WO2025081329A1

WO2025081329A1 - Disposable container and packaging system for molten food product

Info

Publication number: WO2025081329A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/124891
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wenjie GU
Original assignee: Mars Wrigley Confectionery China Ltd; Mars Inc
Current assignee: Mars Wrigley Confectionery China Ltd; Mars Inc
Priority date: 2023-10-17
Filing date: 2023-10-17
Publication date: 2025-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-17

Abstract

The device described herein relate to a packaging system including: a box having two or more side panels and a base panel, each of the two or more side panels including a respective compartment; a lid including a top panel and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls perpendicular to the top panel, wherein: in a closed position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular to the base of the box, the two or more side walls of the lid engage the two or more side panels of the box, and the compartments face an interior space of the box defined by the two or more side panels, the base panel, and the top panel; and in an open position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base panel of the box, and the compartments face upward from a plane defined by the base panel.

Description

DISPOSABLE CONTAINER AND PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR MOLTEN FOOD PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a consumer packaging kit including a container and, in particular, to a consumer packaging kit and container for packaging a molten food product, such as fondue and associated dipping items.

BACKGROUND

Fondue is an edible dish involving a molten food, such as melted cheese or chocolate, which is eaten by dipping other food products into the molten food product. Fondue typically involves an electric or fuel-powered stove, or some other heat source to keep the molten food product or “liquid” warm/hot and viscous. Furthermore, the accompaniments to the dipping liquid, such as items to be dipped or toppings for the dipping liquid, are generally difficult to store in a single container and become cumbersome to pack and carry. Fondue is therefore considered to be relatively difficult to experience “on the go” or in any type of retail/sundry or fast-casual consumer experience.

Therefore, there is a desire for a disposable fondue kit that has a self-contained heat source and that includes compartments for easily storing a dipping liquid and accompaniments for dipping. The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art, or suggestions of the prior art, by inclusion in this section.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to aspects of the present disclosure, embodiments described herein relate to a packaging system including: a box having two or more side panels and a base panel, each of the two or more side panels including a respective compartment; a lid including a top panel and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls perpendicular or opposed to the top panel, wherein: in a closed position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular or opposed to the base of the box, the two or more side walls of the lid engage the two or more side panels of the box, and the compartments face an interior space of the box defined by the two or more side panels, the base panel, and the top panel; and in an open position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base panel of the box, and the compartments face upward from a plane defined by the base panel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a packaging system including: a box having two or more side panels and a base panel; a lid including a top panel and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls perpendicular to the top panel, a self-heating assembly including a pot, a dish, and a pot lid is disposed on the base panel, wherein: in a closed position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular to the base of the box, the self-heating assembly is in an interior space defined by the two or more side panels of the box, and the two or more side walls of the lid engage the two or more side panels of the box, and in an open position, the two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base panel of the box, and the self-heating assembly is accessible.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of constructing a packaging box from a blank, the blank including a base panel and two or more side panel assemblies arranged around the base panel, each of the two or more side panel assemblies including: a first segment, first and second slots formed on the first segment, a second segment, first and second lateral segments extending from the second segment, a first lateral end segment extending from the first lateral segment, a second lateral end segment extending from the second lateral segment, first and second edge segments extending from the second segment, an end edge segment extending from the second edge segment, and a cut out portion formed in the second segment, the first lateral segment, and the second lateral segment; the method including: folding the second segment over the first segment; inserting the first lateral end segment into the first slot; inserting the second lateral end segment into the second slot; and inserting the end edge segment between the first segment and the second segment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various example embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts a disposable container and packaging system for molten food product in an open configuration with box lid removed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a disposable container and packaging system for molten food product in a closed configuration, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a disposable container and packaging system for molten food product transitioning between a closed and open configuration, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts elements of a fondue pot assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the dish of the fondue pot assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a blank for constructing a box, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a blank for constructing a box, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure describes various packaging boxes and kits for a molten food product, such as liquid cheese or chocolate fondue and associated dipping items.

The embodiments disclosed herein are configured to provide the experience of fondue in a packaging that is capable of being enjoyed in a retail/sundry, delivery, or fast casual consumer environment. The disclosed embodiments are also capable of providing the items involved in a fondue experience (e.g., molten/liquid and dipping products) in a convenient, light, and portable package. The package is configured to be easily transported when closed, and when opened, present a fondue dining experience with minimal preparation. When opened, the center of a packaging box includes a pot that may include therein a shelf-stable room temperature food in a shallow dish holding a shelf-stable room temperature food, such as chocolate or cheese. Under the shallow dish in a main compartment of the pot may be provided a substance that, upon interacting with cool water, produces an exothermic reaction that heats the food in the dish to produce a melted food product, i.e., a “dipping liquid” or fondue. The package may be configured to store accompaniments such as dippers and toppings in the side panels of a packaging box. Furthermore, the package may be configured to open in a manner that is aesthetically pleasant. For example, the package may be configured to open and appear as a gift or a flower. In yet another example, the package may be configured to “pop” open as a box lid is removed to provide an audio/visual experience, or “ritualistic flair” for positive consumer experience (e.g., an indulgent and/or luxurious experience) .

While principles of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, embodiments, and substitution of equivalents all fall within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of systems and methods disclosed herein for providing packaging for a fondue kit.

FIG. 1 depicts a disposable container and packaging system for molten food product, or fondue kit, in an open configuration, according to some embodiments. The fondue kit comprises a packaging box 10 comprising a base panel 20 and two or more side panels 30 arranged around base panel 20. Although the disclosed embodiments depict four side panels 30, it should be appreciated that any number of side panels from, say, two to twenty side panels may provide the desired function and form. For example, in an embodiment with two side panels 30, opposing spherical clamshell sides may open to reveal a fondue pot and opposing storage for dipping product. In the open configuration shown in FIG. 1, the side panels 30 may lay substantially horizontal and parallel to the base panel 20, or the side panels may tilt slightly upward such that the edge of the side panel directly adjacent the base panel 20 is level with the base panel, while a distal end is elevated slightly above the plane of the surface on which the box 10 lies. In the open position, the packaging box 10 of FIG. 1 may open substantially into a “T” or plus-sign configuration, notably lacking accordion members between side panels 30. The compartments of the side panels 30 may face upward from the plane defined by the base panel 20.

Each of the side panels 30 may include a first segment 31 (see FIG. 3) that lays against or near a surface when the box 10 is opened, and a second segment 32 spaced apart from the first segment 31. The first segment 31 and the second segment 32 may be substantially rectangular in shape, with the first segment 31 and the second segment 32 having substantially identical dimensions in a first direction, and the second segment 32 shorter than the first segment 31 in a second direction, the first segment 31 and the second segment 32 connected by lateral segments 34 and end segments 36. Lateral segments 34 may be substantially rectangular and end segments 36 may be substantially trapezoidal.

A compartment 38 may be formed in each of the side panels 30. For example, the compartment 38 may be formed by cutting an opening 39 in the first segment 31 and the lateral segments 34 to form an access hole 39 into an interior region of the side panel 38 to form a compartment 38. Toppings, sides for dipping, food items for dipping, or other items may be stored in the compartments 38. The items may, for example, be sealed in bags and inserted into the compartments 38. The hole 39 forming the compartment 38 may be formed in just the first segment 31, or in the first segment 31 and just one of the two lateral segments 34, in the first segment and one of the two end segments 36, or in just one of the two end segments 36, or any combination thereof without departing from the spirit of this invention. In some embodiments, the compartment 38 may include a tray glued thereon for receiving items thereon.

Arranged on base panel 20 is a fondue pot assembly 40 that is unveiled as the packing box 10 is opened. Fondue pot assembly will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4 below.

In the open configuration shown in FIG. 1, all of the items involved in enjoying a fondue meal or snack may be provided in one simple assembly, including a variety of items for dipping provided in compartments 38 and a central fondue pot assembly 40 for providing the fondue dipping liquid. For example, the fondue dipping liquid may be chocolate, and the compartments 38 may include marshmallows, fruit such as strawberries or apples, nuts such as peanuts or almonds, and crackers for dipping or providing toppings. In another example, the fondue dipping liquid may be cheese, and the compartments 38 may include fruits, crackers, bread, or vegetables, among other items. The items in compartments 38 may be shelf-stable items for easy packaging and storage. The assembly 40 may be a self-heating assembly disposed on the base panel 20, and the fondue dipping liquid may be a solid at room temperature and melted when desired, as further described in FIG. 4.

It is noted that reference is made to the elements of the side panels 30 with reference to one of the four side panels 30, but each of the side panels 30 may include all of the elements disclosed above.

FIG. 2 depicts a fondue kit in a closed configuration, according to some embodiments. In a closed configuration, packaging box 10 is covered with a box lid 50 that includes a lid panel 52 and four side walls 54. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the four side walls 54 extend substantially for the entire length of the side panels 30 of packaging box 10, such that they are roughly equal in length. As such, the side panels 30 are substantially obscured from view in the closed position. However, the side walls 54 may extend only partway down and be substantially shorter than side panels 30, such that the packaging box 10 can be partially visible in a closed position. Furthermore, box top 52 may include a transparent or translucent cut-out to see the contents of packaging box 10. In the closed position, the side panels 30 are substantially vertical.

FIG. 3 depicts a fondue kit transitioning between a closed and open configuration, according to some embodiments. The side walls 54 as shown in FIG. 2 keep engage the side panels 30 of packaging box 10 to keep packaging box 10 in the closed position when the lid is on. As the lid 50 is removed, side walls 54 disengage from side panels 30, and the side panels 30 thus collapse open into the configuration shown in FIG. 1. The lid 50 may be designed and configured to be easily manually removed.

In the embodiment described in FIGs. 1-3, the packaging box 10 generally takes the form of a cube and has four side panels. However, the packaging box may include any number of side panels with corresponding base and lid. For example, the packaging box may have six side panels and a hexagonal base and hexagonal lid with six side edges. In another example, the packaging box may have three side panels and a triangular base and triangular lid with three side edges. Any number of side panels may be used.

FIG. 4 depicts elements of the fondue pot assembly 40 in more specific detail, according to some embodiments. The fondue pot assembly 40 consists of a fondue pot 42 with an interior well, a dish 44 that may include a fondue dipping liquid, and a lid 46 to keep the fondue pot 42 covered and warm. The pot 42 may include inside the well an element or substance that, upon interacting with cool water, produces an exothermic reaction that warms the water. The substance may include, for example, a sachet containing water-activated heating powder.

In some examples, the dish 44 may include a shelf-stable chocolate that is solid at room temperature. Upon adding water to the well of the fondue pot 42, the water may be warmed to a sufficient temperature to melt the chocolate in the dish so that the chocolate melts sufficiently to become liquid and act as a fondue dipping liquid. Similarly, the dish 44 may include a shelf-stable cheese that is solid at room temperature, but may be melted by the warmed water to become liquid. The amount of water-activated heating powder may be portioned to ensure the dipping liquid remains melted for a specific amount of time. Lid 46 may be provided to help keep the contents of the fondue pot 42 and dish 44 warm or to otherwise prevent spillage from fondue pot 42 and dish 44.

Dish 44 is stored in fondue pot 42 with lid 46 attached atop dish 44 when the packaging box 10 is in a closed configuration. Upon opening of the packaging box 10, the lid 46 may be removed from fondue pot 42, revealing dish 44. Dish 44 may be further removed to add water to the well of fondue pot 42. As water interacts with the heating powder contained in the well, the water is heated to a sufficient temperature to melt the contents of the dish 44. Dish 44 may then be replaced into fondue pot 42.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the dish 44 of the fondue pot assembly, according to some embodiments. Dish 44 may include multiple compartments 442 for a variety of fondue dipping liquids, and a seal 446 for protecting the dipping liquid while stored. Fondue put assembly 40, including fondue pot 42, dish 44, and lid 46, may be constructed of a resin or plastic material capable of withstanding temperatures at or near that of boiling water. The rest of the packaging box 10 may be formed from a blank of cardboard or paper.

FIG. 6 depicts such a blank for constructing packaging box 10, according to some embodiments. The blank includes the base panel 20 and the four sets of side panels 30. Each side panel include a first segment 31 adjacent the base panel 20, a second segment 32 having a substantially identical dimension in a first direction as that of the first segment 31, but a shorter dimension than the first segment 31 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first segment 31 and the second segment 32 are substantially rectangular in shape. The first segment 31 includes two slots 310 that are cut out from the first end segment. Two lateral segments 34 of the side panels 30 extend on the blank from the second segment 32 in the second direction, and the lateral segments 34 include lateral edge segments 342. Connecting the first segment 31 and the second segment 32 in the first direction is a first end segment 36, and extending from the second segment 32 in the first direction at a position distal to the first segment 31 is a second end segment 36. Second end segment 36 includes an end edge segment 362. Formed in the blank is a cut-out hole 38, which may be formed in any combination of second segment 32, lateral segments 34, and end segments 36.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the hole 38 is formed as an oval cut out in second segment 32 and the two lateral segments 34. The hole 38 will allow a user to access the compartment when the blank is folded to form the packaging box 10.

To form packaging box 10 from the blank shown in FIG. 6, each second segment 32 is folded over each first segment 31 and lateral edge segments 342 are inserted into slots 310. As such, the lateral segments 34 are pushed inward and thus space first segment 31 apart from second segment 32, as shown in FIG. 1. End edge segment 362 is then tucked between first segment 31 and second segment 32. An adhesive may be used to hold lateral edge segments 342 and end edge segment 362 in place against first segment 31. This folding process is repeated for each side panel 30 to arrive at the packaging box 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 depicts a blank for constructing a box, according to some embodiments. The blank of FIG. 7 may be used to produce a packaging box 10’ that does not include cut-outs. In place of compartments, the packaging box 10’ may provide a space for adhering trays to the side panels 70, of which there are four in the example shown in FIG. 7. Each side panel may include a first segment 72 and a second segment 74. Both first segment 72 and second segment 74 may be rectangular with substantially identical dimensions. An end segment 76 may be provided on second segment 74. Second segment 74 may be folded over first segment 72 and end segment 76 may be tucked under and adhered to first segment 72. Accordion segments 78 are provided between adjacent side panels 70, such that when the packaging box 10’ is in a closed position, the accordion segments fold along line 782. Trays for holding dipping items may be adhered onto the second segment 74 in a folded position.

It should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention are practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications are made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other implementations, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. While various implementations of the disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations and implementations are possible within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

A packaging system comprising:

a box having two or more side panels and a base panel, each of the two or more side panels comprising a respective compartment;

a lid comprising a top panel and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls perpendicular to the top panel, wherein:

in a closed position,

the two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular to the base panel of the box,

the two or more side walls of the lid engage the two or more side panels of the box, and

the compartments face an interior space of the box defined by the two or more side panels, the base panel, and the top panel; and

in an open position,

the two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base panel of the box, and

the compartments face upward from a plane defined by the base panel.
The packaging system of claim 1, wherein removing the lid disengages the two or more side walls from the two or more side panels.
The packaging system of claim 1, wherein a self-heating assembly including a pot, a dish, and a pot lid is disposed in the interior space.
The packaging system of claim 3, wherein the pot includes a water-activated heating element, and the dish includes a food item that is melted when heated.
The packaging system of claim 4, wherein the food item is chocolate or cheese.
The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the side walls include a length equal to the length of the side panels.
The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the side walls include a length that is less than the length of the side panels.
The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the box is transitioned from the closed position to the open position by manually removing the lid.
The packaging system of claim 1, wherein in the open position, the side panels are arranged around the base panel in a plus-sign configuration.
A packaging system comprising:

a box having two or more side panels and a base panel;

a lid comprising a top panel and two or more side walls, each of the two or more side walls perpendicular to the top panel,

a self-heating assembly including a pot, a dish, and a pot lid is disposed on the base panel, wherein:

in a closed position,

the two or more side panels of the box are substantially vertical and perpendicular to the base panel of the box,

the self-heating assembly is in an interior space defined by the two or more side panels of the box, and

the two or more side walls of the lid engage the two or more side panels of the box, and

in an open position,

the two or more side panels of the box are substantially horizontal and parallel to the base panel of the box, and

the self-heating assembly is accessible.
The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the pot includes a water-activated heating element, and the dish includes a food item that is melted when heated.
The packaging system of claim 11, wherein the food item is chocolate or cheese.
The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the side walls include a length equal to the length of the side panels.
The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the side walls include a length that is less than the length of the side panels.
The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the box is transitioned from the closed position to the open position by manually removing the lid.
The packaging system of claim 10, wherein in the open position, the side panels are arranged around the base panel in a plus-sign configuration.
A method of constructing a packaging box from a blank,

the blank comprising a base panel and two or more side panel assemblies arranged around the base panel, each of the two or more side panel assemblies comprising:

a first segment,

first and second slots formed on the first segment,

a second segment,

first and second lateral segments extending from the second segment,

a first lateral end segment extending from the first lateral segment,

a second lateral end segment extending from the second lateral segment,

first and second edge segments extending from the second segment,

an end edge segment extending from the second edge segment, and

a cut out portion formed in the second segment, the first lateral segment, and the second lateral segment;

the method comprising:

folding the second segment over the first segment;

inserting the first lateral end segment into the first slot;

inserting the second lateral end segment into the second slot; and

inserting the end edge segment between the first segment and the second segment.
The method of claim 17, further comprising: adhering the first lateral end segment to the first segment, adhering the second lateral end segment to the first segment, and adhering the end edge segment to the first segment.
The method of claim 17, further comprising: adhering a tray to the first segment.
The method of claim 17, wherein the cut out portion is in a shape of an oval.