POWDER CONTAINER WITH FIRST AND SECOND HINGED CLOSURES

A package (5) is disclosed for holding a powdered material. The package (5) comprises a container (10) and a scoop (50). The container (10) comprises a main body (20), a first hinged closure (30), and a second hinged closure (40). The main body (20) may optionally comprise a collar (325). The first hinged closure (30) is configured to fully cover and resealably close the main body (20) of the container (10) when the container (10) is not in use. The first hinged closure (30) may comprise a pocket (33) to receive the bowl (52) of the scoop (50). Alternatively, the second hinged closure (40) may comprise a scoop receiving structure (344) to secure a scoop (50). The second hinged closure (40) covers at least a portion of the first hinged closure (30) when the container (10) is not in use, thereby keeping the scoop (50) clean between uses.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/654,929, filed Apr. 9, 2018, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of packaging, and specifically to packages comprising containers for housing powders. More particularly, the disclosure relates to packaging comprising a container having a main body to hold the powder and two closures, and a dispensing utensil for measuring and dispensing the powder.

BACKGROUND

Currently, products in granular or powdered form, including but not limited to infant formula powders, instant coffee, instant tea, powdered cocoa, powdered sports drinks, etc., are packaged in containers. Dispensing utensils, such as scoops, may be provided within such containers for measured dispensing of the powdered products. However, if the scoop is merely dropped into the container when the container is filled with the powder, the scoop will tend to settle to the bottom of the container during shipment and storage. This settling makes it difficult for the consumer to locate and remove the scoop from the container without spilling the powder contents, getting the powder on their hands, or potentially contaminating the powder. This can both waste the powder and create potential hygienic problems, which can be ongoing if the scoop is dropped back into the container after each use.

Some manufacturers have designed containers with fasteners, retaining clips, or docking stations that hold the scoop in a more convenient location, such as on the container lid or a container side wall. However, the scoop may still be coated with powder when the container is moved, tipped, or jostled, resulting in more spillage, soiling of the hands, and potential contamination of the powder remaining in the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The package of the present disclosure provides a container with an innovative closure system that provides a location for storing a scoop, cleanly separates the scoop from the powder housed within the container, and controls the spillage of the powder each time the container is opened. In one embodiment, the container comprises a main body, a first hinged closure, and a second hinged closure. The main body comprises sidewalls and a bottom wall forming a compartment, and an upper lip on the sidewalls that defines an opening to the compartment. The first hinged closure is configured to fully cover the opening of the compartment, and forms a resealable seal with the upper lip of the main body. The first hinged closure further comprises a top face and a bottom face, with a pocket on the top face for receiving the bowl of a scoop. The second hinged closure is configured to cover the first hinged closure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the container in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the first hinged closure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the first hinged closure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear left perspective view of the second hinged closure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the opening of the compartment hingedly connected to the bottom face of the first hinged closure;

FIG. 6 is a front right perspective view of the main body and the first hinged closure in a closed position;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the top face of the first hinged closure hingedly connected to the lower lip of the second hinged closure;

FIG. 8 is a front right perspective view of the main body, first hinged closure, and second hinged closure in a closed position;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the scoop engaged in the pocket and handle receiving structure on the top face of the first hinged closure;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of the first hinged closure;

FIG. 11 is a front right perspective view of the second embodiment of the main body and the first hinged closure in a closed position;

FIG. 12 is a front right perspective view of the second embodiment of the main body, first hinged closure, and second hinged closure in a closed position;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a third embodiment of the container in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the opening of the compartment hingedly connected to the bottom face of the first hinged closure of the third embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the top face of the first hinged closure hingedly connected to the lower lip of the second hinged closure of the third embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the container in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the container in accordance with the disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Package Components

Referring now to FIG. 1, in a first embodiment, a package 5 of the present disclosure comprises a container 10 comprising a main body 20, a first hinged closure 30, and a second hinged closure 40. The package 5 further comprises a scoop 50 which is separable from the container 10. Although certain embodiments of the container 10 of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as being substantially cuboid, the present disclosure is not limited to a container 10 of cuboid shape. Instead, containers 10 of the present disclosure may have any three-dimensional shape, including but not limited to cylindrical, spheroid, obloid, rectilinear, frustroconical, frustropyramidal, and other similar shapes.

The main body 20 comprises a plurality of side walls 22 and a bottom wall 24, which define a compartment 21, and an upper lip 26 on the sidewalls 22 that defines an opening 23 to the compartment 21. In some embodiments, a ledge 26b (shown in FIG. 5) extends from the inner wall 26a of the upper lip 26.

The main body 20 is sized such that the compartment 21 is of suitable volume to hold an appropriate amount of powder. Suitable volumes for the compartment 21 may include, but not be limited to, about 250 mL, about 500 mL, about 1000 mL, about 1500 mL, about 2000 mL, and about 2500 mL. The side walls 22 are sized such that the compartment 21 is of suitable height and cross-sectional area to be easy to manufacture, fill, carry, and use. Suitable heights for the compartment 21 may include, but not be limited to, from about 5 cm to about 30 cm in height, including from about 7.5 cm to about 25 cm, about 10 cm to about 20 cm, and about 12.5 cm to about 15 cm in height. Suitable cross-sectional areas for the compartment 21 may include, but not be limited to, from about 25 cm2 to about 1000 cm2 in area, including about 50 cm2 to about 900 cm2, about 100 cm2 to about 800 cm2, about 150 cm2 to about 600 cm2, about 200 cm2 to about 500 cm2, and about 250 cm2 to about 400 cm2 in area.

The side walls 22 and bottom wall 24 are of suitable thicknesses such that the main body 20 is free standing, self-supporting, and capable of containing the powder without rupture during normal manufacturing processes, transport, and use by the consumer. Suitable thicknesses for the side walls 22 and bottom wall 24 may include, but not be limited to, from about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm in thickness, including from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, about 0.4 mm to about 1.5 mm, and including from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm in thickness. It should be understood that the side walls 22 and the bottom wall 24 do not necessarily have the same thicknesses, i.e., the bottom wall 24 may be a different thickness from the side walls 22, and individual side walls 22 may have different thicknesses from one another.

In some embodiments, the main body 20 may further comprise a removeable seal (not shown), such as a foil seal or a polymeric film seal, as is known in the art. The removeable seal may be attached to the upper lip 26 to contain and protect the powder enclosed in the compartment 21 between the time the compartment 21 is filled and the consumer accesses the compartment 21 for the first time. The consumer may remove and discard this seal to access the contents of the compartment 21.

The main body 20 may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as but not limited to, a rigid or semi-rigid material polymeric material. In some embodiments, the main body 20 is manufactured from a polymeric material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), or similar polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the main body 20 is manufactured from an opaque material. In some embodiments, the main body 20 is manufactured from a translucent or transparent material. In some embodiments, the main body 20 is manufactured using an injection molding process, as is known in the art.

A first embodiment of the first hinged closure 30 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. The first hinged closure 30 comprises a top face 31 and a bottom face 32, with a peripheral edge 36 between the top face 31 and the bottom face 32. The top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30 may have a ledge 37 bordering the peripheral edge 36. Similarly, the bottom face 32 of the first hinged closure 30 may have a ledge 37a bordering the peripheral edge 36.

The first hinged closure 30 may further comprise a gasket 39. The gasket 39 may be configured in a variety of ways, such as different shapes, sizes, locations on the first hinged closure, and materials used. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket 39 is positioned on the ledge 37a of the bottom face 32 and extends around the periphery of the first hinged closure 30. The gasket 39 may cover the entire width of the ledge 37a or only a portion of the width of the ledge 37a. The gasket 39 is typically made of one or more resilient materials, such as polymeric materials. The gasket 39 may be made from one or more resilient thermoplastic elastomers, such as metallocene polyethylene (mPE), ethylene-propylene rubbers, styrenic block copolymers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) or styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), and similar rubbery or elastomeric materials.

The first hinged closure 30 may comprise a latch 38 capable of fastening the first hinged closure 30 to the main body 20. The top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30 may comprise a slot 38a capable of receiving a latch 48 on the second hinged closure 40. The first hinged closure 30 is configured and sized to fully cover the opening of the compartment, and forms a resealable seal with the upper lip 26 of the main body 20 (see FIG. 6).

The first hinged closure 30 further has one or more hinges 35 that may hingedly connect the first hinged closure 30 to the container 10. In the first embodiment, the first hinged closure 30 also has one or more hinges 45 that hingedly connect the second hinged closure 40 to the first hinged closure 30. The hinges 35 or the hinges 45 may be any suitable hinge structures, such as living hinges, mechanical hinges, or other hinged structures. Suitable hinges are described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 8,511,499, issued Aug. 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The first hinged closure 30 may have a pocket 33 extending downward from the top face 31 for receiving a bowl 52 of the scoop 50, and a handle-receiving structure 34 on the top face 31 for securing a handle 54 of the scoop 50 to the top face 31. The handle-receiving structure 34 may be any suitable structure for securing the handle. In one embodiment, the handle-receiving structure 34 comprises gripping members 34a to secure the handle 54 within the handle-receiving structure 34. The gripping members 34a may be brackets, clips, projecting fingers, or similar structures known in the art. The gripping members 34a may be integral to the first hinged closure 30, or they may be separate components installed within the handle-receiving structure 34. In some embodiments, the gripping members 34a may comprise a resilient material, such as a flexible or rubbery polymer.

The first hinged closure 30 is of a suitable thickness such that the first hinged closure 30 is self-supporting and capable of fully covering the opening 23 of the compartment 21 without tearing, breaking, or collapsing during normal manufacturing processes, transport, and use by the consumer. Suitable thicknesses for the first hinged closure 30 may be from, but not be limited to, about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm in thickness, including from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, about 0.4 mm to about 1.5 mm, and including from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm in thickness. It should be understood that the first hinged closure 30 may have the varying thicknesses in diverse areas of the first hinged closure 30, i.e., the walls of the pocket 33 may be of different thickness than the peripheral edge 36.

The first hinged closure 30 may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as for example a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the first hinged closure 30 is manufactured from a polymeric material such as high-density polypropylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), or similar polymeric materials. In a preferred embodiment, the first hinged closure 30 is manufactured from a translucent or transparent material. In other embodiments, the first hinged closure 30 is manufactured from an opaque material. In some embodiments, the first hinged closure 30 is manufactured using an injection molding process, as known in the art.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of the second hinged closure 40. The second hinged closure 40 comprises a top wall 41, a skirt 42 comprising a front wall 42a, and a plurality of side walls 42b, and a back wall 42c. The top wall 41 and the skirt 42 define a second hinged closure volume 43. A lower lip 46 on the skirt 42 defines an opening to the second hinged closure volume 43. The second hinged closure 40 further includes a latch 46. In the first embodiment, the hinges 45 are configured to hingedly connect the second hinged closure 40 to the ledge 37 on the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30. The hinges 45 and the latch 46 are configured to connect the second hinged closure 40 to the container 10, either directly or via the first hinged closure 30

The second hinged closure 40 is configured and sized to cover at least a portion of the first hinged closure 30. In one embodiment, the second hinged closure 40 cover the entire top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30. In other embodiments, the second hinged closure 40 cover less than the entire top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30, such as for example, 95% of the top face 31, 90% of the top face 31, or less than 90% of the top face 31. The second hinged closure 40 may also be sized such that the second hinged closure volume 43 is of suitable volume to encompass the scoop 50. Suitable volumes for the second hinged closure volume 43 may include, but not be limited to, about 100 mL, about 500 mL, about 1000 mL, and about 1200 mL. Suitable heights for the skirt 42 of the second hinged closure 40 may be from about 1 cm to about 10 cm in height, including from about 2.5 cm to about 7.5 cm, and about 4 cm to about 5 cm in height.

The second hinged closure 40 is of suitable thickness such that the second hinged closure 40 is self-supporting and capable of covering at least a portion of the first hinged closure 30 without tearing, breaking, or collapsing during normal manufacturing processes, transport, and use by the consumer. Suitable thicknesses for the second hinged closure 40 may be from, but not limited to, about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm in thickness, including from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, about 0.4 mm to about 1.5 mm, and including from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm in thickness. It should be understood that the second hinged closure 40 may have the varying thicknesses in diverse areas of the second hinged closure 40, i.e., the skirt 42 of the second hinged closure 40 may be of different thickness than the top wall 41.

The second hinged closure 40 may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as for example, a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the second hinged closure 40 is manufactured from a polymeric material such as high-density polypropylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), or similar polymeric materials. In a preferred embodiment, the second hinged closure 40 is manufactured from a translucent or transparent material. In other embodiments, the second hinged closure 40 is manufactured from an opaque material. In some embodiments, the second hinged closure 40 is manufactured using an injection molding process, as known in the art.

The scoop 50 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The scoop 50 is a component of the package 5 that is separable from the container 10. The scoop 50 comprises the bowl 52 and the handle 54. The scoop bowl 52 may be of an appropriate volume to accommodate a predetermined amount of the powder used by the consumer, e.g., one scoop bowlful equals the volume of powder needed to prepare an 8-ounce serving of a beverage.

The scoop 50 may be manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the scoop 50 is manufactured from a polymeric material such as high-density polypropylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), or similar polymeric materials. In a preferred embodiment, the scoop 50 is manufactured from the same material used to form the first hinged closure 30. In another preferred embodiment, the scoop 50 is manufactured from the same material used to form the second hinged closure 40. In preferred embodiments, the scoop 50 is manufactured using an injection molding process concurrently with the first hinged closure 30 or the second hinged closure 40, as known in the art.

Package Component Assembly

FIGS. 5-9 illustrate a first embodiment of the package 5. FIG. 5 illustrates the first hinged closure 30 hingedly connected to the upper lip 26 of the main body 20 by one or more hinges 35. When the first hinged closure 30 is opened or closed over the main body 20 of the container 10 by the consumer, the hinges 35 permit the movement of the first hinged closure 30 while keeping the first hinged closure 30 connected to the main body 20. In a preferred embodiment, the hinges 35 are living hinges.

FIG. 6 illustrates the first hinged closure 30 closed over the main body 20 of the container 10. The first hinged closure 30, when closed, fully covers the opening 23 of the compartment 21 in the main body 20, such that the ledge 37a on the first hinged closure 30 contacts the upper lip 26 of the main body 20. The peripheral edge 36 of the first hinged closure 30 is visible above the main body 20. The gasket 39 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) on the bottom face 32 of the first hinged closure 30 engages with the interior wall 26a of the lip 26 and/or the interior ledge 26b to form a resealable seal between the main body 20 and the first hinged closure 30. In other embodiments, the first hinged closure 30, when closed, may engage with and seal the main body 20 as described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 8,511,499, issued Aug. 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The first hinged closure 30 further comprises a latch 38 for securing the first hinged closure 30 to the main body 20 of the container. The latch 38 may be of any suitable design known to the art, such as described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 9,387,963, issued Jul. 12, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference. The latch 38 may also be as described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 8,511,499, issued Aug. 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 7 illustrates the second hinged closure 40 hingedly connected to the ledge 37 of the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30 by one or more hinges 45. When the second hinged closure 40 is opened or closed over the first hinged closure 30 by the consumer, the hinges 45 permit the movement of the second hinged closure 40 while keeping the second hinged closure 40 connected to the ledge 37 of the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30. In a preferred embodiment, the hinges 45 are mechanical hinges.

FIG. 8 illustrates the second hinged closure 40 closed over the first hinged closure 30, and the first hinged closure 30 closed over the main body 20 of the container 10. The second hinged closure 40, when closed, covers at least a portion of the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30. The lower lip 46 on the skirt 42 of the second hinged closure 40 rests on the ledge 37 of the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30. The second hinged closure 40 is hingedly connected to the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30 by the one or more hinges 45. In some embodiments, a latch 48 on the second hinged closure 40 is configured to engage a slot 38a in the ledge 37 on the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the scoop 50 may be removably installed on the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30. The bowl 52 of the scoop 50 is received within the pocket 33 on the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30. The handle 54 of the scoop 50 is secured by gripping member 34a within the handle-receiving structure 34 on the top face 31 of the first hinged closure 30.

In other embodiments, the components of the package 5 may be assembled in other configurations. For example, FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a second embodiment of the package 205. All elements of the components of the package 205 are similar to those of the first embodiment, except for the changes discussed as follows.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom face 232 of a first hinged closure 230. In the second embodiment, a gasket 239 engages a peripheral edge 236 of the first hinged closure 230. FIG. 11 illustrates the first hinged closure 230 closed over a main body 220 of a container 210. The gasket 239 (shown in FIG. 10) on a peripheral edge 236 of the first hinged closure 230 engages with an interior wall 226a of an upper lip 226 and/or an interior ledge 226b (not shown) to form a resealable seal between the main body 220 and the first hinged closure 230.

In the second embodiment, the first hinged closure 230, when closed, fully covers the opening of the compartment 221 in the main body 220, such that ledge 237 on the first hinged closure 230 is approximately on the same plane as the upper lip 226 of the main body. In this embodiment, the bottom ledge 237a (see FIG. 10) on the bottom face 232 of the first hinged closure 230 may rest on the ledge 226b (not shown) of the main body 220. The first hinged closure 230 further comprises a latch 238 for securing the first hinged closure 230 to the main body 220 of the container, and one or more hinges 235 to hingedly connect the first hinged closure 230 to the main body 220.

FIG. 12 illustrates a second hinged closure 240 closed over the first hinged closure 230 and the main body 220 of the container 210. In the second embodiment, the second hinged closure 240 is configured to fully cover the first hinged closure 230 when the second hinged closure 240 is closed. A lower lip 246 on a skirt 242 of the second hinged closure 240 rests on or, in some embodiments, extends beyond the upper lip 226 of the main body 220. The second hinged closure 240 further has one or more hinges 245 to hingedly connect the second hinged closure 240 to the upper lip 226 of the main body 220. In this embodiment, a latch 248 is configured to engage an exterior wall 226c of the upper lip 226 of the main body 220.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, a third embodiment of a package 305 is illustrated. All elements of the components of the package 305 are similar to those of the first embodiment, except for the changes discussed as follows. In this embodiment, a container 310 of the present disclosure comprises a main body 320, a collar 325, a first hinged closure 330, and a second hinged closure 340. The package 305 further comprises a scoop 350 which is separable from the container 310. The collar 325 has an upper lip 325a. The first hinged closure 330 is configured to fully cover the opening of a compartment 321, and forms a resealable seal with the collar upper lip 325a. In the third embodiment, the first hinged closure 330 does not have a pocket or handle receiving structure. The second hinged closure 340 is configured to cover the first hinged closure 330. The second hinged closure 340 also has a scoop receiving structure 344 protruding from a lower face 341a of a top wall 341. The scoop receiving structure 344 may be a pocket, a bracket, clips, projecting fingers, or similar structures known in the art.

FIG. 14 illustrates the first hinged closure 330 hingedly connected to the collar lip 325a of the main body 320 by one or more hinges 335 in the third embodiment. When the first hinged closure 330 is opened or closed over the main body 320 of the container 310 by the consumer, the hinges 335 permit the movement of the first hinged closure 330 while keeping the first hinged closure 330 connected to the main body 320. The first hinged closure 330, when closed, fully covers the opening of the compartment 321 in the main body 320, such that a bottom face of ledge 337a on the first hinged closure 330 contacts the collar lip 325a of the main body 320. A peripheral edge 336 of the first hinged closure 330 is visible above the main body 320. A gasket 339 on a bottom face 332 of the first hinged closure 330 engages with an interior wall 325b of the collar lip 325a and/or an interior collar ledge 325c to form a resealable seal between the collar 325 of the main body 320 and the first hinged closure 330.

FIG. 15 illustrates the second hinged closure 340 hingedly connected to a ledge 337 of a top face 331 of the first hinged closure 330 by one or more hinges 345. In other embodiments, the second hinged closure 340 may be hingedly connected to the collar lip 325a of the main body 320. In a preferred embodiment, the hinges 345 are mechanical hinges. The scoop receiving structure 344 protrudes from the lower face 341a of the top wall 341. In FIG. 15, the scoop receiving structure 344 is a two-piece bracket; however, in other embodiments, the scoop receiving structure 344 may be a pocket, clips, projecting fingers, or similar structures known in the art. An imaginary scoop 350 is presented in FIG. 15 to show how the scoop 350 might be received within the scoop receiving structure 344.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a fourth embodiment of a package 405 is illustrated. All elements of the components of the package 405 are similar to those of the first embodiment, except for the changes discussed as follows. A container 410 of the present disclosure comprises a main body 420, a first hinged closure 430, and a second hinged closure 440. The package 405 further comprises a scoop 450 which is separable from the container 410. An upper lip 426 of the main body 420 defines a first plane P1 extending from a front wall 422a to a back wall 422b of the main body 420. A lower lip 446 of the second hinged closure 440 defines another plane P1′ (not shown) which is substantially parallel to the first plane P1 when the second hinged closure 440 is closed over the main body 420. A bottom wall 424 of the main body 420 defines a second plane P2, and the first plane P1 is at an angle relative to the second plane P2. The angle of the first plane P1 relative to the second plane P2 may range from about 10° to about 45°, including from about 15° to about 30°, and including from about 20° to about 25°. The first hinged closure 430 is configured to fully cover the opening of the compartment 421, and forms a resealable seal with the upper lip 426. The second hinged closure 440 is configured to cover the first hinged closure 430.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a fifth embodiment of a package 505 is illustrated. A container 510 of the present disclosure comprises a main body 520, a collar 525, a first hinged closure 530, and a second hinged closure 540. The package 505 further comprises a scoop 550 which is separable from the container 510. The collar 525 has an upper lip 525a, which defines a first plane P51 extending from a front wall 522a to a back wall 522b of the main body 520. The lower lip 546 of the second hinged closure 540 also defines another plane P51′ (not shown) which is substantially parallel to the first plane P51 when the second hinged closure 540 is closed over the main compartment 520. The bottom wall 524 of the main body 520 defines a second plane P52, and the first plane P51 is at an angle relative to the second plane P52. The angle of the first plane P51 relative to the second plane P52 may range from about 10° to about 45°, including from about 15° to about 30°, and including from about 20° to about 25°. The first hinged closure 530 is configured to fully cover the opening of the compartment 521, and forms a resealable seal with the collar 525. The second hinged closure 540 is configured to cover the first hinged closure 530.

The package of the present disclosure is suitable for containing powdered materials in the container and removing measured amounts of the powdered material with the scoop. In some embodiments, the powdered material contained in the container may be a nutritional powder. In some embodiments, the powder contained in the container may be the nutritional powder selected from the group consisting of infant nutritional powders, human milk fortifying powders, toddler nutritional powders, child nutritional powders, adult nutritional powders, adult sports drink powders, elemental powders, semi-elemental powders, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the bowl of the scoop supplied in the package may be of an appropriate volume to accommodate a predetermined amount of the powder when used by the consumer, e.g., one scoop bowlful equals the volume of powder needed to prepare an 8-ounce serving of a beverage.

While various inventive aspects, concepts, and features of the general inventive concepts are described and illustrated herein in the context of various exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts, and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein, all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the general inventive concepts. While various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts, and features of the disclosure may be described herein, such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, etc., such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed.

Claims

1. A container for housing a powder, comprising

a. a main body having a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom wall forming a compartment for housing the powder, wherein the sidewalls have an upper lip defining an opening to the compartment;
b. a first hinged closure configured to fully cover the opening of the compartment, wherein the first hinged closure comprises: i. a top face and a bottom face opposite the top face; and iii. a pocket on the top face for receiving a bowl of a scoop, wherein the first hinged closure forms a resealable seal with the upper lip of the main body; and
c. a second hinged closure with a skirt, a top face, and a bottom face configured to cover at least a portion of the first hinged closure.

2. The container of claim 1, further comprising a gasket on the bottom face of the first hinged closure to form the resealable seal with the upper lip of the main body.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the first hinged closure includes a peripheral edge between the top face and the bottom face, and a gasket is located on the peripheral edge to form the resealable seal with the upper lip of the main body.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the first hinged closure is hingedly connected to the main body and the second hinged closure is hingedly connected to the first hinged closure.

5. (canceled)

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the first hinged closure is hingedly connected to the main body and the second hinged closure is hingedly connected to the main body.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the first hinged closure comprises a rigid, plastic material that is opaque, transparent or translucent.

8-10. (canceled)

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the second hinged closure comprises a rigid, plastic material that is transparent or translucent.

12-13. (canceled)

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the upper lip of the main body defines a first plane and the bottom wall of the main body defines a second plane, wherein the first plane is slanted relative to the second plane.

15. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a collar attached to the upper lip of the main body and wherein the first hinged closure is hingedly connected to the collar.

16. (canceled)

17. The container of claim 15, wherein the second hinged closure is hingedly connected to the collar.

18-19. (canceled)

20. A container for housing a powder, comprising

a. a main body having a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom wall forming a compartment for housing the powder, wherein the sidewalls have an upper lip defining an opening to the compartment;
b. a first hinged closure configured to fully cover the opening of the compartment, the first hinged closure including a top face and a bottom face opposite the top face, wherein the first hinged closure forms a resealable seal with the upper lip of the main body; and
c. a second hinged closure, wherein the second hinged closure comprises: i. a skirt, a top face and a bottom face opposite the top face; iii. a scoop receiving structure on the bottom face for securing a scoop to the bottom face;
wherein the second hinged closure is configured to cover at least a portion of the first hinged closure.

21. The container of claim 20, further comprising a gasket on the bottom face of the first hinged closure to form the resealable seal with the upper lip of the main body.

22. The container of claim 20, wherein the first hinged closure includes a peripheral edge between the top face and the bottom face, and a gasket is located on the peripheral edge to form the resealable seal with the upper lip of the main body.

24. The container of claim 20, wherein the first hinged closure is hingedly connected to the main body and the second hinged closure is hingedly connected to the first hinged closure.

25. (canceled)

26. The container of claim 20, wherein the first hinged closure is hingedly connected to the main body and the second hinged closure is hingedly connected to the main body.

27. The container of claim 1, wherein the first hinged closure comprises a rigid, plastic material that is an opaque, transparent, or translucent.

28. (canceled)

29. The container of claim 20, wherein the second hinged closure comprises a rigid, plastic material that is transparent or translucent.

30. (canceled)

31. The container of claim 20, wherein the upper lip of the main body defines a first plane and the bottom wall of the main body defines a second plane, wherein the first plane is at an angle of from about 10° to about 45° relative to the second plane.

32. The container of claim 20, wherein the container further comprises a collar attached to the upper lip of the main body and wherein the first hinged closure is hingedly connected to the collar.

33. (canceled)

34. The container of claim 32, wherein the second hinged closure is hingedly connected to the collar.

Patent History
Publication number: 20210130048
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 9, 2019
Publication Date: May 6, 2021
Inventors: Timothy LaPlante (Powell, OH), James Perry (Gahanna, OH), Emily Brudos (Columbus, OH), Damien Vizcarra (Pasadena, CA), Elizabeth Kneen Winter (Somerville, MA), Christine Ciccone Horan (Northborough, MA), Megan Welker (Cambridge, MA)
Application Number: 17/046,556
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 43/16 (20060101); B65D 51/18 (20060101); B65D 51/24 (20060101);