Abstract: Aerial vehicles may be configured to control their attitudes by changing one or more physical attributes. For example, an aerial vehicle may be outfitted with propulsion motors having repositionable mounts by which the motors may be rotated about one or more axes, in order to redirect forces generated by the motors during operation. An aerial vehicle may also be outfitted with one or more other movable objects such as landing gear, antenna and/or engaged payloads, and one or more of such objects may be translated in one or more directions in order to adjust a center of gravity of the aerial vehicle. By varying angles by which forces are supplied to the aerial vehicle, or locations of the center of gravity of the aerial vehicle, a desired attitude of the aerial vehicle may be maintained irrespective of velocity, altitude and/or forces of thrust, lift, weight or drag acting upon the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A system for rolling landing gear includes a skid component attached to an aircraft, wherein the skid component further comprises a first skid tube oriented laterally to a longitudinal axis of the axis, a second skid tube oriented laterally to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, wherein the second skid tube is parallel to the first skid tube, a first wheel journaled on a first rotational fulcrum, a second wheel journaled on a second rotational fulcrum, a first biasing means attaching the first rotational fulcrum to the first skid tube, and a second biasing means attaching the second rotational fulcrum to the second skid tube, wherein the first biasing means and second biasing means exert a recoil force resisting upward displacement of the first rotational fulcrum and second rotational fulcrum with respect to the first skid tube and second skid tube.

Abstract: An anti-torque assembly for a helicopter includes a plurality of fans pivotably mountable to a tail boom. The fans have fan blades rotatable about a fan axis. One or more of the fans is pivotable relative to the tail boom to a first configuration. The fan axes in the first configuration have an upright orientation and the fans are operable to one or both of pitch and roll the helicopter. Different fans are operable to generate thrust to provide anti-torque to the helicopter. A method of providing anti-torque and method of changing an attitude of a helicopter are also provided.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, an amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle is provided, which includes a fuselage comprised of a buoyant material. Separators within the fuselage form separate compartments within the fuselage. Mounts associated with the compartments for securing waterproof aircraft components within the fuselage. The compartments each have drainage openings in the fuselage extending from the interior of the fuselage to the exterior of the fuselage.

Abstract: A method for controlling a flying projectile which rotates during flight, comprising: determining an angle of rotation of an inertial mass spinning about an axis during flight; and controlling at least one actuator for altering at least a portion of an aerodynamic structure, selectively in dependence on the determined angle of rotation and a control input, to control aerodynamic forces during flight. An aerodynamic surface may rotate and interact with surrounding air during flight, to produce aerodynamic forces. A sensor determines an angular rotation of the spin during flight. A control system, responsive to the sensor, produces a control signal in dependence on the determined angular rotation. An actuator selectively alters an aerodynamic characteristic of the aerodynamic surface in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A hybrid rotary aircraft includes a body having an inner area; a plurality of arms rigidly attached to and extending from the body; a plurality of rotor assemblies pivotally engaged with the plurality of arms; a first gas engine; and a first brushless electric generator rotatably attached to the first gas engine and conductively coupled to each of the brushless electric motors. The plurality of rotor assemblies each having a brushless electric motor; and a rotor blades rotatably attached to the brushless electric motor.

Abstract: A device receives a request for a flight path of UAV from a first location to a second location in a region, and determines, based on credentials associated with the UAV, whether the UAV is authenticated for utilizing the device and a network. The device determines, when the UAV is authenticated, capability information for the UAV based on the request and component information associated with the UAV. The device calculates the flight path from the first location to the second location based on the capability information and one or more of weather information, air traffic information, obstacle information, or regulatory information associated with the region. The device generates flight path instructions for the flight path based on one or more of the weather information, the air traffic information, the obstacle information, or the regulatory information associated with the region, and provides the flight path instructions to the UAV.

Abstract: A container for dropping from an aerial vehicle comprises a bottom section and a plurality of side walls. Wings are connected to the upper edges of the side walls to allow pivoting of the wing between a passive position, in which the wing extends along the corresponding side wall, and a deployed position, in which the wing extends substantially transversely relative to the corresponding side wall. Reinforcing units increase the bending stiffness of the wings. Retaining units limit pivoting of the wings beyond the deployed position.

Abstract: A time-sensitive, data reduction system is described. According to an aspect of the system, a method is disclosed that comprises: receiving at least a portion of an airline-specific dataset, wherein the airline-specific dataset comprises a plurality of location records, wherein each location record comprises a point of interest (POI) and a unique rank, wherein the POI is defined by unique geographic identifier; determining a current position of the aircraft; and based on the current position and based on the unique rank of each of the plurality of location records, controlling, at a passenger display in the aircraft, a presentation of a map and a plurality of POI indicators associated with a highly-ranked subset of the plurality of location records. According to another aspect of the system, a plurality of servers are used provide relevant location-related content to an aircraft passenger.

Abstract: A wall assembly for an interior of an aircraft includes a frame member secured within a cabin of the aircraft having a first side and a second opposing side. The assembly further includes a first decorative panel secured to the frame member on a first side of the frame and a second decorative panel secured to the frame member on a second side of the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable table assembly for use in a passenger cabin environment such as an aircraft passenger suite including a passenger seat. The table assembly includes a fixed rail assembly attached to a monument, a support column rotatably mounted on the rail assembly, and a table mounted on the support column, the table having a stowed position and deployed positions in a first direction generally toward the passenger seat from the stowed position. The table has a predetermined stowage orientation at which the support column and table are movable along the rail assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction to the stowed position, and the rail assembly prevents the table from moving into the stowed position when the table is rotated out of the predetermined stowage orientation.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger compartment suite may include at least one single passenger compartment including at least one single aircraft seat. The at least one single aircraft seat may be configured to seat a single passenger. The aircraft passenger compartment suite may include a combined divan passenger compartment with a combined divan aircraft seat. The combined divan aircraft seat may be configured to seat at least one passenger. The combined divan aircraft seat may have a width greater than a width of the at least one single aircraft seat. The combined divan passenger compartment may include a stowage compartment configured to stow large passenger amenities in a substantially vertical orientation. The aircraft passenger compartment suite may include a privacy divider separating the combined divan passenger compartment and the at least one single passenger compartment.

Abstract: An air duct system comprising an air duct having a main body, a visible light source, and one or more photovoltaic devices. The main body of the air duct defines a passageway having a reflective inner surface. The visible light source is configured to generate visible light, where the visible light source directs the visible light along the reflective inner surface of the air duct. The one or more photovoltaic devices are disposed along the reflective inner surface of the air duct, where a portion of the visible light generated by the visible light source is converted into electrical power by the one or more photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: The system can include an on-board thermal management subsystem. The system 100 can optionally include an off-board (extravehicular) infrastructure subsystem. The on-board thermal management subsystem can include: a battery pack, one or more fluid loops, and an air manifold. The system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable components.

Abstract: A hybrid-electric propulsion system for an aircraft includes a turbomachine, the turbomachine including a first spool and a second spool. A method for operating the hybrid electric propulsion system includes operating, by one or more computing devices, the turbomachine such that the first spool mechanically drives a prime propulsor of the hybrid-electric propulsion system; and modifying, by the one or more computing devices, a speed relationship parameter defined between the first spool and second spool by providing electrical power to, or drawing electrical power from, an electric machine mechanically coupled to the first spool, the second spool, or both.

Abstract: Electromagnetic gyroscopic stabilizing propulsion system method and apparatus is an electric gyroscope that creates magnetic fields used to rotate its flywheel. The rotation of its flywheel creates both a gyroscopic effect and thrust with airfoil shaped spokes. The invention attaches to an airframe through an articulating joint that causes the axle of the gyroscope to precess in a vertical orientation regardless of the movements/angle of the airframe. The gyroscope's thrust aligns itself with the axle of the gyroscope. The net effect is that the invention has tremendous efficiency, no external drive because it is also a motor, tremendous power from magnetic leverage of the flywheel, and stability because of the gyroscopic effect.

Abstract: A motor driven propulsor of an aircraft includes magnets disposed in fan shrouds of fan blades connected with a fan hub, a stator having individual conductive coils in a nacelle located radially outside of the fan hub, and a distributed inverter assembly having several inverter power stages and gate drivers, each of the inverter power stages coupled with a separate gate driver of the gate drivers and a separate coil of the coils in the stator. Each of the gate drivers is configured to individually control supply of direct current to the corresponding inverter power stage. Each of the inverter power stages is configured to convert the direct current supplied to the inverter power stage to an alternating current that is supplied to the corresponding coil in the stator to rotate the magnets and the fan blades around a center line of the fan hub for propelling the aircraft.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an aircraft that includes a fuselage and a rotatable wing disposed above the fuselage. At least one cross-wing driveshaft is disposed within the wing and is driven in rotation by a drive system connected to first and second engines that are located at respective sides of the fuselage beneath the wing. The drive system is so configured that one or both of the first engine and the second engine can drive the at least one cross-wing driveshaft in the event of failure of an engine.

Abstract: A method of capturing an aerial vehicle comprises rotating a first blade of the aerial vehicle, the first blade coupled to a hub of the aerial vehicle and having a contour configured to facilitate entanglement of a payload line of a winch system around the aerial vehicle. The method further comprises contacting, by a leading edge of the first blade, the payload line of the winch system and pulling the payload line towards the hub of the aerial vehicle, wherein the payload line is pulled towards the hub as the first blade continues to rotate and wherein continued rotation of the first blade causes the payload line to be tangled around the hub of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: An airport baggage recording system. The airport baggage recording system comprises a telescopic robotic arm that loads airport baggage. The robotic arm has one end connected to an upright by a pivot and a second end connected to a disc. A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is located in the disc that reads RFID tags on the airport baggage when the airport baggage is placed on the disc during loading. Another RFID reader is located on the pivot that reads the RFID tags on the airport baggage when the airport baggage is placed on the disc during loading. The RFID reader in the disc and the RFID reader on the pivot both read the RFID tags on the airport baggage to prevent errors in reading the RFID tags on the airport baggage during loading.

Abstract: A control system for a tethered aerostat is provided, where at least one rotational and at least one translational degree of freedom are controlled to setpoints through the variation of tether lengths by an actuator system. The term tether includes a single tether, a tether group or a sub section of tether controlled by an individual actuator. Accurate rotational and translational control is essential for the successful operation of an aerostat under several applications, including surveillance, weather monitoring, communications, and power generation. For a given use case, the controller can be constructed and arranged to manage the tradeoff between several key performance characteristics, such as transient performance, steady-state pointing accuracy, tether tension regulation, and power generation.

Abstract: The invention herein comprises a kit and method that may be used to replace damaged and worn stabilizer bearings in both the Echo and Delta Apache helicopter. The kit includes a removal assembly that includes a bolt coupled to a cutting mechanism. Tightening of the bolt causes the cutting mechanism to cut the damaged and worn bearing from its housing. A staking mechanism is disclosed that allows the staking of a replacement bearing in the housing is provided. The staking assembly joins the replacement bearing to the housing so that it is tight. And, an installation assembly is disclosed that utilizes the bolt utilized in the cutting mechanism coupled to a hex nut.

Abstract: A part measuring kit for a rotary table on a machine bed includes a part fixture mountable on the rotary table for retaining a part to be measured and/or an object having known dimensions. The kit further includes a measuring device mountable on the machine bed and movable relative to the rotary table for taking measurements of the part to be measured and/or the object having known dimensions, wherein the rotary table is rotatable between each taken measurement. The kit further includes a calibration offset calculator for calculating a calibration offset for the measuring device by comparing taken measurements of the object having known dimensions with the known dimensions, and correcting taken measurements of the part to be measured via the calculated calibration offset.

Abstract: Spacecraft thruster systems are disclosed. In some instances, a spacecraft thruster system may include stacked ion thrusters and/or ion thruster layers. The ion thrusters and/or ion thruster layers may be sequentially activated and jettisoned from the thruster system after use.

Abstract: A device for filling and closing pharmaceutical objects disposed in parallel rows in nests that are removably inserted into a substantially tub-shaped tub requires a conveying device with conveying sections for processing the objects, wherein individual processing stations for the objects are disposed along the conveying sections, a lifting station provided at an inlet of the conveying device for removing the nests from the tub, a removal station for removing an object row from the nest and transferring the object row to the conveying device, and an insertion station. Objects removed from the nest are fed by the conveying device to the individual processing stations for the processing. The objects are returned to the nest, tub or individually removed from the conveying device.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming packaging boxes comprises a folding station comprising four folding units adapted to fold panels of cardboards blanks to form substantially cuboid boxes or lids or combinations of a box and a lid, some of said panels in the folded state forming pairs of two panels running substantially parallel to each other in a processing direction, in which the blanks are transported through the system, and orthogonal to a width direction of the blanks, which is the orthogonal direction to the processing direction in the plane of the blanks, one or more glue application units adapted to put glue on at least one panel of each of said pairs of two panels, a feeding conveyor to convey a cardboard blank into the folding station, a curing station adapted to take over the boxes or lids or combinations of a box and a lid folded in the forming station from the folding station, said curing station comprising holding structure to form-fittingly hold said pairs of panels and to guide the boxes or li

Abstract: An apparatus can be used for packaging a product. The apparatus includes a frame, a conveyor, and a packaging station. The packaging station receives a support at a respective positioning seat, receives a portion of a film above the support so that, between the support and the film portion, a reception volume is defined, and sealingly constrains the film portion to the support. The packaging station comprises a penetrating tool having a first through opening and a second through opening. The penetrating tool is arranged in an advanced position in which a part of the tool crosses the support arranged in the positioning seat, accessing the reception volume. At the advanced position, the first through opening is arranged at least partly in the reception volume, beyond the base wall or beyond the lateral wall and the second through opening is arranged astride the base wall or the lateral wall.

Abstract: A method and a feeding apparatus for feeding spacers for cigarette packs are disclosed, in which each spacer comprises a substantially rectangular flat body, the spacers being insertable in cartons for cigarette packs to space out packs with dimensions smaller than the standard dimensions; the spacers are stacked on a pallet that is positioned in a withdrawal station; the stacks of spacers are withdrawn from the withdrawal station and transferred to a respective hopper by passing each stack of spacers through an upper opening of the hopper, to then unload the spacers one by one through a lower opening of the hopper.

Abstract: A sterilizer-filler nozzle assembly for an aseptic packaging machine comprises a form section 40, a product supply duct that has a product outlet portion 4 which lies downstream of a distal end of the form section 40, a sterilization medium supply duct that has a sterilization medium outlet portion 16 which lies between the distal end of the form section 40 and the product outlet portion 4, and an exhaust duct that has an exhaust inlet portion 22 which lies between the distal end of the form section 40 and the product outlet portion 4. A gas supply duct is provided that has a gas outlet portion 10 which lies between the sterilization medium outlet portion 16 and the product outlet portion 4.

Abstract: The present invention involves both an apparatus and an associated method for confirming the presence or absence of closures in a closure nest inside an aseptic chamber. The apparatus comprises a topographical profiler disposed to monitor the closure nests. Vertical displacements in topographical maps obtained by the profiler are compared with information from a database about the nest and closure combinations. Vertical displacements falling outside predetermined upper and lower bounds are deemed absences of closures. The topographical profiler may be disposed outside the aseptic chamber. The system may be automated via a controller and suitable software. In some embodiments the nests and disposed in the monitored area by robotic articulated arms. In other embodiments the closure nests are moved by vacuum pickup systems. The system and method may also be employed to assess the suitability of a closure nest for closing in an aseptic chamber containers in a container nest.

Abstract: A bulk bag discharge assembly comprising a main frame assembly and a bag conditioning assembly. The main frame assembly defines a bulk bag receiving region having a discharge support base structurally configured to receive a bulk bag thereon for discharging. The bag conditioning assembly comprises opposing conditioner frames, each having a proximal end, a distal end, and an impact face, and at a proximal end, pivotably coupled to the main frame assembly. A powered cylinder is pivotably coupled to the main frame assembly at a first end, and to the first conditioner frame at a second end. The conditioning assembly is structurally configured to impact a side of a bulk bag positioned on the discharge support base, without impacting a bottom of a bulk bag, wherein the distal end of the first conditioner frame is directed at least partially in an upward direction within the bulk bag receiving region.

Abstract: A label dispenser apparatus configured for dispensing labels from a plurality of rolls of a carrier film having labels disposed thereon. The label dispenser apparatus includes a lower roll retaining member and a upper tape guide assembly. The lower roll retaining member includes a front edge, a back edge and a concave surface therebetween. The concave surface being configured to cradle a roll of film having labels disposed thereon. The upper tape guide assembly is spaced apart therefrom and includes a peel shaft, a support shaft and a carrier shaft. The film guide path extends behind and around the peel shaft, between the peel shaft and the support shaft, looping around the support shaft and over the carrier shaft, such that a label is released by the movement around the peel shaft, and the label path proceeds directly over the support shaft and the carrier shaft.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed toward a carrier (90) for containing a product. The carrier comprises first, second and third connected side panels (16a/16b, 116a/116b, 216a/216b, 316a/316b; 14, 114, 214, 314; 12, 112, 212, 312) which define a three-sided tubular structure having a triangular cross-section. The carrier has a substantially triangular-shaped, crash-bottom-style, bottom wall. Parts (24b/26b, 20b/32, 22b; 124b/126b, 120b/132, 122b; 224b/226b, 220b/232, 222b; 324b/326b, 320b/332, 322b) of the bottom wall are coupled to the first, second and third side panels. The carrier has a mechanical interlocking feature (T1, T2, S1, S2); and a multi-part mechanical locking mechanism. A first top-end closure panel (16a/16b 116a/116b; 215a/215b; 315a/315b) comprises a first part (A1) of said multi-part mechanical locking mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible box includes a top panel; a front panel hingedly attached to the top panel; a first side panel hingedly attached to the top panel and the front panel; a second side panel hingedly attached to the top panel and the front panel; a rear panel hingedly attached to the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel; and a bottom panel hingedly attached to the front panel, the rear panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel; and wherein a lateral hinge is defined extending at least partially across the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the rear panel, and wherein the lateral hinge is configured to collapse the collapsible box when a user presses inwards on the first side panel and the second side panel along the lateral hinge.

Abstract: A container and method of use are disclosed that provide secure storage. This storage prevents stored items from being accessed by children, for example. This secure storage may be provided by a container manufactured from a single sheet of cut cardboard or similar material. No additional components are needed to provide the locking mechanism, which is constructed completely from folds in the cardboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packet of smoking articles having: a container; a wrapping wrapping the smoking articles disposed into the container and provided with an accessing zone for the smoking articles; a first coupon, disposed between a front wall of the container and a front wall of the wrapping and comprising a first end disposed at the access zone and a second end, opposed respect to the first end; and a second coupon, interposed between the first coupon and the front wall of the wrapping and comprising a first end at the access zone and a second end, opposed respect to the first end.

Abstract: A container for consumer goods is provided, including a box to house the consumer goods, a top face of the box being open to provide a top access opening to access an interior of the box, a first box side wall including a side opening proximate the box bottom wall; a lid hingedly connected to the box back wall and movable between a closed lid position in which the lid covers the top access opening and an open lid position in which the top access opening is uncovered; and a dispenser including a tray portion to hold consumer goods and being mounted inside the box and slidable through the side opening between a closed position in which the tray portion is inside the box and a dispensing position in which a part of the tray portion protrudes through the side opening such that the consumer goods are removable.

Abstract: A sheet packaging material for producing a sealed package of a pourable food product is disclosed. The packaging material may include at least one base layer for imparting stiffness to the sheet packaging material, at least one lamination layer applied to and covering said base layer, and a partially laminated opening zone. The opening zone may include a laminated cutting area having at least three longitudinal portions extending between the center and the periphery of the opening zone, and at least three removable portions adjacent to the laminated cutting area, each removable portion being located between two longitudinal portions and having a folding zone adjacent to the periphery of the opening zone. In use, the removable portions are partly detached from the packaging material by penetration of the laminated cutting area prior to being folded at the folding zone to form an opening in the packaging material for pouring a food product from the package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a top chime for a beverage keg. The top chime is configured to be readily removable from the keg, for example to enable recycling of the top chime separately to the keg. The top chime comprises a mounting portion for mounting the top chime to a keg in use, and a mounting element separate to the top chime that is configured to be assembled together with the top chime after the top chime has been moved into a mounted position with respect to the keg to thereby secure the top chime with respect to the keg. The top chime is provided with a mounting element that is configured to engage the mounting portion to thereby secure the top chime with respect to the keg. The mounting element is configured to be assembled together with the top chime by moving the mounting element in a radially inward direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the top chime.

Abstract: Provided is a container assembly including a container for storage and transport of goods including at least one side wall and a bottom wall defining together an interior space and a cover for closing the opening, having a top surface. The cover may include at least one latch member movable between at least a first position and a second position. The container may also include a retaining member on the at least one side wall and positioned parallel to the latch member such that the latch member is configured for engaging with a retaining member of another container to connect the container to the at least one other container.

Abstract: Multi-compartment containers including multi-compartment cans, canisters, boxes and bags and methods for using the same are disclosed. Multi-compartment containers that provide access to one portion of the contents until depleted while maintaining a seal and thus protecting the freshness or potency, of the contents on another portion allows products to be packaged and sold in a way that maintains freshness and potency longer. Each compartment of the multi-compartment containers can be configured to have either a single-use or re-sealable seal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a panel for dividing the interior space of a container. The panel arrangement (1) has a panel (11) provided with an attachment device (17) adapted to affix the panel in relation the container. There is provided at least one opening in the panel, and the attachment device comprises first and second parts (29, 31) located at a respective side of the panel as well as at least one member (39, 41) reaching through the at least one opening (23). A play (49) is provided between the edges of the opening and said at least one member, such that the attachment device can be moved in at least one direction in which the plane of the panel extends.

Abstract: A connection mechanism including a plurality of microstructure features. The connection mechanism includes a first strip, with a plurality of protrusions extending from the first strip, and a second strip, with a plurality of protrusions extending from the second strip. The protrusions define grooves between adjacent protrusions. A pressure sensitive adhesive is provided in at least some of the grooves. When the first and second strips are brought together, the protrusions from one strip are received in the grooves of the other, and some of the protrusions contact the pressure sensitive adhesive, thereby connecting the first and second strips. The connection mechanism can be used as a closure mechanism for a plastic storage bag.

Abstract: A lid designed to allow a user to see and adjust the humidity levels of a container using a hygrometer and pocket for humidity packs. The lid also allows this to be accomplished without removing the lid because a hatch gives the user access to the inside of the container and underside of the lid, where the pocket is located. Also, the hatch on the lid provides a more efficient and easier method of accessing the contents of a container because a user can simply open and close a hatch, instead of needing to unlock a lever locking latch to remove a lid.

Abstract: A cap structure may include a base and a cap, where the base may include a periphery configured to be mounted over a rim of an opening of a container. The base may include a hollow neck, extending from the base for facilitating flow of liquid from the container through and out of the neck. The neck may include a flange extending annularly around the neck, so as to define an annular step. The cap may include a plurality of inwardly protruding projections, configured to snap over the step when the cap is mounted over the neck.

Abstract: A storage container can include at least one movement sensor in or on a frame of the storage container and at least one movement sensor in or on a door of the storage container. A processor can compare outputs of the movement sensors to determine whether the door is open.

Abstract: A film for use as an interleaf between substrates includes a first side having a first micro-embossed surface and a first formed pattern, a second side having a second micro-embossed surface and a second formed pattern, a basis weight of between about 35 gsm and about 80 gsm, a Low Load Thickness of between about 150 micrometers and 400 micrometers according to the Low Load Thickness Test, and a flexural stiffness of between about 150 grams and about 500 grams according to the Circular Bend Stiffness Test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food container with a reduced amount of elution of hazardous substances. As the food container according to the present invention has a structure in which a foamed layer and a PETG resin layer are laminated, compressive strength is improved and moldability is excellent, so that the food container may be provided in various sizes and shapes. Moreover, the present invention has a harmless effect to a human body due to a remarkably low amount of elution of hazardous substances.

Abstract: A packaged food product may incorporate an angled back card to improve stability by providing an enlarged footprint when the package is standing upright, i.e., vertically oriented. The angled back card can provide a wider base of support between the front of the product and the back card to improve the ability of the package to be self-supporting in an upright position, i.e., to stand up reliably on a shelf without leaning on other structures for external support. The package may be generally dumbbell-shaped as viewed from the front and/or from other angles, and may comprise a center portion that is narrower and/or shallower than adjacent end portions. This may facilitate handling of the product by the consumer and also may help to provide the product with an impactful appearance and theme at retail when the product is viewed from the front and/or from other angles.

Abstract: A method of marketing food items may include displaying in an upright, on-edge orientation on a horizontal shelf in the retail establishment a plurality of generally dumbbell-shaped packages with high-protein food items. The package may be generally dumbbell-shaped as viewed from the front and/or from other angles, and may comprise a center portion that is narrower and/or shallower than adjacent end portions. This may facilitate handling of the product by the consumer and also may help to provide the product with an impactful appearance and theme at retail when the product is viewed from the front and/or from other angles. The product may include high-protein food items, consistent with the theme established by the shape, and may include prominently-displayed information about the protein content of the food items.