DISPOSABLE PACKAGING SYSTEM

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments include apparatus configured to safely transport edible and non-edible products and to conveniently dispense the products as desired. A disclosed embodiment may include a body comprising a central portion defining comprising an upper portion defining a first opening configured to receive a liquid or solid material and a lower portion defining a second opening configured to discharge the liquid or solid material. The body may also include a top portion comprising a sealing mechanism configured to releasably seal the first opening and a bottom portion detachably connected to the central portion at the second opening. The apparatus may also include a strap connected to the body wherein the lower portion of the central portion is configured to be folded between the strap and the body after the bottom portion has been detached.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects described herein generally relate to a disposable packaging system for transporting edible and non-edible products.

BACKGROUND

Various disposable packaging systems for transporting edible and non-edible products exist. Some of these have soft exterior surfaces while others may have hard exterior surfaces. In general, the disposable packaging system has a cavity for holding the product until it is necessary to dispense the stored product for use.

SUMMARY

A disposable packaging apparatus for transporting edible and non-edible products comprising a body. The body comprising a central portion defining a cavity. And, the central portion comprising an upper portion defining a first opening configured to receive a liquid or solid material. The central portion further comprising a lower portion defining a second opening configured to discharge the liquid or solid material. The body of the disposable packaging apparatus further comprises a top portion connected to the central portion at the first opening. The top portion further comprises a sealing mechanism configured to releasably seal the first opening.

In some embodiments, the body of the disposable packaging apparatus further comprises a bottom portion detachably connected to the central portion at the second opening, wherein the second opening is sealed by the bottom portion when the bottom portion is attached to the central portion and unsealed when the bottom portion is detached from the central portion. The body also comprises a detachment mechanism configured to allow the bottom portion to be detached from the central portion. And, the disposable packaging apparatus also disposes a strap connected to the body wherein the lower portion of the central portion may be folded between the strap and the body when the bottom portion has been detached.

In some embodiments, the central portion is disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the width of the cavity is tapered from the top portion to the bottom portion. The body may be formed of a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the body may be formed of metallocene. And, in other embodiments, the body may be formed of a medical grade low density poly ethylene.

The detachment mechanism may comprise a distorted section in some embodiments. The distorted section may be a perforated strip. And, in other embodiments, the distorted section may comprise a laser-scored strip. The detachment mechanism may comprise a notch in some embodiments. And, the notch can be laser-scored. The body may also comprise a skirt disposed at the edge of the body.

In another embodiment, the disposable packaging apparatus may comprise a body comprising a central portion disposed between a top portion and a central portion, and defining a cavity therein. The central portion may comprise an upper portion defining a first opening configured to receive a liquid or solid material. And the central portion may further comprise a lower portion defining a second opening configured to discharge the liquid or solid material.

In some embodiments, the body of the disposable packaging apparatus may further comprise a top portion connected to the central portion at the first opening. The top portion may comprise a sealing mechanism comprising a male track disposed on a first flap and a female track disposed on a second flap wherein the sealing mechanism is configured to releasably seal the first opening when the male and female tracks are fastened together.

And, the body of the disposable packaging apparatus may further comprise a bottom portion detachably connected to the second opening wherein the second opening is sealed when the bottom portion is attached and unsealed when the bottom portion is detached. The body may also comprise a skirt disposed at the edge of the body in some embodiments. And, in some embodiments, the body may comprise a detachment mechanism configured to allow the bottom portion to be detached from the central portion. The detachment mechanism can comprise a notch disposed on the skirt. And, the disposable packaging apparatus may also comprise a strap connected to the body wherein the lower portion of the central portion may be folded between the strap and the body when the bottom portion has been detached. Furthermore, the width of cavity is tapered from the top section to the bottom section in some embodiments.

The body may be formed of a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the body may be formed of metallocene. And, in other embodiments, the body may be formed of a medical grade low density poly ethylene.

In some embodiments, the detachment mechanism further comprises a distorted section. And, the distorted section comprises a perforated strip in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the distorted section comprises a laser-scored strip. Furthermore, the notch may be laser scored in some embodiments.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present disclosure will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is one embodiment of a disposable packaging apparatus.

FIG. 2 is one embodiment of a disposable packaging apparatus.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a first flap of the disposable packaging apparatus.

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a second flap of the disposable packaging apparatus.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of the first portion of the disposable packaging apparatus.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a disposable packaging apparatus.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of a disposable packaging apparatus.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a disposable packaging apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Users have a need to safely transport edible and non-edible products in a disposable packaging system and conveniently dispense the product from the disposable packaging system. Typical disposable packaging systems may provide adequate leakage protection and sealing, but it can be difficult and inconvenient to neatly dispense products from the disposable packaging systems. The present disposable packaging apparatus allows convenient product discharge while preventing leakage and maintaining an effective seal.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

FIG. 1 is a disposable packaging apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 10 includes a body 7 having a first portion 12, a second portion 18, and a central portion 14. In some embodiments, the first portion 12, may be a top portion and the second portion 18 may be a bottom portion. In some embodiments, the central portion 18 defines a cavity 1. And, in some embodiments, the central portion 14 further comprises an upper portion 37 and a lower portion 38. In general, the body includes a cavity 1 for storing the product. It will be appreciated that the cavity 1 can be formed into a variety of shapes. In some embodiments, the cavity 1 may have a tubular shape. And in some embodiments, the cavity 1 may be tapered so that one end is narrower than another end. The cavity 1 may also comprise a diamond shape in some embodiments. And, in some embodiments, the cavity 1 may have a funnel shape. The cavity 1 can also be formed into any other shape in different embodiments.

The cavity 1 may comprise a first opening 2, and a second opening 3. The first opening 2 may be defined by the upper portion 37 of the central portion 14 and the second opening 3 may be defined by the lower portion 38 of the central portion 14. The apparatus 10 can be configured so that the first portion 12 is connected to the central portion 14 at the first opening 2, which allows a solid or liquid material or product to be introduced into the cavity 1 through the first opening 2. After the product has been received into the cavity 1, it can be stored there until the user decides to dispense it through the second opening 3. In some embodiments, the first opening 2 and the second opening 3 are the same size. But, in other embodiments, the first opening 2 and the second opening 3 are different sizes. In some embodiments, the first opening 2 is larger than the second opening 3. A large first opening 2 may be utilized so a user can easily introduce a product into the cavity 1. And, a small second opening 3 may be beneficial for dispensing a product out of the cavity 1 in a controlled manner. A tapered cavity 1, as is present in some embodiments, also can help the user control the dispensation of the product.

In some embodiments, the first portion 12 may comprise a sealing mechanism 6. The sealing mechanism 6 may be configured to releasably seal the first opening 2. This allows a user to open the apparatus 10 to introduce product into the cavity 1, and reseal the cavity 1 with the sealing mechanism 6 after the product has been received into the cavity 1. The seal produced by the sealing mechanism 6 may be airtight or watertight. This sealing functionality allows the user to conveniently store the product in the apparatus 10 and seal the cavity 1 to protect the product from leaking, spilling, or becoming contaminated by dust, dirt, liquid or other unwanted materials. The apparatus 10 can also easily be carried and transported while safely storing the product. In an alternative embodiment, the first portion 12 can be heat sealed to provide permanent closure after the product has been introduced into the central portion 14.

The first portion 12 can be configured so that the user can easily seal and unseal the sealing mechanism 6. In some embodiments, the first portion may 12 comprise a first flap 4 and a second flap 5 as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. In some embodiments the lengths and widths of the first flap 4 and the second flap 5 are identical. In other embodiments, the length of the first flap 4 is greater than the length of the second flap 5. This gives the first flap 4 an edge 36 that extends beyond the surface of the second flap 5. Such an embodiment is depicted in FIG. 5. This extra length will make it easier for a user to separate the flaps and unseal the sealing mechanism 6. In other embodiments the second flap 5 is longer than the first flap 4 and has an edge that extends beyond the surface of the first flap 4.

The first portion 12 includes an opening (not shown) whereby a product can be brought through the first opening 2 and into the cavity 1. As described above, the first portion 12 comprises a sealing mechanism 6 whereby the first opening 2 of the cavity 1 may be sealed and unsealed as desired by the user. This protects the product from contamination and prevents it from escaping out of first opening 2.

The product is prevented from escaping from the second opening 3 by the second portion 18. The second portion 18 is detachably connected to the central portion 14. When the second portion is attached to the central portion 18, the second portion seals the second opening 3 and prevents the product from exiting the cavity 1 from the second opening 3. When the second portion 18 is detached from the central portion 14, the second opening 3 becomes unsealed and a user can dispense the product from the cavity 1. In some embodiments, the second portion 18 is permanently detached after it is removed from the central portion 14.

The second portion 18 may be detached from the body 7 by a detachment mechanism 8 configured to allow the second portion 18 to be detached from the second opening 3. In some embodiments, the second portion 18 comprises the detachment mechanism 8. In other embodiments, the detachment mechanism 8 is disposed between the second portion 18 and the central portion 14. In some embodiments, the detachment mechanism 8 is disposed on a skirt 35, as depicted in FIG. 6. And, in other embodiments the detachment mechanism may be located elsewhere.

In some embodiments, the detachment mechanism 8 comprises a distorted section 9 that is configured to allow the second portion 18 to be detached from the central portion 14. One such embodiment is illustrated by arrows A to B in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the distorted section 9 comprises a strip of perforated material. In some embodiments, the distorted section 9 is a laser-scored strip. A distorted section comprising a laser-scored strip can reduce the likelihood of leakage at the second opening 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the distorted section 9 can extend across the width of the second portion 18 of the body 7. But, in other embodiments, the distorted section 9 may not extend across the full width of the second portion 18. In some embodiments, the distorted section 9 comprises the same material as the body 7. In other embodiments the distorted section 9 is formed of a different material than the body 7.

In other embodiments, the detachment mechanism 8 comprises a notch 31, which can be used to detach the second portion 18 from the central portion 14 by pulling at the notch and tearing away the second portion 18. One such embodiment is depicted in FIG. 6. Some embodiments pair the notch 31 with a distorted section 9 to comprise the detachment mechanism. In other embodiments, the notch 31 is not paired with a distorted section 9. In some embodiments, the notch 31 comprises a laser-scored material.

In some embodiments the body 7 comprises a skirt 35. One such embodiment is depicted in FIG. 6. The skirt 35 may comprise excess material along the edge of the body 7. However, in other embodiments, the skirt may not extend around the edge of the entire body 7. In some embodiments, the skirt 35 only extends along the edge of the second portion 18. The skirt 35 is formed of the same material as the body 7 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the skirt 35 is formed of a different material than the body 7. In some embodiments, the skirt 35 may be thicker than the body 7. But in other embodiments, the skirt 35 has the same thickness, or is less thick than the body 7. In some embodiments, the detachment mechanism 8 is disposed on the skirt 35. In one such embodiment, the detachment mechanism 8 comprises a notch 31. In another such embodiment, the detachment mechanism 8 comprises a distorted section 9 disposed on the skirt 35. Placing the detachment mechanism 8 on the skirt 35 is desirable in some embodiments to reduce leaking because the skirt 35 does not store any product.

Returning to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, at least a section 16 of the central portion 14 is sealed so as to prevent the product from being received therein. In another embodiment, the section 16 can be heat sealed. As shown, the section 16 of the central portion 14 that is sealed can be sealed about the edges of the body. Doing so results in the formation of a funnel-shaped central portion 14.

In one embodiment, the central portion 14 is between the first portion 12 and the second portion 18. In another embodiment, the first portion 14 and the second portion 18 are on opposite ends of the body 7.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict one embodiment of the sealing mechanism 6. In this embodiment, the first flap 4 of the first portion 12, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises a male track 32. And the second flap 5, as shown in FIG. 4, comprises a female track 33. A releasable seal can be created by pressing the male track 32 and the female track 33 together. This embodiment allows the user to conveniently unseal the first opening 2 so product can be introduced into the cavity 1 and seal the first opening 2 so the product can be stored in the cavity 1. In other embodiments, the second flap 5 comprises the male track 32 and the first flap 4 comprises the female track 33. In one embodiment, the sealing mechanism 6 further comprises a sliding press (not shown) that is configured to slide along the track and seal the first opening 2. And, as can be appreciated, alternative sealing mechanisms can be utilized. Also mentioned above, the first portion 12 can be heat sealed to provide permanent closure after the product has been introduced into the central portion 14. In other embodiments, an adhesive can be used to permanently seal the first opening 2. In some embodiments, the first flap 4, may include an adhesive strip that is covered by a peal-away strip. When the user wishes to seal the first opening 2, the peal-away strip can be removed, and the adhesive strip can be pressed to the second flap 5 thereby creating a seal. And, in still further embodiments, permanent sealing can be achieved by other means known in the art.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1, the product is capable of being discharged from the central portion 14 of the body as can be illustrated by arrow Y. The discharge process can take place after the second portion 18 has been removed from the central portion 14 of the body. In some embodiments, the body 7 includes a tubular configuration. In some embodiments, the body 7 is tapered from the first portion 12 to the second portion 18. Some embodiments may have a funnel-shaped body. And in some embodiments, the body 7 is formed in a diamond shape. This embodiment will help the user control the product discharge from the cavity 1. In other embodiments, the body 7 includes any polygonal configuration.

In one embodiment 7, the body can be formed of a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the body 7 can be formed of a plastic or corn material. In some embodiments, the body 7 is formed of medical grade low density poly ethylene. And, in some other embodiments, the body 7 is formed of Mettalocene. In yet another embodiment, the body 7 can be formed of any suitable biodegradable material. As can be appreciated, the body 7 can be comprised of any color of material, a transparent material, or a translucent material. A transparent material may be helpful so a user can see into the cavity 1 to determine what type of product is being stored. Different color materials may be helpful to users for organizational or decorative purposes. In some embodiments the body 7 may be comprised of more than one type of material, or more than one color of material. In some embodiments, the body 7 may also comprise a writeable surface so a user can write on the body.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the apparatus 10 further comprising a strap 34 attached to the body 7. The strap 34 provides a way to secure the second portion 18 to the central portion 14. In such an embodiment, the second portion 18 can be tucked into the strap 34 for ease of transport.

In some embodiments, the strap 34 can also be used to secure the second opening 3 after the second opening 3 has been unsealed for product discharge. After a user detaches the second portion 18 and discharges the desired amount of product from the second opening 3, the remaining product can be stored by tucking or folding the lower portion 38 of the central portion 14 into the strap 34. In different embodiments, the strap 34 is located at different places. In can be disposed on the first portion 12 or central portions 14 of the body in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the location of the strap 34 is configured so that the lower portion 38 of the central portion 14 can be tucked or folded into the strap 34 when there are varying amounts of product being stored in the cavity 1. In some embodiments, the strap 34 is formed of the same material as the body 7. And, in other embodiments, the strap 34 is formed of a material that is different from the material used to form the body 7. The strap 34 may have a writable surface in some embodiments. The strap 34 may be elastic, in some embodiments, so that the second opening of the cavity 1 can be tightly secured. And, in some embodiments, additional, or alternative means can be used to tighten the strap 34.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of straps 34. In some embodiments, both sides of the body 7 have a strap 34. In other embodiments, straps 34 can be disposed on a single side of the body 7. In some embodiments, straps 34 can be arranged latitudinally on a side of the body 7. One such embodiment is depicted if FIG. 7 This arrangement can provide additional support to hold the lower portion 38 in place when it tucked into the straps 34. In other embodiments, straps 34 can be arranged to crisscross, which can also provide added support to hold the second opening 3 of the cavity 1 in place when it is tucked into the straps 34. One such embodiment is depicted in FIG. 8.

In one embodiment, the product that is introduced is an edible product such as food or dressing. In another embodiment, the product that is introduced is a non-edible product such as make-up or lotion. In some embodiments, the product may be any suitable viscous, liquid, or solid materials including but not limited to powders.

FIG. 2 is a disposable packaging apparatus 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 20 includes a body having a first portion 22, a second portion 28, and a central portion 24. The first portion 22 includes an opening for introducing a product into the central portion 24 as can be illustrated by X. In general, the body includes a cavity 21 for storing the product. The second portion 28 includes a distorted section configured to dissociate a part of the second portion from the body as can be illustrated by arrows C to D via a series of perforations. As shown, the distorted section can extend across the width of the second portion 28 of the body. Once dissociated, a part 21 of the second portion 28 can be removed or detached from the body or the central portion 24 of the apparatus 20.

In one embodiment, at least a section 26 of the central portion 24 is sealed so as to prevent the product from being received therein. In another embodiment, the section 26 can be heat sealed. As shown, the section 26 of the central portion 24 that is sealed can be sealed about the edges of the body. Doing so results in the formation of a diamond-shaped central portion 24.

In one embodiment, the central portion 24 is between the first portion 22 and the second portion 28. In another embodiment, the first portion 24 and the second portion 28 are on opposite ends of the body. The first portion 22 can be secured after the product has been introduced into the central portion 24. For example, the first portion 22 can include a watertight seal such as opposing male/female tracks that can be engaged by pressure or fastener. In the alternative, the first portion 22 can be heat sealed to provide permanent closure after the product has been introduced into the central portion 24.

In one embodiment, the product is capable of being discharged from the central portion 24 of the body as can be illustrated by arrow Y. The discharge process can take place after the distorted section has been removed from the second portion 28 of the body. In some embodiments, the body includes a tubular configuration. In other embodiments, the body includes any polygonal configuration.

In one embodiment, the body can be formed of a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the body 7 is formed of medical grade low density poly ethylene. And, in some other embodiments, the body 7 is formed of Mettalocene. In another embodiment, the body can be formed of a plastic or corn material. In yet another embodiment, the body can be formed of any suitable biodegradable material. And, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a variety of other material may be used to form the body.

In one embodiment, the product that is introduced is an edible product such as food or dressing. In another embodiment, the product that is introduced is a non-edible product such as make-up or lotion. In some embodiments, the product may be any suitable viscous or liquid material. In this embodiment, the apparatus 20 further includes a writable surface 23 about one of the first portion 22, the second portion 28, or the central portion 24 of the body.

In operation, a method of using a disposable packaging apparatus 10, 20 includes providing a body having a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion. Concomitant to the providing step, distorting a section of the second portion so as to enable a part of the second portion to be dissociated from the body, and sealing a section of the central portion. And introducing a product into the central portion from an opening of the first portion, where the product is prevented from being received in the sealed section of the central portion.

In one embodiment, the providing step includes providing the central portion between the first portion and the second portion. In another embodiment, the providing step includes providing the first portion and the second portion being on opposite ends of the body. In some embodiments, the method further includes securing the first portion after the product has been introduced into the central portion. In other embodiments, the method further includes dissociating the distorted section of the second portion from the body, and discharging the product from the central portion of body.

In one embodiment, the sealing step includes sealing the section of the central portion about the edges of the body. In some embodiments, concomitant to the providing step, the method includes forming a writable surface about one of the first portion, the second portion, and the central portion of the body.

In one embodiment, the providing step includes providing the body having a tubular configuration. In another embodiment, the providing step includes forming the body of a polymeric material. In one example, the introducing step includes introducing an edible product. In another example, the introducing step includes introducing a non-edible product. In some embodiments, the distorting step includes the distorted section extending across the width of the second portion of the body.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the disclosure as described and defined in the following claims

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a body comprising: a central portion defining a cavity therein and comprising: an upper portion defining a first opening configured to receive a liquid or solid material; and a lower portion defining a second opening configured to discharge the liquid or solid material; and a top portion connected to the central portion at the first opening and comprising a sealing mechanism configured to releasably seal the first opening; a bottom portion detachably connected to the central portion at the second opening, wherein the second opening is sealed by the bottom portion when the bottom portion is attached to the central portion and unsealed when the bottom portion is detached from the central portion; a detachment mechanism configured to allow the bottom portion to be detached from the central portion; and

a strap connected to the body wherein the lower portion of the central portion is configured to be folded between the strap and the body after the bottom portion has been detached.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central portion is disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the width of the cavity is tapered from the top portion to the bottom portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is formed of a polymeric material.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detachment mechanism further comprises a distorted section.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the distorted section comprises a perforated strip.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the distorted section comprises a laser-scored strip.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detachment mechanism comprises a notch.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the notch is laser scored.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, where the body further comprises a skirt disposed at the edge of the body.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is formed of a medical grade low density poly ethylene.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is formed of metallocene.

13. An apparatus comprising:

a body comprising: a central portion disposed between a top portion and a central portion, defining a cavity therein and comprising: an upper portion defining a first opening configured to receive a liquid or solid material; and a lower portion defining a second opening configured to discharge the liquid or solid material; and a top portion connected to the central portion at the first opening and comprising; a sealing mechanism comprising a male track disposed on a first flap and a female track disposed on a second flap wherein the sealing mechanism is configured to releasably seal the first opening when the male and female tracks are fastened together; a bottom portion detachably connected to the second opening wherein the second opening is sealed when the bottom portion is attached and unsealed when the bottom portion is detached; a skirt disposed at the edge of the body; a detachment mechanism configured to allow the bottom portion to be detached from the central portion and comprising: a notch disposed on the skirt; and

a strap connected to the body wherein the lower portion of the central portion is configured to be folded between the strap and the body after the bottom portion has been detached; and

wherein the width of the cavity is tapered from the top section to the bottom section.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the body is formed of a polymeric material.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the body is formed of a medical grade low density poly ethylene.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the body is formed of metallocene.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the detachment mechanism further comprises a distorted section.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the distorted section comprises a perforated strip.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the distorted section comprises a laser-scored strip.

20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the notch is laser scored.