US20120292340A1

US20120292340A1 - Condiment packet

Info

Publication number: US20120292340A1
Application number: US13/108,323
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrea Nadon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-05-16
Filing date: 2011-05-16
Publication date: 2012-11-22
Also published as: CA2776105A1

Abstract

A condiment packet including an exterior fold region, wherein the packet is folded over on itself. The packet includes a quantity of a condiment confined within a single chamber. The packet includes a seal disposed on the exterior fold region. The seal includes a first mode, wherein the seal prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet. The seal includes a second mode, wherein the seal permits the quantity of condiment to leave the packet. The seal includes either a selectably removable tab, a pressure sensitive seal aperture, a break-away nub, or a perforated region configured to secure over the seal and permit or prevent the condiment from leaving the packet. The condiment packet is configured for one hand operation, wherein a thumb and a forefinger apply pressure to the ends of the condiment packet, wherein the quantity of condiment leaves the packet through the seal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to condiment packaging, specifically a condiment packet.
2. Description of the Related Art
A condiment is sauce or seasoning added to food to impart a particular flavor or, in some cultures, to complement the dish. Many condiments are available packaged in single-serving packets (sachets), like mustard or ketchup, particularly when supplied with take-out or fast food meals. Condiments are usually applied by the diner. Condiments are sometimes added prior to serving, for example a sandwich made with ketchup or mustard. Some condiments are used during cooking to add flavor or texture to the food; barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, marmite are examples.
A condiment sachet or condiment packet is a small sachet generally made from plastic, tin foil, or mylar, filled with a small amount of condiment. They provide a simple and low-cost way of distributing small amounts of condiment with ready-to-eat packaged food such as hot dogs, French fries, or hamburgers, and are common in fast food restaurants. The packets produce less contamination and mess than freely available condiments dispensed into small disposable cups or other containers, especially if the food will be in transit before dining. Condiment sachets are opened by making a small rip or tear in part of the package, and then squeezing out the sauce. Condiments distributed in sachets include ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, tartar sauce, vinegar and soy sauce.
Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below in their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:
U.S. Pat. No. 7,241,066, issued to Rosen et al., discloses a compartmentalized container for holding and dispensing flowable material and method for making such a compartmentalized container includes opposite sheet portions selectively sealed together to define a plurality of single use dispensers and a header portion that is integral with the dispensers. Each of the dispensers includes a closed cavity defined by an area of the sheet portions that is not sealed together. Each of the dispensers is separable from the container and openable to dispense the flowable material from a respective one of the cavities. The dispensers may be separable from the container via cutting or tearing the dispensers from one another or from the header portion. The header portion may include product information and may include a means for hanging the container. Each of the dispensers may include an applicator brush formed or defined at an edge portion of the dispenser.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,390, issued to Markva, discloses a flexible container including a body portion and a neck portion. The body portion is sufficiently flexible to allow manual squeezing inwardly thereof. An amount of the liquid material is disposed within the container for storage thereof. The neck portion extends from the body portion at one end thereof to a discharge opening defined by a peripheral wall edge at the other end thereof. The sealing closure includes frangible membrane mechanism and a securing mechanism for attaching the membrane mechanism to the wall edge of the discharge opening. The sealing closure being effective to hold the liquid within the container when the container is inverted to otherwise cause the liquid therein to pour out of the discharge opening. The sealing closure has a structural configuration effective to break open causing gravitational liquid flow out of the discharge opening when the inverted container is manually squeezed inwardly.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,121, issued to Schmidt et al., discloses a squeezable container for dispensing a product out the open end of the container, including a collapsible inner layer and a resilient outer layer. The container is an integral body formed by expansion from a multi-layer preform, and preferably consists of one or more layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) separated by an adjacent boundary layer, such as a barrier layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). A one-way check valve is provided at the outer layer to restrict the flow of air into a chamber which is formed between the inner and outer layers as the inner layer collapses, and preferably a second check valve is provided in the open dispensing end of the container to prevent air from being drawn into the container when the outer layer is released. The container is economical to manufacture, light in weight, easy to handle, can be made of recycled materials, and is “product efficient” in that substantially all of the product can be dispensed from the container during use.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,237,698, issued to Jackman, discloses a multi layered frangible seal is bonded over the pour spout opening of flexible plastic bottles containing pourable products such as motor oil. The seal provides a leak proof closure that is strong enough to remain intact when the filled uncapped container is held in an inverted position, and at the same weak enough to break open and dispense the contents into a fill opening when a consumer squeezes the inverted container. The seal is constructed from a first layer of leak proof frangible sheet material that is bonded to a second layer of strengthening sheet material. The strengthening layer contains a cut out void configuration that forms a breaking pattern which forces the seal to break open only in the weaker single frangible layered configuration of the cut out void forming the breaking pattern when the container is squeezed.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2001/0030192, by Redmond, discloses a dispenser package and outlet forming structure include a package wall (20) and a flap (30). Flap (30) is folded over at any desirable location of the package (10) and is adhesively attached to the package wall (20) at any predetermined location. Flap (30) is folded so that the surface of flap (30) that is adhesed to the surface of the package wall (20) is one continuous surface. When a pulling force exerted by a user exceeds the adhesion force between the package wall (20) and the flap (30), the flap (30) will break away from the package wall (20) causing a locus, fault, or score (40) to rupture. The rupturing of the locus, fault, or score (40) also causes the aperture outlet (50) to rupture thereby forming an outlet hole at a predetermined location for allowing the flowable product contents to exit the package (10).
The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include limited in application, being too messy, being limited to two hand operation, being limited in use, being expensive, being wasteful, lacking features and benefits, being difficult to ship/pack/store, and the like.
What is needed is a condiment packet that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available condiment packets. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a one hand operable condiment packet.
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a condiment packet that may include an exterior fold region, wherein a packet may include a single chamber that may be folded over on itself. The packet may include a quantity of a condiment that may be confined within the single chamber of the packet. The packet may include a seal that may be disposed on the exterior fold region. The seal may include a first mode, wherein the seal may prevent the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet. The seal may include a second mode, wherein the seal may permit the quantity of condiment to leave the packet.
The seal may include a selectably removable tab; wherein the selectably removable tab may be attached to the exterior fold region by an adhesive. The seal may include a break-away nub. The seal may include a pressure sensitive seal aperture that may be configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over packet. The seal may include a perforated region that may be configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over packet. The condiment packet may be configured for one hand operation, wherein a thumb and a forefinger may apply pressure to the ends of the condiment packet, wherein the quantity of condiment leaves the packet through the seal. The quantity of a condiment may be disposed in a cube-like container. The cube-like container may include a seal having a selectably removable tab.
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a method of dispensing a condiment. The method may include the step of grasping a folded single-chamber condiment packet with a first hand. The method may include opening a seal of the folded condiment packet with the first hand. The method may include squeezing the condiment packet with the first hand. The method of dispensing may include the step of removing a break-away nub from the folded condiment packet. The method of dispensing may include the step of removing a selectably removable tab from the folded condiment packet. The method may include the step of rupturing a pressure sensitive seal aperture of a folded condiment packet. The method may further include the step of rupturing a perforated region of a folded over packet.
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a condiment packet that may include a substantially flat single-chamber container. The packet may include a quantity of condiment disposed within the single-chamber container. The packet may include a selectably openable aperture disposed within a central region of the container. The packet may include a first mode, wherein the selectably openable aperture may prevent the quantity of condiment from leaving the container. The packet may include a second mode, wherein the selectably openable aperture may permit the quantity of condiment to leave the container.
The selectably openable aperture may include a selectably removable tab. The selectably removable tab may be attached to the central region of the container by an adhesive. The selectably openable aperture may include a break-away nub. The selectably openable aperture may include a pressure sensitive seal aperture that may be configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over packet. The selectably openable aperture may include a perforated region that may be configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over packet. The condiment packet may be configured for one hand operation, wherein a thumb and a forefinger may apply pressure to the ends of the condiment container, wherein the quantity of condiment may leave the container through the aperture. The quantity of a condiment may be disposed in a cube-like container. The cube-like container may include a selectably openable aperture having a selectably removable tab.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of a condiment packet in use, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a bellows-style condiment packet, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.
Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a condiment packet 10 including a seal 16. The illustrated condiment packet is formed as a “blister” style packet wherein two matched films are coupled about the edges, thereby forming a cavity there between wherein material may be disposed. The two films may be welded, compressed, glued, or the like or combinations thereof so that under storage conditions the films remain coupled in a fluid-tight seal. The films may be substantially flat or may include irregularities such that a volume of the cavity may be increased by the same. The packet may include serrated edges to facilitate tearing. The films may include one or more layers of metal foil, plastic, textile, or the like or combinations thereof to provide desired characteristics. The packet may be rectangular, square, circular, polygonal, irregularly shaped and/or the like and combinations thereof. In one non-limiting embodiment, the unfolded packet may have a length to width ratio of greater than about 1.6:1, 2:1, 3:1, and/or 4:1.
The illustrated condiment packet 10 includes an exterior fold region 14 disposed on an exterior of the folded packet, exterior the packet contents and opposite an interior fold region. The exterior fold region 14 is configured to provide a means for the condiment packet 10 to be folded over on itself. The illustrated exterior fold region 14 is folded substantially along a centerline 15 of the condiment packet 10, when folded length-wise over itself. The illustrated packet, when folded over, includes substantially equal lengths extending from the exterior fold region 14. Accordingly, the folded packet reduces the total volume capacity of the packet, thereby altering a force-pressure curve of the packet, such that when force is applied to the packet an internal pressure of the contents is increased to a higher amount than what would occur were the packet in an unfolded state. This effect is strong wherein the packet is not narrowed or otherwise of a shape or configuration having a reduced volume about the folded region. This is especially true wherein the packet has a more unitary aspect ratio between the thickness and the width and/or height. Typical packets have a small aspect ratio, the thickness is small compared to the width and/or height. In one embodiment, one or more aspect ratios of the thickness to the width and/or height of a single chamber packet is greater than about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and/or 1.0.
Packet volume about the fold region is substantially reduced to zero in operation, thereby effectively eliminating access to such volume as pressure is applied to the packet. Having an enhanced force curve permits easier and more controlled content discharge over the volume of the materials. A low force curve requires repositioning the fingers during discharge, thereby increasing the likelihood of creating a mess.
The packet 10 includes a quantity of a condiment confined within a single chamber of the packet 10. Non-limiting examples of a quantity of condiment disposed within the packet may be: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, tartar sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, etc. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the quantity of condiment may also include, but not limited to: paints, creams, makeup, nail polish, peanut butter, jelly, adhesives, gels, shampoo, soaps, icing, frosting, etc. The illustrated packet 10 includes a seal 16 disposed on the exterior fold region 14 about the centerline 15. The seal 16 includes a first mode, wherein the seal prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet 10. The seal 16 includes a second mode 18, wherein the seal 16 permits the quantity of condiment to leave the packet 10. As a non-limiting example, the illustrated seal 16 may be include an aperture sealed by a film having a lower pressure tolerance than that of the rest of the packet, such that when force is applied to the folded packet, a threshold may be reached wherein the film ruptures and condiment may subesquently be dispensed therefrom. In another embodiment, the film may be removed by abrasion, puncture, cut, or the like. Removal may be facilitated by structural deficiencies in the film such as but not limited to perforations, sections, lines, or portions of weaker material, thinner construction, brittle material, and the like and combinations thereof. A seal may include a cover member, such as but not limited to an adhesive tab, a cap, and the like and combinations thereof.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a condiment packet in use, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a condiment packet 10 in a second mode 18, dispensing a quantity of condiment 22 through an unsealed aperture through the exterior fold region 14 of the packet 10.
The illustrated condiment packet 10 includes an exterior fold region 14, wherein the packet 10 is folded over on itself. The packet 10 includes a quantity of a condiment 22 confined within a single chamber of the packet 10. The packet 10 includes a seal 16 disposed on the exterior fold region 14 configured to permit the quantity of condiment to leave the packet 10 therethrough. The illustrated seal 16 is in a second mode 18, wherein the seal 16 permits the quantity of condiment 22 to leave the packet 10. The illustrated condiment packet 10 is configured for one hand operation, wherein a thumb 24 and a forefinger 26 apply pressure to the ends of the folded over condiment packet 10, wherein the quantity of condiment 22 leaves the packet 10 through the seal 16. By applying pressure to the ends of the condiment packet 10, the pressure within the condiment packet 10 increases to the point where the quantity of condiment 22 is dispersed through the seal 16.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user grasps a condiment packet and folds the packet over itself, lengthwise. The user grips the folded condiment packet with a first hand. The user then opens a seal of the folded condiment packet with a second hand, while holding the packet with the first hand. The user squeezes the condiment packet with the first hand, thereby dispensing the quantity of condiment out of the seal and onto the user's food or plate. Without applying any pressure to the single chamber condiment packet, the quantity of condiment will not flow out of the aperture.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a condiment packet 10 having a selectably removable tab 12 covering a seal 16.
The illustrated condiment packet 10 includes an exterior fold region 14, wherein the packet 10 is folded over on itself. The packet 10 includes a quantity of a condiment confined within a single chamber of the packet 10. The packet 10 includes a seal 16 disposed on the exterior fold region 14 and covered by a selectable removable tab 12. The illustrated selectably removable tab 12 is attached to the exterior fold region 14 and configured to secure to over the seal 16, thereby preventing the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet 10. The illustrated packet 10 is in a first mode 20, wherein the selectably removable tab 12 prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet 10. The selectably removable tab 12 is attached to the exterior fold region 14 by an adhesive such as but not limited to a food-grade adhesive such as but not limited to an adhesive strip as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No.: 2010/0264151 by Reddy-Wynn; or a adhesive as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,071,280, issued to Ikeda et al. The removable tab may tag extending from a cover such that the cover may be coupled to the exterior fold region about an aperture ad a user may grasp the tag and thereby pull the cover free of the aperture.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user grasps a condiment packet and folds the packet over itself, lengthwise. The user grips the folded condiment packet with a first hand and rips off the selectably removable tab and opens the seal. The user squeezes the condiment packet with the first hand, thereby dispensing the quantity of condiment out of the seal and onto the user's food or plate.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a condiment packet 10 including a seal 16 having a perforated region 30.
The illustrated condiment packet 10 includes an exterior fold region 14, wherein a packet 10 is configured to be folded over on itself. The packet 10 includes a quantity of a condiment confined within a single chamber of the packet 10. The packet 10 includes a seal 16 disposed on the exterior fold region 14 of the packet 10. The illustrated seal 16 is in a first mode 20, wherein the seal 16 prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet 10. The seal 16 includes a perforated region 30 configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over condiment packet 10. The illustrated perforated region 30 includes a plurality of perforations disposed about the exterior fold region 14 of the packet 10. The plurality of perforations are configured to rupture and release the quantity of condiment disposed therein, wherein pressure is applied to the ends of the condiment packet 10; thereby increasing the pressure within the packet and rupturing the plurality of perforations.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the perforations form a linear array, a star shape (similar or identical to that illustrated in FIG. 4), a circle, a square, an irregular shape, and the like and combinations thereof.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a condiment packet 10 having a seal 16 including a pressure sensitive seal aperture 40.
The illustrated condiment packet 10 includes an exterior fold region 14, wherein the packet 10 is folded over on itself; and includes a quantity of a condiment confined within a single chamber of the packet 10. The packet 10 includes a seal 16 disposed on the exterior fold region 14. The illustrated seal 16 is in a first mode 20, wherein the seal 16 prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet 10. The seal 16 includes a pressure sensitive seal aperture 40 configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over packet 10. The pressure sensitive seal aperture 40 includes a weakened seal aperture, wherein the weakened seal aperture is configured to rupture when pressure within the packet exceeds the pressure holding the weakened seal aperture together.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user grasps a condiment packet and folds the packet over itself, lengthwise. The user grips the folded condiment packet with a first hand and applies pressure with the thumb and forefinger on one hand to the ends of the condiment packet to rupture the seal. The user squeezes the condiment packet with the first hand, thereby dispensing the quantity of condiment out of the seal and onto the user's food or plate.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a folded-over condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a condiment packet 10 including a break-away nub 50.
The illustrated condiment packet 10 includes an exterior fold region 14, wherein the packet 10 includes a single chamber and is folded over on itself; and includes a quantity of a condiment confined therein. The packet 10 includes a seal disposed on the exterior fold region 14. The illustrated packet 10 is in a first mode 20, wherein the seal prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet 10. The illustrated seal includes a break-away nub 50. The break-away nub 50 is configured to secure over the seal and prevent the quantity of condiment from leaving the condiment packet 10 when in the first mode 20. The break-away nub 50 is configured to break-away from the exterior fold region 14 when lateral pressure is applied thereto. The break-away nub 50 is configured to detach from the exterior fold region and permit the quantity of condiment to leave the condiment packet 10. The break-away nub includes a protrusion coupled to a seal such that the protrusion may be caught by a finger, table corner, knuckle, spoon, or the like or combinations thereof and in doing so leveraged pressure may be applied to the seal such that it is ruptured and the protrusion facilitates the same. In one embodiment, a break-away nub includes a rigid material, such as but not limited to a hard plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, or the like and combinations thereof.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bellows style condiment packet, according to one embodiment. There is shown a bellows-style condiment packet 60 including a selectably removable tab 81. The illustrated bellows-style condiment packet 60 includes a large aspect ratio of thickness to length of the packet. The dotted line illustrates a bellows-style condiment packet in a discharging mode wherein the top (front) surface is folded over an exterior fold region, thereby compressing the contents thereof. The bottom (rear) surface is wrinkled as the contents are discharged, thereby forming an interior fold region. Operation, shape, and function of the bellows-style condiment packet resembles that of a bellows.
The illustrated cube-shaped condiment packet 60 includes a quantity of a condiment 86 confined with a single chamber 85. The cube-shaped condiment packet 60 includes a selectably removable tab 81 configured to cover a seal aperture 87. The seal aperture 87 is configured to seal the single chamber 85 of the packet 60. The single chamber 85 includes the quantity of condiment 86 disposed within the single chamber 85. The cube-shaped condiment packet 60 includes a top surface 82, a side surface 83 and a bottom surface 84. The illustrated packet 60 is in a first mode 20, wherein the selectably removable tab 81 prevents the quantity of condiment 86 from leaving the packet 60. The selectably removable tab 81 is configured to secure over the seal aperture 87 and prevent the quantity of condiment 86 from leaving the condiment packet 60 when in the first mode 20. The selectably removable tab 81 is configured to be removable, by peeling back on the tab 81. The tab 81 is configured to detach from the top surface 82 of the packet 60 and permit the quantity of condiment 86 to leave the condiment packet 60.
In one embodiment of the illustrated bellows-style condiment packet, the top 82 wall is more rigid than the bottom 84 and/or the side 83, accordingly the more rigid walls will tend to deform less during use, thereby providing compression without deforming the interface between the users fingers and the packet. The top 82 may include a less rigid section about the fold region, thereby facilitating folding of the packet.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user grasps a bellows-style condiment packet and removes the selectably removable tab from the top surface of the packet. The user applies pressure on the side surfaces, towards the bottom surface, of the packet, thereby creating a bellow-like shape. The user grips the side surfaces of the packet with a thumb and middle finger, while the forefinger applies pressure to the bottom surface of the packet. The quantity of condiment is then released through the seal aperture of the packet. The user squeezes the condiment packet with the first hand, thereby dispensing the quantity of condiment out of the seal and onto the user's food or plate.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a condiment packet 10 including a selectably openable aperture 70 having a perforated region 30.
The illustrated condiment packet 10 includes a central region 75, wherein the packet 10 is configured to be folded over on itself. The condiment packet 10 includes a substantially flat single-chamber container. The packet 10 includes a quantity of a condiment confined within the packet 10. The packet 10 includes a selectably openable aperture 70 disposed on the central region 75 of the packet 10. The illustrated selectably openable aperture 70 is in a first mode 20, wherein the aperture 70 prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet 10. The illustrated selectably openable aperture 70 includes a perforated region 30 configured to rupture when pressure is applied to a folded over condiment packet 10. The illustrated perforated region 30 includes a plurality of perforations disposed about the central region 75 of the packet 10. The plurality of perforations are configured to rupture and release the quantity of condiment disposed therein, wherein pressure is applied to the ends of the condiment packet 10; thereby increasing the pressure within the packet and rupturing the plurality of perforations.
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a condiment packet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a condiment packet 10 including a break-away nub 50.
The illustrated condiment packet 10 includes a central region 75, wherein the packet 10 includes a single chamber configured to fold over on itself. The packet 10 also includes a quantity of a condiment confined therein. The packet 10 includes a seal disposed on the central region 75. The illustrated packet 10 is in a first mode 20, wherein the seal prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet 10. The illustrated seal includes a break-away nub 50. The break-away nub 50 is configured to secure over the seal and prevent the quantity of condiment from leaving the condiment packet 10 when in the first mode 20. The break-away nub 50 is configured to break-away from the central region 75 when lateral pressure is applied thereto. The break-away nub 50 is configured to detach from the central region 75 and permit the quantity of condiment to leave the condiment packet 10.
It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
For example, although the Figures illustrate a rectangular selectably removable tab, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the tab may vary in size, shape, design, configuration, color, length, height, width, thickness, etc. and still perform its intended function.
Additionally, although the figures illustrate a circular break-away nub, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the nub may vary in size, shape, design, configuration, color, length, height, width, thickness, etc. and still perform its intended function.
It is envisioned that, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the packet may vary in size, shape, design, configuration, color, length, height, width, thickness, etc. and still perform its intended function. In particular, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the seal, and the seal aperture is configured to be dispense a condiment including chunky bits or solid contents disposed within the quantity of condiment and still performs its intended function.
It is also envisioned that, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the cube-shaped packet (bellows-style packet) may include a vent configured to vent the interior of the packet before exiting the quantity of condiment out of the seal; wherein the packet still perform its intended function.
Further, while the contents of the packet are described as condiments, it is understood that other contents may be utilized including but not limited to adhesives, paints, frosting, craft fluids, other fluids, semi-fluids, suspended solids, and the like and combinations thereof.
Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to: plastic, plastic composite, rubber, rubber composite, textiles, metals, metal alloys, glass, etc. and still perform its intended function.
Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.

Claims

1. A condiment packet, comprising:

a) an exterior fold region, wherein a single chamber packet is folded over on itself;

b) a quantity of a condiment confined within the packet; and

c) a seal disposed on the exterior fold region, including:

c1) a first mode, wherein the seal prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the packet; and

c2) a second mode, wherein the seal permits the quantity of condiment to leave the packet.

2. The packet of claim 1, wherein the seal includes a selectably removable tab; wherein the selectably removable tab is attached to the exterior fold region by an adhesive.

3. The packet of claim 1, wherein the seal is a break-away nub.

4. The packet of claim 1, wherein the seal includes a pressure sensitive seal aperture configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over packet.

5. The packet of claim 1, wherein the seal includes a perforated region configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over packet.

6. The packet of claim 1, wherein the condiment packet is configured for one hand operation, wherein a thumb and a forefinger apply pressure to the ends of the condiment packet, wherein the quantity of condiment leaves the packet through the seal.

7. The packet of claim 1, wherein the quantity of a condiment is disposed in a cube-like container.

8. The packet of claim 7, wherein the cube-like container includes a seal having a break-away nub.

9. A method of dispensing a condiment, comprising the steps of:

a) grasping a folded single-chamber condiment packet with a first hand;

b) opening a seal of the folded condiment packet with the first hand; and

c) squeezing the condiment packet with the first hand.

10. The method of dispensing of claim 9, further comprising the step of removing a break-away nub from the folded condiment packet.

11. The method of dispensing of claim 9, further comprising the step of removing a selectably removable tab from the folded condiment packet.

12. The method of dispensing of claim 9, further comprising the step of rupturing a pressure sensitive seal aperture of a folded condiment packet.

13. The method of dispensing of claim 9, further comprising the step of rupturing a perforated region of a folded over packet.

14. A condiment packet, comprising:

a) a substantially flat single-chamber container;

b) a quantity of condiment disposed within the container; and

c) a selectably openable aperture disposed within a central region of the container.

15. The packet of claim 14, further comprising a first mode, wherein the selectably openable aperture prevents the quantity of condiment from leaving the container; and a second mode, wherein the selectably openable aperture permits the quantity of condiment to leave the container.

16. The packet of claim 15, wherein the selectably openable aperture includes a selectably removable tab; wherein the selectably removable tab is attached to the central region of the container by an adhesive.

17. The packet of claim 16, wherein the seal is a break-away nub.

18. The packet of claim 16, wherein the selectably openable aperture includes a pressure sensitive seal aperture configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over packet.

19. The packet of claim 16, wherein the seal includes a perforated region configured to rupture when pressure is applied to the folded over packet.

20. The packet of claim 16, wherein the quantity of a condiment is disposed in a cube-like container; wherein the cube-like container includes a seal having a break-away nub.