Patent Publication Number: US-11639246-B2

Title: Container and packaging system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates a container and package system and methods for making the same for food packaging. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Food packaging containers can be used with a variety of products. In some cases, such containers are blow molded from suitable plastic resins in a range of shapes and sizes. The empty blow-molded containers can be filled with food, food preparation and/or beverage products at a fill site utilizing automated fill equipment. These food packaging containers, however, can be difficult in handling, for example, to carry and dispense the food, food preparation and/or beverage products. 
     In some cases, a packaging system includes the food packaging container and an external box, which houses the container and facilitates handling. The box can provide strength and/or protection. The box can also provide packaging for stacking and transport, as well as a surface for advertising and labeling materials relating to the product contained therein. This disclosure describes an improvement over these prior technologies. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, packaging for food, food preparation and/or beverage products is provided. The packaging comprises a container configured for disposal of a volume of flowable material. A carton is configured for disposal of the container. The carton includes a wall defining an opening. The packaging includes visual indicia of the volume. In some embodiments, packaging products, containers, handles, tooling, applicators and methods are disclosed. 
     In one embodiment, the packaging comprises a food container including a wall and a handle. The wall is configured for disposal of a volume of edible and/or cooking oil that is visually perceptible from at least a portion of the wall. A box carton, which includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a wall, is configured for disposal of the container. The wall of the box carton defines an opening that is aligned with the at least a portion of the wall to provide visual indicia of the volume. 
     In one embodiment, a method of assembling food packaging is provided. The method comprises the steps of: cutting a sheet into a selected configuration, the sheet including a wall defining an opening; folding the sheet into a carton for disposal of a container that is configured for disposal of a volume of flowable material; and disposing the container in the carton such that the opening is aligned with the container to provide visual indicia of the volume. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view in part phantom of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the components shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a plan view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a font view of the components shown in  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a plan view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is a plan view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    is a plan view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of components of one embodiment of a packaging system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiments of a food packaging system, assembly of its components and related methods of use disclosed are discussed in terms of packaging systems and more particularly, in terms includes a container and a box for food, food preparation and/or beverage products. In some embodiments, the box encases the container. In some embodiments, the box is configured to facilitate stacking and carrying of the container. In some embodiments, the box includes an opening configured to provide visual indicia of a fill level of the container. In some embodiments, the container can be filled with liquids, food, food preparation and/or beverage products. In some embodiments, the container may be made of plastic, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which can be blow molded into various configurations. In some embodiments, the container can be filled with food, food preparation oils, viscous and/or beverage products. In some embodiments, the container can be employed as a cold fill container. In some embodiments, the container can be employed as a hot fill container. In some embodiments, the container includes a large plastic container for edible oil packaging. 
     In some embodiments, the box includes an opening configured to facilitate viewing of indicia, such as, for example, a fill level of a volume of material within the container. In some embodiments, the opening is disposed along a front side of the box. In some embodiments, the opening is disposed in communication with the opening in the top cover to extend the bottle neck opening along the front side. In some embodiments, the opening is configured to facilitate validating a height of a fill level. In some embodiments, the opening is configured to facilitate determination of an adequate fill level. In some embodiments, the opening is configured to facilitate comparing fill levels of multiple containers. In some embodiments, the opening is disposed along a back side. In some embodiments, the opening includes a diamond configuration. In some embodiments, the opening includes a hinged flap disposed on the back side. In some embodiments, the opening includes a circular configuration. In some embodiments, the box is configured to withstand a compression force of 1112 pounds with a standard deviation of 68 pounds. 
     In some embodiments, the container includes a top, a bottom, and sides extending from the top to the bottom. In some embodiments, the container includes a spout for inserting and removing contents from the container. In some embodiments, the container includes a first handle portion on the top and extending generally in a direction front to back. In some embodiments, the container includes a second handle portion on the top and extending in a direction transverse to the first handle portion. In some embodiments, the container includes a manual grip on the bottom of the container. In some embodiments, the box includes a top cover, a bottom cover and side portions extending from the top cover to the bottom cover. The box includes a front side and a back side, one or more openings on the top cover that expose the spout for pouring the contents of the container and accessing the second handle portion. In some embodiments, the openings are configured to facilitate manually grasping the first handle portion. In some embodiments, the box includes an opening in the bottom cover that exposes the bottom grip. 
     In some embodiments, the container includes blow-molded plastic jugs or bottles. In some embodiments, the container includes a 35 pound or 5 gallon jug. In some embodiments, the container is manufactured via an injection molded preform, which is subjected to a blow mold process. In some embodiments, the container is manufactured and subjected to a trimming process. 
     The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this application is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. Also, in some embodiments, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relative and used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily “superior” and “inferior”. 
     The following discussion includes a description of components of a packaging system, methods of assembly and manufacturing the packaging system. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. Reference is made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning to  FIGS.  1 - 8   , there are illustrated components of a packaging system  10 . 
     Packaging system  10  includes a container  12 . Container  12  includes a top  14  and a bottom  16  connected by walls  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  and  18   d . Walls  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   d  extend from top  14  to bottom  16 . Container  12  includes a handle  32 . In some embodiments, handle  32  is disposed with top  14 . In some embodiments, handle  32  may be disposed at various positions on container  12 . In some embodiments, container  12  includes a grip (not shown) disposed with bottom  16 . In some embodiments, handle  32  and/or the grip may include various shapes, such as, for example, circle, triangle, square, rectangle, oval, irregular shapes, or a combination thereof. 
     Walls  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   d  include a surface  20  that defines a cavity  22 . Cavity  22  is configured for disposal of a volume V of a flowable material  24 . In some embodiments, material  24  can include, for example, liquids, food, food preparation and/or beverage products. Container  12  includes a spout  38  configured to facilitate filling and/or pouring of volume V of material  24  with the interior space of container  12 . 
     Packaging system  10  includes indicia for viewing a measure of volume V disposed with the interior space of container  12 . For example, the indicia includes a window W and a fill level F of container  12  configured to display a volume V of material  24  being disposed with the interior space of container  12 . Window W and fill level F are disposed with wall  18   a . In some embodiments, the indicia includes fill level F, which represents a volume of material  24  corresponding to a filled container  12 , maximum volume of container  12 , range of volume of container  12  and/or other selected volume. 
     In some embodiments, the indicia includes one or more walls  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  and  18   d  comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material to facilitate viewing of a measure of volume V relative to fill level F, as shown in  FIG.  2   . In some embodiments, the indicia includes one or more of walls  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   d  comprising a semi-transparent material and a transparent window to facilitate viewing of a measure of volume V relative to fill level F. In some embodiments, the indicia includes one or more of walls  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   d  comprising an opaque material and a transparent window to facilitate viewing of a measure of volume V relative to fill level F. In some embodiments, the indicia including transparent, semi-transparent or opaque surfaces or portions of container  12  and/or carton  50 , may have transparent, semi-transparent or opaque properties, such as the transparent, semi-transparent or opaque properties corresponding to the material examples described above, such that the indicia can be employed to visualize a measure of volume V relative to fill level F. 
     In some embodiments, the indicia includes markings, such as, for example, graduations disposed on container  12  to indicate fill level F and/or volumetric levels of the amount of material  24  or contents of container  12 . In some embodiments, the indicia includes a marking indicating a desired quantity of material  24  to be disposed within container  12 . In some embodiments, the indicia includes fill level F comprising a straight line, perforated line, curved line, undulating, an icon, a slot or groove. 
     In some embodiments, the indicia includes markings that may be disposed in increments of measurement. In some embodiments, the indicia may include human readable visual indicia, such as, for example, a label, color coding, alphanumeric characters or an icon. In some embodiments, the indicia may be a printed or written item in combination with a slot or groove, whereby the printed or written item is placed in the slot or groove to display information. In some embodiments, the indicia may be applied as an adhesive. 
     In some embodiments, container  12  includes a finished PET blow-molded container  12 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . In some embodiments, container  12  is constructed for use with a selected packaging application, such as, for example, filling, storage and/or dispensing of food, edible food preparation oils, viscous and/or beverage products. In some embodiments, container  12  is manufactured via a two-stage method and is formed by injection molding. In some embodiments, a preform is placed into a cavity of a mold assembly to be blown. In some embodiments, container  12  is manufactured with a low center of gravity. 
     In some embodiments, container  12  may be fabricated from plastic and formed using injection and compression molding processes. In some embodiments, container  12  may be fabricated from polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) (Saran), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyamides (PA) (Nylons), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PE/ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS), and/or polyurethanes (PU). 
     Packaging system  10  includes a box carton  50 . Carton  50  is configured to enclose container  12 . Carton  50  is configured to facilitate carrying container  12 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . Carton  50  is configured to facilitate stacking of containers for transport and/or display. Carton  50  includes a top cover  52 , a bottom cover  54  and a plurality of walls  56   a ,  56   b ,  56   c  and  56   d  that define a cavity  58 . Top cover  52  directly engages handle  32  when container  12  is positioned within carton  50 , as shown in  FIG.  1   , for example. That is, there is no gap between top cover  52  and handle  32  when container  12  is positioned within carton  50 . Top cover  52  includes a surface  60  that defines an opening  62 . Opening  62  is configured for disposal of spout  38  such that spout  38  is exposed to facilitate dispensing material  24 . In some embodiments, bottom cover  54  includes a surface  64  that defines an opening  66 . Opening  66  is configured to provide access to grip  34 . 
     The visual indicia of volume V includes a surface  70  that defines an opening  72  for display of a measure of volume V relative to fill level F. Opening  72  is configured for selective orientation relative to wall  56   a  to facilitate visualizing material  24  within container  12 , as described herein. Opening  72  includes a V-shaped configuration and is disposed in communication with opening  62 . In some embodiments, opening  72  is disposed in a perpendicular orientation relative to opening  62 . In some embodiments, the visual indicia can include one or more openings oriented with one or more of walls  56   a ,  56   b ,  56   c  and  56   d  to view a measure of volume V. 
     Opening  72  is aligned with fill level F and provides an area through wall  56   a  to view volume V relative to fill level F. Opening  72  is aligned with fill level F to provide visual indicia of an amount of volume V within container  12 . For example, opening  72  is disposed adjacent wall  18   a  such that volume V is visualized through transparent or semi-transparent wall  18   a  and opening  72 . Opening  72  is configured to provide a visual indicator of volume V within container  12 . In some embodiments, opening  72  is configured to provide a visual comparison of volume V in container  12  with an adjacent container  12 . 
     In some embodiments, when container  12  is disposed with cavity  58 , wall  56   a  is oriented adjacent wall  18   a , wall  56   b  is oriented adjacent wall  18   b , wall  56   c  is oriented adjacent wall  18   c  and wall  56   d  is oriented adjacent wall  18   d . Opening  72  is disposed with wall  18   a , as shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   . Opening  72  extends along a distance D of wall  18   a  to expose a portion of container  12  such that the visual indicia displays a measure of volume V. 
     In assembly and use, a sheet  100  is cut by a die-cutter into a selected configuration of carton  50 , as shown in  FIG.  4   . In some embodiments, a trimmer cuts a design of carton  50 , such as, for example, openings  62 ,  72  and flaps that form walls  56   a ,  56   b ,  56   c ,  56   d . In some embodiments, the trimmer includes sharp and rubber blades to allow for forming lines that are scored not cut. A bending machine folds sheet  100  along scored lines and glue or stitches is applied to form assembled carton  50 . 
     Container  12  is formed by blow-molding, as shown in  FIG.  2   . Container  12  is pre-filled via an automated fill machine. Container  12  is filled to a fill level F with a selected volume V of material  24 . Container  12  is disposed within the cavity of carton  50 . Container  12  is oriented with carton  50  such that opening  72  is aligned with wall  18   c  of container  12  to provide visual indicia of volume V relative to fill level F. The visual indicia of fill level F includes opening  72 , which provides an area through carton  50  to view fill level F of volume V. In some embodiments, opening  72  is configured to provide a visual comparison of volume V in container  12  with an adjacent container  12 , for example, to facilitate stacking of packaging  10  in a side by side relation to compare volumes V in each packaging  10 . Carton  50  facilitates gripping of container  12  for carrying and/or pouring material  24 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , packaging system  10 , similar to the systems and methods described herein, includes container  12 , as described herein, a carton  150 , similar to carton  50  described herein, and indicia, similar to the indicia for viewing a measure of a volume V disposed with the interior space of container  12  described herein. Carton  150  includes a top cover, a bottom cover and a plurality of walls  156   a ,  156   b ,  156   c  and  156   d  that define a cavity. The top cover defines an opening  162 . 
     The visual indicia includes a surface of carton  150  that defines a diamond shaped opening  172  for display of a measure of volume V relative to a fill level F, similar to that described herein and which is disposed with wall  18   c . Opening  172  is configured for selective orientation relative to wall  156   c  to facilitate visualizing material  24  within container  12 , as described herein. Opening  172  is vertically elongated and spaced apart from opening  162 . The visual indicia includes opening  172  disposed with back wall  156   c  to display volume V relative to fill level F disposed with back wall  18   c , oriented opposite the spout of container  12 . 
     Opening  172  is aligned with fill level F and provides an area through wall  156   c  to view volume V relative to fill level F. Opening  172  is aligned with fill level F to provide visual indicia of an amount of volume V within container  12 . For example, opening  172  is disposed adjacent wall  18   c  such that volume V is visualized through transparent or semi-transparent wall  18   c  and opening  172 . Opening  172  is configured to provide a visual indicator of volume V within container  12 . In some embodiments, opening  172  is configured to provide a visual comparison of volume V in container  12  with an adjacent container  12 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , packaging system  10 , similar to the systems and methods described herein, includes container  12 , as described herein, a carton  250 , similar to carton  50  described herein, and indicia, similar to the indicia for viewing a measure of a volume V disposed with the interior space of container  12  described herein. Carton  250  includes a top cover, a bottom cover and a plurality of walls  256   a ,  256   b ,  256   c  and  256   d  that define a cavity. The top cover defines an opening  262 . 
     The visual indicia includes a surface of carton  250  that defines a hinged flap  274  that covers a U-shaped opening  272 . Flap  274  is pivotable out of alignment with opening  272  such that opening  272  displays a measure of volume V relative to a fill level F (not shown), similar to that described herein and which is disposed with wall  18   c . Opening  272  is configured for selective orientation relative to wall  256   c  to facilitate visualizing material  24  within container  12 , as described herein. The visual indicia includes opening  272  disposed with back wall  256   c  to display volume V relative to fill level F disposed with back wall  18   c , oriented opposite the spout of container  12 . 
     Opening  272  is aligned with fill level F and provides an area through wall  256   c  to view volume V relative to fill level F. Opening  272  is aligned with fill level F to provide visual indicia of an amount of volume V within container  12 . For example, opening  272  is disposed adjacent wall  18   c  such that volume V is visualized through transparent or semi-transparent wall  18   c  and opening  272 . Opening  272  is configured to provide a visual indicator of volume V within container  12 . In some embodiments, opening  272  is configured to provide a visual comparison of volume V in container  12  with an adjacent container  12 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , packaging system  10 , similar to the systems and methods described herein, includes container  12 , as described herein, a carton  350 , similar to carton  50  described herein, and indicia, similar to the indicia for viewing a measure of a volume V disposed with the interior space of container  12  described herein. Carton  350  includes a top cover, a bottom cover and a plurality of walls  356   a ,  3156   b ,  356   c  and  356   d  that define a cavity. The top cover defines an opening  362 . 
     The visual indicia includes a surface of carton  350  that defines a circular opening  372  for display of a measure of volume V relative to a fill level F, similar to that described herein and which is disposed with wall  18   c . Opening  372  is configured for selective orientation relative to wall  356   c  to facilitate visualizing material  24  within container  12 , as described herein. The visual indicia includes opening  372  disposed with back wall  356   c  to display volume V relative to fill level F disposed with back wall  18   c , oriented opposite the spout of container  12 . 
     Opening  372  is aligned with fill level F and provides an area through wall  356   c  to view volume V relative to fill level F. Opening  372  is aligned with fill level F to provide visual indicia of an amount of volume V within container  12 . For example, opening  372  is disposed adjacent wall  18   c  such that volume V is visualized through transparent or semi-transparent wall  18   c  and opening  372 . Opening  372  is configured to provide a visual indicator of volume V within container  12 . In some embodiments, opening  372  is configured to provide a visual comparison of volume V in container  12  with an adjacent container  12 . 
     It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.