HK1162005B - Nutritive substance delivery container - Google Patents

Description

Nutrient conveying container

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of container structures.

Disclosure of Invention

Briefly, therefore, the present invention, in one embodiment, is directed to a container for delivering a nutritive substance, comprising a container body having a base, at least one side wall, and a top wall, wherein an aperture is formed in the top wall. The container also includes an outer openable seal openably adhered to the exterior of the top wall about the aperture. The container has an inner sealing layer permanently bonded to the interior of the top wall around the aperture, wherein the inner sealing layer and the outer openable seal are permanently bonded to each other within the aperture. The container further includes a nutritive substance disposed between the inner sealing layer and the outer openable seal such that removal of the outer openable seal and the inner sealing layer exposes the nutritive substance to the contents of the container.

The present invention also relates in one embodiment to a container for delivering a nutritive substance, comprising a container body having a base and at least one sidewall, wherein an aperture is formed near a top edge of one sidewall. An outer pierceable seal is permanently bonded to the outside of the sidewall to cover the hole. In addition, the inner pierceable seal is permanently bonded to the inside of the sidewall to cover the hole. In this embodiment, the outer pierceable seal and the inner pierceable seal form a pouch within the aperture and the nutritive substance is located within the pouch.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a container for delivering a nutritive substance comprising a container body having a base and at least one sidewall, wherein a weakened area is formed near a top edge of one sidewall. The inner pierceable seal is permanently bonded to the inside of the sidewall around the weakened area, and the sidewall and the inner pierceable seal form a pocket around the weakened area. The nutritive substance is located within the pouch.

In a still further embodiment, the present invention relates to a container for delivering a nutritive substance, comprising a container body having a base, at least one side wall, and a top wall, wherein an aperture is formed in the top wall. The blister package comprising a top layer and a bottom layer may be permanently sealed to the top wall of the container above the aperture. The blister pack layers are shaped to form a cavity therebetween, and a nutritive substance is disposed within the cavity of the blister pack.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a container for delivering a nutritive substance comprising a container body having a base, at least one side wall, and a top wall, wherein a perforation line is formed in the top wall such that the top wall can rupture under pressure along the perforation line. The blister package comprising a top layer and a bottom layer may be permanently sealed to the top wall of the container above the perforation line. The blister pack layers are shaped to form a cavity therebetween, and a nutritive substance is disposed within the cavity of the blister pack.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a container with an externally openable seal pulled away from the container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a container according to one particular embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container with the outer openable seal pulled away from the container;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a container according to one particular embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container in which the blister package has been broken;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a container top according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective cut-away view of the container top shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective cut-away view of the container top shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective cut-away view of a container top according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective cut-away view of a container top according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the container shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a container according to one particular embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container with a straw inserted therein;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a container;

fig. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a container.

Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

It is, therefore, intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features and applications of the present invention are disclosed in or are apparent from the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one skilled in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention. Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

As mentioned above, the present invention relates generally to the field of container construction. References relating to the construction of containers may include U.S. patents 5707353 and 5921955 to Mazer et al and 6098795 to mollstar et al.

The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a new type of container which efficiently delivers a nutritive substance into the contents of the container just before the contents are to be consumed. Thus, in one embodiment, the container to which the present invention relates protects the nutritive substance from contact with the contents of the container and from contact with the atmosphere until the consumer is ready to use or consume the product. When required, the seal on the container is altered to enable the nutritive substance to come into contact with the contents of the container to deliver the nutritive substance thereto.

In one embodiment, the container is a rigid carrier of paper, paperboard or other fibrous material. The container may have one or both sides coated with a plastic material (e.g., polyethylene) to provide the container with the desired liquid-tight and barrier properties. The container may additionally have one or more metal foil layers, such as aluminium foil, between the paper and plastic layers. In certain embodiments, the paper or paperboard container is waxed. In a particular embodiment, the container is packaged under aseptic conditions such that the contents of the container maintain their sterility within the closed container for a sustained period of time.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a container 20 of parallelepiped configuration. In another embodiment, the container 20 may have a peaked configuration. The container 20 may be made in any shape known in the art or yet to be developed. For example, the container may be square, rectangular or circular. The container may have a base (not shown), at least one side wall 6 and a top wall 11.

Fig. 1 and 2 further illustrate a container 20 having an aperture 15 in the top wall 11 of the container 20. In one embodiment, the apertures 15 may be located near the corner edges of the top wall 11. However, the position of the hole 15 is not required. The aperture 15 may be located anywhere within the top wall 11 of the container 20. Alternatively, the aperture 15 may be located in the side wall of the container. Similarly, although the aperture 15 is shown as rectangular in fig. 2, it may be circular, triangular, oval, elliptical, or any other shape known in the art or yet to be developed. Holes may be punched in the paper or paperboard material prior to construction or filling of the container.

The closure 10 is shown in the drawings. The externally openable seal 13 is shown covering the aperture 15. The outer openable seal 13 may be arranged such that it covers both the hole 15 and the area around the hole 15. An outer openable seal 13 may be openably sealed to the top wall 11 of the container 20 around the aperture 15. Such openably connected seals should be well known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the external openable seal 13 may be connected to the top wall 11 with an adhesive or with heat to constitute a gas-tight seal. The outer openable seal 13 may be constructed of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, laminated foil or other suitable material.

The outer openable seal 13 may have a pull tab 16 extending outwardly or upwardly from the outer openable seal 13 located along one edge of the seal. The pull tab 16 allows a user to pull upwardly and/or rearwardly on the externally openable seal 13 to expose the aperture 15. In another embodiment, pull tab 16 may be attached across the center of outer openable seal 13, arranged so that pulling or pulling away from container 20 reveals aperture 15. The pull tab 16 may be constructed of the same material as the outer openable seal 13 or may be constructed of or coated with a different material to enhance the grippability of the pull tab. The pull tab 16 may be adhered to the outer openable seal 13 or integrally formed with the outer openable seal 13.

As shown in fig. 3-4, the aperture 15 is sealed from the container contents by the inner sealing layer 12. The inner sealing layer may be part of the complete inner layer of the packaging material or may be a specially added strip sealing the interior of the container 20 around the aperture 15. In one embodiment, inner seal layer 12 is permanently bonded to the container interior around aperture 15. In another embodiment of the invention the inner sealing layer 12 is permanently bonded to the outer openable seal 13 in the region within the aperture 15. Such permanent bonding may be achieved by applying pressure, heat or other means known in the art. The inner seal layer 12 may be constructed of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, laminated foil, or other suitable material.

In one embodiment, the inner sealing layer 12 may have a perforation or weakening line present along the edge of the aperture 15. This arrangement makes it easier to remove the portion of the inner sealing layer 12 within the aperture 15 when the outer openable seal 13 is removed from the container 20.

In one embodiment, shown in fig. 2-4, a nutritive substance 14 may be present in the space between the outer openable seal 13, the inner sealing layer 12 and the container top wall 11. The nutritive substance 14 may surround the perimeter of the aperture or may be present near one side or edge of the aperture. The nutritive substance 14 may be adhered to the upper side of the inner sealing layer 12 or to the portion of the container top wall 11 between the outer openable seal 13 and the inner sealing layer 12. In this configuration, the nutritive substance 14 is protected from contact with the container contents and the atmosphere until the externally openable seal 13 is altered or removed.

When the consumer is ready to consume or use the contents of the container, the pull tab 16 may be pinched and pulled away from the container 20, causing the bond between the outer openable seal 13 and the container top wall 11 to fail. The outer openable seal 13 may be completely removed from the container 20 or may be pulled back enough to expose the aperture 15 as shown in figures 2 and 4. The perforation lines or lines of weakness in the inner seal layer 12 may be stressed and may break if present. But the bond between the outer openable seal 13 and the inner sealing layer 12 is maintained and the portion of the inner sealing layer 12 within the aperture 15 is removed from the container. The nutritive substance 14 remains attached to the portion of the inner sealing layer 12 remaining attached to the top wall 11 or the portion of the top wall 11 surrounding the aperture 15. The container contents and nutrients 14 are then exposed to the atmosphere by exposing the apertures 15. Each time the consumer turns the container 20, the contents of the container 20 will flow out of the container through the aperture 15 and into contact with the nutritive substance 14 to provide a gradual release of the nutritive substance 14 before or during consumption of the product.

In a separate embodiment, the nutritive substance 14 may fall into the container contents as soon as the portion of the inner sealing layer 12 located within the aperture 15 is removed. In this embodiment, the nutritive substance is in immediate contact with the product in the container.

In certain embodiments, the container may be used to pour the container contents for use in a brewer or into another container for mixing with other ingredients or components. In a different embodiment, the container may be used to pour the contents into another container for consumption. In yet another embodiment, the consumer may drink directly from the container. In such an embodiment, the consumer may place the aperture 15 directly in his or her mouth, invert the container, and drink therefrom. In other embodiments, the consumer may insert a straw through the aperture 15 and consume the contents through the straw. In a further embodiment, the container may be used to directly cook the product in the container. For example, the container may be opened and used for cooking frozen food.

In certain embodiments, the container 20 may be resealed after opening. Any resealing mechanism known in the art may be used in this embodiment. For example, the outer openable seal 13 may be machined so that it can be used to reclose the aperture 15 after use of the product. As another example, a cap or lid may be used to reseal the container.

In another embodiment, shown in fig. 5-8, the container 30 may still have a parallelepiped configuration. In another embodiment, the container 30 may have a peaked configuration. The container 30 may be made in any shape known in the art or yet to be developed. For example, the container may be square, rectangular or circular. The container may have a base (not shown), at least one side wall 35 and a top wall 34.

The container 30 may have an aperture (not shown) in the top wall 34 of the container 30. The aperture may be located anywhere within the top wall 34 of the container 30. Alternatively, the aperture may be located in the container sidewall. Similarly, the holes may be circular, triangular, oval, elliptical, or any other shape known in the art or yet to be developed. Holes may be punched in the paper or paperboard material prior to construction or filling of the container.

In another embodiment, the container 30 may not have apertures, but may have perforation lines 39 (shown in FIG. 7) formed in the container top wall 34. The perforation lines 39 may be circular, triangular, oval, elliptical, or any other shape known in the art or yet to be developed.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5-8, the blister pack 31 may be applied to the container over the hole or perforation line 39. The blister pack 31 may comprise a bottom layer 37 and a top layer 36. In one embodiment (fig. 6), the bottom layer 37 of the blister pack 31 is deformed and encloses a cavity 40 formed between the bottom layer 37 and the top layer 36. In this embodiment, the top wall 34 of the container 30 has an aperture formed therein. The bottom layer 37 of the blister pack 31 fits within an aperture formed in the top wall 34. The blister pack 31 may be permanently sealed to the top wall of the container 30, thereby avoiding contact between the container contents and the atmosphere after sealing.

In this embodiment, both the bottom layer 37 and the top layer 36 are rupturable. After the bottom layer 37 and the top layer 36 are ruptured, the nutritive substance 38 stored in the cavity is released into the container 30.

In another embodiment (fig. 7), the top layer 36 of the blister pack 31 includes a deformable raised portion that encloses a cavity 40 formed between the bottom layer 37 and the top layer 36. The top wall 34 of the container 30 may (or may not) have apertures formed therein. The top wall 34 may include a perforation line 39 formed therein.

In this embodiment, both the bottom layer 37 and the top layer 36 are rupturable. If the container top wall 34 has perforation lines formed therein, the areas within these perforation lines will also rupture after the bottom layer 37 and top layer 36 rupture. The nutrients 38 stored in the cavity are then released into the container 30.

The layers of the blister pack 31 may be constructed of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, laminated foil or other suitable material. The blister pack 31 may be ruptured by inserting a suction tube therein, manually applying pressure by a user's finger, rupturing with a container cap, or by any other means known in the art or yet to be developed.

In a particular embodiment (fig. 5), the lid 33 is sealed to the blister pack 31. The lid 33 may have means therein for rupturing the blister pack 31. For example, as shown in fig. 9-11, the cover 33 may include a main body 216 having a base 218 formed at one end of a vertical wall 220 and a flange 222 formed at the other end. An annular cap 224 may be received by the vertical wall 222 and defines an inwardly directed flange 226 that cooperates with the vertical wall flange 222. The annular cap 224 may include a top surface 228 connected to a shoulder 230 by a plurality of ribs 232. The ribs 232 may define a plurality of apertures 234 therebetween. The annular cap top surface 228 may define a downwardly directed cutting portion or tip 236, and the tip 236 may be formed of a flat body or may include a plurality of ribs or tips disposed transverse to one another. A tear strip 238 (fig. 9) may be attached to a bottom edge of the annular cap 224 to maintain the annular cap 224 in an extended position relative to the body 216. In other words, tear strip 238 may prevent annular cap 224 from being pressed downward relative to vertical wall portion 220.

Referring to fig. 10-11, the blister pack 31 may be bonded to the top wall 34 of the container 30. Referring to fig. 11, in use, a consumer may remove tear strip 238 (fig. 10) and press annular cap 224 downwardly relative to vertical wall portion 220 of the body. As the annular cap 224 moves downwardly, the tip 236 begins to pierce the blister pack 31. The consumer may continue to press the annular cap 224 downwardly until the inwardly directed flange 226 bottoms out against the base 218, which causes the largest hole 248 to be pierced in the blister pack 31, thereby exposing the nutritive substance 38 to the contents of the container. In this arrangement, the closure 33 is in its closed first position in which the inwardly directed flange 226 of the annular cap engages the outwardly extending second flange 246 of the vertical wall portion 220 of the body, thereby securing the cap in the closed position. Upon closing, the consumer may shake the contents of the container to urge the contents of the container into contact with the nutritive substance.

If the user pulls the annular cap 224 upward, the annular cap inwardly directed flange 226 moves over the flange 246 and is prevented from further upward movement when it contacts the upright wall outwardly directed flange 222. In this position, each time the consumer turns the container, the contents of the container flow from the container through the aperture 248 into contact with the nutritive substance 38, which provides a gradual release of the nutritive substance during consumption of the product. It should be understood that no tear strip is required in this embodiment. Any device that prevents the tip 236 from coming into contact with the blister pack 31 until just before the product is to be consumed may be used in this embodiment.

Referring specifically to fig. 12-13, the cylindrical top portion 112 may include a threaded cylindrical portion 118 defining a rim 120 at one end thereof. The rim 120 may define an aperture in fluid communication with the interior cavity defined by the cylindrical top 112. Cylindrical top portion 118 may be adapted to removably receive cap 116 via threads 124, which threads 124 may be integrally formed on threaded cylindrical portion 118. The threads 124 may begin near the rim 120 and may terminate near the flange 126.

In certain embodiments, the closure 116 comprises an annular cap having threads 130 on its inner periphery for removably securing the annular cap to the externally threaded cylindrical top 118. The outer perimeter of the ring cap may contain ribs or embossments to allow a user to more easily grasp the closure 116 to remove it from the top 112 or to attach it to the top 112. In addition to the internally threaded cylindrical wall portion, the annular cap may include an annular end wall 136 having an extension 138 defining a through-hole 140 therein. A second annular cover 142 having an opening 144 therein may be operatively secured to the extension 138 of the annular end wall such that the second annular cover 142 may be moved between a first position in which the second cover 142 prevents the contents of the container from flowing out through the opening 140 and a second position in which the contents of the container are able to flow out through the opening 140. A cutting portion or blade 154 may project axially downwardly from the annular end wall 136 adjacent the lower surface of the rim 120. It should be understood that the closure 116 may be formed from any type of suitable closure known in the art.

The blister pack 31 may be adhered to the top wall 34 of the container 30. Tear strip 152 may secure lid 116 to cylindrical top 112 in the raised position so that blade 154 does not contact blister pack 31. That is, with tear strip 152 in place, tear strip prevents further tightening of lid 116 so that blade 154 cannot access blister pack 31. The tear strip also acts as a tamper-evident band to prevent the closure from being removed prior to purchase by the consumer. The tear strip can be attached to the bottom edge of the annular cap 128 in a variety of ways. For example, the tear strip 152 may be integrally formed with the annular cap 128, with a gap formed therein to allow the consumer to tear the tear strip off the cap. In other embodiments, tear strip 152 may be connected to the lower edge of annular cap 128 by a plurality of relatively thin and frangible separation tabs or tabs (not shown). An inner radially inwardly projecting and angularly extending boss (not shown) may be formed on the inner periphery of tear strip 152 to engage lower surface flange 126. Thus, tension rotationally secures the tear strip to the flange as the rotary ring closure 116 is disengaged from the container. As the ring closure is rotatably removed, the tension and torsional forces acting on the foil cause the foil to shear to allow the closure 116 to be completely removed. If the lid 116 is removed, the blister pack 31 will still adhere to the container 30, thereby protecting the contents and nutrients in the container from exposure to the atmosphere and from exposure to each other.

Referring to fig. 12-13, in use, the consumer may remove tear strip 152 (fig. 12) and rotate closure 116 clockwise (relative to fig. 12). As cover 116 is rotated, blade 154 is drawn downward into contact with blister pack 31, which causes blade 154 to cut blister pack 31. Continued rotation of the lid 116 in the clockwise direction (fig. 13) causes the blades 154 to cut an arc 156 through the blister pack adjacent the rim 120, thereby exposing the nutritive substance 38 to the atmosphere and the contents of the container. When the tear strip 152 is attached, the blade 154 may be positioned close to the blister pack 31 to minimize the number of turns necessary to cut the blister pack 31. In this configuration, each time the consumer flips the container when the closure 116 is in its rotated position, the contents of the container will flow from the container through the aperture 122 into contact with the nutritive substance 38, which provides for a gradual release of the nutritive substance 38 during consumption of the product.

It should be understood that a tear strip is not necessary in this embodiment. Any device that prevents the blade 154 from coming into contact with the blister pack 31 until just before the product is to be consumed may be used in this embodiment.

In a separate embodiment, the container closure may have a cutting edge on the outside of the cap. The cap may be removed from the container closure for piercing or cutting the blister pack and then replaced on the container to mix the contents of the container with the nutritive substance.

In a particular embodiment, the blister package may be adhered to the inner sealing layer of the container. The cardboard container may have pre-cut holes therein and the blister pack may be adhered to the inner sealing layer of the container over the holes. This allows the addition of blister packs in a secondary operation. The suction tube may be used in conjunction with the blister pack of this embodiment or any of the embodiments described herein. The suction tube may pass through the blister pack and the inner sealing layer in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the blister pack is arranged so that the top of the blister pack does not extend beyond the top of the paper portion of the container. This allows the container to withstand normal stacking, stacking and shipping without puncturing or otherwise damaging the blister package.

In yet another embodiment, the blister package is designed such that it can be pierced by a person's finger. In this embodiment, the blister pack is trimmed and easily ruptured by manual pressure. The blister pack may be torn under finger pressure to expose the nutritive substance to the container.

In certain embodiments, the blister pack of the present invention may be processed in the form of a strip pack or a chain pack.

In another embodiment, the container is a flexible bag made of plastic film. In one embodiment, the plastic film may be a laminated foil. In other embodiments, the plastic film may be comprised of polyethylene, polypropylene, or any other plastic film known in the art. In some embodiments, the container is generally triangular in cross-section and has a flat or wedge-shaped base that supports the bag in an upright position.

Fig. 14-19 illustrate one embodiment of such a container. In this embodiment, the flexible container 50 has at least one sidewall 51 and a base 52. In one embodiment, the container 50 has two opposing sidewalls bonded together at side edges and a top edge, each sidewall being bonded to the base 52 at a bottom edge.

In one embodiment, one sidewall 51 of the container 50 has an aperture 59 formed therein. The holes 59 may be circular or may be any shape known in the art. In one embodiment, the aperture 59 is located near the top of the sidewall 51.

The outer pierceable seal 55 may be permanently bonded to the outside of the sidewall 51 to cover the hole 59. Additionally, inner pierceable seal 56 may be permanently bonded to the inside of sidewall 51 to cover hole 59. In a particular embodiment, the outer pierceable seal 55 and the inner pierceable seal 56 define a pouch 54 therebetween within the aperture 59.

In certain embodiments, the outer pierceable seal 55 is recessed or otherwise marked to enable the consumer to easily identify the outer pierceable seal 55 and the hole 59 thereunder. In other embodiments, the outer pierceable seal 55 may be colored or textured so that it can be easily identified in contrast to the sidewall 51. Outer pierceable seal 55 may be circular, square, triangular, star-shaped, or any other shape known in the art. Outer pierceable seal 55 and inner pierceable seal 56 may be made of a plastic material or a foil material. In one embodiment, outer pierceable seal 55 and inner pierceable seal 56 may be aluminum films.

A nutrient 57 can be present within the pouch 54. In this configuration, the nutritive substance 57 is protected from contact with the container contents and the atmosphere until the outer pierceable seal 55 is pierced.

A straw 53 may be provided in connection with the container 50. The straw may be removably connected to the sidewall 51 of the container 50. The straw may be deformable. In some embodiments, the straw is enclosed within the plastic sheath 62, preventing the straw 53 from coming into contact with the atmosphere until the plastic sheath 62 is removed. In certain embodiments, a protective sheath 62 containing the straw 53 is removably adhered to the outside of the container 50. To facilitate piercing of outer pierceable seal 55 and inner pierceable seal 56, straw 53 may have a pointed end. The straw 53 may have a stop to prevent the insertion of the entire straw 53 into the container.

Upon consumption of the product contained within the container 50, the straw 53 is inserted through the outer pierceable seal 55 and the inner pierceable seal 56 at an angle of intersection to access the contents of the container. When the straw pierces both outer pierceable seal 55 and inner pierceable seal 56, pouch 54 is pierced and nutritive substance 57 is dispensed from pouch 54 into the interior of container 50. The nutritive substance 57 is then immediately contacted and mixed with the contents of the container 50. The product can then be consumed by drinking through a straw.

In a particular embodiment, the hole pierced in the outer pierceable seal 55 has the same circumference as the outer surface of the straw 53 so that the nutritive substance 57 does not escape to the atmosphere through the hole in the outer pierceable seal 55.

In a separate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18-19, the sidewall 51 does not have apertures formed therein. The side wall 51 alternatively has a weakened area 58 adapted to be pierceable by a straw by insertion therein. The weakened area 58 may be located near the top edge of the side wall 51. The weakened region 58 may be formed by forming a depression in the sidewall 51 under heat and pressure. The weakened area 58 may have a thinner thickness than the remainder of the sidewall 51. In this embodiment, registration marks may be printed on the side wall 51 surrounding the weakened area 58 to indicate its location.

Inner pierceable seal 56 may be permanently bonded to the inside of sidewall 51 around a weakened area 58. In a particular embodiment, the sidewall 51 and the inner pierceable seal 56 define a pocket 54 therebetween. When the straw pierces the sidewall 51 and the inner pierceable seal 56, the pouch 54 is pierced and the nutritive substance 57 is dispensed from the pouch 54 into the interior of the container 50. The nutritive substance 57 is then immediately contacted and mixed with the contents of the container 50. The product can then be consumed by drinking through a straw.

In this embodiment, protective shield 60 may be removably affixed to the outside of sidewall 51 over weakened area 58 to avoid accidental perforation during shipping and storage. The protective shield may include tabs 61 to allow a user to pull up and/or back to remove the protective shield 60. The tabs 61 may be disposed along the edges of the protective shield 60 or may also be connected across the center of the protective shield 60. The tabs 61 may be constructed of the same material as the protective shroud 60 or may be constructed of a different material or coated with a different material to enhance the grippability of the tabs. The tabs 61 may be bonded to the protective shroud 60 or integrally formed with the protective shroud 60.

In one embodiment, the container of the present invention has sufficient barrier properties to prevent essential oils, vitamins, minerals or fragrances from entering or leaving the container itself. In certain embodiments, the paper or paperboard container of the present invention may be laminated on one or both sides with one or more layers of polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-acrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, polyvinylidene chloride, or ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. In this embodiment, a polymeric adhesive may be used to bond the layers. In other embodiments, the paper or paperboard may be laminated with a double layer of laminated foil. In this embodiment, the foil layer may comprise an aluminum foil.

The container of the present invention may be formed by any conventional process known in the art, such as a horizontal form-fill-seal machine having a single or multiple lines, a flat-bed pre-form-bag machine, or a vertical form-fill-seal machine. The container is typically formed by folding sheets of material onto each other to achieve a predetermined shape. It is possible to perforate one wall of the container or to shape a weakened area for inserting a straw. Any necessary seals may be bonded to the container wall. The various edges may be joined together using a sealing process such as gluing or welding. The upper or lower edges of the front and rear panels may be unsealed first until after the container is filled. The container may be placed in a holding device or holder, such as a cup or disk, prior to the filling process. To fill the container, the upper edge of the container is unfolded. Clips may be used to pull the panels apart. In addition, a concentrated gas stream may be directed at the upper edge of the container to separate the panels or suction cups may be used to separate the panels. The container is then filled, sterilized, sealed and completed.

In each of the embodiments described above, the nutrient may be any nutrient known in the art. For example, the nutrients may be macro-particles, micronutrients, bioactive agents, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, or combinations thereof. The nutritive substance may be a substance that is sensitive to heat, light, oxygen, humidity, or any component contained within the container body. In one embodiment, the nutritive substance is maintained sterile until the user desires to mix the nutritive substance with the product in the container.

In a particular embodiment, the nutrient is a probiotic. The probiotic may be any probiotic known in the art. In a particular embodiment, the probiotic bacteria are impregnated into the gum base. In certain embodiments, the gum base may include vegetable starch, rapidly hydrated starch, pregelatinized starch, rapidly cold soluble starch, disintegrating starch, an immobilized food grade resin, or a low melting point fat impregnated with disintegrating starch. In a particular embodiment, the gum base may include a low melting point fat impregnated with a disintegrating starch that swells and releases the probiotic bacteria upon contact with water. In another embodiment, the gum base may include an immobilized food grade resin that can be used to absorb probiotics. The immobilized food grade resin can easily deliver the probiotic upon contact with water. In particular embodiments, a hydrophilic substance, such as an emulsifier, may be included within the gum matrix to aid in the release of the probiotic upon contact with the product.

In another embodiment, the probiotic may be added as a particulate suspended in an oil-based or wax-based suspension. Any oil or wax known in the art may be used in this embodiment as long as it does not adversely affect the properties of the container or the container contents. In yet another embodiment, the probiotic is added as a powder.

In at least one embodiment, the probiotic may be Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. In another embodiment, the probiotic may be Bifidobacterium BB-12. In a particular embodiment, the probiotic may be a combination of lactobacillus rhamnosus and bifidobacterium BB-12. In certain embodiments, the level of probiotic retained is about 1 x 10⁵Colony forming units (cfu)/gram to about 1X 10¹⁰Formula range cfu/g. In other embodiments, the probiotic level is maintained at about 1 x 10⁶Colony forming units (cfu)/gram to about 1X 10⁹Formula range cfu/g. In certain embodiments, the level of probiotic retained is about 1 x 10⁶Colony forming units (cfu)/gram to about 1X 10⁸Formula range cfu/g.

The present invention provides for the area storage of probiotics because many probiotics are sensitive to heat and may be destroyed or killed when subjected to heat treatments that are necessary for many food and beverage products. In the present invention, the product contained within the container may be subjected to heat treatment or sterilization during the packaging process. The seal containing the probiotic layer may be secured to the container after the product has been packaged in the container and sterilized. The package may then be prepared for shipping or display. In these configurations, the probiotic is not destructively heat treated during packaging and remains isolated from the product itself until consumption, at which time both the product and the probiotic can be mixed.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the present invention includes a method for preparing a delivery container, comprising: a) providing a container as described herein; b) filling the container with the product; c) sterilizing the container with the product; and d) sealing the container with a seal as described herein.

The product contained within the container may be any product known in the art. In certain embodiments, the form of the product may be selected from a liquid, a ready-to-use product, a concentrate, a fluid, a powder, a suspension, an emulsion, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the product contained within the container is a food or beverage product. In a particular embodiment, the product contained within the container is a nutritional supplement for children or adults. In another embodiment, the product contained in the container of the invention may be a beverage such as milk, juice or similar product. In certain embodiments, the product may be an infant formula.

All references cited in the specification, including without limitation all papers, publications, patents, patent applications, presentations, texts, reports, manuscripts, brochures, books, internet postings, journal articles, and/or periodicals, are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification in their entirety. The references discussed herein are only for the purpose of summarizing the conclusions given by their authors and do not imply that any one reference constitutes prior art. Applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited references.

These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Additionally, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Claims (8)

1. A container for delivering a nutritive substance, comprising:

a. a container body having a base, at least one side wall, and a top wall, wherein an aperture is formed in the top wall;

b. an outer openable seal openably adhered to an exterior of the top wall around the aperture;

c. an inner sealing layer permanently bonded to the top wall inner portion around the aperture, wherein the inner sealing layer and the outer openable seal are permanently bonded to each other within the aperture; and

d. a nutritive substance disposed between the inner seal layer and the outer openable seal such that removal of the outer openable seal and the inner seal layer exposes the nutritive substance to the contents of the container, wherein upon separation of the outer openable seal from the container, the bond between the outer openable seal and the inner seal layer is maintained and the portion of the inner seal layer located within the aperture is removed from the container; and further wherein the nutrient remains attached to the portion of the inner sealing layer remaining attached to the top wall or the portion of the top wall surrounding the aperture.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is a pull tab on the outer openable seal.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner sealing layer is a complete inner packaging layer.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer openable seal comprises a laminated foil.

5. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which the inner sealing layer is formed from a laminated foil.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the nutritive substance is disposed along a perimeter of the aperture.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the nutritive substance is adhered to an upper side of the inner sealing layer.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the nutritive substance is a probiotic.