Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
=
10 Containers with Removal Tray Inserts
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates to containers which are primarily used for foodstuffs,
but which
may also be used for a variety of other products. The claimed containers
utilize a container
insert system so that the main container components, which includes foodstuffs
or the like,
can be placed into the main container section, and various other components
(e.g.
condiments, dressings, utensils, and the like), are added to the main
container by use of
specifically designed inserts. By use of the system, the other components are
kept separate
from the main components, but are readily available for use by the consumer,
immediately
prior to consumption.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Clear plastic containers are commonly used for the sale and distribution of a
variety
of foodstuffs. These include foodstuffs such as lettuce, or other salad
greens, strawberries
and other berries, prebaked pastries, cookies or cakes, and other foodstuffs
which lend
themselves to being pre-packaged. Commonly, these types of foodstuffs are
intended for
use with other components such as condiments, dressings, creams, sauces, and
the like,
which are to be kept separate from the main components. This keeps the
components
separated prior to use, allows the consumer to control the amount of other
component to be
added, and/or aids in delaying or preventing the onset of spoilage in the main
component.
Currently, this type of separation of components is accomplished by merely
inserting
a loose, smaller container within the larger main container. This could
include a sealed
plastic bag of the other component, but might also include one or more small
plastic
containers which are added to the main container. Typically, these bags or
smaller
containers are merely inserted into the main container (before or after
filling the main
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container with the main component), and then the main container can be closed
or otherwise
sealed for delivery to the retailer, or consumer. This allows the bags or
smaller containers to
move within the larger container which can make them difficult to locate, or
leads to an
unattractive packaging appearance in which the other component container is
merely loose
in the main container.
Other approaches include the "Take 'n' Go" TM containers, available from Amhil
Enterprises, as described in US Patent Publication No. 2013/0068772, in which
a small
container is affixed to the lid of the larger container prior to closing the
larger container, so
that the one lid covers both containers. However, it is not always practical
or easy to take this
approach for a container which includes a hinged lid permanently affixed to
the main
container body. Moreover, there is no capability of providing multiple smaller
containers
within the main container body.
In another approach, an inner container is fitted within the body of the main
container.
Most of these types of containers include a peripheral sealing rim section
that extends
around the upper section of the main container. The lid includes a
corresponding peripheral
recess section around its outer edge which is adapted to receive and hold the
rim section,
and thus, substantially seal the main container. In this prior art approach,
the inner container
rests on the upper, sealing rim section of the main container body. However,
this approach
interferes with sealing of the main component lid to the main component body,
and as such,
leakage can occur. Also, if the other components protrude above the upper
level of the other
container to any extent, they can interfere with proper closing of the main
container.
Also, if the inner container is smaller than the main container, the inner
container can
move within the main container body as the main container is handled or
flexes. As a result,
the inner container can become loose within the main container body. This
provides a poor
appearance to the consumer, and can act to loosen the lid since the inner
container no
longer rests on the main container rim section.
Moreover, there is no system currently in place wherein a variety of different
sized
and shaped inner containers can be selected and used for a selected main
container,
depending on the relevant application.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to the industry to provide a container
having a
container insert, which overcame all or at least some of these issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
In keeping with the present invention, there is provided a packaging system,
comprising a main container having a main container body and an optional lid,
wherein,
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when present, the optional lid and main container body include a closing
mechanism so
that the lid will substantially close the main container body, and
at least one insert container which is smaller than said main container body,
and
which is capable of being fitted within said main container body,
wherein said main container body includes connected side sections and a bottom
section, a rim section around the upper surface of the main container body, a
inwardly
extending ledge, preferably on one or more of the sides of the main container,
below the
rim section, and one or more ridges or recess sections on one or more side
sections,
and wherein,
said insert container includes connected side sections, a bottom section, and
a
protruding lip section at or near the top of at least one side of the insert
container,
wherein, the protruding lip is adapted to be placed onto at least part of the
inner ledge of
the main container, and wherein one or more side sections of the insert
container
additionally include a ridge or recess section which corresponds to the ridge
or recess
section on the main container, and which is adapted to be fitted within the
ridge or
recess section of the main container when said insert container is placed
within said
main container.
In the alternative, the present invention also provides a packaging system
consisting of a main container, and at least one insert container, of the type
described
hereinabove.
Preferably, there is a flexible hinge between the lid and main container body
so
that the lid and main container body can be at least temporarily affixed, one
to the other,
by use of the hinge.
The inwardly extending ledge is generally a substantially flat section, of
typically
less than 2 cm, more preferably less than 1 cm in width, still more preferably
less than
0.5 cm, and most preferably, in the range of between 1 and 5 mm. The ledge is
preferably placed immediately below the rim section so as to typically be less
than 3 cm,
more preferably less than 2 cm from the rim section. Still more preferably the
ledge is
less than 1.5 cm, most preferably, is between 0.2 to 12 mm from the rim
section. As
such, the ledge is typically located in the upper part, and preferably at
least in the upper
half, of the main container body sides. In a preferred embodiment, the ledge
is
preferably provided at the normal "fill line" of the main container, wherein
the fill line is
the normal filling point for the rated size of the selected container. As
such, the ledge
provides an indication of the normal filling line for the container. The ledge
is a sufficient
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distance from the rim section so that the ledge does not interfere with normal
closing of
the main container body by its corresponding or attached lid. At a minimum,
the ledge
should be below the rim by a distance equal to the thickness of the material
used to form
the lid.
More preferably, however, the ledge and/or the insert container are positioned
away from the lid, and thus, the lid will typically have little or no contact
with the insert
container.
Preferably, the inwardly extending ledge is continuous and extends completely
around the inside of the main container body. For example, for a rounded main
container,
the ledge preferably extends around the entire main container. For a four
sided container,
the ledge preferably is placed on all four sides, and also preferably extends
around the
entire main container.
The insert container is smaller than the main container so that it will fit
inside the
main container, and the protruding lip section will rest on the main container
ledge. In
one embodiment, the insert container is sized and shaped so that its lip
section rests on
the ledge section completely around the main container. Using this approach,
the insert
container covers the entire opening of the main container, and can be lifted
out of the
main container prior to use. In this embodiment, the insert container
preferably has a
shorter depth than the main container so that it is held off of the bottom of
the main
container. However, having the insert container rest on the bottom of the main
container
is not excluded.
In another embodiment, the insert container is sized and shaped so as to be
smaller than the opening in the main container body. As a result, the
protruding lip
section will only rest on part of the ledge section. Typically, this smaller
insert container
will only cover a portion of the opening of the main container body.
Typically, this would
be approximately 50% of the main container body opening, but the insert
container can
be used to cover any desired main container body opening desired by the user.
Preferably, in this approach, for a four sided main container, the insert
container
is also sized so as to preferably rest completely across the ledge at only one
end of the
main container, but also extend at least part way along the ledge section on
the two
connected side sections for that end. As a result, only a portion of the
opening of the
main container is covered.
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Again, in this approach, the insert container can rest on the bottom of the
main
container, but more typically, the insert container is shorter in depth than
the main
container, so that the insert container is held off of the main container
bottom.
Also, in this approach, the insert container might only include a lip section
on
three sides, and the lip-free side will face into the main container.
More than one insert container can be fitted into the main container, and
thus,
the present invention also provides a packaging system having a main container
and two
or more insert containers fitted within the main container. The insert
containers used can
have the same size and shape as each other, but they can also have different
sizes and
shapes. In this fashion, different sized insert containers can be provided
that will fit within
a selected main container. In this fashion, the user can select the desired
shape and
size of the insert container, or containers, to be used for a selected main
container size.
This packaging system thereby allows the user to select a main container, and
one or
more insert containers, that meet the requirements of the user.
For example, for a four sided main container, two insert containers might be
used,
wherein both insert containers are fitted to the opposite ends, and extend
along the two
connecting sides. The insert containers can be sized so that they contact each
other, or
they can be sized so as to be held apart from one another.
Additionally, it should be noted that more than two insert containers might be
used. For example, for a three insert container packaging system, two insert
containers
can rest on the ledge at the two ends of the main container, and part way
along the
ledge on the sides of the main container. A gap could be provided between the
two
insert container, and a third insert container could be added having a lip
that rests on the
ledge on the two sides of the main container.
In embodiments where two or more insert containers are used, preferably each,
or all of the insert containers include a protruding lip section that extends
completely
around the insert container. This can permit the adjoining lip sections of the
insert
containers to overlap. The lip sections can however, as be placed so as to be
separated
from each other ¨ preferably by a gap of less than 1 cm, - or the lip sections
can be
placed so as to abut one another. When overlapping, the adjoining protruding
lip
sections can also include a mating section that allows the two lip sections to
interlock.
This might be provided by a post-and-hole arrangement, but more preferably, is
provided
by including an interlocking ridge on the lip section in the overlap area.
This interlocking
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of the lip sections can assist in providing additional structural integrity to
the packaging
system of the present invention.
Typically, the lip section on the insert containers is generally a
substantially flat
section, which is preferably slightly smaller than the ledge width. As such,
the protruding
lip section typically preferably has a width of less than 2 cm, more
preferably, less than 1
cm, and still more preferably, less than 5 mm. A preferred lip section
therefore preferably
has a width of between lmm and 5 mm. As a result, the lip section is sized so
as to rest
on the main container ledge section.
Where appropriate, the lip sections of the insert containers can also overlap
or
mate with the lip section of an adjoining insert container, as previously
described.
Numerous options exist for selection of different sized and shape inserts for
a
selected main container. As such, a container supplier can provide a limited
number of
main containers, and the user can select a suitable main container and one or
more
inserts that fit within that main container that meets their requirements. In
a preferred
approach, main containers can be provided having the same width and length, so
that
the same insert containers might be used, for all main containers. However,
the main
container depth can vary to provide different main container volumes. The
supplier thus
can provide a series of insert containers that can be mixed or matched for use
within a
selected main container.
The insert containers can also vary in size, shape or design. For example, the
insert container compartment might be continuous, or might include openings
such as
slots or holes, to connect with the main container. For non-liquid materials
in the insert
container, this would lower the amount of plastic used.
It can also be noted that, commonly, the insert container includes only a
single
compartment. This compartment can be open at its top, or it can be sealed
using, for
example, a foil seal that extends across the top of the insert container. The
compartment
might also be made resealable by, for example, use of a film having a
resealable glue, or
by providing a compartment with a zipper storage lock, or the like. The insert
container
can also include two, three or even more compartments, each of which might
also be
continuous compartments (e.g. no side or bottom openings), or include side or
bottom
openings. Any or all of the compartments might also be open at their tops, or
each of the
compartments might be sealed. The insert container(s) can thereby be
customized for
different applications and uses.
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The insert container can also include tabs, ridges, pinch points, or finger
openings, to facilitate insertion or removal of the insert container from the
main container.
The main container, and the insert container also include corresponding ridges
and recesses on their side sections, and these ridges and recesses on the main
container and the insert container are placed so that they fit, one into the
other, when the
insert container is positioned in the main container. In one approach, the
side sections of
the main container include one or more preferably vertical ridges that
protrude inwardly
into the main container. The side section of the insert container includes at
least one
preferably vertical recess that protrudes into the insert container, and which
is positioned
so as to mate with the main container side wall ridges when the insert
container is
placed into the main container. The positioning and number of ridges and
recesses on
the main container, and/or the insert container side walls can vary depending
on the size
and shape of the main container and the insert container. Preferably, at least
one, and
more preferably, at least two ridge and recess sections are mated for each
insert
container, when inserted into the main container.
The vertical ridges and recesses can be positioned in a symmetrical
arrangement
on the side wall sections, or on the front and back of the main container.
However,
asymmetrical designs can also be used. For example, the front wall section
might
include fewer vertical ridges or recesses in order to permit a better view of
the main
container contents. Structural ridges or recesses might also be provided on
the insert
container even on sides which are not intended to be in contact with the main
container,
in order to provide structural rigidity and strength in the insert container.
Preferably, the ridges and recesses allow for the insert container to have
anywhere from a slight clearance fit to a slight interference, fit within the
main container.
As such, the insert container can be easily inserted into the main container
body without
any significant deformation of the main container body, or insert container.
The
positioning of the ridges and recesses can be varied, so that either the main
container or
the insert container can include either the ridges or recesses. For example,
if the main
container includes ridges or recesses, the corresponding insert container will
include
recesses or ridges, respectively, in order to fit in place in the main
container.
The ridges and recesses are preferably 0.5 to 5 cm in depth, and more
preferably,
between 1 and 3 cm, for a typical container. However, smaller depth ridges and
recesses might also be used, and in particular, smaller depth ridges and
recesses
having a wider base area might also be used. These types of ridges and
recesses might
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be referred to as "waves", and each of the main container and insert
containers being
used will preferably have a corresponding wave pattern.
By use of the ridges and recesses on the side walls of the main container and
insert container, and by use of the lip section resting on the ledge section,
the insert
container is essentially prevented from movement within the main container.
This
provides a better appearance for the packaging system of the present
invention.
Depending on the nature of the insert container, the insert container can also
provide
additional strength and rigidity to the packaging system
For most purposes, the material of the main container and the insert container
is
preferably transparent. However, it will be understood that in some instances
it may be
convenient or advisable for the material of the main container and/or the
insert container
to be translucent, or even opaque. The materials of the main container or the
insert
container can also be coloured, or non-coloured. Printing can also be provided
on either
or both of the main container, or the insert container.
The material of the main container and the insert container can be separately
chosen from any suitable materials, but most preferably, both the main
container and the
insert containers are made of plastic. The main container and the insert
container can be
made of different materials, but preferably, both made of the same material.
Preferably,
the main container and the insert container are made from polyethylene,
polypropylene,
polystyrene, polycarbonates, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or vinyl, or
mixtures
thereof and therebetween. Section of the construction material can be
influenced by the
nature of the material to be stored in the main container and/or the insert
container. For
example, hot or cold materials might require different construction materials.
While a variety of production techniques can be employed, in general, the main
container and the insert container of the packaging system, are preferably
formed by
thermoforming, and usually by being pressure formed from sheet material,
followed by
stamping operations to separate each formed container from the sheet material.
Other
production processes however, can include injection moulding of the main
container
and/or the insert container, and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present
invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation,
together with
further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the
following
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drawings in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the
drawings are
for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a
definition of
the limits of the invention. Accordingly, embodiments of this invention will
now be
described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in
which:
Figure 1A and 1B are perspective views of a packaging system according to the
present invention, which show one embodiment of an insert container and one
embodiment of a main container separately in Figure 1A, and then assembled
together
in Figure 1B;
Figure 2 is a top view of a main container;
Figures 3A and 38 are a top view and a perspective view, respectively, of one
embodiment of an insert container;
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the ledge section of the main container, with
an
insert container lip section being shown thereon;
Figure 5A and 5B are top and perspective views, respectively, of an
alternative
embodiment of an insert container;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of an assembled alternative packaging system;
Figure 7 is an enlarged partial view of the ledge section of the packaging
system
of Figure 6, showing part of the main container and part of the insert
container inserted
therein;
Figure 8A and 8B are top and perspective views of a further alternative
embodiment of an insert container;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative packaging system with the
insert
container from Figures 8A and 8B;
Figure 10A and 10B are perspective views of a packaging system according to
the present invention, which show two insert containers and a main container
separately
in Figure 10A, and then assembled together in Figure 10B;
Figures 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D and 11E are enlarged central lip sections which
show some possible central lip section arrangements;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative main container;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the main container of Figure 12 in use with
two
insert containers;
Figures 14A and 14B are top and perspective views respectively, of a still
further
embodiment of an insert container; and
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Figures 15A and 15B are perspective views of a still further packaging system
according to the present invention, which show a round main container, with a
semi-
circular insert container separately in Figure 15A, and then assembled
together in Figure
15B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present
invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation,
together with
further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the
following
discussion. In the drawings, unless otherwise noted, the packaging system is
shown
comprising a opaque main containers, and opaque insert containers, in order
for the
drawings to be more easily understood. However, it will be understood that the
packaging system can comprise opaque, translucent, transparent, or clear main
and
insert containers.
Turning first to Figure 1A, there is shown a packaging system 10 consisting of
a
main container 12, having a main container body 14 and a lid 16. Main
container body
14 and lid 16 are attached together by hinge 18. Main container 12 can be used
as is,
on its own, but in keeping with the present invention, main container 12 is
intended to
receive insert container 20 which is adapted to be fitted within main
container 12 in the
manner described in the present invention. As such, the assembled packaging
system
10 is shown in Figure 1B wherein insert container 20 has been inserted into
the body 14
of main container 12.
Main container 12 and insert container 20 are pressure formed from PET, in a
manner known to those skilled in the art.
Details of the construction of main container 12 are shown in Figure 2. In
this
figure, the four side walls of main container 12 are shown and these include
two end
walls 22, front wall 24 and back wall 26. Each of end walls 22 have four
vertical ridges
28 which protrude into main container body 14. Front wall 24 has two vertical
ridges 30,
and back wall 26 has a total of four vertical ridges 32, in two sets of two
vertical ridges,
which also protrude into main container body 14.
Around the top peripheral edge of main container body 14 is a rim section 34.
A
corresponding recess section 36 is provided around the peripheral edge of lid
16. In a
manner known to those skilled in the art, lid 16 can be used to cover and
essentially seal
main container body 14, by inserting rim section 34 into recess section 36.
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A peripheral ledge 38 is provided around the top of the main container body
14,
immediately below the rim section 34.
Details of the construction of insert container 20 are shown in Figures 3A and
3B.
In these figures, insert container 20 includes only a single compartment 40
which
substantially fills insert container 20. It will be noted that insert
container 20, in this
embodiment, is intended to essentially cover the entire top section of main
container
body 14.
The end walls 42 of insert container 20 each include vertical recesses 44.
Front
and back walls 46 also include vertical recesses 48. When placed into main
container
body 14, vertical ridges 28 on end walls 22 will be positioned into vertical
recesses 44, or
vertical ridges 28 will extend into a gap located under pinch section 50.
Pinch sections
50 can be used to insert or remove insert container 20 into main container 12.
Additionally, when insert container 20 is placed into main container 12,
vertical
ridges 30 and 32 on front wall 24 and back wall 26, will be positioned into
vertical
recesses 48. In this embodiment, insert container 20 is reversible so that the
front and
back walls can be reversed.
An essentially flat protruding lip 52 is provided around the peripheral edge
of
insert container 20, and this lip 52 is intended to rest on ledge 38 of main
container body
14. Details of ledge 38 and lip 52, in the assembled packaging system 10, are
shown in
Figure 4, and in Figure 4, it can clearly be seen that protruding lip 52 rests
on ledge 38,
and not on rim section 34, since ledge 38 is positioned in the main container
body 14, at
a point below rim section 34. As such, insert container 20 can be inserted
into main
container body 14 in a manner where it does not interfere with rim section 34
or recess
section 36. As a result, insertion of insert container 20 into main container
12, does not
interfere with the normal closing and sealing of main container 12 by lid 16.
Moreover,
whether or not insert container 20 has been inserted into main container 12,
it is clear
that main container 12 can be closed with lid 16, in a regular manner without
having the
insert container affect the rim and recess closing mechanism.
In Figure 5A and 5B, a top view and a perspective view, respectively, of an
alternative embodiment of an insert container 60 are provided wherein the
insert
container only partial covers the opening in the main compartment. In this
embodiment,
insert container 60 is sized so as to cover approximately 50% of the opening
of the main
container. Insert container 60 has only a single compartment 62, and includes
a
protruding peripheral lip 64, and a protruding central lip section 64A, that
extends around
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insert container 60. Lip 64 is provided so that it will rest on the ledge 38
at one end wall
22 of main container 12, and will rest on part of ledge 38 extending along the
front and
back walls (24,26), of main container 12.
A structural rib 65 is preferably provided on the insert container 60, in the
area
under the central lip section 64A. This provides additional rigidity to the
insert
compartment 60.
Vertical recesses 66 are provided on one end of insert container 60, and
vertical
recesses 68 are also provided on the sides of insert container 60. These
vertical
recesses (66, 68) are positioned so that they provide a slight clearance fit
with the
vertical ridges (28, 30 and 32) at the sides and end of one end of main
container 12.
In Figure 6, a completed packaging system 70 according to the present
invention
is shown, which includes a main container 12, and insert container 60. Details
of the
insert container 60 resting on ledge 38 of main container 12, can be seen in
the enlarged
view provided in Figure 7, which more clearly shows protruding lip section 64
and ledge
38. It can also be seen that ledge 38 is well below rim section 34.
In Figure 8A and 8B, a top view and a perspective view, respectively, of a
further
alternative embodiment of an insert container 80 are provided wherein the
insert
container again only partial covers the opening in the main compartment. In
this
embodiment, insert container 80 is again sized so as to cover approximately
50% of the
opening of the main container. However, insert container 80 has two
compartments 82
and 83, and includes a protruding peripheral lip 84, and a protruding central
lip section
84A, that extends around insert container 80. Lip 84 is provided so that it
will rest on the
ledge 38 at one end wall 22 of main container 12, and will also rest on part
of ledge 38
extending along the front and back walls (24,26), of main container 12.
Again, a structural rib 85 is preferably provided on the insert container 80,
in the
area under the central lip section 84A. This provides additional rigidity to
the insert
compartment 80.
Vertical recesses 86 are provided on one end of insert container 80, and
vertical
recesses 88 are also provided on the sides of insert container 80. These
vertical
recesses (86, 88) are positioned so that they provide a slight clearance fit
with the
vertical ridges (28, 30 and 32) at one end of main container 12.
In Figure 9, a completed packaging system 90 according to the present
invention
is shown, which includes a main container 12, and insert container 80, wherein
insert
container 80 has been inserted into main container 12 in a manner consistent
with that
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described in respect of Figure 6.
In Figure 10A, the various components of a version of a completed packaging
system 100, according to the present invention, are shown separately. This
includes
main container 12, insert container 60 and insert container 80. In Figure 10B,
insert
containers 60 and 80 are shown after both have been inserted into main
container 12.
Lips 64 and 84 rest on ledge 38 where they contact main container 12. In the
centre of
main container 12, central lip sections 64A and 84A are positioned so as to
provide a
slight gap 87 between central lip sections 64A and 84A. Gap 87 is typically
approximately less than 1 cm, more preferably between 1 to 5 mm, and most
preferably,
about 3 mm. However, the width of gap 87 can be any suitable value.
It should be noted that in an alternative design, central lip sections 64A and
84A
can abut one another, or overlap with one another. When they overlap,
preferably, the
combined thickness of the two overlapping central lip sections is small enough
that the
overlap does not cause any interference with the closing of lid 16. Still
further, the central
lip sections can include an interlocking feature, which aids in providing
structural support
for the packaging system. These possible arrangements are shown in Figures
11A, 116,
11C and 11D, which respectively show enlarged views of the relative positions
of central
lip sections 64A and 84A. In Figure 11A, central lip sections 64A and 84A have
a gap 87
between them. In Figure 11B, central lip sections 64A and 84A abut one
another. In
Figure 11C, central lip sections 64A and 84A overlap with each other. In
Figure 11D,
central lip sections 64A and 84A each include a ridge 89 that allows central
lip sections
64A and 84A to be connected to each other.
It can be noted though that central lip sections 64A and/or 84A are not
necessary.
As such, in a further option, as shown in Figure 11E central lip sections 64A
and 84A
have been omitted from insert containers 60 and 80.
In general, it will therefore be seen, that the size and shape of the various
components of the present invention, allows for mixing and matching of the
main
containers and insert containers to provide a customized package for each
user. As
such, the packaging system of the present invention allows for flexibility in
stocking,
storing and shipping of only those components required by a particular
customer.
As such, in Figure 12, an alternative main container 110 is shown which is
essentially identical to main container 10, with the exception that main
container 110 has
a reduced depth, and that lid 112 is separated from main container body 114.
However,
as will be clearly understood by the skilled artisan, lid 112 can still be
easily used to
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close main container body 114.
As shown in Figure 13, a packaging system 116 is provided wherein main
container body 114 is used to receive the same insert containers 60 and 80
that have
been previously described. In this embodiment, the user can use main container
body
114 on its own (with or without lid 112), or with insert container 60 and/or
insert container
80. In Figure 13, both insert containers 60 and 80 are shown, but either could
be omitted
depending on the user's specific application.
Other design options are possible. For example, in Figures 14A and 14B, a
further insert container 120 is shown having two compartments 122 and 124.
Compartment 122 is the same as compartment 82 in Figure 8B, but compartment
124 is
a circular compartment. Compartment 124 can be open, or can be sealed by, for
example, a foil seal (not shown). It will be clear though, that numerous
options exist for
the size, shape and design of both the insert container, and the main
container, and that
the user is freely able to mix and match the insert containers and the main
containers to
prepare a customized packaging system suited for their particular application.
Other container body shapes are possible, as is seen in Figures 15A and 15B.
In
Figure 15A, a circular shaped main container 130, having a main container body
132
connected to lid 134 by a hinge 133. Main container body 132 is shown adjacent
to
semi-circular insert container 136. Insert container 136 is sized and shaped
so as to be
capable of being inserted into main container body 132, in a manner similar to
that
previously described wherein ridges in the main container body are adapted to
fit into
recesses in the insert container. The resultant assembled packaging system
140, is
shown in Figure 15B.
Clearly many other shapes and sizes are possible.
Also, it should be noted that while the primary application for this invention
is for
providing foodstuffs, other suitable applications are known or possible. As
such, the
packaging system of the present invention might also be used for the sale or
dispensing
of manufactured materials, such as nuts, bolts, screws, or the like, or
electrical components,
such as resistors, capacitors, batteries, or the like. A wide variety of other
uses can be
envisioned. It will therefore by clear to the skilled artisan that various
other modifications
and alterations may be used in the design and setup of the present invention,
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.
Accordingly, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with
the
present invention, a packaging system which fully satisfies the goals,
objects, and
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advantages set forth hereinbefore, or inherent thereto. Therefore, having
described
specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that
alternatives,
modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the
art, and
that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such
alternatives,
modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context
requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or
step or
group of integers or steps but not to the exclusion of any other integer or
step or group of
integers or steps.
Moreover, words such as "substantially" or "essentially", when used with an
adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular
characteristic; e.g.,
substantially or essentially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar
and/or
exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element.
Further, use of the terms "he", "him", or "his", is not intended to be
specifically
directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as
"she", "her", or
"hers", respectively. Also, relative terms such as "inwardly" or "outwardly"
are to be
interpreted in their normal manner when the device of the present invention is
used in its
intended manner.
Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it
is not
an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present
application.
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