FLAT FOLDABLE, AMUSEMENT PROVIDING, ECOFRIENDLY WASTE CONTAINERS
Packaging for a retail food product that contains a waste component, such as shells, includes a main product package including a hollow interior space for receiving the food product. The main product package includes a first face. The packaging includes a waste container that has a body with a number of defined fold lines to permit the waste container to move between an initial folded storage position and an unfolded position in which the waste container forms a receptacle defined by at least one side wall and a bottom wall that define a hollow interior space for receiving the waste component of the food product after consumption thereof. The waste container extends outwardly from the first face thereof and can be either integrally formed with or be attached to the main product package.
This application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/447,928, filed Mar. 1, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates generally to a waste containers and more particularly to environmentally friendly, flat-foldable, amusement providing waste containers to be adhered to waste-producing product packages.
The background information discussed below is presented to better illustrate the novelty and usefulness of the present invention. This background information is not admitted prior art. The particular versions of the invention as described below are provided, in part, as illustrative and exemplary, thus, the described versions should not be taken as limiting.
People enjoy eating snack type foods at many different times and in many different places. For example, people like to snack while watching events such as a baseball, basketball, football and soccer games, horse and automobile racing, while watching movies or television, while driving or riding in a vehicle, or when relaxing. Many snack foods have an edible portion and an inedible portion that typically encloses the edible portion. Examples of such food products include various nuts, seeds and fruits, including peanuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, olives and cherries. Such snack foods are routinely packaged in the containers from which the snacks are eaten, however, while the edible portion is consumed, the inedible portion becomes a waste product and must be disposed of. As well known to those familiar with these food products, the waste portion can result in a significant amount of debris which must be disposed of by the consumer.
SUMMARYThe present inventor observed that food products having a waste component are usually sold in closed packages that are usually designed to keep the food product dry and fresh, thus the package is typically a plastic or plasticized pouch.
This type of package is designed for storing and serving its contents. However, once the edible portion is consumed, there is no provision for the waste portion. One certainly does not want to dispose of the waste product in the same container that holds the food product, especially if the food product is being shared with others. Thus, the consumer has no choice but to place the waste portion in a pocket, if a pocket capable of receiving and storing such waste is available, or tossing the waste portion on the ground creating a mess that eventually must be cleaned up and, in the meantime, a tripping hazard.
Accordingly, the present Inventor devised a waste container designed to be attached to product packages. The waste containers according to the concept of the present invention can be attached to snack food containers that are otherwise ready for sale or they can be adhered to such product containers during the manufacturing process (e.g., adhesively attached, bonded, etc.). The waste containers according to the concept of the present invention may be attached to snack food containers that are otherwise ready for sale or they can be adhered to such product containers during the manufacturing process. In either case the waste container is presented to be attached to product containers in a flat-folded configuration. At the time the food product is to be consumed and the product waste created, the folded-flat waste container is opened to provide a volume to receive the waste product.
The present inventor also provided for the waste container to be ecofriendly, in that it is contemplated to be made of recyclable paper that is eco-friendly to make and use, light-weight, sturdy, inexpensive, and easy to handle.
The recyclable waste container may be attached to the product package in a permanent manner or may be adhered to the product package with an adhesive that allows easy separation of the waste container from the product package providing for the waste container and the inedible waste to be disposed of in a recycle container. Alternatively, the waste container is made of compostable material so that the inedible waste and the waste container may be put directly into a compost bin.
To encourage use of the waste container as a repository for the waste product the waste container is configured to provide a game aspect or to be designed to relate to a place of use, to special time of year, or to any desired theme. The design also contemplates use of the waste container as an advertising mechanism. There is space on the container, in both its folded and unfolded configuration for advertising. The waste container may be printed to match the product packaging so that while the container remains folded, it blends in with the wording and images on the product package. When open the container may take on any shape that lends itself to the occasion.
In order that these and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention may be more fully comprehended, the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the several figures, and in which:
Adhesive or glue, as used herein, refers to any formulation that adheres or bonds items together. Adhesives are advantageous for joining thin or dissimilar materials and minimizing weight. There are many types of adhesives. One type, that may be particularly beneficial when used in the context of the present invention, is from the group of pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA). PSAs are designed for both permanent and removable applications. Removable adhesives are designed to form a temporary bond, and ideally can be removed after months or years without leaving residue on the adhere end. Some removable adhesives are designed to repeatedly stick and unstick.
Attachment means, as used herein, refers to any method of attachment, such as gluing, adhering, sewing, or stapling that will keep a waste container adhered to a product package.
Origami, as used herein refers to the traditional Japanese folk art of paper folding. Origami started in the 17th century AD and was popularized in the mid-1900s. It has since then evolved into a modern art form. The goal of this art is to transform a flat sheet of material into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques, and as such the use of cuts or glue are not considered to be origami. Traditional Japanese origami, which has been practiced since the Edo era (1603-1867), is often been less strict about these conventions, sometimes cutting the paper or using non-square starting paper When finished the sculpture must be able to be folded flat regardless of the variety of simple and intricate shapes it may take when opened. The number of basic origami folds is small, but they can be combined in a variety of ways to make intricate designs.
Package, as used herein refers to any type, material, shape, or size of container that is meant to hold a product that has a waste component.
Product, as used herein refers to any type of product that has a waste component and especially includes food products, such as nuts and the like that have a waste component in the form of shells; however, it can also include fruit products that have waste components in the form of fruit skins.
To provide a better understanding of the inventive concept the following drawings present various examples of embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the disclosed invention is disposed to many more versions than illustrated and can be made in various sizes, such as lengths, widths, and depths to accommodate a variety of sizes and amounts of waste product. Additionally, the game aspect of the invention lends itself to a multitude of themes and shapes. The materials used may vary as desired as long as they follow the inventive concepts. Therefore, the versions described herein are provided with the understanding that the present disclosure is intended as illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention to the versions described.
The waste container 100 is folded along fold lines 110 to form a compact folded structure that once released from the product package 150 can easily be folded outwardly therefrom so as to form an enclosed receptacle (waste container). The waste container 100 can be formed to have any number of different shapes, including square, rectangular, circular, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the waste container 100 has a square or rectangular shape and is defined by a freely foldable bottom wall 112 (floor) and a plurality of side walls 114 that are attached to the bottom wall 112 and extend upwardly therefrom. As shown, the side walls 114 can have a more rigid structure compared to the bottom walls 112 since the side walls 114 can fold about vertical fold lines, whereas the bottom wall 112 can be compressible and fold in an accordion like manner or is otherwise foldable.
For example and as shown in
It will be appreciated that the waste containers described herein can be formed of any number of different material including materials that are different from the materials used to form the product package 150. For example, the waste container 100 can be formed of paper materials (and thus be more easily biodegradable) or the waste container 100 can be formed of plastic materials (films) similar to how the product package 150 is formed.
The top of the waste container 100 is open so as to permit the user to insert the waste components, such as shells, into the enclosed interior 115 of the waste container 100. The fold lines defined between the side walls 114 and bottom wall 112 permit the entire waste container 100 to be folded in a compact manner to allow it initially to be provided to the consumer in a completely folded state (
It will be appreciated that most times, the product package 150 includes some type of indicia, such as product name and labeling, on the faces of the product package 150. In accordance with the present invention, the integral waste container 100 is constructed such that it does not adversely impact the readability of the indicia when it is at least in the folded state prior to consumer purchase. More specifically,
As shown in
The reinforcing element 160 can be formed (but is not required to be) of a material that is different from the material that forms the foldable walls of the waste container 100. In particular, the reinforcing element 160 can be formed of a stiffer material, such as a paper product (i.e., cardboard, heavy paper stock, etc.). However, the reinforcing element 160 and walls 112, 114 can be formed of the same material. The reinforcing element 160 provides a means for reinforcing the waste container 100 by providing a stiffer material between the side walls of the waste container 100. The reinforcing element 160 thus prevents the waste container 100 from freely collapsing and instead maintains the intended shape (square shape) of the waste container 100.
The reinforcing element 160 does not have to be stiffer than the material of the side walls 114 and wall 112 in all embodiments since it can be act more as a spacer when the walls 112, 114 are formed of a more rigid material, such as a paper. In this embodiment, the same paper product can be used to form the element 160 and the walls 112, 114. The reinforcing element 160 is formed of a material that maintains its form in folded and opened positions.
As explained herein, the reinforcing element 160 can include indicia 165 that falls within a selected theme, such as sports, outdoor imagery, etc. For example and as shown, the indicia is not limited to being printed indicia but the shape of the reinforcing element 160 itself can done according to a theme. As illustrated, the reinforcing element 160 can have a baseball batter shape.
In
Having the waste container 100 folded flat keeps it as unobtrusive as possible which aids in shipping, storing, and displaying the product package.
Edible products, such as peanuts and sun flower seeds, are likely to be sold for on-site consumption at many sporting events. Thus, using his ability to design a three-dimensional configuration that can be flat-folded, the present Inventor provided a way to create a relationship between the waste container and specific sporting events by designing the perimeter and body of the waste container to relate to common sport elements referred to as “zones”. For example, the perimeter of the waste container 100 can be designed to mimic a basketball rim, baseball hitter zone, soccer goal, or football touchdown zone, for example. In one example, the waste container 100 is attached to a product package 150 in its usual flat-folded state, but when unfolded, for use, the waste container resembles a football lineman with his arms out and hands folded creating a frame that outlines the opening into which the waste is to be placed and creating an amusement aspect of the waste container. When an activity seems like fun, children are more apt to participate in that activity. This helps to teach children to dispose of wastes properly and eat a healthier snack due to the added entertainment. Another example of a waste container is one in which it is designed to simulate a football end-field.
In another embodiment, the waste container provides for a relationship between edible products that have an inedible waste component and a sporting event, such as a basketball game. For example, the waste container unfolds to the shape of a basketball hoop, again providing for an amusing manner of disposing of waste product. In addition, both a baseball batter figure and a catcher can be incorporated into the design of this waste container.
Alternatively, instead of relying on a cutout figure (reinforcing element 160) to maintain the waste container in its unfolded state, there is contemplated having a partial lid or lip that is in contact with the perimeter of the opening of the waste container to keep the waste container in its unfolded position. It is to be understood that the partial lid or lip is also contemplated to be presented in the form of a sports figure or any other figure to fit in with a desired theme. Note also that the lid may be attached to the perimeter of the waste container by inserting the tab on the lid into the slit that is provided to receive the tab. Another way to have the lid attached to the container is to have the lid be part of the rim, so it is always maintained in a closed and waste container shape maintaining position. In other words, there may be several ways of using a lid to maintain the shape of the waste container and all are contemplated for use in the invention. Yet another method of maintaining the shape of the waste container is to use the rim of the unfolded waste container to maintain the shape. The square shape of the rimmed perimeter of the waste container is provided simply as an example. The shape of the waste container can be any shape desired.
Such embodiments are limited only by one's imagination. For holidays the waste container could have a Santa Claus cutout and the perimeter of the waste container could be the bag carried by Santa Claus. For Easter, the cutout could be a bunny holding a basket that would be the waste container. For use in food concessions on a beach, the cutout could be a child in a bathing suit and the waste container could be a sand pail. In addition to designing the waste container to relate to the setting and time in which the product is sold, the waste containers may be designed for the purpose of advertising a future event or products.
In another embodiment, the waste container suggests a goal and is accompanied by a goalie figure that functions to keep waste product from spilling when the product package is tipped to pour product out of its package.
Also the waste container can be sealed for future use or disposal. To provide for the time when there is left over edible product and user wishes to save the remaining edible for later use, sealable/unsealable tape can be provided to seal the waste container closed for future use. For example, in
It will be appreciated that the waste container 200 according to this embodiment is thus designed to act as an accessory and can be used with existing commercially available product packages, such as peanut and sunflower seed packages. As discussed below, the waste container 200 can be deployed (unfolded) to take a form of the waste container 200 and after taking this form, the waste container 200 is then attached to the product package 250. As discussed herein, the attachment between the waste container 200 and the product package 250 is preferably of a detachable type yet it is of a secure nature.
The waste container 200 is folded along fold lines 210 to form a compact folded structure that open by folding the structure outwardly so as to form an enclosed receptacle (waste container). The waste container 200 can be formed to have any number of different shapes, including square, rectangular, circular, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the waste container 200 has a square shape and is defined by a bottom wall 212 (floor) and a plurality of side walls 214 that are attached to the bottom wall 212 and extend upwardly therefrom. The top of the waster container 200 is open so as to permit the user to insert the waste components, such as shells, into the enclosed interior 215 of the waste container 200. The fold lines defined between the side walls 214 and bottom wall 212 permit the entire waste container 200 to be folded in a compact manner to allow it initially to be provided to the consumer in a completely folded state (
As shown in
The reinforcing element 260 is formed of a material that is different from the material that forms the foldable walls of the waste container 200. In particular, the reinforcing element 260 can be formed of a stiffer material, such as a paper product (i.e., cardboard, heavy paper stock, etc.). The reinforcing element 260 provides a means for reinforcing the waste container 200 by providing a stiffer material between the side walls of the waste container 200. However, the reinforcing element 260 does not have to be stiffer than the other components (walls) of the waste container 200 and instead, can be formed of the same material. The reinforcing element 260 thus prevents the waste container 200 from freely collapsing and instead maintains the intended shape (square shape) of the waste container 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing element 260 is in the form of a rectangular shaped element that is complementary to the shape of the waste container 200; however, the reinforcing element 260 can have other shapes, such as an arcuate shape or the like.
It will be appreciated that most times, the product package 250 includes some type of indicia 225, such as a product name and labeling, on the faces of the product package 250. The waste container 200 can also include indicia which can match the indicia 225 of the product package 250 so as to allow the ability to present advertising on the waste container 200.
With reference to
The tab 219 is thus attached to the waste container 200 with a section of the tab 219 for insertion into the slot 259.
The tab or hook 219 can also include an adhesive with a protective release cover that provides additional means for securing the waste container 200 to the product package 250.
It will be appreciated that other mechanical and bond type attachment means can be used to attach the waste container to the product package.
As shown in
In a square or rectangular shaped package 250, this area is usually located in one corner, such as the right corner of the package 250 as shown. Many times, the consumer tilts the product package 250 to allow the food product to be more easily accessed since the food product can accumulate near the open corner.
In order to prevent the waste in the waste container 200 from falling out of the opening of the waste container 200, the reinforcing element 260 is positioned and located near the intended opening of the product package 250. As mentioned herein, the reinforcing element 260 extends across and closes off a section (i.e., an end) of the waste container 200 and therefore, it acts as a barrier that prevents the waste from falling out of the waste container when the product is tilted for removing the food product in the package 250. The reinforcing element or spacer 260 thus deflects and prevents the waste from sliding out of the tilted package 250.
The additional barrier feature 260 may be a figure that coincides with a given theme, such as the additional feature being an attached cut-out of a baseball batter figure. Thus the additional feature both functions as a safeguard against spillage of waste product and enlarges the “zone” concept. The additional feature can be of any desired functional design, size, and shape, but as in one embodiment illustrated is contemplated to have be of a design that is in keeping with the theme of the product or the event at which the product is to be used. In this example, the baseball batter also serves to function as a support for maintaining the unfolded waste container from refolding until it is desired to do so. It is to be understood that the baseball batter described here is just an example; the figure could take many forms, such as other sports figures or inanimate objects.
Thus, the reinforcing element 260 not only provides form and structure to the unfolded waste container 200 but it also provides advertising space or the ability to provide a shaped part that provides amusement (i.e., baseball batter shaped, etc.) and also acts as a barrier for containing the waste when the package 250 is tilted.
The structural rim 265 is in the form of rails 267 that are flexible and disposed along the top edges of the side walls 114 of the waste container 101.
The structural rim 265 is preferably formed of a memory material, such as nitinol, etc., that assumes a rest position after a force has been removed. Thus, structural rim 265 is formed as an interconnected network that adds rigidity to the waste container 101. When the waste container 101 is folded into its packed position, the structural rim 265 is thus folded and stores energy. However, once the user releases the waste container 101 (e.g., as by perforating a release tab or the like), the structural rim 265 automatically unfolds and assumes its normal rest position which defines the top edges of the waste container 101 and this provides rigidity and form to the waste container 101. The reinforcing element 260 can be attached to one rail that is part of the structural rim 265 and does not have to be formed of a memory material.
The inventive concept includes the material used to make the waste container. Although there are many known materials that would suit, it is contemplated that the waste container be made of recyclable paper, which would enable the waste container and its contents to be disposed of in a recyclable container, even if the product package is not recyclable. It is further contemplated that the waste container be made of materials that are compostable so that the inedible, but compostable waste, such as sunflower seeds, may be placed in the compost pile to replenish the nutrients of the Earth.
The waste container may be manufactured as a stand-alone product to be adhered to product packages after they are produced. The waste container also may be manufactured as part of the manufacturing process of the product package.
In yet another embodiment, a cap or cover can be provided for placement over the open waste container for storage purposes or to otherwise contain the waste. For example, a cover with tabs with adhesive thereon can be provided and can be attached across the top opening of the waste container by exposing the adhesive tabs and adhering them the side walls of the waste container. The cover can be removed by simply lifting the tabs from the side walls since the adhesive is of a type such as PSA that permits easy detachment.
It will be appreciated that the removable cap (cover) 400 can be similarly disposed on the waste container 200 or any other container disclosed herein.
For example, as shown in
The cover 400 can include a pair of tabs 420 on opposing edges 415. It is also envisioned that the cover 400 could be attached to the side wall 114 at one end and thus pivot about this end and have a tab 420 opposite to close and seal the cover 400 in the closed position.
As in
It will be appreciated that while the waste containers illustrated herein include multi-sided side walls constructions (i.e., three or four), the waste container of the present invention is not limited to such structures and can be formed of a single side wall (i.e., circular shaped bag) or a pair of side walls bonded along peripheral edges, etc. The shape of the waste container is not critical so long as it can be folded and performs the function described herein.
It will also be appreciated the reinforcing (spacer) elements described herein can be oversized in that they can include a base section that fits between the front and rear walls of the waste container and a second section that extends beyond the edges of the waste container. For example, the base section is received between the front and rear walls to maintain the open shape of the waste container, but the second section of the reinforcing element can extend beyond the front wall of the waster container (i.e., it can overhang the waste container). This permits larger sized reinforcing elements to be formed so as to permit a larger scale figure, such as a sports figure or another themed object to extend beyond the confines of the waste container. The second section that extends beyond is thus located above top edges of the sides walls (sides, rear, and front walls).
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific and defined nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing description of the specific embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made to the features, embodiments, and methods of making the embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the described methods, embodiments, features or combinations of features but include all the variation, methods, modifications, and combinations of features within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is limited only by the claims.
Claims
1. Packaging for a retail food product that contains a waste component comprising:
- a main product package including a hollow interior space for receiving the food product, the main product package including a first face; and
- a waste container that has a body with a number of defined fold lines to permit the waste container to move between an initial folded storage position and an unfolded position in which the waste container forms a receptacle defined by at least one side wall and a bottom wall that define a hollow interior space for receiving the waste component of the food product after consumption thereof;
- wherein the waste container includes at least one wall that is integrally attached to the first face of the main product package so as to form unitary packaging for the retail food product, wherein when use of the waster container is desired, the body of the waste container is unfolded and forms the partially enclosed receptacle.
2. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the main product package is formed of a fully flexible plastic film material.
3. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the waste container has a square or rectangular shape with a rear face thereof being defined by the first face of the main product package.
4. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the side wall is formed of a different material relative to the bottom wall.
5. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the side wall is formed of the same material that forms the main product package.
6. The packaging of claim 1, further including a reinforcing member associated with the waste container for maintaining a shape of the waste container in the unfolded position, wherein in the unfolded position, the reinforcing member lies generally between the first face of the main product package and a front face of the waste container.
7. The packaging of claim 6, wherein the reinforcing member lies generally perpendicular to the first face of the main product package and is located proximate an intended opening of the product package so that when the product package is tilted at an angle to dispense product, the reinforcing member acts as a barrier to prevent waste component contained therein from spilling.
8. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the waste container has a box shape and includes a front side wall and two opposing side walls that extend between the front side wall and the first face of the main product package, the first face representing a rear wall of the waste container.
9. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the first face includes indicia that is defined by at least first and second sections, the first section being formed on the main product package and the second section being formed on an outer surface of the folded waste container, the first and second sections forming an uninterrupted, continuous image.
10. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the folded waste container is coupled to the first face of the main product package by means of a rupturable seal.
11. The packaging of claim 10, wherein the rupturable seal comprises a score or perforated line.
12. Packaging for a retail food product that contains a waste component comprising:
- a main product package including a hollow interior space for receiving the food product, the main product package having a body including a first face; and
- a waste container that is distinct and separate from the main product package and has a body with a number of defined fold lines to permit the waste container to move between an initial folded storage position and an unfolded position in which the waste container forms a receptacle defined by at least one side wall and a bottom wall that define a hollow interior space for receiving the waste component of the food product after consumption thereof, wherein the side wall of the waste container is attached to the first face of the main product package and in the initial folded storage position, the waste container lies flush against the first face of the body of the main product package;
- wherein when use of the waster container is desired, the body of the waste container is unfolded and forms the partially enclosed receptacle.
13. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the waste container is attached to the first face of the body of the main product package by means of an adhesive.
14. The packaging of claim 12, wherein in the initial folded storage position, the waste container is disposed within a pocket formed in the first face of the body of the main product package.
15. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the waste container includes a tab formed on a rear face thereon for reception in the pocket when the waste container is in the unfolded position, whereby the waste container is supported by the main product package.
16. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the side wall is formed of the same material that forms the main product package.
17. The packaging of claim 12, further including a reinforcing member associated with the waste container for maintaining a shape of the waste container in the unfolded position, wherein in the unfolded position, the reinforcing member lies generally between a rear wall of the waste container that is attached to the first face of the main product package and a front face of the waste container.
18. The packaging of claim 17, wherein the reinforcing member lies generally perpendicular to the first face of the main product package.
19. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the waste container has a box shape and includes a front side wall and two opposing side walls that extend between the front side wall and the first face of the main product package, the first face representing a rear wall of the waste container.
20. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the food product is a shell product and the waste component comprises cracked shells.
21. The packaging of claim 12, wherein upper edges of the side walls of the waste container include an interconnected rim structure that is formed of a memory material that in a rest position which comprises the unfolded position defines a square or rectangular opening into the hollow interior space and in the initial folded storage position is folded so as to store energy that is released when the waste container is unfolded.
22. The packaging of claim 12, wherein in the initial folded storage position, the waste container is disposed within a holder that is separate from the main product package and coupled to a face thereof, the holder having a openable flap that seals the waste container in the initial folded storage position within an interior of the holder.
23. The packaging of claim 12, wherein the first face includes indicia that is defined by at least first and second sections, the first section being formed on the main product package and the second section being formed on a surface of the folded waste container that is coupled to the main product package, the first and second sections forming an uninterrupted, continuous image when the waste container is in the folded storage position.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 1, 2012
Publication Date: Sep 6, 2012
Inventor: Itai Achiaz (New York, NY)
Application Number: 13/409,934
International Classification: B65D 30/22 (20060101);