Patent Publication Number: US-2015076025-A1

Title: Packages for consumable products and methods for using same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to containers for storing consumable products and methods of using same. 
     Packaging for consumable products come in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials and designs. These sizes, shapes, materials and designs generally differ, for example, for aesthetic reasons. Although consumable product packaging may be provided to enhance aesthetic qualities of packages, the purposes for consumable product packaging are not limited to only this purpose. 
     Indeed, consumable product packages aimed at providing improved aesthetic qualities of a package may not always provide optimal functionality or use, and may not sufficiently aid consumers in differentiating one product from another. Instead, consumable product packaging having specific shapes, sizes and/or colors may provide functional advantages to a consumer and/or user of such packages in addition to possible aesthetic advantages. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is related to packages for housing consumable products. The packages may be customized, contemporary packages that provide easy handling of the packages by a toddler or caregiver during feeding, novel ways in which to convey nutritional information, multiple uses for the packages, and increase purchase interest and marketability amongst consumers. 
     In an embodiment, the packages of the present disclosure provide a package having a body and a lid. The body defines an interior configured to house a consumable product and having a bottom surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, and the a lid includes a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to a shape and size of the recessed portion on the body, and a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product housed by the body. 
     In an embodiment, the recessed portion of the body and the projection of the lid have a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, star, ellipse, semicircle, crescent, flower, or combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the projection of the lid is sized slightly smaller than the recessed portion of the body such that the projection of the lid may be inserted into the recessed portion of the body. 
     In an embodiment, the color of the lid is different for packages housing a protein, a vegetable, a grain, and a fruit. For example, the color of the lid may be green when the consumable product housed by the body is a vegetable, or red when the consumable product housed by the body is a fruit, or yellow when the consumable product housed by the body is a grain, or orange when the consumable product housed by the body is a protein. 
     In an embodiment, the body further comprises a gripping portion. The gripping portion may be dimple grips and may have a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, star, ellipse, semicircle, crescent, flower, or combinations thereof. The gripping portion may cover from about 5% to about 100% of a circumference of the body, or from about 10% to about 90% of a circumference of the body, or from about 20% to about 80% of a circumference of the body, or from about 30% to about 70% of a circumference of the body, or from about 40% to about 60% of a circumference of the body or about 50% of a circumference of the body. The body may also include a plurality of gripping portions. 
     In an embodiment, the lid further includes a childlike indicia. The childlike indicia may be placed on the lid by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the childlike indicia is a smiley face. 
     In an embodiment, the body has a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a cube, a cuboid, a pyramid, a cone, a prism, or combinations thereof. The lid may have a rounded shape. 
     In an embodiment, the body comprises an indicia. The indicia may be placed on the body by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is placed on the body by a sticker. 
     In an embodiment, the indicia includes an image that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body. The image may be selected from the group consisting of a vegetable, a fruit, a grain, a protein, or combinations thereof. The indicia may be nutritional information, a color that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, a number that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, a letter that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, etc. 
     In an embodiment, the package is configured to easily convey product information to a consumer. The package may also be configured to aid in providing a balanced meal to a toddler, or may be configured for multiple uses. The multiple uses may include at least use as a feeding device and use as a toy. 
     In an embodiment, the lid includes a tab extending in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a portion of the lid that covers the body. The tab may also extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to a side wall of the body. 
     In another embodiment, a consumable product package kit is provided and includes a package and a feeding pad. The package includes a body defining an interior configured to house a consumable product and comprising a bottom surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, and a lid having a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to a shape and size of the recessed portion on the body, and a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product housed by the body. The feeding pad includes a substantially flat surface having at least one projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to a shape and size of the recessed portion of the body. 
     In an embodiment, the projection of the feeding pad has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, 
     In an embodiment, the feeding pad comprises a plurality of projections. Each of the plurality of projections may have a different shape and a different color. The shapes and colors may correspond to a type of consumable product housed by the body of the package. In an embodiment, the feeding pad comprises at least two different shaped projections. 
     In an embodiment, a recessed portion of the body and a projection of the lid have a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, star, ellipse, semicircle, crescent, flower, or combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the projection of the lid is sized slightly smaller than the recessed portion of the body such that the projection of the lid may be inserted into the recessed portion of the body. 
     In an embodiment, the color of the lid is different for packages housing a protein, a vegetable, a grain, and a fruit. For example, the color of the lid may be green when the consumable product housed by the body is a vegetable, or red when the consumable product housed by the body is a fruit, or yellow when the consumable product housed by the body is a grain, or orange when the consumable product housed by the body is a protein. 
     In an embodiment, the body further comprises a gripping portion. The gripping portion may be dimple grips and may have a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, star, ellipse, semicircle, crescent, flower, or combinations thereof. The gripping portion may cover from about 5% to about 100% of a circumference of the body, or from about 10% to about 90% of a circumference of the body, or from about 20% to about 80% of a circumference of the body, or from about 30% to about 70% of a circumference of the body, or from about 40% to about 60% of a circumference of the body or about 50% of a circumference of the body. The body may also include a plurality of gripping portions. 
     In an embodiment, the lid further includes a childlike indicia. The childlike indicia may be placed on the lid by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the childlike indicia is a smiley face. 
     In an embodiment, the body comprises an indicia. The indicia may be placed on the body by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is placed on the body by a sticker. 
     In an embodiment, the indicia includes an image that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body. The image may be selected from the group consisting of a vegetable, a fruit, a grain, a protein, or combinations thereof. The indicia may be nutritional information, a color that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, a number that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, a letter that corresponds to a type of consumable product housed by the body, etc. 
     In an embodiment, the package is configured to easily convey product information to a consumer. The package may also be configured to aid in providing a balanced meal to a toddler, or may be configured for multiple uses. The multiple uses may include at least use as a feeding device and use as a toy. 
     In an embodiment, the lid includes a tab extending in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a portion of the lid that covers the body. The tab may also extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to a side wall of the body. 
     In yet another embodiment, a consumable product package is provided and includes a container for housing consumable products and a sleeve configured to surround at least a portion of the container. The container has a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product housed by the container, and the sleeve has at least four sides, each of the four sides comprising an indicia. 
     In an embodiment, the container comprises a body and lid. The body and the lid may be the same color or a different color. In an embodiment, a color of the body or lid is different for packages housing a protein, a vegetable, a grain, and a fruit. For example, the color of the body/lid may be green when the consumable product housed by the body is a vegetable, or red when the consumable product housed by the body is a fruit, or yellow when the consumable product housed by the body is a grain, or orange when the consumable product housed by the body is a protein. 
     In an embodiment, the container has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, star, ellipse, semicircle, crescent, flower, or combinations thereof. The container may have a visible indicia thereon. 
     In an embodiment, the sleeve comprises a shape that is a square. The sleeve may also have a visible indicia thereon. The indicia may be placed on the sleeve by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. The indicia may be placed on the sleeve by printing. 
     In an embodiment, each side of the sleeve comprises a different indicia selected from the group consisting of a brand logo, nutritional information, an image that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a number that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a letter that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a color that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a legend containing elements for a balanced meal, or combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, a first side of the sleeve comprises an image that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a second side of the sleeve comprises a number that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a third side of the sleeve comprises a color that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, and a fourth side of the sleeve comprises a legend containing elements for a balanced meal. 
     In an embodiment, a color of the container and the indicia of the sleeve both correspond to a type of consumable product housed by the container. 
     In an embodiment, the image is selected from the group consisting of a vegetable, a fruit, a grain, a protein, or combinations thereof. The indicia may also be nutritional information. 
     In an embodiment, the package resembles a child&#39;s building block. 
     In an embodiment, the package is configured to easily convey product information to a consumer. The package may also be configured to aid in providing a balanced meal to a toddler, or may be configured for multiple uses. The multiple uses may include at least use as a feeding device and use as a toy. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a package is provided and includes a body defining at least one compartment for housing a consumable product, first and second projections extending from the body, and a perimeter having a shape that resembles an airplane. The first projection is located in a location that corresponds to a first wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter and the second projection is located in a location that corresponds to a second wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter. 
     In an embodiment, the interior compartment has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, star, ellipse, semicircle, crescent, flower, or combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the body further defines a hook at a top portion of the package for receiving a hanger. 
     In an embodiment, the consumable products are selected from the group consisting of snack foods, side meals, full meals, or combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, at least a portion of the perimeter and a portion of a bottom surface of the compartment form a plane to allow the package to stand substantially upright. 
     In an embodiment, a first projection of the package is configured to mate with a second projection of a second package. In a similar manner, a second projection of the package may be configured to mate with a first projection of a third package. 
     In an embodiment, the color of the body is different for packages housing a protein, a vegetable, a grain, and a fruit. For example, the color of the body may be green when the consumable product housed by the body is a vegetable, or red when the consumable product housed by the body is a fruit, or yellow when the consumable product housed by the body is a grain, or orange when the consumable product housed by the body is a protein. 
     In an embodiment, the body further includes a childlike indicia. The childlike indicia may be placed on the body by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the childlike indicia is a smiley face. 
     In an embodiment, the package further comprises a sleeve configured to surround at least a portion of the body. The sleeve may have a shape that is substantially rectangular and may have an indicia thereon. The indicia may be placed on the sleeve by a method selected from the group consisting of embossing, debossing, printing, engraving, a sticker, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the indicia is placed on the sleeve by printing. 
     In an embodiment, each side of the sleeve comprises a different indicia selected from the group consisting of a brand logo, nutritional information, an image that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a number that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a letter that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a color that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, a legend containing elements for a balanced meal, or combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, a front side of the sleeve comprises an image that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container, and a back side of the sleeve comprises a color that corresponds to the consumable product housed by the container and nutritional information. In an embodiment, the image is selected from the group consisting of a vegetable, a fruit, a grain, a protein, or combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, a color of the body and the indicia of the sleeve both correspond to a type of consumable product housed by the container. 
     In an embodiment, the package is configured to easily convey product information to a consumer. The package may also be configured to aid in providing a balanced meal to a toddler, or may be configured for multiple uses. The multiple uses may include at least use as a feeding device and use as a toy. 
     In another embodiment, a package is provided and includes a body having a first compartment and a second compartment connected by a perforation. The first and second compartments are arranged side by side in a first configuration. The package may also be folded along the perforation such that the first compartment rests on top of the second compartment in a second configuration. 
     In an embodiment, further comprising a cover sealed to a top side of the package to seal the first and second compartments. The cover may be a material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, cardstock, fiberboard, lidstock, or combinations thereof. The cover may also include a perforation or a cut at a location corresponding to the perforation of the body. 
     In an embodiment, the first and second compartments each have a bottom surface having an embossed or debossed shape. The embossed or debossed shape may be selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, star, ellipse, semicircle, crescent, flower, or combinations thereof. The shape may also be indicative of a type of consumable product that is housed by the first or second compartments. 
     In an embodiment, the first compartment rests upside down on the second compartment in the second configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the body of the package has a color that is indicative of a consumable product housed by the first and second compartments. 
     In an embodiment, a color of the body is different for packages housing a protein, a vegetable, a grain, and a fruit. For example, the color of the body may be green when the consumable product housed by the body is a vegetable, or red when the consumable product housed by the body is a fruit, or yellow when the consumable product housed by the body is a grain, or orange when the consumable product housed by the body is a protein. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will be produced separately and welded together. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will different tray depths. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will different diameters and different tray depths. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain different products. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain the same product. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain items that will be used together. 
     In an embodiment, at least one of the two or more trays will contain items that will be used together. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain items for different parts of the meal. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain items that require different processing. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays are perforated by laser cutting. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays are perforated and the lid stock is cut by laser cutting. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays are perforated after being heat treated. In an embodiment the heat treating is retort processing. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays are separated after being heat treated. In an embodiment the heat treating is retort processing. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays can contain two or more of the meals for the day. For example, one tray can contain breakfast, one tray can contain lunch, one tray can contain a snack, and/or one tray can contain dinner. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for providing a child with a balanced meal is provided. The method includes providing at least two different packages, each package comprising (i) a body comprising a surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, the body being configured to house a consumable product and (ii) a lid comprising a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion, and a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product. The method further includes serving the child a meal comprising at least one of each of the different packages. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a method for providing a child with a balanced meal is provided. The method includes providing at least two different packages, each package comprising (i) a body comprising a surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, the body being configured to house a consumable product, and (ii) a lid comprising a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion, and a color that is indicative of a type of the consumable product. The method further includes providing a feeding pad comprising a substantially flat surface having at least one projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion of the body, matching the shape of the recessed portion of the body with at least one of the projections of the feeding pad, and placing the package on the feeding pad by mating the matched recessed portion of the body with the matching at least one projection of the feeding pad. 
     In another embodiment, a method for providing a child with a balanced meal is provided. The method includes providing at least two different packages, each package comprising (i) a container for housing a consumable product, the container having a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product housed by the container, and (ii) a sleeve configured to house the container, the sleeve having at least four sides, each of the four sides comprising an indicia. The method further includes serving the child a meal comprising at least one of each of the different packages. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for providing a child with a balanced meal is provided. The method includes providing at least two different packages, each package comprising a body defining at least one interior compartment for housing a consumable product, first and second projections extending from the body, and a perimeter having a shape that resembles an airplane, wherein the first projection is located in a location that corresponds to a first wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter and the second projection is located in a location that corresponds to a second wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter. The method further includes attaching a first projection of a first package to a second projection of the second package, and serving the child a meal comprising the attached first and second packages. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a package comprising (i) a body comprising a surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, the body being configured to house a consumable product and (ii) a lid comprising a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion, and a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product. The method further includes placing the package on a retail shelf. 
     In another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a consumable product package kit comprising (i) a body comprising a surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, the body being configured to house a consumable product, (ii) a lid comprising a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion, and a color that is indicative of a type of the consumable product, and (iii) a feeding pad comprising a substantially flat surface having at least one projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion of the body. The method further includes placing the consumable product package kit on a retail shelf. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a package comprising (i) a container for housing a consumable product, the container having a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product housed by the container, and (ii) a sleeve configured to house the container, the sleeve having at least four sides, each of the four sides comprising an indicia. The method further includes placing the consumable product package kit on a retail shelf. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a package comprising a body defining at least one interior compartment for housing a consumable product, first and second projections extending from the body, and a perimeter having a shape that resembles an airplane, wherein the first projection is located in a location that corresponds to a first wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter and the second projection is located in a location that corresponds to a second wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter. The method further includes placing the consumable product package kit on a retail shelf. 
     It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide improved consumable product containers. 
     It is also an advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that are aesthetically pleasing to children. 
     It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that teach children about matching shapes. 
     It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that improve shape, color and size identification by children. 
     It is still yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that improve the dexterity of children. 
     It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that improve marketability of the containers. 
     It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that are easily gripped by caretakers and/or toddlers for handling of children&#39;s foods. 
     Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide consumable product containers that are easily gripped by children for self-feeding. 
     It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that multifunctional and may be used for feeding and/or playing. 
     Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of stacked consumable product containers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of stacked consumable product containers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a feeding pad for use with consumable product containers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a feeding pad and consumable product containers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates a side panel of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates a side panel of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10C  illustrates a side panel of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10D  illustrates a side panel of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of multiple connected consumable product containers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom view of a consumable product container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of two consumable product containers, illustrating how they would connect in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of multiple connected consumable product containers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides packages for housing consumable products. The packages may be custom designed for ease of use by toddlers and/or their caregivers, and may also be designed to highlight nutritional information in a contemporary manner. In this regard, the packages may use colors, shapes, and other such features to provide easy handling of the packages by a toddler or caregiver during feeding, novel ways in which to convey nutritional information, multiple uses for the packages, and increased purchase interest and marketability amongst consumers. 
     The consumable products housed by the packages may be any consumable products including, for example, baby foods, snack foods, full meals, side meals, etc. In an embodiment, the packages house foods for children (e.g., infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, etc.) including, for example, fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, pastas, etc. The consumable products may be finger foods or may be designed to be consumed using utensils. The teachings of the present disclosure, therefore, are not dependent upon the consumable products being of any particular type so long as the products fit within the package described herein. 
     The bodies of packages of the present disclosure may be made from a molded plastic material such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, or combinations thereof. The bodies may be formed using conventional thermoforming or molding processes including, but not limited to, injection molding, injection blow molding and extrusion blow molding. Alternatively, the bodies may be manufactured from non-plastic materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, metal, styrofoam, etc. Further, at least a portion of the bodies can be either transparent or translucent so that a consumer can readily discern what types of products are housed in the compartments of the packages. Alternatively, at least a portion of the bodies may be opaque. In an embodiment wherein a lid is provided, the lid may be manufactured from a same or different material as the body and may be translucent while the body is opaque, or vice versa. 
     In an embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , a package  10  for storing consumable products is provided. Package  10  includes a body  12  that defines an interior compartment (not shown). Although body  12  of package  10  is illustrated as being substantially cylindrical in shape, body  12  of package  10  may define any shape that is known in the art. For example, body  12  may be cylinder, a cube, a cuboid, a pyramid, a cone, a prism, etc., so long as body  12  is capable of housing a consumable product within an interior compartment. For ease of reference, and with this embodiment, body  12  will be discussed as being an oval body  12 . Body  12  is also not limited to any particular size so long as consumable products may be contained therein and may be easily handled by a toddler or a caregiver of a toddler. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the dimensions of package  10  may vary as desired or in accordance with manufacturing specifications or in accordance with the size and shape of the consumable products contained therein. 
     The interior compartment (not illustrated) of body  12 , however, should have a size and shaped that allows a toddler to easily self-feed. For example, the interior compartment may have a circular or oval shape that will allow a toddler to reach into body  12  to remove consumable products housed therein to self-feed. Since the dexterity of toddlers is limited or not fine-tuned, a toddler may have a difficult time removing food from body  12  if the interior compartment has corners in which food may become lodged or stuck and require fine motor control to remove. In an embodiment, the interior compartment has a circular shape. In an embodiment, body  12  may include more than one compartment. 
     To ensure a good grip on body  12  during feeding, body  12  may include a grip portion  14  on at least a portion of body  12 , or surrounding body  12 , etc. For example, grip portion  14  may cover from about 5% to about 100% of a circumference of body  12 , or from about 10% to about 90%, or from about 20% to about 80%, or from about 30% to about 70%, or from about 40% to about 60%. In an embodiment, grip portion  14  covers about 50% of a circumference of body  12 . In this manner, there may be at least some of a grip portion  14  all around body  12 . 
     Grip portions  14  may also have any shape known in the art including, for example, circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, numbers, letters, stars, smiley faces, etc. Similarly, there may be any number of grip portions  14  on an outer surface of body  12 . In an embodiment, and as shown n  FIGS. 1-3 , body  12  may have two, circular shaped grip portions  14  located at 180° from each other along the circumference of body  12 . The skilled artisan will appreciate that grip portion  14  may have any size and shape known in the art, so long as grip portions  14  aids in handling of package  10  by a toddler or a toddler&#39;s caregiver. In an embodiment, dimple grips are used as grip portions  14 . Grip portions  14  may be especially useful in embodiments wherein the consumable product housed by package  10  is a finger food that a child can consume without the use of utensils. 
     Package  10  also includes a lid  16  that is sized and shaped to fit with body  12 . Lid  16  is not limited to any particular shape or size, so long as lid  16  is capable of sealingly fitting to body  12  to prevent loss or contamination of a consumable product housed therein. In this manner, lid  16  may be mated with body  12  by snap-fitting, pressure-fitting, friction fitting, etc. Lid  16  may be fitted to body  12  in a resealing manner so that each time lid  16  is removed from body  12 , it may be placed on body  12  again in a sealed manner. 
     Lid  16  may have a color that is indicative of a type of food contained in body  12 . For example, if four packages are provided, each having a different color, the color of each package may indicate whether the package contains a protein (e.g., orange), a vegetable (e.g., green), a fruit (e.g., red), or a grain (e.g., yellow). By providing a package having a specific color that represents a specific food type (e.g., proteins, grains, fruits, etc.) the present packages can provide ease of shopping and home inventory for a toddler&#39;s caregiver. In this manner, a caregiver can easily provide a balanced meal by providing one serving each, of vegetables, fruits, proteins and grains simply by selecting packages having different colors. The skilled artisan will appreciate, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to the color/food relationships mentioned herein and any color may be used to represent any type of consumable product, so long as the colors and types of foods are used consistently. 
     Another way in which caregivers can easily piece together a nutritional meal for a toddler, is by providing indicia  18  on body  12  that is indicative of the type of food contained in body  12 . For example, body  12  may have indicia  18  thereon that shows a bundle of carrots, which would be indicative of a vegetable (e.g., carrots). In another example, body  12  may have indicia  18  thereon that shows an apple, which would be indicative of a fruit (e.g., apples). Alternatively, indicia  18  may simply be a portion of solid color that represents the same color scheme as discussed above with respect to lid  16 . For example, lid  16  may have a color that is the same as body  12 , but to indicate the nutritional content of package  10 , body  12  may have a colored indicia thereon that is representative of a food group contained therein (e.g., orange for a protein, green for a vegetable, red for a fruit, or yellow for a grain). Indicia  18  may include, for example, colors, numbers, letters, logos, advertisements, branding information, nutritional information, product information, manufacturer information, etc. Indicia  18  may be printed on a pressure sensitive material, printed directly on body  12 , printed on a removable closure, attached as a sticker, etc. 
     To appeal to a toddler, lid  16  may also include an embossed, debossed, printed, or sticker shape  20  that provides a fun, childlike feature to package  10 . For example, and as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , lid  16  may include an engraved smiley face shape  20  that children may find fun and which may increase the child&#39;s desire to self-feed or may make the child excited for meal time. 
     Lid  16  may further include at least one projection  22  (e.g., a positive shape) on a top portion of lid  16 , which is illustrated as having a rounded    
     Accordingly, a childlike indicia/shape  20  and projections  22  may promote use of package  10  as more than a consumable product package  10 , thereby making package  10  multifunctional for feeding and play time purposes. In this manner, the child may be able to play with package  10  as a toy before, during or after meal time. Caregivers may also select a balanced meal for a toddler based on the color scheme discussed above, stack the selected meal packages  10 , and serve the meal to a toddler. This presentation makes meal time fun for the toddler, who may be allowed to “play” with packages  10  to unstuck them, open them, self-feed, and then (if desired) play with or restack empty packages  10 . 
     In another embodiment, and as shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , a package  30  for storing consumable products is provided. Package  30  includes a body  32  that defines an interior compartment (not shown). Although body  32  of package  30  is illustrated as being substantially cylindrical in shape, body  32  of package  30  may define any shape that is known in the art. For example, body  32  may be square, rectangular, oval (e.g., oblong), triangular, etc., so long as body  32  is capable of housing a consumable product within an interior compartment. For ease of reference, and with this embodiment, body  32  will be discussed as being a square body  32 . Body  32  is also not limited to any particular size so long as consumable products may be contained therein and may be easily handled by a toddler or a caregiver of a toddler. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the dimensions of package  30  may vary as desired or in accordance with manufacturing specifications or in accordance with the size and shape of the consumable products contained therein. 
     The interior compartment (not illustrated) of body  32 , however, should have a size and shaped that allows a toddler to easily self-feed. For example, the interior compartment may have a circular or oval shape that will allow a toddler to reach into body  32  to remove consumable products housed therein to self-feed. Since the dexterity of toddlers is limited or not fine-tuned, a toddler may have a difficult time removing food from body  32  if the interior compartment has corners in which food may be lodged or stuck and require fine motor control to remove therefrom. In an embodiment, the interior compartment has a square shape with rounded corners. In an embodiment, body  32  may include more than one compartment. 
     Package  30  also includes a lid  34  that is sized and shaped to fit with body  32 . Lid  34  is not limited to any particular shape or size, so long as lid  34  is capable of sealingly fitting to body  32  to prevent loss or contamination of a consumable product housed therein. In this manner, lid  34  may be mated with body  32  by snap-fitting, pressure-fitting, friction fitting, etc. Lid  34  may be fitted to body  32  in a resealing manner so that each time lid  34  is removed from body  32 , it may be placed on body  32  again in a sealed manner. In an embodiment, lid  34  is a substantially flat lid, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5  and  7 . However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that lid  34  may have any shape known in the art. 
     Lid  34  of package  30  may also include a tab  44  extending downward from lid  34  in a direction so that tab  44  extends parallel to a side wall of body  32 , and perpendicular to a portion of lid  34  that covers the open interior of body  32 . Tab  44  may be located on any side of lid  34 , or on any corner of lid  34  and may be used to easily separate lid  34  from body  32 . Easy removal of lid  34  from body  32  allows for easier self-feeding by a toddler, and allows a toddler the ability to easily and enjoyable play with package  30  after it has been emptied of its consumable products. In much the same manner, tab  44  also makes it easier for a caregiver to remove lid  34  to feed a toddler during meal time. 
     Similar to lid  16 , lid  34  may include at least one projection  36  (e.g., a positive shape) embossed on a top portion. Projection  36  may have any size and shape known in the art. In an embodiment, however, projection  36  may have a shape easily recognizable to a toddler such as, for example, a circle, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a star, a flower, etc., and may be sized to mate with a similarly shaped cut-away portion  38  (e.g., a negative shape, not illustrated) of a bottom of body  32 . Similar to packages  10 , when packages  30  are fully assembled having body  32  and lid  34 , a first package  30  may be stacked onto a second package  30 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . When stacked, a projection  36  of a first package  30  will mate with a similarly shaped cut-away portion (not illustrated) of a bottom surface of body  32  of a second package  30 . Projection  36  may also have a shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hexadecagon, icosagon, star, ellipse, semicircle, crescent, flower, or combinations thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a feeding pad  38  may also be provided to a child before, during or after feeding. In this embodiment, instead of simply allowing the child to stack the food containing packages on top of each other, the child may also match a shaped projection  36  on top of package  30 , or the shaped recess of a bottom surface of body  32 , with a matching shaped projection  40  on feeding pad  38 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Once matched with the corresponding shapes  40  on feeding pad  38 , projected shapes  40  help to keep packages  30  from tipping or spilling during feeding time. Feeding pad  38  may also have a non-skid surface that prevents feeding pad  38  from being pushed or moved by the toddler during feeding time. 
     In the same manner as packages  10 , lid  34  may have a color that is indicative of a type of food contained therein. For example, if four packages  30  are provided, with each lid  34  having a different color, the colors of each package  30  may indicate whether the package  30  contains a protein (e.g., orange), a vegetable (e.g., green), a fruit (e.g., red), or a grain (e.g., yellow). Additionally, projected shape  36  on lid  34  may also be indicative of the contents of package  30  (e.g., a square shape for a yellow lid and a grain product, a circle shape for a green lid and a vegetable product, a star shape for an orange lid and a protein product, and a triangle shape for a red lid and a fruit product). The skilled artisan will appreciate that these combinations are simply examples of color/shape/food combinations and that any known combination may be used, so long as the combinations provide unique colors and shapes for each food group. 
     Similar to packages  10 , packages  30  may also be multifunctional for feeding, education and play time purposes. For example, packages  30  may be education for the child in that matching the shapes of projections  36  to the shapes of projections  40  requires dexterity, shape recognition and matching abilities on the part of the toddler. Further, the present packages can provide ease of shopping and home inventory for a toddler&#39;s caregiver. In this manner, a caregiver can easily provide a balanced meal by providing one serving each of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and grains simply by selecting packages having different colors. Caregivers may also select a balanced meal for a toddler based on the color or shape scheme discussed above, stack the selected meal packages  30 , and serve the meal to a toddler. This presentation makes meal time fun for the toddler, who may be allowed to “play” with packages  30  to unstick them, open them, self-feed, and then (if desired) play with or restack empty packages  30 . 
     Caregivers can also easily piece together a nutritional meal for a toddler, by providing indicia  42  on body  32  that is indicative of the type of food contained in body  32 . 
     In another embodiment, and as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , a package  50  for storing consumable products is provided. Package  50  includes a container having a body  52  that defines an interior compartment (not shown) and is housed in a sleeve  54 . Although body  52  of package  50  is illustrated as being square in shape, body  52  of package  50  may define any shape that is known in the art. For example, body  52  may be a cylinder, a cube, a cuboid, a pyramid, a cone, a prism, oblong (e.g., oval), or combinations thereof, so long as body  52  is capable of housing a consumable product within an interior compartment. For ease of reference, and with this embodiment, body  52  will be discussed as being a square body  52 . Body  52  is also not limited to any particular size so long as consumable products may be contained therein and may be easily handled by a toddler or a caregiver of a toddler. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the dimensions of package  50  may vary as desired or in accordance with manufacturing specifications or in accordance with the size and shape of the consumable products contained therein. 
     The interior compartment (not illustrated) of body  52 , however, should have a size and shaped that allows a toddler to easily self-feed. For example, the interior compartment may have a circular or oval shape that will allow a toddler to reach into body  52  to remove consumable products housed therein to self-feed. Since the dexterity of toddlers is limited or not fine-tuned, a toddler may have a difficult time removing food from body  52  if the interior compartment has corners in which food may be lodged or stuck and require fine motor control to remove therefrom. In an embodiment, the interior compartment has a square shape with rounded corners. In an embodiment, body  52  may include more than one compartment. 
     Package  50  may also include a lid  56  that is sized and shaped to fit with body  52 . Lid  56  is not limited to any particular shape or size, so long as lid  56  is capable of sealingly fitting to body  52  to prevent loss or contamination of a consumable product housed therein. In this manner, lid  56  may be mated with body  52  by snap-fitting, pressure-fitting, friction fitting, etc. Lid  56  may be fitted to body  52  in a resealing manner so that each time lid  56  is removed from body  52 , it may be placed on body  52  again in a sealed manner. In an embodiment, lid  56  is a substantially flat lid, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 . However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that lid  56  may have any shape known in the art. 
     Similar to previous embodiments, body  52  and/or lid  56  may be colored a color that is indicative of the nutritional contents of package  50 . For example, body  52  and/or lid  56  may be colored orange to indicate that package  50  contains a protein. Alternatively, body  52  and/or lid  56  may be colored green to indicate that package  50  contains a vegetable, or red to indicate that package  50  contains a fruit, or yellow to indicate that package  50  contains a grain, etc. 
     Sleeve  54  may be made of any material that is capable of encasing body  52  and forming a rigid or semi-rigid structure. For example, sleeve  54  may be made of cardboard, paperboard, cardstock, fiberboard, lidstock, etc. Sleeve  54  may be one continuous piece of material, or may be a substantially flat blank that is folded and adhered to a portion of itself. 
     Sleeve  54  may also have coloring, shapes or indicia that are indicative of the contents of package  50 . For example, the colors of sleeve  54  may indicate whether the package  50  contains a protein (e.g., orange), a vegetable (e.g., green), a fruit (e.g., red), or a grain (e.g., yellow). Additionally, a number on sleeve  54  may also be indicative of the contents of package  50  (e.g., the number “1” for a vegetable, the number “2” for a fruit, the number “3” for a protein, and the number “4” for a grain). The skilled artisan will appreciate that these combinations are simply examples of color/shape/food combinations and that any known combination may be used, so long as the combinations provide unique colors and shapes for each food group. 
     Such indicators may be located on different sides of sleeve  54 , or may be combined on one side of sleeve  54 . For example, and as is shown in FIGS.  8  and  10 A- 10 D, each side of sleeve  54  may incorporate a different indicator.  FIG. 10A , which may be on a back side of sleeve  54  includes information about providing a balanced diet. Specifically,  FIG. 10A  provides a “legend” that shows a specific color and number relating to vegetables, a specific color and number relating to proteins, a specific color and number relating to proteins and a specific color and number relating to grains.  FIG. 10B  provides a color and a number. To reinforce the appearance of a block for the entertainment of a child, the number “1” of  FIG. 10B  and the boarder around the number “1” may both be colored a specific color indicative of the contents of package  50 .  FIG. 10C  may have a colored background that is indicative of the contents of package  50  (e.g., green for vegetables) and includes printed nutritional information thereon.  FIG. 10D  illustrates a bold image indicative of the contents of package  50  (e.g., carrots). 
     Therefore, in the present example, body  52  may be green in color, and sleeve  54  may have (i) a green colored number “1” and a green border on a top side, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10   b ; (ii) a green background for a bottom side, which includes nutritional information; and (iii) an image of carrots on a front side. The skilled artisan will appreciate that other combinations of colors, numbers and indicia combinations may be used, so long as the colors, numbers and indicia are indicative of the contents of package  50 . Additionally, and as would be known to the skilled artisan, alternatives to numbers may be used, while still achieving the same purpose (e.g., letters instead of numbers). 
     Similar to previous embodiments,  FIGS. 8-10  illustrate packages  50  that are aesthetically appealing to toddlers and can serve multiple purposes. In this regard, toddlers will begin to associate blocks with meal times and may become excited about, and more patient with, meal times. Additionally, the toddler may be able to play with packages  50  either before, during or after meal time. Further, the packages shown in  FIGS. 8-10  may also make it easier for a caregiver to shop for, and provide, nutritional and balanced meals to a toddler. In this manner, since the packages having indicia/colors/numbers/etc. that are indicative of the type of consumable product contained in the packages, caregivers can inventory a supply of toddler foods, or shop for additional toddler foods based on easily identifiable characteristics (e.g., colors, numbers, etc.). 
     In yet another embodiment, and as shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , a package  70  for storing consumable products is provided. Package  70  includes a body  72  that defines a perimeter  74  and at least one interior compartment  76 , and a sleeve  86 . Body  72  may further define a hook (not illustrated) that may be used for hanging package  70  for display. Perimeter  74  of package  70  may define any shape that is easily recognized by a child, but is not a typical geometric shape. For example, in an embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , perimeter  74  of package  70  defines an airplane shape. However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the shape of perimeter  74  is not limited to an airplane and may include any shape that is easily recognizable to a child that is not a typical geometric shape. 
     As used herein, a “recognizable shape” means that the perimeter of the package body and/or the perimeter of the body forms a shape that is easily recognized by a child. For example, the shape may include, for example, an airplane, a clown, a doll, a dinosaur, a dog, a cat, a robot, etc. The shape may be recognizable from television, movies, books, plays, games, school, home, etc. Further, as used herein, a “typical geometric” shape is a shape that is commonly known and familiar to children including, for example, a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, etc. 
     In addition to having a shape on perimeter  74 , and to appeal to a toddler, body  72  may also include an embossed, debossed, printed, or sticker shape  88  that provides a fun, childlike feature to package  70 . For example, and as shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , body  72  may include debossed smiley face shape  88  that children may find fun and which may increase the child&#39;s desire to self-feed or make the child excited for meal time. 
     In an embodiment, portions  78  of perimeter  74  allow for easier handling of package  70 . For example, in  FIGS. 11-13 , portions  78  of perimeter  74  that represent the “wings” or the “head” of the airplane aid in handling of package  70 . In an embodiment these gripping portions  78  of perimeter  74  may also be used to aid in standing the product upright for marketing purposes. Gripping portions  78  may also include a projection  80  that may be used to connect multiple packages  70 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . Projection  80  may be stamped or otherwise integrally formed into body  72  such that projection  80  has an embossed side on a top portion of body  72  and a debossed side on a bottom portion of body  72 . In this manner, the embossed side of projection  80  of a first package  70  is able to mate with a debossed side of projection  80  of a second package  70 . Further, the debossed side of a second projection  80  of the first package  70  is able to mate with an embossed side of projection  80  of a third package  70 . 
     In an embodiment, package  70  may be stood upright for storage or display. For optimum packaging and shipping to a consumer or to retail stores, it is beneficial that package  70  is able to stand substantially upright. Further, it is advantageous for marketing purposes to display package  70  on a store shelf in a substantially upright position such that a consumer is able to identify product information on the front of package  70 , the recognizable shape of package  70  is readily visible to the consumer, a toddler/caregiver can easily view the shape of package  70 , etc. 
     For example, a bottom surface  82  of compartment  76  may, in combination with a portion  84  of perimeter  74 , form a plane on which package  70  stands. In other words, as long as package  70  defines a plane on which package  70  can rest, the shape of perimeter  74  and/or compartment  76  is immaterial. In an embodiment, package  70  may rest in a substantially vertical or upright position or may rest in a position that tilts toward or away from a consumer, depending on the shape of package  70 . Regardless of the shape of package  70 , if intended to rest on a bottom surface, package  70  must be able to rest in a stable manner on the plane. In other words, package  70  must be constructed and arranged so that it will not easily fall over when filled with consumable products. 
     In another embodiment, package  70  may be configured to hang vertically from a display rack in a retail store. As discussed above, body  72  may define a hook (not illustrated) that is so constructed and arranged to receive a hanger that allows package  70  to hang from a display rack. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the shape and size of the hook is not critical. For example, in an embodiment, the hook may be a hole in a top portion of body  72  that corresponds to a location of the airplane&#39;s head or face. The hook may be entirely defined by body  72  such that the hook does not form part of perimeter  74 . 
     Alternatively, however, perimeter  74  may include an integral hook (not illustrated) that is so constructed and arranged to form a portion of perimeter  74 . In other words, the integral hook may be formed continuously with a portion of perimeter  74  such that it shares a boundary with perimeter  74 . For example, in an embodiment where package  70  generally has an airplane shape, the hook may form a portion of perimeter  74  located at a top of package  70  and may have a curved configuration that functions as a hook but looks like hair on the airplane. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the integral hook is not limited to any particular size or shape so long as the integral hook allows a display hanger to pass therethrough to hang package  70 . 
     In addition to standing substantially upright and hanging, package  70  may also be configured to lay substantially flat on a surface, as shown in  FIG. 11 . In an embodiment, sleeve  86  and body  72  are substantially flat and allow package  70  to lay on a flat surface. 
     Similar to previous embodiments, body  72  may be colored a color that is indicative of the nutritional contents of package  70 . For example, body  72  may be colored orange to indicate that package  70  contains a protein. Alternatively, body  72  may be colored green to indicate that package  70  contains a vegetable, or red to indicate that package  70  contains a fruit, or yellow to indicate that package  70  contains a grain. By providing body  72  with a color indicative of the contents of package  70  in combination with projections  80 , a caregiver may easily provide a toddler with a balanced meal simply by selecting one of each different color of package  70  and connecting them together for the toddler, as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Sleeve  86  may be made of any material that is capable of encasing body  72  and forming a rigid or semi-rigid structure. For example, sleeve  86  may be made of cardboard, paperboard, cardstock, lidstock, fiberboard, etc. Sleeve  86  may be one continuous piece of material, or may be a substantially flat blank that is folded and adhered to a portion of itself. 
     Sleeve  86  may also have coloring, shapes or indicia that are indicative of the contents of package  70 . For example, the colors of sleeve  86  may indicate whether the package  70  contains a protein (e.g., orange), a vegetable (e.g., green), a fruit (e.g., red), or a grain (e.g., yellow). Additionally, an image on sleeve  86  may also be indicative of the contents of package  70  (e.g., carrots). The skilled artisan will appreciate that these combinations are simply examples of color/shape/food combinations and that any known combination may be used, so long as the combinations provide unique colors and shapes for each food group. 
     Such indicators may be located on different sides of sleeve  86 , or may be combined on one side of sleeve  86 . For example, and as is shown in  FIG. 11 , an image of the contents of package  70  (e.g., carrots) may be present on a front side of sleeve  86 , while nutritional information may be present on a back side (not shown) of sleeve  86 . The combinations of colors, images, and other indicators may be the same as embodiments previously discussed. 
     Therefore, in the present example, body  72  may be green in color, and sleeve  86  may have (i) a green background for a bottom side, which includes nutritional information; and (ii) an image of carrots on a front side. The skilled artisan will appreciate that other combinations of colors, numbers indicia, etc. may be used, so long as the colors, numbers and indicia are indicative of the contents of package  70 . 
     In an embodiment, package  70  may include a lid (not illustrated) or other form of closure such as a removable closure to properly store the consumable products therein. A removable closure (not shown) such as, for example, a transparent film, cardboard, paperboard, cardstock, lidstock, fiberboard, etc, may be sealed onto top surface of body  72 , and may sealably close compartment  76  from an ambient environment. In addition to separation of consumable products, the removable closure may also be used to keep the products fresh and to extend the shelf life of the products. Any conventional sealing technique known in the art may be used to seal the removable closure onto a top surface of body  72 . The techniques may include, but are not limited to, conductive heating, cold sealing, heat sealing, heat activated adhesive, etc. 
     The packages of the present disclosure provide new, simplified, and contemporary ways to communicate the contents of the packages, and to provide balanced meals to a toddler. Specifically, the present packages provide a simplified shopping experience for caregivers that cut down on time needed to decipher the nutritional content or types of foods contained in a package. Instead, caregivers can simply shop by colors, numbers, letters and other easy identifiers. Further, the colors, numbers, letters, etc. found on the packages quickly and simply communicate information to caregivers as to how to provide a balanced diet to toddlers. 
     Additionally, the packages of the present disclosure are aesthetically appealing to toddlers and can serve multiple purposes. In this regard, toddlers will begin to associate fun and learning with meal times and may become excited about, and more patient with, meal times. Additionally, the toddler may be able to play with the packages of the present disclosure either before, during or after meal time. 
     The skilled artisan will appreciate that any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include any of the features illustrated or described by any other embodiments disclosed herein. In this manner, for example, the packages of  FIGS. 1-3  may also share similar features to the packages of  FIG. 8-10  or  11 - 13 . 
     In yet another embodiment, Applicants have discovered an efficient and low cost manner in which to manufacture the packages of the present disclosure. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the manufacturing methods disclosed herein may be used with the packages of the present disclosure as well as similar packages that may or may not include all of the features of the packages disclosed above. 
     Applicants have found that manufacturing the packages of the present disclosure as connected packages separated by a perforation provides several benefits over manufacturing the packages of the present disclosure as single packages. Indeed, the two trays would fit the footprint on the current manufacturing line, but would provide improvements thereto. For example, two trays may be connected with a perforation to allow for easy separation of the two pack. This design allows for a lower manufacturing cost, making the project feasible to achieve the a la carte concept of individual components for customization. Even further, current single compartment designs that are not perforated and connected are limited to six trays per carrier plate on manufacturing line, and do not have an educational or child engagement component. 
     In contrast, however, the two-pack perforated design  90  having a first tray  92  and a second tray  94 , as shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , allows for lower manufacturing cost with design set up on carrier plate. This design would allow for eight trays per carrier plate on a manufacturing line, which is much more cost effective than providing fewer trays per carrier plate. The design also meets customization desires from consumers by having individual trays of each food category (grain, protein, vegetable) to allow a toddler/caregiver to assemble balanced meals or to eat specifically required dietary components. 
     The two-pack perforated design  90  may be arranged in at least two configurations. In a first embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 14 , first and second trays  92 ,  94  may be side by side and separated by a perforation  96 . In a second configuration, the two-pack perforated design  90  may be folded at perforation  96  so that first tray  92  rests in an inverted position on a top surface of second tray  94 . In both of these configurations, trays  92 ,  92  remain connected via perforation  96 . In embodiments wherein the trays remain connected, the trays may be packaged and shipped with lids similar to those shown in  FIGS. 4-7  for separation and assembly by the consumer. Alternatively, trays  92 ,  94  may be manufactured connected by perforation  96  and then separated prior to packaging and shipping to a retailer or a consumer. In such an embodiment, trays  92 ,  94  may have lids similar to those shown in  FIGS. 4-7  placed on them prior to packaging and shipping to a retailer or a consumer. 
     Trays  92 ,  94  may be received from a supplier with perforation  96 . As such, during the manufacturing procedure, trays  92 ,  94  will need to be filled and have a removable cover  98  adhered thereto. Cover  98  may be a film, cardboard, paperboard, cardstock, lidstock, fiberboard, etc. To ensure separability of trays  92 ,  94  cover  98  may require perforation or die cutting during manufacturing. Cover  98  may also include a cut or a perforation (not shown) located in a position that corresponds to perforation  96  of trays  92 ,  94 . 
     As mentioned previously, all of the features discussed above with respect to the packages of the present disclosure may be utilized with trays  92 ,  94 . For example, trays  92 ,  94  may include a shape design embossed on a bottom of trays  92 ,  94  to provide an educational and engaged experience for the child while the child matches shapes and/or assembles colors, numbers, letters, etc. to create a meal. 
     As such, Applicants are able to provide a retort/shelf stable packaging design with a perforated film for a two-pack. In such an embodiment, trays  92 ,  94  are connected via the cover  98  (e.g., lidstock), which provides manufacturing benefits over, and which is different from, current two-pack configurations. 
     The two-pack perforated design  100  having a first tray  102  and a second tray  104 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , illustrates an alternative shape for the trays. The design also meets customization desires from consumers by having individual trays of each food category (grain, protein, vegetable) to allow a toddler/caregiver to assemble balanced meals or to eat specifically required dietary components. In one embodiment, each food category (grain, protein, vegetable) can have a different shape. 
     The two-pack perforated design  100  may be arranged in any configurations. In a first embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 16 , first and second trays  102 ,  104  may be side by side and separated by a perforation. In this configuration, trays  102 ,  104  remain connected via perforation. In embodiments wherein the trays remain connected, the trays may be packaged and shipped with lids similar to those shown in  FIGS. 4-7  for separation and assembly by the consumer. Alternatively, trays  102 ,  104  may be manufactured connected by perforation and then separated prior to packaging and shipping to a retailer or a consumer. In such an embodiment, trays  102 ,  104  may have lids similar to those shown in  FIGS. 4-7  placed on them prior to packaging and shipping to a retailer or a consumer. 
     Trays  102 ,  104  may be received from a supplier with perforation. As such, during the manufacturing procedure, trays  102 ,  104  will need to be filled and have a removable cover adhered thereto. The removeable cover may be a film, cardboard, paperboard, cardstock, lidstock, fiberboard, etc. To ensure separability of trays  102 ,  104  the cover may require perforation or die cutting during manufacturing. The cover may also include a cut or a perforation located in a position that corresponds to perforation of trays  102 ,  104 . 
     As mentioned previously, all of the features discussed above with respect to the packages of the present disclosure may be utilized with trays  102 ,  104 . For example, trays  102 ,  104  may include a shape design embossed on a bottom of trays  102 ,  104  to provide an educational and engaged experience for the child while the child matches shapes and/or assembles colors, numbers, letters, etc. to create a meal. 
     As such, Applicants are able to provide a retort/shelf stable packaging design with a perforated film for a two-pack. In such an embodiment, trays  102 ,  104  are connected via the cover (e.g., lidstock). 
     The two-pack perforated design  110  having a first tray  112  and a second tray  114 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , illustrates an embodiment wherein the trays of the two-pack design can be of different sizes. The design also meets customization desires from consumers by having individual trays of each food category (grain, protein, vegetable) to allow a toddler/caregiver to assemble balanced meals or to eat specifically required dietary components. In one embodiment, each food category (grain, protein, vegetable) can have a different size. 
     The two-pack perforated design  110  may be arranged in any configurations. In an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 17 , first and second trays  112 ,  114  may be side by side and separated by a perforation. In this configuration, trays  112 ,  114  remain connected via perforation. In embodiments wherein the trays remain connected, the trays may be packaged and shipped with lids similar to those shown in  FIGS. 4-7  for separation and assembly by the consumer. Alternatively, trays  112 ,  114  may be manufactured connected by perforation and then separated prior to packaging and shipping to a retailer or a consumer. In such an embodiment, trays  112 ,  114  may have lids similar to those shown in  FIGS. 4-7  placed on them prior to packaging and shipping to a retailer or a consumer. 
     Trays  112 ,  114  may be received from a supplier with perforation. As such, during the manufacturing procedure, trays  112 ,  114  will need to be filled and have a removable cover adhered thereto. The removable cover may be a film, cardboard, paperboard, cardstock, lidstock, fiberboard, etc. To ensure separability of trays  112 ,  114  the cover may require perforation or die cutting during manufacturing. The cover may also include a cut or a perforation located in a position that corresponds to perforation of trays  112 ,  114 . 
     As mentioned previously, all of the features discussed above with respect to the packages of the present disclosure may be utilized with trays  112 ,  114 . For example, trays  112 ,  114  may include a shape design embossed on a bottom of trays  112 ,  114  to provide an educational and engaged experience for the child while the child matches shapes and/or assembles colors, numbers, letters, etc. to create a meal. 
     As such, Applicants are able to provide a retort/shelf stable packaging design with a perforated film for a two-pack. In such an embodiment, trays  102 ,  104  are connected via the cover (e.g., lidstock). 
     The three-pack perforated design  120  having a first tray  122 , a second tray  123 , and a third tray  124 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , illustrates an embodiment wherein the trays of the three-pack design can be of different sizes. In an alternative embodiment, the three-pack design can have trays being of a single size. In another embodiment, the three-pack design can have trays being of two sizes. In further embodiment, the three-pack design can have trays being of three sizes. The design also meets customization desires from consumers by having individual trays of each food category (grain, protein, vegetable) to allow a toddler/caregiver to assemble balanced meals or to eat specifically required dietary components. In one embodiment, each food category (grain, protein, vegetable) can have a different size. 
     The three-pack perforated design  120  may be arranged in any configurations. In a first embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 18 , first, second, and third trays  122 ,  123 ,  124  may be side by side and separated by a perforation. In this configuration, trays  122 ,  123 ,  124  remain connected via perforation. In embodiments wherein the trays remain connected, the trays may be packaged and shipped with lids similar to those shown in  FIGS. 4-7  for separation and assembly by the consumer. 
     Trays  122 ,  123 ,  124  may be received from a supplier with perforation. As such, during the manufacturing procedure, trays  122 ,  123 ,  124  will need to be filled and have a removable cover adhered thereto. The removable cover may be a film, cardboard, paperboard, cardstock, lidstock, fiberboard, etc. To ensure separability of trays  122 ,  123 ,  124  the cover may require perforation or die cutting during manufacturing. The cover may also include a cut or a perforation located in a position that corresponds to perforation of trays  122 ,  123 ,  124 . 
     As mentioned previously, all of the features discussed above with respect to the packages of the present disclosure may be utilized with trays  122 ,  123 ,  124 . For example, trays  122 ,  123 ,  124  may include a shape design embossed on a bottom of trays  122 ,  123 ,  124  to provide an educational and engaged experience for the child while the child matches shapes and/or assembles colors, numbers, letters, etc. to create a meal. 
     As such, Applicants are able to provide a retort/shelf stable packaging design with a perforated film for a three-pack. In such an embodiment, trays  122 ,  123 ,  124  are connected via the cover (e.g., lidstock). 
     In yet another embodiment, and as shown in  FIGS. 19-23 , a package  170  for storing consumable products is provided. Package  170  includes a body  172  that defines a perimeter  174  and at least one interior compartment  176 . Body  172  may further define a hook (not illustrated) that may be used for hanging package  170  for display. Perimeter  174  of package  170  may define any shape that contains at least two projections  180  to allow for removable connecting two packages  170 . The skilled artisan will appreciate that the shape of perimeter  174  is not limited. 
     Body  172  may also include an embossed, debossed, printed, or sticker shape that provides a fun, childlike feature to package  170 . For example, body  172  may include debossed smiley face shape that children may find fun and which may increase the child&#39;s desire to self-feed or make the child excited for meal time. 
     In an embodiment, portions  178  of perimeter  174  allow for easier handling of package  170 . For example, portions  178  of perimeter  174  that represent the “sides” of the package aid in stability of package  170  when two or more are connected at projection  180  as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , wherein portions  178  of two adjacent packages  170  will overlap at least in part. In an embodiment these gripping portions  178  of perimeter  174  may also be used to aid in standing the product upright for marketing purposes. Gripping portions  178  include a projection  180  that may be used to connect multiple packages  170 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . Projection  180  may be stamped or otherwise integrally formed into body  172  such that projection  180  has an embossed side on a top portion of body  172  and a debossed side on a bottom portion of body  172 . In this manner, the embossed side of projection  180  of a first package  170  is able to mate with a debossed side of projection  180  of a second package  170 . Further, the debossed side of a second projection  180  of the first package  170  is able to mate with an embossed side of projection  180  of a third package  170 . 
     In an embodiment, package  170  may be stood upright for storage or display. For optimum packaging and shipping to a consumer or to retail stores, it is beneficial that package  170  is able to stand substantially upright. Further, it is advantageous for marketing purposes to display package  170  on a store shelf in a substantially upright position such that a consumer is able to identify product information on the front of package  170 , the recognizable shape of package  170  is readily visible to the consumer, a toddler/caregiver can easily view the shape of package  170 , etc. 
     For example, a bottom surface  182  of compartment  176  may, in combination with a portion  84  of perimeter  174 , form a plane on which package  170  stands. In other words, as long as package  170  defines a plane on which package  170  can rest, the shape of perimeter  174  and/or compartment  176  is immaterial. In an embodiment, package  170  may rest in a substantially vertical or upright position or may rest in a position that tilts toward or away from a consumer, depending on the shape of package  170 . Regardless of the shape of package  170 , if intended to rest on a bottom surface, package  170  must be able to rest in a stable manner on the plane. In other words, package  170  must be constructed and arranged so that it will not easily fall over when filled with consumable products. 
     In another embodiment, package  170  may be configured to hang vertically from a display rack in a retail store. As discussed above, body  172  may define a hook (not illustrated) that is so constructed and arranged to receive a hanger that allows package  170  to hang from a display rack. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the shape and size of the hook is not critical. For example, in an embodiment, the hook may be a hole in a top portion of body  172 . The hook may be entirely defined by body  172  such that the hook does not form part of perimeter  174 . 
     Alternatively, however, perimeter  174  may include an integral hook (not illustrated) that is so constructed and arranged to form a portion of perimeter  174 . In other words, the integral hook may be formed continuously with a portion of perimeter  174  such that it shares a boundary with perimeter  174 . For example, in an embodiment where package  170  generally has an airplane shape, the hook may form a portion of perimeter  174  located at a top of package  170  and may have a curved configuration that functions as a hook but looks like hair on the airplane. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the integral hook is not limited to any particular size or shape so long as the integral hook allows a display hanger to pass therethrough to hang package  170 . 
     In addition to standing substantially upright and hanging, package  170  may also be configured to lay substantially flat on a surface. 
     Similar to previous embodiments, body  172  may be colored a color that is indicative of the nutritional contents of package  170 . For example, body  172  may be colored orange to indicate that package  170  contains a protein. Alternatively, body  172  may be colored green to indicate that package  170  contains a vegetable, or red to indicate that package  170  contains a fruit, or yellow to indicate that package  170  contains a grain. By providing body  172  with a color indicative of the contents of package  170  in combination with projections  80 , a caregiver may easily provide a toddler with a balanced meal simply by selecting one of each different color of package  170  and connecting them together for the toddler, as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     In an embodiment, package  170  may include a lid (not illustrated) or other form of closure such as a removable closure to properly store the consumable products therein. A removable closure (not shown) such as, for example, a transparent film, cardboard, paperboard, cardstock, lidstock, fiberboard, etc, may be sealed onto top surface of body  172 , and may sealably close compartment  176  from an ambient environment. In addition to separation of consumable products, the removable closure may also be used to keep the products fresh and to extend the shelf life of the products. Any conventional sealing technique known in the art may be used to seal the removable closure onto a top surface of body  172 . The techniques may include, but are not limited to, conductive heating, cold sealing, heat sealing, heat activated adhesive, etc. 
     As mentioned previously, all of the features discussed above with respect to the packages of the present disclosure may be utilized with package  170 . For example, package  170  may include a shape design embossed on a bottom of trays package  170  to provide an educational and engaged experience for the child while the child matches shapes and/or assembles colors, numbers, letters, etc. to create a meal. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will be produced separately and welded together. This will allow for two products that need different processing and/or packaging to be added together. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will different tray depths. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will different diameters and different tray depths. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain different products. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain the same product. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain items that will be used together. For example, in one embodiment, one tray can contain pasta and the other tray can contain a sauce. A further embodiment would be one tray contains pasta, one tray contains a tomato sauce, and another tray contains an Alfredo sauce giving the consumer an option to use one sauce or the other or combine the sauces. Further, having the separate containers would allow the consumer to add only the amount of sauce they want at the time of serving, giving it a more homemade feel. In an embodiment, one tray would contain milk and another would contain cereal. In a further embodiment, one tray would contain Cheese sauce and another would contain vegetables. In an embodiment, one tray would contain yogurt and another would contain cereal. In another embodiment, one tray would contain fruit and another would contain cereal. In a further embodiment, one tray would contain fruit and another would contain yogurt. In an embodiment, one tray would contain biscuits and another would contain gravy or one tray and contain meat and the other tray can contain gravy. In another embodiment, one tray would contain a breakfast meat, such as sausage, ham, or bacon, and another could contain oatmeal, eggs, French toast, cereal or pancakes. In a further embodiment, one tray would contain soup and another could contain and entree. A further embodiment would be one tray contains vegetables, one tray contains a dip such as hummus, and another tray contains a ranch dip 
     In an embodiment, at least one of the two or more trays will contain items that will be used together. For example, in one embodiment, the tray can contain pasta and a pouch with sauce in it. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain items for different parts of the meal. For example, in one embodiment, one tray can contain an entrée, and the other tray can contain dessert. A further embodiment would be one tray can contain an appetizer, and the other tray can contain dessert. Another embodiment would be one tray can contain an appetizer, another tray contains the entrée and another tray can contain dessert. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays will contain items that require different processing. For example, in one embodiment, one tray can contain an entrée that requires heating, and the other tray can contain dessert that requires freezing. A further embodiment would be one tray can contain chips that do not need any heating or cooling, and the other tray can contain a dipping sauce that can be heated or cooled. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays are perforated by laser cutting. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays are perforated and the lid stock is cut by laser cutting. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays are perforated after being heat treated. In an embodiment the heat treating is retort processing. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays are separated after being heat treated. In an embodiment the heat treating is retort processing. 
     In an embodiment, the two or more trays can contain two or more of the meals for the day. For example, one tray can contain breakfast, one tray can contain lunch, one tray can contain a snack, and/or one tray can contain dinner. 
     In an embodiment, methods for using packages of the present disclosure are also provided. For example, in an embodiment, a method for providing a child with a balanced meal is provided. The method includes providing at least two different packages, each package comprising (i) a body comprising a surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, the body being configured to house a consumable product and (ii) a lid comprising a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion, and a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product. The method further includes serving the child a meal comprising at least one of each of the different packages. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a method for providing a child with a balanced meal is provided. The method includes providing at least two different packages, each package comprising (i) a body comprising a surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, the body being configured to house a consumable product, and (ii) a lid comprising a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion, and a color that is indicative of a type of the consumable product. The method further includes providing a feeding pad comprising a substantially flat surface having at least one projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion of the body, matching the shape of the recessed portion of the body with at least one of the projections of the feeding pad, and placing the package on the feeding pad by mating the matched recessed portion of the body with the matching at least one projection of the feeding pad. 
     In another embodiment, a method for providing a child with a balanced meal is provided. The method includes providing at least two different packages, each package comprising (i) a container for housing a consumable product, the container having a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product housed by the container, and (ii) a sleeve configured to house the container, the sleeve having at least four sides, each of the four sides comprising an indicia. The method further includes serving the child a meal comprising at least one of each of the different packages. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for providing a child with a balanced meal is provided. The method includes providing at least two different packages, each package comprising a body defining at least one interior compartment for housing a consumable product, first and second projections extending from the body, and a perimeter having a shape that resembles an airplane, wherein the first projection is located in a location that corresponds to a first wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter and the second projection is located in a location that corresponds to a second wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter. The method further includes attaching a first projection of a first package to a second projection of the second package, and serving the child a meal comprising the attached first and second packages. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a package comprising (i) a body comprising a surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, the body being configured to house a consumable product and (ii) a lid comprising a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion, and a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product. The method further includes placing the package on a retail shelf. 
     In another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a consumable product package kit comprising (i) a body comprising a surface defining a recessed portion having a shape, the body being configured to house a consumable product, (ii) a lid comprising a surface defining a projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion, and a color that is indicative of a type of the consumable product, and (iii) a feeding pad comprising a substantially flat surface having at least one projection having a shape and a size that corresponds to the shape and size of the recessed portion of the body. The method further includes placing the consumable product package kit on a retail shelf. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a package comprising (i) a container for housing a consumable product, the container having a color that corresponds to a type of the consumable product housed by the container, and (ii) a sleeve configured to house the container, the sleeve having at least four sides, each of the four sides comprising an indicia. The method further includes placing the consumable product package kit on a retail shelf. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a method for marketing consumable products is provided. The method includes providing a package comprising a body defining at least one interior compartment for housing a consumable product, first and second projections extending from the body, and a perimeter having a shape that resembles an airplane, wherein the first projection is located in a location that corresponds to a first wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter and the second projection is located in a location that corresponds to a second wing of the airplane-shaped perimeter. The method further includes placing the consumable product package kit on a retail shelf. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.