Classifications

• • 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
  • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
  • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
  • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
  • B65D75/36—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages, the recess or recesses being preformed
• • 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
  • B65D77/2028—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab
  • B65D77/2032—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab by peeling or tearing the cover from the container
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
  • A47G19/00—Table service
  • A47G19/30—Other containers or devices used as table equipment
  • A47G19/32—Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the like; Food containers with movable covers
• • 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
  • B65D75/54—Cards, coupons, or other inserts or accessories
  • B65D75/56—Handles or other suspension means
  • B65D75/563—Integral handles or suspension means
• • 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
• • 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
• • 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
  • B65D75/5855—Peelable seals
• • 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
  • B65D77/2028—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab
  • B65D77/2032—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab by peeling or tearing the cover from the container
  • B65D77/2036—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab by peeling or tearing the cover from the container the seal having a stress concentrating portion
• • 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
  • B65D77/2028—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab
  • B65D77/2032—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab by peeling or tearing the cover from the container
  • B65D77/204—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab by peeling or tearing the cover from the container the cover having an unsealed portion for initiating removal
• • 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
  • B65D77/22—Details
  • B65D77/30—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during filling or closing of containers
  • B65D77/38—Weakened closure seams
• • 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
  • B65D85/72—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials
• • 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
  • B65D2221/00—Small packaging specially adapted for product samples, single-use packages or échantillons

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to packaging for condiments. More particularly, the present invention concerns condiment packaging adapted for opening in at least two different ways.
• Condiment packaging has evolved over the years, starting with basic glass bottles and jars for display and sale of condiments, including without limitation ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sauces, and the like. That basic packaging later included larger capacity bottles and jars, and then containers made from synthetic plastic materials. Eventually, the packaging concepts turned to providing packaging suitable for individual portions of the condiments.
• Condiment packages having a generally rectangular receptacle portion covered with a substantially planar sheet have been long known also. See, for example, U.S. Patent 2,705,579. Such condiment packages were later provided with breakaway corners and exposed corners for the covering material, thereby providing different access means for the condiment packaged therein. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0183637, and 2002/0100760.
• Packages for varied products are also known where the receptacle portion has a generally frustoconical shape with a spout at one side. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 2,898,003, 3,660,960, and 4,863,036.
• receptacles having this configuration have been used for relatively low viscosity products such as milk and cream.
• Squeezable packages for products are also known where the package has a spout at one end and the forming materials are weakened in the vicinity of the spout to permit access to the contents thereof. See for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,529,224, 4,921 ,137, and WO 2007/126817.
• Containers for liquids have also been proposed which permit dual access modes. For example, one mode allowing squeezing for product removal and another mode allowing dipping for product removal. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
• the improved condiment container according to this invention includes a cover portion and a container portion.
• the container portion preferably includes a receptacle proportioned to receive a predetermined volume of a condiment.
• the predetermined volume corresponds to the quantity of the condiment that a consumer may personally use during consumption of a meal.
• the receptacle of the container portion includes a generally planar bottom surface with a nominal length and a nominal width.
• the bottom surface provides a stable surface to support the condiment container during certain aspects of its use by a consumer.
• the receptacle also has a nominal depth selected in relation to the nominal width and nominal length to provide a receptacle that is low, wide, and stable against lateral tipping when a food item is thrust or poked into the receptacle.
• the container portion preferably includes a flange extending substantially continuously around the receptacle.
• the flange is generally planar, is spaced from the generally planar bottom surface, and parallel thereto.
• a spout is provided at one side of the receptacle and at the position of the flange.
• the spout has cross-sectional area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the opening at the upper edge of the receptacle. In this manner, access to the condiment through the spout is much more restricted that access to the condiment through the upper edge of the receptacle.
• the container portion is fashioned from a material having a first bending stiffness sufficient that the receptacle retains its shape, even in the absence of the cover portion. Moreover, that first bending stiffness is also sufficient to ensure that the flange will retain its shape and orientation relative to the receptacle, even in the absence of the cover portion.
• container portion may be fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) 1 oriented polyethylene terephthalate (OPET), metalized polyethylene terephthalate (MET-PET), polyethylene (PE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metalocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), metalocene polyethylene (mPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene (PP), metalized oriented polypropylene (mOPP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), foil, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide, Nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), biaxially oriented materials, materials complying with 21 C.
• PET polyethylene terephthalate
• APET amorphous polyethylene terephthalate
• OPET oriented poly
• the container portion may comprise a single layer of material, the container portion may also be fabricated of multiple layers bonded, coextruded or otherwise formed together into a cohesive structure, where one or more of the layers is selected from the group of materials set forth above. Regardless of the particular composition used for the lid portion, all surfaces of the lid portion which face the receptacle are required to be food-safe.
• the thickness of the container portion may preferably lie in the range of about 3 mils to about 20 mils - a mil being 0.001 inches. Depending upon the particular material and the thickness selected, it may also be desirable to further stiffen the bottom surface of the receptacle. Such stiffening may be accomplished by embossing a three-dimensional pattern into the bottom surface, thereby increasing its bending stiffness. A logo may be used to provide that three-dimensional pattern, if desired.
• the cover portion is substantially planar and preferably is configured to have a perimeter substantially the same as the perimeter of the container portion. Moreover, the cover portion substantially covers the flange of the container portion.
• the cover portion is preferably fabricated from a material having a second bending stiffness, where the bending stiffness of the cover portion is lower than the bending stiffness of the container portion. This difference in stiffness causes the cover portion to be more flexible and more readily separable from the container portion along the flange.
• the material from which the cover portion is fabricated may be the same as, or different from, the material used for the container portion. Accordingly, the material of the cover portion may be selected from the group consisting of PET, APET, OPET, MET-PET, PE, LDPE, LLDPE, mLLDPE, HDPE, mPE, EVA, PP, mOPP, PS, HIPS, foil, EVOH, polyamide, Nylon, PVC, biaxially oriented materials, materials complying with 21 C. F. R. Part 177, and combinations thereof. Typically, the thickness of the cover portion will lie in the range of about 1 mil to about 5 mils.
• cover portion may comprise a single layer of material
• the cover portion may also be fabricated of multiple layers bonded, co-extruded or otherwise formed together into a cohesive structure, where one or more of the layers is selected from the group of materials set forth above. Regardless of the particular composition used for the lid portion, all surfaces of the lid portion which fact the receptacle are required to be food-safe.
• an adhesive is preferably positioned between the cover portion and the container portion, in the flange area, and surrounding the top edge of the receptacle.
• the adhesive preferably is a food-grade adhesive and may be conventionally cured, for example, thermally, electromagnetically, or time cured.
• the adhesive is integral with the cover portion and/or the container portion.
• Application of heat and pressure can be used to cause the adhesive to bond the cover portion and/or the container portion.
• adhesive may be applied around the receptacle of the container portion in a separate step.
• the adhesive is applied such that the adhesive defines a non-bonded region in alignment with the spout, although the adhesive otherwise surrounds the spout.
• pressure may be applied to assure that the adhesive bonds the cover portion and the container portion so as to define a sealed compartment defined by the receptacle and the cover portion.
• the adhesive is applied such that an non-bonded region exists between the lid portion and the flange of the container portion in general alignment with the spout.
• the non-bonded region is located opposite the spout and at the periphery of the container assembly.
• the non-bonded region is operable to define a lift tab at an edge of the lid portion.
• the lift tab is graspable so that it can be pulled away from the flange of the container portion so as to expose the receptacle and the contents thereof.
• the adhesive is applied such that a peel-initiating region, such as a substantially angular region, partially defines an edge of the non-bonded region.
• the peel-initiating region is engaged as the lid portion is pulled by the tab from the container portion before the lid portion engages the full linear extent of the adhesive extending from side to side of the receptacle, and offers reduced resistance to separation between the lid portion and the container portion of the assembled package.
• the required opening force may lie in the range of 1 to 5 lbs.
• the non-bonded region and the peel-initiator may be positioned in alignment with the spout or on the opposite side of the receptacle. Regardless of the position, when the lid portion is peeled back away from the container portion, the receptacle is exposed so as to be available for dipping a food item in the condiment.
• a weakened area is preferably positioned so as to be transverse to the spout.
• the weakened area may be provided by mechanically cutting or fracturing the package materials in the vicinity of the spout.
• the weakened area may be fashioned by cutting the lid portion and the container portion so that a pair of aligned slits straddle the spout.
• the weakened area may be provided by laser scoring either the lid portion or the container portion or both. The end of the assembled container may then be broken away along the weakened area to expose the spout. By then squeezing the assembled container, the condiment will be released through the spout in a controlled manner.
• the adhesive preferably has sufficient strength that the container will resist bursting when subjected to a force of 50 lbs. or greater, and preferably when subject to a force of 70 lbs. or greater.
• the container assembly may be adapted for attachment to the sidewall of a paperboard container.
• a pair of slits may be provided in the container and extending through both the lid portion and the container portion, where the slits are, symmetrically disposed and cooperate to define a pair of ears.
• the ears can be bent out of the plane of the flange to define an angular (when viewed from the side) hook. Resilience of the materials used to fabricate the lid portion and the container portion cooperates to pinch an edge of the paperboard container.
• the surface of each ear may be suitable treated. For example, a tacky coating, or a roughened surface may be provided for such a purpose.
• either or both of the lid portion and the container portion may include an oxygen control barrier or an oxygen scavenger layer. Such a barrier layer can be helpful to reduce or eliminate degradation of the condiment packaged in the container assembly. If desired, either or both of the lid portion and the container portion may be opaque. Opaqueness may enhance the packaged product where exposure to light degrades the product over time.
• the materials for the lid portion and the container portion are preferably selected such that the packaged condiment will have a shelf-life of at least about six months.
• One technique for evaluating shelf-life involves use of a colorimeter operating in the L * a * b* color space. Shelf-life may be evaluated by monitoring degradation of the color components of the packaged product according to measurements in that color space. For example, shelf-life may be determined by requiring that the L * and/or the ratio of a*/b* does not degrade more than a specified amount during the specified period, e.g., by less than 10% over a six-month period.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the condiment container
• FIG. 2 is an inverted perspective view of a condiment container with the bottom surface positioned on top;
• FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the condiment container;
• FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the condiment container;
• FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the condiment container
• FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the condiment container
• FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the condiment container
• FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the condiment container
• FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 5;
• FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail view of spout end encircled FIG. 9;
• FIG. 11 depicts the condiment container opened for squeeze application;
• FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the condiment container of FIG. 1 showing access for dipping;
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the condiment container viewed from the top;
• FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the condiment container taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 13;
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the condiment container
• FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the condiment container
• FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the fifth embodiment of the condiment container
• FIG. 18 depicts use of the fifth embodiment in conjunction with a food container;
• FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of FIG. 18.
• FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the condiment container.
• FIG. 21 is an inverted perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the condiment container;
• FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the sixth embodiment;
• FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the sixth embodiment
• FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the sixth embodiment
• FIG. 25 is an end elevational view of the sixth embodiment
• FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment showing opening and access to the spout for squeezing.
• FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment showing opening and access for dipping.
• FIG. 1 a first embodiment of the condiment container 20 according to this invention is adapted for marketing, and delivery to a consumer as an individual portion of a condiment.
• the condiment container 20 is formed by a container or cup portion 22 (see FIG. 2) and a lid or cover portion 24 (see FIG. 1) which are sealed together by an adhesive along a flange 26.
• the lid portion 24 is preferably fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), oriented polyethylene terephthalate (OPET) 1 polyester (PE) 1 low density polyester (LDPE), linear low density polyester (LLDPE), metalocene linear low density polyester (mLLDPE), high density polyester (HDPE), metalocene polyester (mPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene (PP), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), foil, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide, Nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and combinations thereof. Where foil is used, that foil may be an aluminum foil, or other metal foil.
• the thickness of the lid portion 24 will lie in the range of about 1 mil to about 5 mils. More preferably, the lid portion 24 may have a thickness in the range of about 1 mil to about 3 mils.
• the thickness of the lid portion 24 is selected to be more flexible than the cup portion, to have sufficient tensile integrity that the lid portion 24 can be pulled away from the cup portion overcoming the tackiness of the adhesive, and to have a surface texture that is graspable but not too slippery.
• the lid portion 24 preferably has a peripheral contour that substantially corresponds to the perimeter of the flange 26.
• the lid portion 24 may comprise a single layer of the selected material, the lid portion 24 may also be fabricated of multiple layers bonded, co-extruded or otherwise formed together into a cohesive structure, where one or more of the layers is selected from the group of materials set forth above. Regardless of the particular composition used for the lid portion 24, all surfaces of the lid portion 24 which face the packaged condiment are required to be food-safe. If the condiment to be packaged experiences oxygen degradation over time, the lid portion 24 may include an oxygen control layer or an oxygen scavenger layer in its structure.
• One suitable material for an oxygen control layer is EVOH which can function not only as an oxygen barrier but may also function as a moisture barrier.
• the material from which the lid portion 24 is fabricated may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Moreover the material may be colored, if desired.
• the cup portion 22 (see FIG. 2) includes a receptacle 30 which extends away from the flange 26 and includes a generally planar bottom surface 32 which may be generally rectangular.
• the receptacle 30 includes a sidewall 36 extending between the bottom surface 32 and the flange 26.
• the flange 26 extends generally radially from the edge 40 (see FIG. 2) and defines a substantial area which is exposed until the lid portion 24 is applied.
• one side of the receptacle may include a generally triangular or generally trapezoidal surface 34 which is inclined relative to the generally planar flange 26 and the bottom surface 32.
• a spout 38 is provided at one side of the receptacle 30 .
• the cup portion 22 is designed so as to be symmetrical about a longitudinal plane extending perpendicularly to the plane of FIG. 5 and generally coincident with the line 9-9.
• that symmetry of the cup portion 22 coupled with the inclined surface 34 and the lid portion 24 creates a funnel or converging cross-sectional area at the side of the receptacle so that the funnel communicates with the spout 38.
• the spout 38 exhibits a cross-sectional area that is much smaller than the area exposed at the top edge of the receptacle 34 (see FIG. 4).
• the cup portion 22 (see FIG. 3) is preferably fabricated from a material that is more rigid than the stock from which the lid portion is made. Thus, the bending stiffness of the cup portion 22 exceeds the bending stiffness of the lid portion 24. That difference in stiffness makes the lid portion more readily deform for removal and opening of the assembled container.
• the cup portion 22 is stiffer than the lid portion 24, the cup portion 22 preferably is sufficiently pliable that it can be deflected by squeezing with hand pressure - i.e., pressure applied by fingers of an unaided human hand. Nevertheless, the cup portion 22 is sufficiently stiff that it does not deform or deflect in the absence of force.
• the cup portion 22 can be supported by the bottom surface to provide a sufficiently rigid container to hold a condiment without spilling.
• the generally planar flange 26 extending outwardly from the perimeter 40 of the receptacle also functions to stiffen the receptacle region of the cup portion 22.
• the material from which the cup portion 22 is fabricated may be selected from the same group of materials available for the lid portion 24, namely the group consisting of PET, APET, OPET, MET-PET, PE, LDPE, LLDPE, mLLDPE, HDPE, mPE, EVA, PP, mOPP, PS 1 HIPS, foil, EVOH, polyamide, Nylon, PVC, biaxially oriented materials, materials complying with 21 C. F. R. Part 177, and combinations thereof. Where foil is used, that foil may be an aluminum foil, or other metal foil. Typically, the thickness of the cup portion 22 will lie in the range of about 3 mils to about 20 mils.
• the cup portion 22 may have a thickness in the range of about 8 mils to about 12 mils.
• the thickness of the cup portion 22 is selected to be less flexible than the lid portion 24 so that the lid portion 24 can be pulled away from the cup portion 22 overcoming the tackiness of the adhesive.
• the receptacle of the condiment container 20 is preferably sized to contain a suitable individual serving of the condiment, for example, a nominal volume of about one ounce. While larger and smaller nominal volumes are within the scope of this invention, the nominal volume will generally correspond to the quantity of the particular condiment desired by a typical individual.
• the receptacle portion of the package has a nominal width corresponding to the maximum distance between the opposed sidewalls at the location of the edge 40 and extending transverse to the plane of symmetry between opposed sidewalls, a nominal length being the maximum length between sidewalls of the receptacle at trie location of the edge 40 and measured along the plane of symmetry, and a nominal depth (see FIG.
• the cup portion 22 is lateral stability against tipping. Furthermore these nominal dimensions can be used to establish guidelines that provide adequate tipping stability. More specifically, the ratio of the nominal height to the nominal width is preferably less that about 0.5, and more preferably less than about 0.45. In addition, the ratio of the nominal height to the nominal length is preferably less that about 0.3, and more preferably less than about 0.26. When the receptacle of the cup portion 22 has nominal dimensions within these ranges, the receptacle is sufficiently stable that it does not tip when a food item is dipped in the condiment contained therein.
• the lid portion 24 and the cup portion 22 are sealed together using a food-grade adhesive so as to define an encapsulated volume isolated from the environment.
• a food-grade adhesive so as to define an encapsulated volume isolated from the environment.
• One technique for accomplishing the seal is to include a heat-sealable layer on the inside of the lid portion 24 and on the inside of the cup portion 22. Upon application of heat and pressure applied to the flange 26, the adjacent surfaces bond together forming the appropriate seal surrounding the periphery of the edge 40 of the receptacle.
• a suitable food-grade adhesive compatible with the materials of the container may be used. The adhesive is preferably applied so as to surround the edge 40 of the receptacle (see FIG.
• the adhesive is applied so that it does not cover the spout 38.
• the condiment container is capable of withstanding an applied force of at least about 50 lbs without bursting or breaking through the seal. More preferably, an applied force of about 70 lbs. will not burst the seal.
• the adhesive preferably extends to the peripheral edge 50 of the flange 26, but provides an non-bonded region 52 at one side of the receptacle. That non-bonded region 52 extends inwardly along the flange 26 from the peripheral edge 50 of the flange by a distance sufficient that a pull-tab portion 54 (see FIG.
• the tab 54 can be grasped to pull the lid portion 24 away from the flange 26 of the cup portion 22 to expose the receptacle and its contents. Such a step would prepare the container for dipping a food item into the condiment.
• a different opening scheme is also available with the container of this invention. More particularly, the container may be provided with a weakened region in the vicinity of the spout 38 for the purpose of opening the spout 38 as an alternative to removal of the lid portion 24.
• the weakened region may, for example, comprise a pair of aligned slits 60, 62 in the vicinity of the spout 38.
• the slits 60, 62 are aligned with one another and straddle the spout 38.
• the slits 60, 62 may extend through the thickness of both the lid portion 24 and the cup portion 22.
• the aligned slits 60, 62 can be applied to the container before, during, or after assembly of the condiment container 20. However, an efficient mechanical way of creating the aligned slits 60, 62 is to form them at the same time that the lid portion 24 is applied to the cup portion 22 and adhesively connected thereto. Alternatively, a laser scoring process may be employed to weaken the container around the spout 38 so that an end of the container can be snapped or twisted off to expose the end of the spout passage.
• the materials selected for the lid portion 24, the cup portion 22, and the adhesive are preferably chosen so that the condiment has a desired shelf life.
• a shelf-life of at least six months is desirable.
• shelf-life can be evaluated by changes in the color characteristics of the condiment. Testing for shelf-life can, therefore, be conducted using colorimetric analyses.
• the Hunter Lab color space and the L * a*b* color space use three coordinates to define any particular color. For example, in the L * a * b * color space, the coordinates L*, a * , and b* define the three-dimensional color space.
• the L * component measures lightness and correlates particularly well with human eye perceptions.
• the L* value ranges between 0 corresponding to pure black and 100 corresponding to pure white.
• the a * coordinate measures the color position between red/magenta and green, with negative values indicating green and positive values indicating magenta.
• the b * component measures the color position between yellow and blue, with negative values indicating blue, while positive values indicate yellow. Accordingly, changes in ketchup color over time can be evaluated by the value of and changes in the value of the L * , a * , and b*, or L, a, b components.
• the lightness component, L * or L provides a reliable parameter to correlate with shelf-life.
• the peel initiator 56' and the adjacent seal portion are constructed such that the peel-initiator blends to a seal presenting a gradually increasing resistance, as opposed to the step-wise increasing resistance of the first embodiment.
• This arrangement is characterized by the angularly converging portions of the seal that terminates with the peel- initiator 56'.
• Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a pair of peel- initiator structures in the adhesive bonding between the lid portion 24 and the cup portion (see FIG. 8).
• a peel initiator 64, 66 is provided at corresponding corners of the adhesive seal.
• the lid portion 24 may be peeled away from either corner with a corresponding reduction in the force needed to initiate the peel-away.
• the cup portion 22 may be exposed to a dispensing mechanism that deposits a metered volume of condiment 70 (see FIG. 9) in the receptacle.
• the metered volume supplied is less than the actual volume of the receptacle so that some head space exists above the condiment.
• the lid portion 24 is positioned in overlying relationship to the cup portion 22 and sealed thereto.
• the resulting structure includes an adhesive 72 bonding the lid portion 24 and the cup portion 22 (see FIG. 10).
• the non-bonded region 54 may be enlarged insofar as its width in the direction of the plane of symmetry is concerned.
• the condiment container 20 of this embodiment has the same features and characteristics as the embodiment described above in connection with FIGs. 1-6. Accordingly, those common features will not be repeated here.
• the peel-initiator 56' of this second embodiment extends farther into the region 54 than in the first embodiment while the adhesive seal 70 has a substantially uniform width around the edge of the receptacle.
• the peel-initiator 56' is shaped substantially as a chevron, caret, or curly bracket.
• the peel-initiator 56' is positioned in general longitudinal alignment with the spout 38 but is located on the opposite side of the receptacle from the spout 38.
• the alternative structures for opening the package are separated from one another so that the user or consumer makes a conscious decision as to whether to open the condiment container by breaking or tearing open the spout 38 for a squeeze application, or to peel back the lid portion 24 so that the container 20 can be used for a dipping application.
• the condiment container 20 has a different position and arrangement for the peel-initiator but is otherwise fully described by the discussion above in connection with FIGs. 1-6, which discussion will not be repeated here.
• a pair of peel-initiators 64, 66 are provided, and each peel-initiator 64, 66 is positioned at a corresponding corner of adhesive seal 70 generally aligned with a corner of the receptacle. Recognizing that some consumers may find it easier, or more intuitive to start peeling back the lid portion 24 from a corner, the corner location of the peel initiators 64, 66 facilitates the peel opening. As shown, the peel-initiators 64, 66 are symmetric with respect to the plane of symmetry for the condiment container so that either corner may be randomly chosen by the consumer or user to start the peel opening process.
• the consumer To use the condiment container 20, (see FIG. 11), the consumer initially decides whether to have controlled dispensing of the condiment or to have full access to the receptacle. Where controlled dispensing is desired, the end of the container is broken off or twisted off at the location of the weakened area to expose the end of the spout 38. By applying finger pressure to the receptacle area, condiment is squeezed out of the spout so that it can be applied selectively, directionally, and in a controlled manner to a food item. Where fuller access to the condiment is desired (see FIG.
• the tab 54 may be pulled away from the flange, past the peel-initiator, and away from the upper edge of the receptacle to expose as much (or all) of the receptacle as may be desired.
• Yet another embodiment of the condiment container 20 (see FIG. 13) has a different position for the peel-initiator 84. The features of this condiment container not specifically described are adequately described in connection with FIGs. 1-6 and will not be repeated here.
• the peel initiator 84 is aligned with the spout 38 and positioned so that the spout 38 is between the peel initiator 84 and the receptacle of the cup portion 22 (see FIG. 14).
• the flange 26 of the cup portion 22 includes a tongue 80, which may be generally rectangular, symmetrically disposed with respect to the spout 38 and extending beyond the spout.
• the peel-initiator 84 may have a generally angular or generally pointed feature oriented outwardly away from the spout 38 and the receptacle, but in general alignment therewith.
• the tongue 80 extends beyond the peel- initiator 84 by a distance of 0.5 inches or more.
• the lid portion 24 also includes a tongue 82 adapted, sized, and arranged to overlie and conform to the tongue 80 of the cup portion. [0050] To open the condiment container 20, the tongue 86 of the lid portion 22 (see FIG.
• the container 20 can provide a dipping container for a food item.
• the lid portion either open the spout or open the receptacle. If desired, the consumer may first open the spout and dispense some of the condiment therethrough, and later open the lid portion to expose the receptacle to use some of the condiment by dipping. Moreover, if desired, the lid portion may be partially opened or completely removed. [0051] Another embodiment of the condiment container 20 (see FIG. 16) may have the spout 38 located at one end with the graspable tongue extending in a generally triangular configuration beyond the spout 38. The features of this condiment container not specifically described are adequately described in connection with FIGs. 1-6 and will not be repeated here.
• This embodiment also includes a generally pentagonal receptacle 90, but with sides meeting at obtuse angles.
• One end of the container has a generally straight edge 91 extending generally perpendicularly to the plane of symmetry for the container 20, and having a length corresponding to the maximum width of the container 20.
• the container also includes side edges 93, 95 extending from corresponding ends of the straight edge 91 to corresponding corners of the container.
• a pair of symmetrically disposed slits 92, 94 extend from the corresponding side edge 93, 95 toward the straight edge 91 , but do not intersect that straight edge 91.
• the slits 92, 94 may be straight or arcuate, as desired, but the blind end of each slit 92, 94 is spaced from the straight edge 91 as well as from both side edges 93, 95. With that arrangement, the slits 92, 94, and the side edges 93, 95 cooperate to define a pair of symmetrically disposed ears 96, 98. At the time of manufacture, the ears 96, 98 lie in the plane of the flange 26 (see FIG. 17). [0052] In use, the condiment container 20 of this embodiment provides an additional convenience feature (see FIG. 18).
• the ears 96, 98 may be pushed out of the plane of the flange 26 so that an upper edge of a package 100 can be received between the ears 96, 98 and the flange 26. In this fashion, the condiment package 20 can be dispensed with the package 100 where appropriate.
• the condiment container 20 can be configured for opening a described above in any of the other embodiments. Moreover, when opened for dipping use (see FIG. 19), the cooperation between the ears 96, 98 and the side of the package 100 will support the condiment container 20 in cantilevered position so that the condiment is readily accessible.
• each ear 96, 98 may be treated to enhance frictional engagement with a package 100.
• the surface of the ears 96, 98 could be roughened relative to other surfaces of the container 20, or may have a low tack adhesive applied to at least a portion thereof.
• the shape of the receptacle in the cup portion may be generally generally pentagonal as depicted in the embodiments described above, but may also have other desired shapes.
• generally rectangular, generally square, generally triangular, generally polygonal, oblong, generally elliptical, and other shapes for the receptacle are all within the scope of this disclosure.
• another embodiment of the condiment container 20 may include a generally cylindrical receptacle 110 (see Fig. 4A). The features of this condiment container not specifically described are adequately described in connection with FIGs. 1-6 and will not be repeated here.
• the flange 26 surrounding the receptacle may follow the shape of the upper edge of the receptacle, or may have a larger area.
• the flange 26 is generally rectangular thereby providing multiple locations from which the lid portion can be peeled back, some of which access the spout and some of which access the receptacle.
• the material for the cup portion is typically provided in a roll. That roll of material is unwound into a forming device as a substantially continuous sheet where a plurality of receptacles are formed.
• the receptacles may be formed in a row having two to about twelve or more receptacles therein, thereby forming a sheet with receptacles in straight transverse rows and straight longitudinally extending rows running in the direction of the length of the sheet unwound from the roll.
• the sheet with formed receptacles then advances to filling apparatus.
• the desired condiment is deposited in the receptacles through a conventional metering device to control the quantity and volume of condiment for each receptacle.
• these filling heads may supply the same condiment in each of the longitudinal rows.
• adjacent fill heads may deliver different condiments so that different condiments are filled in the receptacles of adjacent longitudinal rows of the sheet.
• the sheet with filled receptacles is flushed with gas compatible with the product and helpful in retarding product degradation.
• a second sheet of material for the lid portion is unrolled and advanced into overlying relationship with the receptacle sheet where it is sealed into position with respect to each of the receptacles.
• the filled, covered, receptacles in the substantially continuous sheet then advance to a die cutting machine where individual containers are cut from the continuous sheet. Conventional accumulation, packaging, palletizing, storing, and shipping of the individual containers then occurs.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Food Science & Technology (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Composite Materials (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
• Cartons (AREA)
• Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
• Seasonings (AREA)
• Stackable Containers (AREA)

Priority Applications (8)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=43011669

Family Applications (2)

Family Applications Before (1)

Country Status (14)

Cited By (4)

Families Citing this family (48)

Citations (11)

Family Cites Families (118)

• 2010
  • 2010-04-23 TW TW099112896A patent/TWI491537B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2010-04-23 EP EP10767440.0A patent/EP2421770A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2010-04-23 WO PCT/US2010/001220 patent/WO2010123581A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2010-04-23 MX MX2011011162A patent/MX2011011162A/es unknown
  • 2010-04-23 CN CN201080017726.6A patent/CN102414088B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2010-04-23 CA CA2756451A patent/CA2756451A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2010-04-23 BR BRPI1013415A patent/BRPI1013415A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2010-04-23 EP EP10767441.8A patent/EP2421771A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2010-04-23 CN CN2010800177641A patent/CN102414089A/zh active Pending
  • 2010-04-23 JP JP2012507222A patent/JP2012524702A/ja active Pending
  • 2010-04-23 KR KR1020117024977A patent/KR20120081020A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2010-04-23 RU RU2011147387/12A patent/RU2507141C2/ru active
  • 2010-04-23 AR ARP100101376A patent/AR076409A1/es not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2010-04-23 WO PCT/US2010/001221 patent/WO2010123582A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2010-04-23 JP JP2012507221A patent/JP2012524701A/ja active Pending
  • 2010-04-23 KR KR1020117024978A patent/KR20120081021A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2010-04-23 AR ARP100101375A patent/AR076408A1/es not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2010-04-23 MX MX2011011152A patent/MX2011011152A/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2010-04-23 CA CA2756450A patent/CA2756450A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2010-04-23 TW TW099112897A patent/TW201102319A/zh unknown
  • 2010-04-23 US US12/766,091 patent/US20100320206A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2010-04-23 RU RU2011147388/12A patent/RU2011147388A/ru unknown
  • 2010-04-23 BR BRPI1013418A patent/BRPI1013418A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2011
  • 2011-09-07 ZA ZA2011/06549A patent/ZA201106549B/en unknown
  • 2011-09-07 ZA ZA2011/06548A patent/ZA201106548B/en unknown
  • 2011-09-26 CR CR20110503A patent/CR20110503A/es unknown
  • 2011-09-26 CR CR20110504A patent/CR20110504A/es unknown
• 2012
  • 2012-09-10 US US13/608,987 patent/US20130084367A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 2014
  • 2014-12-22 JP JP2014259234A patent/JP2015107834A/ja active Pending

Patent Citations (11)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events