U.S. patent application number 10/052210 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-05 for suspended containers.
Invention is credited to Bear, Christen A., Mannion, Jeffrey T., Williams, John N., Williams, Sue A..
Application Number | 20020121456 10/052210 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22995884 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020121456 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mannion, Jeffrey T. ; et
al. |
September 5, 2002 |
Suspended containers
Abstract
A disposable package for consumable contents includes a
container having a surrounding wall of upstanding, generally
flexible material extending from a container bottom to a wide mouth
defined by a rim formation of greater relative thickness than said
surrounding wall, said mouth being of greater than two inch minimum
horizontal dimension and being about as wide as the horizontal
cross-section of a top of the container. The disposable package
further includes a removable lid at least partially closing the
mouth, the lid having a rim portion extending over and removably
engaged with the rim formation to form at least part of an
attachment of the lid to the container, the attachment being
constructed to support the container and its contents when
suspended by the lid, and a flexible suspending element extending
from the lid and arranged to be engaged by a thin support element,
the suspending element being sized and arranged, with a length less
than about 5 inches, such that when engaged by said support
element, the suspending element suspends the container by its lid
in a position below the support, for at least one of display and
transport. In some embodiments, a single suspending element extends
from a rim region of the container, the element being located to
suspend the package at a tilted orientation, such that the lid of
the container, so suspended, extends at a greater angle to
horizontal than does the lid of the container when rested upon said
bottom. Also, a display rack is provided for displaying such
disposable packages.
Inventors: |
Mannion, Jeffrey T.; (South
Burlington, VT) ; Bear, Christen A.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Williams, John N.; (Boston, MA) ;
Williams, Sue A.; (Boston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN N. WILLIAMS
Fish & Richardson P.C.
225 Franklin Street
Boston
MA
02110-2804
US
|
Family ID: |
22995884 |
Appl. No.: |
10/052210 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60262030 |
Jan 16, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/113 ;
206/806; 220/751 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00092
20130101; B65D 25/205 20130101; B65D 43/0231 20130101; B65D
2543/00555 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/0024
20130101; B65D 2543/00518 20130101; B65D 45/18 20130101; B65D
2543/00351 20130101; B65D 85/60 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101;
B65D 43/0218 20130101; B65D 51/242 20130101; B65D 81/3869 20130101;
B65D 2543/00879 20130101; B65D 2543/00527 20130101; B65D 25/22
20130101; A47F 5/04 20130101; B65D 2543/00851 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/806 ;
220/751 |
International
Class: |
B65D 025/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A disposable package for consumable contents comprising: a
container having a surrounding wall of upstanding, generally
flexible material extending from a container bottom to a wide mouth
defined by a rim formation of greater relative thickness than said
surrounding wall, said mouth being of greater than two inch minimum
horizontal dimension and being about as wide as the horizontal
cross-section of a top of the container; a removable lid at least
partially closing said mouth, the lid having a rim portion
extending over and removably engaged with the rim formation to form
at least part of an attachment of the lid to the container, said
attachment being constructed to support the container and its
contents when suspended by said lid; and a flexible suspending
element extending from the lid and arranged to be engaged by a thin
support element, the suspending element being sized and arranged,
with a length less than about 5 inches, such that when engaged by
said support element, the suspending element suspends the container
by its lid in a position below the support, for at least one of
display and transport.
2. The disposable package of claim 1, wherein the suspending
element comprises an element defining a single opening, through
which said support element can be inserted for engagement.
3. The disposable package of claim 1, wherein the suspending
element is a flexible strand comprising comprising at least one of
a cord, string, ribbon, thong, strap, filament and wire.
4. The disposable package of claim 3, wherein the suspending
element has a first and a second leg segment, each having a first
end secured to the lid at substantially a common point and an
opposite, second end, the second end of the first leg segment being
joined outwardly with the second end of the second leg segment to
form a loop.
5. The disposable package of claim 4, wherein the common point is
located generally in a rim region of the removable lid.
6. The disposable package of claim 4, wherein the common point is
located generally in a central region of the removable lid.
7. The disposable package of claim 3, wherein the lid further
comprises an aperture and the suspending element includes a
formation that is larger than the aperture, the suspending element
extending through the aperture to the formation, the formation
creating interference with an underside of the lid to prevent
passage of the formation through the aperture for causing transfer
of a load on the lid, including a weight of the container, to the
suspending element.
8. The disposable package of claim 7, wherein the formation is
formed by at least one end portion of the strand.
9. The disposable package of claim 8, wherein the formation is a
knot formed by said at least one end portion.
10. The disposable package of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a
plastic rim and the suspending element comprises an extension of
the rim.
11. The disposable package of claim 10, wherein the extension is an
integral, free continuation of the rim portion of the lid, having a
first and an opposite, second end, each being joined to
respectively spaced apart areas of the lid, said free continuation
of the rim portion and the areas of the lid from which it extends
cooperating to define a continuous surface.
12. The disposable package of claim 10, wherein the suspending
element is joined integrally to said rim portion of said lid, and
is at least one of positioned and movable to a position above the
lid.
13. The disposable package of claim 12, wherein the suspending
element extends outwardly, as a flexible integral projection, from
the rim portion of the lid to a free end which defines an opening
through which said support element may be inserted.
14. The disposable package of claim 12 in which the suspending
element extends inwardly from the rim portion of the lid.
15. The disposable package of claim 14 in which the suspending
element extends inwardly, as a flexible integral projection from
the rim portion of the lid to a free end which defines an opening
through which said support element may be inserted.
16. The disposable package of claim 14 in which the suspending
element is an integral projection in the form of an arch extending
from a first region at which it is joined to the rim portion of the
lid to a second region at which it is joined to the rim portion of
the lid, said first and said second regions being spaced apart and
there being open space below the arch which defines an opening
through which said support element may be inserted.
17. The disposable package of claim 16 in which the arch is at
least one of flexible and resilient, enabling the arch to be
movable from a position at least one of near and below a level of
upper extent of the lid to a position sufficiently above that level
to enable unimpeded insertion of said support element.
18. The disposable package of claim 17, wherein the arch is
constructed to resiliently snap from a concave configuration, in
which it lies below said level, to a convex configuration in which
it extends above said level.
19. The disposable package of claim 1, wherein a lower end of the
suspending element includes one of a pair of interfitting
connection features, and a region of the lid is configured to form
another of said pair, the connecting features being so oriented on
the respective suspending element and lid that a suspension force
applied to the suspension element by said support element urges the
interfitting connection features to engage in load-transmitting
relationship to transfer the load of the container, via the lid, to
the suspending element and thence to the support element.
20. The disposable package of claim 19, wherein the connecting
features are respectively of a male and a female construction.
21. The disposable package of claim 20, wherein the male connecting
feature is secured to the lower end of the suspending element and
the female feature comprises a molded formation in a top surface of
the lid.
22. The disposable package of claim 21, wherein the male connecting
feature on the suspending element comprises a tapered wedge and the
female connecting feature comprises upward formations of the lid
that define a wedge-receiving cavity.
23. The disposable package of claim 1, wherein the suspending
element has an end formation interfitting with a connecting
formation formed in the material of the rim portion of the lid.
24. The disposable package of claim 1, wherein the lid includes an
integral upstanding projection and the suspending element is a
flexible loop attached to the upstanding projection.
25. The disposable package of claim 24, wherein the upstanding
formation of the lid defines an opening through which the loop is
threaded.
26. The disposable package of claim 25, wherein the loop is defined
by a strand having a retaining knot sized larger than the opening
in the formation through which the loop is threaded.
27. The disposable package of claim 25, wherein the loop is a
continuous plastic loop.
28. A disposable package for consumable contents, comprising: a
container having a surrounding wall of upstanding, generally
flexible material extending from a container bottom to a wide mouth
defined by a rim formation of greater relative thickness than said
surrounding wall, said mouth being of greater than two inch minimum
horizontal dimension and being about as wide as the horizontal
cross-section of a top of the container; a removable lid at least
partially closing the mouth and having a rim portion extending over
and removably engaged with the rim formation to form at least part
of an attachment of the lid to the container, the rim formation of
the container and the rim portion of the lid defining a rim region
of the package; and a single suspending element extending from the
rim region, said element located to suspend the package at a tilted
orientation, such that the lid of the container, so suspended,
extends at a greater angle to horizontal than does the lid of the
container when rested upon said bottom.
29. The disposable package of claim 28, wherein the suspending
element extends from the rim portion of the lid.
30. The disposable package of claim 28, wherein the suspending
element one of extends from and is engaged with the rim formation
of the container.
31. The disposable package of claim 28, wherein the suspending
element comprises an opening, through which said support element
can be inserted for engagement.
32. The disposable package of claim 31, wherein the suspending
element is a flexible strand comprising at least one of a cord,
string, ribbon, thong, strap, filament and wire.
33. The disposable package of claim 3, wherein the suspending
element has a first and a second leg segment, each having a first
end secured to the rim region of the package at substantially a
common point and an opposite, second end, the second end of the
first leg segment being joined outwardly with the second end of the
second leg segment to form a loop.
34. The disposable package of claim 31, wherein the rim formation
of the container is defined by one of a rolled bead and a folded
upper extension of the flexible wall of the container, and the
suspending element comprises an elongated flexible strand formed
into a free loop terminating in two extended end portions, both of
which are captured in and secured between portions of said one of
the rolled bead or the folded extension of the extension of the
flexible wall of the container.
35. The disposable package of claim 30, wherein a flexible element
surrounds the exterior of the container immediately below and in
load-transferring relationship with the rim formation of the
container, said suspending element being attached to said flexible
element.
36. The disposable package of claim 35, wherein the flexible
element comprises a so-called "zip tie" comprising an elongated
strap of plastic having gripping formations on at least one of its
sides, the strap inserted into a detent which engages a said
gripping formation and prevents reverse movement of the band.
37. The disposable package of claim 36, wherein an insulating
sleeve is secured about the container by said elongated strap.
38. The disposable package of claim 36, wherein said suspending
element is secured to said strap in the vicinity of said detent by
at least one of a pivot and a flexible joint.
39. The disposable package of claim 30 including a support sleeve
movable relative to the exterior surface of the container, upwardly
to a point of load transmitting engagement with the container, and
said suspending element having at least a portion connected to said
sleeve.
40. The disposable package of claim 39 including a support ring
surrounding the container, engaged with a portion of the rim
formation of the container, and said suspending element comprises
two leg segments joined to form a loop for receiving said
supporting element, opposite end portions of the leg segments
joined in load-transferring manner respectively to said support
ring and said support sleeve.
41. The disposable package of claim 40, wherein said support ring,
said support sleeve and said suspending element comprise a single
plastic molded piece.
42. The disposable package of claim 28, wherein the suspending
element comprises part of a supporting sleeve engaged upon the
exterior of the container.
43. The disposable package of claim 42, wherein the sleeve is a
thermal insulating sleeve for the container.
44. The disposable package of claim 42, wherein the sleeve is
comprised of resilient thermoplastic foam.
45. The disposable package of claim 42, wherein the sleeve is
comprised of corrugated paper.
46. The disposable package of claim 42, wherein the sleeve is
comprised of a mesh material.
47. The disposable package of claim 42, wherein the sleeve has
opposed upwardly extending flexible first and second arms, said
second arm extending through a slit in said first arm, said second
arm lying across the top of the lid, and said first arm defining
said suspending element.
48. The disposable package of claim 42, wherein the sleeve includes
a drawstring associated with an upper portion the sleeve, said
drawstring constructed and arranged to simultaneously draw the
sleeve close about the top of the package, define the suspending
element for suspending the package from said support element, and
provide for load transfer from the container to the suspending
element.
49. The disposable package of claim 42, wherein said sleeve is
defined by a mesh fabric, a portion of the fabric extending above
the lid, and holes in said upwardly extending portion of the mesh
fabric providing for entry of said support element.
50. The disposable package of claim 42, wherein the sleeve has
upwardly extending retaining formations arranged to engage the rim
portion of the lid and hold it in place on the container.
51. The disposable package of claim 50, wherein a flexible
suspending element is at least one of engaged with said sleeve and
a formation carried by the sleeve.
52. The disposable package of claim 50, wherein a formation carried
by said sleeve defines said suspending element.
53. The disposable package of claim 28, wherein the flexible
material of which the container is formed comprises paper
stock.
54. The disposable package of claim 53, wherein the flexible
material comprises drinking cup paper stock.
55. The disposable package of claim 54, wherein the flexible
material comprises coffee cup paper stock.
56. The disposable package of claim 53, wherein the rim formation
of the container comprises a rolled bead of the paper stock.
57. The disposable package of claim 56, wherein the lid is a
plastic lid capable of snap-fitting about the rim formation.
58. The disposable package of claim 28, wherein the flexible
material of which the wall of the container is formed comprises
plastic foam, and the rim formation of the container has a
thickness of foam greater than lower portions of the wall.
59. The disposable package of claim 28, wherein at least one of a
price tag, a greeting card and a product information tag is joined
to the suspending element.
60. The disposable package of claim 28 including an outer
heat-shrunk tamper-evident exterior seal.
61. The disposable package of claim 60, wherein the seal surrounds
portions of the container and the lid near the top of the
container.
62. The disposable package of claim 28, wherein an exterior surface
of the container body carries printed text or decoration.
63. The disposable package of claims 28, wherein the lid has a
clear central section through which at least one of the contents
and an internal seal may be viewed.
64. The disposable package of claim 63, wherein the lid comprises a
central region of clear plastic and at least one of a colored and
an opaque outer rim portion.
65. The disposable package of claim 63, wherein the lid has a rim
region and a central region integrally formed of clear plastic and
at least one of a colored and an opaque rim member attached to at
least partially cover the rim region.
66. The disposable package of claim 65, wherein the rim member has
a depending skirt that is heat-shrunk about the rim region of the
cup to form an exterior seal.
67. The disposable package of claim 64 including a clear plastic
film member and an annular rim member, the clear plastic film
member extending across the central portion of the lid to define a
viewing window, and having a pouring level skirt that depends past
and is heat-sealed in an upper region of the container.
68. The disposable package of claim 28 in combination with a
display rack on which the package is suspended by the suspending
element.
69. The combination of claim 68, wherein the display rack defines a
horizontal support rod on which multiple units of said package are
suspended, each by its suspending element.
70. The combination of claim 69, wherein the display rack comprises
at least two tiers of said rods, one above another, the length of
the suspending elements of the packages being predetermined such
that packages hanging from said one rod do not interfere with
placement or removal of said packages on said another rod.
71. The combination of claim 69, wherein the display rack comprises
a rod bent in V-shape, and mounted on a support such that the rod
provides two rod sections which diverge from one another.
72. A multiple tier display assembly in which at least two tiers of
the display are defined each by a rod bent in "V" form, said at
least two tiers being generally aligned vertically with one another
Description
[0001] This invention relates to disposable packaging, to take out
consumable products, to improved techniques for displaying and
transporting products, and to novel ornamental designs for consumer
packaging.
INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention provides to stores, restaurants and take-out
counters, and their customers, a new form of packaging and display
which features a disposable container suspendedable from a discrete
suspending element associated with the rim and removable top of a
disposable wide-mouth container. In many of its preferred forms the
suspending element is so associated with the container that the
container, when suspended hangs by gravity at an angle to the
vertical axis of the container. In many preferred embodiments the
container has flexible walls and a thickened rim, for instance a
conventional disposable, paper coffee cup having at its rim a
rolled bead. Also, in many preferred forms, the lid of the
container has a clear central section enabling view of the
contents, or view of an inner tamper-evident sealing top.
Particular embodiments of the invention have many other important
features and uses.
[0003] The container filled with merchandise may readily be
suspended for take-out in singles or multiples from a display rack,
while after purchase they may be suspended from a finger engaged
with the suspending element of the package to leave the hand free
for additional activities, such as, for example, carrying a cup of
hot coffee, a cold drink, a bag of popcorn, a plate of food, a
briefcase, or a bag of groceries or holding on to the hand of a
child or parent.
[0004] The container may be inexpensively constructed in accordance
with this invention while providing for a variety of ornamental and
distinctive appearances and trade dresses, according to the
vendor's or customer's wishes, e.g., by surfaces that may carry
high quality decoration and printing. The walls of the container
can advantageously be printed to serve as holiday decoration or as
a gift presentation. In addition, the shape of the container, the
aspect ratio and the configuration and color of the lid may be
varied to achieve desired ornamental characteristics, all while
remaining within the scope of the present invention.
[0005] The replaceable lid may be removed from the container for
partial consumption of the contents while remaining intact, to be
reclosed on the container. Thus the container can be used to store
(in suspended or unsuspected manner) remaining contents or other
things. In the home environment, such suspended packages may occupy
ordinarily unused space, as where the normal items on a shelf do
not reach the height of the next shelf, e.g. in waste space of a
dish or staples cabinet or a refrigerator. Suitable merchandise
with which the novel packaging is useful includes pre-packaged
dried soups, spices, grains, legumes or fruits, cookies, crackers,
cereal coffee in bean or ground form, nuts, snacks, candy, yogurt,
ice cream, butter, frozen juice concentrate, cheese dips and
condiments.
[0006] Certain embodiments include prepackaged merchandise, such as
delicate products ranging from wrapped chocolate truffles to sets
of small electric light bulbs, or any one of the prepackaged goods
mentioned above, or, preferably with insulation features, the
suspendable container may contain hot or cold contents, such as hot
soup, hot coffee, cold drinks or ready-to-eat foods for the takeout
lunch customer, or ice cream or yogurt in single servings for the
movies or ball games, or in larger quantities.
[0007] In many cases the invention provides novel prepackaged
products having tamper-evident features and vision access to the
goods within, while in other cases it provides containers that may
be filled on-site by retail establishments or their customers.
[0008] Containers and products according to the invention can be
efficiently displayed on single and multi-tier counter racks, tree
displays or on a line of overhead hooks that, in effect, can add
another display row to space-starved retail stores, counters or
kiosks.
[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a combination
package is provided including a disposable package for consumable
contents and a suspending element, the disposable package including
a container of greater than 5 cm (2 inches) minimum horizontal
dimension which is closed at least in part by a removable lid, the
container having a surrounding wall of upstanding, generally
flexible material extending from a container bottom to a wide mouth
at the top of the container, the mouth being about as wide as the
horizontal cross-section of the container, the wide mouth defined
by a relatively thick rim formation, and the lid having a rim
portion extending over and removably engaged with the rim formation
to form at least part of an attachment of the lid to the container,
the lid of the container and its attachment being constructed to
support the container and its contents, and the flexible suspending
element extending from the lid and arranged to be engaged by a thin
support element such as a support rod or hook of a product display
rack or the finger of a hand, the suspending element being sized
and arranged, with a length less than about 13 cm (5 inches) such
that when engaged by the support element, the suspending element
suspends the wide mouth container by its lid in position
immediately below the support, for display or transport.
[0010] Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention have
one or more of the following features:
[0011] The suspending element comprises an element defining a
single opening such as a hole or loop, through which the support
element can be inserted for engagement.
[0012] The suspending element is a flexible strand comprising, for
instance, a cord, string, ribbon, thong, strap, filament or wire.
Preferably the suspending element has two leg segments which join
outwardly to form a loop, the two leg segments secured at their
opposite ends to the lid at substantially a common point. In many
cases, preferably, the common point is located generally in the rim
region of the removable lid. In other cases, preferably, the common
point is located generally in the mid region of the removable
lid.
[0013] The suspending element in the form of a flexible strand
extends through an aperture in the lid to a formation that is
larger than the aperture, the formation creating interference with
structure of the underside of the lid to prevent passage of the
formation through the aperture and thereby cause transfer of the
load on the lid, including the load of the container, to the
suspending element. In certain cases, preferably, the formation is
formed by an end portion or portions of the strand, in many of the
cases, preferably, the formation is a knot formed by the end
portion or portions.
[0014] The lid includes a plastic rim and the suspending element
comprises an extension of the rim. In certain cases, preferably,
the extension is a free integral continuation of the rim of the
lid, joined at both of its ends to respectively spaced apart rim
portions of the lid, the free continuation of the rim and the rim
portions from which it extends cooperating to define a continuous
surface. In some cases, preferably, the suspending element is
joined integrally to the rim portion of the lid, and lies, or is
adapted to be moved to, a position above the lid; in many of these
cases, the portion defining the suspending element extends
outwardly, as a flexible or deflectable integral projection from
the rim portion of the lid to a free end which defines an opening
such as a hole or loop through which the support element may be
inserted. In other cases, the portion defining the suspending
element extends inwardly from the rim portion of the lid; for
example, the portion defining the suspending element extends
inwardly, as a flexible or deflectable integral projection from the
rim portion of the lid, to a free end which defines an opening such
as hole or loop through which the support element may be inserted,
or the portion defining the suspending element is an integral
projection in the form of an arch extending from one region at
which it is joined to the rim portion of the lid to another region,
spaced from the first-mentioned region, at which it is also joined
to the rim portion of the lid, there being open space below the
arch which defines an opening through which the support element may
be inserted, and sometimes into which the arch may be deflected,
e.g., for collaspsing for shipping in a packaging case. In the
latter example, in certain cases, preferably, the portion forming
the arch is flexible or resilient, enabling it to have its position
changed, from a position near or below the level of the upper
extent of the lid, to a position sufficiently above that level to
enable unimpeded insertion of the support element, for example, the
portion forming the arch is constructed to resiliently snap from a
concave configuration, in which it lies below the level, to a
convex configuration in which it extends above the level.
[0015] A lower end of the suspending element includes one of a pair
of interfitting connection features, and a region of the lid is
configured to form the other of the pair, the connecting features
being so oriented on the respective suspending element and lid that
suspension force applied to the suspension element by the support
element urges the interconncecting features to engage in
load-transmitting relationship to transfer the load of the
container, via the lid, to the suspending element and thence to the
support element; for example, the connecting features are
respectively of male and female construction, in which case,
preferably, the male connecting feature is secured to the lower end
of the suspending element and the female feature comprises a molded
formation in the top surface of the lid. In one advantageous form,
the male connecting feature on the suspending element comprises a
flat wedge and the female connecting feature comprises upward
formations of the lid that define a wedge-receiving cavity.
[0016] The suspending element has an end formation interfitting
with a connecting formation formed in the material of the rim
portion of the lid.
[0017] The suspending element is a flexible loop attached to an
integral upstanding formation of the lid, preferably, the loop
being threaded through an opening in the upstanding formation of
the lid, for example, the loop is defined by a strand having a
retaining knot sized larger than the opening in the formation
through which the loop is threaded, or the loop is a continuous
plastic loop.
[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, a combination
is provided including a disposable package for consumable contents
and a suspending element, the package comprising a container of
greater than 5 cm (2 inches) minimum horizontal dimension which is
closed at least in part by a removable lid, the container having a
surrounding wall of upstanding, generally flexible material
extending from a container bottom to a wide mouth at the top of the
container, the mouth being about as wide as the horizontal
cross-section of the container, the wide mouth defined by a
relatively thick rim formation, and the lid having a rim portion
extending over and removably engaged with the rim formation to form
at least part of an attachment of the lid to the container, the rim
formation of the container and the rim portion of the lid defining
a rim region of the package, and the single suspending element
extending from the rim region of the package or its vicinity,
located to suspend the package at a tilted orientation, such that
the lid of the suspended container extends at a greater angle to
the horizontal than it does when the container rests upon its
bottom.
[0019] Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention have
one or more of the following features.
[0020] The suspending element extends from the rim portion of the
lid, or the suspending element extends from or is engaged with the
rim formation of the container.
[0021] The suspending element comprises an element defining an
opening such as hole or loop, through which the support element can
be inserted for engagement; in many cases, preferably, the
suspending element is a flexible strand comprising, for instance, a
cord, string, ribbon, thong, strap, filament or wire.
[0022] The suspending element has two leg segments which join
outwardly to form a loop, the two leg segments secured at their
opposite ends to the rim region of the package at substantially a
common point.
[0023] The rim formation of the container is defined by a rolled
bead or folded upper extension of the wall of the flexible wall of
the container, and the suspending element comprises an elongated
flexible strand such as a cord, string, ribbon, thong, strap,
filament or wire formed into a free loop terminating in two
extended end portions which are captured in and secured between
portions of the rolled bead or folded extension of the wall of the
container.
[0024] A flexible element surrounds the exterior of the container
immediately below and in load-transferring relationship with the
rim formation of the container, the suspending element being
attached to the flexible element; in certain cases, preferably, the
flexible element comprises a so-called "zip tie" comprising an
elongated strap of plastic having gripping formations on at least
one of its sides, the strap inserted into a detent which engages a
gripping formation and prevents reverse movement of the band; in
certain cases, an insulating sleeve is secured about the container
by the elongated strap.
[0025] The suspending element is preferably secured to the strap
just described in the vicinity of the detent by a pivot or flexible
joint.
[0026] A support sleeve is provided which is movable relative to
the exterior surface of the container, upwardly to a point of
load-transmitting engagement with the container, and the suspending
element has at least a portion connected to the sleeve. In one such
case, this sleeve is combined with a support ring surrounding the
container, engaged with a portion of the rim formation of the
container, and the suspending element comprises two leg segments
joined to form a loop for receiving the supporting element,
opposite end portions of the leg segments joined in
load-transferring manner respectively to the support ring and the
support sleeve. In one advantageous example, the support ring, the
support sleeve and the suspending element comprise a single plastic
molding.
[0027] The suspending element comprises part of a supporting sleeve
engaged upon the exterior of the container. In certain cases
preferably, the sleeve isa thermal insulating sleeve for the
container, the sleeve being comprised of resilient thermoplastic
foam, or corrugated paper or a mesh.
[0028] The sleeve has opposed upwardly extending flexible arms, one
of the arms extending through a slit in the other, one of the arms
lying across the top of the lid, and the other of the arms defining
the suspending element.
[0029] In another advantageous form, the sleeve is associated at
its upper portion with a draw string constructed and arranged to
simultaneously draw the sleeve close about the top of the package,
provide for load transfer from the package, and define a suspending
element for suspending the package from the support element.
[0030] The sleeve is defined by a mesh fabric, a portion of the
fabric extending above the lid, and holes in the upwardly extending
portion of the fabric providing for entry of the support
element.
[0031] The sleeve has upwardly extending retaining formations
arranged to engage the rim portion of the lid and hold it in place
on the container. In certain embodiments of this feature, a
flexible suspending element is engaged with the sleeve or a
formation carried by the sleeve. In other embodiments, a formation
carried by said sleeve defines the suspending element.
[0032] It is advantageous in many instances of all the foregoing
embodiments to employ, as the flexible material of which the
container is formed, paper stock, in many cases drinking cup paper
stock, for instance, coffee cup paper stock.
[0033] Advantageously, in such instances, the rim formation of the
container comprises a rolled bead of the paper stock, or a folded
rim, e.g. in the case of use of traditional ice cream containers
that employ a friction fit lid telescoped over the container
top.
[0034] In many cases, the lid is a plastic lid that is snap-fit
about a rim formation.
[0035] In many cases, it can also be advantageous that the flexible
material of which the wall of the container is formed comprises
plastic foam, with the rim formation of the container having a
thickness of foam greater than lower portions of the walls of the
container.
[0036] In many cases, the attachment of the lid to the container
includes an outer heat shrunk tamper-evident exterior seal.
Preferably, the seal surrounds mating rim portions of the body of
the container and its lid.
[0037] Preferred embodiments of various aspects of the invention
include an exterior surface of the container body which carries
printed text or decoration.
[0038] Preferred embodiments of various aspects of the invention
feature a lid which has a clear section in its center through which
the goods or a seal may be viewed. In certain embodiments of this
aspect, the lid comprises a colored or opaque outer rim and a
central region of clear plastic. In other embodiments, the lid has
a rim region and a central region integrally formed of clear
plastic and a second colored or opaque rim member is attached to
the clear plastic rim of the lid to render the resulting composite
rim region colored or opaque.
[0039] In certain implementations of this arrangement, the second
rim member advantageously has a depending skirt that is heat-shrunk
about the rim region of the cup to form an exterior seal.
[0040] In other embodiments, there is a clear plastic film member
and an annular rim member, the clear plastic film member extending
across the central portion of the lid to define a viewing window,
and having a skirt that depends past and is heat-sealed in the
region of an upper rim formation of the cup.
[0041] In various embodiments, a price tag or greeting card is
joined to the suspending element.
[0042] Various embodiments of the invention are advantageously
combined with a display rack on which the package is suspended by
its suspending element.
[0043] Preferred embodiments of this aspect have one or more of the
following features.
[0044] The display rack defines a horizontal support rod on which
multiple units of the package are displayed.
[0045] There are at least two tiers of support rods or hooks, one
above the other, the length of the suspending elements of the
packages being predetermined such that packages hanging from the
top level of the rods or hooks do not interfere with the placement
or removal of the packages on the next-below rod or set of
hooks
[0046] A single rod is bent in a V-shape, and is mounted centrally
on a support rising from a base, such that the rod provides two-rod
sections, which diverge from each other. Advantageously, a multiple
tier display assembly is provided in which each level is defined by
such a V-shape rod.
[0047] Other aspects of the invention are the various ornamental
design for the package and the display that are elaborated by
respective sets of drawings.
[0048] This invention, including the many detailed advantageous
features that will be described, has many uses, and despite its
deceiving simplicity, has not previously been known.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0050] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are respectively views from the right,
back, and left of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0051] FIGS. 5 and 6 are top and bottom views of the embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0053] FIG. 8 is a partially broken-away perspective view of the
cup shown in FIG. 1.
[0054] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating
details of the connection of the cord, lid and seal.
[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative use of a reinforcing
washer in cooperation with the knot for securing the loop of the
lid.
[0056] FIG. 11 is a broken-away perspective view of a pre-packaged
product, illustrated by the container of the previous figures
filled with twist-wrapped chocolate truffles, and having
tamper-evident internal closure and external seal.
[0057] FIGS. 12, 12A and 2B are sequential views showing the
assembly of the product illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 12C
illustrates an optional step of applying an external seal member,
while FIG. 12D illustrates a customer opening the product produced
according to FIG. 12C.
[0058] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a composite lid
providing clear-window and exterior-seal preform features; FIG. 13A
is a side cross-sectional view illustrating its application to a
disposable cup; and FIG. 13B illustrates the breaking of the
exterior seal and opening of the container.
[0059] FIGS. 14 and 14A are views similar, respectively, to FIGS.
13 and 13A of another embodiment of a composite lid having a clear
window and exterior-seal feature, while FIG. 14B is a view similar
to FIG. 14A of another embodiment. FIG. 14C is a broken-away
perspective view of an embodiment incorporating principles of the
invention employing a polystyrene cup, while FIG. 14D is a similar
view in relation to a paper cup having corrugated exterior
insulation, the materials shown in cross-section in Fib. 14E.
[0060] FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-section of a cup to which is
being applied a lid having a folded and tucked securing feature,
while FIG. 15A is a similar feature of the lid fully secured, and
FIG. 15B is a cut-away perspective view of the cup in which the
suspending element is held by a finger.
[0061] FIGS. 16-16D are front, right, back, left, top and bottom
views, respectively, similar to the series of FIGS. 1 to 6, of
another embodiment of a container and product according to the
invention, which varies in ornamental appearance while achieving
the advantages of the present invention.
[0062] FIGS. 17-17E are front, right, back, left, top and bottom
views, respectively, similar to the series of FIGS. 1 to 6, of
another embodiment of a container and product according to the
invention, which varies in ornamental appearance while achieving
the advantages of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a container and its lid in
which a free extension of the rim of the lid defines a suspending
element. FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the package hanging from
a display Peg-board rod, and FIG. 18B is a perspective view of the
package after the suspending element/rim has been peeled from the
package to enable the lid to be removed.
[0064] FIG. 19 illustrates a lid having an integral suspending
element formed by a free-ended integral outward projection from the
rim of a snap-on lid.
[0065] FIG. 20 illustrates a lid having an integral suspending
element formed by a free-ended integral inward projection from the
rim of a snap-on lid.
[0066] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a rotatable bayonet-type
rotary locking lid, and a container whose rim is specially
constructed to receive the lid, while FIG. 21 A illustrates a
package assembled from the components of FIG. 21 shown suspended by
its suspending element.
[0067] FIG. 22 illustrates a cylindrical paper carton and a
friction fit lid in the top of which is molded a suspending element
while FIG. 22A illustrates a series of such containers hanging by
their suspending elements.
[0068] FIG. 23 is a dismantled view of a container similar to that
shown in FIG. 22, except that the container in FIG. 23 is of square
cross-section, FIG. 23A shows the assembled package while FIG. 23B
shows a series of the packages hanging from their respective
suspending elements.
[0069] FIG. 24 illustrates a snap-on lid having an arch-form
suspending element integrally formed in the mid region of the lid
while FIG. 24A illustrates a number of packages, formed with such
lids, suspended on a display rod.
[0070] FIG. 25 illustrates a lid defining a female connector and a
suspending element having a male connector being mated with the
lid; FIG. 25A illustrates the suspending element and lid fully
mated, with the package hanging from a finger while FIG. 25B shows
a series of the packages of FIG. 25A hanging from a display
rod.
[0071] FIG. 26 illustrates a snap-on lid having an intergrally
formed upward projection to which a suspending loop is attached,
while FIG. 26A illustrates a package formed with such lid being
supported by a finger in the loop the (retaining knot of the loop
on the opposite side of the projection being hidden from view).
[0072] FIG. 27 shows a series of suspended packages having lids
according to FIG. 26, but in which a continuous filament loop of
the type used for hang tags is employed to suspend the package, the
loops carrying hang tags too.
[0073] FIG. 28 illustrates a paper container having a rolled bead
that defines the container's wide mouth rim, in which extensions of
a suspending loop cord are captured in the bead; FIG. 28A
illustrates in cross-section the captured cord and FIG. 28B shows
such a container, sealed by an adhered pull-off lid, hanging by the
loop from a finger.
[0074] FIG. 29 illustrates a similar container combined with a
friction fit lid while FIG. 29A illustrates a package so-formed
hanging from a finger.
[0075] FIG. 30 illustrates a zip tie sized to surround a container
and engage its rim formation and having connected to it a
deflectable suspending element, while FIG. 30A illustrates the
device of FIG. 30 attached to a cap that carries a snap lid.
[0076] FIG. 31 shows the tie of FIG. 30 combined with an insulating
sleeve secured to the cup by the tie.
[0077] FIG. 32 illustrates a one-piece slip-on device having a
support ring and sleeve that are dimensioned, respectively, to
engage the rim formation of the cap and at a lower position, the
upwardly enlarging wall of the cup, the device including a
suspending element connecting the ring and sleeve, and, when
assembled on the cup, providing a suspending loop.
[0078] FIG. 33 shows a foam insulation sleeve surrounding a cup,
and having upward projection which cooperate to secure the lid and
provide a suspending element.
[0079] FIG. 34 illustrates an insulating sleeve or carrying sling
construction with a draw string supported by a finger.
[0080] FIG. 35 illustrates a mesh sleeve supporting a cup and
defining a suspending element.
[0081] FIG. 36 illustrates a slip-on locking and supporting device
constructed to secure a lid to a disposable cup while FIGS. 37 and
38 illustrate alternative examples of suspending elements
associated with the device of FIG. 36.
[0082] FIG. 39 illustrates a similar ornamental sleeve combined
with a lid having a centrally located suspending loop; FIGS. 39A-F
are view taken respectively from the front, right side, back, left
side, top and bottom of the sleeve of FIG. 39.
[0083] FIG. 40 illustrates an ornamental design in which a feature
of a character defines a suspending element.
[0084] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an ornamental design of a
two-tier display rack while FIGS. 41A-41F are views taken
respectively from the front, right side, back, left side, top and
bottom of the display of FIG. 41.
[0085] FIG. 42 illustrates the display rack of FIG. 41 combined
with a package according to the invention.
[0086] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an ornamental design of a
single tier display rack while FIGS. 43A-43F are views taken
respectively from the front, right side, back, left side, top and
bottom of the display of FIG. 41.
[0087] FIG. 44 illustrates the display rack of FIG. 43 combined
with a package according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, this embodiment employs a
conventional 8-ounce disposable paper beverage cup 2 having a
rolled upper bead 8 defining an upper rim for a wide-mouth opening
and a snap-lid 4 based in part upon the design of a conventional
disposable thermoformed snap lid. The cup tapers, having a minimum
diameter of about 4.5 cm (1.75 inches) at its bottom and a maximum
diameter of about 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) at its top, the top opening
or mouth of the cup corresponding to the latter dimension. The lid
is of suitable plastic resin, e.g. of 0.5 mm thickness and the cup
and lid are cooperatively constructed to be snap-fit together, a
rim portion of the lid lying over and engaging bead 8.
[0089] The lid shown corresponds to lids designed for hot beverages
by including a drinking hole 6 formed in a raised annular ridge 10
in the outer part of the lid. It is formed of opaque, colored
plastic in accordance with the trade dress desired. However, unlike
conventional snap lids for beverage cups, the lid has a central
opening terminating at edge 11 and of diameter for instance of 4.25
cm. Inserted into the rim of the lid and bonded in place to the
undersurface of annular ridge 10 is a circular disk 7 of clear
plastic resin, of diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of
wall 10' that defines the outer edge of ridge 10, e.g. of 6 cm
diameter. This provides a see-through window in the snap-lid. The
drinking hole 6 and a matching hole in the adhered transparent disk
are formed simultaneously by a punch, as a final step in forming
the lid.
[0090] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the paper wall-3 of the cup
terminates in the relatively rigid upper bead 8 which defines the
circular top rim of the cup, while the raised ridge 10 of the lid
lies about 1 cm above the plane of the rim of the cup, when the two
are snapped together. The cup wall 3 is originally manufactured as
flat paper stock and is printed with high accuracy in its flat
form, to provide decoration, trade dress and, where appropriate,
notice of ingredients or contents as required by legal authorities.
It is then cut, formed and glued in the usual way for beverage
cups, into the truncated conical shape shown. In the usual way, the
bottom of the cup is formed of a separate bottom member 5, to which
an in-turned margin of the lower part of the side wall 3 is bonded.
As is common with beverage cup lids, a series of spaced-apart
inward indentations, not shown, are provided in the lower rim of
thermoformed lid 4, located to snap over rim bead 8 of the cup and
resiliently engage the lower portion of rim bead 8 to secure the
lid to the cup.
[0091] According to this embodiment of the invention, a cord loop
14, extending above the lid, has its end portions threaded through
hole 6 in ridge 10, terminating in ends 14', on the inside of the
lid. These ends are secured in a retaining knot 16, which is
substantially larger than the hole 6. Interference of the knot with
the corresponding under-surface portion of the lid prevents
pull-through when force is applied to the outer loop. The knot
resides in the space provided by the raised ridge 10, above the
plane of the rim 8 of the cup. In a specific preferred embodiment,
the cord is 9 inches long overall (less than 12.7 cm (5 inches) in
height when formed into the loop 14), and comprises a multi-strand
braided nylon cord of 6 mm diameter. By selection of different
colors for the various strands of the cord, decorative effects can
be achieved in harmony with the design and trade dress printed on
the wall of the cup.
[0092] In this embodiment the double thickness of material bounding
hole 6, provided by the combination of the top wall of the annular
ridge 10 and the thickness of insert 7, provides reinforcement
against pull-through of retaining knot 16 under heavy stress. In
the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, of a plain
conventional beverage cup lid 4' which has no insert 7, an annular
reinforcing element, in the form of a conventional metal or plastic
reinforcing washer 23 is threaded on the cord ends above the
retaining knot. Upon tensioning the outer cord 14, washer 23 seats
upon the inner top surface of ridge 10, providing reinforcement to
prevent pull-through of the knot under significant loading.
[0093] In other embodiments, other retaining formations may
obviously be substituted for the retaining knot, including, in
appropriate cases for heavy loading of the cup, a large washer
concentric with the rim of the lid, or an elongated horizontal
crossrod to either of which end portions of the cord are
bonded.
[0094] A preferred product is the container of FIGS. 1-9 pre-filled
with delicate twist-wrapped chocolate mini-truffles 18 (delicate
chocolate shells with flavored soft gnoche centers), which are
individually wrapped with metallized polyester wrapping film. As
shown in FIG. 11, the free ends of the twisted truffle wrap, while
flexible, have a degree of stiffness that provides cushioned
engagement of the truffles with each other and the inside walls of
the container. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, an inner
layer 19 of clear plastic is adhered across the rim of the cup,
providing an air seal and a tamper-evident feature. The knot 16
does not interfere with layer 19, because it is situated in the
region of ridge 10, above the plane of the cup rim 8.
[0095] In certain preferred embodiments, an outer seal member 21,
as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11, is applied across the juncture
of the lid and cup at the rim, serving both the function of adding
additional security of the lid to the rim and providing a
tamper-evident feature. As shown in these figures, the seal member
21 is a discrete annular preform of heat-shrinkable resin such as
polyethylene or acetate, sized to encompass the joint region of the
container. After the container is filled, heat is applied to the
seal preform 21, causing it to shrink and its skirts to tightly
engage both the rim of lid 4 and the wall of the cup 3 below its
rim 8. As suggested by the dotted lines in FIG. 11, a tear feature
25 is incorporated in the seal member preform 21 and visibly
identified. The user, to gain access to the contents of the
container, first breaks this seal and then lifts off the lid of the
container. The tear feature may be any of many known kinds,
including a vertical row of perforations, with or without a pull
tab or pull string.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 12 through 12C, the sequence of
manufacture of a prepackaged product according to the invention is
illustrated in respect of the product of FIG. 11. Cup 2 is
gravity-filled with the desired contents, in this case
twist-wrapped chocolate mini-truffles (FIG. 12.) Then the filled
container has adhesively applied to its outer rim a moisture
barrier, tamper-evident film 19 of clear plastic from a sheet 17,
which passes relatively over the cup. Where appropriate, the film
may be formed with a downward indentation at the rim of the cup, or
be yieldable in that region, to accommodate projection into that
space of a circular ridge of the lid when the lid is snap-fit onto
the cup.
[0097] FIG. 12B shows the pre-assembled lid 4 being applied to the
filled and sealed cup with the clear window 7 and cord loop 14 of
the lid in place. In many instances this completes the packaging of
the product. However, for the product of FIGS. 8-11, the further
step is taken of applying the seal preform 21, and exposing it to
heat H as from a suitably shaped hot air appliance, to heat-shrink
the film to the conformation shown in FIG. 12C. This reinforces the
interconnection between the rim of the lid and cup, to assure the
container and its contents can be suspended by the loop and cover
during handling before sale, even if the contents are heavy.
[0098] The outer seal 21 and the internal film seal 19 cooperate to
provide a very strong and protective container. In certain
embodiments, however, as where the contents of the container are of
lightweight, the outer seal 21 may be omitted, while in other
embodiments, as where the protection of the goods does not require
it, the internal seal sheet 19 can be omitted.
[0099] As depicted in FIG. 12D, the user gains access to the
contents by rupturing the external seal 21, if present, and by
grasping and pulling cord loop 14. The off-center relationship of
the cord to the lid applies bending forces to the lid, as the user
firmly grasps and holds the cup steady. This action commences
progressive disengagement of the lid from the rim bead 8 of the
cup; indeed, the lid may come off with the sound of a "pop." Then
the user removes the inner sealing film 19, if present, gaining
access to the contents.
[0100] In certain preferred embodiments, the tear feature 15 is
located in alignment with the cord, and the two are cooperatively
related, such that a firm tug on the cord loop, while the user
holds the cup firmly, is effective, without more, to break outer
seal 21 at its tear or break feature.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 13, a composite lid 4" comprises an
annular lid 4a identical to the annular lid element of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, to which is adhesively combined a large
circular disk of clear heat-shrink film 30 formed to conform to the
full interior contour of lid 4a. This film extends across the
central open region of the lid element to define a clear window 32,
and is sized and shaped to have an outer skirt 34, which depends
freely beyond lid 4a as a shrink-seal preform to reach and engage
tightly the wall of the cup when skirt 34 is heat-shrunk. Thus the
composite lid itself provides for an outer reinforcing and
tamper-evident seal. As shown in FIG. 13A, after the lid 4" is
snap-fit onto a filled container, it is subjected to a suitable
source of heat H in both the region of the central window portion
32 and the skirt 34. The completed product has a shrink-stretched
clear central window 32' and an exterior tamper-evident and
reinforcing seal 34', both being formed by portions of the same
film layer.
[0102] For enabling opening the container by a simple pull on loop
14 as depicted in FIG. 13B, the film of the seal portion 34', along
the circular line of its desired peripheral rupture, has
design-limited rupture strength to enable it to rupture under
expected opening force applied to the loop. Various means can be
adopted to ensure the rupture with the expected pull force,
depending, e.g. upon any supplemental seal strength that may be
desired to supplement the design strength of the particular
snap-fit connection between the lid and cup, the expected roughness
of handling, the expected contents, etc. For instance, the shrink
film can be selected to have a particular film strength, or the
heating step to shrink the film may be so conducted as to
concentrate heating to cause thinning (hence weakening) of the film
in a strategic line around the container, just below the circular
rim of the lid 4a, in another embodiment a circular line of
perforations or other lines of weakness can be introduced into the
preform heat-seal skirt 34, or in the heat seal 34' after it has
been formed.
[0103] The embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 14A likewise achieves
visibility of the contents and outer seal by a composite lid unit,
but by different means. Referring to FIG. 14, a complete snap-fit
cup lid 4b is thermoformed of clear thermoplastic resin, with
suitable wall strength and conformation to provide at its rim the
snap-fit strength required for the application. To the exterior of
an annular portion of this lid is applied an annular
heat-shrinkable preform 40 of identical conformation to that of the
lid, which also has an outer skirt 42, which depends from the rim
of lid 4b much as did skirt 34 of the previous embodiment, except
that skirt 42 extends from the outside surface of the rim that
supports it. As shown in FIG. 14A, upon the skirt being subjected
to heat H, it forms the desired exterior seal, as in the manner of
the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 13A Similar provisions as in the
embodiment of FIG. 13 can ensure that skirt 42 will rupture as
desired upon appropriate pull on loop 14. The material of member 40
advantageously is of a desired color, and is preferably opaque, to
serve as an element of the decoration, and provide contrast to the
window region provided by the lid within the opening of the annular
member 40.
[0104] Referring now to the embodiment of FIG. 14B, a lid 4c is
formed as in FIG. 14, of clear plastic resin or, where a window is
not desired, of opaque resin. A preform 50 of heat-shrinkable film
or sheet has an upper annular rim 52, which conforms to and is
bonded to the peripheral flange 56 of lid 4c, while a depending
skirt of the heat-shrinkable element has the same conformation as
the skirt in the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14. After being
subjected to heat, it forms the seal 58 depicted in FIG. 14B.
[0105] FIG. 14C depicts a conventional molded polystyrene foam cup
2', having an enlarged, vertically extending, integral upper rim
band 2a. Lid 64 has snap-fit features of the kind common to lids
for polystyrene cups, but, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, lid
64 has a large central aperture defined by edge 11' of raised ridge
10' to provide, e.g., a window for viewing the contents of cup 2'.
Also similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, cup 2a has a
moisture/protective barrier 19' positioned over the major opening
or mouth of cup 2', and lid 64 is supplementally joined to cup 2a
by a tamper evident seal 21', based on principles similar to those
of seal 21 of FIGS. 8-11.
[0106] FIG. 14D depicts a cup similar in all respects to the
embodiment of FIG. 1, except that cup 2" includes an insulation
layer 66 positioned adjacent cup wall 3' and of corrugated
construction as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG.
14E. Corrugated insulation layer 66 can be adhesively or otherwise
bonded wall 3' of cup 2" or, alternatively, can be a removable,
slip-on sleeve.
[0107] The thermal insulation provided by the polystyrene foam of
cup 2' or the insulation layer 66 of cup 2" of FIGS. 14C and 14D,
respectively, make them especially advantageous for maintaining the
temperature of cold or hot contents. The various alternative
sealing arrangements described in previous features can be employed
in modifications of the embodiments of FIGS. 14C and 14D as
well.
[0108] Referring now to FIG. 15, an alternative lid 100 is shown
having a locking feature 102 for engaging the bead 104 about the
rim of a standard cup 108. Locking feature 102 includes an internal
flange portion 110 and an external flange portion 112 for engaging
respectively the inner and outer surfaces of cup 108 when the lid
is secured to the cup. The external flange portion includes three
folding panels 113, 114 and 115 that extend below bead 104 when the
lid is placed on the cup. Panels 113, 114 and 115 can be folded
inwardly as indicated by arrows a1 and a2 so that panel 115 engages
the outer surface of cup 108 and the fold 116 between panels 114
and 115 engages the undersurface of bead 104, as illustrated in
FIG. 15A.
[0109] Preferably, lid 100 and its flange portions 110 and 112 are
molded integrally of thermoplastic resin so that panels 113, 114
and 115 are of fairly resilient construction having hinge lines of
partially reduced thickness between them. The hinge lines allow for
fold 116, formed panels 114 and 115, and the fold 117, formed
between panels 113 and 114, to occur at predetermined locations but
provide a resilient spring force that acts to lock the lid to the
cup.
[0110] The folding panel arrangement of external lid flange portion
102 provides a reliable mechanism for securing lid 100 to cup 108
to allow suspension of the cup and its contents (not shown) by a
loop 14 secured to lid 100 in a manner similar to that of
previously described embodiments and as illustrated in FIG.
15B.
[0111] Another form of disposable cup and lid combination is
illustrated in FIGS. 16-16E. The cup and lid arrangement is similar
to that of FIGS. 1-7 with a distinction being a relatively
flat-profile lid 130. Again, in similar fashion to the arrangement
of FIGS. 1-7, the lid is equipped with a loop member for suspension
of the attached cup 13. As illustrated in FIG. 16D, lid 130 is
equipped with transparent central portion 132 for viewing of cup
contents (not shown) and also with marginal portion 134 of opaque
material. Loop 14 extends through hole 136 provided in the lid, and
extension feature 138 of opaque material extends into transparent
central portion 132 to hide from sight the securing arrangement,
e.g, a knot, of loop 14.
[0112] FIGS. 17-17E illustrate another preferred arrangement of a
cup 141 with a dome-shaped lid 140. Lid 140 is of transparent (or
opaque) material allowing visual access to the contents of the cup.
Also as illustrated, lid 140 is provided with a flat central
portion 142 having a central opening 144 through which loop 14
extends in a manner similar to that of FIGS. 1-7 for suspension of
the cup and its contents. In one preferred application of the
embodiment of FIGS. 17-17E, the cup is used as a container for
salads, the domed lid 140 providing capacity in excess of the cup
for tossing of the salad to incorporate an applied salad
dressing.
[0113] FIGS. 18-18B illustrate a preferred embodiment of a
container of the invention having a loop 14' integrally formed
with, and extending from the lid 150. Loop 14' is formed by a band
152 attached to lid 150 along a perforated circumferential seam 154
and by one end 156 of band 152 which is permanently attached to lid
150. The band extends from end 156, in overlapping fashion,
circumferentially about the outer surface of the container body 151
to an elbow 158 formed in the band, the elbows acting to direct
intermediate portion 160 of band 152, which exceeds the
circumference of the attached container, upwardly above the
container to form suspension loop 14'. The overlap of band 150
about container body 151 provides a tamper-evident seal for the
container, i.e., the band must be at least partially separated from
the lid, as described below, to access the container.
[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 18A, the container can be suspended
from loop 14' for display, storage or convenient transport by, e.g.
engaged finger As illustrated in FIGS. 18, 18A and 18B, the band
can be separated along perforated seam 154 to allow for removal of
lid 150 from container body 151.
[0115] FIG. 19 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a container
having a lid 170 with an integrally formed tab 172. Tab 172 extends
from attached proximal end 174 to a distal end 176. A hole 178 is
provided in distal end 176 to act as a loop for suspension of the
container formed by the combination of lid 170 and cup 171 as
illustrated.
[0116] In its as-formed, relaxed state, tab 172 extends downwardly,
i.e., in the direction of arrow D of FIG. 19, from lid 170 parallel
to lid flange 173. This arrangement allows lid 170 to be stacked
with like lids during lid manufacturing, storing, and any necessary
shipping. Furthermore, containers having cups 171 and lids 170
filled with product, can be stacked for storage, shipping and
handling without substantial interference from tab 172 which lies,
in its relaxed condition, parallel to the surface of the cup.
[0117] FIG. 20 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a container
having a lid 180 with a tab 182 formed integrally with lid top
surface 183. Tab 182 extends from attached proximal end 184 to a
distal end 186. In its as-formed, relaxed state, tab 182 lies
generally flat relative to planar top surface 183, thus allowing
lid stacking and container stacking advantages as described above
with reference to FIG. 19. Lid 180 is provided with an internal
film laminate 185 attached along the undersurface of lid 180 183 to
provide a seal beneath tab 182 between the contents of the
container and the external environment. Distal end 186 of tab 182
has a hole 188 provided to act as a loop for suspension of the
container formed by the combination of lid 180 and cup 181 as
illustrated.
[0118] In an alternative embodiment of the tab arrangement of FIG.
20, FIGS. 21 and 21A illustrate a locking arrangement for
selectively securing lid 180' to cup 181'. The arrangement is more
fully explained in U.S. Pat, No. 6,056,144, issued May 2, 2000, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Briefly, lid 180' is equipped with locking tabs 190 (only one
shown) extending radially inward from lid flange 191. Cup 181' has
recesses 192 (only one shown) formed along the bead 193 of its lid
for allowing locking tabs 190 to pass below bead 193 when lid 180',
aligned with cup 181' as shown in FIG. 21, is pressed downwardly
onto cup 181'.
[0119] Once locking tabs 190 are below bead 193, lid 180' is
rotated relative to cup 181' so that locking tabs 190 are no longer
aligned with recesses 192. Tabs 190 then provide locking engagement
with bead 193 to prevent removal of the lid from the cup. In this
configuration, illustrated in FIG. 21A, the container, even with
relatively heavy contents, can be suspended by loop tab 182 without
disengaging the lid from the cup.
[0120] FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
20, having a two-piece lid 200 including an outer lid ring 202
formed of a relatively rigid thermoplastic resin and a central
panel 203 of another, possibly transparent, material, e.g., paper,
film, or foil. Central panel 203, if not entirely transparent, can
have a transparent window formed therein, and can be provided with
decorative printing or labeling describing the contents of the
package.
[0121] A loop-forming tab 204 is formed integrally with and of the
same material as rigid outer ring 202 of lid 202 for suspending the
container as illustrated in FIG. 22A. The relatively strong yet
flexible tab and ring, in combination, provide excellent
weight-bearing characteristics for suspending a container of
relatively heavy contents without disengaging the lid from the
container and without tearing or distorting the tab. This
arrangement, with the tab in its relaxed, flattened position, also
provides the lid and packaged product stacking advantages without
tab interference similar to that described above with reference to
FIGS. 19 and 20. In one particularly advantageous application, the
container is provided as packaging for, e.g., ice cream, the
hanging containers providing efficient and organized use of freezer
display space.
[0122] In another preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS.
23-23B, the lid 210 and carton 211 are of square or rectangular
profile, while having other features similar to those of FIGS. 22
and 22A. This particular embodiment provides for especially
efficient use of hanging space, where, as illustrated in FIG. 23B,
little open air space remains between adjacent packages.
[0123] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 24A,
lid 220 is formed having raised top surface 222 forming a central
aperture 224. Attached to top surface 222 on opposite edges of
aperture 224 is a flexible plastic strip 226 of greater length than
the inner diameter of aperture 224. Plastic strip 226 can be
depressed into cavity 224, as illustrated by dashed lines in FIG.
24, to provide a flat upper profile of the lid, thus allowing
stacking of packages incorporating the lid without interference
from strip 226. Alternatively, strip 226 can be flexed upwardly in
a convex manner to provide a loop for suspending the lid and
attached container as illustrated in FIG. 24A.
[0124] FIGS. 25-25B, illustrate an advantageous embodiment having a
lid 230 and loop assembly 240 formed of two separate but
interengageable pieces. Loop assembly 240 has a loop portion 242
attached to a wedge-like base portion 244. Assembly 240,
preferentially, is molded as one piece, e.g., from a thermoplastic
material. Corresponding lid 230 is provided with a slot formation
232 on it upper surface 234 for receiving the wedge-like base of
the loop assembly. As illustrated in FIG. 25, wedge-like base 244
is slid in the direction of arrow A into slot formation 232 so that
rails 235, 236 of slot formation 232 lock wedge-like base 244 from
vertical motion or motion in the direction of arrow A. Lid 230 is
also provided with a drinking hole 238 which is covered by
wedge-like base 244 when it is engaged with slot formation 232. In
this engaged position, illustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B, a
container having lid 230 can be securably suspended by loop portion
242 of assembly 240 as the weight of the container and its contents
applies an engagement maintaining force between wedge-like base 244
and slot formation 232.
[0125] In one application of this embodiment, multiple loop
assemblies 240 remain affixed to a hanging support member 241 while
containers incorporating the lid 230 are removed from the hanging
assemblies 240 for consumption or otherwise. Refilled or new
containers equipped with additional lids 230 are then hung from the
affixed assemblies 240 for further display or storage.
[0126] FIGS. 26-28 illustrate a preferred container embodiment in
which lid 250 has an integrally formed eyelet 251 for receiving a
loop 252 for suspending the container. Loop 252 can be formed by
e.g., a string or rope that is passed through eyelet 251 and tied.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 27, loop 252' can be
releasably secured by a connector 254 and can also carry a tag 256
for displaying, e.g., price or container content information. In
either embodiment, lid 250 has upwardly extending walls 258 that
rise to a level at least even with the top of eyelet 251. The top
surface 259 of upwardly extending walls 258 provides a flat plane
for stackability of multiple lids 250 or containers incorporating
lids 250.
[0127] FIGS. 28, 28A, 29 and 29A, illustrate a preferred container
embodiment in which the loop 262 extends directly from the bead
portion 264 of the major opening or mouth container product 266. As
illustrated in FIG. 28A, to form loop 262, a cord 270 is attached
to the container by rolling cord 270 within the portion of material
of the container that is rolled to form the bead 264. At one
location 272 of bead 264, excess cord length is provided relative
to the circumference of the container to form loop 262. As
illustrated in FIGS. 28-29A, various lids are then provided to seal
the container after it is filled with the desired contents.
[0128] FIGS. 30-31 illustrate a loop 280 formed as part of a
zip-strap 282 (FIG. 20),which is wrapped about a container to
secure the lid 281 to a container (FIG. 30A) or to secure a jacket
284 about container 283 while simultaneously securing lid 281 to
container 283 (FIG. 31). In either case, loop 280,which joined to
end 285 of zip-strap 282, extends upward (or downward) to provide
for suspension of cup 283 therefrom. (FIG. 30A) providing an
exposed loop for suspending the container.
[0129] In another preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 32 and
32A, a lid 290 is formed with an integrally attached hoop 292 for
encircling and supporting the cup. Hoop 292 is attached to lid 290
by an integrally formed strap 294. Hoop 292 is of greater inner
diameter than the outer diameter of the lower portion of the cup,
but is of lesser inner diameter than the outer diameter of the
upper portion of the cup. Thus hoop 292 can be passed over the
bottom of the cup and progressively slid toward the top of the cup
until the strap is snug against the outer surface of the cup.
Meanwhile, strap 294 is passed through an integrally formed lid
eyelet 296 to form a loop 298 for suspending the container. Thus
lid 290, hoop 292 and loop 298 are integrally formed of the same
material and can act together to supportably suspend a cup engaged
by hoop 292.
[0130] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 33, a jacket
300 is provided for supportably suspending a cup 301 with a lid
303. Jacket 300 forms an internal pocket for accepting the cup and
has a first arm 302 and a second arm 304, both of which that can be
extended up and over cup lid 303 With second arm 304 extended up
above lid 303, extended. first arm 302 is pulled through a slot 306
formed in second arm 304 so that further tension on first arm 302
pulls second arm 304 tight against the surface of the lid, thus
securing the cup and lid within the jacket. First arm 302 is
provided with a loop hole 308 at its distal end 309 to allow the
jacket and its enclosed cup to be supportably suspended.
[0131] In another preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 34, a
sleeve 310 has an open top of a diameter greater than the smallest
diameter of a tapered cup 315, which is received within sleeve 310.
Sleeve 310 also has an open bottom of lesser diameter than the
largest diameter of the outer surface of a cup. The sleeve has a
loop 312 for securably suspending received cup 315 with, loop 312
being formed by a drawstring 313 passing through a tubular band 314
formed at the sleeves upper edge. One portion 316 of the upper edge
of the sleeve and tubular band are cut away to leave extending loop
312 of drawstring 313 for supportably suspending the cup.
Suspension of the cup by the drawstring of the sleeve allows the
weight of the cup and its contents to tighten the drawstring,
thereby pulling the upper edge of the sleeve more securely about
the cup. As illustrated, the upper edge of the sleeve extends over
an outer surface of the cup lid 317 to also aid in securing the lid
to the cup.
[0132] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 35, a sleeve 320,
which has diameter dimensions relative to its received cup 321
similar to those of sleeve 310 relative to cup 315 of FIG. 34, is
formed of a mesh material. Received cup 321 is suspendable within
the mesh sleeve by loops 322 of a portion of the mesh sleeve 320
that extends above received cup 321.
[0133] FIG. 36 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a sleeve 330
for securing a lid to a cup. Sleeve 330 is formed as a partial,
hollow cone having an upper opening 332 of diameter sufficient for
receiving the bottom portion of a received cup 333 and tapering to
a lower opening 334 of diameter less than the diameter of the outer
surface of an upper portion of a received cup 333. The sleeve also
has hook portions 336 extending upward from its outer surface for
securing a cup lid. In use, the bottom of a cup is placed within
sleeve 330 with its greater diameter opening facing the top of the
cup. Sleeve 330 is slid upward along the outer surface of the cup
until its upward motion is restricted by the interference of its
limiting lower opening diameter against the outer surface of the
cup. This interference acts against the lower sleeve opening to
rotate the tapered, conical wall of the sleeve inwardly toward the
cup surface, thereby forcing the upwardly extending hooks 336 to
move toward the center axis of the sleeve. The relationship of the
sleeve, hook, cup and lid geometry is arranged so that the inward
movement of the hooks causes a lower surface of hooks 336 to secure
the lid to the cup.
[0134] In the embodiment of FIG. 37, one of the hooks has a hole
339 for receiving a loop 340 for suspending a cup within the
sleeve. In this configuration, the weight of a suspended cup and
its contents acts to further constrict the sleeve and hooks about
the cup to further secure the lid and the cup within the sleeve.
Similarly, the sleeve of FIG. 38 has an integral loop 342 formed
integrally with and extending fromone of the hooks to function in
like manner to the sleeve and loop of FIG. 37.
[0135] FIGS. 39-39F and 40 illustrate preferred embodiments of
novel containers 400, 400', respectively, each having both
ornamental and utilitarian features. Containers 400, 400' each have
a decorative and/or supporting band 406, 406', respectively, which
has a hoop portion 408 dimensioned to be capable of receiving a cup
410 in a manner similar to sleeve 330 of FIGS. 36-38. Each of
supporting bands 406, 406' also has extending tabs 412 that,
preferably, rise above the major opening or mouth of cup 410 when
cup 410 is fully received in hoop portion 408. Container 400 (FIG.
39) is also equipped with a loop 414 extending from lid 416 of cup
410, in a manner similar to the cup and lid arrangement of FIGS.
1-9. Container 400 can thus be supportably suspended from loop 414
or from one or both of tabs 412, e.g., by grasping or clinching the
tab(s). Supporting band 406' of container 400' (FIG. 40), while
lacking loop 414, has loop apertures 414' provided in each of tabs
412 so that container 400' can be supported by engaging either or
both of loop apertures 414' or by otherwise grasping or clinching
one or both of tabs 412.
[0136] FIGS. 39-40 illustrate preferred embodiment of a novel
container having both ornamental and utilitarian features.
[0137] FIGS. 41-42 and FIGS. 43-44 illustrate unique and ornamental
counter displays, having in common a base 80 or 80', a central
upright support rod 82 or 82' joined to base 80 or 80' and
extending rearwardly at an angle of about 15 degrees to the
vertical, a pair of horizontal support rods 84 or 84' joined to and
extending in cantilever fashion from the support rod 82 or 82' at
an elevated position above base 80 and 80', the rods 84 or 84'
forming an acute horizontal angle with each other of about 20
degrees, decorative and protective knobs heads 86 disposed on the
ends of the support rods, and an upper head extension 88 protruding
from the upper end of upright rod 82 or 82' and ending in an oval
name plate 90, on which is intended to be inscribed the brand and
identity of the goods being displayed. Supported on each arm,
available for purchase, are a number of containers according to the
invention, each suspended by its own loop on one of the support
rods 84 or 84', in a space-efficient arrangement.
[0138] While the display of FIGS. 43-44 has a single tier of the
support arms 84, the display of FIGS. 41-42, has two central
upright support rods 82 and 82" joined at a common plane to base
80' and diverging from each other, these support rods lying in a
common fore and aft plane, the rearward rod 82" being at the
greater angle to the vertical and being shorter than the forward
rod, ending in a "U" shaped horizontal rod section from which its
two horizontal support rods extend, the forward central rod 82
rising higher and having the head extension, and a pair of
diverging horizontal supporting rods. The right and left upper and
lower pairs of rods are aligned in respective vertical planes, and
containers according to the invention are supported on each of the
four arms, the spacing between the upper and lower rods being
sufficient to accommodate suspended containers without
interference. Where height available allows, the display of FIGS.
41-42 can be the most appropriate in being capable of displaying
more containers within the same footprint as that of FIGS.
43-44.
[0139] As shown in these figures, the preferred off-center location
of the attachment of the loop 14, besides providing room for a
central viewing window, can cause the container to hang at an angle
to the axis of symmetry of the container, resulting in a highly
ornamental appearance of the container when displayed.
* * * * *