SPILL-RESISTANT GRAVITY DISPENSING SNACK CONTAINERS

Abstract

A snack container includes a housing having a storage chamber and a retrieval chamber, the retrieval chamber connected to a retrieval chamber opening positioned lower than portions of the storage chamber, and a protrusion connected to the housing and partially separating the storage chamber and the retrieval chamber.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/714,740 filed on Aug. 5, 2018 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snack containers for toddlers are often adapted with spill-resistant features, as toddlers have low dexterity, minimal hand-eye coordination, and generally have a limited ability to reliably control the container without spilling its contents. References such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,717 to Bussard et al. discloses container openings at least partially covered by resilient flexible members that can flex in or out, and attempt to block the snacks from falling out of the container. These types of commercially available containers allow toddlers to reach into the container and grab snacks since the flexible resilient members bend inward as the hand is inserted.

These types of conventional containers have many drawbacks. It's difficult for the flexible resilient members to flex downward when the container is filled to the top with snacks, since the snacks block inward movement of the flexible resilient members. This also makes hand insertion difficult and frustrates the toddler. Further, when the container is near empty, toddlers have a tendency to reach their entire hand into the container to grab snacks at the bottom, and the flexible members often trap the toddler's hand at the wrist, which is uncomfortable. Additionally, when the hand gets stuck, the toddler often flips the container upside down (and the flexible resilient members are open since the hand is inserted) which had a tendency to spill remaining snacks and crumbs from the container. This defeats the “spill-resistant” purpose of the flexible members. Also, many of these containers are manufactured tall to allow more room and prevent the snacks from blocking the flexible resilient members, allowing clearance for internal downward flexion. However this higher center of gravity can make the container more unstable harder for the toddler to control.

Another type of spill-resistant container is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,388 to Amormino, which discloses a spill-resistant container having an open upper end that is maintained closed by a cover of flexible elastic fabric. The cover is made from two overlapping pieces of elasticized fabric which may be pushed aside by a person's fingers reaching inside the container to access food items therein. Once the person's hand is withdrawn from the opening, the two pieces of fabric snap shut, returning to their original overlapping positions and thereby closing the open end of the receptacle. The cover is detachably connected to the receptacle to permit cleaning and refilling of the receptacle.

This type of container has advantages, however commercially available spill-resistant containers that are rigid (most often made from a food-grade plastic) can be difficult for young children such as toddlers to keep a good grip on. They often slip out of hands, and can become very slippery when wet. These containers are often manufactured with additional components such as winged grips for the child to grab on to, but this increases the manufacturing costs, adds to the side of the container, and is an additional part that needs to be cleaned. Also, the overlapping fabric pieces can be hard to clean, and may require disassembly to clean, adding complexity to manufacturing, cleaning, and adding cost and more parts to keep track of.

Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved snack container that provides the spill-resistant features that parents appreciate, while improving the ease of use for toddlers. There is also a need for soft and/or flexible snack containers that include the spill resistant features and do not require the addition of special gripping components. These improved containers should eliminate the drawbacks of conventional spill-resistant containers that rely on flexible resilient members. The embodiments described herein meet that need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a snack container includes a housing having a storage chamber and a retrieval chamber, the retrieval chamber connected to a retrieval chamber opening positioned lower than portions of the storage chamber; and a protrusion connected to the housing and partially separating the storage chamber and the retrieval chamber. In one embodiment, the housing includes a flexible fabric. In one embodiment, the snack container includes a storage chamber opening connected to the storage chamber. In one embodiment, the retrieval chamber opening is positioned lower than the storage chamber opening. In one embodiment, the storage chamber opening comprises a closure configured to close the storage chamber opening. In one embodiment, the protrusion separates the storage chamber opening and the retrieval chamber opening. In one embodiment, the protrusion extends down from a top edge of the housing. In one embodiment, the housing is generally wedged shaped.

In one embodiment, a snack container system includes a housing forming a snack storage chamber at least partially surrounding a funnel; and a first opening formed at a bottom portion of the funnel and connected to the snack storage chamber. In one embodiment, the snack storage chamber surrounds a majority of the funnel. In one embodiment, the snack storage chamber fully surrounds the funnel. In one embodiment, the snack container system includes a base cap configured to attach to the housing to close a second opening formed at a bottom portion of the snack storage chamber. In one embodiment, the first opening comprises a plurality of flexible resilient members at least partially blocking the opening. In one embodiment, the snack container system includes a snack cap configured to attach to the first opening to close the first opening.

In one embodiment, a snack container includes a housing forming a snack storage chamber having top portion, a bottom portion and a funnel portion therebetween; and a first opening formed at a bottom portion of the chamber; where an external surface of the housing at the funnel portion is configured to be handheld. In one embodiment, a diameter of the housing at the funnel portion is 0.5-2 inches. In one embodiment, a diameter of the housing at the funnel portion is 0.5-1.5 inches. In one embodiment, a diameter of the housing at the funnel portion is 0.75-1.25 inches. In one embodiment, the external surface includes at a grip surface comprising at least one of a different housing surface material or a plurality of protrusions. In one embodiment, a top portion of the housing comprises a fill cap.

In one embodiment, a snack container system includes a container comprising a housing forming a snack storage chamber and a first attachment portion disposed at an opening of the housing; and a cap comprising a second attachment portion disposed around a first cap opening and configured to mate with the first attachment portion, and a cap chamber connected to a second cap opening, wherein the first and second cap openings are disposed on the same side of the cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing purposes and features, as well as other purposes and features, will become apparent with reference to the description and accompanying figures below, which are included to provide an understanding of the invention and constitute a part of the specification, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a snack container shown filled with snacks according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the snack container of FIG. 1A shown empty according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a snack container system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the snack container system of FIG. 2A with the snack cap on and shown filled with snacks according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the snack container system of FIG. 2A with the snack cap removed and shown filled with snacks according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the snack container system of FIG. 2A with the feed cap removed and shown partially filled with snacks according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2E is a top view of the snack container system of FIG. 2A with the feed cap removed according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2F is a top view of the snack container system of FIG. 2A with the feed cap removed and resilient flexible members partially covering the top opening according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional exploded view of the snack container system of FIG. 2A according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3E show steps for filling and preparing the stack container of system of FIG. 2A for use according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of a snack container system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional diagram of the snack container of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional diagram of the snack container of FIG. 4A shown filled with snacks according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4D shows a front-view diagram of the snack container of FIG. 4A shown filled with snacks according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows a snack container system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows the snack container system of FIG. 5A is dispense mode according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5C shows the snack container system of FIG. 5C in storage mode according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a more clear comprehension of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in snack container systems. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the art.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described.

As used herein, each of the following terms has the meaning associated with it in this section.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

“About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, and ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Where appropriate, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts or elements throughout the several views, in various embodiments, presented herein is a spill-resistant gravity dispensing snack containers according to several embodiments.

Embodiments described herein use gravity dispensing to advantageously concentrate a small amount of snack food at an opening, so that the snack are easily accessible. Advantageously, only a small amount of the snacks in the container are vulnerable to spilling at any given time, and the vast majority of the contents remain spill-proof. The containers also do not require flexible resilient elements, although they can be included. Advantageously, hands will not get stuck, containers can be filled to the top without any issue, and snacks are consistently fed to an easily accessible shallow opening, easily retrievable by toddlers. Certain embodiments enable a low center of gravity container geometry, making the container very stable. Certain embodiments enable taller containers that have a central grip instead of an periphery grip, making them easy to control. Certain embodiments utilize a cap component that is adaptable to enable gravity dispensing with conventional bottles.

With reference now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a spill-resistant reusable snack bag 10 is shown according to one embodiment. The bag housing 12 is constructed preferably from soft and flexible materials such as food safe fabric (such as PUL fabric), and has a generally wedged shape. The housing chamber 20 has a storage chamber 22 and a retrieval chamber 24. The storage chamber 22 is generally where food is stored, and its accessed via the storage chamber opening 30. The retrieval chamber 32 is where food is retrieved from, and its accessed via the retrieval chamber opening 32. The storage chamber 22 and the retrieval chamber 24 are connected below a chamber protrusion 40. The chamber protrusion 40 impedes the flow of snacks from the storage chamber 22 to the retrieval chamber 24. The impedance of flow of snacks helps to keep their flow to the retrieval chamber 24 controlled so that only a small amount of snacks are gravity dispensed into the retrieval chamber 24 at any given time. As shown more specifically in FIG. 1B, gravity generally moves and pushes the snacks from the storage chamber 22 to the retrieval chamber 24 as snacks are removed from the retrieval chamber 24 since voids in the retrieval chamber 24 allow more snacks to more into it from the storage chamber 22. The storage chamber opening 30 can include a closure such as a flap 50 having a first 52 and second 54 connection element configured to mate with each other, such as hook and loop materials, zippers, or other types of closures known in the art. The retrieval chamber opening 32 can include a similar type of closure.

Advantageously, toddlers can grab food from the retrieval chamber, which has a consistent and easy to access shallow depth. If the container drops or is tipped, only a small amount of snacks are vulnerable to being spilled. The low profile of the container makes it more stable than conventional toddler snack containers. The soft, flexible fabric construction is easy to grab, and when filled with snacks is similar to gripping a beanbag, which makes it easy for toddlers to maintain control of. The soft and compliant nature of the bag can also make it less susceptible to fully tip upside down. Since the housing can be made of food-safe fabric, the container can store flat or folded, taking up less space than conventional plastic containers.

With reference now to FIGS. 2A-2G, a spill-resistant snack container system 100 is shown according to one embodiment. The handheld container system 100 includes a generally circular or ring-shaped housing 102 that has a central funnel 104 leading to a snack opening 110. The snack opening 110 can include an attachment mechanism, such as a threaded perimeter 112 that mates with threads 152 of a snack cap 150. The perimeter of the funnel 104 includes a food storage chamber 120 that includes a top portion 122 and a bottom portion 124 partially separated by a protrusion 123. The walls funnel 104 double as a storage chamber 120 for snacks. As food is removed from the bottom portion 124 of the storage chamber 120 through the snack opening 110, gravity will pull down food from the top portion 122, automatically replenishing food directly below the snack opening 110. The space between the snack opening 110 can be configured to a depth convenient for retrieval of snacks for toddlers and kids. The bottom of the housing 102 has a fill opening 130 that is closed by a base cap 140. The base cap 140 can include an attachment mechanism such as threads 142 that mate with threads 108 on the bottom of the housing 102. Handles 106 can be attached to or formed with the exterior of the housing 102. Instead of handles 106 or in addition to them, the housing 102 itself can be formed with an ergonomic handheld geometry, including for example impressions or opening for thumbs and other fingers. In one embodiment, the housing is constructed from a clear material, such as a food grade plastic.

This embodiment 100 is similar to the previous embodiment 10 in that both embodiments take advantage of spill-resistant gravity dispensing feature by having a housing having a storage chamber and a retrieval chamber, the retrieval chamber connected to a retrieval chamber opening positioned lower than portions of the storage chamber, and a protrusion connected to the housing and partially separating the storage chamber and the retrieval chamber. Advantageously, with respect to the current embodiment 100, toddlers can grab food from a consistent and easy to access shallow container depth. Further, the funnel geometry can recollect any snacks that are dropped above it during retrieval. Parents can fill the container so that treats are at the top portion of the storage chamber and the rest is healthy snacks, so that kids see the treats but are forced to first eat the healthy snacks to access the treats. Different snacks can be added to the clear container to create a layered visual effect. If the container drops or is tipped, only a small amount of snacks are vulnerable to being spilled. Alternately, flexible resilient members can be used via an optional cap, or built into the snack opening. The low profile of the container makes it more stable than conventional toddler snack containers.

In one embodiment, the snack opening 110 can include flexible resilient members 160 at least partially blocking the snack opening 110 (e.g. FIG. 2F). An alternate cap can optionally include the flexible resilient members as an additional accessory, making the option of the flexible resilient members available depending on use preference. In one embodiment, the snack opening is positioned within a bottom half of the container height. In one embodiment, the snack opening is positioned within a bottom third of the container height. In one embodiment, the snack opening is positioned within a bottom quarter of the container height. In one embodiment, the snack opening is positioned within a bottom fifth of the container height. In one embodiment, the snack opening is positioned within a bottom sixth of the container height.

In one embodiment, the snack container system includes a housing forming a snack storage chamber at least partially surrounding a funnel, and a first opening formed at a bottom portion of the funnel and connected to the snack storage chamber. In one embodiment, the snack storage chamber surrounds a majority of the funnel. In one embodiment, the snack storage chamber fully surrounds the funnel. In one embodiment, the snack container system includes a base cap configured to attach to the housing to close a second opening formed at a bottom portion of the snack storage chamber. In one embodiment, the first opening comprises a plurality of flexible resilient members at least partially blocking the opening. In one embodiment, the snack container system includes a snack cap configured to attach to the first opening to close the first opening.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3E, filling the container is a simple process. The container is first turned upside down with the snack cap on and the base cap off (FIG. 3A). A snack of choice is then added (FIG. 3B). Advantageously, the housing can be a clear material, and different snacks can be added to display a layered effect. Special treats can be added first, followed by a healthy snack, so that the child is rewarded with the treat once they get through eating the healthy snack. Once full, the base cap can be added (FIG. 3C). When ready to eat, simply turn the container upright (FIG. 3D) and remove the snack cap (FIG. 3E).

With reference now to FIGS. 4A-4D, a spill-resistant snack container system is shown according to one embodiment. The handheld container system 200 includes a housing 210 forming a chamber 220 that has a top portion 202, a bottom portion 206 and a funnel portion 204 therebetween. The bottom portion 206 includes a snack opening 220 for retrieving food. The top portion 202 and top of the housing 210 includes a cap 230 for filling the container with snacks. The funnel portion 204 advantageously includes a grip 235 on the outside surface of the housing 210 which provides a balanced point for children to grip the container. The container 200 can include a separation point 240 to make it easy to wash, and can be a connection mechanism know in the art such as a threaded mating arrangement. These taller containers that have a central grip instead of an periphery grip, making them balanced ad easy to control. Advantageously, the container is largely spill proof since only a small amount of snacks are exposed to the opening. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other features described in other embodiments, such are flexible resilient members can be used at the opening, or an optional cap with flexible resilient members can be an optional attachment.

In one embodiment, a snack container includes a housing forming a snack storage chamber having top portion, a bottom portion and a funnel portion therebetween, and a first opening formed at a bottom portion of the chamber, where an external surface of the housing at the funnel portion is configured to be handheld. In one embodiment, a diameter of the housing at the funnel portion is 0.5-2 inches. In one embodiment, a diameter of the housing at the funnel portion is 0.5-1.5 inches. In one embodiment, a diameter of the housing at the funnel portion is 0.75-1.25 inches. In one embodiment, the external surface includes at a grip surface comprising at least one of a different housing surface material or a plurality of protrusions. In one embodiment, a top portion of the housing comprises a fill cap.

With reference now to FIGS. 5A-5C, a spill-resistant snack container system 300 is shown according to one embodiment. The system 300 includes a container 302 having a housing 304 forming a chamber 306 and a top threaded portion 308 surrounding a top opening 309. A cap 330 includes two sets of threads that mate with the top threaded portion 308 of the container 302. Threads 332 on the dispense side of the cap 330 allow snacks to flow along an interior wall 336 into a cap chamber 340 for retrieval through a cap snack opening 360. Threads 336 on the storage side of the cap 330 run up to the interior wall 330 and allow the container's chamber 306 to seal off. Accordingly, the cap allows for a dispense mode and a storage mode, depending on which set of threads 332, 336 engage the container threads 308. An interior protrusion 350 can be used to control the gravity dispensing flow of snacks, and can be adjustable to customize dispensing rates via protruding at variable depths. As will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, adjustable interior protrusions can be adapted to the various embodiments described herein. Those having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that other features described in other embodiment, such are flexible resilient members can be used at the opening, or an optional cap for the opening with flexible resilient members can be an optional attachment. Advantageously, this simple container and cap system can both seal snacks to keep them fresh and contained, and provide gravity dispense spill-resistant access. In one embodiment, the cap 330 only needs threads 332 on the dispense side. The threads 332 can extend to the interior wall 336 so that storage mode is the container 302 screwed all the way down flush with the wall 336, dispense mode is adjustable by partially unscrewing the container 302, presenting an adjustable gap for gravity dispense, and fill mode is fully removing the container 302. Caps can be adaptable to fit commercially available containers, so that parents can utilize snack containers they already own to adapt them to have the gravity dispense feature.

In one embodiment, a snack container system includes a container comprising a housing forming a snack storage chamber and a first attachment portion disposed at an opening of the housing, and a cap comprising a second attachment portion disposed around a first cap opening and configured to mate with the first attachment portion, and a cap chamber connected to a second cap opening, wherein the first and second cap openings are disposed on the same side of the cap.

The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A snack container comprising:

a housing having a storage chamber and a retrieval chamber, the retrieval chamber connected to a retrieval chamber opening positioned lower than portions of the storage chamber; and

a protrusion connected to the housing and partially separating the storage chamber and the retrieval chamber.

2. The snack container of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a flexible fabric.

3. The snack container of claim 1 further comprising:

a storage chamber opening connected to the storage chamber.

4. The snack container of claim 3, wherein the retrieval chamber opening is positioned lower than the storage chamber opening.

5. The snack container of claim 3, wherein the storage chamber opening comprises a closure configured to close the storage chamber opening.

6. The snack container of claim 3, wherein the protrusion separates the storage chamber opening and the retrieval chamber opening.

7. the snack container of claim 3, wherein the protrusion extends down from a top edge of the housing.

8. The snack container of claim 1, wherein the housing is generally wedged shaped.

9. A snack container system comprising:

a housing forming a snack storage chamber at least partially surrounding a funnel; and

a first opening formed at a bottom portion of the funnel and connected to the snack storage chamber.

10. The snack container system of claim 9, wherein the snack storage chamber surrounds a majority of the funnel.

11. The snack container system of claim 9, wherein the snack storage chamber fully surrounds the funnel.

12. The snack container system of claim 9 further comprising:

a base cap configured to attach to the housing to close a second opening formed at a bottom portion of the snack storage chamber.

13. The snack container system of claim 9, wherein the first opening comprises a plurality of flexible resilient members at least partially blocking the opening.

14. The snack container system of claim 9 further comprising:

a snack cap configured to attach to the first opening to close the first opening.

15. A snack container comprising:

a housing forming a snack storage chamber having top portion, a bottom portion and a funnel portion therebetween; and

a first opening formed at a bottom portion of the chamber;

wherein an external surface of the housing at the funnel portion is configured to be handheld.

16. The snack container of claim 15, wherein a diameter of the housing at the funnel portion is 0.5-2 inches.

17. The snack container of claim 15, wherein a diameter of the housing at the funnel portion is 0.75-1.25 inches.

18. The snack container of claim 15, wherein the external surface includes at a grip surface comprising at least one of a different housing surface material or a plurality of protrusions.

19. The snack container of claim 15, wherein a top portion of the housing comprises a fill cap.

20. A snack container system comprising:

a container comprising a housing forming a snack storage chamber and a first attachment portion disposed at an opening of the housing; and

a cap comprising a second attachment portion disposed around a first cap opening and configured to mate with the first attachment portion, and a cap chamber connected to a second cap opening, wherein the first and second cap openings are disposed on the same side of the cap.