US20170050763A1 - Apparatus for dispensing seeds and receiving skins - Google Patents
Apparatus for dispensing seeds and receiving skins Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170050763A1 US20170050763A1 US14/831,523 US201514831523A US2017050763A1 US 20170050763 A1 US20170050763 A1 US 20170050763A1 US 201514831523 A US201514831523 A US 201514831523A US 2017050763 A1 US2017050763 A1 US 2017050763A1
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- Prior art keywords
- lid
- user
- rim
- compartment
- snack food
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/02—Internal fittings
- B65D25/04—Partitions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/20—Lunch or picnic boxes or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/20—External fittings
- B65D25/22—External fittings for facilitating lifting or suspending of containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D3/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines
- B65D3/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape
- B65D3/06—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape essentially conical or frusto-conical
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
- B65D31/12—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents with two or more compartments
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- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/14—Suspension means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
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- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
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- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
- B65D47/261—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement
- B65D47/265—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement between planar parts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
- B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/40—Packages formed by enclosing successive articles, or increments of material, in webs, e.g. folded or tubular webs, or by subdividing tubes filled with liquid, semi-liquid, or plastic materials
- B65D75/44—Individual packages cut from webs or tubes
- B65D75/46—Individual packages cut from webs or tubes containing articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5805—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a side strip parallel and next to the edge, e.g. by means of a line of weakness
- B65D75/5811—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a side strip parallel and next to the edge, e.g. by means of a line of weakness and defining, after tearing, a small dispensing spout, a small orifice or the like
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
- B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2209/00—Provisions for used articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
- B65D2251/0025—Upper closure of the 47-type
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0093—Membrane
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
- B65D2543/00833—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to the field of snack food containers and dispensers, and more particularly relates to a container that dispenses shelled seeds or nuts, but also receives and contains the discarded shells of such seeds or nuts.
- Snack food products such as sunflower seeds, pistachios, peanuts, other shelled nuts and similar items are very popular. Consuming these snack food items generates waste, as each seed or the like must be removed from its shell or cover (collectively its “skin”). The skin is not eaten by the user, and is instead discarded. These types of snack foods often are consumed in outdoor locations that lack convenient access to a refuse container. As an example, sunflower seeds typically are sold as bags of such seeds still enclosed in their original skins. The user will pour several seeds into his mouth, remove the skins while the seeds are in his mouth, and eventually spit the unused skins onto the ground. As a result, consumption of snack food items such as sunflower seeds can leave a mess behind.
- Typical bags of snack foods such as sunflower seeds can also be difficult to work with. Such bags tend to tear unpredictably, often resulting in spillage. The bags also do not support themselves. Thus, the user must keep the bag in their hand or risk spillage. Bags can also be unpredictable and difficult to work with when pouring seeds into a user's hand or mouth.
- a snack food container that can both dispense shelled snack food items and receive the spent skins, and which can be operated easily and manufactured inexpensively.
- a snack food container that dispenses the snacks in a natural and easy manner, and also easily receives spent skins.
- a snack food container that accomplishes such advantages while supporting itself when not being held in the user's hands.
- the present specification discloses a snack food container, comprising an elongated body, a divider, and a lid.
- the elongated body extends from a proximal end to a distal end.
- the body is closed at the distal end and has a proximal opening defined at the proximal end.
- the proximal end has a substantially circular circumferential rim, and the body defines a cavity.
- the divider is within the elongated body and divides the cavity into a first and a second compartment.
- the lid comprises a top portion and a flange that depends from an edge of the top portion, and the lid is removably attachable to the circumferential rim so that the flange engages the circumferential rim.
- An aperture is formed through the lid, and is defined by a back edge, a primary curved edge portion and a secondary curved edge portion.
- the primary curved edge portion is arcuate about a first radius of curvature
- the secondary curved edge portion is arcuate about a second radius of curvature.
- the aperture is sized and configured to align with one or the other of the first and second compartments.
- the second radius of curvature is less than the first radius of curvature. In some such embodiments, the second radius of curvature is between 0.6 and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature approximates the average curvature of a human bottom lip.
- the primary curved edge portion comprises first and second primary curved edge portions, and the secondary curved edge portion is arranged between the first and second primary curved edge portions.
- the seal comprises a tab extending from an edge of the seal, and the seal is positioned on the circumferential rim so that the tab is aligned with the divider.
- a base of the seal is defined diametrically opposite the tab, and an adhesive layer is interposed between the circumferential rim and the seal to bond the seal to the rim, and the adhesive layer is configured to exert a stronger bond between the base of the seal and the circumferential rim than elsewhere between the seal and the circumferential rim.
- an upper edge of the divider extends proximally beyond the circumferential rim.
- Still further embodiments additionally comprise an attachment member on the body, the attachment member comprising a hook.
- the hook is selectively movable relative to the body, and the hook is configured to be engageable with a structure so that the snack food container can be supported by the hook in a hanging configuration.
- the present disclosure provides a bag-based snack food container, comprising a main bag and a secondary bag.
- the main bag is formed of a flexible polymer and defines a primary compartment for containing seeds.
- the secondary bag is formed of a flexible polymer and is bonded to an outer surface of the main bag, the secondary bag having a tab that is releasably adhered to the outer surface of the main bag.
- a first configuration the secondary bag is folded flat onto the outer surface of the main bag and the tab is adhered to the outer surface of the main bag.
- the tab is detached from the outer surface of the main bag and the secondary bag is unfolded so as to define a secondary compartment for containing skins, a secondary compartment opening being defined adjacent the tab.
- the secondary bag remains unfolded and the tab is adhered to the outer surface of the main bag so as to close the secondary compartment.
- Some such embodiments additionally comprise a hanger member attached to the container, the hanger member comprising a hook portion configured to engaged a chain-link fence so the container can be hung from a chain-link fence.
- the present disclosure provides a method of eating seeds and disposing of skins, comprising a user grasping an elongated body that encloses a cavity separated by a divider into a primary compartment and a secondary compartment.
- a plurality of seeds are provided in the primary compartment.
- the body has a circular proximal rim and a lid arranged atop the rim.
- the lid has an aperture defined by a back edge, a primary curved edge portion and a secondary curved edge portion.
- the primary curved edge portion is arcuate about a first radius of curvature.
- the secondary curved edge portion is arcuate about a second radius of curvature.
- the method additionally comprises the user aligning the aperture with the primary compartment, the user lifting the body and pressing the user's bottom lip to the lid adjacent the secondary curved edge portion, and the user tilting the body so that seeds dispense through the aperture into the user's mouth.
- Further embodiments additionally comprise the user rotating the lid about the rim so that the aperture is aligned with the secondary compartment, the user lifting the body, and the user dispensing discarded skins from the user's mouth into the secondary compartment.
- Some such embodiments additionally comprise the user removing the lid, at least partially removing a flexible seal from the rim, and replacing the lid onto the rim.
- Further embodiments may additionally comprise the user removing the lid after dispensing discarded skins from the user's mouth into the secondary compartment, replacing the flexible seal onto the rim, and replacing the lid onto the rim so that at least a portion of the flexible seal is sandwiched between the lid and the rim.
- the body comprises a hook member
- the method additionally comprise extending the hook member onto a structure and hanging the body from the structure.
- Some such embodiments additionally comprise unfolding the hook member from the body.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a lid removed and an upper seal partially removed
- FIG. 4 is a top view of a lid in accordance with one embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 depicted in a dispensing configuration
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 dispensing seeds into the user's mouth
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 depicted in a receiving configuration
- FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with a user spitting skins into a waste compartment;
- FIG. 9 shows a lid of the embodiment of FIG. 1 being placed atop a body of the container
- FIG. 10 is perspective view of another embodiment in which the upper seal is not completely removed so that it may easily be replaced after use;
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of another embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 12 shows a side view of another embodiment having a hook member attached to a body thereof
- FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of FIG. 12 hanging upon a fence
- FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of another embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of still another embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 16 is a side view of yet another embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 17 - 17 of FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 18 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 with a waste compartment portion open and ready to receive discarded skins;
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid for use with the present snack food container.
- FIG. 20 is a side view of still another embodiment of a lid for use with the present snack food container.
- the illustrated snack food container 30 preferably is configured to contain and dispense snack foods, such as sunflower seeds, in which an edible fruit such as a seed or nut is enclosed within a skin or cover such as a shell.
- snack foods such as sunflower seeds
- an edible fruit such as a seed or nut
- the snack food is provided with the fruit enclosed within its skin, typically the user will remove and discard the skin, and eat only the fruit.
- the fruit, such as the seed, nut or the like will be referred to as a “seed” 32
- the skin or cover, such as a shell will be referred to as a “skin” 34 .
- the illustrated snack food container 30 comprises a cup-shaped body 40 defined by a circumferential outer wall having bottom (distal) and top (proximal) edges 42 , 46 .
- the illustrated body 40 is generally cylindrical but tapered to decrease in diameter from the top edge 46 to the bottom edge 42 .
- a bottom wall 48 is arranged at or adjacent the bottom edge 42 so that the body 40 is enclosed except at a top opening 50 adjacent the top edge 46 .
- the body 40 defines an internal cavity 52 .
- the body 40 is sized so as to be easily handled by a user and is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as paper or plastic, so that it has sufficient rigidity to be handled in the same manner as a user typically handles a drinking cup.
- a typical drinking cup can be used as the body 40 , and can be provided in popular drinking cup sizes such as 8, 12, and 16 ounces.
- a circumferential rim 60 is formed at the top edge 46 of the body 40 .
- the rim 60 can be formed in many ways, such as by folding over the material at the top edge and/or providing extra or thickened material at the top edge 46 . As such, the rim 60 has an increased outer diameter and increased rigidity relative to adjacent portions of the body 40 .
- an elongate divider 62 extends from the bottom wall 48 to at least the top edge 46 of the body 40 and extends diametrically across the internal cavity 52 of the body 40 so as to divide the cavity 52 into a first, or container, compartment 66 and a second, or receptacle, compartment 68 .
- the divider 62 extends diametrically across the cavity 52 at or near the middle of the cavity, which is the point of maximum diameter of the body 40 . As such, the divider 62 divides the body opening 50 into a container compartment opening and a receptacle compartment opening.
- An upper edge 64 of the divider 62 preferably is aligned with or above (proximal of) the top edge 46 of the body 40 .
- a snack food such as sunflower seeds 32 can be provided in the container compartment 66
- the receptacle compartment 68 is reserved for discarded skins 34 .
- the receptacle compartment 68 may be empty when the product is first sold.
- the divider 62 separates and prevents crossover of seeds 32 or skins 34 between the container and receptacle compartments 66 , 68 .
- an upper seal 70 comprising a flexible foil or film preferably is adhered to the circumferential rim 60 of the body 40 .
- the upper edge 64 of the divider 62 is also adhered to the upper seal 70 .
- the upper edge 64 of the divider 62 is positioned so that, whether it is adhered or not, it is in contact with, and more preferably is biased against, the upper seal 70 so as to prevent seeds 32 or skins 34 from passing between the seal 70 and the upper edge 64 of the divider 62 and into the wrong compartment.
- the upper edge 64 may extend a short distance proximal the rim 60 so that the upper edge 64 is biased against the seal 70 .
- the upper seal 70 comprises an optional tab 72 to help the user remove the upper seal from the top edge 46 .
- the tab 72 can be placed in any desired position about the circumference of the top edge 46 . In the illustrated embodiment, however, the tab 72 is generally diametrically aligned with the divider 62 so that when the upper seal 70 is pulled back, as shown in FIG. 3 , the last remaining portion of the upper seal 70 adhered to the top edge, defined as a base portion 74 of the upper seal, is at or adjacent a location where the divider 62 intersects the body inner surface.
- a cap or lid 80 is configured to fit atop the body 40 to at least partially enclose the interior cavity 52 of the body 40 .
- the lid 80 comprises a top portion 84 , a circumferential edge 86 , and a flange 88 depending from the circumferential edge 86 .
- An inner diameter of the lid 80 at the flange 88 is configured to substantially match or be marginally smaller than the outer diameter of the circumferential rim 60 .
- the lid 80 fits relatively tightly onto the rim 60 .
- the size of the lid and material makeup of the lid are chosen so that the lid 80 engages the circumferential rim 60 of the body 40 , but is readily rotated while engaged with the rim 60 .
- the upper seal 70 fits atop the circumferential rim 60 of the body, and the lid 80 fits over the upper seal.
- the diameter of the upper seal 70 is greater than a diameter of the rim 60 so that an edge portion 89 of the upper seal can partially wrap around the rim.
- the upper seal is held in place not only by adhesive between the upper seal 70 and the rim 60 , but also by the lid engagement with the rim, wherein the edge portion 89 of the upper seal 70 is sandwiched between the flange 88 of the lid 80 and the rim 60 of the body.
- the upper edge of the divider 62 is biased against or at least in close enough proximity to the upper seal 70 so that seeds 32 and skins 34 are blocked from crossing between the seal 70 and the divider 62 .
- an aperture 90 is formed through the top portion 84 of the lid 80 .
- the lid 80 has a center point 92 or vertical axis.
- a back surface or back edge 94 of the aperture 90 is offset a first offset distance 96 from the center point 92 of the lid 80 .
- the back edge 94 is parallel to a diameter through the center point 92 .
- a first curved edge 100 of the aperture 90 extends from each end of the back edge 94 and follows a first radius of curvature 102 .
- the first radius of curvature 102 is taken about the axis 92 of the lid 80 .
- a width of the lid top portion 84 between the aperture first curved edge 100 and the circumferential edge 86 of the lid 80 remains constant at a first width 104 .
- the first curved edge 100 is interrupted by a second curved edge 110 of the aperture 90 interposed between first and second portions of the first curved edge 100 A, B.
- the second curved edge 110 is curved about a second radius of curvature 112 that is smaller than the first radius of curvature 102 .
- a second center of curvature 114 , or a second axis, of the second curved edge 110 is offset a second distance 116 from the lid axis, or center point 92 .
- the second center of curvature 114 is diametrically aligned with the center point 92 along a diameter perpendicular to the back edge 94 so that the second curved edge 110 is generally centered between opposing portions 100 A, B of the first curved edge.
- the width of the lid top portion 84 between the second curved edge 110 and the circumferential edge 86 of the lid 80 varies along the second curved edge. More specifically, the width decreases moving circumferentially from having the first width 104 at a point where the second curved edge 110 intersects the first portion of the first curved edge 100 A to a second, or minimum, width 120 , and then increases again to the first width 104 at another point where the second curved edge 110 intersects the second portion of the first curved edge 100 B.
- the second width 120 is the minimum width of the lid top portion 84 between the aperture 90 and the circumferential edge 86 .
- the location of the minimum width is centered between the first and second portions of the first curved edge 100 A, B, and most preferably is centered between first and second ends of the back edge 94 of the aperture 90 .
- the location of minimum width can also be considered to be along a line of symmetry dividing the aperture 90 .
- the lid 80 can be rotated so as to align the aperture 90 with the container compartment 66 .
- the aperture 90 through the lid 80 is sized and positioned so as to provide access only to the container compartment 66 of the body 40 .
- access to the receptacle compartment 68 is blocked.
- the divider 62 and lid 80 are configured so that the divider 62 engages a bottom surface of the lid top portion 84 , blocking contents from passing between the container and receptacle compartments 66 , 68 between the divider and the lid 80 .
- the body 40 has a cup-like shape and is relatively rigid.
- the body 40 is substantially more rigid than a typical snack food bag.
- the body is sufficiently rigid so that the user can handle the snack food container 30 like a drinking cup.
- the lid aperture 90 aligned with the container compartment 66 , which is filled with fresh seeds 32
- the user can pick up the snack food container 30 and pour seeds 32 into his mouth using a motion similar to the motion of pouring a drink from a cup into the user's mouth.
- the user will touch his bottom lip to the top portion 84 of the lid 80 at or adjacent the rim 60 and rotate the body 40 about the point of contact in order to pour seeds 32 into his mouth.
- the second edge portion 110 of the aperture 90 is generally centered in the aperture 90 along the edge 86 of the lid 80 .
- the user is likely to align his mouth with the center of the second edge portion 110 .
- the second radius of curvature 112 is selected to approximate the curvature of an average user's bottom lip engaging the edge 86 of the lid 80 .
- the second radius of curvature is between about 0.6-1.25 inches.
- the second radius of curvature is between about 1 ⁇ 3-2 ⁇ 3 of the first radius of curvature. More preferably the second radius of curvature is between about 2 ⁇ 5-4 ⁇ 5 of the first radius of curvature. Even more preferably the second radius of curvature is between about 3/7- 4/7 of the first radius of curvature.
- the first radius of curvature 102 provides an aperture 90 that is very large, providing sufficient access to the seeds 32 .
- the second radius of curvature 112 provides a more focused zone for seed delivery, and as noted above the width of the lid top surface is reduced at the center of the second curved edge 110 .
- seeds 32 will preferentially dispense in the area of the second curved edge 110 .
- the user will thus be better able to control dispensing of seeds 32 , particularly pouring of seeds into his mouth, and to reduce the likelihood that seeds will be dispensed onto the user's cheeks rather than into the user's mouth. Since the second curved edge 110 approximates the curvature of the user's bottom lip, which is engaged with the top surface adjacent the second curved edge, seeds 32 are dispensed in an efficient and clean manner with minimal losses.
- first and second curved edges 100 , 110 still cooperate to preferentially direct fresh seeds into the user's mouth.
- the user can then grasp the lid 80 and rotate the lid 80 , while it is still engaged with the body rim, until the lid aperture 90 is aligned with the receptacle compartment 68 as shown in FIG. 7 . In this position the receptacle compartment 68 is accessible, but access to the container compartment 66 is blocked.
- the lid 80 and body 40 are configured so that the lid 80 fits snugly atop the rim 60 , but sufficiently loose to enable the user to readily rotate the lid about the axis of the lid and body while the lid remains engaged with the rim.
- the user again lifts the container to his mouth as if handling a drink cup.
- the user again touches his bottom lip to the lid top surface adjacent the second curved edge 110 and spits the separated skins 34 into the receptacle compartment 68 .
- the second edge portion of the lid aperture provides a preferential entryway through the lid aperture 90 , and is sized and shaped to approximate the user's bottom lip.
- the user may spit the discarded skins through the aperture 90 and into the receptacle compartment 68 without touching his lip to the lid 80 .
- the relatively large size of the aperture 90 that is defined by the first and second curved edges 100 , 110 enables such versatility.
- the user may engage one or more of the edges of the aperture 90 to assist in dislodging a skin that may temporarily stick to his lip.
- the snack food container 30 can be substantially resealed after use.
- the film upper seal 70 can be replaced on the circumferential rim 60 of the body 40 , and the lid 80 placed atop the seal 70 .
- the lid 80 may apply the lid 80 over the seal 70 .
- the flange 88 of the lid 80 will sandwich the seal 70 between it and the rim 60 sufficient to hold the upper seal in place.
- the adhesive applied to the rim to hold the upper seal 70 thereon may remain tacky after the upper seal is removed so as to more readily hold the upper seal in place when it is replaced on the rim.
- the lid 80 can be configured so that when it is placed atop the body 40 , the top of the lid is spaced from a top surface of the body rim so as to avoid engagement with any adhesive remaining on the top of the rim.
- the user may be directed to only partially remove the upper seal 70 from the rim 60 during use. For example, as shown, when initially removing the seal 70 the user pulls on the tab 72 to peel back the upper seal almost completely (as depicted in FIG. 3 ) so that only the base portion 74 of the upper seal remains attached to the circumferential rim 60 . The user then replaces the lid 80 as depicted in FIG. 10 while the seal remains partially removed. The upper seal 70 is thus maintained in partial contact with the rim 60 but is out of the way of dispensing seeds 32 or receiving skins 34 during use of the container. When the user desires to reseal the container, the user may simply remove the lid 80 , replace the upper seal 70 and replace the lid 80 to again secure the upper seal in place.
- a greater amount of adhesive, or a portion of a stronger adhesive may be employed to attach the base portion 74 of the seal 70 to the rim 60 than is used elsewhere to attach the seal to the rim. This can reduce the risk that the seal will be inadvertently completely removed. Preferably, however, the adhesive still will allow complete removal of the upper seal from the rim 60 should it be desired by the user.
- the divider 62 includes an extension member 130 along its top edge 64 .
- the extension member 130 extends transversely from the top edge of the divider 62 in a direction toward and above the container compartment 66 so as to partially close the container compartment 66 , and reduce the effective size of the container compartment opening.
- the extension member 130 can be directed generally parallel to the upper seal 70 and lid 80 or can be biased upwardly generally into contact with the upper seal and/or lid in order to improve separation between the container and receptacle compartments 66 , 68 .
- a side edge 132 of the extension 130 is displaced from a center, or point of maximum diameter, of the body opening 50 so that the container compartment opening comprises less than half of the body opening 50 .
- one or more attachment members 140 can be provided on the body 40 .
- the attachment members can take various shapes and sizes.
- the attachment member 140 comprises is formed of a semirigid material such as cardstock or paper and has a base 142 that is glued to the outer wall of the body 40 .
- Curved hook portions 144 extend in opposite directions relative to the base 142 .
- the hook portions 144 preferably are not glued to the body 40 .
- a fold zone is defined between the base 142 and each of the hooks 144 . As such the hooks 144 can be folded so that the two hooks 144 extend away from the body 40 .
- the hooks 144 can then be used to hang the container from various structures. For example, FIG.
- FIG. 13 depicts the hooks 144 extending through and engaging a chain-link fence 148 such as is often found in baseball or softball dugouts.
- the container removably hangs from the fence 148 and is supported thereby.
- Other structures, such as nets, bars and the like can be engaged with such hooks 144 . In this manner, when the snack food container 30 is not in use, it can be easily hung on a structure so that it is out of the way yet conveniently accessible.
- the divider 62 may be slanted so as to maximize the volume in one of the container or receptacle compartments 66 , 68 . More specifically, the upper or top edge 64 of the divider 62 may remain generally centrally located in the opening 50 of the body 40 but the divider 62 is angled relative to an axis of the body 40 so that the cross-sectional area of the container compartment 66 increases moving downward from the top edge 46 to the bottom wall 48 . As such, the snack food container 30 becomes capable of containing more fresh seeds 32 while keeping the same proportions between the container compartment opening and the receptacle compartment opening.
- the divider 62 wall is offset from a center, or location of maximum diameter, of the body opening 50 along the length of the divider 62 , and even at the top edge 64 of the divider 62 .
- the extension portion 130 of the divider wall extends from the top edge 64 of the divider 62 at least to the location of maximum diameter of the body opening 50 , which is also halfway across the body opening 50 .
- the extension member 130 may extend beyond the halfway point of the body opening so that the extension side edge 132 is disposed on the opposite side of the body opening 50 center that is the top edge 64 of the divider 62 .
- a snack food container 149 comprises a main bag 150 having seal portions along its top and bottom edges 154 , 156 .
- the main bag 150 can be configured in a manner similar to typical snack food container bags such as bags in which sunflower seeds 32 are typically sold.
- the bag can be made of any of several flexible polymer materials.
- a secondary bag 160 is attached to the main bag 150 .
- the secondary bag 160 comprises a sheet of flexible polymer having opposing edges 162 that are attached such as by adhesive, heat seal, or the like to an outer surface of the main bag 150 .
- a first configuration as shown in FIGS.
- the secondary bag 160 is folded over itself adjacent each opposing edge 162 , thus creating folded portions 164 so that the secondary bag 160 is folded close to and generally in contact with the main bag 150 .
- the bottom portion of the secondary bag 160 preferably is sealed with the bottom portion of the main bag 150 .
- a tab 170 is disposed at or adjacent an upper surface or upper edge of the secondary bag 160 , and an adhesive layer 172 , comprising for example a tacky, resealable adhesive, is provided on the outer surface of the main bag 150 adjacent the tab 170 or, in another embodiment, on the tab 170 itself.
- the tab 170 can be releasably engaged with or releasably adhered to the main bag 150 .
- the folded portions 164 of the empty secondary bag 160 are in the folded condition and the tab 170 is closed so that the secondary bag 160 is folded close to and generally approximating the shape of the main bag 150 , which preferably is filled with fresh seeds 32 .
- the user opens the main bag 150 and dispenses seeds 32 into his mouth.
- the user may then engage and pull on the tab 170 so as to open the secondary bag 160 and to unfold the folded portions so that the secondary bag 160 defines a skin receptacle compartment 174 between the secondary bag 160 and the outer surface of the main bag 150 .
- the user can spit discarded skins 34 and/or other refuse into the secondary bag 160 and, when desired, reengage the tab 170 with the adhesive layer 172 so as to close the receptacle compartment 174 .
- the main bag 150 has a preferential tear zone 178 so that a user can open the main bag at the top edge 154 without necessarily opening the bag across its entire top edge.
- a preferential cut 180 is provided in a side of the main bag 150 spaced from the top edge 154 .
- the sealed portion of the top edge 154 extends downwardly to surround the preferential cut 180 and maintain a seal about the cut 180 .
- Another portion of the top edge seal spaced from the preferential cut 180 may depend from the top edge and be aligned with the cut 180 so as to function as a stop 182 when a user tears the bag transversely at the cut 180 .
- the user can selectively open only a portion of the top edge of the main bag 150 , thus providing a manageable opening through which fresh seeds 32 can be poured.
- the top edge 154 includes a hang aperture 188 through which a hanger member 190 extends.
- the hanger member 190 preferably has a block member 192 configured to prevent the hanger member 190 from sliding uninhibited through the aperture 188 .
- the illustrated hanger member 190 has a first portion 194 and a second portion 194 .
- the first hanger portion 194 is configured specifically to accommodate hanging the snack food container 149 from a hook or bar of a typical retail hanging display apparatus.
- the second hanger portion 196 preferably comprises an extension portion 198 that is relatively large compared to the first hanger portion 194 and a hook portion 200 depending from the extension portion 198 .
- hook portion 200 is depicted as straight in the illustrated embodiment, it is to be understood that various shapes, including a curved shape, can be employed in various embodiments as desired.
- the hook portion 200 can be configured to attach to various structures including, for example, a chain-link fence or the like. It is also to be understood that, in additional embodiments, a hanger member having similar or different structure can be attached to any part of the bag-based snack food container 149 as desired, such as by being adhered to the bag, and can also take on any of several shapes and sizes. In other embodiments an attachment member such as the attachment member discussed in connection with FIGS. 12 and 13 can be attached to the main bag.
- the lid 80 may have a thickened portion 210 about its rim 60 . More specifically, the thickened portion 210 about and adjacent the lid rim 60 may enhance rigidity of the lid 80 and snack food container 30 when the lid 80 is attached thereto.
- the thickened portion 210 extends about the entire circumference of the lid 80 at and adjacent the circumferential edge 86 .
- the thickened portion 210 of the lid is offset upwardly from the rest of the lid top portion 84 .
- an offset surface 212 is defined along an inner diameter of the thickened portion 210 .
- the offset surface 212 curves about the first radius of curvature 102 and is thus aligned with the first curved edge 100 of the lid aperture 90 .
- the lid 80 may still include the aperture 90 , but may also include a hinged door 220 for selectively closing the aperture.
- the snack food container can be provided without, for example, the upper seal.
- an embodiment employing such a lid 80 may be initially sold with an upper seal in place, but the closable lid will enable the snack food container to be closed without having to retain the upper seal.
- the door 220 can take on various shapes and sizes, in the illustrated embodiment the door 220 is co-formed with the polymer-based lid, and the aperture includes a seat 222 configured to receive the door 220 , and preferably having one or more small tabs (not shown) for removably holding the door in a closed position.
- lids having still further structural configurations.
- the lid may include a second aperture, and the door (hinged, rotatable, removable, or otherwise configured) can alternatively close one or the other of the apertures.
- a lid aperture aligned with the container compartment opening can be smaller than a lid aperture aligned with the receptacle compartment opening.
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Abstract
A snack food container is configured with a container compartment and a receptacle compartment. The container compartment is configured to contain shelled foods such as sunflower seeds. The receptacle compartment is configured to receive discarded skins such as sunflower seed skins. The snack food container can have a rotatable lid with an aperture that is selectively alignable with either the container compartment or the receptacle compartment. The lid aperture can be sized and shaped in a manner to best assist in dispensing fresh seeds from the container compartment into a user's mouth, and to receive discarded skins from the user's mouth.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to the field of snack food containers and dispensers, and more particularly relates to a container that dispenses shelled seeds or nuts, but also receives and contains the discarded shells of such seeds or nuts.
- Snack food products such as sunflower seeds, pistachios, peanuts, other shelled nuts and similar items are very popular. Consuming these snack food items generates waste, as each seed or the like must be removed from its shell or cover (collectively its “skin”). The skin is not eaten by the user, and is instead discarded. These types of snack foods often are consumed in outdoor locations that lack convenient access to a refuse container. As an example, sunflower seeds typically are sold as bags of such seeds still enclosed in their original skins. The user will pour several seeds into his mouth, remove the skins while the seeds are in his mouth, and eventually spit the unused skins onto the ground. As a result, consumption of snack food items such as sunflower seeds can leave a mess behind.
- Conscientious consumers wish to avoid creating messes but have limited options, as current snack food containers do not provide an adequate skin receptacle combined with the container/dispenser. Efforts have been made to provide a snack food container that includes a receptacle for receiving used skins. However, such efforts have resulted in the creation of bulky, hard-to-use, overly-expensive or otherwise unacceptable designs.
- Typical bags of snack foods such as sunflower seeds can also be difficult to work with. Such bags tend to tear unpredictably, often resulting in spillage. The bags also do not support themselves. Thus, the user must keep the bag in their hand or risk spillage. Bags can also be unpredictable and difficult to work with when pouring seeds into a user's hand or mouth.
- Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a snack food container that can both dispense shelled snack food items and receive the spent skins, and which can be operated easily and manufactured inexpensively. There is also a need in the art for a snack food container that dispenses the snacks in a natural and easy manner, and also easily receives spent skins. There is a further need in the art for a snack food container that accomplishes such advantages while supporting itself when not being held in the user's hands.
- In accordance with one embodiment, the present specification discloses a snack food container, comprising an elongated body, a divider, and a lid. The elongated body extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The body is closed at the distal end and has a proximal opening defined at the proximal end. The proximal end has a substantially circular circumferential rim, and the body defines a cavity. The divider is within the elongated body and divides the cavity into a first and a second compartment. The lid comprises a top portion and a flange that depends from an edge of the top portion, and the lid is removably attachable to the circumferential rim so that the flange engages the circumferential rim. An aperture is formed through the lid, and is defined by a back edge, a primary curved edge portion and a secondary curved edge portion. The primary curved edge portion is arcuate about a first radius of curvature, and the secondary curved edge portion is arcuate about a second radius of curvature. The aperture is sized and configured to align with one or the other of the first and second compartments.
- In one such embodiment, the second radius of curvature is less than the first radius of curvature. In some such embodiments, the second radius of curvature is between 0.6 and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature approximates the average curvature of a human bottom lip.
- In additional embodiments, the primary curved edge portion comprises first and second primary curved edge portions, and the secondary curved edge portion is arranged between the first and second primary curved edge portions.
- Further embodiments additionally comprise a removable flexible seal attached to the circumferential rim, wherein a portion of the seal is sandwiched between the flange and the circumferential rim. In some such embodiments the seal comprises a tab extending from an edge of the seal, and the seal is positioned on the circumferential rim so that the tab is aligned with the divider. In additional embodiments, a base of the seal is defined diametrically opposite the tab, and an adhesive layer is interposed between the circumferential rim and the seal to bond the seal to the rim, and the adhesive layer is configured to exert a stronger bond between the base of the seal and the circumferential rim than elsewhere between the seal and the circumferential rim.
- In yet further embodiments, an upper edge of the divider extends proximally beyond the circumferential rim.
- Still further embodiments additionally comprise an attachment member on the body, the attachment member comprising a hook. In some such embodiments, the hook is selectively movable relative to the body, and the hook is configured to be engageable with a structure so that the snack food container can be supported by the hook in a hanging configuration.
- In accordance with another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a bag-based snack food container, comprising a main bag and a secondary bag. The main bag is formed of a flexible polymer and defines a primary compartment for containing seeds. The secondary bag is formed of a flexible polymer and is bonded to an outer surface of the main bag, the secondary bag having a tab that is releasably adhered to the outer surface of the main bag. In a first configuration the secondary bag is folded flat onto the outer surface of the main bag and the tab is adhered to the outer surface of the main bag. In a second configuration the tab is detached from the outer surface of the main bag and the secondary bag is unfolded so as to define a secondary compartment for containing skins, a secondary compartment opening being defined adjacent the tab. In a third configuration the secondary bag remains unfolded and the tab is adhered to the outer surface of the main bag so as to close the secondary compartment.
- Some such embodiments additionally comprise a hanger member attached to the container, the hanger member comprising a hook portion configured to engaged a chain-link fence so the container can be hung from a chain-link fence.
- In accordance with yet another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of eating seeds and disposing of skins, comprising a user grasping an elongated body that encloses a cavity separated by a divider into a primary compartment and a secondary compartment. A plurality of seeds are provided in the primary compartment. The body has a circular proximal rim and a lid arranged atop the rim. The lid has an aperture defined by a back edge, a primary curved edge portion and a secondary curved edge portion. The primary curved edge portion is arcuate about a first radius of curvature. The secondary curved edge portion is arcuate about a second radius of curvature. The method additionally comprises the user aligning the aperture with the primary compartment, the user lifting the body and pressing the user's bottom lip to the lid adjacent the secondary curved edge portion, and the user tilting the body so that seeds dispense through the aperture into the user's mouth.
- Further embodiments additionally comprise the user rotating the lid about the rim so that the aperture is aligned with the secondary compartment, the user lifting the body, and the user dispensing discarded skins from the user's mouth into the secondary compartment. Some such embodiments additionally comprise the user removing the lid, at least partially removing a flexible seal from the rim, and replacing the lid onto the rim. Further embodiments may additionally comprise the user removing the lid after dispensing discarded skins from the user's mouth into the secondary compartment, replacing the flexible seal onto the rim, and replacing the lid onto the rim so that at least a portion of the flexible seal is sandwiched between the lid and the rim.
- In yet additional embodiments the body comprises a hook member, and the method additionally comprise extending the hook member onto a structure and hanging the body from the structure. Some such embodiments additionally comprise unfolding the hook member from the body.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 shows the embodiment ofFIG. 1 with a lid removed and an upper seal partially removed; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of a lid in accordance with one embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 depicted in a dispensing configuration; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 5 dispensing seeds into the user's mouth; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 5 depicted in a receiving configuration; -
FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 7 with a user spitting skins into a waste compartment; -
FIG. 9 shows a lid of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 being placed atop a body of the container; -
FIG. 10 is perspective view of another embodiment in which the upper seal is not completely removed so that it may easily be replaced after use; -
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of another embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 12 shows a side view of another embodiment having a hook member attached to a body thereof; -
FIG. 13 shows the embodiment ofFIG. 12 hanging upon a fence; -
FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of another embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of still another embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 16 is a side view of yet another embodiment having features in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 17-17 ofFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 18 is a top view of the embodiment ofFIG. 16 with a waste compartment portion open and ready to receive discarded skins; -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid for use with the present snack food container; -
FIG. 20 is a side view of still another embodiment of a lid for use with the present snack food container. - With initial reference to
FIGS. 1-3 , an embodiment of asnack food container 30 is shown. The illustratedsnack food container 30 preferably is configured to contain and dispense snack foods, such as sunflower seeds, in which an edible fruit such as a seed or nut is enclosed within a skin or cover such as a shell. Although the snack food is provided with the fruit enclosed within its skin, typically the user will remove and discard the skin, and eat only the fruit. For purposes of this disclosure the fruit, such as the seed, nut or the like will be referred to as a “seed” 32, and the skin or cover, such as a shell, will be referred to as a “skin” 34. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1-3 , the illustratedsnack food container 30 comprises a cup-shapedbody 40 defined by a circumferential outer wall having bottom (distal) and top (proximal) edges 42, 46. The illustratedbody 40 is generally cylindrical but tapered to decrease in diameter from thetop edge 46 to thebottom edge 42. Preferably, abottom wall 48 is arranged at or adjacent thebottom edge 42 so that thebody 40 is enclosed except at atop opening 50 adjacent thetop edge 46. As such, thebody 40 defines aninternal cavity 52. - Preferably, the
body 40 is sized so as to be easily handled by a user and is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as paper or plastic, so that it has sufficient rigidity to be handled in the same manner as a user typically handles a drinking cup. For example, a typical drinking cup can be used as thebody 40, and can be provided in popular drinking cup sizes such as 8, 12, and 16 ounces. - A
circumferential rim 60 is formed at thetop edge 46 of thebody 40. Therim 60 can be formed in many ways, such as by folding over the material at the top edge and/or providing extra or thickened material at thetop edge 46. As such, therim 60 has an increased outer diameter and increased rigidity relative to adjacent portions of thebody 40. - Continuing with reference to
FIGS. 1-3 , anelongate divider 62 extends from thebottom wall 48 to at least thetop edge 46 of thebody 40 and extends diametrically across theinternal cavity 52 of thebody 40 so as to divide thecavity 52 into a first, or container,compartment 66 and a second, or receptacle,compartment 68. In the illustrated embodiment, thedivider 62 extends diametrically across thecavity 52 at or near the middle of the cavity, which is the point of maximum diameter of thebody 40. As such, thedivider 62 divides thebody opening 50 into a container compartment opening and a receptacle compartment opening. Anupper edge 64 of thedivider 62 preferably is aligned with or above (proximal of) thetop edge 46 of thebody 40. As shown, a snack food such assunflower seeds 32 can be provided in thecontainer compartment 66, while thereceptacle compartment 68 is reserved for discardedskins 34. As such, thereceptacle compartment 68 may be empty when the product is first sold. Thedivider 62 separates and prevents crossover ofseeds 32 orskins 34 between the container and receptacle compartments 66, 68. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1-3 , anupper seal 70 comprising a flexible foil or film preferably is adhered to thecircumferential rim 60 of thebody 40. In some embodiments theupper edge 64 of thedivider 62 is also adhered to theupper seal 70. Preferably, theupper edge 64 of thedivider 62 is positioned so that, whether it is adhered or not, it is in contact with, and more preferably is biased against, theupper seal 70 so as to preventseeds 32 orskins 34 from passing between theseal 70 and theupper edge 64 of thedivider 62 and into the wrong compartment. In some embodiments, theupper edge 64 may extend a short distance proximal therim 60 so that theupper edge 64 is biased against theseal 70. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
upper seal 70 comprises anoptional tab 72 to help the user remove the upper seal from thetop edge 46. Thetab 72 can be placed in any desired position about the circumference of thetop edge 46. In the illustrated embodiment, however, thetab 72 is generally diametrically aligned with thedivider 62 so that when theupper seal 70 is pulled back, as shown inFIG. 3 , the last remaining portion of theupper seal 70 adhered to the top edge, defined as abase portion 74 of the upper seal, is at or adjacent a location where thedivider 62 intersects the body inner surface. - A cap or
lid 80 is configured to fit atop thebody 40 to at least partially enclose theinterior cavity 52 of thebody 40. Thelid 80 comprises atop portion 84, acircumferential edge 86, and aflange 88 depending from thecircumferential edge 86. An inner diameter of thelid 80 at theflange 88 is configured to substantially match or be marginally smaller than the outer diameter of thecircumferential rim 60. As such, thelid 80 fits relatively tightly onto therim 60. Preferably, however, the size of the lid and material makeup of the lid are chosen so that thelid 80 engages thecircumferential rim 60 of thebody 40, but is readily rotated while engaged with therim 60. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , theupper seal 70 fits atop thecircumferential rim 60 of the body, and thelid 80 fits over the upper seal. Preferably the diameter of theupper seal 70 is greater than a diameter of therim 60 so that anedge portion 89 of the upper seal can partially wrap around the rim. As such, the upper seal is held in place not only by adhesive between theupper seal 70 and therim 60, but also by the lid engagement with the rim, wherein theedge portion 89 of theupper seal 70 is sandwiched between theflange 88 of thelid 80 and therim 60 of the body. When theupper seal 70 is in place as depicted inFIGS. 1-3 , access to the container and receptacle compartments 66, 68 of thesnack food container 30 is blocked. Similarly, as discussed above, preferably the upper edge of thedivider 62 is biased against or at least in close enough proximity to theupper seal 70 so thatseeds 32 andskins 34 are blocked from crossing between theseal 70 and thedivider 62. - With additional reference to
FIG. 4 , anaperture 90 is formed through thetop portion 84 of thelid 80. In the illustrated embodiment thelid 80 has acenter point 92 or vertical axis. A back surface or backedge 94 of theaperture 90 is offset a first offsetdistance 96 from thecenter point 92 of thelid 80. Preferably, theback edge 94 is parallel to a diameter through thecenter point 92. A first curved edge 100 of theaperture 90 extends from each end of theback edge 94 and follows a first radius ofcurvature 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the first radius ofcurvature 102 is taken about theaxis 92 of thelid 80. As such, a width of thelid top portion 84 between the aperture first curved edge 100 and thecircumferential edge 86 of thelid 80 remains constant at afirst width 104. - In the illustrated embodiment, the first curved edge 100 is interrupted by a second
curved edge 110 of theaperture 90 interposed between first and second portions of the firstcurved edge 100A, B. The secondcurved edge 110 is curved about a second radius ofcurvature 112 that is smaller than the first radius ofcurvature 102. Further, a second center ofcurvature 114, or a second axis, of the secondcurved edge 110 is offset asecond distance 116 from the lid axis, orcenter point 92. In a preferred embodiment, the second center ofcurvature 114 is diametrically aligned with thecenter point 92 along a diameter perpendicular to theback edge 94 so that the secondcurved edge 110 is generally centered between opposingportions 100A, B of the first curved edge. - Continuing with particular reference to
FIG. 4 , the width of thelid top portion 84 between the secondcurved edge 110 and thecircumferential edge 86 of thelid 80 varies along the second curved edge. More specifically, the width decreases moving circumferentially from having thefirst width 104 at a point where the secondcurved edge 110 intersects the first portion of the firstcurved edge 100A to a second, or minimum,width 120, and then increases again to thefirst width 104 at another point where the secondcurved edge 110 intersects the second portion of the firstcurved edge 100B. Thesecond width 120 is the minimum width of thelid top portion 84 between theaperture 90 and thecircumferential edge 86. In a preferred embodiment, the location of the minimum width is centered between the first and second portions of the firstcurved edge 100A, B, and most preferably is centered between first and second ends of theback edge 94 of theaperture 90. The location of minimum width can also be considered to be along a line of symmetry dividing theaperture 90. - With additional reference to
FIGS. 5-6 , when theupper seal 70 has been removed from thebody 40 and thelid 80 has been replaced onto thecircumferential rim 60, thelid 80 can be rotated so as to align theaperture 90 with thecontainer compartment 66. Preferably, and in a manner as discussed above, theaperture 90 through thelid 80 is sized and positioned so as to provide access only to thecontainer compartment 66 of thebody 40. However, in this configuration access to thereceptacle compartment 68 is blocked. In a preferred embodiment, thedivider 62 andlid 80 are configured so that thedivider 62 engages a bottom surface of thelid top portion 84, blocking contents from passing between the container and receptacle compartments 66, 68 between the divider and thelid 80. - With particular reference to
FIG. 6 , in the illustrated embodiment thebody 40 has a cup-like shape and is relatively rigid. For example, thebody 40 is substantially more rigid than a typical snack food bag. Preferably the body is sufficiently rigid so that the user can handle thesnack food container 30 like a drinking cup. In use, with thelid aperture 90 aligned with thecontainer compartment 66, which is filled withfresh seeds 32, the user can pick up thesnack food container 30 and pourseeds 32 into his mouth using a motion similar to the motion of pouring a drink from a cup into the user's mouth. Most preferably, the user will touch his bottom lip to thetop portion 84 of thelid 80 at or adjacent therim 60 and rotate thebody 40 about the point of contact in order to pourseeds 32 into his mouth. - In a preferred embodiment, the
second edge portion 110 of theaperture 90 is generally centered in theaperture 90 along theedge 86 of thelid 80. As such, the user is likely to align his mouth with the center of thesecond edge portion 110. Most preferably, the second radius ofcurvature 112 is selected to approximate the curvature of an average user's bottom lip engaging theedge 86 of thelid 80. Preferably, the second radius of curvature is between about 0.6-1.25 inches. - In one preferred embodiment, the second radius of curvature is between about ⅓-⅔ of the first radius of curvature. More preferably the second radius of curvature is between about ⅖-⅘ of the first radius of curvature. Even more preferably the second radius of curvature is between about 3/7- 4/7 of the first radius of curvature.
- The first radius of
curvature 102 provides anaperture 90 that is very large, providing sufficient access to theseeds 32. The second radius ofcurvature 112 provides a more focused zone for seed delivery, and as noted above the width of the lid top surface is reduced at the center of the secondcurved edge 110. As such,seeds 32 will preferentially dispense in the area of the secondcurved edge 110. The user will thus be better able to control dispensing ofseeds 32, particularly pouring of seeds into his mouth, and to reduce the likelihood that seeds will be dispensed onto the user's cheeks rather than into the user's mouth. Since the secondcurved edge 110 approximates the curvature of the user's bottom lip, which is engaged with the top surface adjacent the second curved edge,seeds 32 are dispensed in an efficient and clean manner with minimal losses. - It is also anticipated that sometimes a user will touch his bottom lip to the
flange 88 of the lid orbody 40 of the container while pouring seeds into his mouth. In such a motion, the first and secondcurved edges 100, 110 still cooperate to preferentially direct fresh seeds into the user's mouth. - After dispensing
fresh seeds 32 into his mouth, the user can then grasp thelid 80 and rotate thelid 80, while it is still engaged with the body rim, until thelid aperture 90 is aligned with thereceptacle compartment 68 as shown inFIG. 7 . In this position thereceptacle compartment 68 is accessible, but access to thecontainer compartment 66 is blocked. As discussed above, preferably thelid 80 andbody 40 are configured so that thelid 80 fits snugly atop therim 60, but sufficiently loose to enable the user to readily rotate the lid about the axis of the lid and body while the lid remains engaged with the rim. - With additional reference to
FIG. 8 , after the user has removed theskins 34 from theseeds 32 in his mouth, the user again lifts the container to his mouth as if handling a drink cup. The user again touches his bottom lip to the lid top surface adjacent the secondcurved edge 110 and spits the separatedskins 34 into thereceptacle compartment 68. Again, the second edge portion of the lid aperture provides a preferential entryway through thelid aperture 90, and is sized and shaped to approximate the user's bottom lip. In additional embodiments, the user may spit the discarded skins through theaperture 90 and into thereceptacle compartment 68 without touching his lip to thelid 80. The relatively large size of theaperture 90 that is defined by the first and secondcurved edges 100, 110 enables such versatility. In yet additional embodiments the user may engage one or more of the edges of theaperture 90 to assist in dislodging a skin that may temporarily stick to his lip. - In a preferred embodiment, the
snack food container 30 can be substantially resealed after use. For example, as depicted inFIG. 9 , the filmupper seal 70 can be replaced on thecircumferential rim 60 of thebody 40, and thelid 80 placed atop theseal 70. In the illustrated embodiment, once the seal has been initially removed from thecircumferential rim 60, there is little or no remaining effective adhesive to hold the upper seal onto the rim. However the user may apply thelid 80 over theseal 70. As discussed above, preferably theflange 88 of thelid 80 will sandwich theseal 70 between it and therim 60 sufficient to hold the upper seal in place. - In some embodiments, the adhesive applied to the rim to hold the
upper seal 70 thereon may remain tacky after the upper seal is removed so as to more readily hold the upper seal in place when it is replaced on the rim. In one such embodiment thelid 80 can be configured so that when it is placed atop thebody 40, the top of the lid is spaced from a top surface of the body rim so as to avoid engagement with any adhesive remaining on the top of the rim. - With reference next to
FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the user may be directed to only partially remove theupper seal 70 from therim 60 during use. For example, as shown, when initially removing theseal 70 the user pulls on thetab 72 to peel back the upper seal almost completely (as depicted inFIG. 3 ) so that only thebase portion 74 of the upper seal remains attached to thecircumferential rim 60. The user then replaces thelid 80 as depicted inFIG. 10 while the seal remains partially removed. Theupper seal 70 is thus maintained in partial contact with therim 60 but is out of the way of dispensingseeds 32 or receivingskins 34 during use of the container. When the user desires to reseal the container, the user may simply remove thelid 80, replace theupper seal 70 and replace thelid 80 to again secure the upper seal in place. - In some embodiments, a greater amount of adhesive, or a portion of a stronger adhesive, may be employed to attach the
base portion 74 of theseal 70 to therim 60 than is used elsewhere to attach the seal to the rim. This can reduce the risk that the seal will be inadvertently completely removed. Preferably, however, the adhesive still will allow complete removal of the upper seal from therim 60 should it be desired by the user. - With reference next to
FIG. 11 , another embodiment is illustrated in which thedivider 62 includes anextension member 130 along itstop edge 64. In the illustrated embodiment, theextension member 130 extends transversely from the top edge of thedivider 62 in a direction toward and above thecontainer compartment 66 so as to partially close thecontainer compartment 66, and reduce the effective size of the container compartment opening. Theextension member 130 can be directed generally parallel to theupper seal 70 andlid 80 or can be biased upwardly generally into contact with the upper seal and/or lid in order to improve separation between the container and receptacle compartments 66, 68. In the illustrated embodiment, aside edge 132 of theextension 130 is displaced from a center, or point of maximum diameter, of thebody opening 50 so that the container compartment opening comprises less than half of thebody opening 50. - With reference next to
FIGS. 12-13 , in another embodiment, one ormore attachment members 140 can be provided on thebody 40. The attachment members can take various shapes and sizes. In the illustrated embodiment theattachment member 140 comprises is formed of a semirigid material such as cardstock or paper and has a base 142 that is glued to the outer wall of thebody 40.Curved hook portions 144 extend in opposite directions relative to thebase 142. Thehook portions 144 preferably are not glued to thebody 40. A fold zone is defined between the base 142 and each of thehooks 144. As such thehooks 144 can be folded so that the twohooks 144 extend away from thebody 40. Thehooks 144 can then be used to hang the container from various structures. For example,FIG. 13 depicts thehooks 144 extending through and engaging a chain-link fence 148 such as is often found in baseball or softball dugouts. As such, the container removably hangs from thefence 148 and is supported thereby. Other structures, such as nets, bars and the like can be engaged withsuch hooks 144. In this manner, when thesnack food container 30 is not in use, it can be easily hung on a structure so that it is out of the way yet conveniently accessible. - With reference next to
FIG. 14 , in another embodiment, thedivider 62 may be slanted so as to maximize the volume in one of the container or receptacle compartments 66, 68. More specifically, the upper ortop edge 64 of thedivider 62 may remain generally centrally located in theopening 50 of thebody 40 but thedivider 62 is angled relative to an axis of thebody 40 so that the cross-sectional area of thecontainer compartment 66 increases moving downward from thetop edge 46 to thebottom wall 48. As such, thesnack food container 30 becomes capable of containing morefresh seeds 32 while keeping the same proportions between the container compartment opening and the receptacle compartment opening. - With reference next to
FIG. 15 , in yet another embodiment, thedivider 62 wall is offset from a center, or location of maximum diameter, of thebody opening 50 along the length of thedivider 62, and even at thetop edge 64 of thedivider 62. However, preferably theextension portion 130 of the divider wall extends from thetop edge 64 of thedivider 62 at least to the location of maximum diameter of thebody opening 50, which is also halfway across thebody opening 50. In some embodiments theextension member 130 may extend beyond the halfway point of the body opening so that theextension side edge 132 is disposed on the opposite side of thebody opening 50 center that is thetop edge 64 of thedivider 62. - With reference next to
FIGS. 16-18 , another embodiment of asnack food container 149 comprises amain bag 150 having seal portions along its top andbottom edges main bag 150 can be configured in a manner similar to typical snack food container bags such as bags in whichsunflower seeds 32 are typically sold. The bag can be made of any of several flexible polymer materials. In the illustrated embodiment, asecondary bag 160 is attached to themain bag 150. As shown, thesecondary bag 160 comprises a sheet of flexible polymer having opposingedges 162 that are attached such as by adhesive, heat seal, or the like to an outer surface of themain bag 150. In a first configuration as shown inFIGS. 16-17 , thesecondary bag 160 is folded over itself adjacent each opposingedge 162, thus creating foldedportions 164 so that thesecondary bag 160 is folded close to and generally in contact with themain bag 150. The bottom portion of thesecondary bag 160 preferably is sealed with the bottom portion of themain bag 150. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 16-18 , in the illustrated embodiment atab 170 is disposed at or adjacent an upper surface or upper edge of thesecondary bag 160, and anadhesive layer 172, comprising for example a tacky, resealable adhesive, is provided on the outer surface of themain bag 150 adjacent thetab 170 or, in another embodiment, on thetab 170 itself. As such, thetab 170 can be releasably engaged with or releasably adhered to themain bag 150. - As best illustrated in
FIGS. 16-17 , when the bag-based snack container is initially sold, the foldedportions 164 of the emptysecondary bag 160 are in the folded condition and thetab 170 is closed so that thesecondary bag 160 is folded close to and generally approximating the shape of themain bag 150, which preferably is filled withfresh seeds 32. - During use, the user opens the
main bag 150 and dispensesseeds 32 into his mouth. As best shown inFIG. 18 , the user may then engage and pull on thetab 170 so as to open thesecondary bag 160 and to unfold the folded portions so that thesecondary bag 160 defines askin receptacle compartment 174 between thesecondary bag 160 and the outer surface of themain bag 150. The user can spit discardedskins 34 and/or other refuse into thesecondary bag 160 and, when desired, reengage thetab 170 with theadhesive layer 172 so as to close thereceptacle compartment 174. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
main bag 150 has apreferential tear zone 178 so that a user can open the main bag at thetop edge 154 without necessarily opening the bag across its entire top edge. As depicted inFIG. 16 , apreferential cut 180 is provided in a side of themain bag 150 spaced from thetop edge 154. Preferably the sealed portion of thetop edge 154 extends downwardly to surround thepreferential cut 180 and maintain a seal about thecut 180. Another portion of the top edge seal spaced from thepreferential cut 180 may depend from the top edge and be aligned with thecut 180 so as to function as astop 182 when a user tears the bag transversely at thecut 180. As such, and as depicted inFIG. 18 , the user can selectively open only a portion of the top edge of themain bag 150, thus providing a manageable opening through whichfresh seeds 32 can be poured. - With continued reference to
FIG. 16 , in the illustrated embodiment thetop edge 154 includes ahang aperture 188 through which ahanger member 190 extends. Thehanger member 190 preferably has ablock member 192 configured to prevent thehanger member 190 from sliding uninhibited through theaperture 188. The illustratedhanger member 190 has afirst portion 194 and asecond portion 194. Thefirst hanger portion 194 is configured specifically to accommodate hanging thesnack food container 149 from a hook or bar of a typical retail hanging display apparatus. The second hanger portion 196 preferably comprises anextension portion 198 that is relatively large compared to thefirst hanger portion 194 and ahook portion 200 depending from theextension portion 198. Although thehook portion 200 is depicted as straight in the illustrated embodiment, it is to be understood that various shapes, including a curved shape, can be employed in various embodiments as desired. Thehook portion 200 can be configured to attach to various structures including, for example, a chain-link fence or the like. It is also to be understood that, in additional embodiments, a hanger member having similar or different structure can be attached to any part of the bag-basedsnack food container 149 as desired, such as by being adhered to the bag, and can also take on any of several shapes and sizes. In other embodiments an attachment member such as the attachment member discussed in connection withFIGS. 12 and 13 can be attached to the main bag. - With reference next to
FIG. 19 , in another embodiment thelid 80 may have a thickenedportion 210 about itsrim 60. More specifically, the thickenedportion 210 about and adjacent thelid rim 60 may enhance rigidity of thelid 80 andsnack food container 30 when thelid 80 is attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickenedportion 210 extends about the entire circumference of thelid 80 at and adjacent thecircumferential edge 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickenedportion 210 of the lid is offset upwardly from the rest of thelid top portion 84. As such an offsetsurface 212 is defined along an inner diameter of the thickenedportion 210. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the offsetsurface 212 curves about the first radius ofcurvature 102 and is thus aligned with the first curved edge 100 of thelid aperture 90. - With reference next to
FIG. 20 , in another embodiment, thelid 80 may still include theaperture 90, but may also include a hingeddoor 220 for selectively closing the aperture. In some such embodiments, the snack food container can be provided without, for example, the upper seal. Alternatively, an embodiment employing such alid 80 may be initially sold with an upper seal in place, but the closable lid will enable the snack food container to be closed without having to retain the upper seal. Although thedoor 220 can take on various shapes and sizes, in the illustrated embodiment thedoor 220 is co-formed with the polymer-based lid, and the aperture includes aseat 222 configured to receive thedoor 220, and preferably having one or more small tabs (not shown) for removably holding the door in a closed position. - It is to be appreciated that other embodiments may include lids having still further structural configurations. For example, in some embodiments the lid may include a second aperture, and the door (hinged, rotatable, removable, or otherwise configured) can alternatively close one or the other of the apertures. Also, in another embodiment, a lid aperture aligned with the container compartment opening can be smaller than a lid aperture aligned with the receptacle compartment opening.
- The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures with substantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosing and discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapes and interactions.
- Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventive subject matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the inventive subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
Claims (19)
1. A snack food container, comprising:
an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the body being closed at the distal end and having a proximal opening defined at the proximal end, the proximal end having a substantially circular circumferential rim, the body defining a cavity;
a divider within the elongated body, the divider dividing the cavity into a first and a second compartment;
a lid comprising a top portion and a flange that depends from an edge of the top portion, the lid being removably attachable to the circumferential rim so that the flange engages the circumferential rim; and
an aperture formed through the lid, the aperture defined by a back edge, a primary curved edge portion and a secondary curved edge portion, the primary curved edge portion being arcuate about a first radius of curvature, the secondary curved edge portion being arcuate about a second radius of curvature;
wherein the aperture is sized and configured to align with one or the other of the first and second compartments.
2. A snack food container as in claim 1 , wherein the second radius of curvature is less than the first radius of curvature.
3. A snack food container as in claim 2 , wherein the second radius of curvature is between 0.6 and 1.25 inches.
4. A snack food container as in claim 2 , wherein the second radius of curvature approximates the average curvature of a human bottom lip.
5. A snack food container as in claim 2 , wherein the primary curved edge portion comprises first and second primary curved edge portions, and wherein the secondary curved edge portion is arranged between the first and second primary curved edge portions.
6. A snack food container as in claim 1 additionally comprising a removable flexible seal attached to the circumferential rim, wherein a portion of the seal is sandwiched between the flange and the circumferential rim.
7. A snack food container as in claim 6 , wherein the seal comprises a tab extending from an edge of the seal, and the seal is positioned on the circumferential rim so that the tab is aligned with the divider.
8. A snack food container as in claim 7 , wherein a base of the seal is defined diametrically opposite the tab, and an adhesive layer is interposed between the circumferential rim and the seal to bond the seal to the rim, and wherein the adhesive layer is configured to exert a stronger bond between the base of the seal and the circumferential rim than elsewhere between the seal and the circumferential rim.
9. A snack food container as in claim 1 , wherein an upper edge of the divider extends proximally beyond the circumferential rim.
10. A snack food container as in claim 1 additionally comprising an attachment member on the body, the attachment member comprising a hook.
11. A snack food container as in claim 10 , wherein the hook is selectively movable relative to the body, and the hook is configured to be engagable with a structure so that the snack food container can be supported by the hook in a hanging configuration.
12. A bag-based snack food container, comprising:
a main bag formed of a flexible polymer and defining a primary compartment for containing seeds; and
a secondary bag formed of a flexible polymer and bonded to an outer surface of the main bag, the secondary bag having a tab that is releasably adhered to the outer surface of the main bag;
wherein in a first configuration the secondary bag is folded flat onto the outer surface of the main bag and the tab is adhered to the outer surface of the main bag;
wherein in a second configuration the tab is detached from the outer surface of the main bag and the secondary bag is unfolded so as to define a secondary compartment for containing skins, a secondary compartment opening being defined adjacent the tab; and
wherein in a third configuration the secondary bag remains unfolded and the tab is adhered to the outer surface of the main bag so as to close the secondary compartment.
13. A bag-based snack food container as in claim 12 additionally comprising a hanger member attached to the container, the hanger member comprising a hook portion configured to engage a chain-link fence so the container can be hung from a chain-link fence.
14. A method of eating seeds and disposing of skins, comprising:
a user grasping an elongated body that encloses a cavity separated by a divider into a primary compartment and a secondary compartment, a plurality of seeds being provided in the primary compartment, the body having a circular proximal rim and a lid arranged atop the rim, the lid having an aperture defined by a back edge, a primary curved edge portion and a secondary curved edge portion, the primary curved edge portion being arcuate about a first radius of curvature, the secondary curved edge portion being arcuate about a second radius of curvature;
the user aligning the aperture with the primary compartment;
the user lifting the body and pressing the user's bottom lip to the lid adjacent the secondary curved edge portion; and
the user tilting the body so that seeds dispense through the aperture into the user's mouth.
15. A method as in claim 14 additionally comprising the user rotating the lid about the rim so that the aperture is aligned with the secondary compartment, the user lifting the body, and the user dispensing discarded skins from the user's mouth into the secondary compartment.
16. A method as in claim 15 additionally comprising the user removing the lid, at least partially removing a flexible seal from the rim, and replacing the lid onto the rim.
17. A method as in claim 16 additionally comprising the user removing the lid after dispensing discarded skins from the user's mouth into the secondary compartment, replacing the flexible seal onto the rim, and replacing the lid onto the rim so that at least a portion of the flexible seal is sandwiched between the lid and the rim.
18. A method as in claim 14 , wherein the body comprises a hook member, and additionally comprising extending the hook member onto a structure and hanging the body from the structure.
19. A method as in claim 19 additionally comprising unfolding the hook member from the body.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/831,523 US20170050763A1 (en) | 2015-08-20 | 2015-08-20 | Apparatus for dispensing seeds and receiving skins |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/831,523 US20170050763A1 (en) | 2015-08-20 | 2015-08-20 | Apparatus for dispensing seeds and receiving skins |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20170050763A1 true US20170050763A1 (en) | 2017-02-23 |
Family
ID=58157570
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/831,523 Abandoned US20170050763A1 (en) | 2015-08-20 | 2015-08-20 | Apparatus for dispensing seeds and receiving skins |
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US (1) | US20170050763A1 (en) |
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US10206374B2 (en) * | 2003-12-12 | 2019-02-19 | Woodstream Corporation | Birdfeeder and seed dispenser therefor |
US10865016B2 (en) | 2017-08-09 | 2020-12-15 | New Direction Packaging | Squeezable container and dispenser assembly and method of use |
US11383914B2 (en) | 2019-06-13 | 2022-07-12 | Chad William Fisher | Dual purpose food packaging refill container and waste receptacle |
WO2022195538A1 (en) * | 2021-03-18 | 2022-09-22 | Nicoventures Trading Limited | Multi-compartment containers |
US11744170B2 (en) | 2020-05-28 | 2023-09-05 | Earthway Products Inc | Handheld spreader with removable sifter |
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