BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to packaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to packaging for storing and dispensing comestible products.

The packaging for comestible products is very important to the look, marketing and storage of the product. Very often, in addition to text on the packaging, the packaging also attempts to visually convey a message about the type of product, the taste of the product or the purpose of the product. For example, packages for cinnamon or cherry tasting products are often red, grape tasting product packaging is often purple, etc. Once the consumer has identified a desired brand, the consumer can typically choose a product based solely on the color of the packaging.

In marketing the product, packaging can convey other information besides taste whereby the consumer can thereby associate the product with its effect by simply viewing the packaging.

There are also practical facets to packaging comestible products, namely, keeping the products from being damaged during shipping, keeping the products fresh, and in certain instances providing a reusable package. Some comestible products do not require that the packaging be robust, sturdy or reusable.

Other comestible products are packaged in pieces and may or may not be provided in a reusable package, as desired by the manufacturer. If it is felt that only a portion of the products may be consumed in one sitting, the manufacturer may wish to provide a box having a hingedly connected lid.

With certain comestible products, the consumer tears open a package and removes a product or piece of the product. One problem with this type of packaging is that the remaining product tends to fall out of the package after the consumer removes a number of pieces from the package. Another problem with these packages is that it becomes difficult, especially with a newly opened package, to remove a piece without ripping open a significant portion of the package.

Attempting to provide a package that holds the product even after the removal of multiple pieces can make removing the comestible product more difficult. Tightly packing the product may aid in holding the product at the expense of gaining access to the product.

It is therefore desirable to provide a comestible product package that maintains the organization of the products even after a number of the products have been removed from the package.

It is also desirable to provide comestible products in a package, wherein the products are readily accessible and removable.

Furthermore, it is desirable for a comestible product package to be flexible so that it may be sized to hold different desired amounts of product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved product holding and dispensing apparatuses and improved methods for manufacturing, holding and storing products, especially comestible products. The packages or dispensers are made of, e.g., paper, paperboard, plastic, or combinations thereof as desired. The packages or dispensers disclosed herein are generally wider and thinner than known comestible product packages, making the packages or dispensers of the present invention more user friendly and more easily stored, for example, in a consumer's pants or shirt pockets.

The products stored in the packages disclosed herein are more freely exposed than in known comestible product packages, so that the consumer can grab products from multiple different areas of the package. Even so, the embodiments described below are generally able to hold the products firmly in place so that the consumer can handle and transport the package without fear of dropping or losing products.

Certain embodiments described herein include packages that have products contained on multiple halves or sides thereof, so that the package opens in a wallet-like manner to expose products on multiple sides of the package. Such a configuration tends to maximize the accessibility of the products. The wallet-like shape also provides a package that is robust and does not to degrade over multiple uses.

Certain embodiments described herein include packages that are resealable or recloseable and are generally airtight. In one embodiment, the packages are made of plastic and snap fit or press fit together in a closed position after use. When closed, the plastic packages tend to prevent ambient air from entering the packages. Other dispensers are provided that are made of paper or paperboard, which are recloseable, robust and tend not to degrade over multiple uses.

The packages described herein are also flexible and capable of being configured to house different quantities of comestible sticks, so that a line of products can be consistent between, for example, a five-stick pack and a fifteen-stick pack of comestible products.

The dispensers described herein includes or provides ample space for the display of branding and product information. Moreover, each embodiment may include an outer wrapping or other type of tamper evident device so that a consumer can view readily whether or not someone has tampered with the package or the products stored therein.

To the above-described ends, in one embodiment a comestible product dispenser is provided that includes (i) a multi-sided housing with an open side, the open side bounded by multiple edges; (ii) a product compartment hingedly attached to one of the edges; and (iii) wherein the compartment includes a catch and at least one of the sides includes a stop, the stop located to abut the catch when the compartment is rotated about the hinge to a desired product dispensing location.

In an embodiment, the compartment is sized to hold a stack of comestible product sticks.

In an embodiment, the dispenser is folded together from a single piece.

In an embodiment, the dispenser is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: paper, paperboard, plastic, a polymer and any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the compartment includes a front wall that is substantially the shape of the open side.

In an embodiment, the compartment includes at least one side wall connected to the front wall, at least one of the front wall and the side wall defining an opening that aids a consumer in removing products from the compartment.

In an embodiment, the compartment and the housing employ a tongue and slit arrangement to aid in holding the compartment in a closed position with respect to the housing when desired.

In an embodiment, the compartment in a closed position is disposed inside the housing.

In an embodiment, the dispenser includes an outer wrapper and a tear strip.

In another embodiment, a comestible product dispenser is provided that includes (i) a top portion including a top wall and side walls; (ii) a base portion hingedly attached to the top portion; and (iii) a plurality of comestible products releasably attached along a side of the products to the base portion so that when the top portion is rotated away from the base multiple sides of at least some of the products are exposed.

In an embodiment, the products are attached in a row to the base.

In an embodiment, the products are each wrapped individually in a wrapping, and wherein the wrappings are releasably attached along a side of the wrappings to the base portion.

In an embodiment, the products are adhered to the base.

In an embodiment, the adhesion is caused using hot glue, cold glue or both.

In an embodiment, the base includes at least one glue strip and the products are adhered to the glue strip.

In an embodiment, the dispenser is folded together from a single piece.

In an embodiment, the comestible products are releasably attached to the base portion so that when the top portion is rotated away from the base three sides of at least some of the products are exposed.

In an embodiment, the dispenser includes an outer wrapper and a tear strip.

In a further embodiment, a comestible product dispenser is provided that includes (i) a top portion including a top wall and side walls; (ii) a bottom portion hingedly attached to the top portion; and (iii) wherein the top portion and the bottom portion include mating press-fitted sides that hold the top portion and the bottom portion together when it is desired, at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion including press-fitting structures spaced apart so that at least one comestible product can be press-fitted by the structures.

In an embodiment, each of the top and bottom portions includes the press-fitting structures, the structures cooperating to form a pair.

In an embodiment, at least one of the top and bottom portions includes multiple press-fitting structures spaced apart so that at least one comestible product can be press-fitted in multiple locations on the portion.

In an embodiment, each of the top and bottom portions includes press-fitting structures, the structures sized to collectively hold a desired amount of the products.

In an embodiment, the press-fitting structures of the top portion are sized to hold a different quantity of products than are the press-fitting structures of the bottom portion.

In an embodiment, only one of the top and bottom portions includes the press-fitting structures.

In an embodiment, at least one of the top portion and bottom portions includes access apertures that aid a consumer in removing one of the products press-fitted therein.

In an embodiment, at least one of the top portion and bottom portions includes access apertures in multiple orientations that aid a consumer in removing one of the products press-fitted therein.

In an embodiment, the top and bottom portions include mating press-fitting perimeters enabling the portions to be press-fitted together completely around the products.

In yet another embodiment, a comestible product dispenser is provided that includes (a) a first portion connected hingedly to a second portion; and (b) wherein the first and second portions are mated on a shared front side along a profile that varies to (i) hold comestible products within each of the portions and (ii) provide a consumer access to the products.

In an embodiment, the profile is a sinusoidal profile.

In an embodiment, the dispenser is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: paper, paperboard, plastic, a polymer and any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the dispenser includes a flap hingedly attached to one of the first and second portions, the flap covering the shared front side to help prevent products from being removed inadvertently from the portions.

In an embodiment, the first portion holds a different number products than the second portion.

In an embodiment, the products are adhesively secured in at least one of the first and second portions.

In an embodiment, the profile includes snap-fitting apparatus that releasably mates the portions when the portions are closed.

In an embodiment, the profile is perforated initially, and wherein the consumer breaks the perforations to gain access to the products.

In an embodiment, the profile is perforated along multiple walls of each of the first and second portions.

In yet a further embodiment, a comestible product dispenser is provided that includes (i) a tray holding at least three stacks of comestible products; and (ii) a sleeve slidingly engaging the tray, the sleeve open on two ends and defining an aperture sized so that a consumer can reach through the aperture of the sleeve to the tray and move the tray relative to the sleeve to extend at least one middle stack past one of the open ends of the sleeve.

In an embodiment, the dispenser is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: paper, paperboard, plastic, a polymer and any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the stacks include individual wrappers holding the products, the wrappers banded together so that the product is removed from the wrapper while the wrapper remains banded.

In an embodiment, a band banding the wrappers is adhered to the tray.

In an embodiment, the stacks include individual wrappers holding the products, the wrappers adhered together so that the product is removed from the wrapper while the wrappers remain adhered together.

In an embodiment, the dispenser includes an outer wrapper and a tear strip.

It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide improved comestible product packages or dispensers.

It is another advantage of the present invention to provide comestible product packages or dispensers that more readily expose the products therein to consumers for removal.

It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide improved methods for dispensing comestible products.

It is still a further advantage of the present invention to provide improved methods for manufacturing comestible product dispensers and apparatuses.

Furthermore, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide packages or dispensers for comestible products that better withstand multiple uses.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide comestible product packages or dispensers that are resealable or recloseable.

Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide packages or dispensers for comestible products that can be made of a variety of different materials.

Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide comestible product packages or dispensers that are flexible to be sized to hold varying amounts of products.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser or package includes a front wall having a slot, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and opposing sidewalls. The walls define a package interior and the rear wall includes a movable flap extending therefrom. The flap includes a protruding portion adapted to engage the slot on the front wall and enclose the package interior. The package may include a debossed area and an embossed area adjacent to and surrounding the slot on the front wall.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for packaging a comestible product. The method includes providing a substrate having a plurality of integral panels and folding the panels to form a package having a front wall with a slot, a rear wall having a moveable flap, the flap having a protruding member, a bottom wall and opposing side walls to define a package interior. The method further includes engaging the protruding member with the slot to enclose the package interior. The protruding member may be disengaged from the slot in order to open the package and remove product from the container interior.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate multiple different views of one embodiment of a comestible product dispenser and package of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate multiple different views of another embodiment of the comestible product package and dispenser of the present invention.

FIGS. 12 to 22 illustrate multiple views of a further embodiment of the comestible product package and dispenser of the present invention, wherein FIG. 20 is a section view taken along line XX-XX of FIG. 19, and FIG. 22 is a section view of FIG. 21 taken along line XXII-XXII of FIG. 21.

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate still a further different embodiment of the comestible product dispenser and package of the present invention.

FIGS. 25 to 37 illustrate multiple views of yet another embodiment of the package and dispenser of the present invention, wherein FIG. 31 is a section view taken along line XXXI-XXXI of FIG. 30, FIG. 32 is a section view taken along the line XXXII-XXXII of FIG. 30, FIG. 35 is a section view taken along lines XXXV-XXXV of FIG. 34 and FIG. 36 is a sectioned view taken along lines XXXVI-XXXVI of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate multiple views of yet a further embodiment of the package and dispenser of the present invention.

FIGS. 40 to 46 illustrate different views of still another embodiment of the package and dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a package in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 47 in an open position.

FIG. 49 is a plan view of a substrate that may be used to make the package of FIG. 47.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes multiple embodiments for a comestible product package and dispenser. In the embodiments described, the comestible products are illustrated as sticks of products, such as flat, rectangular pieces of comestible product. Alternatively, the products discussed herein can have any suitable types of shapes, such as a block shape, a pillow shape, a round shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape and any combination of same.

As discussed below, certain embodiments are illustrated as being made of a paper, cardboard or paperboard material, while other embodiments are disclosed as being made of a plastic material. The present invention expressly includes any of the embodiments being made of any of the materials disclosed herein, as well as any suitable paper, foil, plastic, composite or other type of material. Furthermore, while the packages and dispensers discussed herein are sized to be transported readily by a person, for example in a person's pocket, purse, backpack or the like, the embodiments described are expressly not limited to any particular size and shape.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 to 6, one embodiment of a comestible product package or dispenser is illustrated by dispenser 10. Dispenser 10 includes two main sections, namely, a housing 12 and a compartment 14 hingedly connected to housing 12. FIGS. 1 and 2 show hinged compartment 14 in an open position. FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate compartment 14 in a closed position with respect to housing 12.

Housing 12 in the illustrated embodiment is generally a five-sided structure having a top wall 16, sidewalls 18 and 20, a back wall 22 (referring collectively to back wall portions 22a and 22b) and a bottom wall 24 (referring collectively to bottom wall portions 24a and 24b). Hinged compartment 14 includes a front wall 26 and sidewalls 28 and 30.

Front wall 26 of compartment 14 and top wall 16 of housing 12 include cooperating apparatus in one embodiment to help hold compartment 14 in a closed position when desired. Optional apparatus 58a and 58c shown in phantom in FIG. 6 provides one example. A tongue 58a extends from front wall 26 and folds over top wall 16 along fold line 58b. Tongue 58a is inserted into slot or groove 58c defined by top wall 16, creating a friction fit. Alternatively, the tongue extends from top wall 16 and front wall 26 defines the slot. Further alternatively, tongue 58a and top wall 16 are configured to releasably adhere to one another.

FIG. 6 illustrates package or dispenser 10 in the flat. FIG. 6 shows one embodiment where compartment 14 is formed integrally with housing 12. Compartment 14 is attached hingedly to housing 12 at hingeline 32. In an alternative embodiment, compartment 14 is formed as a piece separate from housing 12 and is glued or otherwise attached to housing 12 at bottom portion 24a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the single-piece package or dispenser 10 is glued or otherwise mated together at bottom portions 24a and 24b via adhesive or glue 34. Glue or adhesive 34 shown in solid on bottom portion 24a is received on the side of portion 24a facing out of the page in FIG. 6. Glue spot 34 shown in phantom line on bottom portion 24b is placed on the underside of that portion. Portion 24a is folded under and glued to the underside of portion 24b to form bottom wall 24. That convention is used throughout this specification. Similarly, although not illustrated, back portions 22a and 22b are glued or otherwise fixedly mated together to form back wall 22.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate that when a consumer 40 shakes dispenser 10, compartment 14 falls hingedly out of housing 12 until housing 12 catches compartment 14 at a desired angular position with respect to housing 12. When consumer 40 shakes dispenser 10, compartment 14 opens to expose comestible products or comestible sticks 36. The consumer 40 may hold dispenser 10 with one hand and then remove an amount or stick of comestible product 36 with the other hand. Products 36 can be wrapped in foil or other barrier material, or exposed, as is the case with each embodiment described herein.

FIGS. 2 and 6 illustrate different embodiments for catching compartment 14 at a desired open angle with respect to housing 12. FIG. 2 illustrates that sidewalls 18 and 20 in one embodiment each define or include a folded-over or adhered lip 38, shown in phantom line in FIGS. 1 and 2. Lips 38 of sidewalls 18 and 20 catch flanged edges 42 formed integrally with or attached to sidewalls 28 and 30 of compartment 14. That is, when consumer 40 shakes dispenser 10 forward, compartment 14 hingedly falls out of housing 12 until flanged edges 42 of compartment 14 hit or abut lips or catches 38 of housing 12. That abutment stops housing 14 at the desired open angle with respect to housing 12, exposing multiple comestible products 36 one or more of which can then be removed for consumption.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment for catching compartment 14 at the desired open angle. FIG. 6 illustrates a lip 44, which is folded underneath top wall 16 when package 10 is assembled. Lip 44 or other similar catching element can be tacked or glued to top 16 if needed. As further seen in FIG. 6, compartment 14 is provided with catches 46 that are shaped and located on sidewalls 28 and 30 of compartment 14 to catch the rearward-facing folded edge 48 of lip 44 when compartment 14 reaches the desired open position.

The embodiment for stopping compartment 14 shown in FIG. 6 requires less material and assembly than does the embodiment illustrated in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The embodiment in FIG. 2, however, provides catches 38 along two sides of housing 12 and may therefore provide for a more robust package 10. The stopping compartment 14 may employ both catches 38 on sidewalls 28 and 30 and flanged edges 42, as well as lip 44 and catch 46.

Sidewalls 28 and 30 are provided with or define cutouts 52 that aid consumer 40 in readily removing any one or more exposed comestible product 36 from compartment 14 and package 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, dispenser 10 includes or defines multiple different types of indicia, such as suitable branding, ingredient information, nutritional information, barcoding or other product identifiers and the like. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, certain of the indicia, such as indicia 54, can be raised or embossed. Each of the embodiments described herein can include such indicia.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate that package or dispenser 10 can be provided in different sizes. Package or dispenser 10 in FIG. 3 is sized in one embodiment to hold fifteen pieces of a comestible product. Package 10 in FIG. 4 is sized in one embodiment to hold five pieces of a comestible product. A product line employing package 10 can thereby include the same look for differently sized packages and different product quantities and amounts.

Although the pieces of comestible product are shown as being dispensed laying in a plane substantially parallel to that of the bottom wall 24, the pieces of comestible product may alternatively be disposed laying in a plane substantially perpendicular to bottom wall 24.

FIG. 5 illustrates that package or dispenser 10 in one embodiment is covered or sealed initially with a wrapper 50, such as a clear cellophane wrapper. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, a tear strip 56 is provided so that consumer 40 can remove cellophane wrapper 50 without difficulty. Wrapper 50 and tear strip 56 provide evidence of tampering with package 10 and/or products 36 Tear strip 56 can be provided in different locations on wrapper 50 and is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 11, a second embodiment of the package or dispenser of the present invention is illustrated by package or dispenser 60. Dispenser 60 includes a top portion 62 and a bottom portion 64, which is connected hingedly to top portion 62. Top portion 62 includes a top wall 66, a front wall 68, sidewalls 70 and 72, and a back wall 74 (FIG. 11). FIG. 11 illustrates dispenser or package 60 in the flat and shows that package or dispenser 60 is generally held together by adhesive 34 placed on the topside of the back wall 74 as seen from the point of view in FIG. 11 and on the bottom side of a flap 76 connected foldably to sidewall 70.

Bottom portion 64 includes a bottom wall 78 and a front wall 80. The walls of top portion 62 and bottom portion 64 are bent as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10 so that when top 62 is opened or closed along hingeline 82 (seen best in FIG. 11), comestible product 36 is exposed or covered, respectively.

As seen in FIG. 11, a pair of glue strips 84 or other suitable glue pattern is placed on or defined by the top of bottom wall 78. Each comestible product 36 is releasably secured or adhered on one side of the product to glue strips 84 as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. Products 36, as seen in FIG. 8, have or include an outside wrapper, such as a foil wrapper, in one embodiment. When consumer 40 moves top portion 62 hingedly away from bottom portion 64, comestible sticks 36 are exposed to consumer 40 in a fan-like or array-like manner as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. The fan-like configuration is formed as comestible sticks 36 each have a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed ends tend to be more tightly packed than the free ends. In this regard, the bottom wall 78 may be flexible to allow arching of the bottom wall, to facilitate or enhance the fan-like presentation of the comestible pieces adhered (either directly or indirectly) to the bottom wall 78.

The glue used as glue strips 84 holds sticks 36 firmly in place. The glue is preferably not strong enough, however, to tear the foil wrapper of sticks 36. Alternatively, the sticks 36 may each be provided with a wrapper, and the wrappers each glued to the bottom wall 38 in a manner which allows the consumer to take the stick 36 out of its respective wrapper, with the wrapper remaining adhered to the bottom wall 78.

In one embodiment, one of the glue strips 84 is a hot-melt or hot-tack type strip, while the other strip 84 is a cold pressed glue strip. The hot-tack strip 84 is advantageous for manufacturing purposes because comestible sticks 36 or their wrappings can be placed on and adhered to the hot glue without mechanical pressing and potential deformation of sticks 36. When the hot glue or hot-tack cools, sticks 36 are held firmly in place. It has been found that mentholated comestible products are not compatible over time with the hot glue or hot melt adhesion. It is believed that the menthol migrates into the hot glue, tending to dissolve it. Over time, the dissolved or damaged hot glue attachment deteriorates, causing comestible sticks 36 to come loose undesirably from strips 84 and bottom wall 78.

Cold strip 84 requires that sticks 36 be mechanically pressed onto that strip. The cold glue, however, does not appear to have the same problem with mentholated products as seen with hot glue. The combination of hot and cold glue strips enables the comestible sticks 36 to be temporarily adhered to bottom wall 78 during the manufacturing process so that sticks 36 are held in a proper position for cold pressing. The cold strip thereafter secures the comestible sticks 36 over the duration of time needed to consume the products.

Package or dispenser 60 includes a number of alternatives not illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 11. First, dispenser 60 can have any suitable desirable number of glue strips 84, using any combination or arrangement of hot and cold glue, which are positioned and oriented in any desirable fashion on bottom 78 or perhaps even on the underside of top wall 66. In another alternative embodiment, one or more glue strips 84 is placed on a separate piece of paper, paperboard, or other suitable substrate. Comestible sticks 36 are adhered to the separate substrate. That subassembly is then hot tacked and/or cold pressed to bottom wall 78 of bottom portion 64 of dispenser 60.

As seen in FIGS. 9 to 11, package 60 includes suitable indicia such as branding indicia, barcoding, ingredient information, and nutrition information, for example. Front wall 68 of top portion 62 defines or includes a cutout 86 to aid consumer 40 in hingedly opening top portion 62 from bottom portion 64. Dispenser 60 in one embodiment is wrapped ultimately with a suitable wrapping, such as a cellophane wrapping. The wrapping operates with a tear strip as discussed above in connection with dispenser 10.

FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate a larger or fifteen stick version of dispenser 60. FIG. 10 illustrates a smaller or five pack version of dispenser 60. As with dispenser 10, a product line employing package 60 can thereby include the same look for differently sized packages and different product quantities and amounts.

Packages 10 and 60 both expose consumer 40 to multiple pieces of product at one time and enable the consumer to select any or more of the exposed products. The pieces may all be essentially the same, or a variety of different pieces (e.g., different flavors, sizes, textures, types, styles, etc.) may be provided. The packaging of the present invention allows the consumer access to the piece(s) of his or her choice, regardless of its position in the package. The packages are both recloseable after each use and may be provided with engagement tabs/slits, frictional devices, adhesive or other means to maintain the packaging 10 and/or 60 in its closed position until intentionally opened and can be made of any of the materials discussed above. As indicated by FIGS. 6 and 11 showing dispensers 10 and 60 in the flat, respectively, packages 10 and 60 are made in one piece from paper, paperboard or cardboard in one embodiment. Alternatively, the packaging 10 and/or 60 may be made of plastic or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 22, a further alternative embodiment of the comestible product package and dispenser of the present invention is illustrated by package or dispenser 90. Package or dispenser 90 includes or defines a lid 92 that is connected hingedly to a base 94. Dispenser 90 in one embodiment is made primarily of a plastic or polymer injection mold or thermoform. The inner structure of lid 92 and base 94 can thereby be made as a single hinged piece (see below including product holders 98 and 114 connected by hinge 112). The outer structure of lid 92 and base 94 is an outer wall or shell 96 attached to the single injection molded piece.

Outer wall or shell 96 in one embodiment is a foil, paper or paperboard outer shell that is glued to or otherwise adhered to upper and lower injection-molded product holders 98 and 114. Injection molded product holders 98 and 114 as best seen in FIGS. 18 to 20 each define three product compartments. Holder 98 defines compartments 100, 102 and 104.

Product carrying compartments 100, 102 and 104 each include peripheral sides 106 and a bottom 108, which in one embodiment are defined or formed integrally with upper product holder 98. Sides 106 extend from bottoms 108 a desired distance to hold a desired number of comestible sticks 36. As seen in FIGS. 20 and 22, in one embodiment, sides 106 of compartments 100, 102 and 104 extend from bottoms 108 of compartments 100, 102 and 104 a distance sufficient to accept two comestible sticks 36 in each of compartments 100, 102 and 104. Sticks 36 are stacked one on top of the other.

Top injection molded holder 98 also defines sidewalls 110 that each project slightly outwardly to fill some of the open space otherwise defined by compartments 100, 102 and 104. Projecting walls 110 place a slight compressive force on comestible products 36 when the products are loaded between walls 110. Projecting walls 110 have one or more extensions or radii 111 (see FIG. 20), which extend into the product carrying compartments 100, 102, 104 and overlap a portion or portions of comestible products to retain them in their respective product carrying compartments 100, 102, 104 and hold comestible products 36 removably in place. The compressive force applied by projecting walls 110 (lateral) and/or projections 111 (vertical) is sufficient so that, as seen in FIGS. 12 and 17, a consumer 40 can open lid 92 from base 94 without products 36 falling from compartments 100, 102 or 104 (for the remainder of the present description, projection walls 110 refer to one or both the lateral and/or compressive force). Consumer 40 can thereafter choose a comestible product 36 from any desired location within compartments 100, 102 or 104 or otherwise within dispenser 90.

While compartments 100, 102 and 104 are illustrated as holding two sticks of comestible products 36 each, those compartments can alternatively be sized to hold any suitable and desirable number of such products. Furthermore, while each of the compartments is shown holding the same number of products 36, the compartments can alternatively hold differing amounts of products 36, and the products in the respective compartments may be substantially the same, or may be different (e.g., different flavors in some compartment than others).

As seen best in FIGS. 15 and 22, outer shell or cover 96 in one embodiment wraps around hinge portion 112 and extends to cover the outer surface of bottom product holder 114. Alternatively, cover or outer shell 96 is made of multiple pieces of, e.g., paper or paperboard.

FIGS. 18 to 22 illustrate that top product holder 98, hinge portion 112 and bottom holder 114 in one embodiment are all made as a single injected molded or thermoformed piece. Alternatively, product holders 98 and 114 are made separately and are assembled to create package 90, for example, by being adhered in proper registry onto cover or shell 96. Forming holders 98 and 114 integrally with hinge section 112 simplifies assembly and provides a robust overall package in which the material used for plastic hinge 112 enables package 90 to be opened and closed multiple times without degrading or coming apart.

Bottom product holder 114 in many respects is a mirror image of top holder 98 and defines a mating or matching compartment 116, 118 and 120 for each compartment 100, 102 and 104 of top product holder 98. Compartments 116, 118 and 120 of holder 114 each include a bottom 108, peripheral sidewalls 106 and product holding projection walls 110 as described above for compartments 100, 102 and 104. FIG. 20 illustrates, however, that sidewalls 106 for compartments 116, 118 and 120 of holder 114 are sized to hold three comestible products 36 as opposed to the two products held in compartments 100, 102 and 104. Each mated pair of compartments, namely, pair 100/116, pair 102/118 and pair 104/120 holds a total of five products 36. Collectively, the compartment pairs hold a total desired number of fifteen comestible sticks 36.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment for package 90, which has a single compartment pair, for example, using only compartments 104 and 120 immediately adjacent to hinge 112. In an embodiment, dispenser 90 of FIG. 16 holds a total of five comestible products 36. FIG. 14 illustrates that package or dispenser 90 is readily handled by consumer 40 and is generally wider and flatter than known comestible product packages (as is dispenser 60 and other embodiments discussed herein). The wider and flatter configuration is more conducive to being placed in one's coat, shirt or pants pocket.

While compartments 100, 102, 104, 116, 118 and 120 are illustrated as running in the same direction as hinge 112, the product compartments of dispenser 90 can alternatively run in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of hinge 112 or further alternatively at any desired angle with respect to the direction of hinge 112 e.g., to hold and dispense products 36 of different lengths or different shapes.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate that top and bottom holders 98 and 114 each provide openings 122 between projecting sidewalls 110 and non-projecting or peripheral sidewalls 106. Openings 122 enable consumer 40 to readily grasp a side of one or more of products 36 and pry the product from its compartment.

Sidewalls 106 forming the perimeter of holders 98 and 114 are formed in mating male and female pairs so that lid 92 and base 94 press fit or snap fit together to create a pseudo-airtight seal for product freshness and protection. Indeed, FIG. 20 illustrates that a projection perimeter 124 of top holder 98 of lid 92 fits into or mates with notch 126 formed by bottom holder 114 of base 94. The projection perimeter 124 and notch 126 extend all the way around the perimeter of holders 98 and 114, respectively, as seen in FIGS. 18 and 19. FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate that projection perimeter 124 and notch 126 form a snap fit or press fit seal all the way around the perimeter of holders 98 and 114.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 16 illustrate that package 90 can define an indent 128 that helps consumer 40 open lid 92 from base 94. Alternatively, as seen in each of the FIGS. 12 to 22, package or dispenser 90 is flanged along its outer perimeter, which provides a structure by which consumer 40 can readily grasp and open package 90.

FIG. 13 further illustrates that a tamper-resistant seal 130 can be provided to cover the opening or non-hinge side of package 90. Seal 130 can be oriented or placed onto dispenser 90 in any suitable manner. Consumer 40 tears away the taped or adhered seal 130 to initially remove product from dispenser 90. Thereafter, consumer press fits or snap fits the perimeter seal together to reclose package 90 after removing such product.

As noted, package 90 in one embodiment is made of a plastic piece that defines the product holders and the hinge. In one preferred embodiment, the plastic is injection molded or thermoformed. The cover 96 in one embodiment is a pressure sensitive label made of paper or paperboard. Cover 96 is adhered to the plastic piece(s). Alternatively, cover 96 is made integrally with the plastic piece and the indicia is printed directly on the plastic.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, a similar but alternative embodiment to package or dispenser 90 is illustrated by dispenser 140. FIG. 23 illustrates dispenser 140 opened. FIG. 24 illustrates dispenser 140 closed. Dispenser 140 includes a lid 142 and a base 144. The primary difference between dispenser 140 and dispenser 90 is that all fifteen comestible products 36 are stored and housed in base 144. Lid 142 does not store any products but instead serves to hingedly cover and uncover products 36.

As with dispenser 90, dispenser 140 includes in one embodiment an outer skin or shell 146, which in one embodiment is paper or a pressure sensitive label. Label 146 is wrapped using one or more pieces around the outside of a piece of injection molded or thermoformed plastic. The plastic piece includes in one embodiment a plastic lid portion 148, plastic base portion 150 and a hinge portion 152 that hingedly connects plastic lid portion 148 to plastic base portion 150 and consequently lid 142 to base 144. In an alternative embodiment, lid portion 148 and base portion 150 can be thermoformed or injected molded separately and connected together hingedly via skin or shell 146.

In illustrated embodiment, each compartment 154, 156 and 158 holds five sticks 36, totaling 15 desired sticks. The compartment alternatively, individually and/or collectively hold more or less than five and fifteen sticks respectively. It should also be appreciated that the alternative configuration of dispenser 140 can be molded to have only a single compartment, e.g., a five stick dispenser, or sized to hold any suitable amount of products 36.

Like with package 90, plastic base portion 150 forms multiple product holding compartments 154, 156 and 158. Each of those compartments uses the same type of apparatuses described above for removably holding products 36. In particular, each compartment includes or defines peripheral sidewalls 106 that separate the compartments and projecting walls 110 that frictionally and removably hold products 36 in place. Compartments 154, 156 and 158 also include or define openings 122 that enable consumer 40 to readily remove a desired product(s) 36 from a desired compartment 154, 156 or 158.

Package or dispenser 140, like dispenser 90, forms a snap fit or press fit pseudo-airtight seal around the perimeter of compartments 154, 156 and 158. Package 140 provides an alternative male projection portion 160 and an alternative notch 162 that mate to form the snap fit or press fit seal. Projection portion 160 includes rounded projections 164 that mate with rounded notches 166 of notch 162. The rounded notches 166 also extend into and through sidewalls 106 to help consumer 40 to remove products 36 from plastic base portion 150. That is, consumer 40 in removing products by grasping the long sides of the products via openings 122 or grasping the short sides of the products via notch 166. Projections 164 and notches 166 can also be provided with projection perimeter 124 and notch perimeter 126 of dispenser 90.

Alternative package 140 can have approximately the same overall size and shape as product 90. To that end, product 140, like product 90, is sized and shaped to fit readily into a consumer's pants or shirt pocket. Package 140 is also relatively airtight, rugged and can store products 36 unwrapped or wrapped individually in foil.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 to 31, still a further alternative embodiment for the comestible product package and dispenser of the present invention is illustrated by package 170. Package 170, in one preferred embodiment, is made of plastic or other type of relatively rigid composite material. FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate an alternative but similar embodiment to package 170, where the concepts described for package 170 are applied to a paper or paperboard package or dispenser.

Package 170 in the illustrated embodiment, includes first and second portions or halves 172 and 174. Portions 172 and 174 in one embodiment each define about half the total volume of package 170. Alternatively, the volume defined by portions 172 and 174 is different or disproportionate. Portions 172 and 174 are held together via living hinge 176, which can be formed integrally or separately from portions 172 and 174. For example, portions 172 and 174 can be formed as separate pieces and taped or otherwise hingedly connected together via a paper or paperboard pressure sensitive label that adheres to the back of both portions 172 and 174. FIGS. 29 to 36, however, illustrate that in one preferred embodiment, package 170 is an integrally formed injection molded or thermoformed plastic or polymer structure.

FIGS. 31, 32, 35 and 36 illustrate that portion 172 includes or defines a spacer 178. Portion 174 includes or defines a spacer 180. Spacers 178 and 180 help to determine how many comestible sticks 36 can be housed or stored inside portions 172 and 174. In the illustrated embodiment, spacers 178 and 180 enable eight products 36 to be stored in portion 172 and seven products 36 to be stored in portion 174. The total number of products stored in illustrated package 170 is fifteen. FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative embodiment, wherein only portion 172 is provided, which mates hingedly with an end 182. FIG. 28 illustrates a single stack version of dispenser 170, which holds a desired lesser amount of products 36, such as five or seven. Either version can hold as many products of varying size as desired. Portions 172 and 174 can hold the same or different amounts of the same or different products as desired.

FIGS. 25 and 28 illustrate that dispenser 170 is provided initially with a pressure sensitive label 184, which includes suitable indicia, such as branding, ingredient, nutritional, and barcode information. Label 184 also acts as a tamper evident device, which enables consumer 40 to ensure that package 170 has not been disturbed or tampered with prior to use.

FIGS. 29 to 31 illustrate package 170 in an open position. FIGS. 33 to 37 illustrate package 170 in a closed position. Both sets of drawings, as well as FIGS. 25 to 28, illustrate that portions 172 and 174 define at their openings mating sinusoidal shaped edges 186 and 188, respectively. Both edges 186 and 188 include a tab or projection portion 186a, 188a, which mates with a corresponding open or notched portion 188b, 186b of the corresponding portion 172 or 174. The notches or dugout portions 186b, 188b of edges 186 and 188 enable the consumer 40 to reach and remove readily on or more product 36 from the corresponding portion 172 or 174.

Plastic package or dispenser 170 snap or press fits together after the product 36 is removed therefrom in one embodiment. The snap-fitting or press-fitting tends to provide an airtight seal that protects product freshness and also holds portions 172 and 174 together so that package 170 does not open and dispense product inadvertently.

Projection portions 186a and 188a each include or define snap-fitting apparatuses 190 and 192, respectively, that mate with the corresponding notched portions 188b and 186b. For example, apparatus 190 of projection portion 186a, as seen in FIG. 29, snap fits with the dugout portion 188b of edge 188. Likewise, snap fit apparatus 192 of edge 188a snap fits with dugout portion 186b of edge 186. FIG. 31 also illustrates snap-fitting apparatus 192, which includes a raised portion extending from the defining edge 188. That raised portion or apparatus 192 snap fits with notched portion 186b of edge 186.

Edges 186 and 188 form a continuous and consistent seam when mated, as seen from the outside of package 170 in FIGS. 33 and 37. Projecting snap-fitting apparatuses 190 and 192 lock or press fit the portions 172 and 174 together, as shown in phantom line in FIGS. 33 and 37, behind the seam created between edges 186 and 188.

Package 170 provides a convenient and reusable comestible product holding and dispensing device. FIGS. 25, 27 and 28 illustrate that the shape of package or dispenser 170 can be arched so that the package fits more easily or more comfortably into pants or shirt pockets of consumer 40. FIGS. 29 to 37, on the other hand, illustrate a generally non-arched shape for package 170, although the front of package 170 as seen in FIG. 35 is bowed slightly in the middle, producing a slight oval shape. The backwalls of portions 172 and 174 leading to hinge 176 are virtually straight. The sides of portions 172 and 174 are rounded for ease of comfort and handling.

As seen in FIGS. 26, 27, 29 to 31, 35 and 36, the long side edges of sticks 36 are exposed to consumer 40 when the consumer opens package 170. That orientation is desirable so that the consumer can readily slide the outermost stick(s) 36 from one of the compartments 172 and 174 via dugout portions 186b and 188b of edges 186 and 188. Alternatively, sticks 36 could be rotated 90Â° from the illustrated orientation, so that the broadsides of comestible sticks face the consumer when package 170 is opened.

Although not illustrated, sticks 36 could be tacked or glued to spacers 178 and 180 or other parts of portions 172 and 174, respectively. Such gluing or tacking would tend to minimize the possibility of sticks 36 coming free from package 170 upon its opening, or while opened, especially when some or a majority of the comestible products 36 have already been consumed.

Referring now to FIGS. 38 and 39, a yet further alternative embodiment for the package and dispenser of the present invention is illustrated by package or dispenser 200. Package or dispenser 200 is a paper or paperboard version of plastic dispenser 170. Package 200 uses the same sinusoidal shape edge principal described above in connection with 170, which enables the user to crack or break open package 200 along a hinge line 218 and remove a product from one of the hinged portions via the dugout or opening defined by each of the sinusoidal shapes.

As illustrated, package 200 includes a front wall 202, a rear wall 204, a bottom wall 206, a top wall 208, sidewalls 210 and 212, and a cover or flap 214. Top wall 208 refers collectively to top wall portions 208a and 208b. Bottom wall 206 refers collectively to bottom wall portions 206a and 206b.

As illustrated in FIG. 39, showing package or dispenser 200 in the flat, a top side of sidewall portion 210 is adhered via adhesive or glue 34 to a bottom side of sidewall portion 210. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that bottom wall portions 206a and 206b are tacked or glued together as are top wall portions 208a and 208b. Flap 214 provides an initial tamper resistant covering over perforated sinusoidal line 216 provided on and defined by front wall 202. Consumer 40 first removes cover or flap 214 before cracking open package 200 along perforated line 216 and bending dispenser 170 in half via a fold line 218 to remove a comestible product 36 therefrom.

FIG. 39 illustrates that perforated line 216 extends through sidewalls 210 and 212 so that when consumer 40 splits package 200 in half or in two, the split occurs not only along front wall 202 but along the sidewalls 210 and 212. Back wall 204 remains together but is folded along fold line 218.

Products 36 can be loaded into package 200 in either the orientations illustrated in FIG. 38. Consumer 40 removes the products 36 from package 200 in the same manner as described above for package 170, removing one or more stick 36 via the dugout or cavity portion defined in each half by sinusoidal perforated line 216. When a product has been removed, the consumer closes the two portions of package 200 so that the edges defining line 216 are mated. Afterward, flap 214 is folded over line 216 to prevent the package from reopening between uses. To that end, flap 214 or front 202 can be provided with an amount of adhesive that helps flap 214 adhere or stick to front 202. Flap 214 and front 204 can alternatively be provided with a tongue and slot arrangement (illustrated in connection with FIG. 6), which holds the package together frictionally and/or adhesively between uses.

Package 200 is sized to hold fifteen sticks of comestible product 36 in one embodiment (e.g., seven sticks on one side of line 216 and eight on the other). Alternatively, package 200 can be sized to hold a lesser or greater amount. In one embodiment, sticks 36 are tacked or glued to top wall 208 and bottom wall 206 to help hold the products in place. Glue strips, such as strips 84 (FIG. 11) may be used as can any combination of hot or cold glue.

When initially packaged, package 200 can be wrapped by a suitable wrapper, such as a cellophane wrapper. That cellophane wrapper in one embodiment includes a tear strip that also serves as a tamper evident device. As seen in FIG. 39, suitable indicia as described above is provided in various places on package 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 40 to 46, a still another embodiment of the package and dispenser of the present invention is illustrated by package or dispenser 220. Package or dispenser 220 includes a cover 222 and a tray 224. Cover 222 as illustrated moves slidingly along tray 224 to expose one or more stack of comestible products 36. Cover 222 is generally a four-sided structure with a top 226, bottom 228 and sidewalls 230 and 232. Sidewall 232 refers collectively to sidewall portions 232a and 232b shown in FIG. 44. Sidewall portions 232a and 232b are glued or adhered together as indicated by adhesive 34 applied to the top side and bottom side, respectively, of sidewall portion 232a and 232b as seen in FIG. 44.

Tray 224 is generally a three- or five-sided structure as seen respectively in FIGS. 41 and 42 (showing three-sided) and 45 (showing five-sided). Tray 224 includes a bottom wall 234 and sidewalls 236 and 238. FIG. 45 illustrates that tray 224 can include additional top wall portions 240 and 242 that are bent over the top of the outer stacks of comestible products 36 to help hold those products in place. To that end, tack strips or glue strips 244 are provided on top wall portions 240 and 242 in one embodiment to help hold the comestible products 36 in place. Glue strips 244 can include any type of glue or adhesive described above. Glue can be applied directly to top wall portions 240 and 242 or be applied alternatively to a separate piece of paper 244, which in turn is adhered to portions 240 and 242.

As seen in FIGS. 42 and 44, cover or sleeve 222 includes or defines an opening 246 in one embodiment that enables consumer 40 to readily slide tray 224 in and out of cover or sleeve 232. Indeed, as seen in FIG. 41, opening 246 enables one-handed operation of package or dispenser 220. As illustrated, opening 246 in one embodiment has an oval shape; however, opening 246 can have any desired shape.

The relative sizes of sleeve 222 and tray 224 are selected so that consumer 40 can slide tray 224 in either direction against sleeve 222 to expose two product stacks and slide tray 224 from sleeve 222 in the opposite direction to expose the other stack of products 36. Sleeve 222 completely covers products 36 when the sleeve and tray are in registry. Nevertheless, products in the middle or center stack(s) are readily obtained. Package 220, like the other dispensers, exposes multiple stacks of products and enables consumer 40 to remove one or more products, selectively, from a desired and exposed stack. Further, dispenser 220 provides product access selectively from one or multiple open sides of the package.

FIG. 40 illustrates a larger size package, which in one embodiment includes three stacks of five sticks, totaling to the desired fifteen products 36. As before, the number of stacks can differ, the number of sticks in each stack can differ, and the total number and size of products 36 can vary. FIG. 43 illustrates a smaller version, which holds a lesser amount of product, e.g., five sticks 36. FIGS. 40 and 43 both illustrate that sleeve 226 in one embodiment includes or defines a notch 248 that also helps consumer 40 manipulate tray 224 within cover or sleeve 222. the packages are sized to hold any suitable amount of any suitably sized products.

FIGS. 41 and 46 illustrate that products 36 are individually provided in a foil wrapper. Each foil strip 36 is then placed inside an intermediate single stick wrapper 250. That is, an intermediate single strip wrapper 250 is provided for each foil-wrapped product 36. The single strip wrappers 250 are belly-banded together by a band 252. Band 252 is then adhered via adhesive 34 to a desirable location on bottom wall 234 of tray 224. Adhesive 34 can be any of the hot- or cold-type of adhesives described above. Adhesive strips similar to strips 244 may also be used.

Belly band 252 is tightly wrapped about single strip wrappers 250 such that when consumer 40 pulls on one of the foil products 36, the product 36 is removed from single stick wrapper 250 as opposed to single stick wrapper 250 coming free from belly band 252. Additionally, a suitable adhesive or wax can be applied between single strip wrappers 250 and/or between one of more of the outer single strip wrappers 250 and an inner surface of belly band 252.

Product sticks 36 are arranged as illustrated in FIGS. 41 and 42 so that the sticks slide through open ends of tray 224, which open ends are oriented 90Â° from open ends of sleeve or cover 222. In that matter, products 36 cannot inadvertently slide out of package 220. Although not illustrated, package 220 can include one or more securing devices, e.g., tongue and slot, that prevents tray 222 from sliding inadvertently out of sleeve 222.

As illustrated, package 220 includes any of the above-described indicia. Further, the package 220 is finally wrapped (not illustrated) by a suitable outer wrapper, such as cellophane. The outer wrapper in turn includes a tear strip which also serves as a tamper evident device.

FIGS. 47-49 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention wherein package or dispenser 300 has a front wall 302, a rear wall 304, a bottom wall 306 and opposing sidewalls 308 and 310. The walls cooperate to define a package interior 312. Rear wall 304 includes a flap 314. Fold lines 316 and 318 enable flap 314 to move relative to the walls. For example, flap 314 may moved to overlap a portion of front wall 302. Flap 314 may be integral to or attached to rear wall 304. In an embodiment, flap 314 is integral to or is otherwise an extension of rear wall 304.

In an embodiment, package 300 may be made from a substrate 320 as shown in FIG. 49. Substrate 320 may be made of any foldable material as previously discussed (i.e., paper, cardboard, plastic or combinations thereof). Substrate 320 is substantially flat and has plurality of panels corresponding to the walls and flap of package 300. In an embodiment, substrate 320 is a plurality of panels that are integral to each other. It is understood that adhesive 322 may be placed on tabs 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334 as necessary to maintain the panels of substrate 320 in the shape of package 300. Alternatively, the use of adhesive may be avoided by configuring tabs 324-334 in a tongue-and-slot arrangement as is commonly known in the art.

Comestible product 36 may be loaded into package 300 in any of the orientations A (vertical), B (horizontal), or C (stacked) as shown in FIG. 48. In an embodiment, front wall 302 may include a die cut edge 335 that exposes the product and permits ready removal of the product from package 300. In an embodiment, package 300 is configured to hold about 15 sticks (three 5-stick packs) of comestible product in orientation A. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the size of package 300 and the dimensions of package interior 312 may be varied as desired in order for package 300 to hold a lesser or a greater amount of product. Package 300 may be wrapped with an outer wrapper as previously discussed. Package 30 may also include labeling and advertising information as previously discussed.

Front wall 302 includes a slot 336 and flap 314 includes a protruding member 338. Slot 336 and protruding member 338 are adapted for cooperative engagement with each other. Slot 336 may be disposed on front wall 302 in any suitable orientation to cooperatively receive protruding member 338. In an embodiment, slot 336 is a diagonally disposed or is otherwise offset on front wall 302 as shown in FIGS. 47-49. Consequently, slot 336 may or may not be perpendicular to the bottom edge of front wall 302.

To close container 300, flap 314 is moved to overlap front wall 302. The length of flap 314 may be adapted so that when flap 314 overlaps front wall 302, protruding member 338 is at substantially the same position as slot 336. Protruding member 338 is then slid along front wall 302 in a direction to enter slot 336. The sliding of flap 314 continues along front wall 302 until protruding member 338 is inserted into and matingly engages slot 336. The mated engagement between slot 336 and protruding member 338 securely retains the contents of package 300 within the package interior. In an embodiment, a slit 340 disposed between flap 314 and protruding member 338 provides a friction fit between the protruding member, a slot edge 342 and the flap to hold the protruding member within slot 336 and keep package 300 closed. In a further embodiment, the outer edge 350 of protruding member 338 may include a notch (not shown) that may be used to retain protruding member 338 to either slot edge 342 or 343.

Package 300 may subsequently be opened by disengaging protruding member 338 from slot 336. This may be accomplished by sliding flap 314 along front wall 302 to move protruding member 338 away from slot 336. Once protruding member 338 is no longer in contact with slot 336, flap 314 may then be moved to expose the product to the consumer. The engagement and disengagement between the protruding member and the slot may be performed by a single hand of a user with relative ease.

In an embodiment, slot 336 may be disposed between a debossed area 344 and an embossed area 346. Alternatively, slot 336 may be disposed adjacent to either one of debossed or embossed areas 344 and 346. The surface of debossed area 344 is lower than the surface of front wall 302 while the surface of embossed area 346 is raised above the surface of front wall 302 as shown in FIGS. 47-49. Areas 344 and 346 provide several advantages. The lowered surface level of debossed area 344 provides a guide for protruding member 338 during the closing of package 300. When flap 314 is moved from an open position (i.e., exposure of the package interior) to a position overlapping front wall 302, protruding member 338 aligns with debossed area 344. As the consumer slides flap 314 across the front wall, the recessed surface of debossed area 344 directs protruding member 338 into slot 336 for mated engagement.

Embossed area 346 provides a space in which protruding member may reside when inserted into slot 336. Provision of embossed area 346 thereby reduces the chance that the protruding member may interfere with the product and/or the wrapping of the product contained within package interior 312. The debossment-slot-embossment arrangement further contributes to the durability of the slot opening. The combination of the raised embossed area and the lowered debossed area provides a slot that endures repeated entry and exit of the protruding member without substantial degradation or reduction of the slot opening size. This enhances the integrity of the slot opening making package 300 well-suited for repeated use.

In an embodiment, the outline or outer perimeter 348 of areas 344 and 346 may define a geometric shape as shown in FIGS. 48 and 49. Nonlimiting examples of geometric shapes suitable for outline 348 include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a square, a rectangle or a polygonal shape as desired. In an embodiment, the geometric shape is a circle as shown in FIGS. 48 and 49. Outer edge 350 of protruding member 338 may be varied as desired to correspond to the geometrical shape of outline 348. For example, if the geometrical shape for outline 348 is a circle, outer edge 350 may be arcuate to cooperatively fit within embossed area 346. If the geometrical shape of outline 348 is square, outer edge 350 may be substantially straight or a half-square shape to cooperatively fit under embossed area 346. The geometric shape may advantageously be used to draw attention to the cooperative engagement arrangement between the slot and protruding member. Geometric outline 348 may thereby draw consumer awareness to the reusability capability of package 300.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.