WO2008030906A2

WO2008030906A2 - Food product container

Info

Publication number: WO2008030906A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/077685
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan E. Rathbone; Matthew R.J. Jackson; Thomas C. Stoneberg; Ujjaini Mitra-Shah
Original assignee: Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company
Priority date: 2006-09-08
Filing date: 2007-09-06
Publication date: 2008-03-13
Also published as: CN101511691A; CA2662339A1; MX2009002623A; EP2106371A2; RU2009109594A; WO2008030906A3

Abstract

A food product container includes a base and a cover. the base includes an opening, a top, and a bottom. At least one wall extends between the top and the bottom to define a container volume with a height, a width, and a depth. The depth is smaller than the height and the widht. The cover is connected to the base and disposed over the opening. The cover includes a dispensing opening. A plurality of food products is disposed within the container volume. The length of the food product is greater than the depht of the container volume.

Description

FOOD PRODUCT CONTAINER

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for food products.

{0002] Containers for food products not only hold the product, but also provide a convenient and functional device for the user. Both the appearance and the functionality of the container can be important properties. It would be useful to have a container conveniently sized for a user and capable of dispensing one or a few pieces of a food product at a time.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] In various aspects, a food product container is provided. The food product container is especially suitable for dispensing the food product. [0004] In one aspect, a food product container includes a base and a cover. The base includes an opening, a top, and a bottom. At least one wall extends between the top and the bottom to define a container volume with a height, a width, and a depth. The depth is smaller than the height and the width. The cover is connected to the base and disposed over the opening. The cover includes a dispensing opening. A plurality of food products is disposed within the container volume. The length of the food product is greater than the depth of the container volume.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container in a closed position.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a perspective view the container of Fig. 1 in an open position.

[0007] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the base of the container of Fig.1.

[0008] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cover of the container of Fig.1

[0009] Fig. 5 is a first side sectional view of the container of Fig. 1.

[0010] Fig. 6 is a second side sectional view of the container of Fig. 1.

[0011] Fig. 7 is an enlarged portion of detail 7 of Fig. 5. [0012] Fig. 8A is top view of one embodiment of a container with a food product in a first configuration.

[0013] Fig. 8B is top view of one embodiment of a container with a food product in a second configuration.

[0014] Fig. 8 C is top view of one embodiment of a container with a food product in a third configuration.

[0015] Fig. 8D is top view of one embodiment of a container with a food product in a fourth, configuration.

[0016] Fig. 8E is top view of one embodiment of a container with a food product in a fifth configuration.

[0017] Fig. 8F is top view of one embodiment of a container with a food product in a sixth configuration.

[001 S] Fig, 9 A is top view of another embodiment of a container with a food product in a first configuration.

[0019] Fig. 9B is top view of another embodiment of a container with a food product in a second configuration,

[0020] Fig. 9C is top view of another embodiment of a container with a food product in a third configuration.

[0021] Fig. 9D is top view of another embodiment of a container with a food product in a fourth configuration.

[0022] Fig. 9E is top view of another embodiment of a container with a food product in a fifth configuration.

[0023] Fig. 9F is top view of another embodiment of a container with a food product in a sixth configuration.

[0024] Fig. 1OA is top view of one embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a first configuration.

[0025] Fig. 1OB is top view of one embodiment of a container opening with a food, product in a second configuration.

[0026] Fig. 1OC is top view of one embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a third configuration. [0027] Fig. 1OD is top view of one embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a fourth configuration.

[0028] Fig. 1OE is top view of one embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a fifth configuration.

[0029J Fig. 1OF is top view of one embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a sixth configuration.

[0030] Fig. 1 IA is top view of another embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a first configuration.

[0031] Fig. 1 IB is top view of another embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a second configuration.

[0032] Fig. 11C is top view of another embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a third configuration.

[0033] Fig. 1 ID is top view of another embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a fourth configuration.

[0034] Fig. 1 IE is top view of another embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a fifth configuration.

[0035] Fig. 11 F is top view of another embodiment of a container opening with a food product in a sixth configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The invention is described with reference to the drawings in which like elements are referred to by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of this invention are better understood by the following description. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. The embodiments described below are by way of example only, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0037] A food product container 10 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The food product container includes a base 20 and a cover 30. Fig. 3 shows the base 20, including an opening 22, a top 24, a bottom 26, and at least one wail 28 extending from the top 24 to the bottom 26 to define a container volume 40. As shown in Figs, 5 and 6, the container volume 40 includes a height 42, a width 44, and a depth 46. The depth 46 is smaller than the height 42 and the width 44. [0038] The food product container 10 generally has an elongated shape. However, the shape can be any number of configurations. For example, the container may be a rectangular solid, with a rectangular cross-section and four vertical walls connected at sharp angles. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, the ends can be smooth and rounded, with a generally oval-shaped cross section, so there are no sharp comers. Other shapes are possible, such as rectangular, rounded rectangular, square, circular, or polygonal cross sections.

[0039] The cover 30 is connected to the base 20 and disposed over the opening 22. As seen in Fig. 4, the cover 30 includes a dispensing opening 32. The length

33 of the dispensing opening 32 may be about half the width 44 of the container 10. A flap 34 is hingedly connected to the cover 30 and covers the dispensing opening 32. The hinge 35 connects the cover 30 and first end 31 of the flap 34 to provide movement between a closed position and an open position. The hinge 35 may be a "living hinge," i.e., integrally or monolithically formed with the cover 30 and the flap 34.

[0040] The flap 34 may include, opposite the first end 31, an extending lip 36 corresponding to the shape of the dispensing opening 32. The lip 36 may form an interference or snap fit with dispensing opening 32 in order to help keep the flap

34 in a closed position. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the extending lip 36 may engage surface 37 of the cover 30, with surface 37 urging Hp 36 inwards, to provide a snap fit. As shown in Fig. 4, the flap 34 may also include one or more protrusions or bumps 49 disposed on lip 36 and adapted to engage the surface 37 of dispensing opening 32 when the flap 34 is closed. The protrusions 49 may be disposed at any location along the periphery of lip 36. The protrusions 49 provide the flap 34 with additional resistance just prior to the flap 34 being fully closed. The flap 34 preferably includes two protrusions 49 disposed on each side of the portion of the lip 36 opposite the hinge 35. [0041] The cover 30 may include a thin extending flange 29 extending from the cover 30 around the dispensing opening 32. The extending flange 29 provides an additional seal against the extending lip 36. Alternatively, instead of extending flange 29, the cover 30 may include a ledge (not shown) disposed around the opening 32 on the underside of the cover 30 to provide an additional seal between the cover 30 and the flap 34. The dispensing opening 32 may be oval shaped, with a corresponding oval-shaped lip 32. A generally oval shaped dispensing opening 32 maximizes the area of the dispensing opening 32 while minimizing the width of the dispensing opening 32. The flap 34 may also include an extending ledge 38 for easy engagement by a user's thumb. In the closed position, a portion of the ledge 38 rests against a top surface of 39 of the cover 30, with ledge 38 being accessible above the top surface 39. The cover 30 may include other types of closures besides the flap 34, such as a sliding cover.

{G042J In one aspect of the present invention, when the container 10 is held in the palm, the thumb of the same hand can access the ledge 38 so that when the flap 34 is in a closed position it can be moved to an open position. Upon closing, the flap 34 may provide an audible indication that the flap 34 is securely engaged. The audible indication may be caused by the engagement of lip 36 with surface 37. The audible indication may also be caused by the engagement of protrusions 49 with surface 37. The protrusions 49 provide the flap 34 with additional resistance, resulting in an audible indication or "snap" associated with the flap 34 being fully closed. Additionally, an audible indication may be provided when the flap 34 is opened. The audible indication upon closing and opening the flap 34 may also be accompanied by a tactile "snap" caused by the protrusions 49. {0043] As shown in Fig. 6, a plurality of food products 60 is disposed within the container volume 40. As also seen in Figs. 8 A to 8 F, the food product 60 has a length (longest dimension) 62, a width (second longest dimension) 64, and a depth (shortest dimension) 66. The length 62 of the food product 60 is greater than the depth 46 of the container volume. Thus, when disposed within the container, the food products 60 are disposed about the volume 40. The container 10 has a relatively small depth 46. The ratio of the depth 46 of the container 10 to the length 62 of the food product 60 may be greater than about 0.6 and less than 1.0. The ratio of the depth 46 of the container to the width of the product 60 may be less than 2. The ratio of the depth 46 of the container to the depth of the product 60 maybe between 1 to 3.15.

[0G44] The cover 30 is preferably attached to the base 20 by a snap fit. This snap fit may be accomplished by any suitable configuration. For example, as best seen in Figs. 5-7, the base 20 may include a ridge 52 and the cover 30 may include a channel 54. The ridge 52 extends into the channel 54 to provide the snap fit. The cover 30 may include an interior lip 53 and a side wall 56. The lip 53 and side wall 56 define an opening 55. The side wall 56 extends over the top 24 of the base 20, with a portion of top 24 and ridge 52 disposed within the opening 55. The side wall 56 is preferably made of a compliant material to allow the cover 30 to be inserted around and onto the base 20.

[0045] A variety of configurations for the snap fit between the base 20 and the cover 30 are possible. The ridge 52 and channel 54 may extend along the entire periphery, or only portions thereof, of the base 20 and cap 30, respectively. The base 20 may include two ridges 52, 58 extending around the periphery near the top 24. The top ridge 52 acts to engage the channel 54 in the cover 30. The configuration of ridge 52 and channel 54 provides a good seal between the base 20 and the cover 30 and prevents the cover 30 from easily coming off. The bottom ridge 58 acts as a stop for the side walls 56 of the cover 30. The ridges 52, 58 also act as a seal to protect the product 60 from moisture. The ridges 52, 58 may be disposed in a level fashion around the top 24 of the base 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the ridges 52, 58 may also vary in vertical location around the periphery of the base 20. It can be seen in Fig. 3 that the top ridge 52 may be disposed relatively horizontally, and the bottom ridge 58 may be lower on the short side walls 21, 23 of the base 20 than on the longer side walls 25, 27.

[0046] Turning now to the dimensions of the food product container 10, the container 10 is preferably sized to fit within the hand and the pocket of the user. The oval-shaped cross section is convenient for a user's hand and pockets. An oval rounded shape gives a good seal between the cover 30 and the base 20. An oval-shaped cross section, or other configuration with a narrow width, also allows ease of dispensing since the food products 60 tend to be oriented in the proper direction for dispensing out of an oval shaped dispensing opening 32. The depth 46 of the volume 40 of the container may be between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, the width 44 may be between about 40 mm and about 60 mm, and the height 42 may be between about 60 mm and about 100 mm. If the base 20 is translucent, the user is able to see how much of the food product 60 is present or remaining in the container 10. The food product 60 may have a length 62 of between about 15 mm and about 25 mm, a width 64 between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, and a depth 66 between about 6 mm and about 12 mm. The volume 40 of the container may be sized to accommodate between about 20 and about 30 pieces of food product 60.

[0047] In use, the user may open the container 10 by pushing on the ledge 38 to open the flap 34. The flap 34 is shaped so that it may easily be opened by hand. The food product 60 may then be dispensed by tipping over the container 10. The opening 32 is sized such that generally only a few (around one to five) pieces of food product 60 will be dispensed at a time. The container 10 is hygienic in that the food product 60 need not be touched by a user before dispensing. The food product 60 may be any type of food product, including hard candy, soft candy, mints, gum or gum pellets. The length of the food product 60 may be between 15 and 25 mm, and is generally around 20 mm.

[0048] Because the container 10 has a relatively small depth 46, only certain orientations of the food product 60 are possible within the container 10, depending on the size and shape of both the container 10 and the food product 60. Turning now to the relationship between the food product 60 and the container 10, an embodiment of a container 10 and food product 60 are shown in Figs. 8 A to 8F. The food product 60 has a length (longest dimension) 62, a width (second longest dimension) 64, and a depth (shortest dimension) 66. The interior of the container 10 has a width 44 and a depth 46. The orientation of the food product 60 within the container 10 can be expressed as the relationship between the product dimensions and the container dimensions. The container has three orthogonal directions, the height direction 72, the width direction 74, and the depth direction 76. The height direction 72 extends between the container top 24 and bottom 26. The width direction 74 extends between the side walls 21, 23. The depth direction 76 extends between the side walls 25, 27.

[0049] In one embodiment, the width 64 and depth 66 of the food product 60 are less than the depth 46 of the container 10, and the product length 62 is greater than the depth 46 of the container 10. Figs. 8 A to 8D show some possible orientations of the food product 60 within the container 10. In Fig. 8A, the product length 62 is oriented along the width direction 74 of the container, and the product width 64 along the depth direction 76 of the container. In Fig. 8B, the product width 64 is oriented along the depth direction 76 of the container, and the product depth 66 along the width direction 74 of the container, Ih Fig. 8 C, the product width 64 is oriented along the width direction 74 of the container, and the product depth 66 along the depth direction 76 of the container. In Fig, 8D, the product length 62 is oriented along the width direction 74 of the container, and the product depth 66 along the depth direction 76 of the container. Figs. SE and 8F show impossible orientations of the food product 60 within the container 10. Because the product length 62 is greater than the depth 46 of the container 10, the length of the product 60 cannot be oriented along the depth direction 76 of the container 60. Obviously, the product 60 may be oriented in configurations between those shown in Figs. 8 A to 8F.

[0050] Another embodiment of a container 70 and food product 60 are shown in Figs. 9A to 9F. The container 70 has a width 75 and a depth 77. The product depth 66 is less than the container depth 77, and the product length 62 and width 64 are greater than the container depth 77. Figs. 9A and 9B show possible orientations of the food product 60 within the container 70. In Fig. 9 A, the product width 64 is oriented along the width direction 74 of the container 10, and the product depth 66 is oriented along the depth direction 76 of the container 10. In Fig. 9B, the product length 62 is oriented along the width direction 74 of the container 10, and the product depth 66 is oriented along the depth direction 76 of the container. Figs. 9C to 9F show impossible orientations of the food product 60 within the container 10. Because the product length 62 and product width 64 are greater than the depth 77 of the container 10, neither the length 62 nor the width 64 of the product can he oriented with the depth direction 76 of the container 60. The product 60 may be oriented in configurations between those shown in Figs. 9A to 9F.

[0051] The shape and size of the opening 32 in the cover 30 may vary. Figs. 1OA to 1OF show various orientations of an embodiment of the food product 60 with respect to an embodiment of the opening 32, The opening 32 may be oval- shaped with a maximum length 33 and a maximum width 41. The length 62 of the food product is smaller than the length 33 of the opening 32 but larger than the width 41 of the opening 32. The product width 64 is smaller than the maximum width 41 of the opening 32. Figs 1OA through 1OC show possible dispensing configurations of the food product 60 from the container 10. Because the product width 64 is smaller than the opening width 41, the product 60 can fit through the opening 32 if the length 62 of the product is oriented perpendicular to the opening 32, as shown in Figs. 1OB and 1OC. As shown in Fig. 10D, because the opening 32 is oval shaped, if the product length 62 is oriented along the direction of the opening length 33, the product 60 cannot fit through the opening 32. Because the product length 62 is greater than the opening width 41, if the length 62 of the product is oriented along the direction of, the opening width 41, the product 60 cannot fit through the opening 32 in the orientations shown in Figs. 1OE and 1OF. [0052] Figs. 1 IA to 1 IF show various orientations of the food product 60 with respect to an embodiment of the opening 43. The opening 43 is oval-shaped with a maximum length 45 and a maximum width 47. The length 62 of the food product is smaller than the opening length 45 but larger than the opening width 47. The product width 64 is larger than the maximum width 47 of the opening 43. Figs 1 IA through 1 IB show possible dispensing configurations. Because only the product depth 66 is smaller than the opening width 47, the product 60 can only fit through the opening 43 if the product depth 66 is oriented along the direction of the opening width 47. As shown in Figs. 11C to UF, if either the length 62 or the product width 64 is oriented along the direction of the opening width 47, the product cannot fit through the opening 43. Because opening 43 has fewer possible dispensing orientations than opening 32, it is easier to dispense the food product from opening 32 than from opening 43.

[0053] Obviously, the product 60 may be oriented in configurations between those shown in Figs. 1OA to 1OF and 1 IA to I IF. Additionally, the openings 32, 43 may be other shapes, such as circular or rectangular, which would affect the possible dispensing orientations.

[0054) The container 10 may be made of any suitable material. The container 10 may be made of a material that is transparent or translucent so that the contents of the container can be seen. The container may be made from plastic (flexible or rigid), paperboard, film laminated paperboard, film, corrugate, metal, or any combination of materials. When made of plastic, the container may be made by any suitable technique including extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, vacuum forming, thermoforming, and combinations thereof. [0055] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made and formed in detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A food product container comprising: a base including an opening, a top, a bottom, and at least one wall extending between the top and the bottom to define a container volume with a height, a width, and a depth, wherein the depth is smaller than the height and the width; a cover connected to the base and disposed over the opening and comprising a dispensing opening; and a plurality of food products disposed within the container volume, wherein the food product includes a length that is greater than the depth of the container volume.

2. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises a flap hingedly connected to the cover and covering the dispensing opening.

3. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the base has a generally oval-shaped cross-section.

4. The food product container of claim 2 wherein the flap includes an extending lip corresponding to the dispensing opening.

5. The food product container of claim 4 wherein the flap provides an audible indication when the flap is in a closed position.

6. The food product container of claim 4 wherein the flap comprises an extending ledge.

7. The food product container of claim 6 wherein a portion of the extending ledge rest upon a top surface of the cover.

8. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the depth is between about 10 mm and about 30 mm.

9. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the width is between about 40 mm and about 60 mm.

10. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the depth of the container to the length of the food product is greater than 0.6 and less than 1.0.

1 L The food product container of claim 1 wherein the food product includes a width, and wherein ratio of the depth of the container volume to the width of the food product is less than 2.

12. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the food product includes a width, and wherein the width of the food product is larger than the depth of the container volume.

13. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the length of the food product is oriented parallel to the width of the container volume.

14. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the length of the food product is oriented parallel to the height of the container volume.

15. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the food product includes a width, and the width of the food product is oriented parallel to the depth of the container volume.

16. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the dispensing opening includes a length and a width and the food product includes a width, and wherein the width of the food product is smaller than the width of the dispensing opening.

17. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the dispensing opening includes a length and a width and the food product includes a width, and wherein the width of the food product is larger than the width of the dispensing opening.

18. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the cover is attached to the base by a snap fit.

19. The food product container of claim 1 wherein the cover includes a side wall extending around the top of the base.

20. The food product container of claim 18 wherein the base includes a ridge and the cover includes a channel, wherein the ridge extends into the channel to provide the snap fit.

21. The food product container of claim 19 wherein the cover comprises an interior lip and. an engagement opening defined between the interior lip and the side wall, wherein the top of the base is disposed within the engagement opening.

22. The food product container of claim 2 wherein the flap is monolithicaUy formed with the cover.

23. A food product container comprising: a base including an opening, a top, a bottom, and at least one wall extending from the top to the bottom to define in part a container volume, wherein the base has a generally oval-shaped cross-section; and a cover connected to the base and disposed over the opening, comprising: a dispensing opening; and a flap hingedly connected to the cover and covering the dispensing opening, wherein the flap includes an extending lip corresponding to the dispensing opening.

24. The food product container of claim 23 wherein the extending lip forms an interference fit with the dispensing opening.

25. The food product container of claim 23 wherein the dispensing opening is oval shaped.

26. The food product container of claim 23 wherein the extending lip is oval shaped.

27. The food product container of claim 23 wherein the cover is attached to the base by a snap fit.

28. The food product container of claim 27 wherein the cover includes a side wall extending around the top of the base.

29. The food product container of claim 28 wherein the base includes a ridge and the cover includes a channel, wherein the ridge extends into the channel to provide the snap fit

30. A method of dispensing a food product from a food product container comprising: providing a food product container comprising: a base including an opening, a top, a bottom, and at least one wall extending from the top to the bottom to define in part a container volume; a cover connected to the base and disposed over the opening and comprising a dispensing opening; and a plurality of food products disposed within the container volume, wherein the food product includes a length that is greater than the depth of the container volume; and dispensing at least one of the plurality of food products from the food product container through the dispensing opening.