U.S. patent application number 15/654505 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-25 for food package with window.
The applicant listed for this patent is PinnPack Packaging LLC. Invention is credited to Dean R. Brown, Ira Maroofian.
Application Number | 20180022508 15/654505 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60990493 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180022508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maroofian; Ira ; et
al. |
January 25, 2018 |
FOOD PACKAGE WITH WINDOW
Abstract
Various embodiments of packages are disclosed. In some
embodiments, the package is made of PS foam and includes an
aperture covered with a transparent window panel. The package can
provide excellent thermal benefits, while also enabling a user to
view the contents of the package without needing to open the
package.
Inventors: |
Maroofian; Ira; (Woodland
Hills, CA) ; Brown; Dean R.; (La Habra, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PinnPack Packaging LLC |
Oxnard |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60990493 |
Appl. No.: |
15/654505 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62364686 |
Jul 20, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/70 20130101;
B65D 25/54 20130101; B65D 43/162 20130101; B65D 43/16 20130101;
B65D 81/3816 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/54 20060101
B65D025/54; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00; B65D 43/16 20060101
B65D043/16 |
Claims
1. A package for holding a food item, the package comprising: a
body made of a polymer, the body comprising: an upper portion; a
lower portion; an aperture; and a hinge connecting the upper
portion and the lower portion; a transparent window panel covering
the aperture, the window panel being a separate component from the
body, the window panel being attached to an area of the upper
portion that bounds the aperture.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein the window panel comprises
polypropylene.
3. The package of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a
clamshell package.
4. The package of claim 1, wherein the aperture is on a top surface
of the upper portion.
5. The package of claim 1, wherein the aperture comprises a
generally rectangular shape.
6. The package of claim 1, wherein the aperture is positioned on
the upper portion.
7. The package of claim 1, wherein the aperture is positioned on
the lower portion.
8. The package of claim 1, further comprising a second aperture,
wherein the aperture is positioned on the upper portion and the
second aperture is positioned on the lower portion.
9. The package of claim 1, wherein the body comprises polystyrene
foam.
10. The package of claim 1, wherein the body is black in color.
11. A method of manufacturing a container that enables a person to
view the contents of the container without needing to open the
container, the method comprising: forming an upper portion of the
container and a lower portion of the container; forming a first
connection mechanism that connects the upper portion and the lower
portion; forming a second connection mechanism that connects the
upper portion and the lower portion; forming an aperture in the
first portion of the container; obtaining a window panel; and
attaching the window panel to an area bounding the aperture in the
first portion of the container.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the first connection
mechanism comprises forming a hinge between the upper portion of
the container and the lower portion of the container.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the second connection
mechanism that connects the upper portion and the lower portion
comprises forming a tab and slot.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the upper portion of
the container and the lower portion of the container comprises
thermoforming, vacuum forming, or continuously extruding
polystyrene material into polystyrene foam.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the upper portion of
the container and the lower portion of the container comprises
forming the first and second portions together.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching the window panel to
the area bounding the aperture comprises attaching the window panel
in such that substantially no air can pass through the
aperture.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein attaching the window panel to
the area bounding the aperture comprises providing venting between
the inside and outside of the container.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein providing venting comprises
providing micro-perforations in the window panel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit under at least
35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/364,686,
filed Jul. 20, 2016, entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to packages, such as packages
for holding food items.
Description of Certain Related Art
[0003] A package is an object that can be used to hold or transport
an item. Commonly, food items are held in packages to facilitate
storage, protection, and/or transport of the food item.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various types of packages are commonly used for holding
products, such as food items for human consumption. Some packaging
is paper-based, such as being made of paper, paperboard, paper
laminates, or fibers. These materials are typically sheet materials
that are manufactured in a flat configuration, and then assembled
(e.g., folded) into the final package shape. The sheet of material
can be laminated, coated, or otherwise treated during production.
For example, wax or resins can be added to the paper material to
prepare it for use in the packaging. Some paper packages can
include a section of transparent material (e.g., clear plastic),
otherwise referred to as a window, which can allow a user to view
the contents of the package.
[0005] A problem with paper packages is that they are generally
ineffective thermal insulators. For example, for holding hot or
cold food, a paper package usually does not provide sufficient
insulating properties to maintain the temperature and freshness of
the food. Moreover, paper packages typically have a high tendency
to leak from the sides, the top, the bottom, and/or the closure
area. Furthermore, paper packages that use a non-paper material for
the transparent window are made from multiple materials, which can
make them difficult and/or costly to recycle. Additionally, it is
typically more difficult and/or expensive to manufacture rounded
(e.g., circular or oval) packages with paper materials.
[0006] Some packages are made from plastic materials. For example,
the package can be made out of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density
polyethylene (LDPE), or polypropylene (PP). Some plastic packages
are colored and/or opaque, such as the entire package being black.
In certain packages, the color is not exclusively black. Some
embodiments are made from white foam. Some embodiments are made
from black foam. Some embodiments are other colors, such as gray,
brown, blue, green, purple, yellow, orange, red, or otherwise. Some
packages are uncolored and/or clear. Some packages are a
combination, such as having an opaque (e.g., black) lower portion
and a clear upper portion, which can allow a user to view the
contents. While this can allow an individual to view the contents
within, to maintain the transparency of the package, the material's
thickness is typically required to be too thin to provide adequate
thermal insulation. Thus, the package may be unable to maintain the
temperature and freshness of the food inside. Additionally, certain
plastic packages that are a combination of clear and opaque
portions are generally more expensive to manufacture than packages
that are a single color.
[0007] Certain packages are made of a type of plastic called
polystyrene (PS) foam, such as extruded polystyrene (XPS) or
expanded polystyrene (EPS). Certain packages are made of
Styrofoam.RTM., which is a particular brand of PS foam. PS foam can
be made into many different shapes and has good thermal properties.
Packages made from PS foam are typically manufactured in a non-flat
configuration using manufacturing techniques such as vacuum
forming. Some PS foam containers are difficult to recycle and are
banned in certain communities.
[0008] PS foam packages are excellent at keeping hot food hot and
cold food cold. However, because PS foam packages are opaque, a
user may need to open a given package to discern the contents. For
example, a restaurant operator may open the package to verify that
the proper food item is being provided to a customer. In addition,
cafeterias and buffets may open the package at the cash register so
that a cashier can identify the contents in order to charge the
appropriate amount. Opening and re-closing the package to determine
its contents and/or adding a label to the package to state the
contents is an additional step that takes time, requires a certain
amount of dexterity, and increases workload. Moreover, opening the
package allows heat inside the package (in the case of hot food) to
escape from the package, or heat in the ambient environment (in the
case of cold food) to enter the package. This greatly reduces the
ability to maintain the food at the proper temperature and/or
reduces freshness. For example, the hot food becomes cooler or the
cold food becomes warmer. Further, opening the package increases
the risk of contamination of the food, such as if a nearby person
were to sneeze during the time that the package was open.
Additionally, opening the package may allow dirt, dust, pathogens,
or other unwanted materials to contaminate the food.
[0009] Various packages are disclosed herein that remedy one or
more of the above-identified concerns, or other concerns. In that
regard, some embodiments of a package can comprise PS foam and a
window. The package can provide excellent thermal benefits, while
also enabling a user to view the contents of the package without
needing to open the package. In some embodiments, the package is
black in color. For example, the package can have a body that is
black. The window can be transparent and/or a different color than
the body of the package. The package can be predominantly a single
material, such as a body (e.g., including upper and lower portions)
that is a single material, such as PE. This can reduce
manufacturing costs. Some embodiments have a film over the window.
The film can be a different material than the body and/or can
comprise a small portion of the mass of the container, such as less
than about: 5%, 3%, or 1% by mass.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying
drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be
interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Various
features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form
additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a
package with a window on a top surface.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of a package with a window on a top surface.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of a package with a window spanning a corner, such as a corner
between top and front surfaces.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of a package with a window on a front surface.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of a package with a window on a side surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Various food packages are described below to illustrate
various examples that may achieve one or more desired improvements.
These examples are only illustrative and not intended to restrict
the general disclosure presented and the various aspects and
features of this disclosure. The general principles described
herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than
those discussed herein without departing from the spirit and scope
of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is not limited to the
particular embodiments shown, but is instead to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the principles and features that are
disclosed or suggested herein.
[0017] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various embodiments of a package 10
(also called a container). The package 10 can have an inner space
for receiving an item, such as a food item. The package 10 shown
may be for holding a sandwich or other food item. For example, the
package 10 may be a "clamshell" container. A clamshell container is
a one-piece container with two portions that are joined by a hinge
that allows the portions to come together to enclose the food item.
In some embodiments, the package 10 comprises a cup or bowl, such
as for holding a soup, beverage, or other item. In some
embodiments, the package 10 has a generally rectangular (e.g.,
square) shape when viewed from above. See, for example, the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In some variants, the package 10 has a
shape that, when viewed from above, is generally: triangular,
circular, oval, diamond, star-shaped, octagonal, hexagonal, or
other shapes.
[0018] As shown, the package 10 can comprise a body with a hinged
configuration, such as with a first portion 12 and a second portion
14 that are connected by a hinge and configured to engage together.
Some embodiments have discrete portions that can separate from each
other to open the package 10 and that can engage together to close
the package 10. The illustrated embodiment includes a closure tab
16. Certain embodiments of the package 10 can include multiple
closure tabs. Other embodiments can include any other type of
suitable closure mechanism.
[0019] The package 10 can be made from any polymer material safe
for use in a food application. In several embodiments, the body of
the package 10 is made of PS, such as PS foam. In certain variants,
the body is made of PE, PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, and/or another plastic
material. The body can comprise combinations of material. The body
can comprise one or multiple layers of material, such as a layer of
PE and a layer of PET. In certain implementations, the body is
formed from a sheet of material. The body can be opaque or
semi-opaque. For example, the body can be made of black PS foam,
white PS foam, or another color of PS foam. In certain embodiments,
the body of the package is opaque and/or dark in color, such as
being black. The body can have a thickness of less than or equal to
about: 0.010 inch, 0.020 inch, 0.035 inch, 0.050 inch, 0.075 inch,
0.10 inch, or other thicknesses. In some embodiments, the body has
a thickness of about 0.018 inch.
[0020] The package 10 can include a window 18. The shape of the
window 18 can be rectangular (e.g., FIG. 1), round (e.g., FIG. 2),
triangular, or any other shape suitable for viewing the contents of
the package 10. Various locations of the window are contemplated,
such as on the top (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2), spanning a corner or edge
(e.g., FIG. 3), on a front side (e.g., FIG. 4), or on a lateral
side (e.g., FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the window 18 is long and
narrow. For example, the window 18 can be vertically oriented so as
to aid in identifying a volume and/or amount of material (e.g.,
soup, rice, etc.) in the package 10. The package 10 can include
indicia (e.g., lines) to indicate characteristics, such as size
(e.g., small, medium, or large), volume, etc.
[0021] In some embodiments, the window 18 comprises an aperture
that is shielded with and/or covered by a window panel, which can
be transparent. This can permit visual access of the contents of
the package 10 without the need to open the package 10. In some
implementations, the window panel is a separate component (e.g.,
not integral with) the body of the package. For example, the window
panel can comprise a thin film that is different from the body of
the package. The window panel can be attached to an area near the
aperture. For example, the window panel can be attached to the area
bounding the aperture. The window panel can be connected with glue,
heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, or other connection techniques.
In some embodiments, the window panel is connected with an outside
surface of the body of the package. In certain variants, the window
panel is connected with an inside surface of the body of the
package. The window panel can be the same or a different color than
the body of the package.
[0022] As mentioned above, the window panel can comprise a thin
film of material. For example, the window panel can have a
thickness of less than or equal to about: 0.001 inch, 0.002 inch,
0.005 inch, 0.010 inch, 0.025 inch, 0.050. 0.075 inch, 0.10 inch,
or other thicknesses. In some embodiments, the window panel
material comprises polyester, PP, crystalized PET, or other clear
or generally clear materials. In certain implementations, the
window panel is made of the same material as the remainder of the
package 10, such as both being made of PS foam. In some variants,
the window panel is made of a different material from the remainder
of the package 10, such as the window panel comprising PP and the
remainder of the package comprising PS foam. In some
implementations, by mass, at least about 90% of the package
comprises PS foam and less than or equal to about 10% comprises the
window panel material. For example, the package 10 can comprise
about 30 g of PS foam and about 2 g of the window panel material.
Some implementations include multiple apertures and/or window
panels, such as on opposite sides of the package (e.g., front and
back, left and right sides, top and bottom, etc.).
[0023] Certain variants have multiple window panels. For example,
as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 3, the window panel can
include first, second, and third panels 18a, 18b, 18c. As shown, in
some embodiments, one or more of the window panels can span the
distance between faces of the body, such as cutting the corner
between the faces. The one or more window panels can be
non-parallel with the aperture. In some variants, the body
comprises radially inwardly extending fins. For example, the panels
18b, 18c can be part of the body (e.g., made of polymer).
[0024] The window panel and/or the body can be constructed of one
or multiple materials and/or layers. For example, the body may
comprise a layer of PET and a layer or PE, and/or the window panel
may comprise multiple layers or laminated structures. In some
embodiments, the package 10 (e.g., the body) comprises a mono-layer
of material, such as being constructed of a single layer of
material. In certain variants, the package 10 (e.g., the body)
comprises a multi-layer construction, such as being made of
multiple layers of material. In certain embodiments, the window
panel and the body are formed of the same material and/or are in
the same layer of material. In some variants, the window panel has
at least one layer that is a different material than the body. In
some embodiments, the window panel is applied to (e.g., connected
with) the inside or the outside of the body, such as by using
adhesive or direct heat seal.
[0025] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing the package
comprises forming an upper portion and a lower portion. In some
implementations, the method includes forming a first connection
mechanism that connects the upper portion and the lower portion.
For example, the method can include forming a hinge between the
upper portion of the package and the lower portion of the package.
In some variants, the method includes forming a second connection
mechanism that connects the upper portion and the lower portion.
For example, the method can include forming a locking mechanism,
such as a tab and slot, detent, interference fit, latch, button, or
other locking mechanism. The method can include thermoforming,
vacuum forming, or continuously extruding PS material into PS foam
in the shape of the package in a configuration. For example, a
clamshell package can be formed in a configuration in which the
first and second portions are separated and/or not engaged. In some
embodiments, the method includes forming (e.g., cutting) the
aperture in the first and/or second portion. The method can include
obtaining (e.g., die cutting) the window panel. The method can
include attaching the window panel to the area near and/or bounding
the aperture. For example, the window panel can be connected in
such a way as to inhibit or prevent air from passing through the
aperture. For example, in some embodiments, the window panel is
attached to the body by welding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or
otherwise. In certain embodiments, the window panel (e.g., film) is
configured to allow for venting, such as of air. For example, the
film may include micro-perforations (e.g., perforations with a
diameter of less than about: 0.003 inch, 0.001 inch, 0.0005 inch,
or other diameters). In some embodiments, the film can include an
indicia. For example, the film can be printed with a retailer's
logo.
[0026] The package 10 is advantageous for several reasons. The
window 18 allows easy visual identification of the contents of the
package 10 without needing to open the package 10. This can reduce
unwanted heat transfer to or from the contents and/or the chance of
contamination of the contents. For example, by avoiding the need to
open the container, the freshness of food in the container (e.g.,
cold food, such as cold salad) can be maintained and/or the ambient
environment (such as dust or air) can be inhibited or prevented
from contaminating the food. Also, the window 18 can increase
efficiency by eliminating the need to label the package 10 or go
through the extra step of opening and then closing the package 10.
Thus, the package 10 can benefit both the business operator and the
consumer by saving the business time, streamlining the consumer
experience, and enhancing temperature management.
[0027] Moreover, package 10 and/or PS foam can be made in many
shapes (e.g., round, oval, etc.) that are difficult, expensive, or
otherwise not practical with some other types of packages (e.g.,
paper-based packages). The package 10 can effectively store food at
an appropriate temperature during transport and inhibit or prevent
leaks. Further, the package 10 is relatively easy to recycle
because the materials used in certain embodiments are all
plastic-based, including the window panel material.
[0028] Terms of orientation used herein, such as "top," "bottom,"
"horizontal," "vertical," "longitudinal," "lateral," and "end" are
used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the
present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated
orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within
the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as
used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not
to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be
applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region
that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes
generally, such as "circular" or "cylindrical" or "semi-circular"
or "semi-cylindrical" or any related or similar terms, are not
required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of
circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass
structures that are reasonably close approximations.
[0029] Some embodiments have been described in connection with the
accompanying drawings. Some of the figures are drawn to scale, but
such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions
other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope
of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely
illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to
actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components
can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure
herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property,
characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in
connection with various embodiments can be used in all other
embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described
herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing
the recited steps.
[0030] The terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" as
used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that
still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For
example, in some embodiments, as the context may permit, the terms
"approximately", "about", and "substantially" may refer to an
amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated
amount. The term "generally" as used herein represents a value,
amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends
toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an
example, in certain embodiments, as the context may permit, the
term "generally parallel" can refer to something that departs from
exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees.
[0031] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain embodiments and examples, the scope of this disclosure
extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other
alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious
modifications and equivalents thereof. Any system, method, and
device described in this application can include any combination of
the preceding features described in this and other paragraphs,
among other features and combinations described herein, including
features and combinations described in subsequent paragraphs. While
several variations of the invention have been shown and described
in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this
invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art
based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various
combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and
aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the
scope of the invention. Various features and aspects of the
disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one
another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention.
Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein
disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed
embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a
fair reading of the claims that follow.
* * * * *