PACKAGING ASSEMBLY
A packaging nexus that drives a predetermined message to facilitate a consumer message is described. The nexus formed from the one or more components of the packaging assembly is configured to collectively signal and/or reinforce a predetermined message and at least partially facilitate a consumer impression.
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A consumer decision on whether to purchase a product can be partially influenced by the consumer's impression of the product at the point-of-sale. A consumer decision on whether to repurchase a product can be partially influenced by recollections of the impression of the product along with recollections of impressions during the use of the product after purchase.
SUMMARYThis Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key and/or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Also, this Summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter in any manner.
Aspects of the disclosure pertain to a packaging assembly that includes a nexus between one or more elements of the packaging assembly. The nexus formed from the one or more components of the packaging assembly is configured to collectively signal and/or reinforce a predetermined message and at least partially facilitate a consumer impression.
Aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, example features. The features can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the combinations set forth herein; rather, these combinations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope. Among other things, the features of the disclosure can be facilitated by methods, devices, and/or embodied in articles of commerce. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Dimensions are used throughout the description for exemplary purposes only. The description is not limited to any particular dimension set forth herein. For example, dimensions associated with the packaging assembly 100 can vary depending on desired size and shape of the packaging assembly 100. Moreover, the dimensions of any one of the components of packaging assembly 100 can be factored by a common multiplier to maintain the general shape of packaging assembly 100 while increasing or decreasing the respective size of packaging assembly 100.
Indicia is described and indicated throughout the specification and the figures. This description is not limited to any particular indicia type. Indicia can include structural indicia, textual indicia, image indicia and combinations thereof. Structural indicia can include a packaging configuration and/or shape. Other types of structural indicia can include one or more structural portions of container 200. Still other types of structural indicia can include one or more structural portions of sleeve 300. Yet other types of structural indicia can include a combination of structure from container 200 and sleeve 300. Textual indicia can include letters, words, sentences, symbols, numbers, dialog and combinations thereof. Image indicia can include photographs, pictures, drawings, paintings, holograms, icons and combinations thereof.
Consumer impressions can facilitate a purchase of any type of product. Yet, consumer impressions of a product can play a heightened role in relation to the purchase of transformative consumer products. A transformative consumer product is a product that includes multiple states from production to ultimate use. For example, a packaged food product can be considered a transformative consumer product. As other examples, refrigerated food products, prepared meals, box meals and the like can be transformative consumer products.
As an example associated with a food product at production, ingredients can be obtained in a prepackaged state. The ingredients can then be transformed to create a food product. The food product can then be transformed by packaging and shipping to a point-of-sale. After purchase, the food product is again transformed into a cooked food product ready for consumption. For example, the food product can be cooked in a microwave, steamed in a microwave, pressure cooked in a microwave, and combinations thereof. As other examples, the food product can be cooked via a stove, a grill or a conventional oven. In such a situation, consumer impressions play a heightened role in relation to the transformative consumer product because the preprocessed ingredients used to form the product can be perceived quite different in a prepackaged state as opposed to a packaged state. Also, the packaged state of the food product can be perceived quite different than the cooked state of the product. Accordingly, given that a user experience with the food product may not be readily ascertainable when the product is in the packaged state, an opportunity arises to frame or mold a perception of such an experience via a nexus of the packaging arrangement that drives a predetermined message.
As more fully set forth below, the disclosure herein pertains to a packaging nexus between one or more components of a packaging assembly. The nexus formed from the one or more components of the packaging assembly is configured to collectively signal and/or drive a predetermined message from the point-of-sale to the ultimate consumption of the consumer product.
Packaging Assembly
Sleeve 300 can also include first closed corner 306 and second closed corner 308. First closed corner 306 and second closed corner 308 can provide a flat base for packaging assembly 100 when packaging assembly 100 is positioned in an upright position on a display shelf at the point-of-sale. Also, as more fully set forth below, sleeve 300 includes sleeve front 312, sleeve back 314 (see
Opening feature 310 can be located along sleeve first side 316. Opening feature 310 can include any type of structure for opening sleeve 300. For example opening feature 310 can include a perforated opening feature, a resealable opening feature, a tear-away opening feature, a tongue-and-groove opening feature, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, opening feature 310 can include a perforated opening strip. When a consumer desires removing container 200 from sleeve 300, opening feature 310 is navigated to allow access to container 200.
During packaging, container first side 202 (see
As more fully set forth herein, the Detailed Description is divided into a section related to container 200 and a section related to sleeve 300.
Container
Container 200 includes container rim surface 220 having rim outer edge 210 and rim inner edge 212. Container rim surface 220 can include a surface area sufficient for adhering removable film 201 to container rim surface 220. Also, the container rim surface 220 can provide an area for a consumer to grasp container 200 and position in and/or remove container 200 from a cooking device.
Referring back to
Rim outer edge 210 of container 200 includes first side outer rim edge 230, second side outer rim edge 232, third side outer rim edge 234, and fourth side outer rim edge 236. First side outer rim edge 230 is generally parallel to second side outer rim edge 232 and generally perpendicular to third side outer rim edge 234 and fourth side outer rim edge 236. Second side outer rim edge 232 is generally parallel to first side outer rim edge 230 and generally perpendicular to third side outer rim edge 234 and fourth side outer rim edge 236. Third side outer rim edge 234 is generally parallel to fourth side outer rim edge 236 and generally perpendicular to first side outer rim edge 230 and second side outer rim edge 232. Fourth side outer rim edge 236 is generally parallel to third side outer rim edge 234 and generally perpendicular to first side outer rim edge 230 and second side outer rim edge 232.
Third side outer rim edge 234 structurally transitions to first side outer rim edge 230 via first corner curve 222. First corner curve 222 can be formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R1. In one aspect, the ellipse is a circle. In another aspect, third side outer rim edge 234 and first side outer rim edge 230 are tangent to a circumference of the ellipse formed by R1.
First side outer rim edge 230 structurally transitions to fourth side outer rim edge 236 via second corner curve 224. Second corner curve 224 is formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R2. In one aspect, the ellipse is a circle. In another aspect, first side outer rim edge 230 and fourth side outer rim edge 236 are tangent to a circumference of the ellipse formed by R2.
Fourth side outer rim edge 236 structurally transitions to second side outer rim edge 232 via third corner curve 226. Third corner curve 226 is formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R3. In one aspect, the ellipse is a circle. In another aspect, fourth side outer rim edge 236 and second side outer rim edge 232 are tangent to a circumference of the ellipse formed by R3.
Second side outer rim edge 232 structurally transitions to third side outer rim edge 234 via fourth corner curve 228. Fourth corner curve 228 is formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R4. In one aspect, the ellipse is a circle. In another aspect, second side outer rim edge 232 and third side outer rim edge 234 are tangent to a circumference of the ellipse formed by R4.
As indicated in
Rim inner edge 212 of container 200 includes first side inner rim edge 250 and second side inner rim edge 252. First side inner rim edge 250 is generally parallel to second side inner rim edge 252.
As used herein, the term “convex” refers to a curve opening inwardly toward a centerline along the length L2 of container 200. As used herein, the term “concave” refers to a curve opening outwardly away from a centerline along the length L2 of container 200. Rim inner edge 212 includes fourth side convex curve 246. Fourth side convex curve 246 is formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R6. In one aspect, the ellipse can be a circle. In another aspect, a line formed from first side inner rim edge 250 is secant to a circumference of an ellipse formed from R6.
Fourth side convex curve 246 structurally transitions to fourth side concave curve 248. Fourth side concave curve 248 is formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R7. In one aspect, the ellipse is a circle. In another aspect, a line formed from second side inner rim edge 252 is secant to a circumference of an ellipse formed from R7. In yet another aspect, a circumference of the ellipse formed from R7 is tangent to a circumference of the ellipse formed from R6.
Fourth side concave curve 248 structurally transitions to second corner curve 240. Second corner curve 240 is formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R8. In one aspect the ellipse is a circle. In another aspect, a circumference of an ellipse formed from R7 and a line formed from second side inner rim edge 252 are tangent to a circumference of an ellipse formed from R8.
Second corner curve 240 structurally transitions to second side inner rim edge 252. Fourth side convex curve 246, fourth side concave curve 248 and second corner curve 240 form the fourth side of the rim inner edge 212.
Inner rim edge 252 transitions to third side convex curve 244. Third side convex curve 244 is formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R9. In one aspect, the ellipse is a circle. In another aspect, a line formed from second side inner rim edge 252 is secant to a circumference of an ellipse formed from R9.
Third side convex curve 244 structurally transitions to third side concave curve 242. Third side concave curve 242 is formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R10. In one aspect, the ellipse is a circle. In another aspect, a line formed from first side inner rim edge 250 is secant to a circumference of an ellipse formed from R10. In yet another aspect, a circumference of the ellipse formed from R10 is tangent to a circumference of the ellipse formed from R9.
Third side concave curve 242 geometrically transitions to first corner curve 238. First corner curve 238 is formed from a portion of an ellipse having a radius R5. In one aspect, the ellipse is a circle. In another aspect, a circumference of an ellipse formed from R10 and a line formed by first side inner rim edge 250 are tangent to a circumference of an ellipse formed from R5.
Third side convex curve 244, third side concave curve 242 and first corner curve 238 form the third side of the rim inner edge 212. As indicated in
As further indicated in
R6 and R9 can generally have the same length. R6 and R9 can also have the same length within a threshold. For example, the threshold can be plus or minus about 0.1 inches. For example, R6 and R9 can be about 5.0 inches to about 6.0 inches. In the situation where R6 and R9 are generally the same, fourth side convex curve 246 and third side convex curve 244 are generally the same curve.
Likewise, R7 and R10 can generally have the same length. R7 and R10 can also have the same length within a threshold. For example, the threshold can be plus or minus about 0.1 inches. As another example, R7 and R10 can be about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches. In the situation where, R7 and R10 are generally the same, fourth side concave curve 248 and third side concave curve 242 are generally the same curve.
As another example combination: R5 and R8 can be generally the same length, R6 and R9 can be generally the same length, R7 and R10 can be generally the same length, the length of R6 and R9 can be greater than the length of R7 and R10, and the length of R6, R7, R9 and R10 can be greater than the length of R5 and R8.
As indicated in
Sleeve
When container 200 is positioned in sleeve 300, first corner curve 222 of rim outer edge 210 geometrically aligns (e.g., within the same curved plane) with first front curve 334 and first back curve 338 of sleeve 300 to cause a nexus between sleeve 300 and container 200 at first corner opening 302. Likewise, when container 200 is positioned in sleeve 300, third corner curve 226 of rim outer edge 210 geometrically aligns (e.g., within the same curved plane) with second front curve 336 and second back curve 340 of sleeve 300 to cause a nexus between sleeve 300 and container 200 at second corner opening 304. As such, packaging assembly 100 is stabilized in an upright position via first closed corner 306 and/or second closed corner 308 and a potential consumer can readily view container 200 and the food product within container 200 via first corner opening 302 and/or second corner opening 304. Moreover, the aforementioned nexus at first corner opening 302 and second corner opening 304 facilitates a geometric tie between container 200 and sleeve 300. As such, a consumer who can only recall the configuration of container 200 has an indicator to associate with sleeve 300 upon making a subsequent purchase of the product associated with packaging assembly 100.
Sleeve front 312 includes prepared product indictor field (A). Prepared product indicator field (A) is arranged in coordination with the plurality of fields to provide a primary field for prepared product indicia 342 on sleeve front 312. Prepared product indicia 342 signals a cooked state of the product located in container 200 just prior to use and/or consumption. As an example associated with
Ingredient indicator field (B) is arranged in coordination with the plurality of fields to tie to prepared product indicator field (A) and a food product in container 200. Ingredient indicator field (B) can include ingredient indicator sub-fields (B1)-(B3) as an array of ingredients of the food product in container 200. As indicated in
First ingredient origin indicia 346 can include an image of at least one ingredient at its origin. For example, the image can include an image of the at least one ingredient in a prepackaging state. As another example, the image can include an image of the at least one ingredient in a natural state to create an impression of freshness. Stated another way, first ingredient origin indicia 346 includes an image that creates a freshness impression of at least one ingredient of prepared product indicia 342 that indicates the ingredient in a cooked state. Likewise, second ingredient origin indicia 348 and third ingredient origin indicia can include respective images associated with prepared product indicia 342. Ingredient origin indicia 344 facilitates a nexus for indicating an impression of “freshness” or “market fresh” ingredients in association with prepared product indicia 342 and the food product located in container 200.
As an example associated with
Brand tying indicator field (C) can include subfields (C1) and (C2). Brand tying indicator field (C) is structured and arranged in coordination with the plurality of fields to tie to brand indicator field (D). As an example associated with
Subfield (C1) can include cooking method indicia. As an example associated with
Moreover, the cooking method indicia ties container 200 to sleeve 300. As indicated above in association with
As another example, the geometric cooking indicator of container 200 can be shaped to resemble a water droplet to indicate a boiling operation. Cooking method indicia of subfield (C1) can include boil cooking indicia such as boiling image indicia and/or boiling textual indicia. As such, the geometric cooking indicator that resembles the water droplet of container 200 and the boil cooking indicia of sleeve 300 function in combination to drive a predetermined message related to the cooking operation and facilitate a consumer impression throughout the use of the packaging assembly 100. As yet another example, the geometric cooking indicator of container 200 can be shaped to resemble a flame to indicate a grilling operation. Cooking method indicia of subfield (C1) can include grill cooking indicia such as grill image indicia and/or grill textual indicia. As such, the geometric cooking indicator that resembles the flame of container 200 and the grill cooking indicia of sleeve 300 function in combination to drive a predetermined message related to the cooking operation and facilitate a consumer impression throughout the use of packaging assembly 100. As still another example, the geometric cooking indicator of container 200 can be shaped to resemble a heat wave to indicate a conventional oven cooking operation. Cooking method indicia of subfield (C1) can include conventional oven cooking indicia such as a conventional oven image indicia and/or a conventional oven textual indicia. As such, the geometric cooking indicator that resembles the heat wave of container 200 and the conventional oven cooking indicia of sleeve 300 function in combination to drive a predetermined message related to the cooking operation and facilitate a consumer impression throughout the use of the packaging assembly
Subfield (C2) can include product type indicia. For example, as indicated in
Ingredient reinforcement indicator field (F) is arranged in coordination with the plurality of fields to reinforce a predetermined message in association with the combination of prepared product indicator field (A) and ingredient origin indicator field (B). In one aspect, ingredient reinforcement indicator field (F) overlaps ingredient origin indictor (B) so that the fields are structurally tied together. As an example associated with
Secondary ingredient reinforcement indicator field (E) is arranged in coordination with the plurality of fields to further reinforce a predetermined message in association with the combination of prepared product indicator field (A) and ingredient origin indicator field (B). As an example, secondary ingredient reinforcement indicator field (E) can be populated with a “cool” color to create a perception of freshness. Examples of “cool” colors can include colors, clockwise, from yellow to violet in the RYB Color Model. Yet, any color in the RYB Color Model can be utilized depending on the predetermined message. For example a “warm” color can be utilized to create a perception of spiciness. As previously indicated, secondary ingredient reinforcement indicator field (E) reinforces a predetermined message of ingredient origin indicia 344. The combination signals a nexus between prepared product indicator 342 and the state of the ingredients indicated in prepared product indicator 342, signals a nexus between the state of the food product in container 200 and the state of the ingredients in the food product, and drives a predetermined message that ties a perception of freshness of the ingredients to prepared product indicator 342 and the food product in container 200.
Sleeve back 314 includes detailed cooking method indicator field (G). Detailed cooking method indicator field (G) is arranged in coordination with the plurality of fields to provide a primary field for cooking method indicia on sleeve back 314. As an example, associated with
Sleeve back 314 can further include first nutritional indicator field (H), product preparation method indicator field (I), secondary nutritional indicator field (J), and dietary program indicator field (K). As indicated in
Packaging Nexus
As set forth above, packaging assembly 100 includes container 200 and sleeve 300 having a combination of components to drive a predetermined message to facilitate a consumer impression. An example is set forth herein to illustrate an example nexus formed between some of the components of the packaging assembly 100. The example is not meant to limit the disclosure in any manner or limit the combination of components of packaging assembly 100 to any particular combination for providing such a nexus for the predetermined message. Furthermore, even though predetermined message examples related to a perception of “freshness” and “steam” are indicated herein, the predetermined message can be associated with any type of message which the manufacturer desires to convey about a product in container 200 to facilitate a consumer impression.
As an example, a manufacturer may desire conveying a predetermined message to cause a perception that a food product is made with fresh ingredients and to indicate that the food product is steam cooked to provide a desirable healthy meal. The manufacturer may desire conveying such a message from the point-of-sale to the ultimate consumption of the food product. A packaging assembly 100 is configured as indicated above with respect to
In the upright position as indicated in
For example, container 200 can include a food product that includes green beans as an ingredient of a food product in a packaged state. Prepared product indicia 342 indicates the green beans in a cooked state and first ingredient origin indicia 344 indicates the green beans in a prepackaged state. Container 200 also includes, for example, a food product that includes tomatoes as an ingredient of a food product in a packaged state. Prepared product indicia 342 indicates the tomatoes in a cooked state and second ingredient origin indicia 348 indicates the tomatoes in a or prepackaged state. Container 200 further includes, for example, a food product that includes a starch as an ingredient of a food product in a packaged state. Prepared product indicia 342 indicates the starch in a cooked state and third ingredient origin indicia 350 indicates the starch in a prepackaged state.
The predetermined “freshness” perception message is further accentuated by textual reinforcement indicia 358 that includes the textual indicia “Fresh Taste” partially overlapping ingredient origin indicia 344, which further reinforces the images associated with ingredient origin indicia 344. Also, secondary ingredient reinforcement indicator field (E) is populated with a “cool” color. In this example, the secondary ingredient reinforcement indicator includes a blue hued color. The combination of prepared product indicia 342, ingredient origin indicia 344, textual reinforcement indicia 358 and the secondary ingredient reinforcement indicator (E) signals a nexus between prepared product indicator 342 and the state of the ingredients indicated by prepared product indicator 342, signals a nexus between the state of the food product in container 200 and the state of the ingredients in the food product, and drives the predetermined message that ties a perception of freshness of the ingredients to prepared product indicator 342 and the food product in container 200.
Again, in the upright position as indicated in
A consumer at the point-of-sale navigates packaging assembly 100. As indicated in
The consumer ultimately purchases the food product with packaging assembly 100. Irrespective of the positioning, the nexus indicated above is signaled to the consumer via any one of sleeve front 312, sleeve back 314, sleeve first side 316, sleeve second side 318, sleeve third side 320, or sleeve fourth side 322.
The consumer ultimately decides to consume the food product in packaging assembly 100. Sleeve 300 is reviewed for a cooking method, which is reinforced by the steaming indictors on sleeve front 312 and sleeve back 314. Sleeve 300 is then removed and discarded. Again, container 200 can be structured as indicated in
The consumer returns to the point-of-sale for a second time and attempts to recall the food product. The consumer searches the aisles and encounters the food product. Not only does sleeve 300 facilitate a recollection of the food product, but the nexus at first corner opening 302 and second corner opening 304 created by the geometric alignment between sleeve 300 and container 200 at the first and second corner openings signals a recollection of container 200 of the product which is ultimately tied, via the nexus, to sleeve 300.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
Claims
1. A container, comprising:
- a container rim, wherein the container rim includes a rim inner edge, wherein the rim inner edge includes: a first side inner rim edge, a second side inner rim edge, a third side inner rim edge, wherein the third side inner rim edge includes: a third side convex curve formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a first radius, and a third side concave curve formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a second radius, a fourth side inner rim edge, wherein the fourth side inner rim edge includes: a fourth side convex curve formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a third radius, and a fourth side concave curve formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a fourth radius;
- a container bottom; and
- a container wall extending downwardly from the rim inner edge to the container bottom.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the length of the first radius is at least one member of a group comprising: greater than the length of the second radius and greater than the length of the fourth radius.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the length of the third radius is at least one member of a group comprising: greater than the length of the second radius and greater than the length of the fourth radius.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the length of the first radius is generally the same as the length of the third radius, wherein the length of the second radius is generally the same as the length of the fourth radius.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the rim inner edge further comprises:
- a first corner curve geometrically transitioning the third side concave curve to the first side inner rim edge, wherein the first corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a fifth radius, and
- a second corner curve geometrically transitioning the fourth side concave curve to the second side inner rim edge, wherein the second corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a sixth radius.
6. The container of claim 5, wherein the length of the fifth radius is generally the same as the length of the sixth radius.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein the length of the fifth radius is at least one member of a group comprising: less than the length of the first radius, less than the length of the second radius, less than the length of the third radius, and less than the length of the fourth radius.
8. The container of claim 5, wherein a line formed from the first side inner rim edge is generally parallel to a line formed from the second side inner rim edge.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein the line formed from the first side inner rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the fifth radius, wherein the circumference of the ellipse having the second radius is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the fifth radius.
10. The container of claim 8, wherein the line formed from the second side inner rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the sixth radius, wherein the circumference of the ellipse having the fourth radius is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the sixth radius.
11. The container of claim 8, wherein the line formed from the second side inner rim edge is generally secant to the circumference of the ellipse having the first radius, wherein the circumference of the ellipse having the first radius is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the second radius.
12. The container of claim 8, wherein the line formed from the first side inner rim edge is generally secant to the circumference of the ellipse having the second radius, wherein the circumference of the ellipse having the second radius is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the first radius and generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the fifth radius.
13. The container of claim 8, wherein the line formed from the first side inner rim edge is generally secant to the circumference of the ellipse having the third radius, wherein the circumference of the ellipse having the third radius is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the fourth radius.
14. The container of claim 8, wherein the line formed from the second side inner rim edge is generally secant to the circumference of the ellipse having the fourth radius, wherein the ellipse having the fourth radius is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the third radius and generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the sixth radius.
15. The container of claim 5, wherein the container rim further comprises a rim outer edge, wherein the rim outer edge includes:
- a first side outer rim edge,
- a second side outer rim edge,
- a third side outer rim edge,
- a fourth side outer rim edge,
- a first corner curve geometrically transitioning the third side outer rim edge to the first side outer rim edge, wherein the first corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a seventh radius,
- a second corner curve geometrically transitioning the first side outer rim edge to the fourth side outer rim edge, wherein the second corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having an eighth radius,
- a third corner curve geometrically transitioning the fourth side outer rim edge to the second side outer rim edge, wherein the third corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a ninth radius, and
- a fourth corner curve geometrically transitioning the second side outer rim edge to the third side outer rim edge, wherein the fourth corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a tenth radius.
16. The container of claim 15, wherein the length of the seventh radius, the length of the eighth radius, the length of the ninth radius, and the length of the tenth radius are generally the same length.
17. The container of claim 15, wherein a line formed from the first side outer rim edge is generally parallel to a line formed from the second side outer rim edge, generally perpendicular to a line formed from the third side outer rim edge, and generally perpendicular to a line formed from the fourth side outer rim edge.
18. The container of claim 17, wherein the line formed from the first side outer rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the seventh radius, wherein the line formed from the first side outer rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the eighth radius.
19. The container of claim 17, wherein the line formed from the second side outer rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the ninth radius, wherein the line formed from the second side outer rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the tenth radius.
20. The container of claim 17, wherein the line formed from the third side outer rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the tenth radius, wherein the line formed from the third side outer rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the seventh radius.
21. The container of claim 17, wherein the line formed from the fourth side outer rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the eighth radius, wherein the line formed from the fourth side outer rim edge is generally tangent to the circumference of the ellipse having the ninth radius.
22. The container of claim 1, further comprising a channel transition, wherein the channel transition geometrically transitions the container wall to the container bottom.
23. The container of claim 22, wherein the channel transition forms a channel between the container bottom and the container wall.
24. The container of claim 1, wherein the rim inner edge is geometrically structured to form a geometric cooking indicator that signals a cooking operation.
25. The container of claim 24, wherein the geometric cooking indicator is a steam vapor indicator signaling a steam cooking operation.
26. A product assembly, comprising:
- a container having a food product therein, wherein the container includes:
- a container rim, wherein the container rim includes a rim inner edge, wherein the rim inner edge includes: a first side inner rim edge, a second side inner rim edge, a third side inner rim edge, wherein the third side inner rim edge includes: a third side convex curve formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a first radius, and a third side concave curve formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a second radius, a fourth side inner rim edge, wherein the fourth side inner rim edge includes: a fourth side convex curve formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a third radius, and a fourth side concave curve formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a fourth radius.
27. The product assembly of claim 26, wherein the food product includes at least one member of a group comprising: a vegetable, a starch, and a protein.
28. The product assembly of claim 26, wherein the length of the first radius is greater than the length of the second radius and greater than the length of the fourth radius, wherein the length of the third radius is greater than the length of the second radius and greater than the length of the fourth radius.
29. The product assembly of claim 28, wherein the length of the first radius is generally the same as the length of the third radius, wherein the length of the second radius is generally the same as the length of the fourth radius.
30. The product assembly of claim 26, wherein the rim inner edge further comprises:
- a first corner curve geometrically transitioning the third side concave curve to the first side inner rim edge, wherein the first corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a fifth radius, and
- a second corner curve geometrically transitioning the fourth side concave curve to the second side inner rim edge, wherein the second corner curve porting is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a sixth radius.
31. The product assembly of claim 30, wherein the length of the fifth radius is at least one member of a group comprising: generally the same as the length of the sixth radius, less than the length of the first radius, less than the length of the second radius, less than the length of the third radius, and less than the length of the fourth radius.
32. The product assembly of claim 30, wherein the container rim further comprises a rim out edge, wherein the rim outer edge includes:
- a first side outer rim edge,
- a second side outer rim edge,
- a third side outer rim edge,
- a fourth side outer rim edge,
- a first corner curve geometrically transitioning the third side outer rim edge to the first side outer rim edge, wherein the first corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a seventh radius.
- a second corner curve geometrically transitioning the first side outer rim edge to the fourth side outer rim edge, wherein the second corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a eighth radius.
- a third corner curve geometrically transitioning the fourth side outer rim edge to the second side outer rim edge, wherein the third corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a ninth radius.
- a fourth corner curve geometrically transitioning the second side outer rim edge to the third side outer rim edge, wherein the fourth corner curve is formed from a portion of a circumference of an ellipse having a tenth radius.
33. The product assembly of claim 32, wherein the length of the seventh radius, the length of the eighth radius, the length of the ninth radius, and the length of the tenth radius are generally the same length.
34. The product assembly of claim 26, wherein the rim inner edge is geometrically structured to form a geometric cooking indicator that signals a cooking operation.
35. The product assembly of claim 34, wherein the geometric cooking indicator is a steam vapor indicator signaling a steam cooking operation.
Type: Application
Filed: May 19, 2010
Publication Date: Nov 24, 2011
Applicant: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc. (Omaha, NE)
Inventors: Weick Donald Robert (Omaha, NE), Jordan R. French (Evansville, IN)
Application Number: 12/782,821
International Classification: B65D 90/02 (20060101); B65D 85/00 (20060101);