RU2507141C2 - Multifunction container - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: container for condiments comprises container part with, in fact flat bottom, in fact, parallel flange, discharge beak and sidewall extending between said bottom and said flange. In fact said flat cover part is secured to said flange by adhesive to make empty space between cover and flange. At least one part of said flange in said empty space is bent downward from said cover part to make a gap there between for access of the finger. Sidewall comprises front part located under aforesaid beak to extended therefrom downward. Sidewall front part prevents beak shift upward in response to contact between sidewall front with rear of another container in the stack of containers.

EFFECT: perfected design.

20 cl, 41 dwg

Description

This application is a partial continuation of the simultaneously filed US Application Ser.№__ (Attorney's Case No. 101525-000519) for the same invention. Both the aforementioned simultaneously filed application and this application, which is a partial continuation thereof, take priority on April 23, 2009 according to the filing date of provisional application US Ser. No. 61 / 202,968.

The present invention generally relates to packaging seasonings. More specifically, the present invention relates to a seasoning packaging configured to open in at least two different ways.

State of the art

Seasoning packaging has been developing for many years, starting with elementary glass bottles and cans for the demonstration and sale of seasonings, including without limitation ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sauces, etc. Elementary packaging later included a larger number of bottles and cans, and then containers made of synthetic plastic materials. As a result, packaging ideas were aimed at developing packages suitable for individual portions of seasoning.

Individual seasoning packaging has undergone significant changes. At one time, the packaging was simply an empty bowl that could be filled with seasoning from a large seasoning dispenser, which could, for example, have a pump or other suitable metering device. For many years, seasonings were available in bags or sachets with separate portions in which the seasoning was hermetically sealed between a pair of essentially flat sheets of material. See, for example, US Patent No. 3,315,801. One or more weakened zones may be provided to facilitate opening the bag to access the seasoning contained therein.

Seasoning packs having a substantially rectangular tank portion covered by a substantially flat sheet have also been known for a long time. See, for example, US Patent No. 2705579. Such seasoning packs were later provided with breakable corners and exposed corners of the coating material, thereby providing different means of access to the seasoning packaged therein. See, for example, Publications of US Patent Applications No. 2003/0183637 and 2002/0100760,

Packages for various products are also known in which the reservoir part has the shape of a substantially truncated cone and a nose on one side. See, for example, US Patent Nos. 2,898,003, 3,660,960 and 4,863,036. Typically, reservoirs having this configuration have been used for relatively low viscosity products, such as milk and cream.

Compressible packages for products are also known in which the package has a spout at one end and the forming materials are loosened close to the spout to provide access to its contents. See, for example, US Patents Nos. 5529224, 4921137 and WO 2007/126817.

Fluid containers that provide dual access modes have also been proposed. For example, one mode allows squeezing to remove the product, and another mode allows dipping to remove the product. See, for example, Publication of Application for US Patent No. 2006/0278562 (owned by the same applicant, the full contents of which are incorporated into this document by reference to them). It has been proposed to use other opening methods in which the product has different consistencies. See, for example, French Patent No. 2801570. Moreover, various container designs that provide different types of access have also been described. See, for example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0164045.

Despite the development of seasoning containers, several difficulties are known to exist with available containers. More specifically, during use, containers tend to be dirty, which makes them imperfect for children to use and for use in vehicles if provided in food sources such as a car cafe. In addition, due to environmental issues, some retailers impose restrictions on the types of materials that can be used in products sold or otherwise offered at their retail outlets. When dealing with the size of individual condiments, seasoning stability for packaged condiments becomes important to maintain the integrity of the condiments. This stability can be the result of various factors, including, for example, the transmission of oxygen by the materials of the container.

Other disadvantages include difficulties experienced by the user when trying to insert his / her finger between the detachable lid and the container flange when trying to separate the lid. The connection between the cover and the flange makes it difficult to grip the cover correctly.

It is also desirable to pack the condiment containers in close proximity and compactly for delivery, but the configuration of the containers often makes this difficult to achieve.

Summary of Selected Aspects of the Invention

For the purposes of the present invention, the word "seasoning" should be understood broadly and include substances used to improve larger portions of food. Thus, as used in this application, “seasoning” is intended to cover traditional seasonings such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, tartar sauce, etc., and also includes, without limitation, other edible products such as sauces , jellies, jams, honey, etc.

The improved seasoning container of the invention includes a coating portion and a container portion. The container portion preferably includes a reservoir having proportions to obtain a predetermined seasoning volume. Typically, a given volume corresponds to the amount of seasoning that a consumer can personally use while consuming food.

Preferably, the container portion reservoir includes a substantially flat bottom surface with a nominal length and a nominal width. The bottom surface provides a stable surface for supporting the seasoning container during the specific features of its use by the consumer. The tank also has a nominal depth, selected in relation to the nominal width and nominal length, to provide a tank that is low, wide and resistant to lateral tipping when the food product is pushed or pushed into the tank.

The container portion preferably includes a flange extending substantially continuously around the reservoir. Preferably, the flange is generally flat, spaced parallel to it from a substantially flat bottom surface. A spout is provided at one end of the tank and at the position of the flange. The nozzle has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the hole at the upper edge of the tank. Thus, access to the seasoning through the spout is much more limited than access to the seasoning through the upper edge of the tank.

Preferably, the container portion is made of a material having a first bending stiffness sufficient to keep the reservoir in shape, even in the absence of a coating portion. Moreover, this first bending stiffness is also sufficient to ensure that the flange will retain its shape and orientation relative to the tank, even in the absence of a covering portion. For this, the container part can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), amorphous polyethylene terephthalalte (APET), oriented polyethylene terephthalalte (oriented polyethylene terephthalalte (OPET)), metallized polyethylene terephthalate (OPET) metalized polyethylene terephthalate (MET-PET)), polyethylene (polyethylene (PE)), low density polyethylene (low density polyethylene (LDPE)), linear low density polyethylene (linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)), metallocene linear low density polyethylene ( metalocene linear l ow density polyethylene (mLLDPE)), high density polyethylene (high density polyethylene (HDPE)), metallocene polyethylene (metalocene polyethylene (mPE)), ethylene vinyl acetate (ethylene vynil acetate (EVA)), polypropylene (polypropylene (PP)), metallized oriented polyprolylene (mOPP), impact polystyrene (high impact polystyrene (HIPS)), foil, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), materials biaxial orientation, U.S. compliant, 21 CFR Part 177, and combinations thereof. Despite the fact that the container part can contain a single layer of material, the container part can also be made of several layers, connected, coextruded or otherwise formed together into a connected structure in which one or more layers is selected from the group of materials described above. Regardless of the particular composition used for the container portion, all surfaces of the container portion that face the packaged seasoning must be food safe.

The thickness of the container portion may preferably lie in the range of from about 0.0762 mm (3 mils) to about 0.508 mm (20 mils), with one mil being 0.001 inches. Depending on the particular material and thickness selected, it may also be desirable to further increase the rigidity of the bottom surface of the tank. Such an increase in stiffness can be achieved by extruding a three-dimensional pattern in the lower surface, thereby increasing its bending stiffness. If desired, a logo can be used to provide this three-dimensional pattern.

The coating portion is substantially flat and preferably formed with a perimeter substantially the same as the perimeter of the container portion. Moreover, the coating portion substantially covers the flange of the container portion. The coating part, however, is preferably made of a material having a second bending stiffness, wherein the bending stiffness of the covering part is less than the bending stiffness of the container part. This difference in stiffness makes the covering part more flexible and easily detachable from the container part along the flange.

The material of which the covering part is made may or may not be the same as the material used for the container part. Accordingly, the material of the coating portion may be selected from the group consisting of PET, APET, OPET, MET-PET, PE, LDPE, LLDPE, mLLDPE, HDPE, mPE, EVA, PP, mOPP, PS, HIPS, foil, EVOH, polyamide , nylon, PVC, biaxial materials, materials that comply with US law, 21 CFR Part 177, and combinations thereof. Typically, the thickness of the coating portion ranges from about 0.0254 mm (1 mil) to about 0.127 mm (5 mils). Despite the fact that the covering part may contain a single layer of material, the covering part may also be made of several layers connected, coextruded or otherwise formed together into a connected structure in which one or more layers is selected from the group of materials described above. Regardless of the particular composition used for the coating portion, all surfaces of the coating portion that face the packaged seasoning must be food safe.

In order to hold the casing part and the container part together in the seasoning package, the adhesive is preferably located between the casing part and the container part in the flange region and surrounds the upper edge of the tank. The adhesive is preferably a food adhesive and can usually be cured, for example, by thermal, electromagnetic curing or curing by exposure. Preferably, the adhesive is combined with a coating portion and / or with a container portion. The application of heat and pressure can be used to cause the adhesive to bond the coating portion and / or the container portion. Alternatively, the adhesive may be applied around the reservoir of the container portion in a separate step. Preferably, the adhesive is applied so that the adhesive forms an unbound area aligned with the nose, despite the fact that the adhesive otherwise surrounds the nose. If desired, pressure may be applied to ensure that the adhesive binds the coating portion and the container portion to form a sealed compartment formed by the reservoir and the coating portion. Moreover, the adhesive is applied so that there is an unbound area between the covering portion and the flange of the container portion, generally aligned with the nose.

Preferably, the unbound region is located opposite the nose at the periphery of the container assembly. The unbound region is configured to form a lifting tongue at the edge of the covering portion. The lifting tongue can be grasped so that it can be pulled away from the flange of the container portion to expose the reservoir and its contents. Moreover, the adhesive is applied so that the region of the start of separation, such as a substantially angular region, partially forms the edge of the unbound region. The separation start area is activated as the cover part is pulled by the tongue from the container part, before the cover part engages all of the adhesive, extending from side to side of the reservoir, and provides reduced separation resistance between the cover part and the container part of the assembled package. For example, the required opening force may range from 0.45 kg to 2.27 kg (1 lbs to 5 lbs). Depending on the desired opening pattern, the unbound region and the separation initiator may be located aligned with the spout or on the opposite side of the reservoir. Regardless of the position where the coating portion is separated back from the container portion, the reservoir is exposed so as to be accessible for dipping the food product in seasoning.

Preferably, at least one portion of the flange in the unbound region is bent downward from the cover portion to form a gap between them for finger access to facilitate grip of the cover portion.

To access the spout, the weakened area is preferably located across the spout. A weakened area can be achieved by mechanically cutting or tearing the packaging materials close to the spout. The weakened region can be made by incising the covering part and the container part so that a pair of aligned slots is located on both sides of the spout. Alternatively, a weakened region can be provided by laser incision of both the coating part and the container part, or both of them. The end of the assembled container may be broken off along a weakened area to expose the spout. By squeezing the collected container, the seasoning will be controllably released through the spout.

In the assembled package, the adhesive preferably has sufficient strength so that the container can withstand breaking when a force of 22.68 kg (50 lbs) or more is applied, and preferably when a force of 31.75 kg (70 lbs) or more is applied.

If desired, the container assembly may be adapted to be attached to the side wall of the cardboard container. For this, a pair of slots can be provided in the container and continue both through the covering part and through the container part, and the slots are symmetrical and interact to form a pair of ears. The ears can be bent from the plane of the flange to form an angular (when viewed from the side) hook. The resilience of the materials used to make the covering part and the container part interacts to compress the edges of the cardboard container. To further improve the grip between the ears and the corresponding cardboard container, the surface of each ear may be subjected to suitable processing. For example, an adhesive coating or rough surface may be provided for this purpose.

If desired, either the coating portion, or the container portion, or both, may include an oxygen control barrier or an oxygen absorbing layer. Such a barrier layer may be useful to reduce or eliminate the degradation of seasoning packaged in a container assembly. If desired, either the coating portion, or the container portion, or both, may be opaque. Opacity can improve a packaged product if exposure to light degrades the product over time.

If the seasoning packaged in the container is ketchup, the materials for the coating part and the container part are preferably selected so that the packaged seasoning has a shelf life of at least six months. One technology for estimating shelf life is to use a colorimeter that works in the L * a * b * color space. Shelf life can be estimated by monitoring the degradation of the color components of the packaged product as measured in that color space. For example, the shelf life can be determined by requiring that L * and the ratio a * / b * do not degrade more than a given amount during a given period, for example, by no more than 10% over a period of six months.

Preferably, at least one part of the flange in the unbound region between the cover and the flange is offset downward from the cover portion to form a gap between them for finger access to facilitate grip of the cover portion.

The side wall preferably includes a front portion located under the spout at a position offset from the outlet end of the spout. The upper part of the front of the side wall extends downward relative to the spout and is configured to prevent the spout from moving upward in response to contacting the upper part of the front of the side wall with the back of the flange of another container when a plurality of containers are packaged. This is preferably achieved by directing the top of the front of the side wall substantially perpendicular to the plane of the flange. Thus, a plurality of containers may be partially overlapped in the package or transport container, with their spouts aligned, and with the rear flange of one container in contact with the upper part of the front of the side wall of the adjacent container without significantly moving up the spout of the adjacent container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Many of the objectives and advantages of the present invention will be clear to experts in this field when reading this written description together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers denote the same elements, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seasoning container;

Figure 2 is a reversed perspective view of a seasoning container with a lower surface located on top;

Figure 3 is a bottom view in plan of a seasoning container;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of a seasoning container;

5 is a top view in plan of a seasoning container;

6 is an end view in vertical projection of a seasoning container;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig.9 is an enlarged view in section taken along the line 9-9 in Fig.5;

Figure 10 is an enlarged detailed view of the end of the spout circled in figure 9;

11 is a view of a seasoning container open for compression application;

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the seasoning container of Fig. 1, which shows access for dipping;

13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a seasoning container in a plan view;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of a fourth embodiment of a seasoning container in section taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a seasoning container; FIG.

Fig. 16 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a seasoning container;

17 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 18 is a view of a fifth embodiment used in conjunction with a food container;

Fig. 19 is a side view of Fig. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a seasoning container; FIG.

21 is an inverted perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 22 is a plan view of a sixth embodiment;

23 is a bottom plan view of a sixth embodiment;

24 is a side elevational view of a sixth embodiment;

Fig is an end view in vertical projection of a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment, showing opening and access to a nozzle for extrusion; FIG.

Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment, showing opening and access for dipping;

Fig. 28 is a top rear view in perspective of a seventh embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 29 is a bottom rear view in perspective of a seventh embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 30 is a plan view of a front perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig is a bottom front view in perspective of a seventh embodiment of the seasoning container;

Fig. 32 is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 33 is a bottom plan view of a seventh embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 34 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 35 is a front view of a seventh embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 36 is a rear view of a seventh embodiment of a seasoning container;

Fig. 37 is a plan view of a front perspective view of a group of containers of a seventh embodiment connected to each other;

Fig. 38 is a plan view of a group of seasoning containers shown in Fig. 37;

Fig. 39 is a front view of a group of seasoning containers shown in Fig. 37;

FIG. 40 is a side view of a group of seasoning containers shown in FIG. 37;

Fig. 41 is a side elevational view of an eighth embodiment of a seasoning container, similar to Fig. 34.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Turning now to Fig. 1. The first embodiment of the seasoning container 20 according to the invention is made for sale and delivery to the consumer in the form of an individual portion of seasoning. The seasoning container 20 is formed by a container or bowl-shaped part 22 (see FIG. 2) and a covering part 24 or pads (see FIG. 1), which are hermetically connected together by adhesive along the flange 26.

The cover portion 24 is preferably made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), 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), impact resistant polystyrene (HIPS), foil, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide , n ylona, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and combinations thereof. When using a foil, this foil may be an aluminum foil or another metal foil. Typically, the thickness of the coating portion 24 ranges from about 0.0254 mm (1 mil) to about 0.127 mm (5 mils). More preferably, the coating portion 24 may have a thickness in the range of from about 0.0254 mm (1 mil) to about 0.0762 mm (3 mils). The coating portion 24 is selected so thick as to be more flexible than the cup portion 22 so as to have sufficient elasticity integrity so that the coating portion 24 can be pulled away from the cup portion to overcome the grip of the adhesive, and to have a surface structure that is adhesive but not very slippery. The cover portion 24 preferably has a circumferential contour that substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the flange 26.

Despite the fact that the covering part 24 may contain a single layer of the selected material, the covering part 24 can also be made of several layers, connected, jointly extruded or otherwise formed together into a connected structure in which one or more layers is selected from the group of materials, stated above. Regardless of the particular composition used for the coating portion 24, all surfaces of the coating portion 24 that face the packaged seasoning must be food safe. If the packaging seasoning undergoes oxygen degradation over time, the coating portion 24 may include an oxygen control layer or an oxygen absorbing layer in its structure. One suitable material for the oxygen control layer is EVOH, which can not only function as an oxygen barrier, but also can act as a moisture barrier. Depending on the seasoning, the material of which the covering portion 24 is made may be transparent, translucent or opaque. Moreover, if desired, the material may be colored.

Although there are many valid material combinations for the cover portion 24, the following table defines some combinations known as useful for blanking the cover portion.

TABLE 1
Covering Structures PET / foil / sealant based on LPDE PET / Foil / EVA Based Sealant PET / LPDE based sealant OPET / PE / Foil / LDPE / mLLDPE OPET / PE / Foil / PE / mLLDPE Metallocene PE EVA PET / MET-PET / EVA-based sealant

The cup portion 22 (see FIG. 2) includes a reservoir 30 that extends from the flange 26 and includes a substantially flat bottom surface 32, which may be substantially rectangular. In addition, the reservoir 30 includes a side wall 36 extending between the bottom surface 32 and the flange 26. The flange 26 extends generally radially from the edge 40 (see FIG. 2) and forms a substantial area that is exposed until the coating is applied. part 24. In addition, one side of the reservoir may include a substantially triangular or substantially trapezoidal surface 34 that is inclined relative to the substantially planar flange 26 and bottom surface 32. A spout 38 is provided on one side of the reservoir 30. Preferably, a bowl braznaya portion 22 is formed so as to be symmetrical about a longitudinal plane extending perpendicularly to the plane of Figure 5 and generally coincides with the line 9-9.

When the covering portion 24 is in place, this symmetry of the bowl-shaped portion 22 together with the inclined surface 34 and the covering portion 24 creates a funnel or tapering cross-sectional area at the side of the reservoir, so that the funnel communicates with the spout 38. Thus, the spout 38 has a cross-sectional region , which is much smaller than the area exposed at the upper edge of the reservoir 34 (see figure 4).

The cup-shaped portion 22 (see FIG. 2) is preferably made of a material that is more rigid than the workpiece from which the covering portion is made. Thus, the bending stiffness of the cup portion 22 exceeds the bending stiffness of the covering portion 24. This difference in stiffness allows the covering part to more easily deform to remove and open the assembled container. Although the cup portion 22 is stiffer than the cover portion 24, the cup portion 22 is preferably flexible enough to be bent by squeezing the pressure of the hand — that is, the pressure exerted by the fingers of the naked human hand. However, the cup-shaped portion 22 is sufficiently rigid so that it does not deform or bend in the absence of force. With these limitations, and in the absence of a covering portion 24, the bowl-shaped portion 22 may be supported beyond the bottom surface to provide a container rigid enough to hold the seasoning without spilling. In this regard, the substantially flat flange 26 extending outward from the perimeter of the tank 40 also has the function of increasing the rigidity of the reservoir region of the bowl portion 22.

In some applications, it may be desirable to have a bottom surface 32 (see FIG. 4) having increased rigidity. Such increased stiffness can be achieved by providing a relief section 44 on the bottom surface 32. Such a relief section 44 may also extend to an inclined surface 34, if desired. In some applications, this relief section 44 may include a manufacturer’s logo. The increased stiffness is the result of the depth of the embossed portion 44 relative to the plane of the lower surface 32.

In general, the material from which the cup-shaped part 22 is made can be selected from the same group of materials available for the covering part 24, namely, from the group consisting of PET, APET, OPET, MET-PET, PE, LDPE, LLDPE , mLLDPE, HDPE, mPE, EVA, PP, HIPS, foils, EVOH, polyamide, nylon, PVC, biaxial materials, materials that comply with US law, 21 CFR Part 177, and combinations thereof. When using a foil, this foil may be an aluminum foil or another metal foil. Typically, the thickness of the cup portion 22 ranges from about 0.0762 mm (3 mils) to about 0.508 mm (20 mils). More preferably, the cup portion 22 may have a thickness in the range of from about 0.2032 mm (8 mils) to about 0.3048 mm (12 mils). The cup portion 22 is selected so thick that it is less flexible than the cover portion 24 so that the cover portion 24 can be pulled away from the cup portion 22 to overcome the grip of the adhesive.

As with the cover portion 24, some material combinations for the bowl-shaped portion 22 were found to be particularly suitable, as set forth in the table below.

TABLE 2
Suitable material combinations for the bowl part PVC / adhesive layer / seal film APET / adhesive layer / seal film APET / sealing film PP / adhesive layer / seal film Hips APET / EVOH APET / PE / EVOH / PE APET / HDPE / EVOH / LDPE APET / Nylon / APET APET / Nylon / EVOH PS / EVA / EVOH / EVA / gasket

The seasoning container reservoir 20 is preferably sized to contain a suitable individual serving of seasoning, for example a normal volume of about 28.3 grams (one ounce). Although larger and smaller nominal volumes are within the scope of the present invention, the nominal volume will generally correspond to the amount of specific seasoning desired by a typical individual. As can be seen from figure 3, the reservoir part of the package has a nominal width corresponding to the maximum distance between opposite side walls at the location of the edge 40 and extending across the plane of symmetry between the opposite side walls, the nominal length is the maximum length between the side walls of the tank at the location of the edge 40 and is measured along the plane of symmetry, and the nominal depth (see figure 4) is also measured in the plane of symmetry, but continues from the bottom surface 32 to the flange 26. E and nominal dimensions define the rated capacity of the reservoir.

Another important feature of the bowl-shaped portion 22 is lateral rollover stability. Moreover, these nominal sizes can be used to establish guides that provide adequate rollover stability. More specifically, the ratio of the nominal height to the nominal width is preferably less than about 0.5, and more preferably, is less than about 0.45. In addition, the ratio of the nominal height to the nominal length is preferably less than about 0.3, and more preferably less than about 0.26. When the bowl-shaped portion reservoir 22 has nominal sizes in these ranges, the reservoir is robust enough to not tip over when the food product is dipped in the seasoning contained therein.

The coating part 24 and the cup-shaped part 22 are hermetically connected together with the use of food adhesive to form an encapsulated volume isolated from the environment. One technique for achieving a tight joint is to apply a thermo-adhesive layer to the inner side of the coating portion 24 and to the inner side of the cup portion 22. When using heat and pressure applied to the flange 26, adjacent surfaces bond together to form a corresponding tight joint surrounding the periphery of the edge of the reservoir 40 . Alternatively, a suitable food adhesive suitable for the materials of the container may be used. The adhesive is preferably applied so as to surround the edge of the reservoir 40 (see FIG. 3), but not in contact with it, that is, there is some space between the adhesive and the edge 40. Moreover, the adhesive is applied so that it does not cover the nose 38. Preferably, the seasoning container can withstand an applied force of at least about 22.68 kg (50 lbs) without breaking or breaking through a sealed joint. More preferably, an applied force of about 31.75 kg (70 lbs) will not break the seal.

The adhesive preferably extends to the peripheral edge 50 of the flange 26, but provides an unbound region 52 extending inward along the flange 26 from the peripheral edge 50 of the flange by a distance sufficient so that the tongue portion 54 (see FIG. 5) of the covering portion 24 is not glued to flange 26 was large enough to be caught between the fingers. For the reed portion 54, a distance of about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) or more is settable. Specialists in this field will be clear that the attempt to separate the covering part from the flange 26 (see figure 3) is a pipe due to the width of the tight connection. However, it has been found that the inclusion of a substantially angular feature 56, aligned with the plane of symmetry and forming part of one edge of the unbound area 52, provides a separation initiator that reduces the force required to separate the covering portion from the flange 26. Turning on the separation initiator at the edge an unbound area materially increases the simplicity with which the covering portion can be removed from the container.

From the foregoing discussion, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tongue 54 can be grasped to pull the cover portion 24 away from the flange 26 of the bowl portion 22 to expose the reservoir and its contents. Such a step can prepare a container for dipping a food product in seasoning. However, with the container of the present invention, another opening pattern is also available. More specifically, the container may be provided with a weakened area near the spout 38 to open the spout 38 as an alternative to removing the covering portion 24. The weakened region may, for example, comprise a pair of aligned slots 60, 62 close to the spout 38. The slots 60, 62 are aligned with each other with the other and are located on both sides of the spout 38. The slots 60, 62 can extend through the thickness of both the covering part 24 and the cup-shaped part 22. With such a device, the distal end of the container 20 can be bent to break the container material and expose Ia channel extending through the spout 38 into the tank. In this case, applying pressure to the reservoir will cause the seasoning to be pushed out through the spout 38 in a certain way with direction control.

Combined slots 60, 62 may be applied to the container before, during and after the assembly of the seasoning container 20. However, an effective mechanical way to create aligned slots 60, 62 is to form them while the coating portion 24 is applied to and adhered to the cup portion 22. Alternatively, a laser-cutting process can be used to loosen the container around the spout 38 so that the end of the container can be broken off or unscrewed to expose the end of the passage of the spout.

The materials selected for the coating portion 24, the cup portion 22 and the adhesive are preferably selected so that the seasoning has the desired shelf life. In the case of a seasoning such as ketchup, a shelf life of at least six months is desirable. With seasonings such as ketchup, shelf life can be estimated by changing the color characteristics of the seasoning. Therefore, shelf life tests can be performed using colorimetric analysis. The Hunter Lab color space and L * a * b * color space use three coordinates to define any particular color. For example, in the L * a * b * color space, the L *, a *, and b * coordinates define a three-dimensional color space. The L * component measures lightness and is particularly well suited to the perceptions of the human eye. The value of L * lies in the range from 0, which corresponds to pure black, and 100, which corresponds to pure white. The a * coordinate measures the color position between red / magenta and green, with negative values indicating green and positive values indicating magenta. Component b * measures the color position between yellow and blue, with negative values indicating blue, while positive values indicating yellow. Accordingly, changes in the color of ketchup over time can be estimated by the magnitude and changes in the magnitude of the constituents L *, a * and b * or L, a, b. To analyze the shelf life, it was found that the luminosity component, L * or L, provides a reliable parameter to match the shelf life. More specifically, while during the shelf life the L * component remains within about 10% of its initial value, the service life requirement is satisfied. In addition, the ratio a * / b * or a / b is also a determinant of product degradation. Thus, in some examples, a satisfactory shelf life can be determined when the component L * (L) and the ratio a * / b * (a / b) remain within about 10% of their initial values, respectively. Other seasonings for which color changes over time can also be colorimetrically evaluated for shelf life using one or more of the L * a * b * color space components.

7 depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this device, the separation initiator 56 'and the adjacent sealing portion are configured such that the separation initiator bends toward the seal, having a gradually increasing resistance, in contrast to the stepwise increasing resistance of the first embodiment. This device is characterized by angled parts of the seal, which ends with the initiator 56 'separation.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a pair of separation initiator structures in an adhesive bond between the coating portion 24 and the cup portion (see FIG. 8). In this device, a release initiator 64, 66 is provided at respective corners of the adhesive seal. With this device, the covering portion 24 can be separated both from the corner with a corresponding decrease in the force required to initiate separation.

In order to assemble the seasoning container 20, the bowl-shaped portion 22 may be exposed for a picking mechanism that places the dosage volume of the seasoning 70 (see FIG. 9) into the tank. The supplied dosed volume is less than the actual volume of the tank, so there is some upper space above the seasoning. After applying adhesive to the flange 26, the coating portion 24 is overlapped with the cup-shaped portion 22 and hermetically attached to it. The resulting structure includes an adhesive 72 bonding the coating portion 24 and the cup portion 22 (see FIG. 10).

In another embodiment of the seasoning container 20 (see FIG. 7), the unbound region 54 may be enlarged as far as the width allows in the direction of the symmetry plane. Unlike the branch initiator 56 'and the related structure, the seasoning container 20 of this embodiment has the same features and characteristics as the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6. Accordingly, these common features will not be described again here. The separator initiator 56 'of this second embodiment continues farther into the region 54 than in the first embodiment, while the adhesive seal 70 has a substantially uniform width around the edge of the reservoir. Here, the initiator 56 'separation is in the form of essentially a chevron, a square or braces. Moreover, the initiator 56 'separation is located in General in longitudinal alignment with the spout 38, but is located on the opposite side of the spout 38 of the tank. With such a device, alternative packaging openings are separated so that the user or consumer makes a conscious decision whether to open the seasoning container by breaking off or tearing the spout 38 for extrusion use, or to separate the back portion 24 so that the container 20 can be used for dipping applications.

In a further embodiment (see FIG. 8), the seasoning container 20 has a different position and separation initiator device, but otherwise is fully described in the discussion above with respect to FIGS. 1-6, this discussion will not be repeated here. In this additional embodiment, a pair of separator initiators 64, 66 is provided, and each separator initiator 64, 66 is located at a corresponding corner of the adhesive seal 70 substantially aligned with the angle of the reservoir. Considering that it will be easier or more intuitive for some consumers to start separating back the covering portion 24 from the corner, the angular arrangement of the initiators 64, 66 of the compartment facilitates opening with the compartment. As shown, the initiators 64, 66 of the compartment are symmetrical about the plane of symmetry of the seasoning container, so that each corner can be randomly selected by the consumer or user to start the opening process with the compartment.

The content of this description also states that only one separation initiator can be used, and that this separation initiator can be located at the corner of the seasoning container at a distance from the plane of symmetry. Such a container may look like the embodiment in Fig. 8, but with the presence of only one of the initiators 64, 66. It is likely that with such an embodiment on the outer surface of the covering part 24, indications can be provided that focus the consumer's attention on the correct angle of separation. Alternatively, the cup-shaped part 22 and the covering part 24 can be cut closer to the adhesive line at one corner, leaving a tongue protruding from the other corner and the initiator of the separation so that opening with the separation will necessarily take place at the initiator of the separation, whether it is located in the center or located at another corner of the container. Here, again, the features of such a seasoning container are adequately described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6 and will not be repeated here.

To use the seasoning container 20 (see FIG. 11), the consumer first chooses whether to have a controlled dosing of the seasoning or have full access to the seasoning. If controlled dosing is desired, the end of the container breaks off or loosens at the position of the weakened area to expose the end of the spout 38. By applying finger pressure to the area of the reservoir, the seasoning is squeezed out of the spout so that it can be applied selectively, directionally and controllably to the food product. If more complete access to the seasoning is desired (see FIG. 12), the tongue 54 may be pulled from the flange behind the separation initiator and from the upper edge of the reservoir to expose as much (or completely) of the reservoir as may be desired.

Another embodiment of the seasoning container 20 (see FIG. 13) has a different position for the initiator 84 of the compartment. The characteristics of this seasoning container, not specifically described, are adequately described with respect to FIGS. 1-6 and will not be repeated here. In this device, the separation initiator 84 is aligned with the spout 38 and is located so that the spout 38 is between the separation initiator 84 and the reservoir of the bowl-shaped part 22 (see Fig. 14). Here, the flange 26 of the cup portion 22 includes a tongue 80, which may be substantially rectangular, located symmetrically with respect to the spout 38 and extending beyond the spout. The initiator 84 of the Department may have a substantially angular and essentially spiky feature directed outward from the spout 38 and the reservoir, but generally combined with them. Preferably, the tongue 80 extends beyond the separation initiator 84 to a distance of 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) or more. The covering portion 24 (see FIG. 13) also includes a tongue 82 having such dimensions and arrangement and configured to lie above the tongue 80 of the cup-shaped portion and fit in shape.

In order to open the seasoning container 20, the tongue 86 of the covering part 24 (see Fig. 14) is seized and detached from the tongue 80 of the cup-shaped part 22, for example, in the direction of arrow 86. After the initiator 84 begins to detach, the tongue 82 of the coating portion 24 exposes the end of the spout 38. At this point, the seasoning container 20 can be squeezed by the user so that the seasoning is pushed controllably and easily guided through the spout 38. Instead of stopping when the spout is exposed, the coating portion 24 can be separated further from the tongue 80 of the bowl figurative part 22 for partial or complete exposure of the tank and seasoning 70 in it. Thus, the container 20 can provide a container for dipping a food product. Specialists in this field will understand that it is not necessary that the covering part either opens the spout or opens the tank. If desired, the consumer can first open the spout and dispense a little seasoning through it, and then open the lid to expose the reservoir to use the seasoning by dipping. Moreover, if desired, the coating portion can be partially opened or completely removed.

Another embodiment of the seasoning container 20 may have a spout 38 located at one end with a catch tongue extending essentially triangularly behind the spout 38. The features of this seasoning container, not specifically described, are adequately described with respect to FIGS. 1-6 will not be repeated here. This embodiment also includes a substantially pentagonal reservoir 90, but with sides meeting at obtuse angles. One end of the container has a substantially straight edge 91 extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the container 20 and having a length corresponding to the maximum width of the container 20. The container also includes side edges 93, 95 extending from the respective ends of the straight edge 91 to the respective corners of the container. A pair of symmetrically located slots 92, 94 extends from the corresponding lateral edge 93, 95 to the straight edge 91, but does not intersect the straight edge 91. The slots 92, 94 can be straight or arched, if desired, but the blind end of each slit 92, 94 is on the distance from the straight edge 91, as well as from both side edges 93, 95. With this device, the slots 92, 94 and the side edges 93, 95 interact to form a pair of symmetrically arranged ears 96, 98. During the execution of the ears 96, 98 lie in the plane of the flange 26 (see Fig.17).

During use, the seasoning container 20 of this embodiment provides an additional sign of convenience (see FIG. 18). The ears 96, 98 can be pushed out of the plane of the flange 26 so that the upper edge of the package 100 can be inserted between the ears 96, 98 and the flange 26. Thus, the seasoning package 20 can be released together with the package 100, as appropriate. The seasoning container 20 may be openable as described above in any of the other embodiments. Moreover, when opened for use with dipping (see FIG. 19), the interaction between the ears 96, 98 and the side of the package 100 will keep the sauce container 20 in a cantilever position so that the seasoning is easily accessible.

If desired, the surface of each ear 96, 98 can be processed to improve adhesion by friction with the package 100. For example, the surface of the ears 96, 98 can be roughened relative to other surfaces of the container 20 or may have a weak adhesive applied to at least part.

The shape of the reservoir in the cup-shaped portion may be substantially pentagonal, as shown in the embodiments described above, but may also have other desired shapes. For example, within the scope of this description are substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially triangular, substantially polygonal, oval, substantially elliptical, and other shapes of the reservoir. For example, another embodiment of the seasoning container 20 may include a substantially cylindrical tank 110 (see FIG. 4A). The characteristics of this seasoning container, not specifically described, are adequately described with respect to FIGS. 1-6 and will not be repeated here. As can be seen from the various embodiments shown and described in this description, the flange 26 surrounding the reservoir may follow the shape of the upper edge of the reservoir or may have a large area. For example, in FIG. 21, the flange 26 is substantially rectangular, thereby providing multiple locations from which the covering portion can be separated back, some of which have access to the spout, and some of which have access to the reservoir.

In order to make the container according to this description, the material for the bowl-shaped part is usually provided in a roll. This roll of material is unwound into a forming device as a substantially continuous sheet in which a plurality of reservoirs are molded. Typically, reservoirs can be molded in a row having from two to about twelve or more reservoirs, thereby forming a sheet with reservoirs in straight transverse rows and straight longitudinally extending rows extending in the direction of the length of the sheet unwound from the roll.

The molded reservoir sheet is then fed to the filling device. In this filling device, the desired seasoning is placed in the tanks through a conventional metering device to control the quantity and volume of seasoning for each tank. Typically, there is a filling head for each longitudinal row of tanks on the sheet. Moreover, these fill heads can serve the same seasoning in each of the longitudinal rows. However, if desired, it is within the scope of this description that adjacent fill heads can deliver different condiments so that different condiments are filled into reservoirs of adjacent longitudinal rows of the sheet.

Then the sheet with the filled reservoirs is flushed with a gas that is compatible with the product and helps reduce product degradation. At this point, the second sheet of material for the coating part is unwound and fed overlaid on the sheet with reservoirs, where it is hermetically attached in place relative to each of the reservoirs.

The filled, closed reservoirs in a substantially continuous sheet are then fed to a detachable stamping machine, where individual containers are cut off from the continuous sheet. Then, the usual accumulation, packaging, palletizing, storage and delivery of individual containers takes place.

A seventh preferred embodiment of the container 20 is shown in FIGS. 28-40. In this embodiment, the flange 26 is provided with at least one, and preferably with two downwardly offset portions 26a, 26b that are spaced apart from each other along an unbound area 52 (see Fig. 34). Each of the offset portions 26a, 26b is offset downward from the lining portion to form a finger gap 120 between them, which makes it easier for the user to manually grip and separate the lining portion 24. Preferably, the finger gaps 120 are located at opposite ends of the unconnected area 52, but can be located between these ends if desired. The lower edge of each biased portion 26a, 26b is bent back approximately at a right angle from the horizontal jaw 27 to prevent the gap 120 from closing if the biased portion is pressed into the lower side of the flange 26.

An additional advantageous feature of the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 28-40 relates to the configuration of the side wall 36 of the container, which facilitates compact packaging of a plurality of containers, for example, in a cardboard box or other packaging device. In this regard, it is desirable to compactly pack and transport containers 20 in such close proximity to each other that the flanges of adjacent containers overlap each other, as can be seen from Figs. 37-40. As can be seen from these drawings, the first and second containers 20a and 20b located with their spouts aligned with the longitudinal direction Z. The spout 38 of the first container lies above the back of the second container 20b. Additional third and fourth containers 20c and 20d are also located with their spouts aligned longitudinally. The third and fourth containers are also adjacent to the first and second containers 20a, 20b, respectively, in the lateral direction Z 'relative to the longitudinal direction Z, with the side portions 26a of the flanges of the third and fourth containers 20c, 20d located overlapping the sides of the first and second containers.

In order to allow the top parts of the containers, that is, the covering parts 24 and the flanges 26, of all the assembled containers to lie essentially in parallel planes for compact handling, the front parts 36a of the side walls 36 of the container are configured to prevent the corresponding nozzles 38 from moving or bending upward in response to contacting the front parts of the side wall with the rear parts of the longitudinally adjacent containers. Preferably, the upper part of the front portion 38 of the side wall is made extending downward relative to the corresponding flange 38 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the flange, as shown in particular in FIG. 40. As a result, when the rear of the second container 20b is in contact with this the upper part, when the containers are assembled together in the package, the spout 38 of the first container 20a will not be displaced upward, as otherwise would have happened if this upper part were inclined downward / backward relative to flange 26.

Thus, being made substantially perpendicular to the plane of the flange 26, the upper part of the front portion 36a of the side wall will not bias the spout 38 up to any significant degree in response to contact with the back of another container. This ensures that the containers can be assembled tightly together with the overlap, with the upper parts of the containers located essentially in parallel planes. An alternative way to prevent the nozzles from moving upward is to tilt the upper part of the front portion 36a of the side wall in a downward / forward direction relative to the flange, but it is preferable to achieve this by orienting the upper part essentially perpendicular to the plane of the flange.

As can be seen, for example, from FIGS. 28-38, a sealed connection between the container lid and the bottom of the container may be located inside of the circumferential edge of the flange. Such an arrangement may be desirable to provide additional tolerance for cutting finished containers from the sheet material used to form containers and lids.

The covering part 24 and part 22 of the container of the embodiment according to FIGS. 28-40 can be made of the same materials as those described earlier in this document, and each of them can be made of a material that is transparent, translucent or opaque, in depending on the seasoning stored. The material may also be colored if desired. The substantially flat bottom surface 38 of the container portion 22 may include a embossed portion 122 to increase the bending stiffness of this flat bottom surface, as shown in FIG. 29.

In the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 41, it is shown that the front portion 36a of the side wall can be inclined relative to the plane of the flange in a substantially longitudinal direction Z, so that an obtuse angle is formed between the plane of the front portion 36a and the plane of the flange. Such an arrangement may, for example, be desirable in applications in which it is desirable to more securely fix or otherwise align the adjacent adjacent ends of the containers.

Turning briefly to FIG. 29, a fault line 110 can be applied using a laser to the lid of the container or to the bottom of the container. For many materials, the fault line can be applied mechanically, by laser, and / or by any other suitable means. In some examples where APET is used as the material, mechanical crushing or notching is not preferred since the APET material is not flat in the area of the spout. The fracture laser line 110 can be applied to a depth of from about 40% to about 60% of the thickness of the APET material in the nose region. Preferably, the depth of the fault line 110 is about 50% of the depth of the APET material.

Suitable equipment for running the fault line 110 includes a VideoJet 3320 laser notch system operating at a power setting in the range of about 80% to about 100%. VideoJet 3320 is a 30 watt system. Preferably, the marking speed is in the range of from about 90 to about 225 mm / sec. VideoJet 3320 is available from Videojet Technologies Ltd, Huntigdon, Campridgeshire PE29 6XX, United Kingdom.

The tight connection 112 between the lid and the bottom of the container may be patterned, as can be seen from Fig.1-33, or not be patterned, as can be seen from Fig.37-38. The pattern can be applied intentionally. The pattern may be the result of squeezing the surfaces of the container together with the patterned surfaces of the compression dies. Alternatively, the compression molds can be smooth, resulting in no pattern.

In some applications, it has been observed that the separation resistance between the top or the lid of the container and the bottom of the container increases near the spout. This resistance appears to be the result of an increase in the width of the airtight joint on the side of the spout in the container region 114 (see FIG. 29). This increased resistance can be changed, reduced, or even eliminated by changing the characteristics of the sealing matrices in the vicinity of the nozzle. For example, the sealing matrices may be formed with a profile to provide different sealing pressures that extend laterally from the longitudinal direction Z of the containers. Preferably, the grip of the sealed joint will be stronger in the vicinity of the spout region itself and will become less strong with increasing distance from the spout.

For some uses of containers according to this embodiment, it may be desirable to operate a plurality of containers connected together with the possibility of separation, for example, by perforations or some other fragile connection or fastening. For this, the containers can be connected laterally to each other so as to be detachable from each other without breaking the containers. Such assemblies of several containers may include two, three, four, five or more containers in a strip arrangement. Moreover, two such arrangements in a strip can be connected along the rear ends or edges of the containers to provide a plurality of substantially parallel stripes in the container assembly. If desired, hooks, eyes or other mounting devices may be attached to the container assemblies to further improve product exposure.

Although the container described in this document is suitable for seasoning packaging, those skilled in the art will also understand that the container has countless other possible uses and / or uses. For example, and without limitation, the container according to the invention can be used for seasonings, sauces, dairy products, soups, medicines, paints, powders, liquids, particulate materials, as well as any other product or material for which it may be desirable to have both metered and non-metered access. In other words, the container can be used for any edible material. A suitable edible product or material may be selected from the group consisting of seasoning, soup, sauce, dairy product, liquid, and combinations thereof. The container can also be used for products or materials selected from the groups consisting of medicine, paint, powder, liquid, particulate material, and combinations thereof. Similarly, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that a hundred containers can be scaled up or down as necessary to provide adequate capacity.

The container may be made using various technologies. For example, the container portion may be manufactured using a deep drawing process, vacuum molding, or the like. Other available execution processes may provide container walls with features such as wrinkles, waves, accordions, ribs and / or the like. Such signs of the walls, if desired, can continue in the longitudinal direction or across it.

Some applications may also include re-closable nozzle ends and / or nozzle valve assembly. It is also contemplated that a material selected for use in a container of this invention may be selected from the group consisting of recyclable materials and / or may be selected from the group consisting of environmentally sustainable materials.

The word "about" is used in connection with numerical values and different positions in this description and is intended to avoid mathematically accurate determination of these values. Accordingly, when the word “about” is used in connection with a numerical value or range of values, it is understood that the word “about” should be understood as including an interval of ± 10% around the indicated exact numerical value. The expressions “as a whole” and “essentially” are used in this description in connection with various geometric words, terms and / or phrases. The expressions “as a whole” and “in essence” in this context are used to avoid strict geometric definitions for structures that are only close to geometric definitions, and to encompass features that do not accurately correspond to the corresponding terms and / or phrases.

Moreover, it is understood that the invention should be interpreted in accordance with all parts of this description. Thus, the invention, abstract, description of the drawings, etc. not intended to limit, but serve to summarize some, but not all, of the features or to review the entire description or specific drawing.

One skilled in the art will understand that a new, useful, and non-obvious container for seasoning is described herein. In addition, one skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, changes, substitutions and equivalents are possible for the various features of the invention described in the appended claims. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, substitutions and equivalents are within the scope of the invention defined in the attached claims.

Claims (20)

1. The container, characterized in that it contains:
a container part made of container material having a first bending stiffness forming a reservoir having a nominal volume and a spout having a substantially flat bottom with a nominal width having a substantially flat flange substantially parallel to a flat bottom at a distance from it and the surrounding tank having a side wall extending between the bottom and the flange; a removable coating portion made of a coating material having a second bending stiffness less than the first bending stiffness, the coating portion essentially covering a substantially flat flange; adhesive between the container part and the covering part in the region of the substantially flat flange, so that there is an unbound region between the covering part and the flange part to facilitate removal of the covering part; moreover, the side wall includes a front part located under the spout in a place offset from the outlet end of the spout, while the upper part of the front part of the side wall continues downward relative to the spout in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of the flange. 2. The container according to claim 1, in which the container part and the covering part include a substantially symmetrical pair of cutouts extending from the sides of the container to the end of the container so as to form a pair of ears. 3. The container according to claim 1, in which at least one part of the container part and the covering part is made of oxygen barrier material. 4. The container according to claim 1, in which the adhesive provides a peeling resistance of from about 2 to about 10 lbf (0.91-4.54 kgf). 5. The container according to claim 1, in which the tank has a width, depth and length and has such proportions that the width is less than about 50% of the depth and the depth is less than about 35% of the length. 6. The container according to claim 1, capable of supporting an applied weight of about 50 lbf (22.68 kgf). 7. The container according to claim 1, in which the tank contains a seasoning selected from the group consisting of ketchup, mayonnaise and sauce. 8. The container according to claim 1, in which the first material and the second material are selected so that the seasoning has a shelf life of at least six months, and the shelf life is determined using a colorimeter working in the color space L * a * b *, L *, which does not deteriorate by more than about 10% over a six-month period. 9. The container according to claim 1, in which the covering part contains a layer of foil. 10. The container according to claim 1, in which the covering part and the container part are opaque. 11. The container according to claim 1, in which the material of at least one part of the container part and the covering part includes at least one layer selected from the group consisting of PET, APET, OPET, MET-PET, PE, LDPE, LLDPE , mLLDPE, HDPE, mPE, EVA, PP, mOPP, HIPS, foil, EVOH, polyamide, nylon, PVC, biaxial materials, materials that comply with US law, 21 CFR, part 177, and combinations thereof. 12. The container according to claim 1, in which at least one part of the flange in the unbound region is offset downward from the covering part to form a gap between them for finger access to facilitate grip of the covering part. 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the unbound region extends along a side of the reservoir opposite the nozzle and includes opposite ends and a finger access gap exists at each end of the unbound region. 14. The group of connected containers according to claim 1, including the first and second containers located adjacent to each other with their respective spouts in mutual alignment, and with the spout of the first container located overlapping the rear of the flange of the second container, the upper part of the front part of the side wall continues downward relative to the spout and is configured to prevent upward movement of the spout of the first container in response to contacting the upper part of the front of the side wall with the rear part Tew flange of the second container. 15. The group of containers according to 14, in which the upper part of the front of the side wall is located essentially perpendicular to the plane of the flange. 16. The container group of claim 14, wherein the plurality of containers includes additional containers adjacent to the first and second containers laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction, the flanges of the first and second containers and corresponding flanges of the additional containers being laterally overlapping. 17. A package containing a box and a group of connected containers according to claim 1, located in this box. 18. The package according to 17, in which the group of containers includes additional containers located adjacent to the first and second containers in the lateral direction relative to the longitudinal direction, the flanges of the first and second containers and the corresponding flanges of the additional containers are mutually overlapping in the lateral direction. 19. The container according to claim 1, covering the product or material and providing both metered and non-metered access to it. 20. The container according to claim 19, in which the product or material includes a pharmaceutical agent, paint, powder, particulate material, seasoning, sauce, dairy product, soup or liquid.

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