ENCLOSED-COMPARTMENT PRODUCT DISPENSING DEVICE

Abstract

A dispensing container for containing and dispensing a flowable or dispensable product or ingredient. A main container has a sidewall and an open upper end having a circumferential rim, and a tear member disposed radially inwardly from and extending axially above the circumferential rim. A domed lid has a sidewall defining a containing volume and a circumferential portion having a channel for attachment to and rotation upon the circumferential rim of the container. The domed lid includes a sheet having a periphery connected to the sidewall of the domed lid, to form an enclosed volume that can container a product. The sheet has a surface oriented at an angle to the rotating plane of the circumferential rim of the lid. When the lid is rotated on the container, film surface of the sheet rotates to intersect and be torn against the tear member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/002,228, filed May 23, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lids for food containers are sometimes utilized to house food additives or toppings for later mixing with the items in the container. For example, a lid for a yogurt container may house nuts or the like. The food additives are housed separately to maintain the freshness and texture of the food additive and the items in the container until the food additives and the items are mixed.

A barrier membrane may be provided between the bottom of the lid and the top of the container to maintain separation of the items. In some instances, two membranes may be utilized: one to maintain the food items within the lid, and another to cover the opening of the container. During usage, a user removes the lid, peels away the membrane or membranes, and then pours the food items into the container.

A need exists for a packaging device having a containment volume, which is preferably a sealed containment volume, defined by a membrane or sheet, and including a film or barrier film to form a sealed volume, in which a tearing member associated with the packaging device, or a container onto which the device is attached, can he rotated through a portion of the membrane, sheet, film or barrier film, to permit dispensing of a product within the containment volume.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a dispensing container for containing and dispensing a flowable or dispensable product or ingredient, comprising: a) a main container having an axis and including a sidewall, closed bottom, and an open upper end including a circumferential rim; b) a tear member disposed radially inwardly from and extending axially above the circumferential rim of the container; c) a domed lid including a sidewall defining a containing volume and a lower open end, and having an axis of rotation, the lower open end including a circumferential rim including means for attachment to the circumferential rim of the container and for rotation of the circumferential rim of the domed lid through a rotating plane; and d) a sheet having a periphery connected to the sidewall of the domed lid to form an enclosed volume within the containing volume of the lid, wherein the sheet includes a surface oriented at an angle to the rotating plane; wherein the tear member extends into the containing volume of the domed lid, and a relative rotation of the domed lid rotates the sheet surface to intersect and be torn against the tear member.

The present invention provides a dispensing container for containing and dispensing an additive into a main foodstuff, comprising: a) a main container having an axis and including a sidewall, closed bottom, and an open upper end including a circumferential rim, and a tear member disposed radially within the rim and extending axially above the rim; b) a domed lid including a sidewall defining a containing volume and a lower open end, and having an axis of rotation, the lower open end including a circumferential rim including means for rotative engagement with the container rim through a rotating plane; and c) a sheet having a periphery attached (which can include sealingly connected) to the sidewall of the domed lid to form an enclosed volume within the containing volume of the lid, wherein the sheet includes a sheet surface oriented at an angle to the rotating plane; wherein the tear member extends into the containing volume of the domed lid, and a relative rotation of the domed lid rotates the sheet surface to intersect and be torn against the tear member.

The present invention provides a dispensing container for containing and dispensing an additive into a main foodstuff, comprising: a) a main container having an axis and including a sidewall, closed bottom, and an open upper end including an circumferential rim, and a tear member disposed radially within the rim and extending axially above the rim; b) a domed lid including a sidewall defining a containing volume and a lower open end, and having an axis of rotation, the lower open end including a circumferential rim including means for rotative engagement with the container rim through a rotating plane; and c) a sheet having a periphery attached (which can include sealingly connected) to the sidewall of the domed lid to form an enclosed volume within the containing volume of the lid, wherein the sheet includes a sheet surface comprising an annular portion oriented at an angle to the rotating plane; wherein the tear member extends into the containing volume of the domed lid, and a relative rotation of the domed lid rotates the annular portion of the sheet surface to intersect and be torn against the tear member.

The present invention provides a dispensing container for containing and dispensing an additive into a main foodstuff, comprising: a) a main container including a sidewall, closed bottom, and an open upper end including a circumferential container rim; b) an intermediate ring including a circumferential lower rim including means for engagement with the circumferential container rim, and a tear member disposed radially within the circumferential lower rim and extending axially above the circumferential lower rim; c) a domed lid including an outer sidewall defining a containing volume and a lower open end, and having an axis of rotation, the lower open end including an circumferential rim including means for rotative engagement with the intermediate ring through a rotating plane; and d) a containment sheet having a periphery attached to the sidewall of the domed lid to form an enclosed volume within the containing volume of the lid, wherein the containment sheet includes a sheet surface comprising an annular portion oriented at an angle to the rotating plane; wherein the tear member extends into the containing volume of the domed lid, and a rotation of the domed lid relative to the intermediate ring rotates the annular portion of the sheet surface to intersect and tear against the tear member.

The present invention further provides a dispensing container for containing and dispensing a liquid or solid material, comprising: a) a container having an axis and including a sidewall, closed bottom, and an open upper end including a rim; b) a lid including a sidewall and having a lower open end, and having an axis of rotation, the lower open end including a rim including means for rotative engagement with the container rim through a rotating plane, and a tear member disposed radially within the lid rim and extending axially below the container rim; and c) a sheet having a periphery attached to the sidewall of the container to form an enclosed volume within the container, wherein the sheet includes a sheet surface comprising an annular portion oriented at an angle to the rotating plane; wherein the tear member of the lid extends into the open upper end of the container, and a relative rotation of the lid rotates the tear member to intersect and tear a portion of the annular portion of the sheet surface.

In a further aspect of the invention, the main container includes a second tear member, wherein the rotation of the domed lid rotates the second peripheral portion to intersect and be torn against the second tear member.

The present invention also provides a dispensing container for containing and dispensing a flowable or dispensable product or ingredient, comprising: a) a main container having an axis and including a sidewall, closed bottom, and an open upper end including a circumferential rim, b) a lid including a closed end defined by a sidewall extending to a circumferential rim that includes a means for rotative engagement with the circumferential rim of the main container through a rotating plane, and including a tear member disposed radially within and extending axially below the circumferential rim; and c) a sheet having a periphery connected to the inner surface of the sidewall of the main container to form an enclosed volume within the main container, wherein the sheet includes a surface oriented at an angle to the rotating plane of the lid; wherein the tear member extends into the open upper end of the main container above the surface of the sheet, wherein a relative rotation of the lid upon the main container rotates the tear member to intersect and tear the sheet.

The present invention also provides a sealed- or enclosed-compartment, product dispensing device of the invention, including a product disposed within each of a container, and the lid. Either the container or the rotatable lid can include the sheet or barrier film that is attached along the interior to form a product-containing volume with the container, or lid. The other of the container or the rotatable lid can include a tearing member, for tearing a portion of the sheet or barrier film upon relative rotation of the container and the lid. The product in the container and in the lid can be a liquid, a viscous fluid or paste, or a solid, particulate or powdered material, and can include edible forms thereof. The product and its form in the container and the lid can be the same or different, and can include two materials that are intended to be used in combination.

In an aspect of the invention, the peripheral portion of the sheet surface can include a frangible curved line through which the tear member passes during the rotation.

In a further aspect of the invention, the tear member extends from an inner wall of the main container to a distal edge disposed vertically above the circumferential rim of the main container; or the tear member extends from an inner wall of the lid to a distal edge disposed vertically below the circumferential rim of the lid.

In another aspect of the invention, the sheet or barrier film extends between the sidewall of the domed lid in a planar surface oriented at an angle to the rotating plane, wherein the sheet surface of the peripheral portion lies in the planar surface; or the sheet or barrier film extends between the sidewall of the main container in a planar surface oriented at an angle to the rotating plane, wherein the sheet surface of the peripheral portion lies in the planar surface.

In another aspect of the invention, the sheet surface of the peripheral portion of a sheet or barrier film includes a curved surface.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the sheet or barrier film includes at least a second sheet or film surface oriented at a second angle to the rotating plane, wherein the annular portion includes a second annular portion that lies in the second surface.

In another aspect of the invention, the domed lid (or the container) includes a shoulder extending radially from the outer sidewall, and the periphery of the sheet or the barrier film attaches along the shoulder; or, the container includes a shoulder extending radially from the sidewall, and the periphery of the sheet or the barrier film attaches along the shoulder.

In a further aspect of the invention, the sheet is a barrier film.

In a further aspect of the invention, the sheet or barrier film is attached as a seal along its periphery

A further aspect of the invention is a barrier film comprising a moisture, oxygen and/or aroma barrier film or multilayer laminated barrier film.

In a further aspect of the invention, the tear member is disposed at a radius distance from the axis of the container (or the lid when the sheet is disposed within the container), and the peripheral portion of the sheet is disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the sidewall, and has a radial width that overlaps the radius distance of the tear member.

In a further aspect of the invention, although the rim of the container and the corresponding channel (or rotation means) of the lid (or visa versa) are circumferential and circular, the sidewall and the body of the container and the lid, from which the rim and channels extend, can have other shapes, including circular cylinders, rectangular cylinders, cubes, boxes, etc. In addition, the trimmed periphery of the rims and edges can also be non-circular, and can have other trim profiles, including squares, triangles, non-geometric profiles, etc. These shapes can be decorative or serve functionally as means of spinning or to create tamper evident tear-offs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a dispensing product lid of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the dispensing product lid through line 2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating an angled planar sheet within the lid.

FIG. 3 shows a main container used with the dispensing product lid, having a tearing blade.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the main container through line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a sectioned view of the main container with the dispensing product lid rotatably attached.

FIG. 6 shows the sectional view of the main container with the dispensing product lid rotatably attached through line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows the sectional view of the main container and dispensing product lid of FIG. 6 with the dispensing product lid partially rotated.

FIG. 8 shows the sectional view of the main container and dispensing product lid of FIG. 6 with the dispensing product lid rotated one-half rotation.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a tearing ring used with the dispensing product lid of the invention, having a tearing blade.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the tearing ring through line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows the sectional view of the tearing ring through line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a section view of the tearing ring with the dispensing product lid rotatively attached as an assembly.

FIG. 13 shows a section view of the tearing ring and dispensing product lid assembly rotatively attached to a container.

FIG. 14 shows a section view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing product lid according to the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing product lid according to the invention, wherein the sheet has a pair of angled planar surfaces.

FIG. 16 shows a section view of the dispensing product lid of FIG. 15 through line 16-16.

FIG. 17 shows the sectional view of the dispensing product lid of FIG. 16, rotatably attached to the container.

FIG. 18 shows the sectional view of the container and dispensing product lid of FIG. 17 with the dispensing product lid rotated partially.

FIG. 19 shows the sectional view of the container and dispensing product lid of FIG. 18 with the dispensing product lid rotated one-half rotation.

FIG. 20 shows the sectional view of the container and dispensing product lid of FIG. 17 with the dispensing product lid rotated one full rotation.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of a container according to the invention, having a pair of opposed tearing blades.

FIG. 22 shows a sectional view of the container of FIG. 21 with the dispensing product lid of FIG. 16 rotatably attached.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of a tearing ring, having a pair of opposed tearing blades

FIG. 24 shows a section view of the tearing ring of FIG. 23 the dispensing product lid of FIG. 21, rotatively attached as an assembly to a container.

FIG. 25 shows an alternative embodiment of a container having a pair of opposed tearing blades.

FIG. 26 shows a sectional view of the container of FIG. 25 through line 26-26.

FIG. 27 shows an alternative embodiment of a dispensing product lid of the present invention.

FIGS. 28-33 show sectional views of alternative embodiments of dispensing product lid of the present invention having alternative arrangements of the angled sheet within the lid.

FIG. 34 shows an exploded, sectional view of another embodiment of the invention, of a product-dispensing container with a sheet forming a contained volume in the container, and a rotatable tearing lid having a tearing blade.

FIG. 35 shows the sectional view of FIG. 34 with the rotatable tearing lid rotatably attached to the product-dispensing container.

FIG. 36 shows the sectional view FIG. 35, with the rotatable tearing lid rotated one-half rotation.

FIG. 37 shows an exploded, sectional view of another invention, of a product-dispensing container with a sheet forming an enclosed volume in the container, and a product-dispensing, rotatable tearing lid having a tearing blade.

FIG. 38 shows the sectional view of FIG. 37 with the product-dispensing, rotatable tearing lid rotatably attached to the product-dispensing container, with a seal means.

FIG. 39 shows the container and lid of FIG. 38, inverted and with the seal means removed, prior to rotation of the tearing lid upon the product-dispensing container, and dispensing of the product in the lid into the product within the container.

FIG. 40 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing product lid and container of the present invention, including an alternative means for rotative engagement of the lid with the container rim, and a non-circular trim profile.

FIG. 41 shows the sectional view of the dispensing product lid and container, through line 41-41 of FIG. 40.

FIGS. 42A and 42B show a pair of plan views of the dispensing product lid and container viewed from line 41-41 of FIG. 41, in A) the rotative position of lid relative to the container shown in FIG. 41, and B) the rotative position of lid, relative to the container, after rotation of the lid to effect tearing of the sheet by the tearing blade.

FIGS. 43A-D show top views of alternative embodiments of the product lid and container of the present invention having alternative trim profiles.

FIG. 44 shows a sectional view of the dispensing product lid and container, having a rotation-prevention device attached to the trim profiles shown in FIG. 43D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a product-containing lid assembly 1 that includes a dispensing product lid 10 and a sheet 30. The dispensing product lid 10 has a closed top portion 2, a circumferential sidewall 12 that extends to a lower circumferential portion 15 that includes a circumferential channel 21 and a trim profile 18, wherein the sidewall 12 and the lower circumferential portion 15 defines an open bottom 16 and in interior volume 22. The dispensing lid 10 is configured for rotative and removable attachment to a rim 52 of a container 50, which is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The lid 10 may include one or more gripping elements, illustrated as a plurality of nubs 4 along an circumferential top edge of the sidewall 12 to provide a means for grasping the lid 10 for purposes of rotating the lid 10 upon the container 50 around an axis 101. An indicia, such as a arrow 6, can be included to indicate the direction of rotation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 12 includes an upper circumferential sidewall portion 13 and a lower circumferential sidewall portion 14. The upper circumferential sidewall 13 extends from a circumferential edge of the top portion 2. The lower circumferential sidewall 14 extends upward from the lower portion 15. The upper circumferential sidewall 13 and the lower circumferential sidewall 14 are joined to and by a shoulder portion 26 which connects to a lower circumferential edge of the upper circumferential sidewall 13, extends radially outwardly, and connects to an upper circumferential edge of the lower circumferential sidewall 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower circumferential edge of the upper circumferential sidewall 13 descends vertically to a vertically highest point Y1 (a shortest distance from the edge of the top portion 2, toward the bottom circumferential portion 15) at a first angular position 8, and to a vertically lowest point Y2 (a farthest distance toward the bottom circumferential portion 15) at a second angular position 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the second angular position 9 is diametrically opposite the first angular position 8. The rise (z) between the vertically-highest position Y1 at the first angular position 8, to the vertically-lowest position Y2 at the second angular position 9, represents the respective vertically highest and vertically lowest circumferential edge portions of the sheet or barrier film, discussed hereinafter. The rise z between Y1 and Y2 can be about 0.3 cm to about 2 cm, more typically about 0.5 cm to about 1.0 cm.

Conversely, the upper circumferential edge of the lower circumferential sidewall 14, ascends vertically a farthest distance at the first angular position 8, and a shortest distance at the second angular position 9. At each of the first and second angular positions, and at all other angular positions, the radial distance (the distance from centerline 101) of the lower edge of the upper circumferential sidewall 13 is less than the radial distance of the upper edge of the lower circumferential sidewall 14, accounting for the breadth of the shoulder 26.

In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder 26 extends within a plane 103 having an angle α from horizontal. The angle, α, can range from at least 1 degree, and up to about 70 degrees, and is typically about 3 to about 7 degrees.

A sheet 30 is attached along its periphery 32 to a circumferential inner surface of the circumferential sidewall 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the periphery 32 is attached to an internal, lower surface of the circumferential shoulder 26. A sheet can be attached or sealed using well known means, including but not limited to heat welding, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, etc. Typically, the sheet 30 is selected from the group consisting of a paper material, a metalized foil, a mesh material, and a thermoplastic sheet. The thermoplastic film can be monofilm or multilayer thermoplastic laminate film made of different synthetic, natural, metalized or pigmentized thermoplastic or polymer materials. Examples include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), liner low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocence linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide, nylon, metalized PET, metalized PP, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), thermoplastic starch, or any combination of these and other sealant material in multilayer laminates. Aluminum foil coated with heat sealable material, paper coated with heat sealable material, metalized paper coated with heat sealable material or laminate sheet made of thermoplastic sheet and non-thermoplastic material, such paper or metalized paper can also be used as the barrier film 30.

The sheet 30 is pulled taut by the circumferential attachment to the interior surface of the lid, to lie proximate and along the planar angle α. The planar sheet 30 divides the interior volume 22 of the lid into a sealed upper product-containing volume 23 and a lower volume 24. Contained within the sealed volume 23 is a product, for dispensing from the dispensing lid and preferably into the container 50. In an aspect of the invention, the product can be an edible or food product or intermediate. For example, the product can be a granola product G. Other examples include a grain, a fruit, other solid, particulate or liquid material, including a viscous liquid.

The sheet (or barrier film) 30 includes an annular portion 34 that comprises the portion of the sheet 30 inward from and along the inner circumference of shoulder 26, and radially inward of the attached periphery 32 of the sheet 30, and having a radial width d. The annular portion 34 includes a vertically highest portion 34a oriented along the adjacent the first angular position 8 of the lid, and a vertically lowest portion 34b oriented along the adjacent the second angular position 9 of the lid. Portions of the annular portion 34 include portions that are torn by the blade 53 of the container 50 when the lid 10 is disposed along the rim 52 of the container, as described herein later.

To aid tearing of the sheet within the annular portion, the annular portion of the sheet surface can tear a frangible tearing line along or through which the tear member passes during the rotation. The tearing line can include a score line, including a continuous or intermittent thinning of the sheet material, which provides preferential tearing along the scoring line within the annular portion 34.

The product-containing lid assembly 1 is made by first forming the lid 10, typically from a thermoplastic sheet or film in a thermoforming process. An alternative process can be an injection molding or blow molding process. The material for the lid 10 can be made from a number of different thermoplastic material, which can include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), liner low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocence linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide, Nylon, metalized PET, metalized PP, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), thermoplastic starch, or any combination, and including multilayer laminates thereof.

A further aspect of the invention is a disposable article that consists of components including the lid, container, sheet, and intermediate ring, each made independently of a recycleable and/or compostable material. In an embodiment, the material of any two, three or all of the components can be made from the same recyclable material, or the same compostable material. Non-limiting examples of the recyclable material includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), liner low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocence linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide, nylon, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). A non-limiting example of the compostable material includes polylactic acid (PLA). An article of manufacture that consists of the components including the lid, container, sheet, and intermediate ring, which are made of the same resin, can increase its recyclable or compostable nature. For example, an article made of the same recyclable or compostable resin can be recycled or composted as a pure or single resin, with a recycle logo or designation that carries a higher recycle value, as opposed to a mixture of different plastics

A typical lid 10 made of polypropylene film has a finished thickness from about 0.13 mm to about 0.89 mm. The formed lid 10 is inverted and filled with a product, typically a food product, such as the granola. The product is preferably filled to a volume less than the upper volume 23, to a fill level that is below the plane 103 of the shoulder 26 to avoid interference with the application of the sheet 30.

The sheet 30 is then installed by extending, and pulling taut, and optionally slightly stretching, the sheet material between the circumferential sidewall 14 and attaching the periphery 32 of the sheet 30 to the inside surface of the shoulder 26, typically using an adhesive or by thermal bonding with the lid material.

The lower portion 15 of the lid 10 includes a circumferential channel 21, configured to attach in sliding engagement with a rolled lip 56 along the circumferential rim 52 of the container 50, shown in FIG. 3. The sliding engagement is sufficiently engaging to maintain attachment of the lid 10 to the container 50 under stable storage and use conditions, until pried off with the hands of the user, and sufficiently sliding to permit the user to rotate the lid 10 by hand along the rim 52 of the container around co-extensive axes of the lid (axis 101) and the container (axis 102).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the container 50 has a central axis 102 and includes a circumferential sidewall 51 and a closed bottom to define a container volume. The container includes a means for rotatively tearing the sheet when the product-containing lid 1 is disposed and rotated upon the rim 52 of the container. The rotatably tearing means is shown as a blade 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 53 extends vertically above the rim 52 of the container 50 and inboard radially from the rolled lip 56, disposed at a radius distance R1 from the central axis 102. The center of the blade 53 is disposed proximate a first angular position 68 along the rim 52, diametrically opposite a second angular position 69 along the rim 52. The blade 53 includes a distal top edge 54 and a leading edge 55. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 53 extends vertically from a sidewall portion 58 of the container, which has a radial distance R2 from the axis 102 along the rim 52 that is less than the radial distance R3 of the remaining sidewall 51. A transition sidewall 57 joins the sidewall portion 58 to the remaining sidewall 51. The distal top edge 54, revolving about or around centerline 102 of the container 50, defines a tearing plane 106, discussed herein after.

In alternative embodiments, the sidewall 51 is cylindrical or frustaconical, and the blade is fixed to and extends radially inwardly and axially upwardly, from an upper portion of the sidewall or the rim.

And while a feature of the invention provides a circumferential rim on the upper edge of the container, and a circumferential channel or other means for rotatively attaching the lid to the rim of the container (or visa versa), a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the body of the container, or the body of the lid, joined to the rim (or respectively the channel) through the lower circumferential portion, can have a shape other than cylindrical or frustaconical, including, by non-limiting example, rectangular, cubic, spherical, and ovoid.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the assembled product lid 1 and container 50 comprise an article of manufacture, wherein the container 50 can also contain a material or a food, for example, yogurt. The extending blade 53 of the container 50 extends vertically into the lower volume 24 of the lid 10, beneath and out of engagement with the sheet 30. The completed product is manufactured with the product-containing lid 1 disposed in a first position upon the rim 52 of the container 50, with the lid 10 having its first angular position 8 disposed in rotational registry with the first angular position 68 of the container 50, so that the blade 53 extends exclusively within the tallest portion of the lower volume 24 of the lid, below and out of contact with the sheet 30. Also, the lid 10 has its second angular position 9 disposed in rotational registry with the second angular position 69 of the container 50.

As the lid 10 is rotated upon the container 50, the annular portion 34 of the sheet 30 revolves through the vertical projection of the extending blade 53. The radial width d of the annular portion overlaps radially the radius R1 of the blade 53. As the annular portion 34 revolves, a first-contact portion 34c of the annular portion 34 first engages the distal edge 54 of the blade 53 approximately at an angular engagement position 7 of the lid 10 (FIG. 5). As illustrated, the second angular position 9 of the lid has been rotated out of rotational registry with the second angular position 69 of the container 50. In a typical situation, the “first contact” of the blade 53 with the sheet 30 occurs after the initial 30 to 60 degrees of rotation. As rotation continues, the blade 53 continues to advance circumferentially through the annular portion 34, tearing through the downwardly-sloping annular portion 34 towards the lowest portion 34b of the annular portion 34 at the second angular position 9 of the lid. FIG. 8 shows the rotation of the lid through about 180 degrees, relative to the container 50, with the first angular position 8 of the lid now disposed in rotational registry with the second angular position 69 of the container 50. The blade 53 extends vertically above shoulder 26 of the lid, and has torn through a significant portion of the annular portion 34 of the sheet 10. The torn edge 39 of the sheet 30 has been separated from the periphery 32, allowing the granola product G to spill out of the upper product-containing volume 23 of the lid 10, down through the top opening 59 and into the container 50. The lid may be rotated completely around (360 degrees) the rim 52 of container, resulting in the blade 53 tearing through opposed upwardly-sloped annular portion 34 (not shown) between the lowest position 34b at angular point 9, to a last-contact position (not shown), at which point the distal edge 54 of the blade 53 falls below sheet 30. Consequently, the configuration and positioning of the sheet 30 along the shoulder 26 can provide for less than complete tearing of the annular portion 34 of the sheet, even if the lid 10 is rotated completely around the rim 52 of the container 50. Complete tearing along the entire annular path 34 is not desired because the separated sheet would fall down into the container 50, nor necessary, since both gravity and gentle shaking by the user would easily dislodge and dispense substantially all the granola product from the lid.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8, the tearing blade 53, and more specifically the distal edge 54 of the blade 50, defines a tearing plane 106, and when the product-containing lid assembly 1 is secured rotatively upon the container 50, the sheet 30 defines one or more film surfaces attached or sealed to the inner wall of the lid 10. A portion of a sheet surface of the sheet(s) 30 disposed vertically below the tearing plane 106 will be engaged and torn through by the blade 53 rotating through the annular portion 34 thereof.

In an aspect the invention, the blade 53 of the container 50 and the circumferential upper wall 13 and shoulder 26 of the lid 10 are configured to provide a spacing w (shown in FIG. 8) therebetween, which results in the tearing of the annular portion 34 in close proximity to the attached periphery 32 of the sheet, thereby improving the tearing and minimizing the stretching of the sheet.

In an embodiment of the invention, the article of manufacture includes a means for retaining the rotative position of the lid upon the rim of the container, that prevents accidental or unintentional rotation of the product-containing lid 10 until the user is prepared and ready to consume the products. A plastic shrink wrap band around the lower circumferential portion 15 and circumferential rim 52 of the container 50 can be use prevent rotation between the lid and the rim of the container. One could also use a keying means between the lid and rim of the container to prevent unintentional rotation or a tear off tab to prevent rotation and provide a tamper evident package.

FIGS. 9 through 13 show a second embodiment of a dispensing product lid 10, an intermediate tearing ring 80, and a container 90. The dispensing product lid 10 is substantially the same as described herein above in the first embodiment. An intermediate tearing ring 80 is shown in FIGS. 9 through 11, which illustrate a circumferential ring having a central axis 104 of rotation, and a means for rotatively tearing the sheet when the product-containing lid 1 is disposed and rotated upon the circumferential rim 82 of the intermediate tearing ring 80. The rotatively tearing means is shown as a blade 83. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 83 extends vertically above the rim 82 of the intermediate tearing ring 80, disposed at a radius distance R5 from the central axis 104, and inboard radially from a circumferential channel 81, which is configured to attach in sliding engagement with a rolled lip 96 along the circumferential rim 92 of the container 90, shown in FIG. 13.

The center of the blade 83 is disposed proximate a first angular position 88 along the rim 82, diametrically opposite a second angular position 89 along the rim 82 of the intermediate tearing ring 80. The blade 83 includes a distal top edge 84 and leading edge(s) 85.

As shown in FIG. 12, the circumferential rim 12 of the lid 10 and the circumferential rim 82 of the intermediate tearing ring 80 are configured for vertical nesting of the respective circumferential rims 12 and 82, including the nesting of the circumferential channel 21 of the lid 10 over the circumferential channel 86 of the intermediate tearing ring 80.

FIG. 13 shows the assembly of the nested product lid 10 and the intermediate tearing ring 80, showing the nested circumferential channels 21 and 86 attached in sliding engagement with a rolled lip 96 along the circumferential rim 92 of the container 90. The sliding engagement is sufficiently engaging to maintain attachment of the nested lid 10 and intermediate tearing ring 80, to the container 90 under stable storage and use conditions, until pried off with the hands of the user. However, in order to effect a rotation of the product lid 10 relative to a stationary intermediate tearing ring 80, the rotational sliding of the circumferential channel 21 of the lid 10 along the outer surface of the circumferential channel 86 of the intermediate tearing ring 80, should require less force, and has less resistance or frictional engagement, as compare to the rotational sliding of the circumferential channel 86 of the intermediate tearing ring 80 along the upper rolled lip 96 of the container 90. This permits the user to hold the container 90 with one hand, and to rotate the lid 10 about an axis 105 of the container 90, while the intermediate tearing ring 80 remains stationary in connection with the container 90. As such, the sheet 30 of the rotating lid 10 will rotate along and be torn by the stationary blade 83 of the intermediate tearing ring 80, resulting in tearing of the sheet 30 as described herein above.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of a lid 10′ wherein the attached peripheral portion 32 of the sheet 30 attaches directly to the circumferential wall 12′, rather than to a planar circumferential shoulder, with the attached peripheral portion 32 extending radially toward the lower circumferential portion 15. An annular portion 34 comprises the portion of the sheet 30 adjacent and radially inward of the attached peripheral portion 32, and having a radial width d.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the tearing blade 83, and more specifically the distal edge 84 of the blade 83, defines a tearing plane 106, and when the product-containing lid 1 is secured rotatively upon the intermediate ring 80, the sheet 30 defines one or more sheet surfaces attached or sealed to the inner wall of the lid 10. A portion of a sheet surface of the sheet(s) 30 disposed vertically below the tearing plane 106 is engaged and torn through by the blade 83 rotating through the annular portion 34 thereof.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show another embodiment of a dispensing product lid 110, having an circumferential sidewall 112, a closed top portion 2, and a lower circumferential portion 15 including a rim 18 that defines an open bottom 16 and an interior volume 122. The dispensing lid 110 is configured for rotative and removable attachment to a rim 52 of a container 150, which is illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. The lid 110 may include one or more gripping elements, illustrated as the plurality of nubs 4 along a circumferential top edge of the sidewall 112 to provide a means for grasping the lid 110 for purposes of rotating the lid 110 upon the container 150 around an axis 101. The sidewall 112 includes an upper circumferential sidewall portion 113 and a lower circumferential sidewall portion 114, where the upper circumferential sidewall 113 extends from a circumferential edge of the top portion 2, and the lower circumferential sidewall 114 extends upward from a lower portion 15. The upper circumferential sidewall 113 and the lower circumferential sidewall 114 are joined to and by a circumferential shoulder portion 126 which connects to a lower circumferential edge of the upper circumferential sidewall 113, extends radially outwardly, and connects to an upper circumferential edge of the lower circumferential sidewall 114.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower circumferential edge of the upper circumferential sidewall 113 descends vertically a shortest distance from the edge of the top portion 2, toward the bottom circumferential portion 115 at first diametrically-opposed angular positions 8A and 8B, and a farthest distance toward the bottom circumferential portion 115 at second oppositely-disposed angular position 9A and 9B, the second diametrically-opposed angular positions between and transverse to the first angular positions. The rise (z) between the vertically-highest position Y1 of the first angular positions 8A and 8B, to the vertically-lowest positions Y2 of the second angular positions 9A and 9B, represent the vertically highest and vertically lowest annular portions 34 of the sheet, discussed hereinafter. The rise z helween Y1 and Y2 can about 0.3 cm to about 2 cm, more typically about 0.5 cm to about 1.0 cm.

Conversely, the upper circumferential edge of the opposed lower circumferential sidewall portions 114A and 114B, ascends vertically a farthest distance at the first angular positions 8A and 8B, and a shortest distance at the second angular positions 9A and 9B. At each of the first and second angular positions, and at all other angular positions, the radial distance of the lower edge of the upper circumferential sidewalls 113A and 113B is less than the radial distance of the upper edge of the lower circumferential sidewalls 114A and 114B, accounting for the breadth of the circumferential shoulder 126.

In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential shoulder 126 includes a first semi-circumferential shoulder portion 126A and a diametrically-opposed second semi-circumferential shoulder portion 126B. The first semi-circumferential shoulder portion 126A extends within a plane 103A having an angle β1 from horizontal, and the second semi-circumferential shoulder portion 126B extends within a plane 103B having an angle β2 from horizontal. The angles β1 and β2 can range from at least 1 degree, and up to about 70 degrees, and is typically about 5 to about 15 degrees.

A sheet 130 is attached along its periphery 132 to a circumferential inner surface of the circumferential sidewall 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the periphery 132 is attached (which can include sealably attached) to an internal, lower surface of the circumferential shoulder 126, including along both opposed first and second semi-circumferential shoulder portions 126A and 126B, which integrate at the opposed angular positions 9A and 9B. The sheet 130 is pulled taut between the circumferential attachments to the interior surface of the lid 110.

The attachment of the periphery 132 of the sheet 130 along the shoulder portions 126A and 126B, forms the sheet 130 into a first planar portion 135 disposed along and within the plane 103A, with its periphery attached along the shoulder portion 126A, and a second planar portion 136 disposed along and within the plane 103B, with its periphery attached along the shoulder portion 126B. A distal edge of the first planar portion 135 and the second planar portion 136 attach along a joint line 138 that extends between the lower-most ends opposed first and second semi-circumferential shoulder portions 126A and 126B, and through opposed angular positions 9A and 9B. The planar sheet 130 divides the interior volume 122 of the lid into an enclosed upper product-containing volume 123 and a lower volume 124. Contained within the enclosed volume 123 is the product, for dispensing from the dispensing lid and preferably into the container 50.

The sheet 130 includes an annular portion 134 that comprises the portion of the sheet 130 along the inner circumference of shoulders 126, and radially inward of the attached periphery 132 of the sheet 30, and having the radial width d. The annular portion 134 includes the vertically highest portions 134A and 134B adjacent the diametrically-opposed first angular positions 8A and 8B of the lid, and a vertically lowest portions 137 adjacent the diametrically-opposed second angular position 9A and 9B of the lid. Portions of the annular portions 134A and 134B includes portions that are torn by the blades 53 of the container 50, described herein above, or by the blades 53A and 53B of the container 150, described herein after, when the product-containing lid 1′ is disposed along the rim 52 of the respective container.

To aid tearing of the sheet within the annular portion, the annular portion of the sheet surface can be frangible, and can include a tearing line through which the tear member passes during the rotation. The tearing line can include a score line, including a continuous or intermittent thinning of the sheet material along a line, which provides preferential tearing along the scoring line within the annular portion 34.

The product-containing lid made using the lid 110 is similar to that described herein above.

As illustrated in FIG. 17-20, the assembled product-containing lid 1′ and container 50 comprise an article of manufacture. The extending blade 53 of the container 50 extends vertically into one of the lower volume 124 of the lid 110, beneath and out of engagement with the first planar portion 135 of the sheet 130. As shown in FIG. 18, the lid 110 has rotated upon the container 50, and the annular portion 134 of the sheet 130 revolves through the vertical projection of the extending blade 53. A first-contact annular portion 134c is first rotated into engagement with the distal edge of the blade 53 at an angular engagement position 7B of the lid 110. As the lid 110 is rotated a one-half revolution upon the container 50, shown in FIG. 19, the blade 53 has torn through the annular portion 134 of the sheet between angular positions 7B1 and 7B2 (see FIGS. 15 and 17), thereby separating a torn edge (not shown) of the sheet 30 from the periphery 32, allowing the product G to start spilling out of the upper product-containing volume 23 of the lid 110, down thorough the top opening 59 and into the container 50. After the lid 110 has been rotated a complete revolution upon the container 50, shown in FIG. 20, the blade 53 has torn through the opposed annular portion 134 of the sheet between angular positions 7A1 and 7A2 (see FIGS. 15 and 17), thereby separating a torn edge 139 of the sheet 30 from the periphery 132 proximate the shoulder 126, allowing the product G to spill out through both torn openings in the sheet 130, down through the top opening 59 and into the container 50.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the container 50 can be replaced with a container 150 having a pair of opposed tearing member, illustrated in FIG. 21 as blades 53. The container 150 is otherwise similar to the container 50 previously described. When used in combination with the lid 110 comprising the first planar portion 135 and the second planar portion 136, as shown in FIG. 22, the opposed lower annular portions 134 of the sheet can be torn simultaneously by the opposed tear members (blades 53) with a one-half revolution, and at least partially with just one-quarter revolution, of the lid 110 upon the container 150.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, of an intermediate tearing ring 180, for use with a lid 110 and a container 90. The dispensing product lid 110 comprising the first planar portion 135 and the second planar portion 136, and the container 90 are substantially the same as described above. The intermediate tearing ring 180 is similar to the intermediate tearing ring 80 described herein before, while including a second means for rotatively tearing the sheet, shown as a second blade 183. The second blade 183 is circumferentially distanced from the first blade 83, and in the illustrated embodiment, is diametrically opposed to the first blade 83. When used in combination with the lid 110 comprising the first planar portion 135 and the second planar portion 136, as shown in FIG. 24, the opposed lower annular portions 134 of the sheet can be torn simultaneously by the opposed tear members (blades 83, 183) with just a one-half revolution of the lid 110 upon the intermediate tearing ring 180.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17, 20, 22 and 24, the tearing blade 53,83, and more specifically the distal edge 54,84 of the blade 53,83, defines a tearing plane 106, and when the product-containing lid 110 is secured rotatively upon the container 50,150 or intermediate ring 180, the sheet 30 defines one or more sheet surfaces (for example, planar surfaces 135 and 136) attached to the inner wall of the lid 110. A portion of a sheet surface(s) of the sheet(s) 30 disposed vertically below the tearing plane 106 is engaged and torn through by the blade 53,83 rotating through the annular portion thereof.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate an alternative container 250, wherein the sidewall 251 of the container includes a lower cylindrical or frustaconical portion 251, and an upper annular portion 258 having an interior surface from which extends a tearing member, or pair of extending members as illustrated. The tearing member, illustrated as a blade 253 having a distal edge 254 with a leading edge or edges 255, projects vertically above the horizontal plane of the rim 252. The embodiment illustrates that the general shape of the blade and its leading edge(s) 254 and 255 can have any shape (rounded edges, or more squared edges in the illustrated embodiment) or any circumferential length (longer, or narrow as in the illustrated embodiment) sufficient to rotatively engage and tear through the sheet.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17, 20, 22 and 24, the tearing blade 53,83, and more specifically the distal edge 54,84 of the blade 53,83, defines a tearing plane 106, and when the product-containing lid 110 is secured rotatively upon the container 50,150 or intermediate ring 180, the sheet 30 defines one or more sheet surfaces (for example, planar surfaces 135 and 136) attached to the inner wall of the lid 110. A portion of a sheet surface(s) of the sheet(s) 30 disposed vertically below the tearing plane 106 is engaged and torn through by the blade 53,83 rotating through the peripheral portion thereof.

FIGS. 27 illustrates an alternative lid 210, wherein the top portion 202 includes a raised ridge 204 extending along a diameter of the top portion 202, that provides a means for grasping the lid 210 for purposes of rotating the lid 210 upon a container or intermediate ring. The raised ridge 204 includes opposed, substantially parallel surfaces 206 on opposed lateral sides of the raised ridge 204.

A variety of product-containing lids comprise a sheet attached to an inside wall of the lid. A portion of the sheet, including one or more surfaces of the sheet, are disposed at or above a horizontal tear plane, which represents the tearing plane of a tearing member of a container or intermediate ring as described herein above. The surface of the sheet can be a single planar surface, angled in a plane that intersects the horizontal tear plane, as illustrated in FIG. 6 or 12. The surface of the sheet can be a pair of planar surfaces, each angled in a plane that intersects the horizontal tear plane, as illustrated in FIG. 17 or 19. The surface of the sheet can also include a curved surface, each angled in a plane that intersects the horizontal tear plane, as illustrated in FIG. 17 or 19. The sheet can be attached along a shoulder formed in the circumferential wall, or along the inside surface of the wall itself. The sheet and its surfaces can have symmetry, along a lateral centerline, or not. The shoulder along which the periphery of the sheet is attached can be continuous or intermittent (provided the periphery of the sheet is seal as appropriately if needed), can extend outwardly (or inwardly) from the lid wall in the plane of rotation (parallel with the rim), or from the lid wall at an angle outwardly and upward, or outwardly and downwardly; can be planar or curved in its own cross section; and can have linear lengths, curved lengths, and a combination or combinations thereof. Non-limited examples of lids, shoulders and the surfaces of the sheets, relative to a possible tearing plane 106 are shown in FIGS. 28 through 34.

FIG. 28 shows a sectional view through a product-containing lid (or the lid itself, after a product and the sheets has been applied) having a planar, horizontally extending shoulder disposed above a possible tearing plane 106 on the left side, and disposed above the possible tearing plane 106 on the right side. The sectional view is along the diameter of symmetry of the lid. The sheet includes a substantially planar portion “a” having a peripheral portion 272a attached to the left shoulder 276a and extends horizontally, curves slightly downwardly to a slight angle at portion “b”, and then curves back at a portion “c” to a substantially horizontal planar portion “d”, which is attached at a periphery 272d to the right shoulder 276d. The possible tearing plane 106 is shown passing through the slightly downwardly to a slight angle at portion “b”, to provide that more than 50% (e.g., about 55-70%) of periphery of the sheet is below the tearing line.

FIG. 29 shows a sectional view through a product-containing lid (or the lid itself, after a product and the sheets has been applied) having opposed extending shoulder portions 277a disposed above a possible tearing plane 106 on the left side and the right side, respectively, with a horizontal portion disposed therebetween below the possible tearing plane 106. The sectional view is along the diameter of symmetry of the lid. The sheet 30 includes a substantially planar portion “a” having a peripheral portion 273a attached to the left shoulder 277a and extends horizontally, curves slightly downwardly to a slight angle at portion “b”, and then curves back at a portion “c” to a substantially horizontal planar portion “d”, which is attached at a periphery 273d to the right shoulder 277b. The possible tearing plane 106 is shown passing through the slightly downwardly to a slight angle at portion “b”, to provide that more than 60% (e.g., about 65-80%) of periphery of the sheet is below the tearing plane, and that two separate portions of the periphery are below the tearing plane.

FIG. 30 shows a sectional view through a product-containing lid (or the lid itself, after a product and the sheets has been applied) having opposed extending shoulders portion 278a, 278e disposed above a possible tearing plane 106 on the left side, with a horizontal portion disposed therefrom below the possible tearing plane 106. The shoulders 278 differ from other disclosed embodiments, as being formed by a portion of the circumferential wall of the lid being bowed inwardly (concavely) to form inner shoulder surfaces. The sectional view is along the diameter of symmetry of the lid. The sheet 30 includes a substantially planar portion “a” having a peripheral portion 274a attached to the left shoulder 278a and extends substantially horizontally, curves slightly downwardly to a slight angle at portion “b”, and then curves back at a portion “c” to a substantially horizontal planar portion “d” that extends to the right shoulder 278e, angling upwardly slightly at portion “e” which attaches to the right shoulder 278e. The possible tearing plane 106 is shown passing through the slightly downwardly to a slight angle at portion “b”, to provide that more than 60% (e.g., about 65-57%) of periphery of the sheet is below the tearing plane.

FIG. 31 shows a sectional view through a product-containing lid (or the lid itself, after a product and the sheets has been applied) having opposed extending shoulders portion 279a, 2279d disposed above a possible tearing plane 106 on the left side, and disposed with a horizontal portion disposed therefrom below the possible tearing plane 106. The shoulders 279 differ from other disclosed embodiments, as being formed of a rim or ledge extending radially inwardly from the inside surface of the sidewall, or form an inner shoulder surface. The sectional view is along the diameter of symmetry of the lid. The sheet 30 includes a substantially planar portion “a” having a peripheral portion 275a attached to the left shoulder 26″a and extends substantially horizontally, curves slightly downwardly to a slight angle at portion “b”, and then curves back at a portion “c” to a substantially horizontal planar portion “d”, and then to the peripheral portion 275d that extends and attaches to the right shoulder 2279d. The possible tearing plane 106 is shown passing through the slightly downwardly to a slight angle at portion “b”, to provide that more than 60% (e.g., about 65-57%) of periphery of the sheet is below the tearing plane.

FIG. 32 shows a sectional view through a product-containing lid (or the lid itself, after a product and the sheets has been applied) having opposed angled shoulders portion 286a, 286c disposed above a possible tearing plane 106 on the left side and right sides, respectively, with curved portion disposed therebetween below the possible tearing plane 106. The shoulders 26 are steeply angled, radially outwardly and upwardly, and can be slightly curved in cross section along the same curvature of the shoulder. The sectional view is along the diameter of symmetry of the lid. The sheet 30 includes a steeply angled, slightly curved portion “a” having a peripheral portion 282a attached to the left shoulder 286a, a portion “b” that continues the slight curvature down, to horizontal, and upward, to steeply angled, slightly curved portion “c” having a peripheral portion 282c attached to the left shoulder 286c. The possible tearing plane 106 is shown passing through the short, steeply angled portions “a” and “c”, to provide that more than 80% (e.g., about 85-90%) of periphery of the sheet is below the tearing plane, and that two separate portions of the periphery are below the tearing plane.

It can be understood that only a slight portion of the periphery of the sheet can be above the possible tearing plane, particularly along one peripheral portion only. This is particularly effective when releasing a granular or particular product, or a viscous liquid, from within the product-containing lid.

FIG. 33 shows a sectional view through a product-containing lid (or the lid itself, after a product and the sheets has been applied) having only a very limited portion of the sheet disposed below the possible tearing plane 106. The sectional view is along the diameter of symmetry of the lid. The sheet 30 a substantially planar portion “a” having a peripheral portion 283a attached to the left shoulder 287a and extends horizontally, above the possible tearing plane 106, substantially the entire diameter of lid, then angles steeply downwardly, below the tearing plane 106, along a portion “b”, then radially outwardly to the peripheral portion 283c under the right shoulder 287c. The possible tearing plane 106 passes through the steeply angled portion “b”, wherein when the sheet is torn by the tearing means, only a slight opening out of the enclosed upper product-containing volume 23 is provided. An easily-flowable liquid L can be enclosed and sealed within and dispensed from the lid 10.

FIGS. 34 and 35 show another aspect of the invention, shown as an embodiment of a cover lid 310 having a circumferential sidewall 312, a closed top portion 302, and a lower circumferential portion 315 including a rim 318 that defines an open bottom 316. The dispensing lid 310 is configured for rotative and removable attachment to a rim 352 of a container 350. The lid 310 includes a means for rotatively tearing a sheet disposed in a product-containing main container 350, described below. The means for rotatively tearing is disposed adjacent to and rotated with the rim 352 of the cover lid 310, and is illustrated as a blade 353. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 353 extends vertically below the plane of rotation of, and inboard radially from, the channel 321 in the lower portion 315 of the lid 310, and below the rim 318 of the cover lid 310. Similar to the tearing means of the prior embodiments, the blade 353 is disposed at a radius distance from the central axis of the cover lid, and includes a distal top edge 354 and a leading edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 353 extends vertically from a sidewall portion 358 of the lid, which has a radial distance R2 from the axis 101 along the rim 318 that is less than the radial distance R3 of the remaining sidewall 312. A transition sidewall 357 joins the sidewall portion 358 to the remaining sidewall 312. The distal lower edge 354, revolving about or around centerline 101 of the lid 310, defines the tearing plane 106, discussed herein after.

The container 350 has a central axis 102 and includes a circumferential sidewall 351 and a closed bottom to define a container volume. The container 350 includes a sheet (which can include a barrier film) 330 that is attached along its periphery 332 to a circumferential inner surface of the circumferential sidewall 351 of the container. In alternative embodiments, the periphery of the sheet can be attached (which can include sealably attached) to an internal surface of a circumferential shoulder formed in the sidewall of the container, similar to the shoulder formed in the sidewall of the domed lid in earlier embodiments. The sheet 330 can be pulled taut by the circumferential attachment to the interior surface of the container, to lie proximate and along a planar angle γ (similar to the features of the angle α in earlier embodiments). The planar sheet 330 defines an enclosed lower product-containing volume 323 within the container 350. Contained within the enclosed lower volume 323 is a product P, for dispensing from the container 350. In an aspect of the invention, the product can be an edible or food product or intermediate. Non-limiting examples of the product P can include a grain, a fruit, other solid, particulate or liquid material, including a viscous liquid.

The sheet 330 includes an annular portion 334 that comprises the portion of the sheet 330 along and radially inward of the inner circumference of attached periphery 332 of the sheet 330, and having a radial width d. The annular portion 334 includes a vertically highest portion 334a adjacent a first angular position 308 of the container 350, and a vertically lowest portion 334b adjacent the second angular position 309 of the container 350. Portions of the annular portion 334 include portions that are torn by the blade 353 of the lid 310 when the lid 310 is disposed on and rotated along the rim 352 of the container, substantially as described herein above in earlier embodiments wherein the sheet or barrier film is attached to the inner surface of the domed lid, and the tear means was disposed on the container. Briefly, as the lid 310 is rotated upon the container 350, the downwardly-extending projection plane of the blade 353 revolves through the annular portion 334 of the sheet 330. As shown in FIG. 36, as the blade 353 revolves, its distal edge extends down to and revolves along an orbit through a tearing plane 306, engages a first-contact annular portion 334c of the sheet 330, and tears through the sheet along portions of the annular portion 334, including portion 334a, down through which the orbit of the distal edge of the blade 353 extends. The torn edge 339 of the sheet 330 through the annular surface 334 exposes the lower product-containing volume 323 for dispensing of the product P.

FIG. 37 shows another enclosed-compartment, product dispensing device of the invention, including a product disposed within each of a container and a lid. Either the container or the rotatable lid can include the sheet or barrier film that is attached or sealed along the interior to form a product-containing volume with the container, or lid. The other of the container or the rotatable lid can include the tearing member, for tearing a portion of the sheet or barrier film upon relative rotation of the container and the lid. The product in the container and in the lid can be a liquid, a viscous fluid or paste, or a solid, particulate or powdered material, and can include edible forms thereof. The product and its form in the container and the lid can be the same or different, and can include two product materials that are intended to be used in combination.

In an illustrated embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 37, an inverted container 450 is a bowl having a bottom and a sidewall, shown as a circumferential sidewall 451, and a rim 252 at an open end. A sheet 430, substantially as described herein before, is attached along a periphery to the inside surface of the sidewall, having an angled or sloped planar portion across the container and defining a product-containing volume 423 within the container 450. In the illustrated embodiment, the product within the product-containing volume 423 within the container 450 is a liquid L, such as milk.

The lid 410 shown in FIG. 37 is illustrated as a rotatable lid having a sidewall 412 and a bottom circumferential portion 415 (illustrated in an upper portion when the lid 410 is inverted as shown in the Figure) that includes a channel 421 for rotatable attachment to the circumferential rim 452 of the container. A tearing means, illustrated as a tearing blade 453, extends from the inner sidewall of the lid, vertically outward from the channel 421. The inverted lid 410 is shown filled with a particulate material, such as breakfast cereal flakes F. As shown in FIG. 38, the container 450 with the liquid (milk) sealed within the product-containing volume 423 by the sheet 430, is inverted, and the circumferential rim 452 of the container attached rotatively to the channel 421 of the lid 410. Once attached, the lid and the container can be held together, and the attachment sealed to prevent moisture or other vapors from passing through the seal, using a shrunk-wrapper seal means 480, that covers and overlaps the upper portion of the sidewall 412 of the lid 410, and the lower portion of the sidewall 451 of the container 450.

In use, and when ready to dispense the products (and in the illustrated embodiment, dispense the flakes into the milk, or visa versa, and eat), the package is placed with the container 450 on a surface (table or top of a counter or cabinet), and the seal means is removed, as shown in FIG. 39. In the inverted position, the product within the dispensing lid (the upper chamber) falls (or has already fallen, down onto the outer surface of the sheet 430, with the tearing blade 453 extending into the volume of the container 450, just outside the sheet. As described earlier, as the lid 410 is rotated along the rim of the container 450, the tearing blade 453 rotates through and tears through a segment of the annular portion 434 of the sheet 430, allowing the flakes F to fall down into the exposed liquid (milk) within the product-containing volume 423. Once the tearing blade 453 has been rotated fully through the sheet, the lid 410 can be removed from the top opening of the container 450, and the remaining portion of the sheet separated from the inner surface of the sidewall 451 of the container; and the flakes and milk consumed.

FIG. 40 shows another enclosed-compartment, product dispensing device of the invention, wherein either or both the container and the rotatable lid can include a non-circular trim profile. The trim profile is the portion of the lid (or the container) extending distally from the circumferential channel (or rim), away from the lid body and container body. In the illustrated embodiment, the product dispensing lid 510 includes a sheet 530 attached along an peripheral portion 532 to the inner surface of the sidewalls 512, a rotation-direction indicator 506 on the top 502 of the lid, and means for rotative engagement with the container 550, including an annular plug 520 comprising a base 521 extending radially outwardly from the lower edge of the circumferential sidewall 512, and an annular outer wall 522 rising from the circumferential edge of the base 521 and angled inwardly. A square trim profile 519 extends horizontally and radially outwardly from the outer wall 522 of the plug 520, including portions 519a extending from the upper edge of the outer wall 522 most adjacent the side edges of the trim profile 519.

A container 550 includes a container wall 551, a circumferential rim 552 extending radially from a top edge of the container 550, and a tearing member or blade 553 disposed on an inner surface of the sidewall 521 and extending above the rim 552. The rim 552 and an angled annular wall 556 forms an annular channel 554 which accepts and rotatively engages the annular plug 520 of the lid 510, thereby both attaching the lid 510 to the container 550, and providing rotation of the lid 510 in a rotation plane along and through the annular channel 554, as shown in FIG. 41. A square trim profile 559 extends horizontally and radially outwardly from the annular wall 556 of the channel 554. The shape of the trim profile 559 can be the same as that of the trim profile 519 of the lid, and patterns or registers with the trim profile 519 of the lid when the lid and container are assembled in the first angular position shown in FIG. 41, with the blade 553 out of engagement with the sheet 530.

FIG. 41 also shows the blade 553 extending into the dispensing lid 510, below and out of engagement with the annular surface 534 of the angled planar sheet 530. As detailed in previous embodiments of the invention, relative rotation of the lid 510 to the container 550 (or the container to the lid), as shown in the plan views of FIGS. 42A and 42B, results in revolving of the annular surface 534 into engagement with the blade 553 of the container, thereby tearing through the sheet 530. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the lid can be effected by grasping the outer edge of the trim portion 519 of the lid, and the edge of the corresponding trim detail 559 of the container 550, and twisting them in opposite planar directions.

FIG. 43A-D show top views of alternative embodiments of the product lid and container of the present invention having alternative trim profiles in plan view. The shape, size and indicated orientation of the trim profile of the lid and the trim profile of the container can be the same or different as desired or needed. FIG. 43A shows a trim profile 519a including three protrusions that invite or suggest grasping and rotation of the lid in a counter-clockwise direction. FIG. 43B shows a trim profile 519b is a rounded triangular shape; FIG. 43C shows a trim profile 519c is a rounded square shape.

FIG. 43D shows a trim profile 519d having a circular shape, and including a pair of rounded tabs 528 extending on opposed sides. As also shown in FIG. 44, the opposed tabs 528 register with a corresponding pair of rounded tabs 538 that extend from the circularly-shaped trim profile 559 of the container 550. When the registered tabs 528 and 538 are welded or sealed together, relative rotation of the trim profiles, and with them the lid and container, is prevented, and likewise access into the lid and container, and tearing and opening of the enclosing sheet, is prevented. The opposed pair of tabs 528,538 with seal 540 therebetween provide a tamper-evidencing device and a rotation-prevention device for the product. To remove either or both of the sealed-together tabs from the trim profiles 519 and 529, to allow relative rotation, a means is provided to separating either or both of the tabs 528,538 from the trim profiles 519,529, along one or more lines of weakness or tear lines 529. The tear line 529 is disposed remote of the weld or seal 540, and allows manual removal of the opposed tabs 528 from the domed lid 510, and the opposed tabs 538 from the main container 550.

Similar opposed, extending tabs for forming tamper-evident and rotation-preventing devices can be similarly used on any of the other embodiments described herein. For example, a dispensing container described herein can include a first tab extending from the circumferential rim (or channel) of the main container, and a second tab, registered rotationally with the first tab, extending from the circumferential rim of the domed lid, and a means for securing together the registered pair of the first tab and the second tab is provided. A second registered pair of the first tab and the second tab can be provided on an opposite side of the container and lid, and a tear line can be provided.

The above description discloses, by way of example, some typical embodiments of the present invention. However, persons of ordinary skill in the art are capable of creating numerous modifications within the scope of the claims. Changes in specifics of form and details can be made to the above-described embodiments. The claims and not the examples are the measure of the protected invention.

Claims

1. A dispensing container for containing and dispensing an additive into a main foodstuff, comprising:

a) a main container having an axis and including a sidewall, closed bottom, and an open upper end including a circumferential rim, and a tear member disposed radially within the rim and extending axially above the rim;

b) a domed lid including a sidewall defining a containing volume and a lower open end, and having an axis of rotation, the lower open end including a circumferential rim including means for rotative engagement with the container rim through a rotating plane; and

c) a sheet having a periphery connected to the sidewall of the domed lid to form a contained volume within the containing volume of the lid, wherein the sheet includes a sheet surface comprising an annular portion, the sheet surface oriented at an angle to the rotating plane;

wherein the tear member extends into the containing volume of the domed lid, and a relative rotation of the domed lid rotates the annular portion of the sheet surface to intersect and be torn against the tear member.

2. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the annular portion of the sheet surface includes a frangible portion comprising a tear line through which the tear member passes during the rotation.

3. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the tear member extends from an inner wall of the main container, to a distal edge disposed vertically above the circumferential rim of the main container.

4. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the sheet extends between the sidewall of the domed lid in a planar surface oriented at the angle to the rotating plane, wherein the sheet surface and the annular portion lie in the planar surface.

5. The dispensing container according to claim 4, wherein the sheet includes a second planar surface oriented at a second angle to the rotating plane, and the annular portion includes a second annular portion that lies in the second planar surface.

6. The dispensing container according to claim 5, wherein the main container includes a second tear member, wherein the rotation of the domed lid rotates the second annular portion to intersect and be torn against the second tear member.

7. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the domed lid includes a shoulder extending radially from the outer sidewall, and the periphery of the sheet attaches along the shoulder.

8. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is a moisture and oxygen barrier film.

9. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the annular portion includes a curved surface.

10. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the tear member is disposed at a radial distance from the center axis of the container, and the annular portion of the sheet is disposed adjacent an inner surface of the sidewall, and overlaps the radial distance of the tear member.

11. A dispensing container for containing and dispensing an additive into a main foodstuff, comprising:

a) a main container including a sidewall, closed bottom, and an open upper end including a circumferential container rim;

b) an intermediate ring including a circumferential lower rim including means for engagement with the circumferential rim, and a tear member disposed radially within the circumferential lower rim and extending axially above the circumferential lower rim;

c) a domed lid including an outer sidewall defining a containing volume and a lower open end, and having an axis of rotation, the lower open end including a circumferential rim including means for rotative engagement with the intermediate ring through a rotating plane; and

d) a containment sheet having a periphery attached to the sidewall of the domed lid to form an enclosed volume within the containing volume of the lid, wherein the sheet includes a sheet surface comprising an annular portion, the sheet surface having oriented at an angle to the rotating plane;

wherein the tear member extends into the containing volume of the domed lid, and a rotation of the domed lid relative to the intermediate ring rotates the annular portion of the sheet plane to intersect and tear against the tear member.

12. The dispensing container according to claim 11, the annular portion of the sheet surface includes a frangible portion comprising a tear line through which the tear member passes during the rotation.

13. The dispensing container according to claim 11, wherein the tear member extends from an inner surface of the intermediate ring, to a distal edge disposed vertically above the circumferential upper rim of the intermediate ring.

14. The dispensing container according to claim 11, wherein the sheet extends between the sidewall of the domed lid in a planar surface oriented at an angle to the rotating plane, wherein the sheet surface and the annular portion lie in the planar surface.

15. The dispensing container according to claim 14, wherein the sheet includes a second planar surface oriented at a second angle to the rotating plane, and the annular portion includes a second annular portion that lies in the second planar surface.

16. The dispensing container according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate ring includes a second tear member, wherein the rotation of the domed lid rotates the second annular portion of the second sheet plane to intersect and tear against the second tear member.

17. The dispensing container according to claim 11, wherein the domed lid includes a shoulder extending radially from the outer sidewall, and the periphery of the containment sheet attaches along the shoulder.

18. The dispensing container according to claim 11, wherein the containment sheet is a moisture and oxygen barrier film.

19. The dispensing container according to claim 11, wherein the annular portion includes a curved surface.

20. The dispensing container according to claim 11, wherein the tear member is disposed at a radius distance from the axis of the container, and the annular portion of the sheet is disposed adjacent and inner surface of the sidewall, and has a radial width that overlaps the radius distance of the tear member.

21. A dispensing container for containing and dispensing a liquid or solid material, comprising:

a) a container having an axis and including a sidewall, closed bottom, and an open upper end including a rim;

b) a lid including a sidewall and having a lower open end, and having an axis of rotation, the lower open end including a circumferential channel providing rotative engagement with the container rim through a rotating plane, and a tear member disposed radially within the lid rim and extending axially below the container rim; and

c) a sheet having a periphery attached to the sidewall of the container to form an enclosed volume within the container, wherein the sheet includes a sheet surface comprising an annular portion, the sheet surface oriented at an angle to the rotating plane;

wherein the tear member of the lid extends into the open upper end of the container, and a relative rotation of the lid rotates the tear member to intersect and tear the annular portion of the sheet surface.

22. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the main container includes a first tab extending from the circumferential rim, the domed lid includes a second tab extending from the circumferential rim, registered rotationally with the first tab, and also including a means for securing together the registered pair of the first tab and the second tab.

23. The dispensing container according to claim 22, further including a second registered pair of the first tab and the second tab.

24. The dispensing container according to claim 22, wherein the registered pair of the first tab and the second tab includes a tear line disposed remote from the means for securing, for manually removing the opposed tabs from the domed lid and the container.