AU2020203199A1

AU2020203199A1 - Improved Foodstuffs Container

Info

Publication number: AU2020203199A1
Application number: AU2020203199A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Simon Michael Haynes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2020-05-15
Publication date: 2020-11-26

Abstract

A foodstuffs container which includes an excavating tool for accessing the hard-to-reach bottom portions of a semi-solid commodity from within a container, which excavating too is attached to or supplied with the foodstuffs container and is of appropriate dimensions to perform a scraping or excavation function upon one or more surfaces of the container or its closure.

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

Provisional Specification For The Invention Entitled:

IMPROVED FOODSTUFFS CONTAINER

The invention is described in the following statement:

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to packaging for condiments, jams, spreads and similar semi-solid food products, in particular to an improved foodstuffs container which affords the consumer an increased ease in accessing the hard-to-reach bottom portions of foodstuffs within the container.

Background of the Invention

[2] Condiments, spreads and other semi-solid foodstuffs are often packaged in cylindrical containers which feature a flat or near-flat bottom surface. The prevalence of such containers featuring a flat or near-flat bottom surface is a result of the dual necessities of maximising the interior volume of the container whilst also allowing for optimum transport and storage; however, due to the elongate nature of common spreading knife blades, the last portions of the condiment or spread are often difficult to scrape off the flat or near-flat bottom surface.

[3] One common method of accessing the last portions of a semi-solid commodity is to scrape small sections with the tip of a spreading knife until either a sufficient amount of the commodity is obtained, or a satisfactorily minimal amount is left in the container as to justify disposal. This method can be time consuming, frustrating and wasteful.

[4] Accordingly, there are numerous container scraping utensils on the market which serve the function of facilitating an excavation function upon an inner surface of a container. For

example, the "Compac" and "Splatypus" jar scrapers each provide a utensil which can be used for excavating semi-solid commodities from within a foodstuffs container.

[5] Additionally, there are several examples of patents geared toward providing a utensil of necessary proportions to extract semi-solid commodities from a container. US patents US 2018/0192826 Al, US 2013/0313847 Al, and US 7,073.935 B2 all provide scraping utensils which are appropriate to excavating a semi-solid commodity from within a container.

[6] However, each of these patents and products provides a utensil which must be stored and located when needed for use. In contrast the present disclosure is intended to be conveniently located on the container when needed, and disposable after use.

[7] The present invention thus seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the abovementioned examples of prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[8] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

CONCERNING CONTAINERS IN GENERAL

[9] Many varied combinations of food containers employ different configurations of vessels, closures, seals and multivariate opening mechanisms and attachments. The common packaging for spreads and other semi-solid foodstuffs is the "wide mouth jar". The common wide mouth jar exhibits several consistent components, which the present disclosure will reference:

a main vessel for receiving and supplying the commodity to the consumer; and

a closure for securing and sealing the filled main vessel.

[10] Other mechanisms and components are also commonly found in wide mouth jars, such as lid-keeping attachments between the closure and the main vessel; seals across the "mouth" of the main vessel; frangible sealing rings externally fastening the closure to the main vessel, corresponding threads on components, etc. Although the present disclosure may not make specific reference to such, it is to be understood that they may be incorporated herein.

Summary of the Invention

[11] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a foodstuffs container capable of retaining a commodity, which foodstuffs container includes an excavating tool appropriate to the internal dimensions of the container, for excavation of the said commodity; said foodstuffs container comprising:

a main vessel comprising:

a generally planar base; or a somewhat convex or concave base with respect to the internal portion of the vessel, and additionally or alternatively characterized by a chamfered or bevelled perimeter; a linear side wall extending upward from the perimeter of said base, which linear side wall may also be characterized by a stepped, filleted or chamfered edge;and a top section, opposite to the base with respect to the linear side wall, which defines an opening to the container and may further include a lip portion comprising a thread, lip member, shelf, step, chamfer, or bevel; and a closure comprising: a generally planar top section for enclosing the contents of the container; and a generally cylindrical side wall section extending from the said top section which may include a means of removably fastening the closure to the main vessel, such means being, for example, an inner thread which engages a corresponding thread on the main vessel; or a rim or shelf of suitable circumference whereby attachment to the main vessel is facilitated by an elastic friction or resilience upon the top section of the main vessel; or any similar fastening means; and an excavating tool which is removably attached to the said main vessel or the said closure, at least one edge of which excavating tool is shaped such that it corresponds closely to an inner surface or facet of the said main vessel or said closure.

[12] In a preferred embodiment, the excavating tool is removably attached to the main vessel or closure at one or more points of weakness or frangibility whereat the excavating tool is separable from the main vessel or closure by forcibly prying the excavating tool away from its frangible connection to the main vessel or closure.

[13] In a preferred embodiment, the excavating tool comprises a slot or shaft which allows a spreading knife or other instrument to be inserted into it, such that the excavating tool can be mounted onto the spreading knife or other instrument to afford the user an extended or enhanced excavating function upon an inner surface of the foodstuffs container.

[14] In another embodiment, the excavating tool features one or more generally planar surfaces such as to allow a loading of foodstuffs onto its one or more planar surfaces, and one or more generally curved edges, such as to facilitate a spreading motion upon another food item, such as, but not limited to, a piece of bread or a biscuit, as a general example.

[15] In another embodiment, the excavating tool features at least one protruding tab member which stands proud upon a surface of the excavating tool, to assist the removal of the said excavating tool from the main vessel or closure.

[16] In another embodiment, the excavating tool features a handle member which facilitates its use without a spreading knife or other instrument. The handle member may be attached to the excavating tool by a hinge, living or pivot joint or any other joint which allows the handle member to be situated in a first retracted position when attached to the container, and a second extended position where the handle member extends the length of the excavating tool to afford the user a greater reach into a container for use.

[17] In another embodiment, the excavating tool features a mechanical or static clip, lock, resilient member, or fastening mechanism which fastens the excavating tool into place when engaged upon a utensil for use.

[18] In another embodiment, the excavating tool is formed integrally with the said main vessel or said closure, whereby the excavating tool is coextensive or coplanar with, and forms a portion of, the main vessel or closure, such that removal of the excavating tool involves a punching out or snapping out of a portion of one of the walls of the main vessel or closure. In this embodiment, the excavating tool is at least partially defined by a frangible web or line of weakness with regard to the main vessel or its closure, such that by concerted effort the excavating tool may be punched or pressed out and forcibly separated from the said main vessel or said closure.

[19] In another embodiment, the excavating tool is press formed into the thin polypropylene closure of a standard margarine or butter container. Once separated from the main portion of the closure, such a thin flexible material could be made rigid for use by folding the separated excavating tool along one or more planes. This foldable model could include a somewhat central line of weakness with adjacent panels which can be folded and attached to form the body of the excavating tool. In such an iteration, there could be any number of means for attaching the panels including: corresponding slits or tabs; corresponding interference members or tabs; secondary overlapping members; or any similar means.

[20] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a foodstuffs container which includes a protective film or sticker which covers and encloses the excavating tool and may be removed in order to access the excavating tool.

[21] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a foodstuffs container in which the excavating tool is housed in a cavity section of the container, which cavity section is accessible by removing or adjusting a panel on the exterior or interior of the main vessel or closure.

[22] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides an excavating tool which is provided along with a foodstuffs container, either within the container or without, at least one edge of which excavating tool is shaped such that it may be maneuvered to correspond closely to an internal surface or facet of the foodstuffs container, such that a scraping motion of the said excavating tool performs a commodity excavation function upon an interior surface of the foodstuffs container.

[23] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an excavating tool which is supplied as a complementary promotional product along with a foodstuffs container.

[24] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an excavating tool which is deposited into the container before or during filling.

[25] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[26] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[27] Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-section of a foodstuffs container with an excavating tool fastened to a spreading knife in an operational position relative to the main vessel of a container.

[28] Fig.2 illustrates a top view of a foodstuffs container 100 with an excavating tool 102 in an operational position.

[29] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective of a closure 200 with an excavating tool 202 removably attached to an inner surface 204 of the closure.

[30] Fig. 4 illustrates another perspective of a closure 200 with an excavating tool 202 removably attached to an inner surface 204 of a closure 200.

[31] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective of an excavating tool 300 with an articulated edge featuring at least one edge which corresponds to an interior surface or facet of a foodstuffs container.

[32] Fig. 6 illustrates another perspective of an excavating tool 300.

[33] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective of an excavating tool 400 which includes many of the same features as previously mentioned.

[34] Fig. 8 illustrates another perspective of an excavating tool 400 with the same features as previously mentioned.

[35] Fig. 9 illustrates a cross-section of a container closure 500 with an excavating tool 502 removably attached to an interior surface of the planar top section 504 of the container closure 500.

[36] Fig. 10 illustrates an alternative cross-section of a container closure 500 with the same features as previously mentioned.

[37] Fig. 11 illustrates a cross section of a container closure 600 with an excavating tool 602 featuring many of the same parts as previously mentioned.

Description of Embodiments

[38] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[39] Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-section of a foodstuffs container 100 with an excavating tool 102 fastened to a spreading knife 104 in an operational position relative to the main vessel 106 of a container 100. The excavating tool 102 is constructed of somewhat rigid material suitable for food handling such as high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, aluminium, or a similar material or composite of materials. The excavating tool 102 features a curved edge 108 which conforms to the bottom interior surface 110 of the main vessel 106. Additionally, the excavating tool 102 features a straight edge 112 which conforms to the sidewall section of the main vessel 106.

[40] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a foodstuffs container 100 with an excavating tool 102 in an operational position. The excavating tool 102 comprises a slot or shaft 114 in which a spreading knife or other implement may be inserted for use. The excavating tool 102 further comprises at least one generally planar section 116 onto which a semi-solid foodstuff may be loaded. As shown, by rotating the excavating tool around an axis, the excavating tool 102 serves an excavating function upon the bottom of the container 100.

[41] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective of a closure 200 with an excavating tool 202 removably attached to an inner surface 204 of the closure 200. As shown, the excavating tool 202 has at least one frangible attachment point 206 whereby it is attached to the closure 200. Additionally, the excavating tool 202 is of sufficiently slim proportions as to fit well under the rim 208 of the closure 200 to avoid interference with a commodity when the closure 200 is fixed to a main vessel.

[42] Fig. 4 illustrates another perspective of a closure 200 with an excavating tool 202 removably attached to an inner surface 204 of a closure 200. As shown, the excavating tool 202 is of sufficiently small proportions as to fit well within the inner perimeter of the closure 200 to avoid interference with the main vessel.

[43] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective of an excavating tool 300 with an articulated edge featuring at least one edge which corresponds to an interior surface or facet of a foodstuffs container. The excavating tool 300 features a slot or shaft 302 into which a spreading knife or other instrument may be inserted and selectively fastened through resilient tension. The excavating tool 300 additionally includes a shoulder edge 304 which can be used to perform an excavation function upon an inner lip or rim around a finish of a foodstuffs container. The excavating tool 300 additionally includes a straight edge 306 which can be used to perform an excavation function upon a linear side wall section of a foodstuffs container. The excavating tool additionally features a rounded edge 308 which can be used to perform an excavation function upon a rounded edge around the interior perimeter of the base of a foodstuffs container. The excavating tool 300 additionally features a somewhat arcuate edge 310 which can be used to perform an excavation function upon a convex interior base of a foodstuffs container. The excavating tool additionally features a generally curved edge 312 which can be used to perform a spreading function upon another piece of food, a piece of bread for example. The excavating tool 300 additionally includes at least one generally planar surface 314 onto which a semi-solid foodstuff may be loaded.

[44] Figure 6 illustrates another perspective of an excavating tool 300. As shown, the excavating tool 300 includes a slot or shaft 302 into which a spreading knife or other instrument may be inserted for use. Additionally, the excavating tool 300 includes at least on generally planar surface 314 onto which a semi-solid foodstuff may be loaded.

[45] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective of an excavating tool 400 which includes many of the same features as previously mentioned. As shown the excavating tool 400 additionally includes a mounting member 402 which forms a slot or shaft 404 into which a spreading knife or other implement may be inserted for use.

[46] Figure 8 illustrates another perspective of an excavating tool 400 with the same features as previously mentioned.

[47] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-section of a container closure 500 with an excavating tool 502 removably attached to an interior surface of the planar top section 504 of the container closure 500. As shown, the excavating tool 502 is attached to the planar top section 504 by a frangible point of attachment 506 along a planar surface of the excavating tool 502.

[48] Figure 10 illustrates an alternative cross-section of a container closure 500 with the same features as previously mentioned.

[49] Figure 11 illustrates a cross section of a container closure 600 with an excavating tool 602 featuring many of the same parts as previously mentioned. Instead of being mounted upon an interior surface of the closure, the excavating tool 602 is formed integrally with the planar top section 604 of the closure 600. As shown, the excavating tool 602 is attached in a coplanar configuration to the planar top section 604 of the closure 600 along a peripheral point of weakness or frangibility 606 relative to the planar top section 604 of the container 600.

[50] Figure 12 illustrates an excavating tool 700 with a tab member 702 attached. The tab member 702 can be gripped to allow the user to more easily break the frangible attachment means attaching the excavating tool 700 to a container, in order to remove the excavating tool 700 from a container.

[51] Figure 13 illustrates an excavating tool 800 with a handle attachment 802 in a retracted position. The handle attachment 802 allows the user to utilise the excavating tool 800 without a spreading knife or other instrument. The handle attachment 802 may additionally include a lock member 804 which locks the handle attachment 802 into an extended position. The lock member 804 may be constructed of a somewhat flexible material in order to allow the handle attachment 802 to be positioned into an extended position.

[52] Figure 14 illustrates an excavating tool 800 with a handle attachment 802 in an extended position. As shown, a lock member 804 locks the handle attachment 802 into an extended position for use.

[53] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described.

[54] The excavating tool may feature alternative shapes in order to suit corresponding surfaces and facets of a container. As such, the shape of the excavating tool would be contingent upon and specific to the particular measurements of its associated main vessel and closure components. Suitable shapes would include: a generally planar main portion with any of the following: a somewhat arcuate edge corresponding to container with a convex base; a flat edge corresponding to a container with a flat base; rounded, shelf, shoulder, and nose portions consistent with the chamfered, bevelled, stepped or rounded edges within the interior of a main vessel or closure.

[55] The excavating tool could alternatively be provided inside but unattached to the container. In such an iteration, the excavating tool could be deposited into the container during the filling process.

[56] Alternatively, the excavating tool could be provided externally to the container. Such attachment means as suitable would include: a frangible connection between: the excavating tool and an external surface of the container; or the external sealing ring of a container closure; or a satchel attached to the container with an excavating tool contained therein.

[57] Ideally, the excavating tool would be formed integrally as a separable portion of the closure, in order to maximise efficiency and reduce waste. A line of frangibility in the closure would allow the excavating tool to be pressed or punched out for use. A sticker or seal could be used to cover and enclose the excavating tool in the interests of safety and hygiene.

Claims

CLAIMS The claims of the present disclosure are as follows:

1. A foodstuffs container capable of retaining a commodity, which foodstuffs container includes an excavating tool appropriate to the internal dimensions of the container, for excavation of the said commodity, said foodstuffs container comprising:

a main vessel comprising

a generally planar base; or a somewhat convex or concave base with respect to the internal portion of the vessel, and additionally or alternatively characterized by a chamfered or beveled perimeter;

a linear side wall extending upward from the perimeter of said base, which linear side wall may also be characterized by a stepped, filleted or chamfered edge;and

a top section, or finish, opposite to the base with respect to the linear side wall, which defines an opening to the container and may further include a lip portion comprising a thread, lip member, shelf, step, chamfer, or bevel; and

a closure comprising

a generally planar top section for enclosing the contents of the container; and

a generally cylindrical side wall section extending from the said top section which may include a means of removably fastening the closure to the main vessel, such means being, for example, an inner thread which engages a corresponding thread on the main vessel; or a rim or shelf of suitable circumference whereby attachment to the main vessel is facilitated by an elastic friction or resilience upon the top section of the main vessel; or any similar fastening means; and

an excavating tool which is removably attached to the said main vessel or the said closure, at least one edge of which excavating tool is shaped such that it corresponds closely to an inner surface or facet of the said main vessel or said closure.

2. A foodstuffs container as described in claim 1, wherein the excavating tool is removably attached to the main vessel or closure at one or more points of weakness or frangibility whereat the excavating tool is separable from the main vessel or closure by forcibly prying the excavating tool away from its frangible connection to the main vessel or closure.

3. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, wherein the excavating tool features an edge which corresponds to an interior surface or facet of the main vessel or closure, such that once maneuvered into a position relative to the main vessel or closure, an edge of the excavating tool sits flush or closely against an interior surface or facet of the main vessel or closure.

4. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, wherein the excavating tool comprises a slot or shaft of such dimensions that a spreading knife or other instrument may be inserted and removably secured via resilient tension into a portion thereof.

5. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, wherein the excavating tool features one or more generally planar surfaces such as to allow a loading of semi-solid foodstuffs onto its one or more planar surfaces.

6. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, wherein the excavating tool features one or more generally curved edges, such as to facilitate a spreading motion upon another food item, such as, but not limited to, a piece of bread or a biscuit, as a general example.

7. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, wherein the excavating tool features at least one protruding tab member for easy removal of the said excavating tool from the said main vessel or said closure.

8. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, wherein the excavating tool features a handle which facilitates its use without a spreading knife or other instrument, such handle being attached to the excavating tool via a hinge, living or pivot joint which allows the handle to be extended into a secondary position relative to the main portion of the excavating tool, and lockable into the said extended position via means such as, but not limited to: a clip, pawl, buckle, interference point, or any similar means.

9. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, wherein the excavating tool features a mechanical or static clip, lock, resilient member, or fastening mechanism which fastens the excavating tool into place when engaged upon a utensil for use.

10. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, wherein the excavating tool is formed integrally with, and forms a portion of, the said main vessel or said closure, and is removably attached to the main vessel or closure in a coextensive or coplanar configuration, whereby the excavating tool is at least partially defined by a frangible web or line of weakness at its perimeter with regard to the foodstuffs container, such that by concerted effort the excavating tool may be punched or pressed out and forcibly separated from the said main vessel or said closure.

11. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, wherein the excavating tool is formed of thin, foldable plastic and comprises lines of weakness, ridges, slits and/or interference members as amenable to produce a formable configuration whereby the thin plastic material of the excavating tool can be made rigid for use by a bracing function of its foldable parts.

12. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, which additionally includes a protective film or sticker which covers and encloses the excavating tool and may be removed in order to access the excavating tool.

13. A foodstuffs container as described in any previous claim, in which the excavating tool is housed in a cavity section of the container, which cavity section is accessible by removing or adjusting a panel on the exterior or interior of the main vessel or closure.

14. An excavating tool which is provided along with a foodstuffs container, either within the container or without, at least one edge of which excavating tool is shaped such that it may be maneuvered to correspond closely to an internal surface or facet of the foodstuffs container, such that a scraping motion of the said excavating tool performs a commodity excavation function upon an interior surface of the foodstuffs container.

15. An excavating tool as described in any previous claim, which excavating tool is provided as a complementary promotional product along with a foodstuffs container.

16. An excavating tool as described in any previous claim, which excavating tool is deposited into the container before or during filling.