JP2012524702A - Multi-functional spice container - Google Patents

Abstract

  The spice container includes a container portion having a generally flat bottom and a generally parallel flange and defining a discharge spout adjacent to the generally parallel flange. The spice container further includes a substantially flat cover portion formed of a material that is more flexible than the material of the container portion and secured to the substantially parallel flange by an adhesive. The spice container preferably includes a weakened area that is aligned in a row laterally with respect to the spout, but no fluid is in communication therewith. Further, the spice container is preferably aligned with the spout to reduce the peeling force required to separate the container from the cover, but is spaced from the spout. The peel start structure is included.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to spice packaging. In particular, the present invention relates to a spice package that can be opened in at least two different ways.

Background art Spice packages have evolved starting with basic glass bottles and glass vases for the display and sale of spices including, but not limited to, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sauces and more. The basic package later included large capacity bottles and crucibles, which in turn included containers made from synthetic plastic materials. Eventually, the concept of packaging was to properly package individual pieces of spices.

  Individual packages of spices have changed. The individual package, on the other hand, was simply an empty cup that could be filled with spices from, for example, a high volume spice dispensing container containing a pump or other suitable dispenser. For a long time, spices have been available in separate pieces of packets or sockets (packaging containers) that seal the spices between a set of approximately flat sheet materials. See, for example, US Pat. No. 3,315,801. One or more weakened zones may be provided to facilitate the opening of the packet in order to access the spices contained therein.

  Spice packages having a generally rectangular reservoir covered with a substantially flat sheet have also been known for a long time. See, for example, US Pat. No. 2,705,579. Such a spice package provides a breakaway corner and a corner where the coated material is exposed, thereby providing different access to the spices packaged therein. For example, see US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0183737 and US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0100760.

  Packages are also known for various products in which the reservoir has a spout on one side and has a generally conical shape. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,898,003, U.S. Pat. No. 3,660,960, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,036. Typically, storages having this configuration have been used for relatively low viscosity products such as milk and cream.

  A squeezable package product in which the package has a spout at one end and the material forming the package is weakened near the spout to allow access to the package contents. Are known. For example, reference is made to US Pat. No. 5,529,224, US Pat. No. 4,921,137 and International Patent Application Publication No. 2007/126817.

  Liquid containers that allow two access modes have also been proposed. For example, one mode allows the product to be squeezed and removed, and the other mode allows the product to be immersed and removed. See, for example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0278562 (commonly owned, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). It has been proposed to use different opening methods when the products have different furnishings. For example, reference is made to French Patent No. 2,801,570. Various container designs have also been disclosed that allow various types of access. See, for example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0164045.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,315,801 U.S. Pat. No. 2,705,579 US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0183636 US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0100760 U.S. Pat. No. 2,898,003 U.S. Pat. No. 3,660,960 U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,036 US Pat. No. 5,529,224 U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,137 International Patent Application Publication No. 2007/126817 US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0278562 French Patent No. 2,801,570 US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0164045

  Despite the development of spice containers, it is known that there are many problems with available containers. In use, the container tends to be messy and incomplete, especially when used by children and when used in drive-through stores and in cars. In addition, environmental perceptions limit certain types of substances that may be used in products that are sold or offered directly. When discussing the size of individual parts of spices, the long-term storage stability of the spices therein becomes important in order to maintain the soundness of the spices. Its stability may arise from a variety of factors including, for example, the oxygen permeability of the container material.

  In the present invention, the term “spicy” is to be interpreted broadly and includes substances that are used to make a portion of food more enriched. Therefore, “spices” as used in this application includes traditional spices such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, tartar sauce, and other food products such as sauces, jelly, jam, honey without limitation. Intended.

  The improved spice container of the present invention includes a cover part (lid part) and a container part (cup part). The container portion preferably includes a reservoir that contains a predetermined volume of spice. Usually it includes a reservoir that accepts a predetermined volume. Typically, the predetermined volume corresponds to the amount of spice that a consumer uses and consumes personally during a meal.

  Preferably, the reservoir of the container portion includes a substantially flat bottom surface having a nominal length and a nominal width. The bottom surface provides a stable surface to support the spice container during certain aspects of container use by the consumer. The reservoir also has a nominal width and nominal so as to provide a reservoir that is low, wide and stable against lateral chipping when pressing or pushing food items against the reservoir. Having a nominal depth selected for the length.

  The container portion preferably includes a flange that extends substantially continuously around the reservoir. Preferably, the flange is substantially flat, spaced from the substantially flat bottom surface and parallel to the substantially flat bottom surface. A spout is supplied at one side of the reservoir and at the flange. The spout has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the opening at the upper end of the storage part. In this way, access to the spice through the spout is much more limited than access to the spice through the upper end of the reservoir.

  Preferably, the container part is made of a material having a first bending rigidity so that the storage part can sufficiently retain its shape even without the cover part. Further, the first bending rigidity is sufficient to ensure that the flange maintains its shape and orientation with respect to the storage portion even without the cover portion. For this reason, the container part is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), oriented polyethylene terephthalate (OPET), metallized polyethylene terephthalate (MET-PET), polyethylene (PE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene (PP), Metallized oriented polypropylene (mOPP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), foil, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), biaxially stretched material (biaxially oriented material), rice Federal law code 21 Part 177 meets the requirements of (indirect food additive polymer) material (material complying with 21 C.F.R. Part 177), and may be manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of a combination thereof. The container portion may contain a single layer material, but one or more of the layers may be selected from the group of materials described above and bonded, coextruded, or otherwise adhesive. May be formed of multiple layers formed in the structure. Regardless of the particular composition used for the lid (cover), all surfaces of the lid facing the container should be food safe.

  The thickness of the container portion may preferably be in the range of about 3 mils (about 0.0076 cm) to about 20 mils (about 0.051 cm). One mil is 0.001 inch (0.00254 cm). Depending on the particular material selected and the thickness, it may be preferable to further strengthen the bottom surface of the reservoir. Such reinforcement may be achieved by embossing a three-dimensional pattern on the bottom surface to increase bending stiffness. If desired, a logo may be used to provide the 3D pattern.

  The cover portion is preferably substantially flat and configured to have substantially the same peripheral portion as the peripheral portion of the container portion. Further, the cover part substantially covers the flange of the container part. However, the cover part is preferably made from a material having a second bending stiffness whose bending stiffness is lower than the bending stiffness of the container part. Due to this difference in rigidity, the cover portion becomes more flexible and can be more easily separated from the container portion along the flange.

  The material from which the cover part is manufactured may be the same as or different from the material used for the container part. Therefore, the cover material is PET, APET, OPET, MET-PET, PE, LDPE, LLDPE, mLLDPE, HDPE, mPE, EVA, PP, mOPP, PS, HIPS, foil, EVOH, polyamide, nylon, polychlorinated. It may be selected from the group consisting of vinyl, biaxially oriented materials, substances that meet the requirements of US Federal Code 21 part 177 (indirect food additive polymer), and combinations thereof. Typically, the thickness of the cover portion may preferably be in the range of about 1 mil (about 0.00254 cm) to about 5 mils (about 0.0127 cm). The container portion may include a single layer material, but one or more of the layers may be selected from the group of materials described above and bonded, coextruded, or otherwise adhesively structured. May be formed of multiple layers. Regardless of the particular composition used for the lid, all surfaces of the lid facing the container should be food safe.

  In order to hold the cover part and the container part together in the spice package, the adhesive is preferably arranged between the cover part and the container part surrounding the top end of the container in the flange area. Is done. The adhesive is preferably a food grade adhesive and may be cured in a conventional manner, for example, thermally, electromagnetically, or in time. Preferably, the adhesive is integrated with the cover part and / or the container part. Heat and pressure can be used to adhere the adhesive to the cover portion and / or the container portion. Alternatively, the adhesive may be applied around the reservoir of the container part in a separate process. Preferably, the adhesive is applied to define an unbonded region so that the adhesive is aligned with the spout, or otherwise the adhesive surrounds the spout. Yes. If desired, pressure may be applied to ensure that the adhesive adheres the cover portion and the container portion such that the adhesive defines a sealed compartment defined by the reservoir portion and the cover portion. Further, the adhesive is applied so that the unbonded region exists in a line with the spout between the lid portion and the flange of the container portion.

  Preferably, the unbonded area is located around the container assembly at a location opposite the spout. The unbonded area is operable to define a lift tab at the end of the lid. The push-up tab can be gripped so that the push-up tab is pulled away from the flange of the container portion to expose the reservoir and its contents. The adhesive is also applied so that the peel start region, such as a substantially square region, partially defines the end of the unbonded region. The peel start area is reduced against separation between the lid of the package in which the lid is assembled and the container portion, with the lid engaging the complete linear area of the adhesive extending from end to end of the reservoir. Prior to providing the applied resistance, the lid is engaged when it is pulled out of the container by the push-up tab. For example, the required opening force may be in the range of 1 to 5 pounds (0.45 to 2.3 kg). Depending on the desired opening scheme, the unbonded area and the peel start may be arranged in a row at the spout or at the opposite location of the reservoir. Regardless of its position, when the lid is peeled away from the container, the reservoir is exposed so that it can be used to immerse the food item in the spice.

  For access to the spout, the a weakened region is preferably arranged transverse to the spout. The weakened area may be provided by mechanically cutting or crushing the package material near the spout. The weakened area may be formed by cutting the lid portion and the container portion so that a set of slits arranged in a row straddles the spout. Alternatively, the weakened area may be provided by scoring the lid or container portion or both with a laser. Next, the end of the assembled container may be torn off along the weakened area to expose the spout. Then, by squeezing the assembled container, spices will be released in a controlled manner through the spout.

  In an assembled package, the adhesive breaks when exposed to 50 pounds (22.7 kg) or more, preferably 70 pounds (31.7 kg) or more. Preferably have sufficient force to withstand.

  If desired, the container assembly may be adapted for attachment to the side wall of the cardboard container. For this purpose, a set of slits may be provided in the container, extending through both the lid and the container part and arranged symmetrically to cooperatively define a set of ears. . The ear can be bent from the plane of the flange to define a hook that is angular (when viewed from the side). Due to the elasticity of the material used to make the lid and container part, the lid part and container part cooperate to sandwich the end of the cardboard container. Also, the surface of each ear may be appropriately treated to further enhance the grip between the cardboard container associated with the ear. For example, an adhesive coating or a rough surface may be provided for such purposes.

  If desired, either or both of the lid portion and the container portion may include a layer that inhibits oxygen ingress or a layer that removes oxygen. Such a layer can help to reduce or reduce the deterioration of the spices packaged in the container assembly. If desired, either the lid and / or the container may be opaque. Making it opaque may improve packaged products that are exposed to light and the product degrades over time.

When the spice packaged in the container is ketchup, the lid and container materials are preferably selected such that the packaged spice has a shelf life of at least about 6 months. One technique for assessing shelf life involves the use of a colorimeter that operates in the L ^* a ^* b ^* color space. Shelf life may be assessed by monitoring the deterioration of the color components of the packaged product based on measurements in its color space. For example, shelf life requires that the L ^* and / or a ^* / b ^* ratio does not deteriorate beyond a specified amount during a specified period, eg, exceeds 10% during a half year May be determined by requesting not to.

  Many objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the specification is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are applied to like elements.

It is a perspective view of a spice container. FIG. 5 is an inverted perspective view of a spice container with a bottom surface located at the top. It is a top view from the top part of a spice container. It is a top view from the bottom part of a spice container. It is a side view of a spice container. It is an end view of a spice container. It is a top view of the 2nd example of a spice container. It is a top view of the 3rd example of a spice container. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail view of the end portion of the jet port surrounded by FIG. 9. It is a figure which shows the spice container opened for pressing use. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the spice container of FIG. 1 showing access for soaking; FIG. It is a perspective view of 4th Example of the spice container seen from the top part. It is sectional drawing of 4th Example of the spice container obtained along line 14-14 of FIG. It is a perspective view of 4th Example of a spice container. It is a top view from the top part of 5th Example of a spice container. It is a side view of 5th Example of a spice container. It is a figure which shows the usage example of 5th Example with respect to a food container. It is a side view of FIG. It is a perspective view from the top part of the 6th Example of a spice container. It is a perspective view of the reverse of 6th Example of a spice container. It is a top view from the top part of 6th Example. It is a top view from the bottom part of 6th Example. It is a side view of 6th Example. It is an end view of 6th Example. It is sectional drawing of 6th Example which shows opening a jet nozzle and using it for pressing. It is sectional drawing of 6th Example which shows opening and approaching soaking.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a spice container 20 of the present invention is adapted for marketing as a separate piece of spice and for delivery to consumers. The spice container 20 is formed by a container portion or cup portion 22 (see FIG. 2) and a lid portion or cover portion 24 (see FIG. 1). The container portion and the lid portion are joined together along the flange 26 by an adhesive. It is sealed.

  The lid (cover) 24 is preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APE part T), oriented polyethylene terephthalate (OPET), polyester (PE), low density polyester (LDPE), linear Low density polyester (LLDPE), metallocene linear low density polyester (mLLDPE), high density polyester (HDPE), metallocene polyester (mPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene (PP), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) ), Foil, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and combinations thereof. If a foil is used, the foil may be an aluminum foil or other metal foil. Typically, the thickness of the lid 24 will range from about 1 mil (about 0.0025 cm) to about 5 mils (about 0.013 cm). More preferably, the lid portion 24 may have a thickness in the range of about 1 mil (about 0.0025 cm) to about 3 mils (about 0.0076 cm). The thickness of the lid portion 24 is more flexible than the cup portion, or has a sufficient holding force against a tensile force that causes the lid portion 24 to overcome the adhesive tack and peel from the cup portion, or One having a surface texture that is easy to grasp but does not slip is selected. The lid portion 24 preferably has a peripheral contour that substantially corresponds to the peripheral portion of the flange 26.

  The lid portion 24 may include a single layer of a selected material, but the lid portion 24 may also include one or more of a plurality of layers selected from the group of materials described above, and a plurality of layers. May be bonded, co-extruded, or formed together by other methods to form a coherent structure. Regardless of the particular composition used for the lid 24, all surfaces of the lid facing the container must be food safe. If the spices packaged over time are oxygen depleted, the lid 24 may include a layer in the structure that inhibits oxygen ingress or a layer that removes oxygen. A suitable material for the layer that inhibits oxygen intrusion is ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), which may not only function as a barrier to inhibit oxygen ingress, but may also function as a moisture barrier. Depending on the spice, the material from which the lid 24 is made may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Also, if desired, the material may be colored.

  Although there are many acceptable combinations of materials for the lid, the following table identifies some combinations that are useful as lid materials.

  The cup (container) 22 (see FIG. 2) includes a reservoir 30 extending away from the flange 26 and a substantially flat bottom surface 32 that may be generally rectangular. In addition, the reservoir 30 includes a sidewall 36 that extends between the generally flat bottom surface 32 and the flange 26. The flange 26 extends substantially radially from the end 40 (see FIG. 2) and defines a substantial area that is exposed until the lid 24 is applied. In addition, one side of the reservoir may include a generally triangular surface or a generally trapezoidal surface 34 that is inclined relative to the generally flat flange 26 and the generally flat bottom surface 32. A spout 38 is provided on one side of the reservoir 30. Preferably, the cup portion 22 is designed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3 and to be symmetric with respect to a longitudinal plane that is substantially co-located with the line 9-9.

  When the lid part 24 is in place, the symmetry of the cup part 22 and the lid part 24 combined with the inclined surface (triangular surface) 34 is funnel-like, ie the funnel-like one communicates with the spout 38. Thus, what covers the cross-sectional area at the side part of the storage part is formed. Thus, the spout 38 exhibits a much smaller cross-sectional area than the area exposed at the top end of the reservoir 34 (see FIG. 4).

  The cup 22 (see FIG. 2) is preferably made of a material that is stiffer than the material from which the lid is made. Therefore, the bending rigidity of the cup part 22 exceeds the bending rigidity of the lid part 24. The difference in stiffness easily deforms the lid to open and remove the assembled container. Although the cup portion 22 is stiffer than the lid portion 24, the cup portion 22 is preferably sufficiently flexible so that the cup portion 22 is a pressure applied by the hand force, i.e. by the finger of a person's hand without help. And can be deflected by squeezing. Nevertheless, the cup 22 is stiff enough to not deform or warp when no force is applied. In these limitations, and without the lid portion 24, the cup portion 22 can be supported by the bottom surface, providing a container that is sufficiently stiff to hold the spices without spilling. In this connection, a substantially flat flange 26 extending outwardly from the periphery 40 of the reservoir serves to strengthen the area of the reservoir of the cup 22.

  In some applications, it may be preferable to have a bottom surface 32 with increased rigidity (see FIG. 4). Such an increase in stiffness may be achieved by providing a relief feature 44 on the bottom surface 32. Such relief features 44 may extend to the inclined surface 34 if desired. In some applications, the relief feature 44 may include a manufacturer's logo. The increase in stiffness is obtained from the depth of relief relative to the plane of the bottom surface 32.

  In general, the material from which the cup portion 22 is made may be selected from the same group of materials available for the lid portion 24, such as PET, APET, OPET, MET-PET, PE, low density polyethylene, LLDPE, mLLDPE, HDPE, mPE, EVA, PP, mOPP, PS, HIPS, foil, EVOH, polyamide, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, biaxially stretched material, substances that meet the requirements of US Federal Code 21 CFR Part 177 (indirect food additive polymer) , And combinations thereof may be selected. If foil is used, the foil may be an aluminum foil or other metal foil. Typically, the thickness of the cup portion 22 will range from about 3 mils (about 0.0076 cm) to about 20 mils (about 0.051 cm). More preferably, the cup portion 22 may have a thickness in the range of about 8 mils (about 0.020 cm) to about 12 mils (about 0.031 cm). The thickness of the cup portion 22 is selected from those that are not as flexible as the lid portion 24 so that the lid portion 24 overcomes the tackiness of the adhesive and peels away from the cup portion 22.

  As in the case of the lid 24, the material combinations of the cup 22 as described in detail in the following table have been found to be particularly suitable.

  The storage of the spice container 20 is preferably sized to include an individual appropriate supply of spice, for example, a nominal volume of about 1 ounce. Larger or smaller than the nominal volume is within the scope of the present invention, but the nominal volume will correspond to the particular amount of spice desired by a normal individual. As shown in FIG. 4, the package reservoir corresponds to the maximum distance between the opposing sidewalls at the end 40 position and extends in a nominal width (in a direction transverse to the plane of symmetry between the opposing sidewalls). nominal width), the nominal length is the maximum length between the side walls of the reservoir at the end 40 position, measured along the plane of symmetry, and the nominal depth ( 5) extends from the bottom 32 to the flange 26 and is measured along a plane of symmetry. These nominal dimensions define the nominal volume of the reservoir.

  Another important feature of the cup part 22 is the lateral stability against chipping. These nominal dimensions can also be used to achieve guidelines that provide sufficient chipping stability. More specifically, the ratio of nominal height to nominal width is preferably less than about 0.5, more preferably less than about 0.45. Further, the ratio of nominal height to nominal length is preferably less than about 0.3, more preferably less than about 0.26. If the reservoir of the cup portion 22 has nominal dimensions in these ranges, the reservoir is sufficiently stable and does not chip when food is immersed in the spices contained therein.

  The lid portion 24 and the cup portion 22 are sealed together using a food grade adhesive to define a volume that is isolated and encapsulated from the surrounding environment. One technique for achieving a seal is to include a heat sealable layer inside the lid 24 and inside the cup 22. When heat and pressure are applied to the flange 26, the adjacent surfaces are bonded together to form a suitable seal that surrounds the periphery 40 of the reservoir. Alternatively, a suitable food grade adhesive that is compatible with the container material may be used. The adhesive is preferably applied so as to surround the end 40 of the reservoir (see FIG. 4), but not so as to make full contact with the end 40, ie, the adhesive and the end 40. There is a space in between. Further, the adhesive is applied so as not to cover the spout 38. Preferably, the spice container can withstand a pressure of at least about 50 pounds (about 22.7 kg) without the seal breaking or without breaking the seal. More preferably, a seal of about 70 pounds (31.7 kg) will not break.

  The adhesive preferably extends to the peripheral edge 50 of the flange 26 but provides an area 52 that is not adhered to one side of the reservoir. The unbonded region 52 is the distance of the flange so that the pull tab portion 54 (see FIG. 3) of the lid portion 24 that is not bonded to the flange 26 is large enough to be grasped between the fingers. It extends inward along the flange 26 from the peripheral end 50. When there is a distance of about 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) or more, the pull tab portion 54 can be grasped. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that peeling the lid 24 from the flange 26 (see FIG. 3) is difficult due to the seal width. However, defining a portion of one end of the non-bonded region 52 that includes a substantially angular feature 56 that is aligned with the plane of symmetry is intended to peel the lid away from the flange 26. It has been found to provide a peel start that reduces the required force. The inclusion of a peel start at the end of the unbonded area makes it easier to remove the lid from the container.

  From the above discussion, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the pull tab portion 54 can be grasped to peel the lid portion 24 from the flange 26 of the cup portion 22 to expose the reservoir and its contents. Such a process would prepare a container soaking the food in the spices. However, different opening schemes are also available with the container of the present invention. In particular, the container may provide a weakened area near the spout 38 to open the spout 38 as an alternative to removing the lid 24. For example, the weakened area may include a set of slits 60, 62 in the vicinity of the spout 38. The slits 60 and 62 are aligned with each other across the ejection port 38. The slits 60 and 62 may extend through the thickness of both the lid portion 24 and the cup portion 22. In this configuration, the distal end of the container 20 can be bent to break up the container material and expose the passage through the spout 38 and into the reservoir. At that time, when the reservoir is pressurized, spices will be discharged through the spout 38 in a defined manner in a controlled direction.

  The aligned slits 60, 62 can be applied to the container before, during, or after the spice container 20 is assembled. However, an efficient and mechanical method of forming the slits 60 and 62 arranged in a line is to attach the lid portion 24 to the cup portion 22 and to bond it to the cup portion 22 with an adhesive at the same time. Instead, the periphery of the container spout 38 is used to be fragile using a laser notch process so that the end of the container can be folded or bent to expose the end of the spout passage. Also good.

The materials selected for the lid part (cover part) 24, the cup part (container part) 22 and the adhesive are preferably selected so that the spice has the desired storage stability. For spices such as ketchup, a shelf life of at least 6 months is preferred. For spices such as ketchup, shelf life can be assessed by changes in the color characteristics of the spices. Thus, colorimetric analysis can be used to test shelf life. The Hunter Lab color space and the L ^* a ^* b ^* color space use three coordinates to define a particular color. For example, in the L ^* a ^* b ^* color space, the coordinates L ^* , a ^* , b ^* define a three-dimensional color space. The L ^* component is a measure of brightness and correlates particularly well with human eye perception. L ^* values range from 0 corresponding to pure black and 100 corresponding to pure white. The a ^* coordinate is a measure of the position of the color between red / magenta and green, with negative values indicating green, positive values indicating magenta. For the b ^* component, negative values indicate blue, positive values indicate yellow, and are a measure of the color position between yellow and blue. Thus, the ketchup color change over time can be evaluated by the values and changes of L ^* , a ^* , b ^* or by the values and changes of L, a, b. For shelf life analysis, the brightness component L ^* or L was found to provide a reliable parameter that correlates with shelf life. In particular, as long as the L ^* component value remains within about 10% of the initial value during the shelf life, the shelf life requirement is met. Furthermore, a ^* / b ^* or a / b also indicates product degradation. Thus, for example, a satisfactory shelf life is determined when the L ^* (or L) component and the a ^* / b ^* (or a / b) ratio each remain within about 10% of the initial value. It may be. Other spices that change in color over time can also be colorimetrically assessed for shelf life using one or more of the L ^* a ^* b ^* color space components.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In this configuration, the seal portion adjacent to the peeling start portion 56 ′ is mixed with the seal showing the resistance at which the peeling start portion 56 ′ gradually increases, in contrast to the stepwise increasing resistance of the first embodiment. It is configured. This configuration is characterized by an angular and concentrating portion that ends at the peel start 56 '.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a set of peel initiations in an adhesive that bonds between the lid 24 and the cup (see FIG. 8). In this configuration, the peel start 64, 66 is provided at the corresponding corner of the adhesive seal. With this configuration, the lid 24 may be peeled off from either corner in a state where the force corresponding to the force required to start peeling is reduced.

  To assemble the spice container 20, the cup portion 22 may be exposed to a dispensing mechanism that deposits a volume of spice 70 (see FIG. 9) to be metered into the reservoir. Since the metered volume supplied is less than the actual volume of the reservoir, there is some top space above the spice. After the adhesive is applied to the flange 26, the lid portion 24 is disposed so as to overlap the cup portion 22 and seals the cup portion 22. The resulting structure includes an adhesive 72 that bonds the lid portion 24 and the cup portion 22 (see FIG. 10).

  In another embodiment of the spice container 20 (see FIG. 7), the unbonded region 54 may expand in the direction of the symmetry plane as far as the width is concerned. Except for the peel start portion 56 'and associated structure, the spice container 20 of this embodiment has the same features and characteristics as the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. Therefore, their common features will not be repeated here. The peel start 56 'of this second embodiment extends deeper into the unbonded region 54 than the first embodiment, but the adhesive seal 70 has a substantially constant width around the end of the reservoir. Have. Here, the peeling start portion 56 ′ is formed in a shape like a chevron, a caret, or a curly bracket. Further, the peeling start portion 56 ′ is arranged in a line with the ejection port 38 in the longitudinal direction, but is disposed at a position facing the storage unit from the ejection port 38. In such an arrangement, the separate structures for opening the package are separated from each other and the user or consumer can tear or break the spout 38 to open the spice container for squeezing or use. Alternatively, in order to immerse and use the container 20, it is determined consciously whether the lid portion 24 is folded back.

  In a further embodiment (see FIG. 8), the spice container 20 is different from the position and arrangement of the peel start, but is otherwise fully described by the above description for FIGS. I won't repeat it here. In a further embodiment, a set of peel start portions 64, 66 are provided, each peel start portion 64, 66 being generally aligned with the corner of the container and located at the corresponding corner of the adhesive seal 70. Is done. Since the consumer can understand that it is easy or easy to start folding back the lid 24 from the corner, the position of the corners of the peeling start portions 64 and 66 facilitates peeling and opening. As shown, the peel start portions 64, 66 are placed symmetrically with respect to the symmetry plane of the spice container, and either corner may be placed by the consumer or user to initiate the mouth-opening mouth process. Chosen at random.

  It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that only one peel start is used and the peel start is located at the corner of the spice container off the position of the symmetry plane. Such a container may be similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8, but there is only one of the peel start 64, 66. In such an embodiment, a direction may be provided on the outer surface of the lid 24 where the consumer's attention is concentrated at the appropriate corner of the peel start. Instead, the cup part 22 and the lid part 24 can be opened at the peeling start part, whether the peeling start part is arranged in the center or at the other corner of the container One corner can be adjusted closer to the bond line, leaving a pull tab protruding from the other corner and a peel start. The characteristics of such a spice container have been fully described above in connection with FIGS. 1-6, and the description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In order to use the spice container 20 (see FIG. 11), the consumer first decides whether to control and dispense the spices or to have full access to the reservoir. If a controlled dispensing is desired, the container end is folded or twisted at the location of the weakened area to expose the end of the spout 38. Spice is squeezed out of the spout by applying finger pressure to the area of the reservoir so that finger pressure is applied in a controlled manner in a selective direction relative to the food. When full access to the spice is desired (see FIG. 12), the pull tab 54 is peeled off the flange, passed through the peel start, and pulled away from the top end of the reservoir to pull the reservoir. Many (or all) may be exposed.

  In yet another embodiment of the spice container 20 (see FIG. 13), the peel start portion 84 is in a different position. Since the features of this spice container are fully described in relation to FIGS. 1-6, the description thereof will not be repeated here and not specifically described. In this structure, the peeling start part 84 is arrange | positioned in a line with the jet nozzle 38, and the jet nozzle 38 exists between the peeling start part 84 and the storage part of the cup part 22 (refer FIG. 14). Here, the flange 26 of the cup portion 22 includes a tongue portion 80. The tongue 80 extends beyond the spout and may be substantially rectangular and symmetric with respect to the spout 38. The peeling start portion 84 has a substantially square or substantially pointed characteristic and is directed outwardly from the spout 38 and the reservoir, but is arranged in a line with them. . Preferably, the tongue 80 extends beyond the peel start 84 by a distance of 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) or more. Further, the lid portion 24 (see FIG. 13) lies on the tongue portion 80 of the cup portion and is sized and arranged.

  In order to open the spice container 20, the tongue portion 86 of the lid portion 22 (see FIG. 14) is grasped and peeled away from the tongue portion 80 of the cup portion 22, for example, in the direction of the arrow 86. After separation begins at the peel start portion 84, the tongue portion 82 of the lid portion 22 exposes the end of the spout 38. At this point, the spice container 20 may be squeezed by the user and spices may be sent through the spout 38 in a controlled and easily directed manner. When the spout is exposed, rather than stopping, the lid 24 is peeled further away from the tongue 80 of the cup 22 to expose some or all of the reservoir and spice 70 therein. Thus, the container 20 provides an immersion container for food items. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that it is not important to open the lid spout or the reservoir. If desired, the consumer first opens the spout, dispenses some spice through it, and later opens the lid to expose the reservoir for use with some spice soaked. May cause Also, if desired, the lid may be partially opened or completely removed.

  Another embodiment of the spice container 20 (see FIG. 16) has a spout 38 located at one end with the gripping tongue extending beyond the spout 38 in a generally triangular configuration. May be. Features of this spice container that are not specifically described are fully described in connection with FIGS. 1-6 and will not be repeated here. This embodiment also includes a substantially pentagonal reservoir 90 with the sides meeting at an obtuse angle. One end of the container has a substantially straight end 91 that extends perpendicular to the plane of symmetry with respect to the container 20 and has a length corresponding to the maximum width of the container 20. The container also includes two side ends 93, 95 extending from the corresponding two ends of the straight end 91 to the corresponding corners of the container. A pair of symmetrically arranged slits 92, 94 extend from the corresponding two side ends 93, 95 toward the straight end 91, but do not intersect the straight end 91. . The slits 92, 94 may be straight or arched as desired, but the dead ends of each slit 92, 94 are straight end 91 and side end 93, 95 and spaced from both. In that configuration, the slits 92, 94 and the side ends 93, 95 cooperate to define a set of symmetrically arranged ears 96, 98. At the time of manufacture, the ears 96, 98 are in the plane of the flange 26 (see FIG. 17).

  During use, the spice container 20 of this embodiment provides an additional convenient function (see FIG. 18). The ears 96, 98 may be pushed out of the plane of the flange 26 so that the upper end of the package 100 is accommodated between the ears 96, 98 and the flange 26. In this manner, the spice package 20 is properly dispensed into the package 100. The spice container 20 can be configured for the openings described above in any of the other embodiments. Also, when opened for dipping use (see FIG. 19), the ears 96, 98 and the side of the package 100 are in a cantilevered position in a cantilevered position by a cooperative operation between them. Will support easy access to the spices.

  If desired, the surface of each ear 96, 98 may be treated to enhance frictional engagement with the package 100. For example, the surfaces of the ears 96, 98 can be roughened with respect to other surfaces of the container 20, or may have a low tack adhesive applied to at least a portion thereof.

  As described in the above-described embodiment, the shape of the cup storage portion may be substantially pentagonal, or may be other desired shapes. For example, approximately rectangular, approximately square, approximately triangular, approximately polygonal, approximately oval, and other shaped reservoirs are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, another embodiment of the spice container 20 may include a substantially cylindrical reservoir 110 (see FIG. 4A). The features of the spice container that have not been clearly described have been fully described in connection with FIGS. 1-6, and will not be repeated here. As will be appreciated from the various embodiments shown and described in this disclosure, the flange 26 surrounding the reservoir may follow the shape of the upper end of the reservoir or have a larger area. . In FIG. 21, for example, the flange 26 is generally rectangular, thereby providing a plurality of locations where the lid is folded, some accessing the spout and some accessing the reservoir.

  To make the container of the present disclosure, the cup material is typically provided in rolls. The roll material is unwound into a forming device such as a substantially continuous sheet in which a plurality of reservoirs are formed. Typically, the reservoirs are formed in rows having from 2 to about 12 or more reservoirs so that the reservoirs extend in a straight transverse row and the length of the sheet unrolled from the roll. The sheet is formed in a state between the straight and longitudinally extending rows.

  The sheet with the formed reservoir then proceeds to the filling device. In the filling device, the desired spice is deposited in the reservoir through a general purpose metering device that controls the amount and volume of each spice. There is typically a filling head for each longitudinal row of reservoirs in the sheet. Alternatively, these filling heads may supply the same spice for each longitudinal row. However, if desired, it is within the scope of this application to deliver different spices to adjacent fill heads so that the different spices fill adjacent longitudinal rows of sheets of sheets.

  The sheet with the filled reservoir is then washed with a gas that is compatible with the product and effective to delay product degradation. At this point, the second sheet material of the lid is unrolled and advanced to thinly cover the reservoir sheet where the reservoir sheet is sealed in position for each reservoir.

  Next, the filled and coated reservoirs in a substantially continuous sheet are advanced to a die cutter and individual containers are cut from the continuous sheet. Next, general storage, packaging, pallet loading, storage, and shipping for individual containers is performed.

  The term “about” is used herein to avoid mathematical accuracy for numerical values in various places. Thus, the term “about” when used in a numerical value or range of values is intended to be interpreted as including a tolerance of ± 10% of the stated numerical value. For similar effects, the terms “generally” and “substantially” are used herein for various geometric terms, terms, and / or phrases. used. The terms “generally” and “substantially” in such contexts mean structures that approximate a geometric definition, avoiding a strict geometric definition. It is meant to include and include features that are not exactly satisfied by related terms and / or phrases.

  Furthermore, the present invention is expressly intended to be construed in a manner consistent with all parts of the specification. Accordingly, the summary, summary, drawing description, etc. are not intended to be limiting, but are intended to summarize some but not all features or to provide an overview of the entire specification or an overview of the drawings.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present specification provides new and useful non-obvious spice containers. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations, modifications, substitutions, and equivalents exist for the various features of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is manifestly intended that all modifications, variations, alternatives, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention are encompassed as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (28)

A container,
The container has a container portion formed of a container material having a first bending stiffness;
The container portion defines a reservoir having a nominal volume and a spout;
The container portion has a generally flat bottom having a nominal width;
The container portion has a substantially flat flange that is substantially parallel to the substantially flat bottom and spaced from the substantially flat bottom and that surrounds the reservoir.
The container has a removable cover portion formed of a cover material having a second bending stiffness that is less than the first bending stiffness, the cover portion substantially covering the substantially flat flange. ,
The container is
An adhesive between the container portion and the cover portion in the region of the generally flat flange, such that an unbonded region exists in alignment with the spout;
Weakened areas aligned substantially across the spout, and
A peel start in the unbonded area;
A container characterized by comprising:   The container of claim 1, further comprising a relief in the generally flat bottom and operative to increase the first bending stiffness of the substantially flat bottom.   The container of claim 1 including a relief in the generally flat bottom.   The container portion and the cover portion include a set of generally symmetrical cuts extending from a side of the container toward the container end so as to define a pair of ears. The container according to claim 1.   The container according to claim 4, wherein the pair of ear portions includes an adhesive treatment agent on a surface thereof.   The said container part is made from the substance used as the barrier which suppresses the penetration | invasion of oxygen, The container of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover portion is made of a substance that serves as a barrier that suppresses intrusion of oxygen.   2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the peeling start portion is disposed at a position aligned with the jet port portion in a longitudinal direction.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the peeling start portion is disposed at a position facing the portion of the ejection port.   The container of claim 1, wherein the weakened region includes a set of cuts arranged in a row disposed on corresponding sides of the spout.   11. A container according to claim 10, wherein the weakened area has been mechanically processed.   The container of claim 1, wherein the weakened region includes a laser indent.   The container of claim 1, wherein the adhesive provides a resistance to peel with a force in the range of about 2 to about 10 pounds (about 0.9 to about 4.53 kg).   The reservoir has the width, the depth, and the length such that the depth is less than about 50% of the width and the depth is less than about 35% of the length. The container according to 1.   The container of claim 1, wherein the container is capable of supporting an applied weight of about 50 pounds.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes a spice.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the storage part contains a spice selected from the group consisting of ketchup, mayonnaise, and sauce.   The container according to claim 17, wherein the storage unit includes ketchup.   The container of claim 18, wherein the container material having the first bending stiffness and the container material having the second bending stiffness are selected such that the spice has a shelf life of at least about 6 months. . The shelf life is determined using a colorimeter operating in a color space of L ^* a ^* b ^* , wherein the L ^* value does not drop more than about 10% in 6 months. Item 20. The container according to Item 19.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover part includes a foil layer.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover part and the container part are opaque.   The cover material of the cover part is PET (polyethylene terephthalate), APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate), OPET (oriented polyethylene terephthalate), MET-PET (metallized polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), LDPE (Low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), mLLDPE (metallocene linear low density polyethylene), HDPE (high density polyethylene), mPE (metallocene polyethylene), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), PP (polypropylene) ), MOPP (metallized and oriented polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), HIPS (high impact polystyrene), foil, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), polyamide, nylon, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), biaxially oriented material (Biaxially oriented m aterial), a substance meeting the requirements of US Federal Code 21 Part 177, and a combination thereof.   The cover portion includes at least two layers, and at least one layer includes PET (polyethylene terephthalate), APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate), OPET (oriented polyethylene terephthalate), MET-PET (metallized polyethylene). Terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), mLLDPE (metallocene linear low density polyethylene), HDPE (high density polyethylene), mPE (metallocene polyethylene), EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate), PP (polypropylene), mOPP (metallized and oriented polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), HIPS (high impact polystyrene), foil, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), polyamide, nylon, PVC ( Polyvinyl chloride 23. The container of claim 22, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of: biaxially oriented material, material meeting the requirements of US Federal Code 21 Part 177, and combinations thereof.   The container of claim 1, wherein the cover portion has a thickness in the range of about 1 mil (about 0.0025 cm) to about 5 mil (about 0.0127 cm).   The container material of the container part is PET (polyethylene terephthalate), APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate), OPET (oriented polyethylene terephthalate), MET-PET (metallized polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), LDPE. (Low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), mLLDPE (metallocene linear low density polyethylene), HDPE (high density polyethylene), mPE (metallocene polyethylene), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), PP (polypropylene) ), MOPP (metallized and oriented polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), HIPS (high impact polystyrene), foil, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), polyamide, nylon, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), biaxially oriented material (Biaxially oriented materia 2. The container of claim 1 selected from the group consisting of l), substances that meet the requirements of US Federal Code 21 Part 177, and combinations thereof.   The container part includes at least two layers, and at least one of the layers includes PET (polyethylene terephthalate), APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate), OPET (oriented polyethylene terephthalate), MET-PET. (Metallized polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), mLLDPE (metallocene linear low density polyethylene), HDPE (high density polyethylene), mPE (Metallocene polyethylene), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), PP (polypropylene), mOPP (metallized and oriented polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), HIPS (impact polystyrene), foil, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), Polyamide, nylon 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), biaxially oriented material, materials meeting the requirements of US Federal Code 21 Part 177, and combinations thereof. Container as described.   The container of claim 1, wherein the container portion has a thickness in the range of about 3 mils (about 0.0076 cm) to about 20 mils (about 0.051 cm).

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