Package having a dispensing opening and fold over flap

Abstract

The package contains and dispenses a product, preferably a confectionery product such as a gum piece. The package includes a package housing having opposed front and back walls and a perimterical wall enclosing the package interior. One wall includes a dispensing opening having a size which closely approximates the size of the product contained therein. A flap extends from the back wall for covering the dispensing opening so as to maintain the product within the package.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/881,729, filed Jan. 22, 2207; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/920,641, filed Mar. 29, 2007; which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a package for containing and dispensing product. More particularly, the present invention relates to a package for dispensing loose products which may include confectionery products such as gum pieces and the like.

BACKGROUND

The art has seen a wide variety of packages for containing and dispensing products which may include confectionery products such as candy and particularly gum. One type of package is a blister package including a blister tray and a cover which slidably receives the blister tray. The blister tray houses a plurality of gum pieces, each piece in an individual blister depression.

The art has also seen the use of packages which loosely contain a plurality of gum pieces therein. To dispense these gum pieces, an end of the package is opened so that the gum pieces may be dispensed therefrom. One particular problem with this arrangement is that once the package is opened, it is easy to inadvertently dispense more than the desired number of pieces. Furthermore, these conventional packages having openable ends are difficult to effectively reclose so as to prevent additional gum pieces from inadvertently falling out of the package.

The art has also seen a wide variety of packages employing flaps which overlie a wide package opening. The flap may be opened to expose the interior of the package so that the user may grab and remove the contents. While these packages are easy to open and reclose, these types of flap packages are traditionally employed with respect to gum slabs or sticks.

It is desirable to provide an improved package which houses product especially a plurality of confectionery products such as gum pieces and the like and which effectively dispenses individual pieces and may be adequately reclosed as desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A package contains and dispenses a product. The package includes a package housing having opposed front and back walls and a perimetrical wall enclosing a package interior. One wall includes a dispensing opening having a size which closely approximates the size of the product contained therein. A flap extends from the back wall for covering the dispensing opening. The front wall may include a slit for insertably receiving the flap to maintain it in a closed position. The flap may have a curved lower edge and the slit on the front wall may be positioned off center thereon.

In one embodiment, the dispensing opening may be included on the front wall of the housing. In another embodiment, the dispensing opening may be provided at a location along the perimetrical side wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective showing of one embodiment of the present invention of a package in the closed condition.

FIG. 2 is a perspective showing of the package of FIG. 1 in the opened condition.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the flat blank used to form the package of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective showings in the opened and closed conditions respectively of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the flat blank card to form the package of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective showings in the opened and closed conditions respectively of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of the flat blank used to form the package of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective showings in the opened and closed condition respectively of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of the flat blank used to form the package of FIGS. 10 and 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a package which is used to contain and dispense product. In the present illustrative embodiments, the package is used to house and dispense a plurality of gum pieces. However, it may be appreciated that package 10 may be employed to contain and dispense any of a wide variety of product including other confectionery as well as non-confectionery products. The embodiment shown here is particularly useful in dispensing a plurality of loose product.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment package 10 includes a package housing 14 which is preferably generally rectangular in shape having opposed front and back walls 16 and 18 and a perimetrical side wall 20 which defines a package interior 22 which houses the gum pieces 12. While a generally rectangular package housing is shown, it may be appreciated that other configurations may also be employed.

The front wall 16 of package housing 14 includes a dispensing opening 24 which is preferably located adjacent one corner of the package. In the present illustrative embodiment, dispensing opening 24 is generally rectangular in shape having curved side walls. The dispensing opening 24 is sized and shaped to closely approximate one particular size and shape of gum pieces 12 which are supported in the package housing 14. Thus, the dispensing opening size and shape may vary in accordance with the product contained in the package. In the present illustrative example, the opening 24 approximates the size and shape of the major dimension (face) of the gum piece 12. It is also contemplated that the opening 24 may approximate the size and shape of a smaller minor dimension of the product such as the end shape. Moreover, the product may have different shapes, sizes and configurations. The opening may be sized and shaped to approximate one dimension of the size and shape of the product. While the opening may match the configuration of one dimension of the product, it may also be of a different configuration. Moreover, the opening may be arranged in any orientation or location on the package housing.

Package housing 14 further includes a flap 30 preferably extending from the rear wall 18 thereof. Flap 30 includes a first portion 32 designed to overlie perimetrical wall 20 and a depending portion 34 designed to substantially overlie front face 16 of package housing 14. As particularly shown in FIG. 2, depending portion 34 of flap 30 may include a curved distal edge 36. Flap 30 as well as edge 36 may be of any desired shape and configuration. The shape of flap 30 and edge 36 may be selected to enhance the aesthetics of the package.

During initial manufacture and shipping, the flap 30 is positioned as shown in FIG. 2 and the depending portion 34 may be secured to the front wall 16 by a releasable adhesive. In this condition, the package 10 may also include a plastic or other overwrap (not shown) which environmentally seals the gum pieces 12 contained therein. In use, the plastic overwrap is removed and the depending portion 34 of flap 30 is lifted breaking the releasable adhesive seal.

The pieces 12 may be dispensed from the package from the position shown in FIG. 2. Typically, the user would grasp the package and shake it dispensing one or more pieces 12 from opening 24 as is desired. As the opening 24 closely approximates the size and shape of the pieces 12, only one piece will be dispensed at a time. This allows the user to control the amount of pieces dispensed for use. After the desired number of pieces are dispensed, the user may close the package by placing the depending flap portion 34 over the front face 16 of package housing 14. This effectively closes opening 24 preventing dispensing of additional pieces.

In order to maintain the flap 30 in closed condition, the front wall 16 of package housing 14 includes a slit 38 therein. The slit 38 is designed to insertably accommodate the lower edge 36 of flap 34 therein holding the flap in a closed condition. The shape, design and location of the slit is such that it corresponds with the lower edge 36 of flap 30 to retentively hold the lower edge therein.

In the present illustrative embodiment, the slit 38 is an elongate skewed slit (off-center) positioned in a corner diagonally opposite opening 24. It can be appreciate, however, that other shapes and locations of the slit may be employed depending upon the shape and construction of the depending portion 34 of flap 30.

While the housing 14 is formed from a single blank, it is contemplated that housing 14 may be formed from multiple pieces including a product tray which may be inserted into an outer package and which may be secured in the outer package.

The package housing 14 may further include additional openings (not shown) which are of dimension such that product cannot be dispensed therefrom. These additional openings may serve as windows to provide the user with visual indication of the amount of product removed from the package. Furthermore, openings 24 and/or the additional openings may include a perforated portion of the package which is removed by the user so that the opening is not accessible until use.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown with respect to FIGS. 4-6. In this embodiment, package 100 includes a package housing 114 which is preferably rectangular in shape having opposed front and back faces or walls 116 and 118 a perimetrical side wall 120 which defines a package interior 122 which houses the product. The package 100 is generally rectangular preferably having a height which is greater than its width. The perimetrical wall 120 includes transverse wall portions 120a, 120b and longitudinal wall portions 120c, 120d. As used herein, the terms longitudinal and transverse are relative so as to define a rectangular configuration. The longer and shorter sides are interchangeable. The package housing 114 includes a flap 130 preferably extending from rear wall 118 thereof. Flap 130 includes an intermediate portion 132 designed to overlie an upper transverse portion 120a of perimetrical wall 120 and a depending portion 134 designed to extend over the front wall 116 of package housing 114. The flap 130 may include elements such as transverse ridges 133 thereacross. The ridges 133a may be members formed on the flap which are raised in either or both directions. The ridges 133a provide a tactile frictional grip surface so that the flap may be easily manipulated by the user. Other types, configurations, shapes, numbers and locations of such members may also be provided. Also, where the ridges 133a are provided as shown in the figures, they also add flexibility to assist in folding or “rolling” the flap 130 closed over front wall 116.

As particularly shown in FIG. 4, upper portion 120a of perimetrical wall 120 includes a dispensing opening 124. The dispensing opening is generally rectangular in shape and extends across the planar surface of upper portion 120a of perimetrical wall 120 and slightly downward over front wall 116. The dispensing opening 124 is sized and shaped to closely approximate one particular size and shape of product which is supported within package 114. Thus, the dispensing opening size and shape may vary in accordance with the product contained in the package.

During initial manufacture and shipment, the flap 130 is positioned over front wall 116 and secured thereto by a releasable adhesive. In this condition, the package may also include a plastic or other overwrap which environmentally seals the product contained therein. In use, the plastic overwrap is removed and the depending portion 134 of flap 130 is lifted breaking the releasable adhesive seal. The products may be dispensed from the package through the dispensing opening 124 in a manner similar to that described above. After dispensing the desired number of pieces, the user may close the package by placing the depending flap portion 134 over the front wall 116 of package housing 114. This effectively closes the opening 124 preventing dispensing of additional pieces.

In order to maintain the flap 130 in the closed position, the front wall 116 of package housing 114 includes a slit 138 therein. The slit 138 is designed to insertably accommodate the lower edge or tab 136 of flap 134 therein holding the flap in the closed condition. While the distal edge 136 of the flap 134 is shown in an arcuate configuration, other configurations of the flap may also be employed. Furthermore, the slit 138 which engages the flap 134 is shown centrally located on the front wall 116 of package 114. It may be appreciated, however, that the slit may be located at various locations on the front face so as to accommodate different shapes and positions of the flap 134.

As shown in FIG. 6, it is preferable that the housing 114 be formed from a single blank 150. However, it is contemplated that the housing may be formed from multiple pieces.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. Package 200 is substantially similar to package 100 described above and similar reference numerals will refer to similar components.

In the present illustrative embodiment, the perimetrical side wall 220 includes upwardly extending opposed side portions 222 and 224. The upper extents 222a and 224a thereof extend upwardly above the upper portion 220a of side wall 220. The upper extents 222a and 224a are curved downwardly from the rear wall 118 towards the front wall 116 so as to provide a curved upper edge to the package 214. The flap 230 which extends from back wall 218 includes a portion 235 conforms to the curved upper shape of the package 214. The curved shape provides a rounded appearance as viewed from the front and side. The ridges 233a, as described above, assist in conforming the flap 230 to the curved upper shape of package 214.

In all other respects, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9 is constructed and operates in a manner substantially similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-6 described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, a still further embodiment is shown. Package 300 includes a package housing 314 which is preferably generally rectangular in shape having opposed front and back faces or walls 316 and 318 and a perimetrical side wall 320 which defines a package interior 322. In the present illustrative embodiment, the package 314 preferably has a width which is greater than the height of the package. Upper portion 321 of side wall 320 includes a dispensing opening 324 therein. In the present embodiment, dispensing opening 324 is generally rectangular in shape and extends along perimetrical side wall portion 321 and into front wall 316. The dispensing opening 324 is sized and shaped to closely approximate a particular size and shape of product which is supported within package housing 314. As with the above embodiments, the dispensing opening size and shape may vary in accordance with the product contained therein. While the dispensing opening 324 is shown adjacent one corner of package 314, it may be located anywhere along the perimetrical wall 320.

Package 314 includes a flap 330 extending from rear wall 318 thereof. Flap 330 includes a first portion 332 designed to overlie perimetrical wall portion 321 and a depending portion 334 designed to substantially overlie front wall 316 of package housing 314. The depending portion 334 of flap 330 may include a curved distal end edge 336 which is asymmetrically positioned thereon. The flap 330 as well as the edge 336 may be of any other desired shape or configuration. The shape of the flap 330 and the edge 336 may be selected to enhance the aesthetics of the package.

During initial manufacturing and shipping, the flap 330 may be secured to the front wall 316 by releasable adhesive. In this condition, the package 300 may also include a plastic or other overwrap therearound which environmentally seals the product contained therein. In use, the plastic overwrap is removed and the depending portion 334 of flap 330 is lifted breaking the releasable adhesive seal. The product may be dispensed from the package from a position shown in FIG. 10. As with the above embodiment, the user would grasp the package and shake it dispensing one or more product from the opening 324. After the desired number of products are dispensed, the user may close the package by placing the depending flap portion 334 over front wall of package 314. This effectively closes opening 330 preventing dispensing additional pieces.

In order to maintain the flap 330 in a closed condition, the front wall 316 of package housing 314 includes a slit 338 therein. The slit 338 is designed to insertably accommodate the lower edge 336 of flap 334 therein holding the flap in the closed condition. The shape, design and location of the slit is such that it corresponds to the lower edge 336 of flap 330 to retentively hold the edge therein. In the present embodiment, the slit 338 is an elongate skewed slit positioned centrally along face 316. It may be appreciated, however, that other shapes and locations of the slit may be employed depending upon the shape, construction and location of the depending portion 334 of flap 330.

As shown in FIG. 12, the housing 314 is formed from a single blank 350. It is further contemplated that the housing 314 may be formed from multiple pieces and may include a product tray which may be inserted into the outer package.

Various changes to the foregoing described and shown structures would now be evident to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the particularly disclosed scope of the invention is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A package for containing and dispensing product comprising:

a package housing having opposed front and back walls and a perimetrical side wall enclosing a package interior;

said front wall including a dispensing opening bounded thereby having a size closely approximating the size of said product contained therein; and

a flap extending from said back wall for overlying said front wall and covering said dispensing opening.

2. A package of claim 1 wherein said front wall includes a slit for insertably receiving said flap.

3. A package of claim 2 wherein said flap includes a curved lower edge.

4. A package of claim 3 wherein said slit is offset from the center of said front wall.

5. A package of claim 1 wherein said front wall is generally rectangular and wherein said dispenser opening is located in one corner of said front wall.

6. A package of claim 5 wherein said silt is located in a corner of said front wall diagonally opposite said opening.

7. A package of claim 1 wherein said package includes a major dimension and wherein said opening has a size which closely approximates the said major dimension.

8. A package of claim 1 wherein said package includes a minor dimension and wherein said opening has a size which closely approximates said minor dimension.

9. A package for containing and dispensing products comprising:

a package housing for accommodating a plurality of said products, said housing having a dispensing opening therein for dispensing said products; and

a flap for overlying and covering said opening;

said opening having a dispensing dimension which closely approximates a dimension of said product to permit passage of said products through said opening in individual succession.

10. A package of claim 9 wherein said product has a major dimension and wherein said opening dispensing dimension closely approximates said major dimension.

11. A package of claim 9 wherein said product has a minor dimension and wherein said opening dispensing dimension closely approximates said minor dimension.

12. A package for containing and individually dispensing a plurality of loose products comprising:

a package housing having opposed front and back walls and a perimetrical side wall enclosing a package interior for accommodating said loose products;

one of said walls including a dispensing opening having a size closely approximating the size of said product contained thereon for individually dispensing one of said loose products therefrom; and

a flap extending from said back wall for overlying said dispensing opening.

13. A package of claim 12 wherein said perimetrical side wall includes said opening.

14. A package 4 of claim 12 wherein said front wall includes said dispensing opening.

15. A package of claim 13 wherein said perimetrical side wall includes a plurality of wall portions about said package interior.

16. A package of claim 15 wherein said flap extends from said back wall adjacent one of said wall portions and wherein said one wall portion includes said dispensing opening.

17. A package housing of claim 16 wherein said housing is generally rectangular having a pair of major wall portions, and a pair of minor wall portions having a length less than the length of the major wall portions.

18. A package of claim 17 wherein one of said major wall portions includes said dispensing opening.

19. A package of claim 17 wherein one of said minor wall portions includes said dispensing opening.

20. A package of claim 19 wherein one of said wall portions is curved.

21. A package of claim 21 wherein said curved wall portion includes said dispensing opening.

22. A package of claim 18 wherein said perimetrical side wall includes longitudinal wall portions and transverse wall portions, one of said transverse wall portions including said opening, said flap extending from said back wall for overlying said one transverse wall to close said opening.

23. A package of claim 22 wherein said flap includes elements formed thereon to facilitate moving said flap over said one transverse wall.

24. A package of claim 23 wherein said elements are longitudinally extending ridges.

25. A package of claim 24 wherein said ridges are raised from the surface of the flap to provide a tactile surface for facilitating movement of said flap.

26. A package of claim 25 wherein said longitudinal walls include upper extents, extending about said one transverse wall, said upper extents having a curved edge curving downward from said back wall towards said front wall.