
US10773866B1 (en) * | 2015-11-18 | 2020-09-15 | Glenn H. Morris, Jr. | Pail with transparent tamper indicator lid |
USD806566S1 (en) * | 2016-01-03 | 2018-01-02 | Eric Pisarevsky | Dual food container |
US10029821B2 (en) | 2016-02-09 | 2018-07-24 | Ghost, Llc | Retainable scoop and container |
MX2018010376A (en) * | 2016-03-02 | 2018-12-06 | Abbott Lab | Container. |
US20180170613A1 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2018-06-21 | Chris Hui Chuan Hu | Container With Closure |
AU201713332S (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2017-06-15 | Pact Group Holdings Nz Ltd | Lid for a container |
DE102017123936B3 (en) * | 2017-09-05 | 2018-12-27 | Ardagh Mp Group Netherlands B.V. | Container with lid and scraper edge and manufacturing method of such a container |
AU201814961S (en) * | 2018-02-23 | 2018-09-18 | Mead Johnson Nutrition Co | Measuring scoop |
USD849537S1 (en) | 2018-02-26 | 2019-05-28 | Dean W. Wallwey | Scoop holder |
WO2019199783A1 (en) * | 2018-04-09 | 2019-10-17 | Abbott Laboratories | Powder container with first and second hinged closures |
CN117580780A (en) | 2021-07-02 | 2024-02-20 | 诗高鹏丹迪股份有限公司 | Tablet dispenser product |
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DE9014745U1 (en) | 1989-12-30 | 1991-01-10 | Henkel Kgaa, 4000 Duesseldorf, De | |
WO1995032126A1 (en) | 1994-05-20 | 1995-11-30 | Sealright Co., Inc. | Non-round powdered product canister |
FR2747107A1 (en) | 1996-04-04 | 1997-10-10 | Bois Jacques | Dispensing cap for instant coffee container |
EP1157933A2 (en) * | 2000-05-26 | 2001-11-28 | Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. | Container for food products |
WO2005075314A2 (en) * | 2004-02-05 | 2005-08-18 | N.V. Nutricia | Packaging for pulverulent material |
US20080173657A1 (en) | 2006-12-27 | 2008-07-24 | Perry James P | Container and Congruent Scoop Assembly |
EP1702859B1 (en) | 2005-03-16 | 2008-10-15 | Superfos A/S | Container lid with a removable membrane and injection moulded sealing ring, and method of manufacturing said container lid |
US20100308065A1 (en) | 2007-05-11 | 2010-12-09 | Compagnie Gervais Danone | Package for food product taken out with a measuring device |
Family Cites Families (8)
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US5544770A (en) * | 1993-05-07 | 1996-08-13 | Travisano; Frank P. | Tamper evident seal and system |
US5718347A (en) * | 1996-05-10 | 1998-02-17 | Walker; Charles B. | Child resistant, user friendly container and closure |
JP2001019006A (en) * | 1999-07-06 | 2001-01-23 | Dainippon Printing Co Ltd | Container for powder and granular substance |
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US7441676B2 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2008-10-28 | Kenzinc Llc. | Device for dispensing media |
US8042704B2 (en) * | 2005-01-19 | 2011-10-25 | Plastipak Packaging, Inc. | Container with measuring device holding means |
CN201105839Y (en) * | 2007-10-10 | 2008-08-27 | 英特儿营养乳品有限公司 | Packed milk powder box |
US7971747B2 (en) * | 2008-08-26 | 2011-07-05 | Seaquist Closures L.L.C. | Closure with utensil |
-
2011
- 2011-12-15 CA CA2822799A patent/CA2822799A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-12-15 BR BR112013016251A patent/BR112013016251A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2011-12-15 AU AU2011346625A patent/AU2011346625B2/en active Active
- 2011-12-15 SG SG2013048772A patent/SG191333A1/en unknown
- 2011-12-15 CN CN201180065560.XA patent/CN103328341B/en active Active
- 2011-12-15 RU RU2013133993/12A patent/RU2596450C2/en active
- 2011-12-15 MX MX2013007377A patent/MX348885B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2011-12-15 IN IN5893DEN2013 patent/IN2013DN05893A/en unknown
- 2011-12-15 WO PCT/IB2011/055719 patent/WO2012085783A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-12-15 US US13/997,032 patent/US20140299598A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-12-15 ES ES11811387.7T patent/ES2672649T3/en active Active
- 2011-12-15 EP EP11811387.7A patent/EP2655208B2/en active Active
-
2013
- 2013-06-21 CL CL2013001857A patent/CL2013001857A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE9014745U1 (en) | 1989-12-30 | 1991-01-10 | Henkel Kgaa, 4000 Duesseldorf, De | |
WO1995032126A1 (en) | 1994-05-20 | 1995-11-30 | Sealright Co., Inc. | Non-round powdered product canister |
FR2747107A1 (en) | 1996-04-04 | 1997-10-10 | Bois Jacques | Dispensing cap for instant coffee container |
EP1157933A2 (en) * | 2000-05-26 | 2001-11-28 | Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. | Container for food products |
WO2005075314A2 (en) * | 2004-02-05 | 2005-08-18 | N.V. Nutricia | Packaging for pulverulent material |
EP1702859B1 (en) | 2005-03-16 | 2008-10-15 | Superfos A/S | Container lid with a removable membrane and injection moulded sealing ring, and method of manufacturing said container lid |
US20080173657A1 (en) | 2006-12-27 | 2008-07-24 | Perry James P | Container and Congruent Scoop Assembly |
US20100308065A1 (en) | 2007-05-11 | 2010-12-09 | Compagnie Gervais Danone | Package for food product taken out with a measuring device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN103328341B (en) | 2016-02-03 |
IN2013DN05893A (en) | 2015-05-22 |
AU2011346625A1 (en) | 2013-07-11 |
RU2596450C2 (en) | 2016-09-10 |
US20140299598A1 (en) | 2014-10-09 |
BR112013016251A2 (en) | 2019-09-10 |
AU2011346625B2 (en) | 2016-03-31 |
CA2822799A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
EP2655208A1 (en) | 2013-10-30 |
WO2012085783A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
EP2655208B2 (en) | 2024-03-27 |
CL2013001857A1 (en) | 2014-01-24 |
ES2672649T3 (en) | 2018-06-15 |
RU2013133993A (en) | 2015-01-27 |
CN103328341A (en) | 2013-09-25 |
SG191333A1 (en) | 2013-07-31 |
MX348885B (en) | 2017-07-03 |
MX2013007377A (en) | 2014-04-14 |
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