MULTI-COMPONENT FOOD PRODUCT

Abstract

A multi-component food product and method having a first pouch containing a first food product and a second pouch containing a second food product. The first pouch and second pouch are mated in a way that allows for simultaneous consumption of the first food product and the second food product.

Description

BACKGROUND

Various types of packaging for products are well known in the art. In particular, flexible pouches are currently used in the packaging of a wide variety of food and beverage products. Flexible pouches for food and beverage products are frequently marketed for use by infants and children because the pouches are convenient, inexpensive, and provide ease of use. A variety of nutritional food and beverage products are available in flexible pouches. Nevertheless, many parents are interested in finding ways to encourage their child to consume more nutritional food products.

Flexible pouches contain a fixed flavor. For example, a pouch may include bananas, or strawberries, or a mixture of bananas and strawberries, by way of example. However, many children often enjoy mixing various flavors on their own.

To this end, a need exists for a multi-component food product that allows a consumer to mix and match one food product contained in one food pouch with another food product contained in another food pouch. It is to such a food product and method of forming same that the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more implementations described herein and, together with the description, explain these implementations. The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated, to scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. Not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Like reference numerals in the figures may represent and refer to the same or similar element or function. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is an exploded, perspective view of a multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the multi-component food product of FIG. 1A shown in a mated position.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a pouch and a connector member of multi-component food product of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connector member used with the multi-component food product of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the multi-component food product of FIG. 6 shown in an unlocked position.

FIG. 7B is a top plan view of the multi-component food product of FIG. 6 shown in a locked position.

FIG. 8A is a partially cross-sectional, side view of another embodiment of a multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 8B is a partially cross-sectional, exploded side view of the multi-component food product of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a partially cross-sectional, side view of another embodiment of the multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 9B is partially cross-sectional, exploded side view of the multi-component food product of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of a multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 is an assembled cross-sectional side view of the multi-component food product of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a pouch and straw combination of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of a multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of a multi-component food product constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable of other embodiments, or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein in any way.

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the inventive concepts, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventive concepts within the instant disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherently present therein.

Unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B is true (or present).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments disclosed herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

As used herein, qualifiers like “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and combinations and variations thereof, are intended to include not only the exact amount or value that they qualify, but also some slight deviations therefrom, which may be due to manufacturing tolerances, measurement error, wear and tear, stresses exerted on various parts, and combinations thereof, for example.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a multi-component food product 10 constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein is illustrated. The multi-component food product 10 includes a first flexible pouch 12 containing a first food product (not shown) and a second flexible pouch 16 containing a second food product (not shown). The first pouch 12 has a first spout 20 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 12, and the second pouch 16 has a second spout 22 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 22. The first spout 20 and the second spout 22 are configured so as to be mateable (FIG. 1B) in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 12 and the second food product of the second pouch 16 to be consumed simultaneously.

Flexible pouches are well known by those having ordinary skill in the art and, therefore, will not be described in detail herein. In general, however, the pouches 12 and 16 may be fabricated of any non-permeable, flexible material. For example, the pouches 12 and 16 may be made of one or more flexible sheets, such as polymer sheets or foil sheets. The pouches 12 and 16 may be used to contain any flowable material. Non-exclusive examples of flowable material include food, beverages, granules, and gases. By way of example, the flowable material may be pureed food products or beverages designed for consumption by children such as, but not limited to, oatmeal, a puree, a yogurt product, a frosting, a sauce, a dip, fruit pieces, diary, cheese, or savory food products. It should be appreciated that the first food product and the second food product may be of the same type of food product or different food products. Also, it should be appreciated that the first food product and the second food product may have any flavor such as, but not limited to strawberry, grape, lemon, lime, orange, white grape, vanilla, raspberry, banana, apple, chocolate, pear, yogurt, kiwi, mango, tropicals or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the first food product may be a first flavor and the second food product may be a second flavor, which is different from the first flavor or the first flavor may be the same and the second flavor.

As mentioned above, the first spout 20 and the second spout 22 are configured so as to be mateable in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first food pouch 12 and the second food product of the second food pouch 16 simultaneously, thereby allowing a consumer to mix and match the food product of one pouch with the food product of another pouch. The first spout 20 has a passage 24 in fluid communication with the interior of the first pouch 12, and the second spout 22 has a passage 26 in fluid communication with the interior of the second pouch 16. In one embodiment, the first spout 20 and the second spout 22 are each D-shaped or semi-circular shaped wherein the first spout 20 has a flat surface 28 along the length of the first spout 20 and the second spout 22 has a flat surface 30 extending along the length of the second spout 22. The first spout 20 is secured to the first pouch 12 in a suitable fashion so that the flat surface 28 is aligned with one side of the first pouch 12. Similarly, the second spout 22 is secured to the second pouch 16 so that the flat surface 30 is aligned with one side of the second pouch 16. To this end, the flat surface 28 of the first spout 12 may be brought into contact with the flat surface 30 of the second spout 16 in a face-to-face relationship, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. With the flat surfaces 28 and 30 brought together, the first spout 12 and the second spout 16 cooperate to define a substantially cylindrical shaped spout that may be easily disposed in the mouth of a consumer.

While the first spout 20 and the second spout 22 have been illustrated as being D-shaped, the first spout 20 and the second spout 22 may be formed in a variety of mating shapes. By way of example, the first spout 20 and the second spout 22 may be square, rectangular, triangular, or any shape with mateable flat surfaces. In another embodiment, the first spout 20 and the second spout 22 may be provided with mateable curved surfaces. Also, the first spout 20 may include flanges 32 and 34 that extend partially around the first spout 20 in a spaced apart relationship to form a groove 36 therebetween. Likewise, the second spout 22 may include flanges 38 and 40 that extend partially around the second spout 22 to form a groove 42 therebetween.

The first pouch 12 and the second pouch 16 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 20 and the second spout 22. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 20 and the second spout 22.

To facilitate the mating of the first spout 20 with the second spout 22, the first pouch 12 and the second pouch 16 may include a connector member 44 for securing the first pouch 12 to the second pouch 16. In one embodiment, the first pouch 12 and the second pouch 16 may be provided with fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners as illustrated in FIG. 1A. In another embodiment, one or both of the pouches 12 and 16 may include an adhesive or cohesive.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate another embodiment of a multi-component food product 10a constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The multi-component food product 10a includes a first flexible pouch 46 containing a first food product (not shown), a second flexible pouch 48 containing a second food product (not shown), and a connector member 50. The first pouch 46 has a first spout 52 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 46, and the second pouch 48 has a second spout 54 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 48. The connector member 50 mates the first spout 52 and the second spout 54 with one another (FIG. 2) in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 46 and the second food product of the second pouch 48 simultaneously.

The first pouch 46 and the second pouch 48 are similar to the first pouch 12 and the second pouch 16 of the multi-component food product 10 except as described below. In one embodiment, the first spout 52 includes a pair of flanges 56 and 58 extending about the first spout 52 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 60 therebetween. Likewise, the second spout 54 has a pair of flanges 62 and 64 extending about the second spout 54 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 66 therebetween.

In one embodiment, the connector member 50 may have a base 68, a first portion 70 extending from one side of the base 68, and a second portion 72 extending from an opposing side of the base 72. The connector member 50 may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, and be formed in a variety of sizes. The base 68 is illustrated as being substantially rectangular in shape, but the base 68 may be formed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

The first portion 70 may include a plurality of barbed prongs 74 configured to be received in the groove 60 on opposing sides of the first spout 52 and lockingly engage with the flanges 56 and 58 of the first spout 52. Similarly, the second portion 72 may include a plurality of barbed prongs 78 configured to be received in the groove 66 on opposing sides of the second spout 54 and lockingly engage with the flanges 62 and 64 of the second spout 54. The barbed prongs 74 and 78 may be inwardly flexible to facilitate insertion through the grooves 60 and 66 and disengagement from the flanges 56, 58, 62, and 64. It should be appreciated that the connector member 50 may be formed in a variety of configurations capable of engaging with or otherwise connecting to the first spout 52 and the second spout 54. By way of example, the connector member 50 may include U-shaped clips.

With the connector member 50 connected to the first spout 52 and the second spout 54, the first spout and the second spout 54 are lockingly engaged with one another in a way to permit the first spout 52 and the second spout 54 to be easily disposed in the mouth of a consumer to permit consumption of the first food product of the first pouch 46 and the second food product of the second pouch 48 simultaneously.

While the first spout 52 and the second spout 54 have been illustrated as circular, the first spout 52 and the second spout 54 may be formed in a variety of shapes. By way of example, the first spout 52 and the second spout 54 may be substantially oval, square, D-shaped, rectangular, or triangular.

The first pouch 46 and the second pouch 48 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 52 and the second spout 54. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 52 and the second spout 54.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of a multi-component food product 10b constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The multi-component food product 10b includes a first flexible pouch 80 containing a first food product (not shown), a second flexible pouch 82 containing a second food product (not shown), and a connector member 84. The first pouch 80 has a first spout 86 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 80, and the second pouch 82 has a second spout 88 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 82. The connector member 84 mates the first spout 86 and the second spout 88 (FIG. 4) in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 80 and the second food product of the second pouch 82 simultaneously.

The first pouch 80 and the second pouch 82 are similar to the first pouch 12 and the second pouch 16 of multi-component food product 10 except as described below. In one embodiment, the first spout 86 includes a pair of flanges (only one flange 90 being visible in FIG. 4) extending about the first spout 86 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove similar to that shown in FIG. 3. Similarly, the second spout 88 includes a pair of flanges (only one flange 92 being visible in FIG. 4) extending about the second spout 88 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove therebetween. Instead of extending about the entire spout as shown in FIG. 3, the flanges of the first spout 86 and the second spout 88, including the flanges 90 and 92, may extend only partially about the first spout 86 and the second spout 88 such that the flanges have a substantially D-shape or semi-circular shape.

In one embodiment, the connector member 84 may have a base 94, a first portion 95 extending from one side of the base 94 and a second portion 97 extending from an opposing side of the base 94. The connector member 84 has a first end 99 and a second end 101. The base 94 may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, and be formed in a variety of sizes. The base 94 is illustrated as being substantially rectangular in shape, but the base 94 may be formed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

The first portion 95 is formed as a first collar member 100 configured to be fitted about the flanges of the first spout 86. The first collar member 100 is hingedly attached to the first end 99 of the base 94 and is lockingly egageable with the second end 101 of the base 94. Similarly, the second portion 97 is formed as a second collar member 102 configured to be fitted about the flanges of the second spout 88. The second collar member 102 is hingedly attached to the second end 101 of the base 94 and is lockingly egageable with the first end 99 of the base 94.

In use, the base 94 is positioned between the first spout 86 and the second spout 88 in a way that allows the first collar member 100 to encompass the flanges of the first spout 86 and the second collar member 102 to encompass the flanges of the second spout 88. With the base 94 in position, the first collar member 100 may rotated to encompass the flanges of the first spout 86 and secured to the second end 101 of the base 94, and the second collar member 100 may rotated to encompass the flanges of the second spout 86 and secured to the first end 99 of the base 94. The first end second collar member 100 and 102 may be releasably secured to the base with any suitable latch (not shown).

With the connector member 84 connected to the first spout 86 and the second spout 88, the first spout 86 and the second spout 88 are locking engaged with one another in a way to permit the first spout 86 and the second spout 88 to be easily disposed in the mouth of a consumer to permit consumption of the first food product of the first pouch 80 and the second food product of the second pouch 82 simultaneously.

While the first spout 86 and the second spout 88 have been illustrated as being substantially circular in shape, the first spout 86 and the second spout 88 may be formed in a variety of shapes. By way of example, the first spout 86 and the second spout 88 may be substantially oval, square, D-shaped, rectangular, or triangular.

The first pouch 80 and the second pouch 82 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 86 and the second spout 88. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 86 and the second spout 88.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B, another embodiment of a multi-component food product 10c constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein is illustrated. The multi-component food product 10c includes a first flexible pouch 110 containing a first food product (not shown), a second flexible pouch 112 containing a second food product (not shown), and a connector member 114. The first pouch 110 has a first spout 116 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 110, and the second pouch 112 has a second spout 118 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 112. The connector member 114 mates the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 (FIG. 7B) in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 110 and the second food product of the second pouch 112 to be consumed simultaneously.

The first pouch 110 and the second pouch 112 are similar to the pouches described above, except as described below. In one embodiment, the first spout 116 may have a pair of flanges 115 and 117 extending about the first spout 116 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 119 therebetween. Similarly, the second spout 118 may have a pair of flanges 121 and 123 extending about the second spout 118 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 125 therebetween.

In one embodiment, the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 may be D-shaped or semi-circular shaped wherein the first spout 116 has a flat surface 120 along the length of the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 has a flat surface 122 extending along the length of the second spout 118. The first spout 116 is secured to the first pouch 110 in a suitable fashion so that the flat surface 120 is aligned with one side of the first pouch 110, and the second spout 118 is secured to the second pouch 112 so that the flat surface 122 is aligned with one side of the second pouch 122. To this end, the flat surface 120 of the first spout 116 may be brought into contact with the flat surface 122 of the second spout 118 in a face-to-face relationship, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The first spout 116 has a set of threads 127 extending partially around the first spout 116, and the second spout 118 has a set of threads 129 extending partially around the second spout 118.

In one embodiment, the connector member 114 includes a first collar member 124 and a second collar member 126. The first collar member 124 is threadingly engageable with the set of threads 127 of the first spout 116, and the second collar member 126 is threadingly engageable with the set of threads 129 of the second spout 118. FIG. 7A illustrates the connector member 114 in an unlocked position wherein the flat surface 120 of the first spout 116 and the flat surface 122 of the second spout are brought into contact in a face-to-face relationship. From this position, the first collar member 124 and the second collar member 126 may be rotated partially about the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 to lockingly engage the first spout 116 with the second spout 118, as illustrated in FIG. 7B.

With the connector member 114 in the locked position, the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 are lockingly engaged with one another in a way to permit the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 to be easily disposed in the mouth of a consumer to permit consumption of the first food product of the first pouch 116 and the second food product of the second pouch 118 simultaneously.

While the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 have been illustrated as being D-shaped, the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 may be formed in a variety of shapes. By way of example, the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 may be square, rectangular, triangular, or any shape with mateable flat surfaces. In another embodiment, the first spout 116 and the second spout 118 may be provided with mateable curved surfaces.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first spout 116 may include a flexible portion 140, and the second the second spout 118 may have a flexible portion 142, which may be intertwined with the flexible portion 140 of the first spout 116 to further mate the first spout 116 with the second spout 118.

The first pouch 110 and the second pouch 112 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 116 and the second spout 118. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 116 and the second spout 118.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another embodiment of a multi-component food product 10d constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The multi-component food product 10d includes a first flexible pouch 150 containing a first food product (not shown), a second flexible pouch 152 containing a second food product (not shown), a first straw 154, and a second straw 156. The first pouch 150 has a first spout 158 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 150, and the second pouch 152 has a second spout 160 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 152. The first straw 154 and the second straw 156 mate the first spout 158 and the second spout 160 with one another (FIG. 8B) in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 150 and the second food product of the second pouch 152 simultaneously.

The first pouch 150 and the second pouch 152 are similar to the pouches described above, except as described below. In one embodiment, the first spout 152 may have a pair of flanges 162 and 164 extending about the first spout 158 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 166 therebetween. Similarly, the second spout 160 may have a pair of flanges 168 and 170 extending about the second spout 160 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 172 therebetween. The first spout 158 may also have a set of threads 174 extending about the first spout 158, and the second spout 160 may have a set of threads 176 extending about the second spout 160.

The first straw 154 has a first end 178, a second end 180, and a fluid passage 182 extending therethrough. The first end 178 is configured to be connected to the first spout 158. In one embodiment, the first end 178 of the first straw 154 is threadingly connectable to the first spout 158. The second end 180 may include a male connector portion 184.

The second straw 156 has a first end 186, a second end 188, a first fluid passage 190 extending therethrough, and a second fluid passage 192 extending therethrough in an offset, non-intersecting relationship to the first fluid passage 190. The first end 186 of the second straw 156 is configured to be connected to the second spout 160 so that the first fluid passage 190 of the second straw 156 is in fluid communication with the second spout 160. In one embodiment, the first end 186 of the second straw 156 is threadingly connectable to the second spout 160. The second straw 156 may be configured so that an inlet end 194 of the second passage 192 is longitudinally offset relative to an inlet end 196 of the first passage 190 whereby the second fluid passage 192 has a length less than the length of the first passage 190. The inlet end 194 of the second fluid passage 192 may include a female connector portion 198 mateable with the male connector portion 184 of the first straw 154 wherein the first straw 154 may be connected to the second straw 156 in a way that the second fluid passage 192 of the second straw 156 is fluidly connected to the fluid passage 182 of the first straw 154.

In use, the first straw 154 is connected to the first spout 158 so that the fluid passage 182 is in fluid communication with the first spout 158, and the second straw 156 is connected to the second spout 160 so that the first fluid passage 190 of the second straw 156 is in fluid communication with the second spout 160. The second straw 156 is then connected to the first straw 154 so that the second fluid passage 192 of the second straw 156 is in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the first straw 154. The second end 188 of the second straw 156 may then be disposed in a consumer's mouth so that the consumer may consume the first food product of the first pouch 150 and the second food product of the second pouch 152 simultaneously.

While the first straw 154 and the second straw 156 have been illustrated as threadingly engaged with the first spout 158 and the second spout 160, the engagement between the first straw 154 and the first spout 158 and the second straw 156 and the second spout 160 may be snap-fit or friction-fit. Also, the first pouch 150 and the second pouch 152 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 158 and the second spout 160. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 158 and the second spout 160.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of a multi-component food product 10e constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The multi-component food product 10e includes a first flexible pouch 210 containing a first food product (not shown), a second flexible pouch 212 containing a second food product (not shown), a first straw 214, and a second straw 216. The first pouch 210 has a first spout 218 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 210, and the second pouch 212 has a second spout 220 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 212. The first straw 214 and the second straw 216 mate the first spout 218 and the second spout 220 with one another (FIG. 8B) in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 210 and the second food product of the second pouch 212 simultaneously.

The first pouch 210 and the second pouch 212 are similar to the pouches described above. In one embodiment, the first spout 218 may have a pair of flanges 222 and 224 extending about the first spout 218 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 226 therebetween. Similarly, the second spout 220 may have a pair of flanges 228 and 230 extending about the second spout 220 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 232 therebetween. The first spout 218 may also have a set of threads 234 extending about the first spout 218, and the second spout 220 may have a set of threads 236 extending about the second spout 220.

The first straw 214 has a first end 238, a second end 240, and a fluid passage 242 extending therethrough. The first end 238 is configured to be connected to the first spout 218. In one embodiment, the first end 238 of the first straw 214 is threadingly connectable to the first spout 218. The second end 240 may include a male connector portion 244.

The second straw 216 has a first end 246, a second end 248, a first fluid passage 250 extending therethrough, and a second fluid passage 252 extending therethrough. The second fluid passage 252 intersects the first fluid passage 250 between the first end 246 and the second end 248. The first end 246 of the second straw 216 is configured to be connected to the second spout 220 so that the first fluid passage 250 of the second straw 216 is in fluid communication with the second spout 220. In one embodiment, the first end 238 of the second straw 216 is threadingly connectable to the second spout 220. The second straw 216 may be configured so that an inlet end 254 of the second passage 252 is longitudinally offset relative to an inlet end 256 of the first passage 250. The inlet end 254 of the second fluid passage 252 may include a female connector portion 258 mateable with the male connector portion 244 of the first straw 214 wherein the second straw 216 may be connected to the first straw 214 in a way that the second fluid passage 252 of the second straw 216 is fluidly connected to the fluid passage 242 of the first straw 214.

In use, the first straw 214 is connected to the first spout 218 so that the fluid passage 242 is in fluid communication with the first spout 218, and the second straw 216 is connected to the second spout 220 so that the first fluid passage 250 of the second straw 216 is in fluid communication with the second spout 216. The second straw 216 is then connected to the first straw 214 so that the second fluid passage of the second straw 216 is in fluid communication with the fluid passage 242 of the first straw 214. The second end 248 of the second straw 216 may then be disposed in a consumer's mouth so that the consumer may consume the first food product of the first pouch 210 and the second food product of the second pouch 212 simultaneously.

While the first straw 214 and the second straw 216 have been illustrated as threadingly engaged with the first spout 218 and the second spout 220, the engagement between the first straw 214 and the first spout 218 and the second straw 216 and the second spout 220 may be snap-fit or friction-fit. Also, the first pouch 210 and the second pouch 212 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 218 and the second spout 220. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 218 and the second spout 220.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, another embodiment of a multi-component food product 10f constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein is illustrated. The multi-component food product 10f includes a first flexible pouch 270 containing a first food product (not shown), a second flexible pouch 272 containing a second food product (not shown, and a straw 274. The first pouch 270 has a first spout 276 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 270, and the second pouch 272 has a second spout 278 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 272. The straw 274 mates the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 with one another (FIG. 11) in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 270 and the second food product of the second pouch 272 simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the first pouch 270 and the second pouch 272 are similar to the first pouch 12 and the second pouch 16 of the multi-component food product 10 described above. The first spout 276 has a passage 280 in fluid communication with the interior of the first pouch 270, and the second spout 278 has a passage 282 in fluid communication with the interior of the second pouch 272. In one embodiment, the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 are each D-shaped or semi-circular shaped wherein the first spout 276 has a flat surface 284 along the length of the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 has a flat surface 286 extending along the length of the second spout 278. In one embodiment, the first spout 276 may have a pair of flanges 275 and 277 partially extending about the first spout 276 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 279 therebetween. Similarly, the second spout 278 may have a pair of flanges 281 and 283 partially extending about the second spout 278 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 285 therebetween. The first spout 276 has a set of threads 288 partially extending around the first spout 276, and the second spout 278 has a set of threads 290 partially extending around the second spout 278. The first spout 276 is secured to the first pouch 270 in a suitable fashion so that the flat surface 284 is aligned with one side of the first pouch 270. Similarly, the second spout 278 is secured to the second pouch 272 so that the flat surface 286 is aligned with one side of the second pouch 272. To this end, the flat surface 284 of the first spout 276 may be brought into contact with the flat surface 286 of the second spout 278 in a face-to-face relationship, as illustrated in FIG. 11. With the flat surfaces 284 and 286 brought together, the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 cooperate to define a substantially cylindrical shaped spout about which the straw 274 may be disposed.

The straw 274 has first end 292, a second end 294, and a fluid passage 296 extending therethrough from the first end 292 to the second end 294. The first end 292 is configured to be disposed about the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 when the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 are in a face-to-face relationship. The first end 292 of the straw 274 may include a set of internal threads 298 for threaded engagement with the set of threads 288 and 290 of the first and second spouts 276 and 278 so that the straw 274 is disposed about the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 in a way that the fluid passage 296 of the straw 274 is in fluid communication with the first spout 276 and the second spout 278. While the straw 274 has been illustrated as threadingly engaged with the first spout 276 and the second spout 278, the engagement between the straw 274 and the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 may be snap-fit or friction-fit.

The straw 274 may include a straw cap 300 for closing the straw 274. The straw cap 300 may be any suitable cap for sealing the straw 274. In one embodiment, the straw 274 has an exterior set of threads 302 and the straw cap 264 has a complimentary set of threads (not shown) and the straw 274 and straw cap 300 are threadingly engaged when in a sealed position. In another embodiment, the straw cap 300 may be sealed to the straw 274 by snap-fit or by friction-fit.

While the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 have been illustrated as being D-shaped, the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 may be formed in a variety of mateable shapes. By way of example, the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 may be square, rectangular, triangular, or any shape with mateable flat surfaces. In another embodiment, the first spout 276 and the second spout 278 may be provided with mateable curved surfaces.

The first pouch 270 and the second pouch 272 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 276 and the second spout 278. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 276 and the second spout 278.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of a multi-component food product 10g constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The multi-component food product 10g includes a first flexible pouch 310 containing a first food product (not shown), a second flexible pouch 312 containing a second food product (not shown), a first straw 314, and a second straw 316. The first pouch 310 has a first spout 318 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 310, and the second pouch 312 has a second spout 320 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 312. The first straw 314 and the second straw 316 mate the first spout 318 and the second spout 320 with one another (FIG. 12) in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 310 and the second food product of the second pouch 312 simultaneously.

The first pouch 310 and the second pouch 312 are similar to the pouches described above, except as described below. In one embodiment, the first spout 318 may have a pair of flanges 322 and 324 extending about the first spout 318 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 326 therebetween. Similarly, the second spout 320 may have a pair of flanges 328 and 330 extending about the second spout 320 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 332 therebetween. The first spout 318 may also have a set of threads 334 extending about the first spout 318, and the second spout 320 may have a set of threads 336 extending about the second spout 320.

The first straw 314 and the second straw 316 are identical in construction. Thus, only the first straw 314 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13. The first straw 314 has a first end 338, a second end 340, and a fluid passage 341 (FIG. 13) extending therethough. The first end 338 is configured to be connected to the first spout 318. In one embodiment, the first end 338 of the first straw 314 is threadingly connectable to the first spout 318. The first end 338 may be configured to have a flat surface along one side thereof which is mateable in a face-to-face relationship with a corresponding flat surface of the second straw 316.

The second end 340 of the first straw 314 is flexible to permit the second end 340 of the first straw 314 to be intertwined with the second end of the second straw 316. The first straw 314 may be fabricated of a polymeric material so that the second end 340 maintains its shape upon being intertwined with the second straw 316.

In use, the first straw 314 is connected to the first spout 318 so that the fluid passage 341 of the first straw 314 is in fluid communication with the first spout 318, and the second straw 316 is connected to the second spout 320, so that the fluid passage of the second straw 316 is in fluid communication with the second spout 320. The flat surfaces of the first straw 314 and the second straw 316 may then be brought together and intertwined with one another by twisting the second ends around one another, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The second end 340 of the first straw 314 and the second end 344 of the second straw 316 may then be disposed in a consumer's mouth so that the consumer may consume the first food product of the first pouch 310 and the second food product of the second pouch 312 simultaneously.

While the first straw 314 and the second straw 316 have been illustrated as threadingly engaged with the first spout 318 and the second spout 320, the engagement between the first straw 314 and the first spout 318 and the second straw 316 and the second spout 320 may be snap-fit or friction-fit.

Also, the first pouch 310 and the second pouch 312 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 318 and the second spout 320. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 318 and the second spout 320.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-component food product 10h constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The multi-component 10h food product includes a first flexible pouch 350 containing a first food product (not shown), a second flexible pouch 352 containing a second food product (not shown), and a straw 354. The first pouch 350 has a first spout 356 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 350, and the second pouch 352 has a second spout 358 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 352. The straw 354 mates the first spout 356 and the second spout 358 with one another in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 350 and the second food product of the second pouch 352.

The first pouch 350 and the second pouch 352 are similar to the pouches described above, except as described below. In one embodiment, the first spout 356 may have a pair of flanges 360 and 362 extending about the first spout 356 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 364 therebetween. Similarly, the second spout 358 may have a pair of flanges 366 and 368 extending about the second spout 358 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 370 therebetween.

The straw 354 has a first end portion 376, a second end portion 378, a third end portion 380 intersecting with and extending from the first end portion 376 and the second end portion 378. The first end portion 376, the second end portion 378, and the third end portion 380 cooperate to define a fluid passage 381. The first end portion 376 is configured to be connected to the first spout 356 so that the fluid passage 381 is in fluid communication with the first spout 356, and the second end portion 378 is configured to be connected to the second spout 358 so that the fluid passage 381 is in fluid communication with the second spout 358. In one embodiment, the first end portion 376 and the second end portion 378 are configured to be press-fit or snap-fit to the first spout 356 and the second spout 358.

In use, the first end portion 376 of the straw 354 is connected to the first spout 356 so that the fluid passage in is fluid communication with the first spout 356, and the second end portion 378 of the straw 354 is connected to the second spout 358 so that the fluid passage 381 is in fluid communication with the second spout 358. The third end portion 380 may then be disposed in a consumer's mouth so that the consumer may consume the first food product of the first pouch 350 and the second food product of the second pouch 352 simultaneously.

Also, the first pouch 350 and the second pouch 352 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 356 and the second spout 358. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 356 and the second spout 358.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-component food product 10i constructed in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The multi-component food product 10i includes a first flexible pouch 390 containing a first food product (not shown), a second flexible pouch 392 containing a second food product (not shown), a cup 394, and a lid 396. The first pouch 390 has a first spout 398 for discharging the first food product from the first flexible pouch 390, and the second pouch 392 has a second spout 400 for discharging the second food product from the second pouch 392. The cup 394 and the lid 396 mate the first spout 398 and the second spout 400 with one another in a way to permit an individual to consume the first food product of the first pouch 390 and the second food product of the second pouch 392 simultaneously.

The first pouch 390 and the second pouch 392 are similar to the pouches described above, except as described below. In one embodiment, the first spout 398 may have a pair of flanges 402 and 404 extending about the first spout 398 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 406 therebetween. Similarly, the second spout 400 may have a pair of flanges 408 and 410 in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to form a groove 412 therebetween.

The cup 394 may have a bottom 414 and a sidewall 416. The sidewall 416 extends from the bottom 414 so as to cooperate to define a pouch receiving compartment 417. The cup may have a dividing wall 418 extending across the pouch receiving compartment 417 to define at least two pouch receiving compartments 420 and 422, in which the first pouch 390 and the second pouch 392 may be housed. The cup 394 may further have handles 424 and 426 extending from the sidewall 416 to facilitate handling of the multi-component food product 10i. In one embodiment, the sidewall 416 of the cup 394 may be provided with openings 430 to provide access to the first pouch 390 and the second pouch 392 in a way that the pouches 390 and 392 may be manipulated to discharge their contents.

The lid 396 has a spout 432, a first fluid passage 434 extending therethrough, and a second fluid passage 436 extending therethrough. The lid 396 is configured to be connected to the cup 394 such that the first fluid passage 432 is connected to the first spout 398 and the second fluid passage 434 is connected to the second spout 400. While the spout 432 has been shown and described as having two separate fluid passages, it will be appreciated that the fluid passages may intersect so that the spout 432 has only one outlet.

In use, the first pouch 390 and the second pouch 392 are placed into the cup 394 such that the cup 394 houses the first pouch 390 and the second pouch 392. The lid 396 is then connected to the cup 394 such that the first fluid passage 434 is in fluid communication with the first spout 398 and the second fluid passage 436 is in fluid communication with the second spout 400. The spout 432 of the lid 396 may then be disposed in a consumer's mouth so that the consumer may consumer the first food product of the first pouch 390 and the second food product of the second pouch 392.

Also, the first pouch 390 and the second pouch 392 may each include a cap (not shown) for closing the first spout 398 and the second spout 400. The cap may be any suitable cap for sealing the first spout 398 and the second spout 400.

From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein are well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein, as well as those inherent in the invention. While exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed and/or as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-component food product, comprising:

a first flexible pouch containing a first flowable food product and having a first spout for discharging the first flowable food product from the first flexible pouch; and

a second flexible pouch containing a second flowable food product different from the first flowable food product and having a second spout for discharging the second flowable food product from the second flexible pouch,

wherein the first spout and the second spout are mated with one another in a way to permit the first flowable food product and the second flowable food product to be consumed simultaneously.

2. The product of claim 1, wherein the first spout and the second spout are lockingly engaged with one another.

3. The product of claim 1, further comprising a connector member having a first portion connected to the first spout and a second portion connected to the second spout.

4. The product of claim 3, wherein the first portion; the second portion; or the first portion and the second portion is releasably connected to the first spout.

5. The product of claim 1, further comprising:

a connector member having a base with a first end and a second end, a first collar member hingedly attached to the first end of the base, and a second collar member hingedly attached to the second end of the base,

wherein the base is placed between the first spout and the second spout, the first collar member is fitted around the first spout and is lockably engaged to the second end of the base, and the second collar member is fitted around the second spout and is lockably engaged to the first end of the base.

6. The product of claim 1, wherein the first spout has a set of threads extending partially around the first spout and is substantially D-shaped with a flat surface, wherein the second spout has a set of threads extending partially around the second spout and is substantially D-shaped with a flat surface, and wherein the product further comprises:

a connector member having a first collar member engaged with the set of threads of the first spout and a second collar member engaged with the set of threads of the second spout,

wherein the flat surface of the first spout and the flat surface of the second spout are mated in a face to face relationship and the first collar member of the connector member and the second collar member of the connector member are rotated along the first set of threads and the second set of threads to lockingly engage the first spout and the second spout.

7. The product of claim 1, further comprising:

a first straw fluidly connected to the first spout, the first straw having a fluid passage extending therethrough; and

a second straw fluidly connected to the second spout, the second straw having a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage,

wherein the first straw is connected to the second straw in a way that the second fluid passage of the second straw is fluidly connected to the fluid passage of the first straw.

8. The product of claim 1, further comprising:

a first straw fluidly connected to the first spout, the first straw having a fluid passage extending therethrough; and

a second straw fluidly connected to the second spout, the second straw having a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage,

wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage of the second straw intersect with one another, and

wherein the first straw is connected to the second straw in a way that the second fluid passage of the second straw is fluidly connected to the fluid passage of the first straw.

9. The product of claim 1, further comprising a straw having a first portion fluidly connected to the first spout, a second portion fluidly connected to the second spout, and a third portion extending from the first portion and the second portion in fluid communication with the first portion and the second portion.

10. The product of claim 1, further comprising:

a first straw fluidly connected to the first spout; and

a second straw fluidly connected to the second spout,

wherein the first straw and the second straw are flexible in a way that the first straw and the second straw are twistable around one another.

11. The product of claim 1, wherein the first spout is substantially D-shaped with a flat surface, wherein the second spout is substantially D-shaped with a flat surface, and wherein the product further comprises:

a straw having first end, a second end, and a fluid passage extending therethrough from the first end to the second end,

wherein the flat surface of the first spout and the flat surface of the second spout are mated in a face to face relationship and the straw is disposed about the first spout and the second spout in a way that fluid passage of the straw is in fluid communication with the first spout and the second spout.

12. The product of claim 11, wherein the straw is threadingly connected to the first spout and the second spout.

13. The product of claim 1, further comprising:

a cup housing the first pouch and the second pouch; and

a lid having a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage, the lid connected to the cup such that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the first spout and the second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second spout.

14. The product of claim 13, wherein the cup has a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom so as to cooperate to define an pouch receiving compartment, the sidewall having at least one opening in communication with the pouch receiving compartment.

15. The product of claim 13, wherein the cup has a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom so as to cooperate to define an pouch receiving compartment, and wherein the cup has a dividing wall extending across the pouch receiving compartment to define at least two pouch receiving compartments.

16. The product of claim 15, wherein the sidewall has a first opening in communication with one of the pouch receiving compartments and a second opening in communication with another one of the pouch receiving compartments.

17. A method of forming a multi-component food product, comprising:

obtaining a first flexible pouch containing a first flowable food product and having a first spout for discharging the first flowable food product from the first flexible pouch;

obtaining a second flexible pouch containing a second flowable food product different from the first flowable food product and having a second spout for discharging the second flowable food product from the second flexible pouch; and

mating the first spout and the second spout with one another in a way to permit the first flowable food product and the second flowable food product to be consumed simultaneously.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of mating the first spout with the second spout comprises lockingly engaging the first spout and the second spout with one another.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of lockingly engaging the first spout and the second spout comprises connecting a first portion of a connector member to the first spout and connecting a second portion of the connector member to the second spout; and wherein the first portion is releasably connected to the first spout; the second portion is releasably connected to the second spout; or the first portion is releasably connected to the first spout and the second portion is releasably connected to the second spout.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of mating the first spout with the second spout comprises:

positioning a base member of a connector member between the first spout and the second spout, the base member having a first end and a second end;

fitting a first collar member hingedly connected to the first end of the base around the first spout and lockingly engaging the first collar to the second end of the base; and

fitting a second collar member hingedly connected to the second end of the base around the second spout and lockingly engaging the second collar to the first end of the base.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the first spout has a set of threads extending partially around the first spout and is substantially D-shaped with a flat surface, wherein the second spout has a set of threads extending partially around the second spout and is substantially D-shaped with a flat surface, and wherein the step of mating the first spout with the second spout further comprises:

mating the flat surface of the first spout and the flat surface of the second spout in a face to face relationship; and

rotating a first collar member engaged with the set of threads of the first spout and rotating a second collar member engaged with the set of threads of the second spout to lockingly engage the first spout and the second spout.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of mating the first spout with the second spout comprises:

connecting a first straw to the first spout, the first straw having a fluid passage;

connecting a second straw to the second spout, the second straw having a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage; and

connecting the first straw to the second straw in a way that the second fluid passage of the second straw is fluidly connected to the fluid passage of the first straw.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of mating the first spout with the second spout comprises:

connecting a first portion of a straw to the first spout; and

connecting a second portion of the straw to the second spout,

wherein the straw has a third portion extending from the first portion and the second portion in fluid communication with the first portion and the second portion.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein the first spout is substantially D-shaped with a flat surface, wherein the second spout is substantially D-shaped with a flat surface, and wherein the method product further comprises:

mating the flat surface of the first spout and the flat surface of the second spout in a face to face relationship; and

disposing a straw having first end, a second end, and a fluid passage extending therethrough from the first end to the second end about the first spout and the second spout in a way that fluid passage of the straw is in fluid communication with the first spout and the second spout.

25. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of mating the first spout with the second spout comprises:

disposing the first pouch and the second pouch in a cup; and

connecting a lid a lid having a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage to the cup such that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the first spout and the second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second spout.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the cup has a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom so as to cooperate to define an pouch receiving compartment, the sidewall having at least one opening in communication with the pouch receiving compartment.