Abstract:
A system and method for associating a constructible utensil with a container. The system may use a thin-walled plastic cup container with a stiffer paperboard overwrap. A constructible utensil is integrated into this overwrap. A free end of the wrap overlaps and covers the utensil-end of the overwrap, so that the utensil is protected. The overwrap is sealed at the free end with an easy to release adhesive, so that the consumer would pull back the overwrap to expose the utensil. The utensil would be perforated on the overwrap, so the consumer could easily remove it for use. There is an option for more copy under the overwrap as well.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of U.S. patent application No. 61/794,880 filed 15 Mar. 2013, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to constructible utensils, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to packaging for delivery of a constructible utensil with a container. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions. 
         [0004]    It is well-known that food manufacturers prepare and deliver foodstuff within a food container. In some cases, consumers require or desire a utensil to assist in consumption of the foodstuff from within the container. It has been a challenge to manufacturers to reliably deliver utensils to the consumer along with the foodstuff while ensuring that they remain sanitary. 
         [0005]    One solution that works for certain food containers has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,381 which describes a constructible utensil that is integrated or attached to a food cover for a food container, sometimes referred to as a “spoon lid”—this patent is expressly incorporated in its entirety by reference thereto for all purposes. It is not always possible or preferred to provide a constructible utensil as integrated with or attached to the food cover. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a system and method for associating a constructible utensil with a container. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Disclosed is a system and method for associating a constructible utensil with a container. The following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of technical features related to constructible utensils for a food container, and is not intended to be a full description of the present invention. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. The present invention is applicable to other containers for other materials, and is applicable to other container shapes and sizes in addition to those illustrated and described. 
         [0008]    A system may use a thin-walled plastic cup container with a stiffer paperboard overwrap. A constructible utensil is integrated into this overwrap. A free end of the wrap overlaps and covers the utensil-end of the overwrap, so that the utensil is protected. The overwrap is sealed at the free end with an easy to release adhesive, so that the consumer would pull back the overwrap to expose the utensil. The utensil would be perforated on the overwrap, so the consumer could easily remove it for use. There is an option for more copy under the overwrap as well. 
         [0009]    Any of the embodiments described herein may be used alone or together with one another in any combination. Inventions encompassed within this specification may also include embodiments that are only partially mentioned or alluded to or are not mentioned or alluded to at all in this brief summary or in the abstract. Although various embodiments of the invention may have been motivated by various deficiencies with the prior art, which may be discussed or alluded to in one or more places in the specification, the embodiments of the invention do not necessarily address any of these deficiencies. In other words, different embodiments of the invention may address different deficiencies that may be discussed in the specification. Some embodiments may only partially address some deficiencies or just one deficiency that may be discussed in the specification, and some embodiments may not address any of these deficiencies. 
         [0010]    Other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon a review of the present disclosure, including the specification, drawings, and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a constructible utensil delivery system including a container with an overwrap as delivered to a prospective consumer; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates the constructible utensil delivery system of  FIG. 1  with the overwrap partially pulled back to reveal the integrated constructible utensil; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a first alternate constructible utensil delivery system including a container with an overwrap as delivered to a prospective consumer; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates the first alternate constructible utensil delivery system of  FIG. 3  with the overwrap partially pulled back to reveal the integrated constructible utensil; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a second alternate constructible utensil delivery system including a container with an overwrap as delivered to a prospective consumer; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates the second alternate constructible utensil delivery system of  FIG. 5  with the overwrap partially pulled back to reveal the integrated constructible utensil; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a representative unconstructed constructible utensil that may be used in the embodiments of  FIG. 1-FIG .  6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for associating a constructible utensil with a container. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. 
         [0020]    Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a constructible utensil delivery system  100  including a container  105  with an overwrap  110  as delivered to a prospective consumer.  FIG. 2  illustrates constructible utensil delivery system  100  with overwrap  110  partially pulled back to reveal the integrated unconstructed constructible utensil. Container  105  is illustrated as an inverted regular conical frustum having a top opening, a bottom base, and a sidewall extending between the bottom base and the top opening. The sidewall defines a cavity for receipt and storage of a foodstuff and a lid closes and seals the top opening. Container  105  is often made of a thin-walled plastic material. Container  105  is used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it being understood that container  105  may vary greatly in shape, length, height, and width from what is shown. Container  105  may be implemented in other regular and irregular shapes, such as for example a regular or irregular parallelepiped having rectilinear faces. For a food container, typically there is a planar base (e.g., circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other regular or irregular polygon having 5-8 sides), and a top opening parallel to the base, with one or more sidewalls extending from the base to the opening defining the cavity. 
         [0022]    Overwrap  110  is a stiff yet flexible paperboard material that has the properties required of a constructible utensil (thickness, stiffness, bendability, and the like) to be delivered by constructible utensil delivery system  100 . Some implementations may not be paperstock but may be paper-like (e.g., other plant fiber besides tree fiber) or a calcium carbonate or an environmentally-friendly suitable material that can be biodegradable and/or compostable, the materials as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/357,557 USER-CONSTRUCTABLE UTENSIL, the contents of which are expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto for all purposes. 
         [0023]    Overwrap  110  is sized and shaped to preferably extend more than once around a container perimeter defined as the collection of all the sidewalls. By extending more than once around the container perimeter, overwrap  110  includes a free end  115  that overlaps a fixed end  120 , the magnitude (length) of an overlapping portion  125  may be adjusted as described herein. Overwrap  110  is fixed to an outside exterior of the sidewall in many different ways. For example, fixed end  120  may be adhered to the outside exterior using an adhesive that is semi-tacky or permanent. A permanent adhesive ensures that overwrap  110  remains attached to container  105 . A semi-tacky adhesive allows overwrap  110  to be removed after use. 
         [0024]    Free end  115  is releasably secured (e.g., to a section of overwrap  110 ) using a semi-tacky releasable adhesive. The releasable adhesive or other securing mechanism secures free end  115  to overwrap  110  in a way that holds overwrap  110  in place during shipment and distribution yet is releasable to permit free end  115  to be unsealed and opened. Some implementations may further employ a sealed plastic bag or a second level overwrap that is shrink-wrapped or the like to container  105  which secures overwrap  110  in position. 
         [0025]    A section of overwrap  110  covered by overlapping portion  125  includes a constructible utensil  130 . Constructible utensil  130  is defined in or integrated with the section of overwrap  110  that is covered over by overlapping portion  125 . For constructible utensil delivery system  100 , constructible utensil  130  is completely covered by overlapping portion  125  which helps maintain it in a sanitary and clean condition to properly be used for serving foodstuff to be eaten. 
         [0026]    Constructible utensil  130  has a length and width, the length greater than the width and with the length equal to or less than a width of overwrap  110 . Constructible utensil  130  is disposed vertically (the length extending between the bottom base and the top opening and the width extending along the container perimeter). In this way, a reduced amount of overwrap  110  may be used (e.g., the length of overwrap  110  may just sufficient to cover constructible utensil  130  before removal and the width of overwrap  110  is just greater than the length of constructible utensil  130  giving enough perimeter around the utensil to hold it into place). 
         [0027]    Constructible utensil  130  is preferably defined in the section of overwrap  110  to be covered up by overlapping portion  125  using a series of perforations or other defined-tear-propagation technique that allows a consumer to remove constructible utensil  130  from overwrap  110 . That portion of overwrap  110  defining constructible utensil  130  cannot have permanent adhesive (but may use semi-tacky adhesive) holding overwrap  110  to the sidewall or the consumer would not be able to remove constructible utensil  130 . Permanent adhesive would have to be used outside the perimeter of constructible utensil  130 . Note that it is preferred, but not required, that free edges of constructible utensil  130  match, or are otherwise preformed by shaping, fixed end  120 . Thus a handle and one lateral edge do not need to be torn or removed to separate constructible utensil  130  from overwrap  110 . Other implementations may have a greater extent of perforations extending around a perimeter of constructible utensil  130 , requiring more removal time and effort for a consumer, which can risk inadvertent damage to constructible utensil  130  as it is removed. 
         [0028]    In operation, the consumer lifts free end  115  and peals overlapping portion  125  off of container  105  to reveal the underlying constructible utensil  130  defined in the revealed portion of overwrap  110 . The consumer separates off constructible utensil  130  from overwrap  110  to hold an independent and discrete unconstructed constructible utensil  130  in hand. The consumer, if not having already done so, exposes the foodstuff-containing cavity of container  105  (e.g., removing the lid from the top opening) and constructs constructible utensil  130  to produce a utensil that the consumer then uses to consume the foodstuff from container  105 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates a first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300  including a container  305  with an overwrap  310  as delivered to a prospective consumer.  FIG. 4  illustrates first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300  with overwrap  310  partially pulled back to reveal the integrated constructible utensil  130 . Except as expressly detailed, or where context clearly requires a different conclusion, components and elements of first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300  conform to the corresponding components and elements of constructible utensil delivery system  100  described herein. Differences between first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300  and constructible utensil delivery system  100  include orientation of constructible utensil  130  horizontally (the length extending in the direction of the container perimeter and the width extending between the bottom base and top opening) instead of vertically a free end  315  covering a greater overlapping portion  125  (at least a length of constructible utensil  130  rather than its width) and a fixed end  320  illustrating a utensil definition that can also make it easier for a consumer to identify and access constructible utensil  130  once overlapping portion  125  is peeled away. 
         [0030]    As illustrated, fixed end  320  is notched and preformed having portions of free lateral edges of constructible utensil  130  pre-cut and exposed from fixed end  320  and a limited perforation  325  added which reduces the amount of tearing required to remove. This is consistent with an implementation of constructible utensil delivery system  100  described herein. In some implementations, fixed end  320  is square across its entire width and would require more time and effort to remove, possibly increasing risk of inadvertent damage to constructible utensil  130  during removal. 
         [0031]    There are reasons why a manufacturer may prefer an implementation of first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300  over constructible utensil delivery system  100 . These reasons include a height of container  505  (or a width of overwrap  510  associated with container  505 ) being less than a desired length of constructible utensil  130  or the manufacturer preferring a horizontal disposition of constructible utensil  130  on container  505  (such to present advertising/marketing copy using overwrap  510  or constructible utensil  130  in a particular way). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/797,446, hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes, includes alternative shapes for constructible utensil  130 , score patterns and some discussion regarding adjustments of length of a constructible utensil  130  that could impact orientation of the utensil and dimensions of the overwrap. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates a second alternate constructible utensil delivery system  500  including a container  505  with an overwrap  510  as delivered to a prospective consumer.  FIG. 6  illustrates second alternate constructible utensil delivery system  500  with overwrap  510  partially pulled back to reveal the integrated constructible utensil. 
         [0033]    Except as expressly detailed, or where context clearly requires a different conclusion, components and elements of second alternate constructible utensil delivery system  500  conform to the corresponding components and elements of first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300  described herein. Differences between second alternate constructible utensil delivery system  500  and first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300  include a magnitude of overlapping portion  125  (i.e., it covers only a portion of constructible utensil  130  exposing a rear end of the handle portion while sealing and protecting an opposing food-contacting functional end, and fixed end  520  is illustrated completely square and therefore a perforation line  530  extends completely around the utensil perimeter (except in some cases for a very small area where the opposing food-contacting functional end aligns with fixed end  520 ). 
         [0034]    As illustrated, fixed end  520  is NOT notched and preformed. More copy space is provided on overwrap  510  in this configuration (access when free end  515  is peeled away) which may be desirable in that overwrap  510  may be shorter than overwrap  310  for the same container and constructible utensil as overlapping portion  125  is shorter in second alternate constructible utensil delivery system  500 . 
         [0035]    There are reasons why a manufacturer may prefer an implementation of second alternate constructible utensil delivery system  500  over constructible utensil delivery system  100  (similar to the reasons of selecting first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300  over constructible utensil delivery system  100 ) or over first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300 . These reasons include reducing a manufacturing cost by reducing a length of overwrap  510  as compared to overwrap  310  to partially expose the horizontally disposed integrated constructible utensil  130  and/or improving consumer awareness of the availability of constructible utensil  130  prior to the consumer&#39;s purchase of a food container. A consumer unfamiliar with constructible utensil delivery system  100  or first alternate constructible utensil delivery system  300  may not realize that a constructible utensil is available for use and may therefore forego purchase. Second alternate constructible utensil delivery system  500  may address some of those concerns of the consumer without contaminating the food-contacting end. In this sense, partially exposing a vertically disposed constructible utensil is not preferred when the associated container includes foodstuff. However as other contexts exist for a container requiring a dispensing utensil for non-foodstuff contents, in some instances a partially exposed vertically disposed constructible utensil may be implemented without the same concerns about preservation of a sanitary condition for the non-food-contacting portion of constructible utensil  130  (which is the food-contacting portion for foodstuff containers). 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  illustrates a representative unconstructed constructible utensil  700  that may be used as constructible utensil  130  in the embodiments of  FIG. 1-FIG .  6 . Constructible utensil  700  includes a general “bullet” shape having linear lateral free edges, a linear rear end edge and a curvilinear front end edge. A pair of curved scores that converge from lateral edges of a food-contacting portion towards a central longitudinal fold axis at linear rear end edge is a simple implementation for constructible utensil  130 . Folding constructible utensil  700  about the central longitudinal fold axis propagates a bowl-inducing distortion that creates a three-dimensional bowl in food-contacting portion. There are alternative implementations of the utensil perimeter and score disposition and arrangement, some of which are disclosed in the incorporated patent and patent applications. 
         [0037]    The system and methods above has been described in general terms as an aid to understanding details of preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Some features and benefits of the present invention are realized in such modes and are not required in every case. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0038]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0039]    It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. 
         [0040]    Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear. 
         [0041]    As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0042]    The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0043]    Thus, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined solely by the appended claims.