EP2885219A1

EP2885219A1 - Single seam handheld confectionary dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP2885219A1
Application number: EP14828432.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Ciecorka; Sarah Key
Original assignee: CSM Bakery Products NA Inc
Current assignee: Brill Inc
Priority date: 2013-11-14
Filing date: 2014-11-14
Publication date: 2015-06-24
Also published as: EP2885219A4; WO2015073898A1; US20150129608A1

Abstract

A handheld confectionary dispenser includes a flexible hollow pouch. The pouch presents an interior chamber and is configured to contain confectionary within the chamber. The chamber has a cross-sectional transverse dimension that is larger at a reservoir end than at a dispensing end. The pouch is configured to be grasped between the ends by a hand of the user so that confectionary is forced through the dispensing end when the pouch is squeezed. The pouch is formed of a unitary pouch blank that presents integral pouch sections. The pouch blank is folded to define a fold line between the pouch sections, with the pouch sections being superimposed onto one another. The pouch sections are sealingly connected along a side margin opposite the fold line.

Description

SINGLE SEAM HANDHELD CONFECTIONARY DISPENSER

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.

61/904,325, filed November 14, 2013, entitled SINGLE SEAM HANDHELD CONFECTIONARY DISPENSER, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to containers operable to store and dispense food stuffs such as icing, glaze, frosting, filling, and the like. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern a confectionary dispenser with a reservoir that is operable to be folded relative to the remainder of the pouch so that the reservoir can rest on a user's forearm.

[0004] 2. Discussion of Prior Art

[0005] Various types of known devices have been used to dispense icing, frosting, fillings, and other spreadable food stuffs. Food stuffs such as icing are commonly dispensed onto cakes, pies, cookies, and other dessert confectionaries, for instance, as an edible decoration. Prior art confectionary dispensing devices include flexible icing pouches having a pouch and a nozzle end. In the usual manner, the pouch contains the spreadable confectionary or other food stuff to be dispensed and a nozzle end through which the food stuff is dispensed in a controlled manner.

[0006] However, prior art icing pouches and other confectionary dispensing devices have been found to exhibit various deficiencies. For instance, prior art reusable icing pouches require a chef or other user to spend a significant amount of time preparing the spreadable confectionary and loading the confectionary into the pouch. Any unused portions of confectionary in the pouch must then be removed from the pouch. Prior to further use, the pouch must then be cleaned using conventional washing techniques. This time consuming process of loading and unloading/cleaning of the pouch is especially problematic if the same pouch is used to apply multiple types and/or colors of confectionary in quick succession (e.g., when different confectionaries are applied to the same cake). [0007] Furthermore, prior art icing pouches are difficult for a user to support while simultaneously controlling the position of the nozzle end and the flow rate of confectionary out of the pouch. This problem is particularly evident when a conventional pouch is filled with confectionary, such that the pouch becomes top heavy or otherwise presents a weight distribution that is awkward to support. Conventional pouches, particularly when filled, require the user to constantly hold the pouch with both hands so that the weight of the pouch does not cause unintended shifting of the nozzle or undue physical strain on the user (e.g., where awkward weight distribution of the pouch causes the user's hands or arms to become fatigued).

SUMMARY

[0008] The following brief summary is provided to indicate the nature of the subject matter disclosed herein. While certain aspects of the present invention are described below, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a confectionary dispenser that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art dispensers set forth above.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention concerns a handheld confectionary dispenser that broadly includes a flexible hollow pouch. The pouch presents an interior chamber and is configured to contain confectionary within the chamber. The pouch extends longitudinally to present a dispensing end and an opposite reservoir end. The chamber has a cross-sectional transverse dimension that is larger at the reservoir end than at the dispensing end. The pouch is configured to be grasped between the ends by a hand of the user so that confectionary is forced through the dispensing end when the pouch is squeezed. The pouch is formed of a unitary pouch blank that presents integral pouch sections. The pouch blank is folded to define a fold line between the pouch sections, with the pouch sections being superimposed onto one another. The pouch sections are sealingly connected along a side margin opposite the fold line.

[0011] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the dispenser including a fitment and a pouch, showing the dispenser filled with confectionary, grasped along a funnel portion of the pouch, and with the pouch including pouch sections folded over one another and sealed along side and end margins thereof;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of the pouch shown in FIG. 1 , showing sections of the pouch unfolded, with the pouch being shown in a flat condition; and

[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective of the handheld confectionary dispenser shown in FIG. 1 , showing the fitment removed from the pouch and a reservoir end of the pouch unsealed.

[0016] The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Turning initially to FIGS. 1 and 3, a handheld confectionary dispenser 20 is constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the usual manner, the dispenser 20 is preferably used to contain icing and selectively distribute the icing on confections and other food stuffs. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the dispenser 20 is used to dispense various food stuffs, such as frostings, glazes, fillings, creams, toppings, and other spreadable confectionary substances. The term confectionary as used herein shall be interpreted to include icing, frosting, glaze, filling, cream, toppings, and other similar substances used in the food industry, particularly those that are manually dispensed. The present invention is especially useful in manually dispensing creamy confectionary substances for food decorating purposes.

[0018] As will be discussed, the dispenser 20 is preferably prefilled with confectionary

(not shown) and sealed to provide a sealed prefilled dispenser 20'. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where dispenser 20 is filled without being later sealed. It is also within the ambit of the present invention for the dispenser 20 to be distributed unfilled, such that the user fills the dispenser with confectionary as needed. If desired, the dispenser may also be reused. The dispenser 20 broadly includes a fitment 22 and a flexible hollow pouch 24.

[0019] The fitment 22 is preferably designed to permit selective opening and closing of the pouch 24. The fitment 22 is also preferably designed to selectively permit dispensing of confectionary from the pouch 24. Yet further, the illustrated fitment 22 permits a decorating nozzle 26 to be attached to the pouch 24 with a coupler ring 28. However, it will be appreciated that any conventional fitment could be used in connection with the illustrated pouch 24.

[0020] The illustrated fitment 22 preferably includes a fitment nozzle body 36, a seal body 38, and a flange 40 that are integrally formed with one another. The nozzle body 36 presents a downstream fitment opening 42. Also, the fitment 22 presents a continuous fitment passage 44 that fluidly communicates with the fitment opening 42. The passage 44 tapers in the downstream direction D and extends from an upstream fitment end 46 to a downstream fitment end 48 (see FIG. 3).

[0021] The fitment nozzle body 36 is generally tubular and presents threads 56 to provide a universal threaded connection. The flange 40 is located upstream of the threads 56 and projects radially outwardly from the upstream portion 54.

[0022] Turning to FIG. 3, the seal body 38 is also integrally formed with the fitment nozzle body 36. The illustrated seal body 38 preferably includes an elongated base 62 and ribs 64. The base 62 preferably includes a central tubular section 66 and a flange 68. The illustrated flange 68 presents a laterally outermost edge 70 of the seal body 38. The ribs 64 preferably extend along and interconnect the tubular section 66 and flange 68. The base 62 and ribs 64 cooperatively define lateral channels 72 that extend between adjacent pairs of ribs 64.

[0023] The base 62 and ribs 64 also cooperatively present a sealing surface 74. The illustrated sealing surface 74 preferably extends continuously from the outermost edge 70 around the tubular section 66. The sealing surface 74 is preferably configured to be positioned in sealing engagement with the flexible pouch 24. In particular, the tubular section 66 is generally curved to receive and engage a folded end margin of the pouch 24.

[0024] The fitment 22 preferably includes a synthetic resin material. More preferably, the fitment 22 includes a polyolefm material, although other thermoplastic materials could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Again, it is within the scope of the present invention where the dispenser 20 includes an alternatively configured fitment to dispense confectionary from the pouch 24. [0025] As mentioned above, the decorating nozzle 26 is selectively attached to the pouch

24 with the coupler ring 28. The nozzle passage receives the fitment 22 and is thereby operable to be mounted on the fitment 22. A discharge opening of the decorating nozzle 26 communicates with the fitment passage 44 when the decorating nozzle 26 is mounted on the fitment 22. It will be appreciated that various decorating nozzles could be selectively mounted on the fitment 22. In the usual manner, the fitment 22 can be used with decorating nozzles having differently sized and shaped discharge openings (e.g., to create different sizes and/or shapes of confectionary).

[0026] Turning to FIGS. 1 -3, the flexible pouch 24 preferably has an elongated hollow shape and presents inner and outer surfaces 80,82 that extend between an upstream reservoir end 84 and a downstream dispensing end 86. The inner surface 80 defines an interior chamber 88 that is designed to receive and contain confectionary. The flexible pouch 24 can preferably be folded, twisted, squeezed, or otherwise deformed to change the volume of the chamber 88. In this manner, deformation of the pouch 24 is used to move confectionary through the chamber 88 and/or to urge confectionary out of the chamber 88. Preferably, confectionary is generally moved through the chamber 88 in the downstream direction D. As will be discussed, the flexible pouch 24 is shaped so that the pouch 24 is convenient for a user to hold and deform, particularly while confectionary is being discharged from the dispenser 20.

[0027] The illustrated flexible pouch 24 preferably comprises a unitary blank that includes a pair of opposite flexible pouch sections 90, with each pouch section 90 preferably in the form of a continuous panel. The pouch sections 90 are integral with one another and cooperatively define the interior chamber 88. The illustrated pouch sections 90 are joined along a line of symmetry S (see FIG. 2). Because the illustrated pouch sections 90 are substantially identically shaped, the pouch section features described herein refer to both sections 90. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the pouch sections 90 are not identical to one another.

[0028] Each pouch section 90 preferably presents end edges 92,94 and side edges 96 that extend longitudinally between the end edges 92,94. The pouch sections 90 also preferably present end margins 102, 104 and side margins 106. The end margins 102, 104 extend inwardly from the end edges 92,94, and the side margins 106 extend inwardly from the side edges 96. The pouch sections 90 are preferably sealed along the side margins 106 and the end margins 102,104. [0029] The pouch sections 90 also cooperatively present a side margin 108. In particular, the pouch sections 90 are generally folded relative to one another along the line of symmetry S to form the side margin 108 and permit side and end margins of the pouch 24 to be sealed. Preferably, the folded pouch sections 90 cooperatively define a fold 109 that extends longitudinally between the end edges 92 and along the line of symmetry S. When the end margins 102,104 are unsealed and the side margins 106 are sealed (e.g., prior to inserting confectionary in the pouch 24), the illustrated fold 109 generally presents a gradually curved cross-sectional shape along the entire longitudinal length (see FIG. 3). That is, the illustrated fold 109 preferably does not present a sharp, folded crease along its length when the end margins 102,104 are unsealed. However, the fold 109 could be alternatively configured without departing from the scope of the present invention. Yet further, the illustrated pouch 24 can be flexed so as to impart a sharp bend or crease at various locations along the pouch 24, such as along the fold 109.

[0030] When the end margins 102,104 and side margins 106 are sealed, the illustrated fold 109 presents a gradually curved cross-sectional fold shape along a length of the pouch from a location adjacent the end margin 102 to the end edge 94 (see FIG. 1). The curved sealing surface 74 engages the end margin 104 so that the end margin 104 preferably forms a gradually curved shape. Also, the illustrated fold 109 presents a sharp, creased cross-sectional fold shape along the end margin 102. This condition is generally associated with the pouch 24 being partly or entirely filled with confectionary. The illustrated fold 109 preferably permits convenient sealing of the end margins 102,104 and side margins 106. Also, it has been found that the illustrated fold 109 enables the dispenser 20 to be held comfortably by a user while allowing the user to conveniently support and control the pouch 24 when filled with confectionary.

[0031] Again, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the fold 109 is alternatively configured. For instance, while the gradually curved, convex fold shape of fold 109 is preferred, the fold 109 could present an alternative fold shape. For example, the fold 109 could include one or more longitudinal concave dimples positioned between adjacent longitudinal convex folds. That is, the cross-sectional shape of fold 109 could include multiple alternating convex and concave fold sections. Again, it will be appreciated that the illustrated pouch 24 can be flexed (e.g., during use of the dispenser 20) so as to impart a sharp bend or crease at various locations along the pouch 24, such as along the fold 109.

[0032] The illustrated side margin 106 preferably includes segments 106a,b,c,d arranged end-to-end. In the downstream direction D, the segments 106b,c,d preferably extend inboard toward the side margin 108 so that a width dimension PW of the pouch section 90 tapers in the downstream direction D. For instance, the segments 106b are sharply angled relative to the side margin 108 to define a sharp cross-sectional transition 1 10 along which the width dimension PW abruptly decreases. Preferably, the width dimension PW tapers along the transition 1 10 to a greater degree than any other location along the pouch section 90.

[0033] The width dimension PW is preferably at a maximum value adjacent the upstream reservoir end 84 and at a minimum value adjacent the downstream dispensing end 86. The transition 110 is preferably spaced between the reservoir and dispensing ends 84,86.

[0034] Adjacent pairs of segments 106 preferably meet to cooperatively define angle locations 112. Also, the segments 106b,c cooperatively define a recess 1 14. The recess 1 14 is preferably formed in part by the angle of the corresponding angle locations 1 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the angles associated with the recess 1 14 are preferably obtuse angles. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the recess 1 14 is alternatively formed. For instance, the recess could be formed by joining pouch sections that are not superimposed with one another and/or joining pouch sections that are not identically shaped. Yet further, the recess 1 14 could be formed by other processes (e.g., by plastically deforming at least one of the sections).

[0035] The fold 109 formed by the sections 90 preferably extends longitudinally along a generally straight line. Furthermore, the side margin 108 preferably does not present a recess similar to recess 1 14. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the fold 109 is configured so that the side margin 108 defines a recess (e.g., by plastically deforming at least one of the sections 90).

[0036] The segment 106c preferably comprises a convex segment that forms a convex portion of the side edge 96. The segment 106d preferably comprises a concave segment that forms a concave portion of the side edge 96. As will be discussed, the side margins 106 cooperatively define portions of the flexible pouch 24 and permit the flexible pouch 24 to be conveniently positioned and deformed during use.

[0037] Each pouch section 90 preferably includes a synthetic resin material. More preferably, each pouch section 90 includes a polymer material, such as polyethylene and/or polypropylene, but could include one or more alternative materials without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Again, the illustrated pouch sections 90 are preferably substantially identical to one another. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the pouch sections 90 have shapes that are different from one another. For instance, it may be beneficial to have differently shaped pouch sections 90 so that the flexible pouch 24 assumes a predetermined three-dimensional shape when filled with confectionary.

[0039] The pouch sections 90 cooperate so that the flexible pouch 24 is convenient for a user to hold and deform. When the pouch sections 90 are folded alongside one another to form the pouch 24, the illustrated pouch sections 90 are preferably superimposed and are in substantial registration with one another so that corresponding side margins 106 and end margins 102,104 can be joined together. The pouch sections 90 are preferably joined together along the side margins 106 and end margins 102,104 using a conventional heat seal process. However, the pouch sections 90 could be alternatively joined (e.g., by adhering the pouch sections 90 to one another with an adhesive) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0040] The illustrated pouch sections 90 are preferably shaped and joined so that the flexible pouch 24 includes a reservoir portion 1 18, a funnel portion 120, and a dispensing portion 122. The chamber 88 preferably extends continuously between the portions 1 18,120,122.

[0041] The end margins 102 are selectively joined by heat sealing to close the reservoir end 84 of the reservoir portion 1 18. Thus, the reservoir end 84 can be closed after the internal chamber 88 is filled with confectionary.

[0042] The funnel portion 120 is operable to receive confectionary and be grasped within a user's hand H so that the user can squeeze, compress, twist, or otherwise deform the funnel portion 120. For instance, by simply squeezing the funnel section 120 within the user's hand H, the user can force confectionary from the funnel portion 120, through the dispensing portion 122, and through the fitment 22 while maintaining precise control of the confectionary stream.

[0043] As will be discussed, the dispensing portion 122 provides the end margins 104 for sealing the pouch 24 to the fitment 22. The dispensing portion 122 also serves as a transitional region of the pouch 24 between the funnel portion 120 and the fitment 22. Thus, the dispensing portion 122 preferably presents a relatively short longitudinal length dimension L. More preferably, the length dimension L of the dispensing portion 122 preferably has a maximum value of about two inches (2"). However, the dispensing portion 122 could be alternatively configured without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0044] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 4, the dispensing portion 122 and funnel portion 120 meet along a lateraljunction 128. The lateraljunction 128 is preferably adjacent to the location where the concave segments 106d meet the corresponding convex segments 106c of the side margins 106.

[0045] The reservoir portion 118 is designed to contain a reserve of confectionary that can be selectively moved from the reservoir portion 118 to the funnel portion 120. Preferably, the reservoir portion 1 18 is operable to be selectively grasped by the user's hand H to squeeze, compress, twist, or otherwise deform the reservoir portion 1 18. Thus, the reservoir portion 1 18 is configured to replenish the funnel portion 120 with confectionary when the reservoir portion 1 18 is selectively compressed or otherwise deformed.

[0046] The funnel portion 120 and the reservoir portion 1 18 meet along a lateral junction

130. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral junction 130 is preferably adjacent the angle location 1 12 associated with the recess 114.

[0047] The width dimension PW of the pouch 24 generally tapers in the downstream direction D along most of the length of the pouch 24. Preferably, the reservoir portion 118 includes a constant area section 132 along which the pouch 24 does not taper. The reservoir portion 1 18 also includes a tapering section 134 along which the pouch 24 tapers in the downstream direction D, with the tapering section 134 providing the transition 1 10. Along the funnel portion 120, the pouch 24 preferably tapers in the downstream direction D. The transition 1 10 preferably tapers more sharply than the funnel portion 120. That is, the pouch width PW along the transition 1 10 preferably narrows more quickly than along the funnel portion 120.

[0048] As a result, when the pouch 24 is in a completely expanded condition, the interior chamber 88 presents a cross-sectional area that is preferably at its greatest along the reservoir portion 1 18 and at its smallest along the dispensing portion 122. The reservoir portion 1 18 preferably has a greater interior chamber volume than the funnel portion 120. Similarly, the funnel portion 120 preferably has a greater interior chamber volume than the dispensing portion 122.

[0049] Along the constant area section 132, the cross-sectional area is generally constant.

Also, along the sharp cross-sectional transition 1 10, the cross-sectional area preferably abruptly decreases in the downstream direction D when the pouch 24 is in the expanded condition. Preferably, the pouch 24 tapers along the transition 110 to a greater degree than any other location along the pouch 24. The cross-sectional area progressively decreases along the dispensing portion 122 toward the dispensing end 86. [0050] The outer surface 82 preferably presents the recess 1 14 between the reservoir 1 18 and funnel portions 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 1 14 is located to allow the user's hand H to be positioned with the forefinger along the recess 1 14. However, it will be appreciated that the pouch 24 can be grasped within the user's hand H in alternative orientations without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the recess 114 could be alternatively positioned and/or configured without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also within the ambit of the present invention where the pouch 24 is devoid of the recess 1 14.

[0051] The transition 1 10 is preferably defined within the reservoir portion 1 18 immediately adjacent the funnel portion 120. More preferably, the transition 1 10 is defined at oradjacentthe lateral junction 130 between the reservoir portion 1 18 and the funnel portion 120. The illustrated transition 1 10 is preferably configured to facilitate bending of the pouch 24 between the reservoir and funnel portions 1 18,120. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the transition 1 10 is alternatively configured and/or positioned along the length of the pouch 24. Furthermore, the pouch 24 could include more than one transition to provide for suitable operation of the dispenser 20 or could be devoid of the transition 1 10. It will also be appreciated that various other features of the pouch 24, including the reservoir portion 1 18 and the funnel portion 120, could be alternatively configured to provide an alternative pouch shape and/or pouch configuration.

[0052] It has been surprisingly found that bending of the pouch 24 along the transition

1 10 reduces the risk of undesired backflow of confectionary from the funnel portion 120 to the reservoir portion 118. Furthermore, bending of the pouch 24 along the transition 1 10 facilitates resting of the reservoir portion 1 18 on the wrist and forearm of the user in a manner that is comfortable, balanced, and controllable for the user (e.g., when the funnel portion 120 is grasped by the user as shown in FIG. 1). Finally, such bending of the pouch 24 has also been found to restrict unintended flow of confectionary from the reservoir portion 1 18 to the funnel portion 120.

[0053] Again, the dispensing portion 122 preferably provides the end margins 104 for sealing the pouch 24 to the fitment 22. In particular, the sealing surfaces 74 are configured to be positioned in sealing engagement with the pouch 24 along the end margins 104. The end margins 104 are fitted around the seal body 38, with the end edges 92,94 positioned adjacent to the flange 40. In this position, the dispensing portion 122 can be heat sealed to the seal body 38 to form an airtight joint between the pouch 24 and the fitment 22. Thus, with the pouch 24 and fitment 22 sealed to one another, the dispenser 20 can be filled with confectionary.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the fitment 22 is preferably located closer to the fold 109 than to the side margin 106. Furthermore, the illustrated fitment 22 is preferably spaced from the side margin 106. The end margin 104 extends between the side margin 106 and the fitment 22 (see FIG. 1).

[0055] Subsequently, the reservoir end 84 can be heat sealed closed. In this manner, the dispenser 20 can be prefilled with confectionary and sealed for later sale, storage, transportation, and use as the sealed prefilled dispenser 20'.

[0056] However, it is also within the ambit of the present invention where the dispenser

20 is not sealed and prefilled prior to dispensing confectionary. Rather, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the dispenser 20 is filled with confectionary and the dispenser 20 is then used to dispense the confectionary without sealing the reservoir end 84.

[0057] In using the dispenser 20 to provide the sealed prefilled dispenser 20', the sections

90 are cut and located in superimposed relationship with one another. The sections 90 are then heat sealed along the side margins 106 to form the pouch 24. The seal body 38 of the fitment 22 is then inserted into the dispensing end 86 of the pouch 24 so that the pouch 24 and fitment 22 can be heat sealed to one another.

[0058] With the fitment 22 and pouch 24 sealed to one another, the chamber 88 of the dispenser 20 can be filled with confectionary. The reservoir end 84 of the filled dispenser 20 can then be sealed for subsequent sale, storage, transportation, and use of the sealed prefilled dispenser 20'. As previously noted, the side margins 106 and reservoir end 84 could alternatively be first sealed such that the pouch 24 is filled through the dispensing end 86.

[0059] In using sealed prefilled dispenser 20', the decorating nozzle 26 can be secured onto the fitment 22 with the coupler ring 28 so that the decorating nozzle 26 is in fluid communication with the passage 44 of the fitment 22 and the chamber 88.

[0060] The dispenser 20 can be held by the user by positioning the funnel portion 120 within the user's hand H. In one suitable arrangement, the funnel portion 120 is held with the user's thumb and pinkie on one side of the funnel portion 120 and the middle three fingers on the opposite side of the funnel portion 120 (see FIG. 1). The pouch 24 can then be folded about the transition 1 10 so that the reservoir portion 1 18 rests on the user' s hand H, wrist, and forearm. In this manner, the user can comfortably support the reservoir portion 1 18 while simultaneously squeezing the funnel portion 120 to dispense confectionary. In other words, this configuration permits one handed manipulation of the dispenser 20. The user may, however, conveniently squeeze the reservoir portion 1 18 with the opposite (free) hand when it is necessary to replenish the funnel portion 120 with confectionary.

[0061] As the confectionary is squeezed out of the funnel portion 120, this arrangement permits confectionary in the reservoir portion 118 to fall into the funnel portion 120. However, the user can conveniently use his or her other hand (not shown) to selectively squeeze the reservoir portion 118 to force confectionary to move from the reservoir portion 1 18 to the funnel portion 120.

[0062] Although the above description presents features of preferred embodiments of the present invention, other preferred embodiments may also be created in keeping with the principles of the invention. Such other preferred embodiments may, for instance, be provided with features drawn from one or more of the embodiments described above. Yet further, such other preferred embodiments may include features from multiple embodiments described above, particularly where such features are compatible for use together despite having been presented independently as part of separate embodiments in the above description.

[0063] The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0064] The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A handheld confectionary dispenser comprising:

a flexible hollow pouch presenting an interior chamber, with the pouch being configured to contain confectionary within the chamber,

said pouch extending longitudinally to present a dispensing end and an opposite reservoir end,

said chamber having a cross-sectional transverse dimension that is larger at the reservoir end than at the dispensing end,

said pouch being configured to be grasped between the ends by a hand of the user so that confectionary is forced through the dispensing end when the pouch is squeezed, said pouch being formed of a unitary pouch blank that presents integral pouch sections, said pouch blank being folded to define a fold line between the pouch sections, with the pouch sections being superimposed onto one another,

said pouch sections being sealingly connected along a side margin opposite the fold line.

2. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 1, said fold line defining a line of symmetry for the pouch sections, with the pouch sections being substantially identically shaped.

3. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 1 , said pouch defining a reservoir portion adjacent the reservoir end and a dispensing portion adjacent the dispensing end, with the chamber extending continuously between the portions,

said reservoir portion being configured to move confectionary toward the dispensing portion when the reservoir portion is selectively compressed.

4. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 3, said cross-sectional transverse dimension comprising a cross-sectional area of the chamber, with the cross-sectional area being greatest at the reservoir portion and smallest at the dispensing portion.

5. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 4, said cross-sectional area of the chamber progressively decreasing along the dispensing portion toward the dispensing end.

6. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 5, said side margin being generally straight and extending along a substantially constant angle along the dispensing portion.

7. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 3, said dispensing portion presenting a maximum length of about two inches.

8. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 3, said reservoir portion of the pouch having a greater interior chamber volume than the dispensing portion.

9. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 1 , said pouch being sealed closed adjacent the reservoir end,

said pouch being prefilled with confectionary.

10. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 9, said pouch sections being sealingly connected along a common end margin to close the pouch adjacent the reservoir end.

1 1. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 1 , said dispensing end of the pouch being at least partly open; and

a dispensing fitment sealingly coupled to the pouch adjacent the dispensing end so as to communicate with the chamber.

12. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 1 1 , said dispensing fitment including a universal threaded outlet connection for use with a variety of dispensing nozzles.

13. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 1 1 , said dispensing fitment being located closer to the fold line than to the side margin.

14. The handheld confectionary dispenser as claimed in claim 13, said pouch sections being sealingly connected along a common end margin to close an end portion of the pouch adjacent the dispensing end,

said dispensing fitment being spaced from the side margin, with the common end margin extending between the side margin and the dispensing fitment.