U.S. patent application number 17/066657 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-18 for dispensing package.
The applicant listed for this patent is WOODPECKER LABORATORIES, LLC. Invention is credited to Zachary ROME.
Application Number | 20210078761 17/066657 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005253876 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210078761 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROME; Zachary |
March 18, 2021 |
DISPENSING PACKAGE
Abstract
A package for containing a variety of products and for
dispensing these contained products into a receptacle that can be
deployed from the package, such as a bag or box for containing and
dispensing consumer goods such as food items, e.g., chips or other
snacks, or for containing and dispensing other consumer goods, such
as granulated sugar, flour, or powdered laundry detergents. The
packages are useful for dispensing the desired quantity of the
contained product into the deployable receptacle without the need
to reach into the package and potentially contaminate the contents
of the package or one's hands.
Inventors: |
ROME; Zachary; (Nyack,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WOODPECKER LABORATORIES, LLC |
Nyack |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005253876 |
Appl. No.: |
17/066657 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US2019/026234 |
Apr 8, 2019 |
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17066657 |
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62654629 |
Apr 9, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2517/0049 20130101;
B65D 33/00 20130101; B65D 5/74 20130101; B65D 83/06 20130101; B65D
2583/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/74 20060101
B65D005/74; B65D 83/06 20060101 B65D083/06; B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00 |
Claims
1. A package for containing and dispensing a product, comprising: a
container for containing the product prior to dispensing of the
product; and a receptacle deployable from said container from a
stowed configuration to a deployed configuration, said receptacle
having a bottom panel, a front panel, and at least two side panels;
wherein, in the stowed configuration, each of the front panel and
the at least two side panels is at least partially collapsed;
wherein, in the deployed configuration, each of the front panel and
at least two side panels is folded up from the bottom panel
providing sidewalls for containing the product in said
receptacle.
2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle
comprises one or more inside surfaces and one or more outside
surfaces.
3. The package according to claim 2, wherein the receptacle has a
substantially rectangular shape in the deployed configuration.
4. The package according to claim 2, wherein the receptacle has a
substantially funnel shape in the deployed configuration.
5. The package according to claim 1, wherein the bottom panel
includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the front panel is
affixed to the bottom panel and includes an inside surface and an
outside surface, and each side panel is affixed to the bottom panel
and includes an inside surface and an outside surface.
6. The package according to claim 5, wherein the bottom panel, the
front panel, and each of the at least two side panels are a single
continuous construct from a single piece of material.
7. The package according to claim 6, wherein the front panel and
each of the at least two side panels are delineated from the bottom
panel by one or more fold lines.
8. The package according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is
located inside the container prior to deployment.
9. The package according to claim 8, wherein the receptacle is
outside of the container after deployment.
10. The package according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is
located outside the container prior to deployment.
11. The package according to claim 10, wherein the receptacle is
outside of the container after deployment.
12. The package according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle, when
in the deployed configuration, defines a 3-dimensional shape
selected from cubic, rectangular, triangular, pyramidal,
trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal,
semispherical, oval shapes, funnel shapes, or novelty shapes.
13. The package according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is
attached to the container.
14. The package according to claim 13, wherein the receptacle is
permanently or semi-permanently attached to the container.
15. The package according to claim 13, wherein the receptacle is
releasably attached to the container.
16. The package according to claim 13, wherein the receptacle is
attached to an inside surface of the container.
17. The package according to claim 13, wherein the receptacle is
attached to an outside surface of the container.
18. The package according to claim 1, wherein the container is
selected from a bag, a box, a tube, a bottle, a can, a jar, a jug,
a cup, a bin, or a canister.
19. The package according to claim 1, wherein the container is a
bag or a box.
20. A receptacle for dispensing and containing a product from a
package after deployment of the receptacle from the package,
comprising: a bottom panel, the bottom panel including an
attachment surface on a proximal end attachable to the package; a
front panel on a distal end of the bottom panel; and at least one
side panel; wherein the front panel and the at least one side panel
are at least partially collapsible; wherein the receptacle is
operatable between a stowed configuration, in which each of the
front panel and the at least one side panel is at least partially
collapsed, and a deployed configuration, in which each of the front
panel and at least one side panel is folded up from the bottom
panel providing sidewalls for at least partially containing the
product in the receptacle.
21. A packaged product, comprising: a package according to claim 1;
and a product at least partially filling the package.
22. The packaged product according to claim 21, wherein the product
is a food product.
23. The packaged product according to claim 22, wherein the food
product is a snack product selected from potato chips, popcorn,
pretzels, corn chips, trail mix, crackers, nuts, fries, cookies,
cheese snacks, or other plurality of generally bite-sized snack
foods.
24. The packaged product according to claim 22, wherein the food
product is selected from flour, granulated coffee or coffee beans,
corn meal, instant potatoes, pancake mix, biscuit mix, granulated
sugar, powdered sugar, oatmeal, rice, confections, or dry breakfast
cereal.
25. The packaged product according to claim 21, wherein the product
is selected from granulated laundry detergent, powdered dishwashing
detergent, powdered cleanser, talcum powder, powdered carpet
freshener, toys, blocks, games, or jewelry.
26. A method for dispensing a defined quantity of a product from a
packaged product according to claim 21, comprising the steps of:
(i) deploying the receptacle, and (ii) agitating and tilting the
package to dispense the defined quantity of the product into the
receptacle.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a package for containing a
variety of products and for dispensing these contained products
into a receptacle that can be deployed from the package. In certain
embodiments, the present invention relates to a bag or box for
containing and dispensing consumer goods such as food items, e.g.,
chips or other snacks, or for containing and dispensing other
consumer goods, such as granulated sugar, flour, or powdered
laundry detergents. Among other advantages, these packages are
useful for dispensing the desired quantity of the contained product
into the deployable receptacle without the need to reach into the
package and potentially contaminate the contents of the package or
one's hands.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When a plurality of items is packaged together, a bag or box
is often used. For example, many snack foods (including, but not
limited to, potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn) are packaged in a
flexible bag and many breakfast cereals are packaged in a cardboard
box (often housing an inner, sealed flexible bag that contains the
cereal to retain freshness). This packaging serves many purposes
including protection from the environment, protection from
transport, and retaining the freshness of the product.
Additionally, the packaging often acts as the final receptacle in
which the product will be used or consumed. For example, many
people will eat potato chips directly out of the bag in which they
are packaged. There are many unpleasantries, however, when using
the current packaging in this manner. For example, it can be
unsanitary to stick one's hand inside a bag of chips. As another
example, sticking one's hand inside a bag of chips can cause one's
hand to get dirty. To address these issues, some people will open
the bag or box in a way that permanently damages its integrity and
prevents it from effectively serving as a receptacle for the
product, or from being reclosed to store unconsumed product. Other
people might transfer the contents of the bag or box into a more
user-friendly receptacle such as a bowl. This, however, can be
inconvenient and results in additional cleanup.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,279 describes a reclosable, stackable,
standable package for food products. The package is designed to
stay in a widened and open configuration to make hand-to-mouth
snacking more user-friendly. However, a user will still need to
reach their hand inside of the package to retrieve the contents.
Further, this invention only relates to packages comprising a
carton, i.e., it is not contemplated to be used for food products
that normally or preferably come in bags.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,058 describes a similar package
including an expandable top opening. This package is designed to
allow certain panels to flex into a non-planar shape for the
primary purpose of expanding the top opening to remove dry
ingredients from the interior without the need to pour or empty the
contents from the package for use. Although this package might make
hand-to-mouth snacking more user-friendly than with a normal
carton, a user will still need to reach their hand or a tool inside
of the package to retrieve the contents. Further, this invention is
limited to packages such as cartons.
[0005] U.S. Publ. 2007/0248292A1 describes a snack bag with two
opening edges each having a resilient member. This package is also
designed to maintain an open configuration and function as a
bowl-like container. However, a user will still need to reach their
hand inside of the package to retrieve the contents. Additionally,
manufacturing this bag can involve more material than conventional
bags and can be a more costly and complex process compared to the
packaging currently used for many snack food items.
[0006] Thus, a need exists for improved types of packaging. In
particular, a need exists for a cost-effective technology suitable
for a variety of container types that will allow a user to easily
access the contents of the container in a manner that is
convenient, sanitary, and generally pleasant to use. Disclosed in
the present invention is a novel and useful technology for solving
these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates, in certain embodiments, to
improved types of packaging and methods for containing and
dispensing products from these packages. The present invention is
useful for providing a cost-effective packaging that will allow a
user to conveniently access its contents without having to stick
one's hand or a tool (e.g., a spoon, fork, measuring cup, etc.)
inside of the packaging. Additionally, the technology of the
present invention can be incorporated into many different types of
containers and thus its utility is not restricted to one specific
type of container, e.g., a bag or a box or other carton. Among
other examples, this invention can be useful for certain types of
food packaging, for example a bag of potato chips.
[0008] The present invention is based on a system whereby a
pre-folded receptacle or flap is affixed to one or more sides of a
container such that when a user desires to access the contents of
the container, the receptacle can be easily unfolded or deployed to
serve as a holder in which the contents can be easily transferred
and accessed. For example, according to the present invention, in
some embodiments, a user could open a sealed bag of chips in the
same manner as they do with current packaging. Then once opened,
the user could unfold or deploy the receptacle to reveal a
bowl-like holder where the chips can be easily transferred and
consumed without ever having to stick their hand inside of the
bag.
[0009] In one aspect, a package for containing and dispensing a
product is provided including a containment element or container
for containing the product prior to dispensing of the product, and
a foldably disposed or folded, deployable receptacle for dispensing
and containing the product after deployment of the receptacle.
[0010] The receptacle may be attached to the container. In some
embodiments the receptacle is permanently or semi-permanently
attached and in other embodiments the receptacle is releasably
attached. In some embodiments, the receptacle is attached to an
inside surface of the container. For example, the receptacle may be
attached to an inside surface prior to filling and sealing the
container closed. In other embodiments, the receptacle is attached
to an outside surface of the container.
[0011] The container may include one or more inside surfaces and
one or more outside surfaces. In some embodiments, the receptacle
includes a bottom panel, and at least one side panel. In some
embodiments, the receptacle includes a bottom panel, at least one
front panel, and at least two side panels. The bottom panel may
include a top surface and a bottom surface, each front panel may
include an inside surface and an outside surface, and each side
panel may include an inside surface and an outside surface. In some
embodiments, each front panel and each side panel is affixed to the
bottom panel. The bottom panel, each front panel, and each side
panel may also comprise a single continuous construct from a single
piece of material, e.g., delineated by fold lines or creases.
[0012] In some embodiments, the receptacle is foldably disposed or
folded prior to deployment and/or fully unfolded after deployment.
The foldably disposed receptacle is located inside the container
prior to deployment in some embodiments. The foldably disposed
receptacle may be partially or fully unfolded during deployment,
and located inside, partially inside, or outside of the container
during deployment. The foldably disposed receptacle may be fully
unfolded outside of the container after deployment.
[0013] In other embodiments, the foldably disposed receptacle is
located outside the container prior to deployment. The foldably
disposed receptacle may be partially or fully unfolded during
deployment, and fully unfolded after deployment.
[0014] In another aspect, a receptacle for dispensing and
containing a product from a package after deployment of the
receptacle from the package is provided including a bottom panel,
the bottom panel including an attachment surface on a proximal end
attachable to the package, a front panel on a distal end of the
bottom panel, and at least one side panel, wherein the front panel
and the at least one side panel are at least partially
collapsible.
[0015] In another aspect, a packaged product is provided comprising
a package according to the present invention and a product, e.g.,
at least partially filling the package. The product may be a
consumer product, such as a food product or a snack product.
[0016] In another aspect, a method for dispensing a defined or
desired quantity of a product from a packaged product according is
provided. The method may include the steps of deploying the
receptacle of the package and agitating and tilting the package to
dispense the defined quantity of the product into the
receptacle.
[0017] These and further aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become clearer in light of the following detailed
description of an illustrative embodiment of this invention
described in connection with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view (from below) of the bottom
side of a receptacle of a certain embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view (from above) of the top side
of an unfolded receptacle of a certain embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a bag containing a folded
receptacle of a certain embodiment of the present invention affixed
to the inside of one of the bag's sides.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view (from above) of a bag with a
partially unfolded receptacle of a certain embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a bag with a fully
unfolded receptacle of a certain embodiment of the present
invention. Also shown is the package in use with a representative
snack product such as potato chips 19 dispensed from the container
(bag 15) into the receptacle 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention relates, in certain embodiments, to
improved methods and types of packaging, in particular to a variety
of container types that allows users to access the contents of the
package in a more convenient, sanitary, and pleasant way.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the bottom side 10 of a
receptacle 1 of a certain embodiment of the present invention. The
receptacle 1 may have a folded configuration and an unfolded
configuration. In some embodiments, the receptacle 1 includes a
bottom panel, at least one side panel, and/or at least one front
panel. From this view, in this embodiment, the bottom side 10 and
outer walls of the side panels 11 of a receptacle 1 are visible.
The side panels 11 may be affixed to the bottom side or panel 10.
Alternatively, the panels may comprise a single continuous
construct from a single piece of material, e.g., delineated by fold
lines or creases.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view (from above) of the top side
12 of an unfolded receptacle of a certain embodiment of the present
invention. From this view, in this embodiment, the outer wall of
one side panel 11, inner wall of one side panel 17, and the inner
wall of a front panel 18 are visible. As it can be clearly seen,
when the receptacle 1 is unfolded, the top side 12, side panels 11,
17, and front panel 18 work together to form a bowl-like
receptacle.
[0026] In some embodiments, the fully deployed receptacle 1 defines
a roughly 3-dimensional shape. For example, the receptacle 1 may
define a shape selected from cubic, rectangular, triangular,
pyramidal, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal,
octagonal, semispherical, oval shapes, funnel shapes, or novelty
shapes.
[0027] In some embodiments, the receptacle 1 is a separate piece
that is temporarily or permanently affixed to one or more sides of
a container via the underside edge of a base fold 13 or attachment
fold or surface of the receptacle 1. The receptacle 1 may be
permanently, semi-permanently, or releasably attached to a
container (e.g., on an inside surface of the container or an
outside surface of the container). For example, the receptacle may
be attached to an inside surface prior to filling and sealing the
container closed. The receptacle can be affixed via several
different methods. By way of example, some, but not all, ways of
affixing the receptacle 1 to the container are via an adhesive or
via thermosealing. In other embodiments, the receptacle 1 is an
extension of one or more sides of a container, for example, the
receptacle 1 may not be a separate piece and the section containing
the base fold 13 may also be one or more sides of the
container.
[0028] The container may be selected from a bag, a box (including
cartons), a tube, a bottle, a can, a jar, a jug, a cup, a bin, or a
canister. In one embodiment, the container is a box (which can
include cartons). In another embodiment, the container is a
canister. In an embodiment illustrated herein, the container is a
bag.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a bag 15 containing a
folded or collapsed receptacle 1 of a certain embodiment of the
present invention affixed to the inside of one of the bag's sides
16. The bag 15 is shown in an open configuration, e.g., after
opening or, in some processes, prior to filling with a product. The
bottom side 10 of the folded receptacle is shown. The side panels
11, 17, front panel 14, 18, and base fold 13 are identified but
hidden from view from this perspective.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view (from above) of a bag 15
with a partially unfolded receptacle of a certain embodiment of the
present invention. The top side 12, outer walls of the side panels
11, and outer wall of the front panel 14 of the receptacle can be
seen. In this embodiment, in the partially unfolded form, these
components of the receptacle are flat, i.e., they are on a single
plane. Additionally, the base fold 13 is shown attached to the
inside of one of the bag's sides 16. It is around the axis of base
fold 13 that the receptacle pivots to transform from the portrayal
of FIG. 3, where the receptacle is folded to rest inside the bag
15, to the portrayal of FIG. 4, where the receptacle has been
partially unfolded to rest outside of the bag 15.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a bag 15 with a fully
unfolded or deployed receptacle of a certain embodiment of the
present invention. Also shown is the package in use with a snack
food such as potato chips 19 dispensed from the bag 15 into the
receptacle 1. In FIG. 5, the top side 12, inner wall of one side
panel 17, outer wall of one side panel 11, and outer wall of the
front panel 14 of a receptacle are shown. The inner wall of the
front panel 18 is also identified, although it is hidden from view
from this perspective. It can be clearly seen how these pieces work
together to form a bowl-like receptacle. Additionally, FIG. 5 shows
where the base fold 13 connects the receptacle to the inner wall of
one side of the bag 16.
[0032] While FIG. 5 illustrates the package being used with potato
chips 19, the present invention may be used with other packaged
products. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a
packaged product being a snack product selected from potato chips,
popcorn, pretzels, corn chips, trail mix, crackers, nuts, fries,
cookies, cheese snacks, or other plurality of generally bite-sized
snack foods. In other embodiments the present invention relates to
a packaged product being a food product selected from flour,
granulated coffee or coffee beans, corn meal, instant potatoes,
pancake mix, biscuit mix, granulated sugar, powdered sugar,
oatmeal, rice, confections, or dry breakfast cereal. In other
embodiments the present invention relates to a packaged product
being a consumer product selected from granulated laundry
detergent, powdered dishwashing detergent, powdered cleanser,
talcum powder, powdered carpet freshener, toys, blocks, games, or
jewelry.
[0033] In some embodiments, the receptacle, when folded, will rest
inside the container, and in other embodiments, the folded
receptacle can rest outside of the container. The receptacle can
comprise many different materials. In some embodiments, the
receptacle will be the same material as the container, and in other
embodiments, it will be a different material. In some embodiments,
the receptacle will be manufactured as a single continuous article
from a single piece of material, e.g., the side panels and front
panels are delineated from the bottom panel by one or more folds or
creases. In some embodiments, the receptacle will be manufactured
from separate pieces of materials, e.g., wherein the bottom and the
side are made from different pieces of material and affixed to each
other. In some embodiments the receptacle and the container will be
manufactured as a single continuous article from a single piece of
material. In other embodiments, the receptacle and container will
be manufactured from separate pieces of material, wherein they can
be temporarily or permanently affixed after each piece is
manufactured or during manufacturing.
[0034] The receptacle can be designed to create many different
shapes and sizes, both in its folded and unfolded forms. In some
embodiments, the receptacle will unfold into a receptacle with one
corner, and in other embodiments the receptacle might have two
corners or three corners or four corners or in some embodiments
five or more corners. In other embodiments, the receptacle will
unfold into a receptacle with no corners at all. In some
embodiments, the receptacle can unfold into a receptacle that is
designed to dispense the container's contents to one's hands. In
other embodiments, the receptacle can unfold into a receptacle that
is designed to dispense the container's contents directly into
one's mouth. An example of a design that may be used to dispense
the container's contents directly into one's mouth is a funnel. In
such a funnel design, the receptacle would comprise a further
opening or aperture through which the contents of the container and
receptacle can be dispensed. In some embodiments, the receptacle
will be designed to represent--in its folded or unfolded form--a
novelty shape or shape that is the recognizable form of some
object. For example, the receptacle might unfold to resemble a star
or a heart or the head of a cartoon character, for example a mouse
with two big ears. In some embodiments, only one receptacle will be
incorporated, and in other embodiments two or even more receptacles
will be incorporated.
[0035] In some embodiments, the receptacle will be designed into a
roughly 3-dimensional shape. For example, the receptacle might
unfold to generally resemble a cubic, rectangular, triangular,
pyramidal, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal,
octagonal, oval, or semispherical shape. In some embodiments, the
receptacle may contain only a bottom panel and a side panel (for
example, as it might in a semispherically shaped receptacle). In
other embodiments, the receptacle can contain a bottom panel and
more than one side panel (for example, as it might in a triangular
shaped receptacle). In other embodiments, the receptacle can
contain a bottom panel, at least one side panel, and at least one
front panel (for example, as it might in a cubic, trapezoidal, or
hexagonal shaped receptacle).
[0036] The receptacle can be positioned in many areas inside or
outside of the container, and the technology of the present
invention does not preclude a container from being capable of being
resealed. For example, in some embodiments, there will be a
mechanism to reseal the container in addition to the technology of
the present invention. To provide just one example, this can be
easily contemplated by incorporating interlocking plastic strips on
opposite walls of a bag near the bag's opening. In some
embodiments, the receptacle will be flexible. In other embodiments,
the receptacle will be rigid. In some embodiments, the receptacle
itself can be used to help close the container. For example, it can
be contemplated that the partially unfolded receptacle as portrayed
in FIG. 4 can be folded over the outside wall of the bag 15 such
that the receptacle covers the opening of the bag. It can be
further contemplated that a mechanism can be incorporated to
temporarily affix the receptacle to the outside wall of the bag 15
such that it further assists in keeping the container closed. To
provide an example, this can be easily accomplished by
incorporating an adhesive into the receptacle.
[0037] Both the receptacle and the container can be made from many
different materials. In some embodiments, these materials will be
the same, and in other embodiments these materials will be
different. Some, but not all, examples of materials that may be
used to create the receptacle are metals or metal based materials
(including, but not limited to, aluminum, aluminum foil, laminates,
metallized films, tinplate, and tin-free steel), plastics,
including both thermosets and thermoplastics (including, but not
limited to, polyolefins, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate,
polycarbonate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyvinyl chloride,
polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, ethylene vinyl
alcohol, biaxially oriented polypropylene, low-density
polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, Surlyn.RTM., polylactic
acid, and laminates and co-extrusions), glass, wood, and paper and
paperboard (including, but not limited to, kraft paper, sulfite
paper, greaseproof paper, glassine, parchment paper, white board,
solid board, chipboard, fiberboard, and paper laminates). Some, but
not all, examples of materials that may be used to create the
container are metals or metal based materials (including, but not
limited to, aluminum, aluminum foil, laminates, metallized films,
tinplate, and tin-free steel), plastics, including both thermosets
and thermoplastics (including, but not limited to, polyolefins,
polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene
naphthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
polystyrene, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol, biaxially oriented
polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene,
Surlyn, polylactic acid, and laminates and co-extrusions), glass,
wood, and paper and paperboard (including, but not limited to,
kraft paper, sulfite paper, greaseproof paper, glassine, parchment
paper, white board, solid board, chipboard, cardboard, fiberboard,
and paper laminates). It can be appreciated that this is not a
complete list and that a package of the present invention can be
made using many other materials that are commonly used in the
packaging industry.
[0038] The technology of the present invention can be incorporated
into many different types of packaging or containers. Some, but not
all, examples of different containers for which the technology of
the present invention will be useful are bags (or other types of
flexible packaging), boxes (such as cartons), tubes, bottles, cans,
jars, jugs, cups, funnels, and bins. See,
www.ift.org/knowledge-center/read-ift-publications/science-reports/scient-
ific-status-summaries/food-packaging.aspx.
[0039] There are several different methods by which one could make
a package with the technology of the present invention. As just one
example, a receptacle as described herein, can be affixed to the
inside wall of one or more sides of a container. The receptacle can
be affixed via several different methods. By way of example, some,
but not all, ways of affixing the receptacle to the container are
via an adhesive or via thermosealing.
[0040] The entire disclosure of each of the patent documents,
including certificates of correction, patent application documents,
scientific articles, governmental reports, websites, and other
references referred to herein is incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety for all purposes. In case of a conflict in
terminology, the present specification controls.
[0041] The invention can be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The foregoing embodiments are to be considered in all
respects illustrative rather than limiting on the invention
described herein. In the various embodiments of the methods and
systems of the present invention, where the term comprises is used
with respect to the recited steps of the methods or components of
the manufactures, it is also contemplated that the methods and
manufactures consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited
steps or components. Furthermore, it should be understood that the
order of steps or order for performing certain actions is
immaterial so long as the invention remains operable. Moreover, two
or more steps or actions can be conducted simultaneously.
[0042] In the specification, the singular forms also include the
plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless
defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein
have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the case of
conflict, the present specification will control.
* * * * *
References