Container and Method for Storing a Perishable Product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates an improved container useful for maintaining the freshness of a moisture-sensitive, consumable product stored within the container. The present container is also designed to enable the consumer to access and sample the aroma of the product within the container without needing to completely open the container, thereby maintaining the quality of the product, and avoiding potential contamination. The present container utilizes a preserving product, such as a desiccant or humectant, which is positioned within a separate compartment apart from the product within the container. The desiccant removes moisture from the product and helps to maintain the freshness of the product while stored within the container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a container and method for storing a perishable product, including moisture-sensitive and dried consumable products. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to container utilizing a preserving material, such as a desiccant for maintaining the freshness and quality of the products stored within the container, wherein the desiccant is in close proximity to, but not in direct contact with the products. Additionally, the present container is configured to permit limited access to the consumer to sample the scent or aroma of the products stored within the container, while maintaining the tamper-evident security of the container and the product within the container. The present disclosure further relates to a method for storing and maintaining the freshness of a perishable, consumable product.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that desiccant materials are utilized in a variety of consumer products, from food products to medications to shoes and clothing, to remove moisture or other gases from a product while the product is packaged prior to consumption or use by a consumer. Desiccant materials, usually in the form of a sealed pouch or packet, are also commonly inserted within a bottle or other container for pharmaceutical products, to absorb moisture and gasses. Desiccant pouches often include lettering which states the product is not edible. Examples of other useful desiccant pouches or containers include bags, odor absorbent packages, fragrance sachets, vapor corrosion inhibitor (“VCI”) packaging, oxygen scavenging packets.

Silica crystals or powder is a typical desiccant material encased within the pouch or packet. Other forms of desiccants include metal salts, phosphorous compounds, activated charcoal, crystalline metal aluminosilicates, activated bentonites, silica gel, calcium sulfate, etc. “Desiccant materials” typically mean any material known in the art that is capable of removing an unwanted gaseous compound or moisture from a specific environment.

In some instances, the desiccant pouch is placed in direct contact with the product, such as inside a bottle of medication. However, there is a possibility the pouch could rupture and the desiccant material could mix with the product, which would be highly undesirable. Additionally, the desiccant pouch cannot be removed from the product without completely opening the product container. Desiccants may also be used to preserve perishable products, including potpourri, dried herbs, even CBD and medical and recreational cannabis products. For these and many other consumable products, non-toxic desiccant materials are preferred.

For the storage and display of consumable products, such as herbs, CBD, and medicinal and recreational cannabis products, it is preferable to use a container that the consumer can see and also potentially access the aroma of the products. However, it is also important to have a container which is secured, including a tamper-evident seal, tape or other closure, in order to maintain both the quality and safety of the product. Therefore, there is a need for a container or packaging that permits limited access to the consumer, for example to sample the aroma or scent of these types of products, while maintaining the tamper-proof feature of the container.

In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a container for preserving a moisture-sensitive consumable product wherein a preserving material, such as a desiccant is housed separate from the product within the container. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a container wherein the product stored within the container is easily accessible to the consumer for sampling specifically the scent or aroma of the product, without the need to completely open the container.

A need, therefore, exists for an improved container for maintaining and prolonging the freshness of the consumable product stored within the container. Specifically, a need exists for an improved container for maintaining the freshness of the product stored therein, while permitting the consumer to easily sample the aroma of the product.

Moreover, a need exists for an improved container designed to house a natural, non-toxic preserving material, such as a desiccant or humectant, for maintaining the freshness of the product within the container.

A need further exists for an improved container having a separate compartment for housing the preserving material apart from the consumable product within the container.

A need further exists for an improved container wherein the preserving material is positioned in the compartment apart from but in close proximity to the product stored within the container.

A need further exists for an improved container having a compartment for storing the preserving material, the compartment having a separate lid for accessing the compartment to remove, add or change the material.

A need further exists for an improved container having a removeable lid to permit sampling of the scent or aroma of the product within the container, while maintaining the body of the container in a closed, tamper-proof configuration.

A need exists for a method for maintaining and prolonging the freshness of a consumable product stored within the container. Specifically, a need exists for an improved method for maintaining the freshness of the product, while permitting the consumer to easily sample the aroma of the product, without completely opening the container.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to improved container for storing a perishable, moisture-sensitive consumable product prior to consumption by the consumer. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to container having a separate compartment for receiving a preserving material, such as a desiccant, useful for maintaining the freshness and quality of the perishable products stored within the container. The separate compartment positions the desiccant in close proximity to but not in direct contact with the products stored within the container. Additionally, the present container permits the consumer limited access to the products stored within the container for example, to sample the aroma of the products stored within the container, while maintaining the tamper-evident security of container and the quality of the product within the container.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, an improved container is provided. The container comprises a bottom section having an interior space for receiving a perishable product, a top section removably secured to the bottom section, and a separate compartment disposed within the top section.

In another embodiment, the compartment is configured for receiving and storing a suitable desiccant product, or alternatively a hydrating product, within the container for use in maintaining the freshness of the products stored within the bottom section of the container. The compartment further includes a top aperture or opening and an opposing bottom aperture or opening connecting the compartment to the bottom section. The bottom aperture is formed by a plurality of small openings, which fluidly connect the compartment to the bottom section of the container thereby permitting the flow of moisture, gasses, vapor or aromas from the product stored within the bottom section into the compartment.

The present disclosure further relates to a method for maintaining and prolonging the freshness of a consumable product stored within a container. Specifically, the present disclosure provides an improved method for maintaining the freshness of the product, while permitting visual and sensory access to the product within the container, wherein the consumer can easily see and potentially sample the aroma of the product without opening the container.

In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for maintaining the freshness of a perishable, consumable product. The method comprises the steps of providing a container having a top section and a bottom section configured for storing the perishable consumable product, incorporating a preserving material into the top section of the container for maintaining a moisture content of the product stored within the container, positioning the preserving material in close proximity to the perishable consumable product within the container; and, permitting access to the perishable consumable product to a consumer.

In a further embodiment the present disclosure relates to a container for storing a consumable product. The container comprises a top section and a bottom section, wherein the top section is removably secured to the bottom section, the bottom section having an interior space for receiving the consumable product, a compartment disposed within the top section, the compartment having a top opening and an opposing bottom opening, a plurality of openings formed within the bottom opening of the compartment, and wherein the compartment is configured to receive a preserving material and provide access to the product within the bottom section.

It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present disclosure to provide an improved container, which maintains the freshness of a consumable product stored within the container, while permitting limited access to the product without breaching the tamper-evident seal of the container.

It is further an advantage and objection of the present disclosure to provide an improved container wherein the container is configured to permit limited access to the contents of the container without completely opening the container, thereby preserving the integrity of the product stored within the container.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an improved container according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective top view of the improved container according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional away view of the improved container according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a section view of the improved container according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4a illustrates a close-up view of the indentations for a lid;

FIG. 4b illustrates a close-up view of a connection area or junction between the two sections of the container;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the improved container according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the improved container according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the improved container according to the present disclosure containing a suitable desiccant or humectant;

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the improved container of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the improved container of FIG. 7 containing a desiccant or humectant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to an improved container useful for displaying, storing and maintaining the freshness of the product stored within the container. The present container utilizes a preserving material, such as a desiccant product or optionally a humectant, which is positioned in a separate compartment within the container. The advantage of the present container is that the desiccant/humectant is positioned within the container to be effective, but it does not come into direct contact with the product. Another advantage of the present container is that the compartment of the container also permits limited access to the stored product, enabling the consumer to sample the aroma or scent of the product, without opening the container itself or breaking the tamper-evident seal thereby preserving the integrity of the product stored within the container. The present disclosure further relates to a method for maintaining the freshness of a perishable, consumable product stored within a container which is configured to permit limited access to the stored product without completely opening the container.

Now referring to the figures, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an improved container 10 for storing perishable products and dried products, including dried herbs, medications, CBD-containing products, medicinal and recreational cannabis products, etc. Although a specific shape of the container is shown, it should be understood the container 10 can have any suitable shape. The container 10 can be constructed from any durable, non-toxic material, such as glass, metal or plastic. Ideally, the container 10 is clear or slightly opaque to easily display the products stored therein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an embodiment of a container 10 of the present disclosure. The hollow container generally comprises two pieces or sections—a closed bottom section 12 having an interior space 12a and a bottom 12b for receiving a product (not shown), and a top section 14. The top section 14 can be removably secured to the bottom section 12 utilizing any known securing or connecting feature, including as a screw top, snap together, inserting or seating the top section into the bottom section, hinged or another suitable method. The two sections 12, 14 are removably secured to each other so that the products can be easily added and removed from the container. Ideally, after being filled with the product, the container is not completely opened again until purchased by the consumer.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the top section 14 is connected to the bottom section 12, it is desirable to have a tamper-evident seal 13, such as tape, sticker, plastic ring, or other indicia positioned ideally between, around or over an intersection or junction 15 of the two container sections. The tamper-evident seal 13 can be positioned anywhere at the junction 15 between the top and bottom sections of the container, for example, as a vertical or horizontal tape strip, or completely around the circumference of the container, similar to the clear plastic ring found on standard medicine bottles, or bottles of consumable food products. Use of a tamper-evident seal 13, particularly for a consumable product, indicates to the consumer whether or not the container itself has been opened, and also maintains the safety and quality of the product. As described below, a feature and advantage of the present container is that the product within the container can be accessed in a limited manner by the consumer without having to open the container body itself and disturbing the tamper-evident seal 13.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the top section 14 of the container further includes a pocket or a compartment 16. The pocket or compartment 16 of the present container is designed to serve at least two functions. Initially, it holds a preserving material, such as a desiccant product 30, or optionally a hydrating or humectant product, within the container, but away from the product stored within the bottom section 12 of the container 10. Second, when the desiccant 30 is removed from the compartment, limited access is provided, particularly to the aromas of the product, so that the consumer can sample the product within the container. Thus, the compartment 16 is configured to both preserve the product within the container 10 and permit limited access to the product by the consumer.

The pocket or compartment 16 is generally centered within and extending downward into the top section 14, with a circumference and a depth not exceeding that of the top section (FIG. 4). The compartment includes a top opening or aperture 21 and an opposing bottom opening or aperture 22. As shown in FIGS. 4, and 5, a removable lid 18 is provide, which specifically seals the top aperture 21 of the compartment 16. The lid 18 can be either partially or completely removable from the compartment. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 4a and 5, at least one indentation 20 is provided in the surface of the top section 14. Optionally, more than one indentation, such as on opposing sides of the lid 18, are provided. The indentation 20 or indentations are useful for seating the lid 18 on the top aperture of the compartment 16 and can also be used for leveraging and removing the lid from the top section 14 (FIG. 5). Removing the lid 18 permits access to the interior of the compartment 16 to either remove, add or change the desiccant product 30 or hydrating product. Alternatively, the lid 18 may be attached by a hinge to the compartment, so that it is not completely removed when opened.

As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom aperture 22 of the compartment 16 is formed as open structure or plurality of small openings, such as a grate, perforations or slots 24, which fluidly connect the compartment within the top section to the product stored in the bottom section 12 of the container. These open structures 24 permit moisture, odors, gasses, etc., which may be given off by the product stored within the interior 12a of the bottom section 12 of the container to flow from the product into the compartment 16 where it encounters the desiccant, humectant or other preserving material, depending on the requirements of specific product being stored within the container.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the compartment 16 is designed to hold a preserving material 30, such as a desiccant which is useful to absorb moisture and maintain the freshness of the product stored within the container 10. The plurality of openings, perforations or slots 24 formed within the bottom aperture 22 of the compartment 16 permit any moisture from the product to reach and be absorbed by the preserving material sitting on the slots without coming into direct contact with the product. A desiccant product 30 can be any known form and type of desiccant useful in the industry, such as those commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. Ideally, because the present container 10 is capable of storing a consumable product, it is preferable to use a non-toxic product, such as a sea salt, or a silica gel as a desiccant. For example, a desiccant, such as sea salt, would be encased in a permeable, breathable material, forming a puck shape which is placed within the compartment 16.

Optionally, if it is desired to maintain the freshness or revitalize the freshness of the product within the container, a humectant product for retaining or preserving moisture, or a hydrostone may be used in place of the desiccant. Hydrostones are often used to revitalize and keep tobacco fresh and may be used within the compartment 16 of the present container 10. The hydrostone is provided as a ball or bead, which is immersed on water and then placed within the compartment 16 to revitalize the moisture of a dried product stored within the container.

In addition to holding the preserving material within the container 10, another unique feature of the compartment 16 with its plurality of openings 24 is that it permits limited access to the product stored within the container 10 without having to completely open the container, i.e., remove the top section 14 from the bottom section 12. Specifically, when the lid 18 of the compartment 16 is opened and the preserving material 30 is removed, the plurality of openings 24 forming the bottom aperture 22 of the compartment 16 allows the scent or aroma of the product to emanate or flow through the slots and into the compartment. The advantage to this feature is that the product and specifically the scent or aroma of the product, can be sampled by the customer prior to purchase without having to open the entire container 10, i.e., separate the top section 14 from the bottom section 12. Sampling the aroma or scent of the product in this manner maintains the tamper-evident indicator 13 for the safety and security of the consumer, while maintaining the quality and integrity of the product, and also protects the product from contamination and/or theft.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A container for storing a perishable product comprising:

a bottom section having an interior space for receiving a perishable product;

a top section removably secured to the bottom section, and

a separate compartment disposed within the top section.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the compartment is centrally positioned within the top section.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the compartment includes a top aperture and an opposing bottom aperture.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the top aperture is covered by a lid.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the lid is removably secured to the top aperture to the compartment.

6. The container of claim 2, wherein the bottom aperture is formed as a plurality of slots.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the bottom aperture fluidly connects the top section with the bottom section.

8. The container of claim 6, wherein the bottom aperture permits access to an aroma emitted by the product stored within the bottom section of the container.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein a tamper-evident seal is provided at a junction between the top section and the bottom section.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the tamper-evident seal is positioned vertically along the junction between the top section and the bottom section.

11. The container of claim 9, wherein the tamper-evident seal is positioned horizontally along the junction between the top section and the bottom section.

12. A method for maintaining the freshness of a perishable, consumable product, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a container having a top section and a bottom section, the bottom section configured for storing the perishable consumable product;

incorporating a preserving material into the top section of the container for maintaining a moisture content of the product stored within the container;

positioning the preserving material in close proximity to the perishable consumable product within the container; and,

permitting access to the perishable consumable product to a consumer.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further includes the step of positioning the preserving material within a chamber in the top section of the container and separate from the consumable product within the container.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further includes the step of removing the preserving material from the chamber container to permit access to the consumable product.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further includes permitting access to the perishable consumable product without removing the top section from the bottom section of the container.

16. A container for storing a consumable product comprising:

a top section and a bottom section, wherein the top section is removably secured to the bottom section;

the bottom section having an interior space for receiving the consumable product;

a compartment disposed within the top section, the compartment having a top and an opposing bottom opening;

a plurality of openings formed within the bottom opening of the compartment; and,

wherein the compartment is configured to receive a preserving material and provide access to the product within the bottom section.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the compartment is fluidly connected to the bottom section.

18. The container of claim 16, wherein the compartment retains the preserving material in close proximity to the consumable product.

19. The container of claim 16, wherein the compartment retains the preserving material from direct contact with the consumable product.

20. The container of claim 16, wherein the compartment is configured to provide sensory access to the consumable product.