Package for accommodating an array of consumable products

Abstract

A package assembly accommodates consumable products. The assembly includes an array of consumable products which includes a plurality of individual products being adjacently arranged. A package housing includes a front wall and a back wall and defines an opening and a package interior which removably supports the array. The housing includes a foldable flap extending from the back wall so as to close the opening. The flap is openable to allow access to the array and reclosable by positioning the flap over the front face of the housing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,014, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/569,926, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,016, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,019, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,020, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,017, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,129, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/569,833, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,018, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,128, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,004, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/570,015, filed May 11, 2004; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/124,922, filed May 9, 2005; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/124,921, filed May 9, 2005; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/124,906, filed on May 9, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a package for containing an array of consumable products and retaining the products in the package until such time as it is desired to dispense the individual products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a package for retaining and dispensing gum slabs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known to house consumable products such as gum slabs in a package or housing which retains the gum slabs and allows for dispensing of an individual slab therefrom. The gum slabs are typically arranged in an array, so that a single gum slab may be removed from the array leaving the remaining gum slabs in the package. Often, the gum slabs may be wrapped individually in an outer wrapper.

Certain of the gum slab packages are of the type which maintains their outer configuration even after removal of one of the gum slabs. This creates a space in the package which allows adjacent gum slabs to become displaced. Therefore, it may become difficult to remove additional gum slabs from the package if one or more of the remaining gum slabs tilts or falls over within the package. Also, by creating such a space, the remaining gum slabs may slide or move in the package and may even fall out of the package.

One attempt to retain and dispense individual gum slabs from a package is shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0080020 to Kopecky, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. The Kopecky publication discloses a gum slab package housing formed from a die cut paperboard blank having a generally rectangular configuration. The housing includes a front cover which opens to expose a plurality of gum slabs. The gum slabs are contained in a side-by-side array by a sheet which wraps around the gum slabs. The sheet, including the gum slab array, is placed into the package housing such that the gum slabs are exposed once the front cover is opened. In order to retain the gum slabs in an upright condition and maintain the gum slabs within the package once one or more of the slabs are removed from the array, the gum slabs are adhesively secured to the sheet. The adhesive securement may take the form of wax areas on the inner surface of the sheet. Once the wrapped slabs are inserted into the sheet, heat is applied to the sheet to cause the wax to melt. The array of gum slabs secured to the sheet may then be placed in the package for retention and dispensing.

While the device disclosed in the Kopecky publication attempts to provide a package which both allows for the retention and dispensing of gum slabs, it has been found that the package may not adequately perform over the long term. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved gum slab package which allows for the retention and dispensing of individual gums and which will retain the remaining gum slabs in the package once one or more of the gum slabs are removed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a package assembly for accommodating consumable products. The package assembly includes an array of consumable products. The array is defined by a plurality of individual products being adjacently arranged. The package assembly further includes a package housing. The package housing has a front wall and a back wall defining an opening and a package interior which removably supports the array of consumable products. The housing further includes a foldable flap extending from the back wall so as to close the opening. The flap is openable to allow access to the array and reclosable by positioning the flap over the front face.

In some embodiments, the package assembly may include the array being supported by a band. The banded array of products may be insertably and removably supported in the package housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of FIG. 1 in an opened condition showing an array of products which may be dispensed from a dispensing opening.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the present invention wherein an array of products is surrounded with a band positioned within a package housing shown in its preassembled condition.

FIG. 4 shows an array of wrapped products of the type shown in FIG. 2 including a band about said products.

FIG. 5 shows the array of products of FIG. 4 with two products shown being positioned for removal with respect to said band.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the present invention wherein an array of products are supported within a package housing shown in its preassembled condition.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show further details of the packaging assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the present invention wherein an array of products are supported within a clip within the package housing shown in its preassembled condition.

FIG. 10 is a perspective showing of the clip of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a further embodiment of the present invention wherein an array of products are supported within a further embodiment of a clip positioned within a package housing shown in its preassembled condition.

FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the products contained within the clip of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective showing of the clip of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the present invention where an array of products are supported within a package housing shown in the preassembled condition.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show further details of the assembly of FIG. 14 for retaining an array of products.

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the present invention where individual products are supported within a package housing shown in a preassembled condition.

FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment of the present invention where an array of products are supported within a package housing shown in its preassembled condition.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show further details of the assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of another embodiment of the present invention in a closed condition.

FIG. 22 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of FIG. 21 in an opened condition showing an array of products which may be dispensed from a dispensing opening.

FIG. 23 shows one embodiment of the present invention where the array of products is positioned within a package housing shown in its preassembled condition.

FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 show further details of the embodiment of FIG. 23 for retaining the array of products within the package housing.

FIG. 27 shows a further embodiment of the present invention where an array of individually wrapped products are supported within a package housing shown in its preassembled condition.

FIGS. 28, 29 and 30 show further details of the assembly of FIG. 27 for retaining the array of wrapped products.

FIG. 31 shows a still further embodiment of the present invention including an array of products supported in a band which is inserted into a package housing shown in its preassembled condition.

FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 show further details of the package of FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of the present invention shown in the closed condition.

FIG. 36 is a perspective showing of the package assembly of FIG. 35 shown in the opened condition with an array of products supported therein.

FIG. 37 shows the package housing of the package assembly of FIG. 35 in its preassembled condition.

FIG. 38 shows the package housing of FIG. 37 with an array of products supported therein.

FIG. 39 shows another embodiment of the package housing of FIG. 35 in its preassembled condition with an array of products therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a package assembly which contains a plurality of consumable products in a package housing. The package housing is openable to allow dispensing of one or more products therefrom and is reclosable to contain and maintain the products therein. While the present invention is useful with a wide of variety of consumable product, it is particularly useful with respect to elongate gum slabs which are arranged in a side-by-side array.

Consumable product packages of this type are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 10/833,468 filed Jul. 1, 2004 entitled “Confectionery Packaging Design” and Ser. No. 11/025,739 filed Dec. 22, 2004 entitled “Gum Package Design with Two Separate Compartments”, both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Moreover, the present invention discloses consumable product packages of the types shown in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/124,906, filed on May 9, 2005 entitled “Gum Slab Package Having Insertable Product Retention Member” and identified as Attorney Docket No. 1421-18, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/124,921, filed on May 9, 2005 entitled “Gum Slab Package With Flap Retention” and identified as Attorney Docket No. 1421-19, and also shown in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/124,922, filed on May 9, 2005 entitled “Package For Dispensing And Retaining Gum Slabs With Adhesive Securement” and identified as Attorney Docket No. 1421-23, both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention provides a packaging assembly 10 which supports therein an array 12 of gum slabs 14. Gum slabs 14 are typically elongate rectangularly shaped members which may optionally include wrappers (not shown in FIG. 2) individually around each gum slab. The gum slabs are arranged in a side-by-side fashion to form array 12. The gum slabs 14 are supported in the array in a package housing 16. The package housing 16 includes a front wall 18, an opposed back wall 20, a bottom wall 22, and opposed side walls 24 and 26. As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the package housing is formed from die cut paperboard, which is folded in a well known manner to form the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing 16 is folded such that it provides an open upper end 28 which defines a dispensing opening. The back wall 20 includes an upwardly extending foldable cover 30 which may be folded over the open upper end to close the opening and contain the slabs 14 within the package housing 16. A slit 32 positioned in the front wall 18 allows the distal edge 34 of cover 30 to be inserted therein for reclosing purposes. Additionally, it is contemplated that the package is provided in the condition shown in FIG. 1 with the cover 30 adhesively secured to the front wall 18. Once the adhesive securement is removed to dispense the first gum slab, the flap may be reclosed by inserting it into the slit 32.

It is also contemplated that the package housing 16 may be covered by a plastic wrap (not shown) which encloses and protects the package and during shipping and prior to sale and use.

As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, it is contemplated that the array 12 of slabs 14 will be removable retentively supported within the package housing 16 so that it permits easy removal of one or more gum slabs while maintaining the remainder of the gum slabs in the package housing. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the technique for releasably supporting the slabs 14 within the package housing will permit the slabs 14 to maintain their position within the housing even after removal of one or more of the adjacent gum slabs so as to prevent the gum slabs from tilting or falling over in the package or falling out from the package.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, one embodiment of present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 100 added to reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows the package assembly 110 and the package housing 116 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 116 is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 3 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 120, a foldable front wall 118, foldable side walls 124 and 126 and a foldable cover 130. The package housing 116 supports an array 112 of gum slabs 114 against the interior surface of back wall 120.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 4 and 5 in the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 114 are wrapped gum slabs. Each gum slab 114 may be individually wrapped with a paper and/or foil wrapper 115 in conventional fashion. Wrapping in this manner provides a folded wrapper flap 117 at each end thereof. In the present embodiment, the wrapper flaps 117 are folded on the same side of the gum slab and mutually inwardly facing. The array of gum slabs are arranged such that wrapper flaps face the back wall 120 when the package housing is assembled.

The array 112 of gum slabs 114 are held in frictional mutual engagement by a transversely extending band 131. Band 131 may be formed of a wide variety of materials including paper, foil or combinations thereof. The band extends transversely about the array 112 of gum slabs 114 and along the longitudinal extent of the wrapped gum slabs 114 at a location which does not overlap wrapper flaps 117. The ends of band (not shown) may be sealed to each other in conventional fashion to completely encircle the array 112. The band 131 is positioned about the array 112 in such a fashion that it frictionally retains the wrapped gum slabs therein but allows for longitudinal movement therealong as shown in FIG. 5. The band 131 defines spaced apart transverse edges 133 and 135. Edge 135, for example, of band 131 serves as a retaining surface preventing the inadvertent removal of the individual gum slab 114 from the array 112.

As graphically shown in FIG. 5, in an attempt to remove or more of the gum slabs from the banded array, the wrapper flap will catch on the transverse edge 335 of band 331. While the wrapper flap is a folded flap, further upward movement of the individual wrapped gum slab 114 results in the wrapper flap unfolding so as to permit complete removal of the individual gum slab 114 from the banded array. The engagement between the folded wrapper flap 117 and the edge 135 of band 131 is sufficient to maintain the individual gum slabs within the band preventing inadvertent dislodgement therefrom even when adjacent gum slabs have been previously removed. Thus, after removal of one or of the gum slabs from the banded array, the remaining gum slabs will be retentively supported within the band 131.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the banded array of gum slabs is placed in the package housing 116 while the arrangement of the banded gum slabs is such that the wrapper flaps 117 face against back wall 120. It may, of course, be appreciated that the banded array may be placed in the opposite direction with the folded flaps facing front wall 118.

It is contemplated that in order to support the banded array within package housing 116, band 131 may be adhesively secured to the back wall 120 of package assembly 116. Such adhesive securement would prevent movement of the band 131 within the housing 116. Thus, the band and its frictional engagement about the wrapped gum slabs 114 serves to retain the slabs 114 with the package 116. Furthermore, the ability of the transverse edge 335 to catch the wrapper flap 117 prevents inadvertent dislodgement of gum slabs 114 from the package.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 200 being added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows the package assembly 210 with the package housing 216 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 216 is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 6 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 220, a foldable front wall 218, foldable side walls 224 and 226 and a foldable cover 230. The package housing 216 supports an array 212 of gum slabs 214 against the interior surface of back wall 220. In the present invention, the gum slabs 214 are unwrapped gum slabs. However, the present embodiment contemplates also using wrapped gum slabs.

In the present illustrative embodiment, the gum slabs 212 may be supported in a band 331. The band 231 is in the form of a U-shaped member which supports the array 214 of gum slabs 212 such that the upper ends thereof are exposed for dispensing. The band 231 may be formed of a wide variety of conventional materials such as paper, foil or combinations thereof. The U-shaped band defines opposed side walls, front and back walls, and a bottom wall.

The package assembly 210 of the present embodiment also includes, as particularly shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a micro-fluted corrugated backer board 241. Backer board 241 is an undulating member defining a micro-fluted structure. The backer board 241 is positioned against the inside surface of back wall 120 and secured thereto by an adhesive or the like. The array 214 of products 212 contained within U-shaped band 231 is placed against the micro-fluted backer board 241 such that when the housing 216 is assembled, the fluted structure of the backer board 241 exerts a holding force or pressure against the individual gum slabs 212. Such a retention force is provided by the undulating structure of backer board 241. As can be appreciated from the depiction of FIG. 8, an individual gum slab 112 may be removed from the array. Once removed, the pressure exerted by the corrugated backer board 241 tends to maintain the remaining gum slabs 212 in an upright and retained position within the package housing 216. This is by virtue of the friction between the micro-fluted corrugated backer board 241 and the front wall 218 of the assembled package housing 216. Thus, the gum slabs will remain in place within the package 216 even where an adjacent gum slab has been previously removed.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a still further embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 300 being added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows the package assembly 310 within the package housing 316 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 316 is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 9 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 320, a foldable front wall 318, foldable side walls 324 and 326 and a foldable cover 330. The package housing 316 supports an array 312 of gum slabs 314 against the interior surface of back wall 320. In the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 314 are unwrapped gum slabs. However, wrapped gum slabs may also be employed in the present invention.

The gum slabs 314 are maintained in the array by use of a clip 331 shown in further detail in FIG. 10. Clip 331 is an elongate generally U-shaped member which may be formed of a wide variety of materials including resilient plastic material such as PVC. Clip 331 includes a planar bottom wall 333, a pair of opposed side walls 335 and 337 which extend upwardly from bottom wall 333 to provide a U-shaped configuration. Upper extents 335a and 337a of side walls 335 and 337 are outwardly flared. This outward flaring provides a lead-in so that the lower ends of the gum slabs 314 may be inserted thereinto. Side walls 335 and 337 of clip 331 may also include die cut elements 339 which may be inwardly deflected so as to engage the gum slabs 312 to help secure the gum slabs 312 in the clip.

The clip is formed to have a resilient memory so that the side walls impart a resilient holding force against the gum slabs inserted therein. Moreover, the clip 331 is supported in the package housing 316 in such a manner that when the package housing is assembled by upwardly folding front wall 318, the walls 335 and 337 will be further pushed inwardly as a result of the outwardly flared upward extents 335a and 337a. This further retentively holds the gum slabs in place. Thus, upon removing one of the gum slabs 314 from the array 312, the remaining gum slabs will be retentively supported within the clip and thereby in the package housing 316.

It is further contemplated that the clip 331 may be adhesively secured within the package housing 316 by a suitable adhesive.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 400 being added to the reference numerals of Figures and 2 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows the package assembly 410 with the package housing 416 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 416 is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 11 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 420, a foldable front wall 418, foldable side walls 424 and 426 and a foldable cover 430. The package housing 416 supports an array 412 of gum slabs 414 against the interior back surface of back wall 420. In the present illustrative embodiment, unwrapped gum slabs are shown. However, the present invention also contemplates use of wrapped gum slabs. The lower ends of the gum slabs 414 may be supported in a support member 441 shown more fully in FIGS. 12 and 13.

Support member 441 is in the form of a U-shaped clip. The support member 441 may be formed of paperboard or similar materials. The member 441 includes a bottom wall 443, opposed side walls 445 and 447 which extend upwardly from bottom wall 443. Member 441 includes a pair of inwardly directed side wall flaps 445a and 447a extending respectively from side walls 445 and 447. As particularly shown in FIG. 12, side wall flaps 445a and 447a bear against gum slabs 414 to retentively hold the gum slabs within the support member 441. These flaps exert a spring force against the gum slabs which permits removable retention thereof. Furthermore, once the package assembly 416 is assembled with front wall 418 being folded upwardly, the folded package maintains the side walls 445 and 447 in a vertical condition thus maintaining the spring bias engagement of the side wall flaps 445a and 447a against the gum slabs 414. Thus, one or more gum slabs may be removed from the package housing 416 with the remaining gum slabs remaining in place.

It is further contemplated that the U-shaped member 441 may be adhesively secured within the package housing 416.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 500 being added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a package assembly 510 with the package housing 516 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 516 is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 14 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 520, a foldable front wall 518, foldable side walls 524 and 526 and a foldable cover 530. The package housing 516 supports an array 512 of gum slabs 514 against the interior surface of back wall 520. In the present illustrative embodiment, unwrapped gum slabs 514 are shown. However, the present invention contemplates use of wrapped gum slabs.

The gum slabs 514 are further contained within a support member 551 shown more fully in FIGS. 15 and 16. The support member 551 may be a U-shaped member as shown in FIG. 15 or may be formed of two spaced apart planar members as shown in FIG. 16. Support member 551 includes inwardly facing side walls 553 and 555 each of which define a micro-fluted corrugated surface. The gum slabs 514 are supported between the corrugated surfaces 553 and 555 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The corrugated surfaces serve to frictionally hold the gum slabs therebetween. The micro-fluted configuration of the corrugated surfaces exert a pressure on the gum slabs, especially when the surfaces are supported within the assembled package housing 516. The retentive frictional engagement provided by the corrugated surfaces 553 and 555 is sufficient to removably retentively support the gum slabs so that once one or more gum slabs are removed from the array the remaining gum slabs will be held upright in place by the corrugated surfaces.

It is further contemplated that the support member 551 may be adhesively secured in the package 516 upon assembly.

Turning now to FIG. 17, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 600 being added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows the package assembly 610 with package housing 616 in its preassembled condition. The package housing 616 is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 17 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The package housing includes a back wall 620, a foldable front wall 618, foldable side walls 624 and 626 and a foldable cover 630. The package housing 616 supports an array 612 of gum slabs 614 therein. For clarity purposes, only two slabs 614 of array 612 are shown in FIG. 17. In the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 614 are unwrapped gum slabs. However, the present invention contemplates use of wrapped gum slabs.

As shown in FIG. 17, package assembly 610 further includes a die cut louvered support member 660. The louvered support member 660 is formed of paperboard and is a planar element 661 having a plurality of spaced apart rectangular die cut openings 662 formed therethrough. The die cut openings 662 are cut on three sides so that a remaining longitudinal extent allows cut portion 663 to be folded out from planar member 661. The cut portion 663 forms louvered spring elements, which when folded support individually the gum slabs 614. These cut portions 663 may be arranged in two rows where each cut portion of one row is offset from the cut portion of the other row. The gum slabs 614 may be supported between two longitudinally adjacent cut members of the two rows.

The cut portions 663 serve as spring members to retain the gum slabs in place. Each gum slab can therefore be removed individually without effect on the retention of the remaining gum slabs by the louvered support member 660. Thus, when front wall 618 is folded to form package housing 616, the louvered support member retentively supports the array 612 of gum slabs 614 within the package 660. The louvered support member 660 including the array 612 of gum slabs 614 may be supported by an end member 670 at one end thereof.

It is further contemplated that the support member 660 may be adhesively secured to the back wall 620 of package housing 616.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, a still further embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numbers denote similar elements with 700 being added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 1 and 2 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows the package assembly 710 with the package housing 716 in its preassembled condition. Package housing 716 is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 18 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Package housing 716 supports an array 712 of gum slabs 714 against the interior surface of back wall 720. The package housing includes a back wall 720, a foldable front wall 718, foldable side walls 724 and 726 and a foldable cover 730. In the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 714 are unwrapped gum slabs. However, the present invention contemplates use of wrapped gum slabs.

Gums slabs 714 are further contained within a die cut paperboard carrier 770. The paperboard carrier 770, shown in its flat configuration in FIG. 19, includes a foldable bottom flap 771 which is folded along score lines 772. Carrier 770 has a back wall 773 against which the gum slabs are placed. The back wall 773 of die cut member 770 also includes a plurality of slots 779 therealong.

The carrier further includes a foldable top flap 774 which is folded along score lines 775. The foldable top flap 774 is divided into a plurality of individual tabs 776 having rounded ends 777. The individual tabs 776 are separated by perforations 778 therebetween.

FIG. 20 shows carrier 770 supporting the array 712 of gum slabs 714. The front flap 771 engages one surface of the array while the back wall 773 engages the opposite surface. The top flap 774 is folded about the top of the gum slabs 714 so that the rounded ends 777 of tabs 776 overlie the front of the gum slabs 714.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the gum slabs 714 contained with in the carrier 770 are positioned within the package housing 716. It is contemplated that the carrier may be adhesively supported to the back wall 720 of package housing 716. The arrangement of the die cut carrier 770 in the package housing 716 retentively supports the individual gum slabs 714 therein. In order to remove one gum slab 714, the associated tab 776 is lifted so that it separates from the adjacent tabs by virtue of the perforations 778 therebetween. With the tab 776 lifted, the individual gum slabs 714 may be removed. Thereafter, the tab 776 is folded back down and the rounded distal end 777 may be inserted to the associated slot 779 by locating the tab in slot after removal of the associated gum slab. The positioning of the tab 776 in the slot 779 results in the adjacent gum slabs being held in place preventing tilting thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, the present invention provides another embodiment packaging assembly 10′ which includes an array 12′ of gum slabs 14′. Gum slabs 14′ are typically elongate rectangularly shaped members which may optionally include wrappers (not shown in FIG. 22) individually around each gum slab. The gum slabs are arranged in a side-by-side fashion to form array 12′. The gum slabs 14′ are supported in the array in a package housing 16′. The package housing 16′ includes a front wall 18′, an opposed back wall 20′, a bottom wall 22′, and opposed side walls 24′ and 26′. As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the package housing is formed from die cut paperboard, which is folded in a well known manner to form the configuration shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The package housing 16′ is folded such that it provides an open upper end 28′ which defines a dispensing opening. The back wall 20′ includes an upwardly extending foldable cover 30′ which may be folded over the open upper end to close the opening and contain the slabs 14′ within the package housing 16′. A slit 32′ positioned in the front wall 18′ allows the distal edge 34′ of cover 30′ to be inserted therein for reclosing purposes. Additionally, it is contemplated that the package is provided in the condition shown in FIG. 21 with the cover 30′ adhesively secured to the front wall 18′. Once the adhesive securement is removed to dispense the first gum slab, the cover 30′ may be reclosed by inserting it into the slit 32′.

It is also contemplated that the package housing 16′ may be covered by a plastic wrap (not shown) which encloses and protects the package and during shipping and prior to sale and use.

As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, it is contemplated that the array 12′ of slabs 14′ will be removable retentively supported within the package housing 16′ so that it permits easy removal of one or more gum slabs while maintaining the remainder of the gum slabs in the package housing. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the technique for releasably supporting the slabs 14′ within the package housing will permit the slabs 14′ to maintain their position within the housing even after removal of one or more of the adjacent gum slabs so as to prevent the gum slabs from tilting or falling over in the package or falling out from the package.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-26, one embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 100′ added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 21 and 22 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows the package assembly 110′ with the package housing 116′ in its preassembled condition. The package housing 116′ is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 23, into the configuration shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The package housing includes a back wall 120′, a foldable front wall 118′, foldable side walls 124′ and 126′ and a foldable cover 130′. The package housing 116′ supports an array 112′ of gum slabs 114′ against the interior surface of back wall 120′.

In the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 114′ are unwrapped gum slabs including a scored transverse groove 125′ extending in aligned fashion therealong. As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the groove 125′ is optionally provided in the present embodiment.

The front wall 118′ of package housing 116′ includes a foldable flap 119′ extending distally therefrom. When the package housing 116′ is folded into its package configuration, the foldable flap 119′ is folded inwardly toward the gum slabs 114′ along fold line 121′.

Referring now FIGS. 24-26, where the cover 130′ is not shown for clarity, the foldable flap 119′ is folded inwardly towards back wall 120′ upon folding, forming thereby the front wall 118′. A distal edge 123′ of foldable flap 119′ engages the slabs 114′ of array 112′. The transverse length of foldable flap 119′ is such that it spans and extends across each of the gum slabs 114′ of array 112′. The foldable flap 119′ exerts, in its closed position as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, a spring bias or pressure against the slabs 114′. Such a spring bias is sufficient, when the package housing is assembled, to frictionally retain the slabs 114′ in package housing 116′.

Such bias provided by the foldable flap 119′ is sufficient to maintain the gum slabs in the package in a releasable fashion. Thus, one or more of the gum slabs may be removed from the package housing 116′ against the bias provided by the foldable flap 119′. However, after removal of one or more of the gum slabs, the remaining gum slabs will be retentively supported within the package housing 116′ and will be maintained in the upright position notwithstanding the fact that an adjacent gum slab has been removed.

As mentioned hereinabove, the array 112′ of gum slabs 114′ may include a scored transverse groove 125′ extending in aligned fashion thereacross. It is contemplated that the distal edge 123′ of foldable flap 119′ may be engaged within the scored groove 125′ so as provide additional retention of the gum slabs 114′ within the package housing 116′. Thus, in order to remove the gum slabs individually from the package housing, the positioning of the distal edge 123′ of flap 119′ within groove 125′ must be overcome.

The scored groove 125′ also helps to positionally confine the slabs 114′ and maintain the slabs 114′ in an upright condition, even after removal of an adjacent slab.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-30, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 200′ being added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 21 and 22 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 27 shows the package assembly 210′ with the package housing 216′ in its preassembled condition. The package housing 216′ is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 27, into the configuration shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The package housing includes a back wall 220′, a foldable front wall 218, foldable side walls 224′ and 226′ and a foldable cover 230′. The package housing 216′ supports an array 212′ of gum slabs 214′ against the interior surface of back wall 220′.

In the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 214′ are wrapped gum slabs. Each gum slab 214′ may be individually wrapped with a paper and/or foil wrapper 215′ in conventional fashion. Wrapping in this manner provides a folded wrapper flap 217′ at each end thereof. In the present embodiment, the wrapper flaps 217′ are folded on the same side of the gum slab and are mutually inwardly facing. The array 214′ of gum slabs are arranged such that the wrapper flaps face the front wall 218′ when the package housing is assembled.

The front wall 218′ of package housing 216′ includes a foldable wall flap 219′ extending distally therefrom. When the package housing 216′ is folded into its package configuration, the foldable flap 219′ is folded inwardly towards the gum slabs 214′ along fold line 221′.

Referring now to FIGS. 28-30 where the cover 230′ is not shown for clarity, the foldable flap 219′ is folded inwardly with respect to the back wall 220′ upon folding, forming thereby the front wall 218′. A distal edge 223′ of foldable flap 219′ engages the slabs 214′ of array 212′. The transverse length of foldable flap 219′ is such that it spans and extends across each of the wrapped gum slabs 214′ of array 212′. The foldable flap 219′ exerts, in its closed position as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, a spring bias of pressure against the wrapped slabs 214′. Such a spring bias is sufficient, when the package housing is assembled, to frictionally retain the slabs 214′ in package housing 216′. Such bias provided by the foldable flap 219′ is sufficient to maintain the gum slabs in the package in releasable fashion. In that regard, the bias provided by the foldable flap 219′ is such that although the slabs 214′ are shown in position within package housing 216′ where the wrapper flaps 217′ face towards the front wall 218′, the wrapped gum slabs 214′ may be arranged in an oppositely facing fashion with the folded wrapper flaps 217′ facing against the back wall 220′.

As may be appreciated, once the package housing 216′ is assembled, the distal edge 223′ of foldable flap 219′ bears against the wrapped gum slabs 214′ just above the location of the folded wrapper flaps 217′. In addition to the frictional spring bias retention of the wrapped gum slabs 214′ provided by the foldable flap 219′, in an attempt to remove one of the wrapped gum slabs 214′ from the array, the folded wrapper flap 217′ will catch on the distal edge 223′ of foldable wall flap 219′. This will also serve to retentively hold the gum slabs within the package 216′. Since the wrapper flap 217′ is folded, upon manual removal of an individual gum slab 214′ therefrom the wrapper 217′ will unfold allowing complete removal from package 216′. However, the engagement between the folded wrapper flap 217′ and the distal edge 223′ of foldable flap 219′ is sufficient to maintain the individual gum slabs within the package preventing inadvertent dislodgement therefrom even where adjacent gum slabs have been previously removed. Thus, after removal of one or more gum slabs from the package housing 216′, the remaining gum slabs will be retentively supported within the package housing 216′ by the bias provided by the foldable flap 219′ and also will be retentively held therein by engagement between the distal edge 223′ and the wrapper flap 217′.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-34, a still further embodiment of present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 300′ added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 21 and 22 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 31 shows the package assembly 310′ with the package housing 316′ in its preassembled condition. The package housing 316′ is formed from a die cut paperboard form which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 31 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. The package housing includes a back wall 320′, a foldable front wall 318′, foldable side walls 324′ and 326′ and a foldable cover 330′. The package housing 316′ supports an array 312′ of gum slabs 314′ against the interior surface of back wall 320′. In the present illustrative embodiment, gum slabs 314′ may be wrapped or unwrapped gum slabs.

The gum slabs are further contained within a band 331′. Band 331′ may be formed of a wide variety of materials including paper, foil or combinations thereof.

In the present illustrative embodiment, the band is formed into a pouch or U-shaped configuration having opposed front and back walls, side walls, and a bottom wall. The array 312′ of gum slabs 314′ is positioned within the band with the aligned lower ends thereof contained within the U-shaped band. While a U-shaped band is shown herein, other configurations of the band may be employed. Band 331′ defines an upper distal edge 333′ beyond which the gum slabs 314′ extend.

The front wall 318′ of package housing 316′ includes a foldable flap 319′ extending distally therefrom. When the package housing 316′ is folded into its package configuration, the foldable flap 319′ is folded inwardly towards the gum slabs along fold line 321′.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-34 where the cover 330′ is shown removed for clarity, the foldable flap 319′ is folded inwardly towards the back wall 320′ upon folding, forming thereby the front wall 318′ for retaining the array of products within the package. The transverse length of the foldable flap 319′ may be such that a distal edge 323′ extends across 314′ of the array 312′. Thus, as described above, the foldable flap 319′ may exert in its closed position, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, a spring bias of pressure against the slabs 314′. Such a spring bias is sufficient when the package housing is assembled to frictionally retain the slabs 314′ in the package housing 316′.

Moreover, the distal edge 323′ of the inwardly foldable flap 319′ may overlap with the transverse edge 333′ of band 331′ thereby residing between the slabs 312′ and the band 331′. Such overlapping prevents the band from being removed from the package. In this manner, the gum slabs retained within the band 331′ are thereby retained within the package housing 316′. It is contemplated that, optionally, a releasable adhesive may be employed to removably secure the individual gum slabs within the band 331′. Wax or other known adhesives may be employed. Thus, one or more gum slabs may be removed from the package housing 316′ against the bias provided by the foldable flap 319′. After such removal of one or more of the gum slabs, the remaining gum slabs will be retentively supported within the package housing and will be maintained in an upright position. Moreover, the band 331′ itself is maintained within the package housing 316′ by the engagement between the transverse edge 333′ of band 331′ and the edge 323′ of inwardly folded flap 319′ thus further retaining the products within the package housing 316′.

Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, a further embodiment of the present invention provides a packaging assembly 10″ which supports therein an array 12″ of gum slabs 14″. Gum slabs 14″ are typically elongate rectangularly shaped members which may optionally include wrappers (not shown in FIG. 36) individually around each gum slab. The gum slabs are arranged in a side-by-side fashion to form array 12″. The gum slabs 14″ are supported in the array in a package housing 16″. The package housing 16″ includes a front wall 18″, an opposed back wall 20″, a bottom wall 22″, and opposed side walls 24″ and 26″. As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the package housing is formed from die cut paperboard, which is folded in a well known manner to form the configuration shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. The package housing 16″ is folded such that it provides an open upper end 28″ which defines a dispensing opening. The back wall 20″ includes an upwardly extending foldable cover 30″ which may be folded over the open upper end to close the opening and contain the slabs 14″ within the package housing 16″. A slit 32″ positioned in the front wall 18″ allows the distal edge 34″ of cover 30″ to be inserted therein for reclosing purposes. Additionally, it is contemplated that the package is provided in the condition shown in FIG. 35 with the cover 30″ adhesively secured to the front wall 18″. Once the adhesive securement is removed to dispense the first gum slab, the flap may be reclosed by inserting it into the slit 32″.

It is also contemplated that the package housing 16″ may be covered by a plastic wrap (not shown) which encloses and protects the package and during shipping and prior to sale and use.

As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, it is contemplated that the array 12″ of slabs 14″ will be removably retentively supported within the package housing 16″ so that it permits easy removal of one or more gum slabs while maintaining the remainder of the gum slabs in the package housing. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the technique for releasably supporting the slabs 14″ within the package housing will permit the slabs 14″ to maintain their position within the housing even after removal of one or more of the adjacent gum slabs so as to prevent the gum slabs from tilting or falling over in the package or falling out from the package.

Referring now to FIGS. 37 and 38, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 100″ added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 35 and 36 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 37 shows package housing 116″ of the package assembly 110″ in its preassembled condition. Package housing 116″ is formed from a die cut paperboard and is provided in a flat configuration which may be folded from the flat configuration shown in FIG. 37 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. The package housing 116″ is shown to have the back wall 120″, a foldable front wall 118″, foldable side walls 124″ and 126″ and a foldable cover 130″.

As particularly shown in FIG. 38, package assembly 110″ includes an array 112″ of gum slabs 114″ which are supported within package housing 116″. The gum slabs 114″ are further contained within a band 131″. Band 131″ may be formed of a wide variety of materials including paper, foil or combinations thereof.

In the present illustrative, the band 131″ is formed into a pouch or U-shaped configuration having opposed front and back walls, side walls and a bottom wall. The array 112″ of gum slabs 114″ is positioned within the band with the aligned lower ends thereof contained within the U-shaped band. While a U-shaped band is shown herein, other configurations may be employed.

Referring again to FIG. 37, back wall 120″ has positioned thereacross an adhesive location in the form of a longitudinal adhesive wall strip 125″. The wall strip 125″ extends across the back wall 120″ so as to be engagable with the array 112″ of gum slabs 114″ so as to provide adhesive securement thereto. The wall strip 125″ is preferably positioned adjacent the upper portion of back wall 120″ so as to engage the slabs 114″ along an upper end thereof. It is contemplated that the adhesive provided for the adhesive location is a releasable adhesive which will retentively support the slabs 114″ thereon, but which can be easily overcome so as to permit removal of the gum slabs therefrom. Wax is a well known releasable adhesive.

Furthermore, a front foldable cover 118″ may also include an adhesive location defined by an adhesive flap strip 127″. The flap strip is positioned so that when the front wall 118″ folded in a manner shown in FIG. 36, the flap strip 127″ is engagable with the gum slabs 114″ in the U-shaped band 131″. Again, the flap strip 127″ extends transversely across the cover so as to be engagable mutually across the array 112″ of gum slabs 114″. It is contemplated that the positioning and width of the flap strip 127″ may be selected so that the strip can engage the individual gum slabs 114″ extending from the band 131″ alone without engaging the band 131″, or can be positioned so that it engages the band 131″ alone without engaging the gum slabs or, in the further alternative, can be of sufficient width that it mutually engages both the band 131″ and the gum slabs 114″ simultaneously.

In addition, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 37, the adhesive wall strip 125a″ may be positioned and be of sufficient width to engage both the gum slabs 114″ and the band 131″ simultaneously.

The use of the adhesive strips 125″ and 127″ independently result in holding of the array 112″ of gum slabs 114″ within package housing 116″ and permit individual removal therefrom.

While the adhesive is a releasable adhesive permitting easy removal of the gum slabs therefrom, the adhesive retention is such that even where adjacent gum slabs are removed, the remaining gum slabs will not tilt or tend to fall out of the package.

Referring now to FIG. 39, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. With respect to the present embodiment, similar reference numerals denote similar elements with 200″ added to the reference numerals of FIGS. 35 and 36 to denote the present embodiment.

FIG. 39 shows the package assembly 210″ of package housing 216″ in its preassembled condition. Package housing 216″ is formed from a die cut paperboard which may be folded from its flat configuration shown in FIG. 39 into the configuration shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. The package housing 216″ is shown to have the back wall 220″, a foldable front wall 218″, foldable side walls 224″ and 226″ and a foldable cover 230″.

The package housing 216″ supports an array 212″ of gum slabs 214″ against the interior surface of the back wall 220″. In the present illustrative embodiment, the gum slabs may, be either unwrapped or individually wrapped with wrappers. The gum slabs 214″ are supported against the interior surface of back wall 220″ without the benefit of any adhesive securement thereto. The front wall 218″ includes an adhesive location in the form of a longitudinal adhesive strip 227″ therealong. When the preassembled housing is assembled into the configuration of FIG. 36 and the front wall 218″ is folded, the adhesive strip 227″ will make adhesive contact with the gum slabs transversely thereacross.

As the adhesive forming the adhesive location is releasable adhesive, it will allow for removable retentive engagement of the individual gum slabs from the package housing 216″. Such releasable retention allows the gum slabs to be individually removed from the package while retaining gum slabs in place even after removal of an adjacent gum slab.

The embodiment of FIG. 39 employs a single adhesive location on the front wall 218″ and achieves adhesive retention without the need of a band (FIG. 37) supporting the array 212″ of gum slabs 214″.

Having described the preferred embodiments herein, it should now be appreciated that variations may be made thereto without departing from the contemplated scope of the invention. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments described herein are deemed illustrative rather than limiting, the true scope of the invention being set forth in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A package assembly for accommodating consumable products, said package assembly comprising:

an array of consumable products, said array being defined by a plurality of individual products adjacently arranged; and

a package housing having a front wall and a back wall defining an opening and a package interior which removably supports said array, said housing further including a foldable flap extending from said back wall so as to close said opening, said flap being openable to allow access to said array and reclosable by positioning said flap over said front face.

2. A package assembly of claim 1 wherein said array is further defined by said plurality of products being supported by a band.

3. A package assembly of claim 1 wherein said products are arranged side-by-side in said array.

4. A package assembly of claim 3 wherein said flap includes a distal edge which is releasably adhesively secured to said front wall.

5. A package assembly of claim 4 wherein said front wall includes a slit therein for accommodating said distal edge of said flap.

6. A package assembly of claim 5 wherein said distal edge is arcuate.

7. A package assembly of claim 4 wherein said slit includes a portion which is skewed.

8. A package assembly of claim 4 wherein said distal edge is asymmetrically located.

9. A package assembly of claim 8 wherein said slit is asymmetrically located with respect to said front wall.

10. A package assembly of claim 1 wherein said products are gum pieces.

11. A package assembly for supporting a plurality of consumable products comprising:

a banded array, said banded array including a plurality of said consumable products and a band supporting said plurality of products; and

a package housing having a front wall and a back wall defining an opening and a package interior for insertably and removably supporting said banded array, said housing further including a foldable flap extending from said back wall so as to close said opening, said flap being openable to allow access to said banded array.

12. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band extends transversely about said plurality of products.

13. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band encircles said plurality of products.

14. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band frictionally maintains said plurality of products in said array.

15. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band is formed from material selected from the group consisting of paper, foil and combinations thereof.

16. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said band includes a U-shaped pouch.

17. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said banded array is adhesively secured in said package.

18. A package assembly of claim 17 wherein said band is adhesively secured to said package.

19. A package assembly of claim 17 wherein said array of products is adhesively secured to said package.

20. A package assembly of claim 17 wherein said band and said array of products are adhesively secured to said package.

21. A package assembly of claim 11 wherein said adhesive securement includes wax.