Chewing Gum Patents (Class 206/800)
  • Patent number: 11479432
    Abstract: A dispenser of barrier envelopes is formed of a pair of selectively interlocking open-top box-like structures. When interlocked, the pair of structures forms an interior chamber that is configured to store and protect one or more barrier envelopes inside from external contaminants such as viruses, bacteria and/or fungi. The dispenser of barrier envelopes includes a through opening for the purpose of dispensing the one or more envelopes to a user, and a spring in its interior chamber for directing the one or more envelopes toward the through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: FLOW DENTAL PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: William Winters, Terrence McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 10426193
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a container for an elongate electronic nicotine delivery system or other flavored vapor delivery system. The container has a rigid elongate body which defines a chamber including an end and an insert received in the end having first and ancillary openings that lead into the chamber. The insert includes a dividing wall to separate the first and ancillary openings in the insert so that an elongate electronic nicotine delivery system inserted into the chamber through the first opening protrudes therefrom and is supported in an upright position within the chamber by the insert. A lid is pivotally attached to the body so that it covers the first and ancillary openings in the insert in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Nicoventures Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steve Schennum, Tom McKeon, Jeremy Abel
  • Patent number: 10370180
    Abstract: A chewing gum package includes a dispenser, a dispenser holder, and a gum holder. The dispenser is configured to dispense a flavored liquid. The dispenser holder is configured to detachably receive and hold the dispenser. The gum holder is configured to hold a chewing gum product. The gum holder includes a first panel connected relative to and extending outward from a first side of the dispenser holder, and a second panel connected relative to and extending outward from a first side of the dispenser holder. The first panel and the second panel are configured to be movable between a closed position and an open position. The first panel and the second panel are substantially parallel to one another in the closed position to inhibit access to the chewing gum product and are not parallel to one another in the open position to increase access to the gum product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: THE TOPPS COMPANY INC.
    Inventors: James Joseph Best, Geoffery Joseph Lacorte, Timothy Jude Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8950658
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a package assembly for containing consumable product. The package assembly includes a package housing defining a pair of product pockets connected by, and rotatable about, a perforated fold line. The package housing has a closed position wherein the pair of product pockets are substantially coplanar with one another and an open position wherein the pair of pockets lie in an adjacent overlapping tiered relation. The package housing is foldable at the perforated fold line to rotate the pair of pockets between the closed position and the open position and the pair of pockets are severable at the perforated fold line to disconnect the pair of pockets from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Allen Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8727120
    Abstract: Packaging comprises a blister pack (12) and a cover (14) slidably mounted to the pack. The blister pack has a base (16) defining a pocket (18) for receiving a plurality of items and a closure sheet (24) overlaying a front face of the base. A discrete opening region (26) is defined in the closure sheet. The cover (14) has a dispensing aperture (40) and is movable between a dispensing position in which the dispensing aperture (40) is aligned with the dispensing opening region (26) and a closed position in which the dispensing aperture (40) is offset from the dispensing opening region (26). In one embodiment, the opening region (26) is defined by means of lines of weakness (28) formed in the closure sheet and the inner surface of the cover (14) is bonded to the closure sheet so that on first movement of the cover (14) to the dispensing position, the material in the dispensing opening region (26) is removed to form a dispensing opening in the closure sheet which aligns with the dispensing aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Mondelez UK Holdings & Services Limited
    Inventors: Sophie Caron, Fabien Guyot
  • Patent number: 8714349
    Abstract: A mechanical device for the disposal of consumed chewing gum includes a base having a recessed flanged collar at its top to accommodate a cap. The device further includes a rubber gasket, optional securing clips, a plug on the underside of the base, a paper tray, a locking insert, and a dispensing paper pack. The cap is fitted to the base by placing, snapping, or screwing the cap over the recessed flanged collar on the base. The cap has an opening traversing its top to allow the withdrawal of a single paper sheet to wrap consumed chewing gum for disposal. The paper tray is attached to the inside bottom portion of the cap. A gasket is mounted to the top inside portion of the base below the flanged collar for disposal of gum into the base cavity. The case can be emptied by removing the plug on the underside of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas G. Eddy
  • Patent number: 8684180
    Abstract: A package includes a pair of opposed package end surfaces and a first package wall spaced from a second package wall and connected thereto by an end wall forming a first compartment for holding one or more product pieces. The first compartment has an opening. A cover extends from the first compartment and is movable between an open and closed position to selectively cover and uncover the first compartment opening. A closure is disposed at one of the opposed end surfaces and retains the cover in the closed position. The closure includes a first closure member on the cover and a second closure member on the container. The first closure member is selectively, operatively couplable to the second closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Lee, Allen Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8658229
    Abstract: A package assembly encloses a plurality of individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products aligned in a side-by-side array. The package housing enclosed the array of product. The package housing has front and back walls for supporting the products therebetween and a closeable cover for closing a product dispensing opening. The package housing further includes a frictional product retention member insertably supported within the package for frictionally retaining the array of product within the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Allen Sydney Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8646611
    Abstract: A blister package includes at least one blister tray having a plurality of open blister depressions each blister depression accommodating a consumable product. The blister sleeve includes a pair of spaced apart planar walls defining therebetween a pivot connection. The blister tray is received between the walls of the blister sleeve and pivotally coupled to the pivot location. The sleeves are pivotal from an enclosed position between the two planar walls to an open position outwardly of the planar walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Nevenka Markovic
  • Patent number: 8607980
    Abstract: A reclosable consumer product package assembly (10) supports a plurality of consumable products (12). The product package retains and encloses the products, The package is formed from a planar sheet (16) folded about the products. The folded sheet (16) defines a portion overlying the products and an extending portion extending beyond the products to define a foldable flap (29). The sheet is scored at a location overlying at least a portion of the products. The foldable flap is folded over the scored location and adhesively secured thereto such that upon opening the flap, the scored location is removed from its overlying location to expose the products for dispensing. The flap is reclosable over the exposed products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, James Glydon
  • Patent number: 8579185
    Abstract: The present invention includes a package for holding comestible products and blanks for forming the same. The packages can have opposing side walls with generally rounded contoured bottom and top ends and bottom and top walls that conform to the round bottom and top end so that the bottom and top walls have a curved surface that follows the curvature of the bottom and top ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Allen Aldridge, Simon Richard Gainey, Rita Dombroski
  • Patent number: 8529971
    Abstract: Packaging of a stack of confectionery pellets (12) comprises a tubular pack (30) formed from a flexible wrapper (32) and a re-closable cap member (34) mounted to one end of pack. The cap member has a base affixed to a side wall of the pack (30) and a scoop (40) attached to the base for movement between closed and open positions. The scoop (40) is shaped to act as a receptacle for holding a pellet (12) dispensed from the pack when in the open position. The wrapper (32) has a line of weakness (61) extending around all or part of the end wall region and during manufacture an inside surface of the scoop (40) is bonded to the end wall region. When the scoop (40) is first opened, the wrapper (32) tears along the line of weakness to create an opening in the pack (30) through which pellets (12) can be dispensed. A method of manufacturing the packaging is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cadbury Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Asit Modha
  • Publication number: 20130220861
    Abstract: A package assembly (10) includes a package (14) having a body defining a receptacle for receiving a confectionery product, an outer surface for displaying a non-verbal design, and a removable overwrap (12) disposed about the body of the package, wherein the overwrap (12) is substantially opaque and includes verbal product information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Jeff Wurtzel, Lindsey Talaga, Melinda Lewis, Victor Mehren
  • Patent number: 8511462
    Abstract: A packet for containing at least two products of different kinds. According to particular aspects of the invention, the second product is located in a compartment separate from the first and easily accessible so that the user can take it out and, if necessary, put it back into the packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Sergio Mezzini
  • Patent number: 8490828
    Abstract: A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Kaiser, Francis G. Schiro, Allen Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8393469
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable consumable product package for retaining an array of products until the products are desired to be removed. The package includes a container packet formed of a planar extent roll for retaining and enclosing the array of products. A cover with adhesive attached thereto defined by an openable flap overlies the packet. The packet is scored along its surface in such a way that opening of the flap causes the packet to open along the scoring to expose the product for dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Allen Sydney Aldridge, Charles F. Flynn, IV, James S. Mandle
  • Patent number: 8252352
    Abstract: A package assembly encloses a plurality of individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products aligned in a side-by-side array. A package housing encloses the array of products. The package housing has front and back walls for supporting the products therebetween in a closable cover for closing a product dispensing opening. The front wall includes a wall flap extending inwardly towards the back wall in frictional engagement with the array of products for removable retention of the products therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Allen Sydney Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8172086
    Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, Paul K. Bowers, Dan Devine, Christopher J. Feltman, Frank Schiro
  • Patent number: 8172085
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable blister package assembly for accommodating center-filled gum pieces. The package assembly includes a blister tray having an open face and a blister cavity for supporting the gum pieces. The blister tray includes a plurality of ribs within the blister cavity for separating the gum pieces. A cover overlies the blister tray and covers the open face of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Allen Sydney Aldridge
  • Publication number: 20110303574
    Abstract: A reclosable consumer product package assembly (10) supports a plurality of consumable products (12). The product package retains and encloses the products. The package is formed from a planar sheet (16) folded about the products. The folded sheet (16) defines a portion overlying the products and an extending portion extending beyond the products to define a foldable flap (29). The sheet is scored at a location overlying at least a portion of the products. The foldable flap is folded over the scored location and adhesively secured thereto such that upon opening the flap, the scored location is removed from its overlying location to expose the products for dispensing. The flap is reclosable over the exposed products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, James Glydon
  • Patent number: 8006860
    Abstract: There is disclosed a portable gum container, comprising a body. The body has a chewing gum holder, a sheet material dispenser, and a waste receptacle. The chewing gum holder is for holding chewing gum. The sheet material dispenser is for dispensing sheet material sized and shaped for wrapping about a piece of spent chewing gum. The waste receptacle is sized and shaped to contain the wrapped spent piece of chewing gum. Also disclosed is a portable gum container, comprising a body having a chewing gum holder, a waste receptacle and at least one piece of sheet material associated with the body for wrapping about a piece of spent chewing gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Marianne Christine Klein
  • Patent number: 7971718
    Abstract: A package assembly includes individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products arranged in a side-by-side array. The package housing supports the array of products. The package housing includes a back wall and a foldable front wall. The front wall includes an adhesive location therealong for releaseably adhesively retaining the array of products in the package housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Allen Sydney Aldridge
  • Patent number: 7958998
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable blister package assembly for accommodating center-filled gum pieces. The package assembly includes a blister tray having an open face and a blister cavity for supporting the gum pieces. The blister tray includes a plurality of ribs within the blister cavity for separating the gum pieces. A cover overlies the blister tray and covers the open face of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Allen Sydney Aldridge
  • Patent number: 7913846
    Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, Paul K. Bowers, Dan Devine, Christopher J. Feltman, Frank Schiro
  • Patent number: 7901719
    Abstract: A package assembly encloses a plurality of individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products aligned in a side-by-side array. A package housing encloses the array of products. The package housing has front and back walls for supporting the products therebetween in a closable cover for closing a product dispensing opening. The front wall includes a wall flap extending inwardly towards the back wall in frictional engagement with the array of products for removable retention of the products therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventor: Allen Sydney Aldridge
  • Patent number: 7802696
    Abstract: The invention is a portable device designed to hold and dispense wafers used in the containment and disposal of spent chewing gum. The device is small and can be sized to fit in a person's pocket. The wafers are stacked, loaded, and housed in a chamber. When loading, the hinged lid is opened and a stack of wafers are inserted. An elevation spring and associated elevation pad propel the wafers in a position to be dispensed. The wafers are then dispensed by the user who pulls them through a lid opening. Once dispensed, the user wraps the wafer around the spent chewing gum and then disposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Dianne Mae Moore
  • Publication number: 20100230320
    Abstract: Packaging includes a blister pack (14) containing a plurality of items and a sleeve (12) formed from a blank of foldable material encircling the blister pack. The sleeve has a flap (48) folded inwardly about a fold line (50) so as to contact the blister pack, biasing it towards an opposing portion of the sleeve. The flap (48) applies a pressure to the blister pack (14) to help in preventing the pack from slipping out of the sleeve unintentionally but does not limit movement of the pack relative to sleeve or prevent the pack from being removed from the sleeve. The flap (48) may be formed by folding a portion of the sleeve inwardly creating a widow (54) in the sleeve through which the contents of the blister pack can be viewed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: CADBURY HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventors: Sophie Caron, Fabien Guyot
  • Patent number: 7686165
    Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, Paul K. Bowers, Dan Devine, Christopher J. Feltman, Frank Schiro
  • Patent number: 7569008
    Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, Paul K. Bowers, Dan Devine, Christopher J. Feltman, Frank Schiro
  • Patent number: 7563468
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chewing gum package made from an outer package containing one or more pieces of chewing gum. The package includes at least one disposal sheet to wrap chewing gum cuds for proper disposal. The presence of the disposal sheet serves as a reminder to the consumer to dispose of chewing gum cuds appropriately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: James A. Bougoulas, William T. Boyd, Stanley J. Kopecky, Barbara L. Admans, Marco A. Garcia, Shai Altman, Nikolas J. Harte
  • Patent number: 7380666
    Abstract: A gum disposal apparatus for permitting a user to easily dispose of chewed gum includes a plurality of disposal sheets. Each of the disposal sheets is positionable around a piece of chewed gum. A cover extends around a portion of the disposal sheets to keep the disposal sheets in a stacked arrangement. A securing member secures the disposal sheets to the cover wherein individual ones of the disposal sheets may be torn away from the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jami J. Buckelew
  • Patent number: 7325686
    Abstract: A package assembly includes individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products arranged in a side-by-side array. The package housing supports the array of products. The package housing includes a back wall and a foldable front wall. The front wall includes an adhesive location therealong for releaseably adhesively retaining the array of products in the package housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventor: Allen Sydney Aldridge
  • Patent number: 7159717
    Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA, LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, Paul K. Bowers, Dan Devine, Christopher J. Feltman, Frank Schiro
  • Patent number: 7032754
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved product holding and dispensing package and an improved method for manufacturing, holding and storing products, especially consumable products. In an embodiment, a package for a consumable product is provided. The package includes a housing. A sheet is disposed inside the housing. A number of consumable products releaseably attach or adhere to the sheet. The products are configured within the housing so that a consumer can grasp and remove at least one of the consumable products from the sheet and the housing. In an embodiment, the sheet is attached to the housing and the products adhere to the sheet via a heat activated adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventor: Stanley J. Kopecky
  • Patent number: 6926951
    Abstract: A laminate for gum packaging is defined. The laminate includes a metal layer, a polymer layer, a paper layer, and an electron beam cured coating. The laminate provides as good or better barrier properties as a conventional laminate for gum packaging. However, the laminate has “reacted-in” slip agents in the electron beam cured coating, thereby avoiding the common problems of slip agent migration. Further, the laminate of the invention is more economical to produce than is the conventional laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz, Don McArthur
  • Patent number: 6892877
    Abstract: A dispensing container for dispensing confectionary items. The dispensing container includes a body having a chamber for storing confectionary items and a door connected to the body and operable to dispense the confectionary items stored in the chamber. The body also includes a top portion, the top portion including the door, and a bottom portion having a tapered edge adapted to be inserted into a tight location, for example, between a wrapper of a cigarette package and the cigarette package. The dispensing container can have dimensions such that a flip top of the cigarette package can be opened and cigarettes can be extracted and/or the confectionary items can be extracted from the chamber while the dispensing container is inserted between the wrapper and the cigarette package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Yosh! Enterprises
    Inventor: Anthony Craig Shurman
  • Patent number: 6776284
    Abstract: A releasable case for oral breath strips having a base including a cavity, a cover closing the base but having an opening in a top surface for accessing the cavity, and a lid for opening and closing the cover, with the cover closing the base in a non-easily openable fit and with the lid snugly overlying the cover when closed in a substantially air-tight fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Marc J. Mamiye
  • Patent number: 6776288
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved product holding and dispensing package and an improved method for providing, holding and storing products, especially consumable products. The package includes a housing, a product insert and a wrapper that initially seals the outside of the housing. The housing includes an opening that enables a consumer to remove and reinsert the insert from and into the housing. When the consumer removes the insert from the housing, the consumer can remove one or more products from the insert. A compartment that holds the one or more removed products is constructed to hold its shape even after the product is removed so that the insert as a whole maintains its shape even when the insert is partially or substantially empty. The insert in a preferred embodiment slightly press-fits or biases against a number of the walls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventor: Stanley J. Kopecky
  • Patent number: 6709684
    Abstract: A reclosable package for storing elongated items, such as one or more sticks of chewing gum, includes a container having an opening for accessing an interior region of the container. The container has sidewalls that surround the interior region of the container and that extend from the opening toward a bottom wall of the container. The reclosable package also has one or more dividers disposed in the interior region of the container and extending between the container opening and the bottom wall. The one or more dividers define elongated slots adapted for receiving the elongated items in an upright orientation. A cap is hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls of the container. The cap is movable between a closed position in which the cap covers the elongated items stored in the container and an open position wherein the elongated items are accessible through the opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Loth
  • Patent number: 6644488
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for carrying gum and mints in separate compartments thereof. The gum and mint caddy is preferably constructed with a plurality of compartments, one or more of which are separable from the other so as to allow a user to carry gum, mints or both gum and mints. The caddy includes locking, resealable lids, and an adjustable inner lid and alignment mechanism to allow the gum compartment to be used with a plurality of gum package sizes (e.g., different stick quantities).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: June L. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6395361
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is disclosed a method of opening a package including a content wrapped with a wrapper. The method comprises the step of directing a laser beam to the wrapper for cutting the wrapper with the laser beam to open the package. The method further comprises the step of protecting the content from being damaged by the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Baldwin-Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Hara, Iwao Yamabe, Toshisaburo Takagi
  • Patent number: 6059132
    Abstract: A locking device includes an internal closure cap having a threaded bore for engagement with the threads of a container or opening. The closure cap is structured with an upstanding stem which is open for discharging liquid. The outer surface of the stem has a rib gear section. A sleeve member superimpose the stem of the closure cap, whereby seals the tip. An annular shell surrounds the closure cap, and the sleeve member, controlling the engagement of the closure cap. However the sleeve member is structured with internal and external gearing formed to engage the outer ribbing of the closure cap and an internal ribbing within the annular shell, when raised vertically; whereby, a twisting action of the annular shell can be transferred to the closure cap for engaging and disengaging a threaded neck. A set of cylinders with marked flanges are positioned through the annular shell, superimposing the sleeve member, restricting its upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Steve Benjamin
  • Patent number: 5797494
    Abstract: A food packet and preferably a chewing gum packet for holding the chewing gum sticks in the packet after the initial opening and a method for forming the packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Kraft Jacobs Suchard France
    Inventors: T. Thomas Balling, Pascal C. Godard
  • Patent number: 5783266
    Abstract: The present invention relates to easy-open hermetically sealed single serving packages. The present invention relates in particular to a multi-layer film that is particularly adapted for use in individually sealed packages where increased storage life of the packaged product is desired. The present invention is also useful in packaging multiple individual servings together in a single overall package, so that when the overall package is opened, the individual servings are protected from oxygen and moisture. More particularly, this invention is concerned with a novel film used for packaging individual sticks of chewing gum so that the freshness of each individual stick of chewing gum or the like is retained for extended periods of time after the overwrap packaging has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Russ Gehrke
  • Patent number: 5636732
    Abstract: A package containing sticks of chewing gum is opened at one end to expose the sticks. A cap is placed on the open end of the package and has a frame which surrounds the open end. The frame has two windows each of which is juxtaposed with a group of the chewing gum sticks. A pair of covers for the windows is pivotally mounted on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventors: Lisa A. Gilels, Terry J. Adams
  • Patent number: 5632378
    Abstract: A package formed by a wrapper wrapped around a plurality of stacked elongate products (2) each of which temporarily adheres by one of its ends (2B) to an end wall (4) of the wrapper (3). The products may be prepackaged products, such as strips of chewing gum or dairy products, biscuits or bars of chocolate, or else chip cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: CMB Flexible
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Provost
  • Patent number: 5564599
    Abstract: A foldable shipping container capable of being shipped in either a folded or erected condition. The container includes an outer container and an inner tank. The outer container is foldable upon itself so that all portions of the outer container are generally confined within the perimeter of the its base. The inner tank is also provided with a protected valve assembly located within the perimeter of the base and further includes an inflatable support which assists in the filling the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Hoover Group, Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Barber, Curtis P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5370219
    Abstract: A container for sticks of gum comprising a container having four rectangular side walls, and a bottom wall in a rectangular shape coupling the side walls in a rectangular configuration with a central axis and with an open top in a configuration essentially the same as that of the bottom wall, the side walls and bottom wall forming a chamber for the receipt of a pack of sticks of gum, the open top being recessed to form exterior bearing surfaces formed in the side walls on their exterior surfaces both parallel and transverse with respect to the axis and further comprising a closure cap having four rectangular side walls and a top wall in a rectangular shape coupling the side walls in a rectangular axis with a central axis and with an open bottom, the open bottom being recessed to form exterior bearing surfaces both parallel and transverse to the axis and positionable in contact with the bearing surfaces of the container when in a coupled closed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: David L. Violett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5353956
    Abstract: A dispenser of chewing gum in stick form designed to hold a standard pack of gum sticks, including the outside wrapper either with the end removed or separate sticks in their individual wrappers, perhaps taken from a larger package. It has an internal sliding ejector, with an attached, thumb-operated actuator protruding through a slot in the side of the dispenser body. In operation of this dispenser, it is held in one hand while the thumb flips open the hinged cap and subsequently moves the actuator and ejector forward, exposing the end of the gum and making it available to grasp with the other hand or by another person. The remaining gum is then retracted by moving the actuator back with the thumb, after which the same thumb may flip the cover closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Edwin P. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4842187
    Abstract: Described is an opaque, biaxially draw-oriented thermoplastic film for candy twist wrapping. The film is formed from a polymer mixture comprising from about 40 to about 60% by weight of polypropylene and from about 35 to about 55% by weight of polystyrene, relative to the total weight of the mixture. The mixture additionally comprises from about 5 to about 15% by weight of a filler material, relative to the total weight of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Siegfried Janocha, Guenther Crass, Gunter Schloegl, Lothar Bothe