PACKAGES FOR CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS AND METHODS FOR USING SAME

Abstract

Packages for housing products and methods of using same are provided. The packages may be used to store consumable products and may be customized, contemporary packages that provide easy handling of the packages and increased purchase interest and marketability amongst consumers. In a general embodiment, the packages of the present disclosure include a body defining an interior for housing a consumable product. The body includes a bottom surface having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, a front surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a back surface that is opposed to the front surface and is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to containers for storing consumable products and methods of using same.

Packages for consumable products come in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials and designs. These sizes, shapes, materials and designs can differ, for example, for aesthetic reasons. Although consumable product packaging may be provided to enhance aesthetic qualities of packages, the purposes for consumable product packaging are not limited to only this purpose.

Indeed, consumable product packages aimed at providing improved aesthetic qualities of a package may not always provide optimal functionality or use, and may not sufficiently aid consumers in handling of the packages, completely emptying the packages, storing the packages, stacking the packages, displaying the packages, etc. Instead, consumable product packages having specific shapes, sizes, and characteristics designed for convenience may provide functional advantages for a consumer and/or user of such packages in addition to possible aesthetic advantages.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is related to packages for housing consumable products. The packages may be functional, contemporary packages that provide easy handling of the packages by a toddler during feeding, improved storage and stackability, and increase purchase interest and marketability amongst consumers.

In an embodiment, a flexible package is provided. The package includes a body defining an interior configured to house a consumable product. The body includes a bottom surface having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, a front surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a back surface that is opposed to the front surface and is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis.

In an embodiment, the package further includes a top surface having an outlet. The outlet may be selected from the group consisting of a hole, a straw, a substantially hollow projection, a slit, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the package further includes a lid that is so constructed and arranged to close the outlet.

In an embodiment, the top surface is angled away from the vertical axis. The top surface may be angled at an angle ranging from about 5° to about 45°, or from about 10° to about 40°, or from about 15° to about 35°, or from about 20° to about 30°, or the top surface may be angled at an angle of about 25°.

In an embodiment, the flexible package is sized and shaped for a child's grasp.

In an embodiment, the body further includes an indicia. The indicia may placed on the body by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. The indicia may also be selected from the group consisting of a fruit, a vegetable, a grain, a protein, an age-appropriate indicator, nutritional information, product information, a nutritional panel, branding indicia, an image that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the product information is selected from the group consisting of an amount of the product, product ingredients, allergen information, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is nutritional information.

In an embodiment, the package is plastic.

In yet another embodiment, a flexible package is provided. The package includes a body having a top having an outlet, a base having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the base, a first surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a second surface opposing the first surface, wherein the second surface is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis. The body defines an interior configured to house a consumable product, and the interior includes a channel that is fluidly connected to the outlet.

In an embodiment, the channel is substantially linear. Alternatively, a shape of the channel follows a curvature of the body. The channel may be located along either the first or second surface, or the channel may be located in a middle of the interior of the body. In an embodiment, the channel is so constructed and arranged to aid in emptying a product from the body. The channel may extend substantially along a height of the package, or along only a portion of the height of the package.

In an embodiment, the outlet is selected from the group consisting of a hole, a straw, a substantially hollow projection, a slit, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the package further including a lid that is so constructed and arranged to close the outlet.

In an embodiment, the top surface is angled away from the vertical axis. The top surface may be angled at an angle ranging from about 5° to about 45°, or from about 10° to about 40°, or from about 15° to about 35°, or from about 20° to about 30°, or the top surface may be angled at an angle of about 25°.

In an embodiment, the flexible package is sized and shaped for a child's grasp.

In an embodiment, the body further includes an indicia. The indicia may placed on the body by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. The indicia may also be selected from the group consisting of a fruit, a vegetable, a grain, a protein, an age-appropriate indicator, nutritional information, product information, a nutritional panel, branding indicia, an image that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the product information is selected from the group consisting of an amount of the product, product ingredients, allergen information, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is nutritional information.

In an embodiment, the package is plastic.

In still yet another embodiment, a consumable product package is provided and includes a first container for housing a first consumable product. The first container includes a bottom surface having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a top surface having a neck portion that is offset and angled away from the vertical axis. The package further includes a second container for housing a second consumable product, wherein the second container is located adjacent the first container and is substantially identical to the first container with respect to its shape and size. The package also includes a sleeve configured to surround at least a portion of both of the first and second containers and having an indicia.

In an embodiment, the first consumable product and the second consumable product are the same product. Alternatively, the first consumable product and the second consumable product are different products.

In an embodiment, the sleeve is made of a material selected from the group consisting of shrink-wrap, plastic, cardboard, card stock, paper, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, a front surface of the first container is located adjacent to a front surface of the second container.

In an embodiment, the first container and the second container are offset horizontally with respect to each other. For example, the first container and the second container may be offset by a distance of about 0.25 inches to about 1.5 inches, or about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inches, or the first container and the second container are offset by a distance of about 0.75 inches.

In an embodiment, the neck portion is angled away from the vertical axis. The neck portion may be angled at an angle ranging from about 5° to about 45°, or from about 10° to about 40°, or from about 15° to about 35°, or from about 20° to about 30°, or the neck portion may be angled at an angle of about 25°.

In an embodiment, the top surface of the first container and a top surface of the second container are located adjacent each other.

In an embodiment, the sleeve surrounds the first and second containers in a horizontal direction.

In an embodiment, the neck portion includes an outlet selected from the group consisting of a hole, a straw, a substantially hollow projection, a slit, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the neck portion further includes a lid that is so constructed and arranged to close the outlet.

In an embodiment, the first and second containers are sized and shaped for a child's grasp.

In an embodiment, the body further includes an indicia. The indicia may placed on the body by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. The indicia may also be selected from the group consisting of a fruit, a vegetable, a grain, a protein, an age-appropriate indicator, nutritional information, product information, a nutritional panel, branding indicia, an image that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the product information is selected from the group consisting of an amount of the product, product ingredients, allergen information, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is nutritional information.

In an embodiment, the first and second containers are plastic.

In another embodiment, a package is provided. The package includes a body defining an interior for housing a consumable product. The body includes a first surface having a flexible neck portion that is so constructed and arranged to be received by a portion of the interior during storage of the package, and to be removed from the portion of the interior during use of the package, and a second surface opposing the first surface and including a recess that is so constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of the flexible neck portion for stacking of the package.

In an embodiment, the flexible neck portion is received by the portion of the interior by pushing the flexible neck portion into the interior. Alternatively, the flexible neck portion may be removed from the portion of the interior by pulling the flexible neck portion out of the interior.

In an embodiment, the body has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the flexible neck portion includes an outlet selected from the group consisting of a hole, a straw, a substantially hollow projection, a slit, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the package further including a lid that is so constructed and arranged to close the outlet.

In an embodiment, the package is sized and shaped for a child's grasp.

In an embodiment, the body further includes an indicia. The indicia may placed on the body by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. The indicia may also be selected from the group consisting of a fruit, a vegetable, a grain, a protein, an age-appropriate indicator, nutritional information, product information, a nutritional panel, branding indicia, an image that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the product information is selected from the group consisting of an amount of the product, product ingredients, allergen information, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is nutritional information.

In an embodiment, the package is plastic.

In yet another embodiment, a method for providing a consumable product to a child is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package having a body defining an interior housing a consumable product. The body includes a bottom surface including a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, a front surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a back surface that is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis. The method further includes instructing the child to consume the product housed in the package.

In still yet another embodiment, a method for providing a consumable product to a child is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package including a body that defines an interior housing a consumable product, and the interior includes a channel. The body includes a top having an outlet that is fluidly connected to the channel for removal of the consumable product, a base having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the base, a first surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a second surface opposing the first surface, wherein the second surface is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis. The method further includes instructing the child to consume the product housed in the package.

In another embodiment, a method for providing a consumable product to a child is provided. The method includes providing a first container housing a first consumable product. The first container includes a bottom surface having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a top surface including a neck portion that is offset and angled away from the vertical axis. The method further includes providing a second container housing a second consumable product, wherein the second container is substantially identical to the first container with respect to its shape and size, and is located adjacent to the first container, wherein a sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the first and containers and including an indicia. The method also includes instructing the child to consume the product housed in at least one of the first and second containers.

In yet another embodiment, a method for providing a consumable product to a child is provided. The method includes providing a first flexible package including a body defining an interior housing a consumable product. The body includes a first surface having a flexible neck portion that is so constructed and arranged to be received by a portion of the interior during storage of the package, and to be removed from the portion of the interior during use of the package, and a second surface opposing the first surface and including a recess that is so constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of a flexible neck portion of a similar package for stacking. The method further includes instructing the child to consume the product housed in the package.

In still yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package includes a body defining an interior housing a consumable product. The body includes a bottom surface having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, a front surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a back surface that is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis. The method further includes placing the package on a retail shelf.

In yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package having a body that defines an interior housing a consumable product, and the interior includes a channel. The body includes a top having an outlet that is fluidly connected to the channel for removal of the consumable product, a base having a centrally-located vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the base, a first surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a second surface opposing the first surface, wherein the second surface is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis. The method further includes placing the consumable product package on a retail shelf.

In another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a first container housing a first consumable product, the first container including a bottom surface having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a top surface including a neck portion that is offset and angled away from the vertical axis. The method further includes providing a second container housing a second consumable product, wherein the second container is substantially identical to the first container with respect to its shape and size, and is located adjacent to the first container, wherein a sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the first and containers and includes an indicia. The method also includes placing the sleeved containers on a retail shelf.

In still yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package including a body defining an interior housing a consumable product. The body includes a first surface having a flexible neck portion that is so constructed and arranged to be received by a portion of the interior during storage of the package, and to be removed from the portion of the interior during use of the package, and a second surface opposing the first surface and having a recess that is so constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of the flexible neck portion for stacking of the package. The method further includes placing the package on a retail shelf.

It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide improved consumable product containers.

It is also an advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that are aesthetically pleasing to children.

It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that aid children in self-feeding.

It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers having improved stackability.

It is still yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that improve the emptying efficiency of the containers during consumption.

It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that improve marketability of the containers.

It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that are easily gripped by toddlers for handling of children's foods.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of multiple-container package in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a multiple-container package in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides packages for housing consumable products. The packages may be custom designed for ease of use by toddlers, and may also be designed for efficient stacking/storage of the packages. In this regard, the packages may use specific shapes, complementary shapes, functional design aspects, or such features to provide easy handling of the packages by a toddler or caregiver during feeding, efficient emptying of the package contents, efficient stacking and storage of the packages, and increased purchase interest and marketability amongst consumers.

The consumable products housed by the packages may be any semi-solid, gel, liquid, or pureed consumable products including, for example, baby foods, snack foods, full meals, side meals, etc. In an embodiment, the packages house foods for children (e.g., infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, etc.) including, for example, fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, pastas, etc. The teachings of the present disclosure, therefore, are not dependent upon the consumable products being of any particular type so long as the products fit within, and is able to be removed from, the packages described herein.

In an embodiment, the bodies of packages of the present disclosure may be made from a molded plastic material such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, or combinations thereof. The bodies may be formed using conventional thermoforming or molding processes including, but not limited to, injection molding, injection blow molding and extrusion blow molding. In another embodiment, the bodies of packages of the present disclosure may be made from layered materials to provide a flexible, soft-sided package that is able to stand upright but still be deformable by a toddler's grasp. Alternatively, the bodies may be manufactured from non-plastic materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, metal, styrofoam, etc. Further, at least a portion of the bodies can be either transparent or translucent so that a consumer can readily discern what types of products are housed in the compartments of the packages. Alternatively, at least a portion of the bodies may be opaque. In an embodiment wherein a lid is provided, the lid may be manufactured from a same or different material as the body and may be translucent while the body is opaque, or vice versa.

In an embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, a package 10 for storing consumable products is provided. Package 10 includes a body 12 that defines an interior compartment 14, and includes a front surface 16, a back surface 18, a bottom surface 20, and a top surface 22. Front and back surfaces 16, 18 have complementary contoured shapes that provide several advantages over presently known infant food pouches. For example, the contoured shape of package 10 helps to position an outlet, or a spout, at a child's mouth for ease of handling of the package and consumption of the product. The center of the contoured sides also provides a good gripping area for the small hands of children during use of the package. Additionally, the contoured shape provides for a unique product display that can enhance shelf appeal of the product, as well as efficient storage of the packages.

The degree of contour of front and back surfaces 16, 18 may range from a very small contour, wherein package 10 stands substantially upright, to a very large contour, wherein top surface 22 of package 10 may stand at an angle (Θ) that is substantially 90° from vertical, or any degree of contour therebetween, as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, package 10 may stand at about 10° to about 80° from vertical, or from about 20° to about 70° from vertical, or from about 30° to about 60° from vertical, or from about 40° to about 50° from vertical. In an embodiment, the degree of contour is optimized so as to place top surface 22 at a child's mouth when the child holds package 10 in its hands to consume the contents thereof (e.g., between about 10° and about 50°, or about 15°, or about 20°, or about 25°, or about 30°, or about 35°, or about 40°, or about 45°).

As is also shown in FIG. 2, front surface 16 may be convex with respect to a centrally-located, vertical axis in package 10, while back surface 18 may be concave with respect to the same vertical axis. In this regard, the shapes of front and back surfaces 16, 18, complement each other so as to form contoured body 12.

The skilled artisan will also appreciate that the dimensions of package 10 may vary as desired or in accordance with manufacturing specifications or as desired. For example, in an embodiment, package 10 may be sized to hold about 3.5 ounces of a pureed baby food, and may be from about 4 to about 7 inches high (as measured, for example, along a surface of package 10 from bottom surface 20 to top surface 22), and from about 2 to about 5 inches wide. Alternatively, package 10 may be sized to hold anywhere from about 2 ounces to about 5 ounces of baby food, or from about 2.5 ounces to about 4.5 ounces, or from about 3 ounces to about 4.0 ounces, or about 3.5 ounces. Similarly, package 10 may be from about 4.5 inches to about 6.5 inches in height, or from about 5 inches to about 6 inches in height, or about 5.5 inches high. Package 10 may also be from about 2.5 inches to about 4.5 inches in width, or from about 3 inches to about 4 inches in width, or about 3.5 inches wide. The skilled artisan will understand that bottom surface 20 should have an area that is sufficient to retain package 10 in a standing position regardless of the degree of contour and the size of package 10.

Top surface 22 of package 10 includes an outlet 24 for emptying the consumable products during consumption. Outlet 24 of top surface 22 may be, for example, a slit, a hole, a built-in hollow projection, a straw, a spout, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, outlet 24 may be a spout that is fluidly attached to top surface 22 such that the consumable product contained within package 10 can be emptied therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 1, package 10 may also include a lid 26 that is sized and shaped to fit with body 12. Lid 16 is not limited to any particular shape or size, so long as lid 26 is capable of sealingly fitting to body 12, or outlet 24, to prevent loss or contamination of a consumable product housed therein. In this manner, lid 26 may be mated with body 12 by screwing, snap-fitting, pressure-fitting, friction fitting, etc. Lid 26 may be fitted to body 12 in a resealing manner so that each time lid 26 is removed from body 12, it may be placed on body 12 again in a sealed manner.

In an embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, body 12 includes a built-in channel 28, or straw, that allows for efficient emptying of the contents of package 10. Channel 28 provides many benefits and advantage over known consumable product pouches. For example, channel 28 allows the flow of consumable product to continue in a smooth and efficient manner as the product is being removed and body 12 begins to collapse on itself.

Channel 28 may be manufactured from any material that is capable of sustaining exposure to consumable products for a substantial amount of time (e.g., at least several months) without degrading and/or otherwise breaking down. For example, channel 28 may be manufactured from a plastic. Further, channel 28 may be integrally formed with body 12 and run either along a surface of body 12, or down a middle interior portion 14 of body 12. Alternatively, channel 28 may be an insert that is formed separately from body 12 during manufacturing and placed within body 12 during manufacturing of the finished package 10. Channel 28 may extend substantially the length/height of body 12 such that channel 28 is able to access any consumable product located a bottom of body 12 during emptying of the product. Alternatively, channel 28 may extend only along a portion of the length/height of body 12.

Packages 10 of the present disclosure may include an indicial thereon to aid in identifying product and brand information. The indicia may be placed on the packages by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is selected from the group consisting of a fruit, a vegetable, a grain, a protein, an age-appropriate indicator (e.g., infant, sitter, crawler, etc.), nutritional information, product information, a nutritional panel, branding indicia, an image that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, or combinations thereof. The product information may be selected from the group consisting of an amount of the product, product ingredients, allergen information, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, Applicant has found a way to efficiently package two containers together to provide for easy labeling, as well as efficient storing and stacking of the containers. More specifically, FIG. 3 provides a package 30 including a first container 32 and a second container 34, which are located adjacent one another and surrounded (at least in part) by a sleeve 36, which serves to keep first and second containers 32, 34 in contact.

Sleeve 36 may be manufactured from any suitable material including, for example, plastic, shrink-wrap, cardboard, paper, paperboard, cardstock, etc. In an embodiment, sleeve 36 extends entirely around first and second containers 32, 34 in a horizontal direction so as to maintain close contact therebetween. Alternatively, sleeve 36 may not extend all the way around first and second containers 32, 34; however, the skilled artisan would appreciate that, in such an embodiment, sleeve 36 should be sturdy enough to keep first and second containers 32, 34 together. Sleeve 36 may also extend along a height that is substantially the height of first and second containers 32, 34. Alternatively, sleeve 36 may extend along only a portion of a height of first and second containers 32, 34.

First and second containers 32, 34 may be identical, or substantially similar to each other with respect to shape and size. For example, first container 32 may be substantially rectangular in shape and have a neck portion that is offset horizontally and angled away from vertical. Similar to package 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, neck portion may be angled away from vertical by any angle (Θ) ranging between, for example, about 10° to about 90°, or from about 20° from vertical to about 80°, or from about 30° from vertical to about 70°, or from about 40° from vertical to about 60°, or about 50°.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when second container 34 is substantially similar to first container 32, and when a front surface 38 of first container 32 is facing a front surface 40 of second container 34, the two containers appear to hug/nest with each other to provide improved packaging efficiency. This provides for a unique and enhanced marketability of the containers, which display and stack well on retail shelves. The skilled artisan will appreciate, however, that first and second containers 32, 34 need not be identical, so long as the containers are similarly sized and shaped so as to rest adjacent one another and be surrounded, at least in part, by a sleeve to keep the containers together.

As is also shown in FIG. 3, first and second containers 32, 34 may be slightly offset horizontally with respect to each other to provide a small “step” 42 that can also aid in improving stacking/storing of multiple packages 30 by fitting two or more packages 30 together.

Similar to packages 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, packages 30 may also have indicia/labeling thereon. The indicia of package 30 may be located directly on first or second containers 32, 34, or may be located on sleeve 36. Again, the indicia may be placed on the packages by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is selected from the group consisting of a fruit, a vegetable, a grain, a protein, an age-appropriate indicator (e.g., infant, sitter, crawler, etc.), nutritional information, product information, a nutritional panel, branding indicia, an image that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, or combinations thereof. The product information may be selected from the group consisting of an amount of the product, product ingredients, allergen information, or combinations thereof.

In yet another embodiment, Applicant has found a distinctive and exciting manner in which to improve stackability of packages by providing a unique design and functionality for a neck portion of a package. For example, and as shown by FIGS. 5-7, package 50 includes a body 52 having a bottom surface 54, a top surface 56 and at least one side wall 58, depending on the shape of package 50. In this regard, if package 50 has a substantially cube shape, it will have four side walls. However, if package 50 has substantially rounded sides, it would appear to have just one, continuous side wall.

Further, top surface 56 also includes a neck portion 60 that has a hollow projection 62 that is used as an outlet to empty consumable products contained therein. As with previous embodiments, package 50 may also include a lid 64, as shown in FIG. 6, that closes outlet 62 to prevent any product from leaking out of package 50. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the position of neck portion 60 when in-use. In these figures, neck portion 60 is extended from top surface 56 and is positioned such that a user could place his or her mouth around hollow projection 62 to empty the contents of package 50.

In contrast, however, FIG. 7 illustrates neck portion 60 when package 50 is in the storage/stacking position. In this regard, neck portion 60 may be pushed into an interior portion of body 52 such that only a small portion of lid 64 rises above the height of top surface 56. This position of neck portion 60 provides for enhanced stacking and storage efficiency by reducing the amount of space necessary for stacking multiple packages 50, and by providing increased structural integrity of multiple stacked packages 50. This increased structural integrity is provided, at least in part, by a recess 66 that is formed in bottom surface 54 of each package 50. Recess 66 of a first package is capable of receiving the neck portion 60 and lid 64 of a second package, which serves to prevent much, if not all, horizontal movement when multiple packages 50 are stacked together. Alternatively, lid 64 and neck portion 60 may be entirely received by body 52 such that no portion of either lid 64 or neck portion 60 are above the height of top surface 56. This would also aid in reducing space for stacking/storage of multiple packages.

At the time of use of package 50, a user can simply pull neck portion 60 out of body 52, remove lid 64, and consume the product. Alternatively, if the user is temporarily finished consuming the product and would like to save the remaining portion for later, the consumer need only replace lid 64 and push neck portion 60 back into an interior of body 52. In this manner, packages 50 of FIGS. 5-7 are able to provide the benefits of a flexible, convenient pouch, along with the benefits of a conventional jar or other rigid container.

Similar to embodiments described above, packages 50 may also have indicia/labeling thereon. Again, the indicia may be placed on the packages by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is selected from the group consisting of a fruit, a vegetable, a grain, a protein, an age-appropriate indicator (e.g., infant, sitter, crawler, etc.), nutritional information, product information, a nutritional panel, branding indicia, an image that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, or combinations thereof. The product information may be selected from the group consisting of an amount of the product, product ingredients, allergen information, or combinations thereof.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include any of the features illustrated or described by any other embodiments disclosed herein. In this manner, for example, the packages of FIGS. 1-2 may also share similar features to the packages of FIG. 3-4 or 5-7.

In yet another embodiment, a method for providing a consumable product to a child is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package having a body defining an interior housing a consumable product. The body includes a bottom surface including a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, a front surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a back surface that is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis. The method further includes instructing the child to consume the product housed in the package.

In still yet another embodiment, a method for providing a consumable product to a child is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package including a body that defines an interior housing a consumable product, and the interior includes a channel. The body includes a top having an outlet that is fluidly connected to the channel for removal of the consumable product, a base having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the base, a first surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a second surface opposing the first surface, wherein the second surface is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis. The method further includes instructing the child to consume the product housed in the package.

In another embodiment, a method for providing a consumable product to a child is provided. The method includes providing a first container housing a first consumable product. The first container includes a bottom surface having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a top surface including a neck portion that is offset and angled away from the vertical axis. The method further includes providing a second container housing a second consumable product, wherein the second container is substantially identical to the first container with respect to its shape and size, and is located adjacent to the first container, wherein a sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the first and containers and including an indicia. The method also includes instructing the child to consume the product housed in at least one of the first and second containers.

In yet another embodiment, a method for providing a consumable product to a child is provided. The method includes providing a first flexible package including a body defining an interior housing a consumable product. The body includes a first surface having a flexible neck portion that is so constructed and arranged to be received by a portion of the interior during storage of the package, and to be removed from the portion of the interior during use of the package, and a second surface opposing the first surface and including a recess that is so constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of a flexible neck portion of a similar package for stacking. The method further includes instructing the child to consume the product housed in the package.

In still yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package includes a body defining an interior housing a consumable product. The body includes a bottom surface having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, a front surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a back surface that is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis. The method further includes placing the package on a retail shelf.

In yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package having a body that defines an interior housing a consumable product, and the interior includes a channel. The body includes a top having an outlet that is fluidly connected to the channel for removal of the consumable product, a base having a centrally-located vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the base, a first surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and a second surface opposing the first surface, wherein the second surface is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis. The method further includes placing the consumable product package on a retail shelf.

In another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a first container housing a first consumable product, the first container including a bottom surface having a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a top surface including a neck portion that is offset and angled away from the vertical axis. The method further includes providing a second container housing a second consumable product, wherein the second container is substantially identical to the first container with respect to its shape and size, and is located adjacent to the first container, wherein a sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the first and containers and includes an indicia. The method also includes placing the sleeved containers on a retail shelf.

In still yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a flexible package including a body defining an interior housing a consumable product. The body includes a first surface having a flexible neck portion that is so constructed and arranged to be received by a portion of the interior during storage of the package, and to be removed from the portion of the interior during use of the package, and a second surface opposing the first surface and having a recess that is so constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of the flexible neck portion for stacking of the package. The method further includes placing the package on a retail shelf.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible package comprising:

a body defining an interior configured to house a consumable product, the body comprising

a bottom surface comprising a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface,

a front surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis,

a back surface that is opposed to the front surface and is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis, and

a top surface having an outlet;

wherein the package is so constructed and arranged to provide improved stackability.

2. The package according to claim 1, further comprising a lid that is so constructed and arranged to close the outlet.

3. The package according to claim 1, wherein the top surface is angled away from the vertical axis.

4. The package according to claim 3, wherein the top surface is angled at an angle ranging from about 5° to about 45°.

5. The package according to claim 1, wherein the flexible package is sized and shaped for a child's grasp.

6. The package according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises an indicia, said indicia is placed on the body by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, and combinations thereof.

7. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package is so constructed and arranged to provide efficient nesting with at least one similarly constructed package.

8. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package is so constructed and arranged to provide efficient storage of the package.

9. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package is so constructed and arranged to provide improved aesthetics during display of the package.

10. The package according to claim 1, wherein the interior comprises a channel that is fluidly connected to the outlet, the channel is so constructed and arranged to aid in emptying a product from the body.

11. The package according to claim 1, further comprising at least one consumable product.

12. A method for providing a consumable product to a child, the method comprising:

providing a flexible package comprising a body defining an interior housing a consumable product, the body comprising

a bottom surface comprising a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface,

a front surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and

a back surface that is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis; and

instructing the child to consume the product housed in the package.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the package is selected from the group consisting of those claimed in claim 1 to claim 11.

14. A method for storing consumable products, the method comprising:

providing at least two flexible packages, each flexible packaging comprising a body defining an interior housing a consumable product, the body comprising a bottom surface comprising a centrally-located, vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface,

a front surface that is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis, and

a back surface that is substantially concave with respect to the vertical axis; and

placing the at least two flexible packages in a storage container.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the package is selected from the group consisting of those claimed in claim 1 to claim 11.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising placing the at least two flexible packages in a container that is so constructed and arranged for shipment of the at least two flexible packages.

17. The method according to claim 14, further comprising placing the at least two flexible packages adjacent to one another such that the at least two flexible packages nest with one another.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein an at least second container is substantially identical to a first container with respect to its shape and size, and is located adjacent to the first container, wherein a sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the first and at least a portion of the second containers.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein an at least second container is substantially identical to a first container with respect to its shape and size, and is located adjacent to the first container, wherein a sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the first and at least a portion of all adjacent containers.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the sleeve is made of a material selected from the group consisting of shrink-wrap, plastic, cardboard, card stock, paper, and combinations thereof.