U.S. patent application number 14/022060 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-19 for packaged food product with integrated support features.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Hillshire Brands Company. The applicant listed for this patent is The Hillshire Brands Company. Invention is credited to Jason C. Billig, Martha E. Cassens, Daniel Taek Kim, Stuart M. Leslie.
Application Number | 20140166530 14/022060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50929699 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140166530 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cassens; Martha E. ; et
al. |
June 19, 2014 |
PACKAGED FOOD PRODUCT WITH INTEGRATED SUPPORT FEATURES
Abstract
Packages for food products and food products packaged in such
packages are described. A packaged food product may include a
plurality of food items and a package comprising a container
removeably coupled to a lid. The container may define an interior
configured to receive the plurality of food items. The container
can include a bottom portion and opposing first and second
sidewalls forming a plurality of support portions configured to
support the plurality of food items independent from one another.
The support portions each include a support surface extending
upward along at least a portion of the first and second sidewalls
and across the bottom portion.
Inventors: |
Cassens; Martha E.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Leslie; Stuart M.; (Larchmont,
NY) ; Billig; Jason C.; (Mount Vernon, NY) ;
Kim; Daniel Taek; (Washington Township, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Hillshire Brands Company |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Hillshire Brands
Company
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
50929699 |
Appl. No.: |
14/022060 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61699050 |
Sep 10, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/541 ;
220/628 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/107 20130101;
B65D 1/40 20130101; B65D 1/26 20130101; B65D 25/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/541 ;
220/628 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/40 20060101
B65D001/40 |
Claims
1. A packaged food product comprising: a plurality of food items;
and a package comprising a container removeably coupled to a lid,
the container defining an interior configured to receive the
plurality of food items, the container comprising a bottom portion
and opposing first and second sidewalls forming a plurality of
support portions configured to support the plurality of food items
independent from one another, wherein the support portions each
comprises a support surface extending upward along at least a
portion of the first and second sidewalls and across the bottom
portion.
2. The product of claim 1, wherein the support surface of each
support portion comprises a curved portion.
3. The product of claim 2, wherein the curved portion extends along
the first and second sidewalls.
4. The product of claim 3, wherein the support surface of each
support portion comprises a lower generally planar portion.
5. The product of claim 4, wherein the planar portions of the
support portions are generally parallel to one another.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the planar portions of the
support portions are angled relative to the top of the package such
that the plurality of food items are shingled within the interior
of the package.
7. The product of claim 1, wherein the plurality of food items
comprise individual packagings.
8. The product of claim 1, wherein the exterior contour of the
container corresponds to the interior contour of the container.
9. The product of claim 1, wherein the container is a molded
container and the support portions are integrally formed as part of
the container.
10. The product of claim 1, further comprising an insert configured
to be received within the interior and conform to at least a
portion of some of the support portions and be configured to
provide visual information to users through the container.
11. The product of claim 1, wherein a width of each of the support
portions decreases along the height of the container.
12. A package for food products, the package comprising: a top; and
a container removeably coupled to the top and comprising a pair of
opposing sidewalls, a pair of opposing endwalls extending between
the opposing sidewalls, and a bottom; wherein the bottom defines a
plurality of stepped support portions, each stepped support portion
joining with a pair of side support portions extending up the
opposing sidewalls; wherein the side support portions are curved
along at least a portion of the height of the opposing sidewalls;
and wherein the side support portions decrease in width along at
least a portion of the height of the opposing sidewalls.
13. The package of claim 12, wherein the stepped support portion
and the pair of side support portions form a support surface
configured to maintain a food product at a non-perpendicular
orientation relative to the top within the package
14. The package of claim 12, wherein each stepped support portion
comprises an upward-angled surface.
15. The package of claim 14, wherein the width of each stepped
support portion decreases along the upward angled surface.
16. A packaged food product comprising: a top; and a container
releasably coupled to the top and defining an interior configured
to receive and support a plurality of food products, the container
comprising a plurality of support surfaces, each support surface
configured to support one of the plurality of food products, each
support surface comprising a bottom stepped support portion and a
pair of side support portions extending up from the bottom stepped
support portion; wherein the plurality of support surfaces are
configured to orient the plurality of food products within the
interior in a shingled fashion.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/699,050 filed on Sep. 10, 2012,
which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety
for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to packages for
food products or food items, and more particularly, to packages
having integrated support features and packaged food products
having packages using such features.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are many challenges associated with providing food
product packaging for accommodating multiple food items. Structural
integrity considerations as well as visual appearance
considerations can be considered, both of which may, at least in
part, determine the success of a product with consumers.
[0004] Accordingly, various embodiments disclosed herein are
directed to improved packaging for food products and similar
consumer products.
SUMMARY
[0005] One embodiment relates to a packaged food product including
a plurality of food items, and a package comprising a container
removeably coupled to a lid. The container defines an interior
configured to receive the plurality of food items. The container
includes a bottom portion and opposing first and second sidewalls
forming a plurality of support portions configured to support the
plurality of food items independent from one another. The support
portions each includes a support surface extending upward along at
least a portion of the first and second sidewalls and across the
bottom portion.
[0006] Another embodiment relates to a package for food products,
the package including a top and a container removeably coupled to
the top. The container includes a pair of opposing sidewalls, a
pair of opposing end walls extending between the opposing
sidewalls, and a bottom. The bottom defines a plurality of stepped
support portions, each stepped support portion joining with a pair
of side support portions extending up the opposing sidewalls. The
side support portions are curved along at least a portion of the
height of the opposing sidewalls and the side support portions
decrease in width along at least a portion of the height of the
opposing sidewalls.
[0007] Another embodiment related to a packaged food product
includes a top and a container releasably coupled to the top. The
container defines an interior configured to receive and support a
plurality of food products. The container includes a plurality of
support surfaces, each support surface configured to support one of
the plurality of food products. Each support surface includes a
bottom stepped support portion and a pair of side support portions
extending up from the bottom stepped support portion. The plurality
of support surfaces are configured to orient the plurality of food
products within the interior in a shingled fashion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a packaged food product according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a
package for the packaged food product of FIGS. 1A-1D according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the packaged food
product of FIGS. 1A-1D according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Referring to the FIGURES generally, various embodiments
disclosed herein relate to packaged food products having structural
details that both provide for "shingling" of food products within a
package (e.g., such that the food products are "tilted"), and
suggest an "uprising heat and/or flavor" due to the exterior
structure of the package. These features may assist in keeping the
food products organized and protected within the package, along
with providing an orientation of the packaged food product, which
in turn enables quick access to the food product by consumers
(e.g., such that a consumer can easily reach into the package and
remove, e.g., a sandwich, etc.).
[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, a packaged food
product 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment, and
includes a number of food products 12 provided within a package 14.
Packaged food product 10 may be a non-refrigerated, refrigerated,
or frozen product, and may include a variety of different food
products 12, including, but not limited to, sandwiches, bagels,
meat products, bread products, combinations thereof, etc. All such
applications are to be understood to be within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, package 14 includes a
container 16 (e.g., a tub, base, bottom or lower portion,
receptacle, etc.) that may be coupled to a lid, or top 18 (e.g., a
cover, top or upper portion, etc.). The container 16 in FIGS. 1A-1D
is illustrated with a cutout 22 to expose the interior of the
container 16 as well as the food product 12. Top 18 may be secured
to container 16 to secure food products 12 within the interior of
the package 14, and may be removed to permit access to the food
products 12. An insert, or sleeve 20 (e.g., a v-board, sleeve
insert shown in the cutout 22 of FIG. 1B, etc.) may be provided
within the interior of the package 14 to provide various graphics,
text, labeling, or other information to consumers (e.g., in the
case of a transparent container which enables viewing of sleeve 20
through the container). Sleeve 20 may be made of any of a variety
of materials, including paper-based products (e.g., paper,
cardboard, etc.), polymer-based products, etc., and may take any
suitable shape.
[0014] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3C, 4A-4C and 5, an
exemplary embodiment of container 16 is formed by first sidewall
24, second sidewall 26, first end wall 28, second end wall 30, and
bottom portion 32. A rim or lip 42 (see FIG. 4) may extend around
all or a portion of the top of the various sidewalls to facilitate
coupling of container 16 to top 18. Container 16 defines an
interior that receives the food products 12 and keeps the food
products 12 in a predetermined orientation, as discussed in greater
detail below. Container 16 may be made of a polymer material by way
of a molding process, including injection molding, blow-injection
molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, blow molding, sheet
molding, etc.
[0015] Bottom 32 forms a lower support surface for the food
products, and includes a number of stepped support portions 38,
which are formed by the bottom 32 of the container 16 angling
upward and then back downward. The stepped support portions 38 can
be generally planar or contoured, depending on the embodiment.
Extending from each stepped support portion 38 are a pair of side
support portions 44 (e.g., wavy, or contoured portions, etc.), such
that one side support portion 44 extends along each one of
sidewalls 24, 26. Stepped support portion 38 and side support
portions 44 collectively form a support surface (e.g., a contoured,
wavy, or curved support surface) that extends from stepped support
portion 38 and upwards along sidewalls 24, 26. The support surfaces
formed by the stepped support portions 38 and the side support
portions 44 may be continuous or may include one or more
discontinuities (e.g., grooves, ribs, cavities, etc.). Side support
portions 44 gradually decrease in width along the height of the
sidewalls 24 and 26 (e.g., from bottom to top) until they become
flush with the sidewalls. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4C,
the exterior contour of exemplary container 16 generally
corresponds to the interior contour.
[0016] Each stepped support portion 38 and associated pair of side
support portions 44 are configured to provide a bottom support for
an individual food product, and maintain the food product 12 at a
desired orientation, or angle, such that the food products 12 are
"shingled" relative to one another within the packaging. Shingling
of the food products 12 may be more visibly appealing to consumers,
along with facilitating viewing of the food products 12 within the
package and removing food products 12 from the packaging.
Furthermore, the stepped support portions 38 and associated side
support portions 44 provide additional structural rigidity for
package 14. In some embodiments, the food products 12 are held
loosely in place, such that individual food products 12 may be
easily removed from the package 14. For example, as shown in the
FIGURES, package 14 includes three stepped support portions 38 and
is configured to hold four individual food products 12. It should
be noted that the food products 12 may be individually packaged
with separate packagings to maintain freshness, etc. Furthermore,
according to various exemplary embodiments, the space between the
stepped support portions 38, the "height" of the stepped support
portions 38, and the number of stepped support portions 38 may be
varied to accommodate a particular food product 12 and/or packaging
configuration.
[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, side support portions
44 are generally symmetric relative to the length of package 14,
and form waves, or curved surfaces. In one embodiment, only a
portion 36 (see FIGS. 4A and 5) of side support portions 44
actually touches, or supports, the food product 12. The wave, or
curve of the side support portions 44 may provide consumers with a
sense of "uprising" heat, flavor, etc. According to various
alternative embodiments, shapes other than those shown in the
FIGURES may be used for side support portions 44. For example, in
some embodiments, the side support portions 44 may take other
shapes, including forming a relatively flat/planar surface,
etc.
[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, top 18 may include one
or more indents/detents that form a top detail that has a
corresponding shape to the bottom 32 of container 16. As such,
multiple packages 14 may be stacked securely on top of one another.
In one embodiment, top 18 is a thermoformed lid made of a
transparent thermoplastic material and may be any suitable color
(e.g., red, etc.). Providing a transparent lid permits viewing of
food products 12 within package 14 and permits additional labels to
be used on the inner surface of the top 18 if desired.
[0019] Top 18 may engage container 16 in any conventional manner,
such as by way of a snap-fit provided by corresponding/interlocking
structural features. In some embodiments, after placing sleeve 20
into place, food products 12 may be placed into the package, and an
additional seal material may be applied around the top/container
interface for product tamper resistance or to hold gases within the
packaging should the packaging be a modified atmosphere package
(MAP). In some embodiments one or more pads (e.g., a cushion,
absorbent member, etc.) may be provided integrating with or
separate from sleeve 20, and may be positioned in the bottom 32 of
the package 14 to support the food products 12, absorb excess
moisture, provide visual consumer information (e.g., text,
graphics, etc.), etc.
[0020] It should be noted that the various embodiments of the
packaged food product disclosed herein may provide benefits over
more traditional packagings. For example, the stepped support
portions of the package creates "pockets" within the package that
contain the individual food products, making viewing removal of
food products easier than in many conventional packages.
Furthermore, the contoured shapes of the packaging may provide a
more visually appealing appearance, suggesting "uprising heat
and/or flavor" to consumers. Further yet, the packaged food
products are stackable, and the transparency of the package permits
use of an inner sleeve, or insert, which can include a variety of
information for consumers.
[0021] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the packaged food products and/or
methods as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative
only. Although a few embodiments have been described in detail in
this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.)
without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited in the various
embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in
the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method
steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative
embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and/or
omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and
arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the
spirit of the present disclosure.
* * * * *