U.S. patent application number 12/823169 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for clip scoop.
Invention is credited to Bin Chen, Guangyan Ding, Raphael (Louis) Mangin, Katy Saint-Ignan, Yi Wei, Wei Zhang.
Application Number | 20100326848 12/823169 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42735747 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100326848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mangin; Raphael (Louis) ; et
al. |
December 30, 2010 |
Clip Scoop
Abstract
A scoop has a bowl and a handle. The bowl has a bowl edge and a
bowl width. The handle has a proximal handle edge connecting to the
bowl edge. The handle has a distal handle edge opposite the
proximal handle edge. The handle has a handle width. The handle has
a clip with a clip base which connects the clip base to the distal
handle edge. The clip protrudes from the distal handle edge toward
the proximal handle edge. The clip has a free edge opposite the
clip base. The handle width is from about 50% to about 100% of the
bowl width.
Inventors: |
Mangin; Raphael (Louis);
(Wemmel, BE) ; Zhang; Wei; (Beijing, CN) ;
Ding; Guangyan; (Vancouver, CA) ; Saint-Ignan;
Katy; (Ixelles, BE) ; Chen; Bin; (Beijing,
CN) ; Wei; Yi; (Beijing, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
42735747 |
Appl. No.: |
12/823169 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61221584 |
Jun 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 ;
294/180 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/1658 20130101;
G01F 19/002 20130101; B65D 77/245 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 ;
294/55 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; A47F 13/08 20060101 A47F013/08 |
Claims
1. A scoop comprising: (1) a bowl comprising a bowl edge and a bowl
width; and (2) a handle comprising: (i) a proximal handle edge
connecting to the bowl edge; (ii) a distal handle edge opposite the
proximal handle edge; and (iii) a handle width, wherein the handle
comprises a clip comprising a clip base connected to the distal
handle edge, the clip protruding from the distal handle edge toward
the proximal handle edge, and wherein the clip comprises a free
edge opposite the clip base, wherein the handle width is at least
about 50% of the bowl width.
2. The scoop according to claim 1, wherein the handle width is from
about 50% to about 150% of the bowl width.
3. The scoop according to claim 1, wherein the clip further
comprises an undulation extending from the clip base toward the
free edge.
4. The scoop according to claim 3, wherein the undulation comprises
a sinusoidal shape comprising a convex portion and a concave
portion adjacent to the convex shape.
5. The scoop according to claim 1, the handle comprising a first
side arm and a second side arm substantially parallel to the first
side arm, wherein the first side arm and the second side arm each
extend from the proximal handle edge to the distal handle edge.
6. The scoop according to claim 1, wherein the scoop further
comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein the clip is
obliquely ascended from the concave to the free edge in the top
side direction.
7. The scoop according to claim 1, further comprising at least one
gripper.
8. The scoop according to claim 7, wherein the gripper is selected
from the group consisting of a rib, a dot, a line and a mixture
thereof.
9. The scoop according to claim 7, wherein the gripper is located
on the clip.
10. The scoop according to claim 7, wherein the gripper is located
on the handle.
11. The scoop of claim 1, wherein the bowl comprises a top edge
perimeter comprising a shape selected from the group consisting of
a rectangle, a circle, an oval, a polygonal and a combination
thereof.
12. The scoop according to claim 1, wherein the scoop comprises a
plastic.
13. The scoop according to claim 12, wherein the plastic is
selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene, polyethylene terephthrate, polyester, polychlorovinyl,
and a combination thereof.
14. The scoop according to claim 1, the clip comprising a length
from the base to the free edge, wherein the length is from about 2
cm to about 10 cm.
15. The scoop according to claim 1, wherein the bowl has an
overflow volume of from about 5 mL to about 450 mL.
16. A kit comprising (1) a flexible package comprising a product
therein and (2) a scoop according to claim 1.
17. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the flexible package
comprises a product selected from the group consisting of a
granular product, a liquid product and a tablet product.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/221,584, filed Jun. 30, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a clip scoop for dosing
products and fastening to a flexible package.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Scoops have been used in various fields. For example, scoops
have been used in fabric and home care products such as detergents
and fabric enhancers for dosing the correct amount. Detergents are
normally packed in a package such as cartons, hard plastic
containers, and flexible packages. Flexible packages are useful in
maintaining not only the freshness of the product stored, but also
an aid in preventing moisture or air from entering the enclosed
product. In addition, a flexible package normally uses less
material and costs less than a comparable carton or hard plastic
container.
[0004] For consumers to correctly dose a granular or particulate
product, a scoop may be included with the product in the market.
Such a scoop is generally included with the product in a package
such as a carton and a hard plastic container but the container is
not typically a flexible package because such flexible containers
are typically larger bags in which the scoop may be easily lost or
buried therein. Accordingly, it is sometimes easy for a consumer to
misplace or lose a scoop between uses. It may be especially
difficult to find a scoop in a package when the consumer is again
ready to use it, because the scoop can be buried in the product in
between uses. Also, when a consumer retrieves the scoop buried in
the product, the product may adhere to the hand. The consumer may
dislike this because it feels messy.
[0005] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a scoop which is easily fastened to the outside of a
flexible package and/or which reduces messiness on the scoop. In
addition, the use of a clip may provide a closure mechanism to keep
the products in the flexible package fresh without having to change
the flexible package itself or the flexible package material.
Further, it is another objective of the present invention to
provide a scoop whose handle securely connects to the bowl to
resist bending when a large amount of solid is scooped.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention relates to a scoop having a bowl and a handle.
The bowl has a bowl edge and a bowl width. The handle has a
proximal handle edge connecting to the bowl edge. The handle has a
distal handle edge opposite the proximal handle edge. The handle
has a handle width. The handle has a clip with a clip base which
connects the clip base to the distal handle edge. The clip
protrudes from the distal handle edge toward the proximal handle
edge. The clip has a free edge opposite the clip base. The handle
width is at least about 50% of the bowl width.
[0007] The invention also relates to a kit having a flexible
package containing a product therein, and a scoop as described
above.
[0008] The inventors have surprisingly found that the clip can help
the scoop be fastened to, for example, a flexible package. Without
intending to be bound by a theory, the scoop of the present
invention can be fastened to the external surface of the flexible
package and the consumers may not need to return the scoop into the
bag after use. Accordingly, the consumer can easily retrieve the
scoop whenever it is needed with little chance of messiness. In
addition, the orientation of the clip with respect to the scoop may
reduce the amount that the scoop protrudes from the package. This
is especially useful in cases where the package is stored in a
high-traffic area to reduce the chance that the scoop is knocked
off of the package, and/or in a crammed area where there is little
overhead space. Further, the large handle width of the scoop may
help the scoop to securely connect to the bowl and resist bending
when a large amount of solid is scooped.
[0009] These and other objects, advantages and features of the
invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by
reference to the written specification and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention is more readily understood by the
attached non-limiting drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scoop of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the scoop of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the scoop of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the clip as seen along
Line 4-4 in FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible package whose
opening is folded and fastened by the scoop of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the flexible package with
the scoop of FIG. 5 seen from the opposite side;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible package
with the clip as seen along Line 7-7 in FIG. 6;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an embodiment of grippers protruding from the
bottom surface of the clip
[0019] FIG. 9 is an embodiment of grippers protruding from the
bottom surface of the clip;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an embodiment of grippers protruding from the
upper surface of the handle; and
[0021] FIG. 11 is a top view of the scoop of FIG. 1.
[0022] The drawings herein are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The invention relates to a scoop having a bowl and a handle.
The bowl has a bowl edge and a bowl width. The handle has a
proximal handle edge connecting to the bowl edge, a distal handle
edge opposite the proximal handle edge, and a handle width. The
handle has a clip with a clip base which connects the clip base to
the distal handle edge. The clip protrudes from the distal handle
edge toward the proximal handle edge. The clip has a free edge
opposite the clip base. The handle width is at least about 50% of
the bowl width.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a scoop of the
present invention. The scoop, 20, has a bowl, 21, with a bowl edge,
22. The bowl, 21, has a bowl bottom, 24. The bowl, 21, has a bowl
front wall, 25, connected to the bowl bottom, 24. The bowl, 21, has
a first bowl sidewall, 26, connected to the bowl bottom, 24, and
the bowl front wall, 25. The bowl, 21, has a second bowl sidewall,
27, opposed to the first bowl sidewall, 26, and connected to the
bowl bottom, 24, and the bowl front wall, 25. The bowl, 21, has a
bowl back wall, 28, opposed to the bowl front wall, 25, and
connected to the bowl bottom, 24, the first bowl sidewall, 26, and
the second bowl sidewall, 27. The bowl front wall, 25, the first
bowl sidewall, 26, the second bowl sidewall, 27, and the bowl back
wall, 28, start at the bowl bottom, 24, and terminate at a bowl top
edge, 29. The scoop, 20, extends in a top side, T, and in a bottom
side, B. The bowl top edge, 29, faces the top side, T.
[0025] The handle, 30, has a proximal handle edge, 31. The handle,
30, has a distal handle edge, 32, opposite the proximal handle
edge, 31. The handle, 30, has a first side arm, 33, and a second
side arm, 34, typically but not always substantially parallel to
the first side arm, 33, both of which extend perpendicular to the
bowl, 21 in FIG. 1. The first side arm, 33, and the second side
arm, 34, start at the proximal handle edge, 31, and join together
and terminate at the distal handle edge, 32. The handle, 30, has a
void, 35. The void, 35, is surrounded by the proximal handle edge,
31, the distal handle edge, 32, the first side arm, 33, and the
second side arm, 34.
[0026] The handle, 30, has a clip, 40 therein. The clip, 40,
protrudes from the distal handle edge, 32, toward the proximal
handle edge, 31. The clip, 40, has a clip base, 41, connecting to
the handle, 30, and a free edge, 42. The clip, 40, typically has an
undulation, 43, extending from the clip base, 41, toward the free
edge, 42. The clip, 40, together with the handle side arms, 33 and
34, may serve as a fastening device when the scoop, 20, is fastened
to a flexible package. Without intending to be bound by theory, it
is believed that as the clip is integrated with the handle, the
scoop does not need an extra material or device in order to fasten
to the flexible package. As the clip protrudes from the distal
handle edge toward the proximal handle edge and the bowl, when the
scoop is fastened to the flexible package, the clip, the handle
side arms and the bowl top edge may contact the external surface of
the flexible package. It leads to increased stability of contact
(see FIG. 6). As used herein, the phrase "protrudes from the distal
handle edge toward the proximal handle edge" indicates that the
clip, 40, extends from the distal handle edge, 32, generally
towards the bowl, 21 (see also, FIG. 11.).
[0027] In FIG. 1, the clip, 40, has an undulation, 43, extending
from the clip base, 41, toward the free edge, 42. The undulation,
43, has a convex, 52, adjacent to the clip base, 41. The clip, 40,
has a concave, 56, between the convex, 52, and the free edge, 42.
Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the
undulation provides both a fastening force on the flexible material
as well as a small space where the rolled up flexible material may
be held by the clip. This undulation also reduces the chance that
the clip will inadvertently fall or fly off of the flexible package
during storage. It has been found that this type of undulation
holds the scoop onto a flexible package significantly better than a
straight clip, as the clip's force is not translated into as much
lateral movement/force during storage, and/or when the flexible
material is bunched up underneath the clip.
[0028] The clip, 40, has a top surface, 46, and a bottom surface,
47, on the opposite side of the top surface, 46. The top surface,
46, is on the top side, T, of the scoop, 20 while the bottom
surface, 47, is on the bottom side, B, of the scoop, 20. The
convex, 52, is obliquely ascended in a top side direction from the
clip base, 41. The concave, 56, is obliquely descended in a bottom
side direction from the convex, 52. The free edge, 42, is again
obliquely ascended in a top side direction from the concave, 56. On
the bottom side, B, of the convex, 52, there is a reservoir space,
58.
[0029] The shape of the undulation, 43, on the top surface, 46, is
also quite ergonomic in that it encourages a consumer to
comfortably put his/her thumb on it and to hold the clip with the
palm of the hand when the consumer dispenses the product using the
scoop. This in turn provides a leverage point which makes scooping
easier and reduces finger and wrist strain as compared to when a
clip is held only by the fingertips. The shape of the bottom
surface, 47, of the concave, 56, can serve as a fastening part to a
flexible package when the scoop fastens the flexible package.
[0030] In FIG. 1, the bowl, 21, has optional measurement markings
70, in the first bowl sidewall, 26, the second bowl sidewall, 27,
and/or the bowl front wall, 25. The measurement markings, 70, can
be used to enable the consumer to define the amount of the product
to be used for different situations; e.g., for large laundry loads,
for very dirty loads, etc.
[0031] The bowl, 21, may have one or more stacking tab, 72, therein
to allow easy stacking and unstacking of the scoops during
manufacturing and/or storage. The stacking tab, 72, may be located
inside the bowl, 21. The bowl may have up to about 8 stacking tabs,
from about 1 to about 6 tabs, or from about 2 to about 4 stacking
tabs. The stacking tab may be a small piece integrated with the
bowl. The stacking tab should be small enough not interfere with
the dispensing effort and may be located protruding from the bowl
bottom. The stacking tab may have a height from about 3 mm to about
20 mm, from about 4 mm to about 15 mm, or from about 5 mm to about
10 mm. Without intending to be bound by theory, the stacking tab
may prevent sticking to the next one when a plurality of scoops is
stacked together. It is especially important in the manufacturing
process of the scoops because the manufactured scoops can be
stacked in the manufacturing line. A plurality of scoops may be
stacked one after another when they are put into a package in the
flexible package's filling process. The bottom of an upper scoop
may be placed over the bottom of a lower scoop. The stacking tab
located inside the bowl may prevent sticking of two scoops because
the stacking tab may provide a barrier so that the bottoms may not
be contacted to each other.
[0032] The overflow volume of the bowl, 21, is typically from about
5 mL to about 450 mL, from about 20 mL to about 320 mL, or from
about 30 mL to about 150 mL. The overflow volume of the bowl, 21,
can be measured by the maximum volume of water which can be stably
held in the scoop. The perimeter of the bowl top edge, 29, of the
scoop, 20, depicted in FIG. 1, is approximately rectangular with
rounded edge. The perimeter of the bowl top edge, 29, viewed from
the top side, T, may be approximately circular, approximately oval,
approximately polygonal (e.g., triangle, quadrangle, pentagon,
hexagon, etc.), etc. with sharp, or rounded corners as desired.
These shapes can be chosen for their aesthetics, or for certain
functionality. For example, the scoop is included with granular
detergent products in a flexible package. A plurality of flexible
packages can be stacked. Then the scoop included in the bottom
flexible package may receive a heavy weight. Then the scoop inside
the flexible package may tear the flexible package from inside. In
such a case, a rounded corner shape may be gentle to the flexible
package as the corner has less sharp edges. In other cases, a sharp
cornered scoop may be preferable in order to match a certain
package shape, and/or for greater structural rigidity.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the scoop of FIG. 1. The
clip has a gripper, 60, at or around the concave, 56, of the clip,
40. The clip, 40, has three grippers, 60, all of which are wavy
lines. The gripper has a height from the bottom surface, and it may
be from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, from about 0.2 mm to about 3
mm, or from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm. The grippers, 60, are
protruded from the bottom surface, 47, of the clip, 40, and have a
height of about 0.5 mm. The clip has at least one gripper on the
bottom surface. The gripper may be a rib, a line, and/or a dot, but
it is not limited to them if the gripper protrudes out of the clip.
The clip may have from about 1 to about 20, from about 2 to 15 or
from about 3 to about 10 grippers. The gripper increases the
friction against the flexible package when the scoop is fastened
thereto. This reduces accidental slipping of the clip and
accidental opening of the package.
[0034] In FIG. 2, the bowl, 21, has a bowl width, W.sub.B. The bowl
width, W.sub.B, is the largest distance between the first bowl
sidewall, 26, and the second bowl sidewall, 27. The handle, 30, has
a handle width, W.sub.H. The handle width, W.sub.H, is the largest
distance from the outer edge of the first sidearm, 33, to the
opposite outer edge of the second sidearm, 34. The bowl width,
W.sub.B, may be larger than the handle width, W.sub.H. The handle
width, W.sub.H, is at least about 50%, from about 50% to about
150%, from about 60% to about 125%, or from about 70% to about 110%
of the bowl width, W.sub.B. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the handle
width, W.sub.H, is approximately 87% of the bowl width, W.sub.B As
the handle width W.sub.H, is large and almost equivalent to the
bowl width, W.sub.B, the scoop of the present invention may be more
stable to hold, may be more resistant to bending under heavy loads,
and may be easier to twist during use--as when using the scoop to
dig or loosen up caked powder detergent from a bag. Further, the
large handle width may serve to improve handling for consumers to
grab and use the scoop easily, especially for older people whose
hands may be arthritic. Such an ergonomic, wider handle may also
provide greater leverage when using the scoop which makes the
entire use of the scoop more pleasant.
[0035] The handle may also have a minimum handle width, W.sub.MIN,
which is the smallest width of the handle. W.sub.MIN is located in
between the proximal handle edge, 31, and the distal handle edge,
32. The minimum handle width, W.sub.MIN, may be more than about
75%, from about 75% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 95% of
the handle width, W.sub.H. Without intending to be limited by
theory, it is believed that a handle with a narrower minimum handle
width is more ergonomic and comfortable to hold than a handle whose
width is constant along the entire length. However, as the minimum
handle width, W.sub.MIN, gets too small, consumers may start to
have structural issues which may lead to breaking, or unacceptable
bending of the handle. Thus, the minimum handle width, W.sub.MIN,
herein balances ergonomics and structural stability to achieve
optimized results.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the scoop of FIG. 1. The
free edge, 42, is obliquely ascended from the concave, 56, to the
top side, T. The top of the free edge, 42, may be separated from
the plane formed by the top side of the handle, 30, by height, h,
which may be from about 2 mm to about 10 mm, from about 2.5 mm to
about 8 mm, or from about 3 mm to about 7 mm. This significantly
improves the usability of the scoop, as it allows one-handed
clipping of the scoop onto the flexible package by simply sliding
the top side of the handle down along the flexible package until
the clip engages and securely clips the flexible package. See also
the discussion of FIG. 5, below.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the clip, as
seen along Line 4-4 in FIG. 2. The clip, 40, has a clip base, 41,
connecting to the handle, 30, and a free edge, 42. The clip base,
41, connects to the distal handle edge, 32. The clip, 40, has an
undulation, 43, extending from the clip base, 41, toward the free
edge, 42. When viewed from the top side, T, the undulation, 43, has
a sinusoidal shape containing a convex, 52, and a concave, 56,
adjacent to the convex, 52. In FIG. 4, the convex, 52, is located
adjacent to the clip base, 41.
[0038] When a flexible package, see FIG. 5 at 100, is inserted into
the scoop, 20, it is slid between the clip, 40, and the handle, 30.
The free edge, 42, is above the handle, 30, and therefore a
consumer can easily slide a flexible package (see FIG. 5 at 100)
under the clip, 40, with one hand, and have it held in place by the
clip, 40, the handle, 30, and/or the grippers, 60.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a flexible package
whose opening is folded and fastened by the scoop of the present
invention. When a consumer first opens the flexible package, 100,
containing a product inside, a part of the flexible package, 100,
is cut or torn away to form an opening at the perimeter, 102. The
opening is large enough to use the scoop, 20, to remove some
product out of the flexible package, 100. Then the open flexible
package, 100, may need reclosing to avoid spillage of the product
inside and/or to avoid, moisture or air entering the opened
flexible package, 100.
[0040] The scoop, 20, may especially be fastened to a flexible
package, 100, whose perimeter, 102, is rolled or folded over
itself, at least once, twice, three times or four times in order to
reclose the flexible package, 100. In FIG. 5, the perimeter, 102,
is folded over itself three times. In order to use the clip, 40, a
flexible package, 100, is brought close to the free edge, 42, and
the folded perimeter, 102, is thereafter guided into the
undulation, 43, below the bottom surface, 47, by sliding the
flexible package, 100, toward the clip base, 41, past the free edge
(see FIG. 6 at 42), the concave (see FIG. 6 at 56), and then into
the clip's reservoir space (see FIG. 6 at 58), formed on the bottom
side, B, of the scoop, 20, by the convex (see FIG. 6 at 52).
Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that this
clip design reduces slipping of the scoop off of the flexible
package during storage. When the scoop, 20, is slid into the folded
perimeter, 102, it prevents the folded perimeter, 102, from
re-opening. When the scoop, 20, is slid into the folded perimeter,
102, the width of the fold may typically be from about 3 mm to
about 30 mm, from about 4 mm to about 25 mm, or from about 5 mm to
about 20 mm. By fastening the folded perimeter, 102, below the
convex, 52, the scoop, 20, is fastened to the flexible package,
100, and the closed status of the folded perimeter, 102, is
maintained by the scoop, 20. Typically, the scoop herein reduces
protruding of the scoop during this process be keeping the top side
of the scoop against the flexible package.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 5, viewed from the
opposite direction to show the clip, 40. The folded perimeter, 102,
is fastened by the clip, 40, of the scoop, 20. The convex, 52,
provides a reservoir space, 58, to accommodate the folded
perimeter, 102. The undulation may serve for better fixation of the
scoop to the flexible package. The clip base, 41, and the concave,
56, holds shut the folded perimeter, 102. The clip, 40, protrudes
from the distal handle edge, 32, toward the proximal handle edge,
31. When the scoop, 20, is fastened to the flexible package, 100,
the bowl top edge, 29, may contact the flexible package, 100,
leading to an elevated contact surface of the scoop, 20, and the
flexible package, 100. As a result, the clip herein further serves
to stabilize the fastening of the scoop to the flexible
package.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flexible
package with the clip as seen along Line 7-7 in FIG. 6. When the
clip, 40, is fastened to the folded perimeter, 102, of the flexible
package, 100, one or more grippers, 60, if present, likely contact
the flexible package, 100. The gripper, 60, may more securely
fasten the clip, 40, to the flexible package, 100, by increasing
the friction between the scoop, 20, and the flexible package, 100.
This may help reduce and/or avoid slipping of the scoop, 20, from
the flexible package, 100. The scoop, 20, is slid into the folded
perimeter, 102, between the clip, 40, and the handle, 30. As the
scoop, 20, is slid along the folded perimeter, 102, of the flexible
package, 100, the scoop, 20, may contact an edge of the folded
perimeter, 102, at the clip base, 41. As the folded perimeter, 102,
comes to rest within the reservoir space, 58, the folded perimeter,
102, may be locked between the convex, 52, and the handle, 30.
Consequently, the perimeter, 102, of the flexible package, 100, is
firmly held ensuring that the flexible package, 100, will not open
or allow moisture and air to enter.
[0043] As to the free edge, 42, of the clip, 40, the flexibility of
the clip, 40, makes it easy for a user to slide a part of a
flexible package, 100, into the reservoir space, 58, between the
clip, 40, and the handle, 30. In FIG. 7, the clip, 40, has three
grippers, 60, protruding from the bottom surface, 47.
[0044] In an embodiment herein, the clip base, 41, may be
reinforced to prevent or reduce breakage at this point. Since the
clip, 40, flexes the most at the clip base, 41, this is where much
of the stress and strain is focused during use and storage.
Therefore, the clip base may be reinforced, by, for example, making
this portion thicker, of a different material (e.g., more elastic,
more rigid, etc. as desired), making this portion thinner, and/or
adding additional structural elements to address the stresses
focused on this point. In an embodiment herein, the clip base, 41,
is from about 1% to about 100% thicker, or from about 5% to about
50%, or from about 7% to about 25% thicker than the adjoining
portion of the clip, 40. In an embodiment herein, the clip base,
41, is from about 1% to about 100% thicker, or from about 5% to
about 50%, or from about 7% to about 25% thicker than the adjoining
portion of handle, 30.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of grippers protruding from
the bottom surface, 47, of the clip, 40. The grippers, 160, of FIG.
8 are three raised dots arranged in a line. The grippers, 160, are
located at the peak of the concave, 56, in order to maximize
friction with the flexible package, see FIG. 7 at 100. These
grippers, 160, may reinforce the contact of the scoop with the
flexible package and may prevent slippage.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of grippers protruding
from the bottom surface, 47, of the clip, 40. The grippers, 260, of
FIG. 9 are four lines.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of grippers protruding
from the upper surface, 46, of the handle, 30. The grippers, 360,
of FIG. 10 are raised dots and are located on the handle, 30,
across from the peak of the concave, 56 of the clip, 40. When the
scoop is slid into the flexible package, this gripper location may
also increase the friction between the scoop and the flexible
package.
[0048] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the scoop of FIG. 1. The
clip, 40, may be formed so that the clip orientation crosses a
space above the bowl, 21. More specifically, the clip, 40, has an
imaginary clip center line, L.sub.1, connecting the center of the
free edge, 42, and the center of the clip base, 41. The imaginary
center line, L.sub.1, may cross a space above the bowl, 21. This
configuration can help the scoop, 20, better fasten to the flexible
package because a large amount of the bowl top edge, 29, may
contact the flexible package. The clip, 40, extends directly
towards the bowl, 21, and is substantially perpendicular thereto.
The scoop, 20, extends in a horizontal line, L.sub.H, and in a
vertical line, L.sub.V, perpendicular to the horizontal line,
L.sub.H. Specifically, the clip center line, L.sub.1, is
perpendicular to the vertical line, L.sub.V. Without intending to
be limited by theory, it is believed that such a perpendicular
scoop may allow the most gripping, as the bowl top edge and the
handle may exert the most friction on the flexible package so as to
reduce slippage therefrom when the scoop is clipped thereupon. In
another embodiment, the clip, 40, extends towards the bowl, 21, but
is offset at a minor angle of from less than about +/-15.degree.,
less than about +/-10.degree., or less than about +/-7.degree. from
the perpendicular. When the clip is offset, the imaginary center
line, L.sub.1, may also be offset from perpendicular to the bowl
edge. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed
that such a small angle may allow easier one-handed clipping and
may be customized for either left or right-handed use.
[0049] As described above, the grippers may be located on either
the clip or on the handle as desired, so that the grippers can
contact the flexible bag and keep it from slippage.
[0050] The friction between the scoop and the flexible package may
be increased by increasing the coefficient of friction
therebetween, such as by modifying the scoop's surface finish and
or by modifying the surface material of the clip and/or the handle.
In order to increase the friction, at least a part of the flexible
package may be coated by a material having a higher coefficient of
friction than the unmodified flexible package, such as by adding
rubber, a paraffin, a cellophane, etc. and may be added by a
variety of processes known in the plastic-making art. In an
embodiment herein, the gripper is made from rubber which is
co-injection-molded into the scoop itself.
[0051] The surface material and/or the coating material may be
selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl, polypropylene,
polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyesters.
[0052] As described above, the scoop herein may be fastened to a
flexible package, and especially can maintain the rolled or folded
shape of the perimeter of a flexible package. After opening the
flexible package, the scoop can be fastened to the external surface
of the flexible package. Thus, the consumers can take the scoop off
the package and use it easily without putting the hand into the
flexible package for the scoop inside.
[0053] The clip may have a length from the clip base to the free
edge, where the length is from about 2 cm to about 10 cm, from
about 3 cm to about 9 cm, or from about 4 cm to about 8 cm.
[0054] The scoop herein may be injection molded, which molding has
the advantages of providing a finished product which is both
durable and sturdy.
[0055] The present invention further relates to a kit containing
the scoop as described above and a flexible package. A consumer can
use the scoop herein together with a flexible package. After
opening the flexible package, the perimeter needs to be closed,
e.g., by folding or rolling. The folded or rolled perimeter also
needs fastening so that the product inside may not contact the
external moisture or air. For the purpose, the scoop herein can be
used to fasten the perimeter. When the kit herein is subject to
distribution (e.g., retail stores), the scoop may be contained
inside the flexible package. Otherwise, the scoop may be attached
to the external surface of the flexible package.
[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the flexible package may have
a zipper closure device for opening. The zipper closure device can
be opened or closed repeatedly without damaging the flexible
package. When the flexible package is reclosed by the zipper
closure device, the flexible package can be completely closed and
shut out of the external environment. With a zipper closure device,
it may be possible to protect the product contained in the package
from moisture or air without folding or rolling the package.
[0057] The scoop herein may be formed of any suitable kind of
material, typically a plastic material such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthrate, polyester,
polychlorovinyl, and a combination thereof, or polyethylene,
polypropylene and a combination thereof.
[0058] The flexible package may have a thickness from about 0.01 mm
to about 5 mm, from about 0.02 mm to about 4 mm, or from about 0.03
mm to about 3 mm. The material used for the flexible package may
include, but not limited to, a thermoplastic material (e.g.,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester,
polychlorovinyl, etc.), a paper material (e.g., paper, cardboard.
etc.), a rubber material, and the like. The flexible package may
contain a product selected from the group consisting of a solid
product, a liquid product and/or a gel product. The product herein
may be a unitized dose product, such as a tablet, a geltab, a
dissolvable pouch, and/or a combination thereof. In an embodiment
herein the product is a solid product, especially a granular
product. The product may include, e.g., a fabric detergent, a
fabric enhancer, a hard surface detergent, a bleach, a coffee bean,
a coffee powder, a milk powder, a pet food, etc.
[0059] The scoop herein may be transparent, translucent or opaque.
The scoop herein may contain at least one color, and may contain
from two to five colors. Such colors may be indicate different
parts of the scoop, different materials, indicate origin or
branding, be purely for aesthetic reasons, etc.
[0060] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described
herein are for illustrative purpose only and that various
modifications or changes will be suggested to one skilled in the
art without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0061] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0062] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0063] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *