U.S. patent application number 11/726702 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for package for accommodating an array of consumable products.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cadbury Adams USA LLC.. Invention is credited to Allen Sydney Aldridge.
Application Number | 20070199849 11/726702 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38442975 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070199849 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aldridge; Allen Sydney |
August 30, 2007 |
Package for accommodating an array of consumable products
Abstract
A package assembly accommodates consumable products. The
assembly includes an array of consumable products which includes a
plurality of individual products being adjacently arranged. A
package housing includes a front wall and a back wall and defines
an opening and a package interior which removably supports the
array. The housing includes a foldable flap extending from the back
wall so as to close the opening. The flap is openable to allow
access to the array and reclosable by positioning the flap over the
front face of the housing.
Inventors: |
Aldridge; Allen Sydney;
(South Orange, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOFFMANN & BARON, LLP
6900 JERICHO TURNPIKE
SYOSSET
NY
11791
US
|
Assignee: |
Cadbury Adams USA LLC.
|
Family ID: |
38442975 |
Appl. No.: |
11/726702 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11124922 |
May 9, 2005 |
|
|
|
11726702 |
Mar 22, 2007 |
|
|
|
11124921 |
May 9, 2005 |
|
|
|
11726702 |
Mar 22, 2007 |
|
|
|
11124906 |
May 9, 2005 |
|
|
|
11726702 |
Mar 22, 2007 |
|
|
|
60570014 |
May 11, 2004 |
|
|
|
60569926 |
May 11, 2004 |
|
|
|
60570016 |
May 11, 2004 |
|
|
|
60570019 |
May 11, 2004 |
|
|
|
60570020 |
May 11, 2004 |
|
|
|
60570017 |
May 11, 2004 |
|
|
|
60570129 |
May 11, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/460 ;
426/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/60 20130101;
B65D 77/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/460 ;
426/115 |
International
Class: |
B65D 73/00 20060101
B65D073/00; B65D 81/32 20060101 B65D081/32 |
Claims
1. A package assembly for accommodating consumable products, said
package assembly comprising: an array of consumable products, said
array being defined by a plurality of individual products
adjacently arranged; and a package housing having a front wall and
a back wall defining an opening and a package interior which
removably supports said array, said housing further including a
foldable flap extending from said back wall so as to close said
opening, said flap being openable to allow access to said array and
reclosable by positioning said flap over said front face.
2. A package assembly of claim 1 wherein said array is further
defined by said plurality of products being supported by a
band.
3. A package assembly of claim 1 wherein said products are arranged
side-by-side in said array.
4. A package assembly of claim 3 wherein said flap includes a
distal edge which is releasably adhesively secured to said front
wall.
5. A package assembly of claim 4 wherein said front wall includes a
slit therein for accommodating said distal edge of said flap.
6. A package assembly of claim 5 wherein said distal edge is
arcuate.
7. A package assembly of claim 4 wherein said slit includes a
portion which is skewed.
8. A package assembly of claim 4 wherein said distal edge is
asymmetrically located.
9. A package assembly of claim 8 wherein said slit is
asymmetrically located with respect to said front wall.
10. A package assembly of claim 1 wherein said products are gum
pieces.
11. A package assembly for supporting a plurality of consumable
products comprising: a banded array, said banded array including a
plurality of said consumable products and a band supporting said
plurality of products; and a package housing having a front wall
and a back wall defining an opening and a package interior for
insertably and removably supporting said banded array, said housing
further including a foldable flap extending from said back wall so
as to close said opening, said flap being openable to allow access
to said banded array.
12. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band extends
transversely about said plurality of products.
13. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band encircles said
plurality of products.
14. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band frictionally
maintains said plurality of products in said array.
15. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band is formed from
material selected from the group consisting of paper, foil and
combinations thereof.
16. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band includes a
U-shaped pouch.
17. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said banded array is
adhesively secured in said package.
18. A package assembly of claim 17 wherein said band is adhesively
secured to said package.
19. A package assembly of claim 17 wherein said array of products
is adhesively secured to said package.
20. A package assembly of claim 17 wherein said band and said array
of products are adhesively secured to said package.
21. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said adhesive securement
includes wax.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,014, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/569,926, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,016, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,019, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,020, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,017, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,129, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/569,833, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,018, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,128, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,004, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/570,015, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/124,922, filed May 9, 2005; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/124,921, filed May 9, 2005; and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/124,906, filed on May 9, 2005, all of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a package for
containing an array of consumable products and retaining the
products in the package until such time as it is desired to
dispense the individual products. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a package for retaining and dispensing gum
slabs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is well known to house consumable products such as gum
slabs in a package or housing which retains the gum slabs and
allows for dispensing of an individual slab therefrom. The gum
slabs are typically arranged in an array, so that a single gum slab
may be removed from the array leaving the remaining gum slabs in
the package. Often, the gum slabs may be wrapped individually in an
outer wrapper.
[0004] Certain of the gum slab packages are of the type which
maintains their outer configuration even after removal of one of
the gum slabs. This creates a space in the package which allows
adjacent gum slabs to become displaced. Therefore, it may become
difficult to remove additional gum slabs from the package if one or
more of the remaining gum slabs tilts or falls over within the
package. Also, by creating such a space, the remaining gum slabs
may slide or move in the package and may even fall out of the
package.
[0005] One attempt to retain and dispense individual gum slabs from
a package is shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2003/0080020 to Kopecky, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein for all purposes. The Kopecky publication
discloses a gum slab package housing formed from a die cut
paperboard blank having a generally rectangular configuration. The
housing includes a front cover which opens to expose a plurality of
gum slabs. The gum slabs are contained in a side-by-side array by a
sheet which wraps around the gum slabs. The sheet, including the
gum slab array, is placed into the package housing such that the
gum slabs are exposed once the front cover is opened. In order to
retain the gum slabs in an upright condition and maintain the gum
slabs within the package once one or more of the slabs are removed
from the array, the gum slabs are adhesively secured to the sheet.
The adhesive securement may take the form of wax areas on the inner
surface of the sheet. Once the wrapped slabs are inserted into the
sheet, heat is applied to the sheet to cause the wax to melt. The
array of gum slabs secured to the sheet may then be placed in the
package for retention and dispensing.
[0006] While the device disclosed in the Kopecky publication
attempts to provide a package which both allows for the retention
and dispensing of gum slabs, it has been found that the package may
not adequately perform over the long term. Accordingly, it is
desirable to provide an improved gum slab package which allows for
the retention and dispensing of individual gums and which will
retain the remaining gum slabs in the package once one or more of
the gum slabs are removed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a package assembly for
accommodating consumable products. The package assembly includes an
array of consumable products. The array is defined by a plurality
of individual products being adjacently arranged. The package
assembly further includes a package housing. The package housing
has a front wall and a back wall defining an opening and a package
interior which removably supports the array of consumable products.
The housing further includes a foldable flap extending from the
back wall so as to close the opening. The flap is openable to allow
access to the array and reclosable by positioning the flap over the
front face.
[0008] In some embodiments, the package assembly may include the
array being supported by a band. The banded array of products may
be insertably and removably supported in the package housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of
the present invention in a closed condition.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of
FIG. 1 in an opened condition showing an array of products which
may be dispensed from a dispensing opening.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the present invention wherein
an array of products is surrounded with a band positioned within a
package housing shown in its preassembled condition.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows an array of wrapped products of the type shown
in FIG. 2 including a band about said products.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows the array of products of FIG. 4 with two
products shown being positioned for removal with respect to said
band.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the present invention
wherein an array of products are supported within a package housing
shown in its preassembled condition.
[0015] FIGS. 7 and 8 show further details of the packaging assembly
of FIG. 6.
[0016] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the present invention
wherein an array of products are supported within a clip within the
package housing shown in its preassembled condition.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective showing of the clip of FIG. 9.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a further embodiment of the present invention
wherein an array of products are supported within a further
embodiment of a clip positioned within a package housing shown in
its preassembled condition.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the products contained within
the clip of FIG. 11.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective showing of the clip of FIG. 11.
[0021] FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the present invention
where an array of products are supported within a package housing
shown in the preassembled condition.
[0022] FIGS. 15 and 16 show further details of the assembly of FIG.
14 for retaining an array of products.
[0023] FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the present invention
where individual products are supported within a package housing
shown in a preassembled condition.
[0024] FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment of the present invention
where an array of products are supported within a package housing
shown in its preassembled condition.
[0025] FIGS. 19 and 20 show further details of the assembly of FIG.
18.
[0026] FIG. 21 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of
another embodiment of the present invention in a closed
condition.
[0027] FIG. 22 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of
FIG. 21 in an opened condition showing an array of products which
may be dispensed from a dispensing opening.
[0028] FIG. 23 shows one embodiment of the present invention where
the array of products is positioned within a package housing shown
in its preassembled condition.
[0029] FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 show further details of the embodiment
of FIG. 23 for retaining the array of products within the package
housing.
[0030] FIG. 27 shows a further embodiment of the present invention
where an array of individually wrapped products are supported
within a package housing shown in its preassembled condition.
[0031] FIGS. 28, 29 and 30 show further details of the assembly of
FIG. 27 for retaining the array of wrapped products.
[0032] FIG. 31 shows a still further embodiment of the present
invention including an array of products supported in a band which
is inserted into a package housing shown in its preassembled
condition.
[0033] FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 show further details of the package of
FIG. 31.
[0034] FIG. 35 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of
the present invention shown in the closed condition.
[0035] FIG. 36 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of
FIG. 35 shown in the opened condition with an array of products
supported therein.
[0036] FIG. 37 shows the package housing of the package assembly of
FIG. 35 in its preassembled condition.
[0037] FIG. 38 shows the package housing of FIG. 37 with an array
of products supported therein.
[0038] FIG. 39 shows another embodiment of the package housing of
FIG. 35 in its preassembled condition with an array of products
therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] The present invention is directed to a package assembly
which contains a plurality of consumable products in a package
housing. The package housing is openable to allow dispensing of one
or more products therefrom and is reclosable to contain and
maintain the products therein. While the present invention is
useful with a wide of variety of consumable product, it is
particularly useful with respect to elongate gum slabs which are
arranged in a side-by-side array.
[0040] Consumable product packages of this type are disclosed in
commonly assigned U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 10/833,468
filed Jul. 1, 2004 entitled "Confectionery Packaging Design" and
Ser. No. 11/025,739 filed Dec. 22, 2004 entitled "Gum Package
Design with Two Separate Compartments", both of which are
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0041] Moreover, the present invention discloses consumable product
packages of the types shown in commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/124,906, filed on May 9, 2005 entitled "Gum
Slab Package Having Insertable Product Retention Member" and
identified as Attorney Docket No. 1421-18, commonly assigned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/124,921, filed on May 9, 2005
entitled "Gum Slab Package With Flap Retention" and identified as
Attorney Docket No. 1421-19, and also shown in commonly assigned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/124,922, filed on May 9, 2005
entitled "Package For Dispensing And Retaining Gum Slabs With
Adhesive Securement" and identified as Attorney Docket No. 1421-23,
both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all
purposes.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention
provides a packaging assembly 10 which supports therein an array 12
of gum slabs 14. Gum slabs 14 are typically elongate rectangularly
shaped members which may optionally include wrappers (not shown in
FIG. 2) individually around each gum slab. The gum slabs are
arranged in a side-by-side fashion to form array 12. The gum slabs
14 are supported in the array in a package housing 16. The package
housing 16 includes a front wall 18, an opposed back wall 20, a
bottom wall 22, and opposed side walls 24 and 26. As will be
described in further detail hereinbelow, the package housing is
formed from die cut paperboard, which is folded in a well known
manner to form the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
package housing 16 is folded such that it provides an open upper
end 28 which defines a dispensing opening. The back wall 20
includes an upwardly extending foldable cover 30 which may be
folded over the open upper end to close the opening and contain the
slabs 14 within the package housing 16. A slit 32 positioned in the
front wall 18 allows the distal edge 34 of cover 30 to be inserted
therein for reclosing purposes. Additionally, it is contemplated
that the package is provided in the condition shown in FIG. 1 with
the cover 30 adhesively secured to the front wall 18. Once the
adhesive securement is removed to dispense the first gum slab, the
flap may be reclosed by inserting it into the slit 32.
[0043] It is also contemplated that the package housing 16 may be
covered by a plastic wrap (not shown) which encloses and protects
the package and during shipping and prior to sale and use.
[0044] As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, it is
contemplated that the array 12 of slabs 14 will be removable
retentively supported within the package housing 16 so that it
permits easy removal of one or more gum slabs while maintaining the
remainder of the gum slabs in the package housing. Furthermore, it
is contemplated that the technique for releasably supporting the
slabs 14 within the package housing will permit the slabs 14 to
maintain their position within the housing even after removal of
one or more of the adjacent gum slabs so as to prevent the gum
slabs from tilting or falling over in the package or falling out
from the package.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, one embodiment of present
invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar
reference numerals denote similar elements with 100 added to
reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the present
embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows the package assembly 110 and the package
housing 116 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 116
is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from
its flat configuration shown in FIG. 3 into the configuration shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 120, a
foldable front wall 118, foldable side walls 124 and 126 and a
foldable cover 130. The package housing 116 supports an array 112
of gum slabs 114 against the interior surface of back wall 120.
[0047] As shown more particularly in FIGS. 4 and 5 in the present
illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 114 are wrapped gum slabs. Each
gum slab 114 may be individually wrapped with a paper and/or foil
wrapper 115 in conventional fashion. Wrapping in this manner
provides a folded wrapper flap 117 at each end thereof. In the
present embodiment, the wrapper flaps 117 are folded on the same
side of the gum slab and mutually inwardly facing. The array of gum
slabs are arranged such that wrapper flaps face the back wall 120
when the package housing is assembled.
[0048] The array 112 of gum slabs 114 are held in frictional mutual
engagement by a transversely extending band 131. Band 131 may be
formed of a wide variety of materials including paper, foil or
combinations thereof. The band extends transversely about the array
112 of gum slabs 114 and along the longitudinal extent of the
wrapped gum slabs 114 at a location which does not overlap wrapper
flaps 117. The ends of band (not shown) may be sealed to each other
in conventional fashion to completely encircle the array 112. The
band 131 is positioned about the array 112 in such a fashion that
it frictionally retains the wrapped gum slabs therein but allows
for longitudinal movement therealong as shown in FIG. 5. The band
131 defines spaced apart transverse edges 133 and 135. Edge 135,
for example, of band 131 serves as a retaining surface preventing
the inadvertent removal of the individual gum slab 114 from the
array 112.
[0049] As graphically shown in FIG. 5, in an attempt to remove or
more of the gum slabs from the banded array, the wrapper flap will
catch on the transverse edge 335 of band 331. While the wrapper
flap is a folded flap, further upward movement of the individual
wrapped gum slab 114 results in the wrapper flap unfolding so as to
permit complete removal of the individual gum slab 114 from the
banded array. The engagement between the folded wrapper flap 117
and the edge 135 of band 131 is sufficient to maintain the
individual gum slabs within the band preventing inadvertent
dislodgement therefrom even when adjacent gum slabs have been
previously removed. Thus, after removal of one or of the gum slabs
from the banded array, the remaining gum slabs will be retentively
supported within the band 131.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 3, the banded array of gum slabs is
placed in the package housing 116 while the arrangement of the
banded gum slabs is such that the wrapper flaps 117 face against
back wall 120. It may, of course, be appreciated that the banded
array may be placed in the opposite direction with the folded flaps
facing front wall 118.
[0051] It is contemplated that in order to support the banded array
within package housing 116, band 131 may be adhesively secured to
the back wall 120 of package assembly 116. Such adhesive securement
would prevent movement of the band 131 within the housing 116.
Thus, the band and its frictional engagement about the wrapped gum
slabs 114 serves to retain the slabs 114 with the package 116.
Furthermore, the ability of the transverse edge 335 to catch the
wrapper flap 117 prevents inadvertent dislodgement of gum slabs 114
from the package.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, a further embodiment of the
present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment,
similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 200 being
added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the
present embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows the package assembly 210 with the package
housing 216 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 216
is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from
its flat configuration shown in FIG. 6 into the configuration shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 220, a
foldable front wall 218, foldable side walls 224 and 226 and a
foldable cover 230. The package housing 216 supports an array 212
of gum slabs 214 against the interior surface of back wall 220. In
the present invention, the gum slabs 214 are unwrapped gum slabs.
However, the present embodiment contemplates also using wrapped gum
slabs.
[0054] In the present illustrative embodiment, the gum slabs 212
may be supported in a band 331. The band 231 is in the form of a
U-shaped member which supports the array 214 of gum slabs 212 such
that the upper ends thereof are exposed for dispensing. The band
231 may be formed of a wide variety of conventional materials such
as paper, foil or combinations thereof. The U-shaped band defines
opposed side walls, front and back walls, and a bottom wall.
[0055] The package assembly 210 of the present embodiment also
includes, as particularly shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a micro-fluted
corrugated backer board 241. Backer board 241 is an undulating
member defining a micro-fluted structure. The backer board 241 is
positioned against the inside surface of back wall 120 and secured
thereto by an adhesive or the like. The array 214 of products 212
contained within U-shaped band 231 is placed against the
micro-fluted backer board 241 such that when the housing 216 is
assembled, the fluted structure of the backer board 241 exerts a
holding force or pressure against the individual gum slabs 212.
Such a retention force is provided by the undulating structure of
backer board 241. As can be appreciated from the depiction of FIG.
8, an individual gum slab 112 may be removed from the array. Once
removed, the pressure exerted by the corrugated backer board 241
tends to maintain the remaining gum slabs 212 in an upright and
retained position within the package housing 216. This is by virtue
of the friction between the micro-fluted corrugated backer board
241 and the front wall 218 of the assembled package housing 216.
Thus, the gum slabs will remain in place within the package 216
even where an adjacent gum slab has been previously removed.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a still further embodiment
of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present
embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with
300 being added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to
denote the present embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 9 shows the package assembly 310 within the package
housing 316 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 316
is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from
its flat configuration shown in FIG. 9 into the configuration shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 320, a
foldable front wall 318, foldable side walls 324 and 326 and a
foldable cover 330. The package housing 316 supports an array 312
of gum slabs 314 against the interior surface of back wall 320. In
the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 314 are unwrapped
gum slabs. However, wrapped gum slabs may also be employed in the
present invention.
[0058] The gum slabs 314 are maintained in the array by use of a
clip 331 shown in further detail in FIG. 10. Clip 331 is an
elongate generally U-shaped member which may be formed of a wide
variety of materials including resilient plastic material such as
PVC. Clip 331 includes a planar bottom wall 333, a pair of opposed
side walls 335 and 337 which extend upwardly from bottom wall 333
to provide a U-shaped configuration. Upper extents 335a and 337a of
side walls 335 and 337 are outwardly flared. This outward flaring
provides a lead-in so that the lower ends of the gum slabs 314 may
be inserted thereinto. Side walls 335 and 337 of clip 331 may also
include die cut elements 339 which may be inwardly deflected so as
to engage the gum slabs 312 to help secure the gum slabs 312 in the
clip.
[0059] The clip is formed to have a resilient memory so that the
side walls impart a resilient holding force against the gum slabs
inserted therein. Moreover, the clip 331 is supported in the
package housing 316 in such a manner that when the package housing
is assembled by upwardly folding front wall 318, the walls 335 and
337 will be further pushed inwardly as a result of the outwardly
flared upward extents 335a and 337a. This further retentively holds
the gum slabs in place. Thus, upon removing one of the gum slabs
314 from the array 312, the remaining gum slabs will be retentively
supported within the clip and thereby in the package housing
316.
[0060] It is further contemplated that the clip 331 may be
adhesively secured within the package housing 316 by a suitable
adhesive.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, yet another embodiment of the
present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment,
similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 400 being
added to the reference numerals of Figures and 2 to denote the
present embodiment.
[0062] FIG. 11 shows the package assembly 410 with the package
housing 416 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 416
is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from
its flat configuration shown in FIG. 11 into the configuration
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall
420, a foldable front wall 418, foldable side walls 424 and 426 and
a foldable cover 430. The package housing 416 supports an array 412
of gum slabs 414 against the interior back surface of back wall
420. In the present illustrative embodiment, unwrapped gum slabs
are shown. However, the present invention also contemplates use of
wrapped gum slabs. The lower ends of the gum slabs 414 may be
supported in a support member 441 shown more fully in FIGS. 12 and
13.
[0063] Support member 441 is in the form of a U-shaped clip. The
support member 441 may be formed of paperboard or similar
materials. The member 441 includes a bottom wall 443, opposed side
walls 445 and 447 which extend upwardly from bottom wall 443.
Member 441 includes a pair of inwardly directed side wall flaps
445a and 447a extending respectively from side walls 445 and 447.
As particularly shown in FIG. 12, side wall flaps 445a and 447a
bear against gum slabs 414 to retentively hold the gum slabs within
the support member 441. These flaps exert a spring force against
the gum slabs which permits removable retention thereof.
Furthermore, once the package assembly 416 is assembled with front
wall 418 being folded upwardly, the folded package maintains the
side walls 445 and 447 in a vertical condition thus maintaining the
spring bias engagement of the side wall flaps 445a and 447a against
the gum slabs 414. Thus, one or more gum slabs may be removed from
the package housing 416 with the remaining gum slabs remaining in
place.
[0064] It is further contemplated that the U-shaped member 441 may
be adhesively secured within the package housing 416.
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, another embodiment of the
present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment,
similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 500 being
added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the
present embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 14 shows a package assembly 510 with the package
housing 516 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 516
is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from
its flat configuration shown in FIG. 14 into the configuration
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall
520, a foldable front wall 518, foldable side walls 524 and 526 and
a foldable cover 530. The package housing 516 supports an array 512
of gum slabs 514 against the interior surface of back wall 520. In
the present illustrative embodiment, unwrapped gum slabs 514 are
shown. However, the present invention contemplates use of wrapped
gum slabs.
[0067] The gum slabs 514 are further contained within a support
member 551 shown more fully in FIGS. 15 and 16. The support member
551 may be a U-shaped member as shown in FIG. 15 or may be formed
of two spaced apart planar members as shown in FIG. 16. Support
member 551 includes inwardly facing side walls 553 and 555 each of
which define a micro-fluted corrugated surface. The gum slabs 514
are supported between the corrugated surfaces 553 and 555 as shown
in FIGS. 15 and 16. The corrugated surfaces serve to frictionally
hold the gum slabs therebetween. The micro-fluted configuration of
the corrugated surfaces exert a pressure on the gum slabs,
especially when the surfaces are supported within the assembled
package housing 516. The retentive frictional engagement provided
by the corrugated surfaces 553 and 555 is sufficient to removably
retentively support the gum slabs so that once one or more gum
slabs are removed from the array the remaining gum slabs will be
held upright in place by the corrugated surfaces.
[0068] It is further contemplated that the support member 551 may
be adhesively secured in the package 516 upon assembly.
[0069] Turning now to FIG. 17, a further embodiment of the present
invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar
reference numerals denote similar elements with 600 being added to
the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the present
embodiment.
[0070] FIG. 17 shows the package assembly 610 with package housing
616 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 616 is
formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its
flat configuration shown in FIG. 17 into the configuration shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 620, a
foldable front wall 618, foldable side walls 624 and 626 and a
foldable cover 630. The package housing 616 supports an array 612
of gum slabs 614 therein. For clarity purposes, only two slabs 614
of array 612 are shown in FIG. 17. In the present illustrative
embodiment, gum slabs 614 are unwrapped gum slabs. However, the
present invention contemplates use of wrapped gum slabs.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 17, package assembly 610 further includes a
die cut louvered support member 660. The louvered support member
660 is formed of paperboard and is a planar element 661 having a
plurality of spaced apart rectangular die cut openings 662 formed
therethrough. The die cut openings 662 are cut on three sides so
that a remaining longitudinal extent allows cut portion 663 to be
folded out from planar member 661. The cut portion 663 forms
louvered spring elements, which when folded support individually
the gum slabs 614. These cut portions 663 may be arranged in two
rows where each cut portion of one row is offset from the cut
portion of the other row. The gum slabs 614 may be supported
between two longitudinally adjacent cut members of the two
rows.
[0072] The cut portions 663 serve as spring members to retain the
gum slabs in place. Each gum slab can therefore be removed
individually without effect on the retention of the remaining gum
slabs by the louvered support member 660. Thus, when front wall 618
is folded to form package housing 616, the louvered support member
retentively supports the array 612 of gum slabs 614 within the
package 660. The louvered support member 660 including the array
612 of gum slabs 614 may be supported by an end member 670 at one
end thereof.
[0073] It is further contemplated that the support member 660 may
be adhesively secured to the back wall 620 of package housing
616.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, a still further embodiment of
the present invention is shown. With respect to the present
embodiment, similar reference numbers denote similar elements with
700 being added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to
denote the present embodiment.
[0075] FIG. 18 shows the package assembly 710 with the package
housing 716 in its preassembled condition. Package housing 716 is
formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its
flat configuration shown in FIG. 18 into the configuration shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. Package housing 716 supports an array 712 of gum
slabs 714 against the interior surface of back wall 720. The
package housing includes a back wall 720, a foldable front wall
718, foldable side walls 724 and 726 and a foldable cover 730. In
the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 714 are unwrapped
gum slabs. However, the present invention contemplates use of
wrapped gum slabs.
[0076] Gums slabs 714 are further contained within a die cut
paperboard carrier 770. The paperboard carrier 770, shown in its
flat configuration in FIG. 19, includes a foldable bottom flap 771
which is folded along score lines 772. Carrier 770 has a back wall
773 against which the gum slabs are placed. The back wall 773 of
die cut member 770 also includes a plurality of slots 779
therealong.
[0077] The carrier further includes a foldable top flap 774 which
is folded along score lines 775. The foldable top flap 774 is
divided into a plurality of individual tabs 776 having rounded ends
777. The individual tabs 776 are separated by perforations 778
therebetween.
[0078] FIG. 20 shows carrier 770 supporting the array 712 of gum
slabs 714. The front flap 771 engages one surface of the array
while the back wall 773 engages the opposite surface. The top flap
774 is folded about the top of the gum slabs 714 so that the
rounded ends 777 of tabs 776 overlie the front of the gum slabs
714.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the gum slabs 714 contained
with in the carrier 770 are positioned within the package housing
716. It is contemplated that the carrier may be adhesively
supported to the back wall 720 of package housing 716. The
arrangement of the die cut carrier 770 in the package housing 716
retentively supports the individual gum slabs 714 therein. In order
to remove one gum slab 714, the associated tab 776 is lifted so
that it separates from the adjacent tabs by virtue of the
perforations 778 therebetween. With the tab 776 lifted, the
individual gum slabs 714 may be removed. Thereafter, the tab 776 is
folded back down and the rounded distal end 777 may be inserted to
the associated slot 779 by locating the tab in slot after removal
of the associated gum slab. The positioning of the tab 776 in the
slot 779 results in the adjacent gum slabs being held in place
preventing tilting thereof.
[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, the present invention
provides another embodiment packaging assembly 10' which includes
an array 12' of gum slabs 14'. Gum slabs 14' are typically elongate
rectangularly shaped members which may optionally include wrappers
(not shown in FIG. 22) individually around each gum slab. The gum
slabs are arranged in a side-by-side fashion to form array 12'. The
gum slabs 14' are supported in the array in a package housing 16'.
The package housing 16' includes a front wall 18', an opposed back
wall 20', a bottom wall 22', and opposed side walls 24' and 26'. As
will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the package
housing is formed from die cut paperboard, which is folded in a
well known manner to form the configuration shown in FIGS. 21 and
22. The package housing 16' is folded such that it provides an open
upper end 28' which defines a dispensing opening. The back wall 20'
includes an upwardly extending foldable cover 30' which may be
folded over the open upper end to close the opening and contain the
slabs 14' within the package housing 16'. A slit 32' positioned in
the front wall 18' allows the distal edge 34' of cover 30' to be
inserted therein for reclosing purposes. Additionally, it is
contemplated that the package is provided in the condition shown in
FIG. 21 with the cover 30' adhesively secured to the front wall
18'. Once the adhesive securement is removed to dispense the first
gum slab, the cover 30' may be reclosed by inserting it into the
slit 32'.
[0081] It is also contemplated that the package housing 16' may be
covered by a plastic wrap (not shown) which encloses and protects
the package and during shipping and prior to sale and use.
[0082] As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, it is
contemplated that the array 12' of slabs 14' will be removable
retentively supported within the package housing 16' so that it
permits easy removal of one or more gum slabs while maintaining the
remainder of the gum slabs in the package housing. Furthermore, it
is contemplated that the technique for releasably supporting the
slabs 14' within the package housing will permit the slabs 14' to
maintain their position within the housing even after removal of
one or more of the adjacent gum slabs so as to prevent the gum
slabs from tilting or falling over in the package or falling out
from the package.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 23-26, one embodiment of the present
invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar
reference numerals denote similar elements with 100' added to the
reference numerals of FIGS. 21 and 22 to denote the present
embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 23 shows the package assembly 110' with the package
housing 116' in its preassembled condition. The package housing
116' is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded
from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 23, into the
configuration shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The package housing
includes a back wall 120', a foldable front wall 118', foldable
side walls 124' and 126' and a foldable cover 130'. The package
housing 116' supports an array 112' of gum slabs 114' against the
interior surface of back wall 120'.
[0085] In the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 114' are
unwrapped gum slabs including a scored transverse groove 125'
extending in aligned fashion therealong. As will be described in
further detail hereinbelow, the groove 125' is optionally provided
in the present embodiment.
[0086] The front wall 118' of package housing 116' includes a
foldable flap 119' extending distally therefrom. When the package
housing 116' is folded into its package configuration, the foldable
flap 119' is folded inwardly toward the gum slabs 114' along fold
line 121'.
[0087] Referring now FIGS. 24-26, where the cover 130' is not shown
for clarity, the foldable flap 119' is folded inwardly towards back
wall 120' upon folding, forming thereby the front wall 118'. A
distal edge 123' of foldable flap 119' engages the slabs 114' of
array 112'. The transverse length of foldable flap 119' is such
that it spans and extends across each of the gum slabs 114' of
array 112'. The foldable flap 119' exerts, in its closed position
as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, a spring bias or pressure against the
slabs 114'. Such a spring bias is sufficient, when the package
housing is assembled, to frictionally retain the slabs 114' in
package housing 116'.
[0088] Such bias provided by the foldable flap 119' is sufficient
to maintain the gum slabs in the package in a releasable fashion.
Thus, one or more of the gum slabs may be removed from the package
housing 116' against the bias provided by the foldable flap 119'.
However, after removal of one or more of the gum slabs, the
remaining gum slabs will be retentively supported within the
package housing 116' and will be maintained in the upright position
notwithstanding the fact that an adjacent gum slab has been
removed.
[0089] As mentioned hereinabove, the array 112' of gum slabs 114'
may include a scored transverse groove 125' extending in aligned
fashion thereacross. It is contemplated that the distal edge 123'
of foldable flap 119' may be engaged within the scored groove 125'
so as provide additional retention of the gum slabs 114' within the
package housing 116'. Thus, in order to remove the gum slabs
individually from the package housing, the positioning of the
distal edge 123' of flap 119' within groove 125' must be
overcome.
[0090] The scored groove 125' also helps to positionally confine
the slabs 114' and maintain the slabs 114' in an upright condition,
even after removal of an adjacent slab.
[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 27-30, a further embodiment of the
present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment,
similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 200' being
added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 21 and 22 to denote the
present embodiment.
[0092] FIG. 27 shows the package assembly 210' with the package
housing 216' in its preassembled condition. The package housing
216' is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded
from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 27, into the
configuration shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The package housing
includes a back wall 220', a foldable front wall 218, foldable side
walls 224' and 226' and a foldable cover 230'. The package housing
216' supports an array 212' of gum slabs 214' against the interior
surface of back wall 220'.
[0093] In the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 214' are
wrapped gum slabs. Each gum slab 214' may be individually wrapped
with a paper and/or foil wrapper 215' in conventional fashion.
Wrapping in this manner provides a folded wrapper flap 217' at each
end thereof. In the present embodiment, the wrapper flaps 217' are
folded on the same side of the gum slab and are mutually inwardly
facing. The array 214' of gum slabs are arranged such that the
wrapper flaps face the front wall 218' when the package housing is
assembled.
[0094] The front wall 218' of package housing 216' includes a
foldable wall flap 219' extending distally therefrom. When the
package housing 216' is folded into its package configuration, the
foldable flap 219' is folded inwardly towards the gum slabs 214'
along fold line 221'.
[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 28-30 where the cover 230' is not
shown for clarity, the foldable flap 219' is folded inwardly with
respect to the back wall 220' upon folding, forming thereby the
front wall 218'. A distal edge 223' of foldable flap 219' engages
the slabs 214' of array 212'. The transverse length of foldable
flap 219' is such that it spans and extends across each of the
wrapped gum slabs 214' of array 212'. The foldable flap 219'
exerts, in its closed position as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, a
spring bias of pressure against the wrapped slabs 214'. Such a
spring bias is sufficient, when the package housing is assembled,
to frictionally retain the slabs 214' in package housing 216'. Such
bias provided by the foldable flap 219' is sufficient to maintain
the gum slabs in the package in releasable fashion. In that regard,
the bias provided by the foldable flap 219' is such that although
the slabs 214' are shown in position within package housing 216'
where the wrapper flaps 217' face towards the front wall 218', the
wrapped gum slabs 214' may be arranged in an oppositely facing
fashion with the folded wrapper flaps 217' facing against the back
wall 220'.
[0096] As may be appreciated, once the package housing 216' is
assembled, the distal edge 223' of foldable flap 219' bears against
the wrapped gum slabs 214' just above the location of the folded
wrapper flaps 217'. In addition to the frictional spring bias
retention of the wrapped gum slabs 214' provided by the foldable
flap 219', in an attempt to remove one of the wrapped gum slabs
214' from the array, the folded wrapper flap 217' will catch on the
distal edge 223' of foldable wall flap 219'. This will also serve
to retentively hold the gum slabs within the package 216'. Since
the wrapper flap 217' is folded, upon manual removal of an
individual gum slab 214' therefrom the wrapper 217' will unfold
allowing complete removal from package 216'. However, the
engagement between the folded wrapper flap 217' and the distal edge
223' of foldable flap 219' is sufficient to maintain the individual
gum slabs within the package preventing inadvertent dislodgement
therefrom even where adjacent gum slabs have been previously
removed. Thus, after removal of one or more gum slabs from the
package housing 216', the remaining gum slabs will be retentively
supported within the package housing 216' by the bias provided by
the foldable flap 219' and also will be retentively held therein by
engagement between the distal edge 223' and the wrapper flap
217'.
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 31-34, a still further embodiment of
present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment,
similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 300' added
to the reference numerals of FIGS. 21 and 22 to denote the present
embodiment.
[0098] FIG. 31 shows the package assembly 310' with the package
housing 316' in its preassembled condition. The package housing
316' is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded
from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 31 into the configuration
shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. The package housing includes a back wall
320', a foldable front wall 318', foldable side walls 324' and 326'
and a foldable cover 330'. The package housing 316' supports an
array 312' of gum slabs 314' against the interior surface of back
wall 320'. In the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 314'
may be wrapped or unwrapped gum slabs.
[0099] The gum slabs are further contained within a band 331'. Band
331' may be formed of a wide variety of materials including paper,
foil or combinations thereof.
[0100] In the present illustrative embodiment, the band is formed
into a pouch or U-shaped configuration having opposed front and
back walls, side walls, and a bottom wall. The array 312' of gum
slabs 314' is positioned within the band with the aligned lower
ends thereof contained within the U-shaped band. While a U-shaped
band is shown herein, other configurations of the band may be
employed. Band 331' defines an upper distal edge 333' beyond which
the gum slabs 314' extend.
[0101] The front wall 318' of package housing 316' includes a
foldable flap 319' extending distally therefrom. When the package
housing 316' is folded into its package configuration, the foldable
flap 319' is folded inwardly towards the gum slabs along fold line
321'.
[0102] Referring now to FIGS. 32-34 where the cover 330' is shown
removed for clarity, the foldable flap 319' is folded inwardly
towards the back wall 320' upon folding, forming thereby the front
wall 318' for retaining the array of products within the package.
The transverse length of the foldable flap 319' may be such that a
distal edge 323' extends across 314' of the array 312'. Thus, as
described above, the foldable flap 319' may exert in its closed
position, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, a spring bias of pressure
against the slabs 314'. Such a spring bias is sufficient when the
package housing is assembled to frictionally retain the slabs 314'
in the package housing 316'.
[0103] Moreover, the distal edge 323' of the inwardly foldable flap
319' may overlap with the transverse edge 333' of band 331' thereby
residing between the slabs 312' and the band 331'. Such overlapping
prevents the band from being removed from the package. In this
manner, the gum slabs retained within the band 331' are thereby
retained within the package housing 316'. It is contemplated that,
optionally, a releasable adhesive may be employed to removably
secure the individual gum slabs within the band 331'. Wax or other
known adhesives may be employed. Thus, one or more gum slabs may be
removed from the package housing 316' against the bias provided by
the foldable flap 319'. After such removal of one or more of the
gum slabs, the remaining gum slabs will be retentively supported
within the package housing and will be maintained in an upright
position. Moreover, the band 331' itself is maintained within the
package housing 316' by the engagement between the transverse edge
333' of band 331' and the edge 323' of inwardly folded flap 319'
thus further retaining the products within the package housing
316'.
[0104] Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, a further embodiment of
the present invention provides a packaging assembly 10'' which
supports therein an array 12'' of gum slabs 14''. Gum slabs 14''
are typically elongate rectangularly shaped members which may
optionally include wrappers (not shown in FIG. 36) individually
around each gum slab. The gum slabs are arranged in a side-by-side
fashion to form array 12''. The gum slabs 14'' are supported in the
array in a package housing 16''. The package housing 16'' includes
a front wall 18'', an opposed back wall 20'', a bottom wall 22'',
and opposed side walls 24'' and 26''. As will be described in
further detail hereinbelow, the package housing is formed from die
cut paperboard, which is folded in a well known manner to form the
configuration shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. The package housing 16'' is
folded such that it provides an open upper end 28'' which defines a
dispensing opening. The back wall 20'' includes an upwardly
extending foldable cover 30'' which may be folded over the open
upper end to close the opening and contain the slabs 14'' within
the package housing 16''. A slit 32'' positioned in the front wall
18'' allows the distal edge 34'' of cover 30'' to be inserted
therein for reclosing purposes. Additionally, it is contemplated
that the package is provided in the condition shown in FIG. 35 with
the cover 30'' adhesively secured to the front wall 18''. Once the
adhesive securement is removed to dispense the first gum slab, the
flap may be reclosed by inserting it into the slit 32''.
[0105] It is also contemplated that the package housing 16'' may be
covered by a plastic wrap (not shown) which encloses and protects
the package and during shipping and prior to sale and use.
[0106] As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, it is
contemplated that the array 12'' of slabs 14'' will be removably
retentively supported within the package housing 16'' so that it
permits easy removal of one or more gum slabs while maintaining the
remainder of the gum slabs in the package housing. Furthermore, it
is contemplated that the technique for releasably supporting the
slabs 14'' within the package housing will permit the slabs 14'' to
maintain their position within the housing even after removal of
one or more of the adjacent gum slabs so as to prevent the gum
slabs from tilting or falling over in the package or falling out
from the package.
[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 37 and 38, a preferred embodiment of
the present invention is shown. With respect to the present
embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with
100'' added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 35 and 36 to denote
the present embodiment.
[0108] FIG. 37 shows package housing 116'' of the package assembly
110'' in its preassembled condition. Package housing 116'' is
formed from a die cut paperboard and is provided in a flat
configuration which may be folded from the flat configuration shown
in FIG. 37 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. The
package housing 116'' is shown to have the back wall 120'', a
foldable front wall 118'', foldable side walls 124'' and 126'' and
a foldable cover 130''.
[0109] As particularly shown in FIG. 38, package assembly 110''
includes an array 112'' of gum slabs 114'' which are supported
within package housing 116''. The gum slabs 114'' are further
contained within a band 131''. Band 131'' may be formed of a wide
variety of materials including paper, foil or combinations
thereof.
[0110] In the present illustrative, the band 131'' is formed into a
pouch or U-shaped configuration having opposed front and back
walls, side walls and a bottom wall. The array 112'' of gum slabs
114'' is positioned within the band with the aligned lower ends
thereof contained within the U-shaped band. While a U-shaped band
is shown herein, other configurations may be employed.
[0111] Referring again to FIG. 37, back wall 120'' has positioned
thereacross an adhesive location in the form of a longitudinal
adhesive wall strip 125''. The wall strip 125'' extends across the
back wall 120'' so as to be engagable with the array 112'' of gum
slabs 114'' so as to provide adhesive securement thereto. The wall
strip 125'' is preferably positioned adjacent the upper portion of
back wall 120'' so as to engage the slabs 114'' along an upper end
thereof. It is contemplated that the adhesive provided for the
adhesive location is a releasable adhesive which will retentively
support the slabs 114'' thereon, but which can be easily overcome
so as to permit removal of the gum slabs therefrom. Wax is a well
known releasable adhesive.
[0112] Furthermore, a front foldable cover 118'' may also include
an adhesive location defined by an adhesive flap strip 127''. The
flap strip is positioned so that when the front wall 118'' folded
in a manner shown in FIG. 36, the flap strip 127'' is engagable
with the gum slabs 114'' in the U-shaped band 131''. Again, the
flap strip 127'' extends transversely across the cover so as to be
engagable mutually across the array 112'' of gum slabs 114''. It is
contemplated that the positioning and width of the flap strip 127''
may be selected so that the strip can engage the individual gum
slabs 114'' extending from the band 131'' alone without engaging
the band 131'', or can be positioned so that it engages the band
131'' alone without engaging the gum slabs or, in the further
alternative, can be of sufficient width that it mutually engages
both the band 131'' and the gum slabs 114'' simultaneously.
[0113] In addition, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 37, the
adhesive wall strip 125a'' may be positioned and be of sufficient
width to engage both the gum slabs 114'' and the band 131''
simultaneously.
[0114] The use of the adhesive strips 125'' and 127'' independently
result in holding of the array 112'' of gum slabs 114'' within
package housing 116'' and permit individual removal therefrom.
[0115] While the adhesive is a releasable adhesive permitting easy
removal of the gum slabs therefrom, the adhesive retention is such
that even where adjacent gum slabs are removed, the remaining gum
slabs will not tilt or tend to fall out of the package.
[0116] Referring now to FIG. 39, a further embodiment of the
present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment,
similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 200'' added
to the reference numerals of FIGS. 35 and 36 to denote the present
embodiment.
[0117] FIG. 39 shows the package assembly 210'' of package housing
216'' in its preassembled condition. Package housing 216'' is
formed from a die cut paperboard which may be folded from its flat
configuration shown in FIG. 39 into the configuration shown in
FIGS. 35 and 36. The package housing 216'' is shown to have the
back wall 220'', a foldable front wall 218'', foldable side walls
224'' and 226'' and a foldable cover 230''.
[0118] The package housing 216'' supports an array 212'' of gum
slabs 214'' against the interior surface of the back wall 220''. In
the present illustrative embodiment, the gum slabs may, be either
unwrapped or individually wrapped with wrappers. The gum slabs
214'' are supported against the interior surface of back wall 220''
without the benefit of any adhesive securement thereto. The front
wall 218'' includes an adhesive location in the form of a
longitudinal adhesive strip 227'' therealong. When the preassembled
housing is assembled into the configuration of FIG. 36 and the
front wall 218'' is folded, the adhesive strip 227'' will make
adhesive contact with the gum slabs transversely thereacross.
[0119] As the adhesive forming the adhesive location is releasable
adhesive, it will allow for removable retentive engagement of the
individual gum slabs from the package housing 216''. Such
releasable retention allows the gum slabs to be individually
removed from the package while retaining gum slabs in place even
after removal of an adjacent gum slab.
[0120] The embodiment of FIG. 39 employs a single adhesive location
on the front wall 218'' and achieves adhesive retention without the
need of a band (FIG. 37) supporting the array 212'' of gum slabs
214''.
[0121] Having described the preferred embodiments herein, it should
now be appreciated that variations may be made thereto without
departing from the contemplated scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the preferred embodiments described herein are deemed
illustrative rather than limiting, the true scope of the invention
being set forth in the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *