US20180327177A1

US20180327177A1 - Condiment Squeeze Packet

Info

Publication number: US20180327177A1
Application number: US15/977,884
Authority: US
Inventors: Alvin Jackson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-11
Filing date: 2018-05-11
Publication date: 2018-11-15

Abstract

A condiment squeeze packet for transporting a desired condiment and has a container body, a fastening mechanism, and a spout enclosure. The container body has a first layer and a second layer that are perimetrically sealed together to form a fill opening about the top of the container body and a disbursement opening about the bottom of the container body. The fastening mechanism is positioned adjacent to the fill opening and allow the fill opening to be selectively opened and closed. The spout enclosure is integrated with the container body, adjacent to the disbursement opening and temporarily seals the disbursement opening closed. The spout enclosure may be configured as a one-time seal or as a reusable seal. The fill opening is larger than the disbursement opening, allowing for the condiments to be more easily loaded through the fill opening and dispensed in a more controlled manner through the disbursement opening.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/504,779 filed on May 11, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to food containers. More specifically, the present invention is a condiment squeeze packet that can be filled with a desired condiment and allows for convenient application of the desired condiment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For the house, condiment sauces are usually purchased by the bottle, not as single serve packets. While it is often desirable to take condiments on the go, it is not convenient to take an entire bottle or package when only a small amount of the condiment is needed. Small disposable ramekins are often used to transport condiments, however, the lids on many are not secure, which may lead to leaks and unwanted messes. While such devices may be good for dipping, such containers do not provide an ideal way for applying the condiment directly onto food items. Reusable ramekins also exist; however, they can often become smelly after long periods of use, often take up more space than disposable containers, have issues with leaking lids, and require an individual to keep track of both the container body and lid portion to be able to use properly. Thus, there is a need for a secure container that can be used to transport condiments and easily dispense the condiments directly onto food items.
Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a condiment squeeze packet that can be used to securely transport a desired condiment and directly apply the desired condiment directly onto a food item or dish. The present invention can be filled with the condiment of the user's choosing, thus further making the present invention ideal for on the go use of homemade condiments. The condiment squeeze packet can be configured in both disposable and reusable embodiments. The condiment squeeze packet comprises a container body, a fastening mechanism, and a spout enclosure. The container body has a first layer and a second layer that are perimetrically sealed together to form a fill opening and a disbursement opening. The fill opening provides a larger opening for filling the container body with the desired condiment. Meanwhile, the disbursement opening provides a smaller opening for dispensing the desired condiment from the container body. The fastening mechanism secures the fill opening close, while also allowing the fill opening to be selectively opened. The spout enclosure temporarily seals the disbursement opening to contain the desired condiment before application of the desired condiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention, wherein the spout enclosure is a tear away tab, and wherein the disbursement opening is medially positioned about the container body.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the present invention, wherein the spout enclosure is a tear away tab, and wherein the disbursement opening is medially positioned about the container body.

FIG. 3 is a magnified front view of the spout enclosure and the disbursement opening, wherein the spout is enclosure is being disconnected from the container body in order to open the disbursement opening.

FIG. 4 is a magnified side view of the locking mechanism, wherein the first fastening strip is disengaged from the second fastening strip, leaving the fill opening open.

FIG. 5 is a magnified side view of the locking mechanism, wherein the first fastening strip is engaged with the second fastening strip in order to close the fill opening.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the present invention, showing the fill opening and the disbursement opening, wherein the disbursement opening is smaller than the fill opening.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the present invention, wherein the spout enclosure is a tear away tab, and wherein the disbursement opening is laterally positioned about the container body.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the present invention, wherein the spout enclosure is a tear away tab, and wherein the disbursement opening is laterally positioned about the container body.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the present invention, wherein the spout enclosure comprises a third fastening strip and a fourth fastening strip, such that the disbursement opening is re-sealable.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the present invention, wherein the spout enclosure comprises the third fastening strip and the fourth fastening strip

FIG. 11 is a magnified side view of the spout enclosure, wherein the third fastening strip is disengaged from the fourth fastening strip, leaving the disbursement opening open.

FIG. 12 is a magnified side view of the spout enclosure, wherein the third fastening strip is engaged with the fourth fastening strip in order to close the disbursement opening.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the present invention, wherein the spout enclosure comprises a spout base and a cap, and wherein the cap is tearably attached to the spout base.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the present invention, wherein the spout enclosure comprises the spout base and the cap, and wherein the cap is threadedly attached to the spout base.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a condiment squeeze packet that can be filled with a desired condiment and allows for convenient application of the desired condiment. The present invention may be configured in both disposable and reusable embodiments, depending on the desired application of the present invention. The present invention allows a user to store and transport a desired condiment, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, dressing, hot sauce, etc. Furthermore, the present invention provides a means for easily distributing the desired condiment onto a food item, plate, etc. While the present invention is described hereinafter in conjunction with the desired condiment, it is to be known that the present invention can utilized with any flowable or loose substance, such as sauces, liquids, powders, creams, etc. Furthermore, while the present invention is described hereinafter in conjunction with containing condiments, it is to be know that the present invention can be filled with many types of edible and non-edible contents.
The present invention is provided as an empty packet that is not pre-filled with sauce, dressing, other condiment, etc. The present invention is intended to allow the user to select a filling of their choosing, package the desired amount of said filling, and carry said filling on the go to use when needed. As such and in reference to FIG. 1-2, the present invention comprises a container body 1, a fastening mechanism 2, and a spout enclosure 3. The container body 1 provides a volume for receiving and storing the desired condiment. Meanwhile, the fastening mechanism 2 provides a means for both accessing the interior of the container body 1 in order to fill the container body 1 with the desired condiment, and a means for securely sealing the container body 1 shut once the container body 1 has been filled with the desired condiment. The spout enclosure 3 provides a temporary means for sealing the container body 1 in a location offset from the fastening mechanism 2, wherein the spout enclosure 3 can be detached in order to dispense the desired condiment.
In reference to FIG. 1-2 and FIG. 6, the container body 1 comprises a first layer 11 and a second layer 12. The first layer 11 is perimetrically connected to the second layer 12 to form a fill opening 13 and a disbursement opening 14. The fill opening 13 and the disbursement opening 14 are longitudinally offset from each other, wherein the disbursement opening 14 is positioned opposite the fill opening 13 along the container body 1. As such, the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 each have a first non-affixed edge and a second non-affixed edge. The first non-affixed edge of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 delineate the fill opening 13 at the top of the container body 1. Meanwhile, the second non-affixed edge of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 delineate the disbursement opening 14 at the bottom of the container body 1.
The fill opening 13 is large in order to make it easier for the user to fill the container body 1 with the desired condiment. In some embodiments, the fill opening 13 spans the entire width of the container body 1. However, in other embodiments, the fill opening 13 may be smaller than the width of the container body 1. Meanwhile, the disbursement opening 14 is smaller than the fill opening 13, as depicted in FIG. 6. The smaller size of the disbursement opening 14 allows the desired condiment to be dispensed in a more controlled and directed manner. Furthermore, the reduced size of the disbursement opening 14 in relation to the width of the container body 1 increases the velocity of the desired condiment and the desired condiment is squeezed through the container body 1 and out of the disbursement opening 14.
In reference to FIG. 4-5, the fastening mechanism 2 is positioned in between the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 and is positioned adjacent to the fill opening 13. The fastening mechanism 2 comprises a first fastening strip 21 and a second fastening strip 22. The first fastening strip 21 is adjacently connected to the first layer 11, while the second fastening strip 22 is adjacently connected to the second layer 12. The first fastening strip 21 and the second fastening strip 22 are aligned with each other, such that the first fastening strip 21 engages the second fastening strip 22 when the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 are pressed together with sufficient force. The first fastening strip 21 and the second fastening strip 22 are interlocking members that span the width of the fill opening 13, such that when the first fastening strip 21 is engaged with the second fastening strip 22, the fill opening 13 is completely sealed shut. To open the fill opening 13, the user simply pulls the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 apart, providing enough force to separate the first fastening strip 21 from the second fastening strip 22. The first fastening strip 21 may be a male fastener while the second fastening strip 22 is a female fastener, or vice versa.
The spout enclosure 3 is integrated with the container body 1 adjacent to the disbursement opening 14 in order to temporarily seal the disbursement opening 14 closed. In this way, the spout enclosure 3 allows the container body 1 to be filled with the desired condiment, without the desired condiment leaking out of the disbursement opening 14. Furthermore, the spout enclosure 3 allows the present invention to transported without the desired condiment leaking out of the disbursement opening 14. When the user wants to dispense the spout enclosure 3 is opened, thus allowing the desired condiment to be squeezed out of the container body 1.
In some embodiments, the present invention is designed to be disposable. In such embodiments and in reference to FIG. 1-3, the spout enclosure 3 may be tearably attached to the container body 1 about the disbursement opening 14. A weak point may be formed between the spout enclosure 3 and the first layer 11 and/or the second layer 12 to allow the user to more easily begin tearing the spout enclosure 3 from the container body 1. The weak point may be the entire seamline between the spout enclosure 3 and the second non-affixed edge of both the first layer 11 and the second layer 12. In such embodiments, the spout enclosure 3 may be an extra flap, or tab, of material, wherein the spout enclosure 3 is constructed from the same material as the container body 1. In some embodiments, the seamline between the container body 1 and the spout enclosure 3 may be perforated. Once the spout enclosure 3 has been torn away from the container body 1, the second non-affixed edge of the first layer 11 and the second non-affixed edge of the second layer 12 are able to expand away from each other, such that the desired condiment may flow through the disbursement opening 14.
In some embodiments and in reference to FIG. 1-2, a first tear slit 6 is formed between the container body 1 and the spout enclosure 3. The first tear slit 6 allows the user to easily grasp the spout enclosure 3 and begin tearing the spout enclosure 3 from the container body 1 by applying a force in the direction opposite the first tear slit 6. In some embodiments, a second tear slit 7 is also formed between the container body 1 and the spout enclosure 3. The first tear slit 6 and the second tear slit 7 are positioned opposite each other about the disbursement opening 14, or terminally positioned opposite each other along the second non-affixed edge of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12. The second tear slit 7 makes it easier for the user to grasp and tear away the spout enclosure 3, as the spout enclosure 3 can be ripped off in two directions; either by applying a force from the first tear slit 6 towards the second tear slit 7 or a force from the second tear slit 7 towards the first tear slit 6. In some embodiments, the first tear slit 6 and the second tear slit 7 may be in the shape of obtuse triangles. However, the first tear slit 6 and the second tear slit 7 may be shaped differently in other embodiments.
In some embodiments, the present invention is designed to be reusable. In some reusable embodiments and in reference to FIG. 9-12, the fastening mechanism 2 may comprise a third fastening strip 31 and a fourth fastening strip 32. In such embodiments, the spout enclosure 3 is positioned in between the first layer 11 and the second layer 12, wherein the third fastening strip 31 is adjacently connected to the first layer 11 and the fourth fastening strip 32 is adjacently connected to the second layer 12. The third fastening strip 31 and the fourth fastening strip 32 are aligned with each other, such that the third fastening strip 31 engages the fourth fastening strip 32 when the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 are pressed together with sufficient force. The third fastening strip 31 and the fourth fastening strip 32 are interlocking members that span the width of the disbursement opening 14, such that when the third fastening strip 31 is engaged with the fourth fastening strip 32, the disbursement opening 14 is completely sealed shut. To open the disbursement opening 14, the user simply pulls the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 apart, providing enough force to separate the third fastening strip 31 from the fourth fastening strip 32. The third fastening strip 31 may be a male fastener while the fourth fastening strip 32 is a female fastener, or vice versa.
In some reusable embodiments and in reference to FIG. 13-14, the spout enclosure 3 comprises a spout base 33 and a cap 36. The spout base 33 is adjacently connected to the container body 1, wherein the spout base 33 may either be positioned in between the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 or positioned around the first layer 11 and the second layer 12. The spout base 33 comprises a container-edge reinforcement 34 and a spout extrusion 35. The container-edge reinforcement 34 is the portion of the spout base 33 that is connected to the container body 1. The container-edge reinforcement 34 is positioned adjacent to the second non-affixed edge of both the first layer 11 and the second layer 12, wherein the container-edge reinforcement 34 provides additional support around the edges adjacent to the disbursement opening 14 to prevent the container body 1 from ripping when the container body 1 is squeezed to dispense the desired condiment. Meanwhile, the spout extrusion 35 is adjacently connected to the container connector, wherein the spout extrusion 35 extends outwards, away from the container body 1. The spout extrusion 35 is a tubular body that is aligned with a hole in the container-edge reinforcement 34, such that the desired condiment may flow from the container body 1, through the hole in the container-edge reinforcement 34, and out the spout extrusion 35.
The container-edge reinforcement 34 may either be positioned in between the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 or positioned around the first layer 11 and the second layer 12. If the container-edge reinforcement 34 is positioned between the first layer 11 and the second layer 12, then the spout extrusion 35 extends through the disbursement opening 14. The second non-affixed edge of both the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 is sealed around the spout extrusion 35 to prevent the desired condiment from leaking. Additionally, the container-edge reinforcement 34 is connected to the edges of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 adjacent to the disbursement to prevent leakage. If the container-edge reinforcement 34 is positioned around the first layer 11 and the second layer 12, then the spout extrusion 35 is aligned with the disbursement opening 14. In this way, the desired condiment is able to flow out of the disbursement opening 14 and through the spout extrusion 35. The container-edge reinforcement 34 is sealed around the condiment body to prevent any leakage of the desired condiment.
The cap 36 is removably attached to the spout base 33 opposite the container body 1. The cap 36 is attached to the spout base 33 in order to allow the container body 1 to be filled with the desired condiment, without the desired condiment leaking out of the bottom of the container body 1 through the disbursement opening 14 and the spout enclosure 3. When the user wishes to dispense the desired condiment, the cap 36 is removed from the spout base 33, allowing the desired condiment to be dispensed through the disbursement opening 14 and the spout base 33. In some embodiments, the cap 36 is tearably attached to the spout base 33, wherein the cap 36 may be torn or snapped off of the spout base 33. A weakened point, perforated edge, or similar means may be provided between the cap 36 and the spout base 33 to allow the user to readily detach the cap 36 from the spout base 33, while still maintaining enough support to prevent the cap 36 from breaking off prematurely. In some embodiments, the cap 36 is threadedly attached to the spout base 33, wherein the cap 36 may be screwed on and off the spout base 33.
In some embodiments, the cap 36 may be both tearably attached and threadedly attached to the spout base 33. In such embodiments, the spout extrusion 35 is externally threaded, while the cap 36 is internally threaded. When the spout enclosure 3 is initially presented, the cap 36 is tearably attached to the spout extrusion 35 opposite the container-edge reinforcement 34, such that the cap 36 is terminally positioned about the spout extrusion 35, as depicted in FIG. 13. A weakened point, perforated edge, or similar means may be provided between the cap 36 and the spout extrusion 35 to allow the user to readily detach the cap 36 from the spout extrusion 35, while still maintaining enough support to prevent the cap 36 from breaking off prematurely. Once the cap 36 has been snapped off of the spout extrusion 35, the cap 36 may be threadedly engaged with the spout extrusion 35 in order to re-seal the spout enclosure 3, as depicted in FIG. 14.
In many embodiments, the container body 1 is tapered towards the disbursement opening 14 and the spout enclosure 3 in order to facilitate the flow of the desired condiment out of the container body 1. The tapered nature of the container body 1 funnels the desired condiment towards the disbursement opening 14 as the container body 1 is squeezed from the top. In some embodiments, the disbursement opening 14 is medially positioned about the container body 1, as depicted in FIG. 1-2, wherein the desired condiment is funneled towards the center of the container body 1 as the desired condiment is pushed towards the bottom of the container body 1 and out through the disbursement opening 14. The container body 1 may also be symmetrical about the sagittal plane, such that the desired condiment flows evenly through the container body 1. In other embodiments, the disbursement opening 14 is laterally positioned about the container body 1, as depicted in FIG. 7-8, wherein the desired condiment is funneled towards a corner of the container body 1 as the desired condiment is pushed towards the bottom of the container body 1 and out through the disbursement opening 14. As such, the container body 1 may be asymmetrical about the sagittal plane, such that the desired condiment flows from one side of the container body 1 to the other side of the container body 1.
In reference to FIG. 1-2, the present invention may further comprise a fill line 4. The fill line 4 is traverses across the first layer 11 and may be positioned parallel to the fastening mechanism 2. The fill line 4 is positioned in between the fastening mechanism 2 and the spout enclosure 3 but positioned adjacent to the fastening mechanism 2. The fill line 4 may be printed, embossed, or displayed on the first layer 11 in any other suitable manner. The fill line 4 denotes an optimal level to which the container body 1 may be filled to prevent any unwanted leakage of the desired condiment. As such, the fill line 4 is offset from the fastening mechanism 2, such that when the container body 1 is filled to the fill line 4, a small gap of empty space is provided between the fill line 4 and the fastening mechanism 2. The small gap of empty space ensures there is enough room for the fastening mechanism 2 to closed without the desired condiment being expelled through the fill opening 13. Furthermore, the small gap of empty space may provide room for the desired condiment to redistribute into if pressure is applied to the container body 1 while the fastening mechanism 2 is closed, thus preventing the fastening mechanism 2 from bursting open due to the buildup of pressure within the container body 1.
In reference to FIG. 7-8, the present invention may further comprise a label box 5. The label box 5 is positioned on the first layer 11 and provides a surface for displaying messages on the container body 1. The label box 5 may be printed, embossed, or displayed on the first layer 11 in any other suitable manner. The label box 5 may be used to present a logo, artwork, etc., wherein the label box 5 is pre-printed with the desired image during manufacture. In other embodiments, the label box 5 may be a blank, single color area, wherein the user can draw their own picture or write their own message on the label box 5. In some embodiments, the fill line 4 may be integrated with the label box 5. For example, the fill line 4 may form the top edge of the label box 5. The label box 5 may be any size or shape.
Preferably, the container body 1, the fastening mechanism 2, and the spout enclosure 3 are constructed using food safe materials. In some embodiments, the container body 1, the fastening mechanism 2, and the spout enclosure 3 are constructed from a combination of nylon and polyethylene. The first layer 11 and the second layer 12 are thin films that are aligned and heat sealed, press sealed, or otherwise bonded together to form a leak proof seal about the perimeter of the container body 1. The fill line 4, the label box 5, and any other printing on the first layer 11 or the second layer 12 may be made before or after the first layer 11 is bonded with the second layer 12. The first fastening strip 21 and the second fastening strip 22 may be formed from separate pieces of material that are then bonded to the first layer 11 and the second layer 12, respectively, Alternatively, the first fastening strip 21 and the first layer 11 may be molded as a single piece of material, while the second fastening strip 22 and the second layer 12 are also molded as a single piece of material. In some embodiments, two sheets may be pressed together, wherein a plurality of condiment squeeze packets are formed out of the sheets using a die cutting process.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A condiment squeeze packet comprises:

a container body;

a fastening mechanism;

a spout enclosure;

the container body comprising a first layer and a second layer;

the fastening mechanism comprising a first fastening strip and a second fastening strip;

the first layer being perimetrically connected to the second layer to form a fill opening and a disbursement opening;

the disbursement opening being positioned opposite the fill opening along the container body;

the disbursement opening being smaller than the fill opening;

the fastening mechanism being positioned adjacent to the fill opening;

the fastening mechanism being positioned in between the first layer and the second layer

the first fastening strip being adjacently connected to the first layer;

the second fastening strip being adjacently connected to the second layer; and

the spout enclosure being integrated with the container body adjacent to the disbursement opening in order to temporarily seal the disbursement opening closed.

2. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a fill line; and

the fill line being traversing across the first layer.

3. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises;

a fill line;

the fill line being positioned in between the fastening mechanism and the spout enclosure; and

the fill line being positioned adjacent to the fastening mechanism.

4. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the spout enclosure being tearably attached to the container body about the disbursement opening.

5. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 4 comprises:

a first tear slit being formed between the container body and the spout enclosure.

6. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

a second tear slit being formed between the container body and the spout enclosure; and

the first tear slit and the second tear slit being positioned opposite each other about the disbursement opening.

7. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the container body being tapered towards the spout enclosure.

8. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the disbursement opening being medially positioned about the container body.

9. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the disbursement opening being laterally positioned about the container body.

10. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the spout enclosure comprising a third fastening strip and a fourth fastening strip.

the spout enclosure being positioned in between the first layer and the second layer;

the third fastening strip being adjacently connected to the first layer; and

the fourth fastening strip being adjacently connected to the second layer.

11. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 10 comprises:

the third fastening strip being engaged with the fourth fastening strip.

12. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the spout enclosure comprising a spout base and a cap;

the spout base being adjacently connected to the container body; and

the cap being removably attached to the spout base opposite the container body.

13. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the cap being tearably attached to the spout base.

14. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the cap being threadedly attached to the spout base.

15. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a label box; and

the label box being positioned on the first layer.

16. The condiment squeeze packet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the first fastening strip being engaged with the second fastening strip.