Dispensable food container

Abstract

A dispensable food container (10) includes: a container body (11) having an interior for receiving dispensable food; and a container lid (13). The container body (11) has a base (15) and an opening (17) opposite to the base (15), and foldable sidewalls (16). The lid (13) has a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state it closes and seals the opening (16) of the container body (11), and in the open state the opening (16) of the container body (11) is exposed for access to the interior (12) of the container body (11). The lid (13) has a dispensing opening (19) that communicates with the interior (12) of the container body (11) when the lid (13) is in the closed state. In use, when the lid (13) is in the closed state, the container body (11) is foldable by applying pressure to the lid (13) and the base (15) in opposite directions, such that the sidewall (16) folds and forces the dispensable food inside the container body (11) (12) through the dispensing opening (19).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a food container for dispensing flowable foods, primarily but not exclusively for use by infants and young children. The invention was therefore developed primarily for dispensing soft or viscous flowable foods, such as pureed or mushy foods (e.g., fruits and vegetables), food pastes, smoothies, or yogurt. Therefore, it will be convenient to describe the invention in relation to this application, but it should be understood that the invention can have a wider range of applications for anyone consuming flowable foods, including, for example, the elderly and active individuals. Background Technology

[0002] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended to facilitate understanding of the invention. However, it should be understood that this discussion is not an endorsement or admission that any aspect discussed was part of common general knowledge prior to the priority date of this application.

[0003] Liquid foods for infants and toddlers are available from commercial manufacturers and are often sold in disposable “food bags.” These food bags are squeezeable plastic containers with a dispensing opening that allows the liquid food inside to be squeezed out through the opening. The dispensing opening is often constructed so that infants and toddlers can place the opening between their lips and squeeze the food directly from the food bag into their mouths. The dispensing opening typically has a closable cap, usually a threaded cap, to allow the food bag to be closed, enabling food to be dispensed from the food bag two or more times.

[0004] The aforementioned commercial food bags are for single use only, meaning that once the food inside is fully dispensed or consumed, the bag is discarded. This has a negative environmental impact.

[0005] Alternatives to the aforementioned disposable commercial food bags are reusable dispensing or squeezing containers that can be filled and washed after use for refilling and reuse. These containers are squeezeable to expel food, but they also include a filling opening for loading flowable food into the container, the filling opening being large enough to pour or scoop food into the container. These containers also include a dispensing opening separate from the filling opening, through which food can be dispensed for feeding. The filling opening is often closed by a cap that also includes the dispensing opening. Thus, in some examples, the cap is attached around the filling opening by a threaded attachment, and the dispensing opening includes a cap closure attached to the opening by friction or by further threaded attachment. Examples of such food bags include reusable squeezing bags manufactured by Infantino and Original Squeeze Company.

[0006] One drawback of reusable squeeze containers currently known to the applicant is that the filling openings for filling the containers are often small and / or narrow, making it difficult to deliver food into the container and sometimes requiring a separate filling device or the use of a funnel. Furthermore, these squeeze containers are often difficult to clean properly because the inside of the container is typically only accessible through small and / or narrow openings, and they often include sections that trap food (such as the bottom cut), which are also difficult to access for cleaning purposes. Another drawback of some reusable squeeze containers currently known to the applicant is that squeezing out all the food from the container can be difficult, potentially leading to significant waste associated with their use.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a new form of food container that can be used to dispense flowable food and overcome or mitigate the disadvantages of current forms of dispenseable food containers, or at least provide a useful alternative to current forms of dispenseable food containers. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a dispensable food container is provided, comprising:

[0009] a. A container body having an interior for receiving dispensable food; and

[0010] b. Container lid,

[0011] The container body has a base and an opening opposite the base, as well as a sidewall extending between the base and the opening, which is foldable.

[0012] The lid has a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, it seals the opening of the container body; in the open state, the opening of the container body is exposed to allow access to the interior of the container body.

[0013] The lid has a dispensing opening that communicates with the interior of the container body when the lid is closed.

[0014] In use, when the lid is closed, the container body can be folded by applying pressure to the lid and base in the opposite direction or by suction applied at the nozzle by the user of the container, such that the side walls fold and force the dispensable food inside the container body through the dispensing opening.

[0015] A key difference in the dispensable food container according to the invention is that the container body is foldable by applying pressure in opposite directions to the lid and base, causing the sidewalls to fold. This differs from the prior art currently known to the applicant, in which the sidewalls are folded by applying pressure directly to them. In this prior art, the sidewalls are used to fold the food container because they are relatively long, while the top and bottom of the container are relatively narrow. This makes it easy to squeeze the sidewalls. However, in this prior art, the filling opening is located at the top of the container, meaning that the size of the filling opening is limited to no larger than the top where it is located. This effectively means that the filling opening is relatively small. As a result, filling the container by pouring or scooping food into it is difficult, or at least inconvenient.

[0016] Furthermore, in food containers with relatively long sidewalls, pressure is typically applied to the middle section of the sidewalls, causing food inside the container to tend to be pushed towards both the dispensing opening and the bottom of the container simultaneously. While most of the food will be expelled through the dispensing opening, some food will remain trapped in the space between the area where pressure is applied and the bottom of the container, resulting in food waste.

[0017] Conversely, the dispensable food container according to the invention can have relatively short sides and a relatively wide base and opening. The opening can be larger in area than filling openings in the prior art known to the applicant, thereby improving the ease of filling the container and eliminating the need for funnels or other filling devices. Furthermore, the proportions of the sides, base, and opening allow the container to be more stable than many prior art containers when placed on a flat surface (such as a table or bench), so that in many cases, the container does not need to be held by hand or otherwise supported for filling. The wide opening also facilitates cleaning the inside of the container (the container body in this invention). In addition, the lid of the food container must be wide enough to close the opening, and the wider lid and base provide a convenient surface for the pressure applied when they are pressed together.

[0018] Using relatively short sides also helps ensure that the sidewalls fold in an acceptable and controlled manner. The relatively short sides can be arranged to fold generally linearly or coaxially around a central axis, rather than collapsing laterally, so that the pressure applied to the lid and base will tend to cause them to move directly toward each other, rather than tilting laterally relative to each other. Therefore, the food container according to the invention is generally shorter between the lid and the base.

[0019] As an example, in the folded state, the ratio of the opening diameter of the container body lid to the height of the sidewalls can be in the range of 1:1 or 2:1, 2.5:1 or 3:1. In some forms of the invention, the diameter of the container body opening is approximately 77 mm, while the height of the sidewalls in the folded state is approximately 30 mm. Other examples include openings with diameters ranging from 60 mm to 100 mm and sidewall heights ranging from 20 mm to 100 mm. While the height of the sidewalls can be greater than the diameter of the container body lid opening, this presents difficulties in controlling how the sidewalls fold effectively.

[0020] In the dispensable food container according to the invention, the sidewalls are foldable for dispensing or discharging food through the dispensing openings. When the sidewalls are folded, the internal volume of the container body decreases, and the food within the container body is forced out through the dispensing openings. For this purpose, the sidewalls can be foldable in any suitable manner. For example, the sidewalls can be hexagonal accordion-shaped to facilitate folding, or the sidewalls can be made of a flexible material that allows folding. If the sidewalls are made of a flexible material, the lid and base will be rigid or stiff, so that they will not fold under pressure applied to the lid and base. The sidewalls can, for example, be made of a different material than the base and lid, or be made of the same material but with a different wall thickness than the base and lid, or the base and lid can be reinforced relative to the sidewalls. Thus, various options are available for making the sidewalls foldable, but as mentioned above, it is preferred that while the sidewalls are relatively flexible, each of the container lid and the base of the container body is relatively stiff or rigid. In this way, when the lid and base are pressed together, the side walls of the container body will fold, while the lid and base will retain their basic shape.

[0021] If the sidewalls are flexible, they can be folded together. In some forms of the invention, a single fold will allow the sidewalls to fold to the extent necessary for the lid and base to move toward each other, thereby reducing the interior of the container body and dispensing food out of the food container. Furthermore, while the sidewalls are flexible, they can still be elastic to facilitate their return to their pre-folded or pre-heavy state, such that the sidewalls tend to return to their pre-folded or pre-heavy state. This facilitates the ease of filling the container with flowable food and prevents the container from folding under its own weight, as well as food dispensing that would occur if it were simply placed on a table during filling or feeding.

[0022] In some forms of the invention, the container body includes a flexible substrate forming the sidewalls and base, and the base is reinforced or includes reinforcing members to provide the desired stiffness or rigidity. The container body can be formed in a composite manner, wherein the flexible substrate defining the base and sidewalls is reinforced within the base with a rigid substrate. In this form of the invention, the flexible substrate can be a flexible polymer, such as silicone, formed into the shape of a bag, cup, or bowl. The rigid substrate can be attached to the base by an adhesive or co-molded into the base by means such as co-molding or secondary molding. In this way, the rigid substrate can be partially or completely embedded in the base of the flexible substrate. Other forms of attachment or connection can be employed; for example, a releasable connection can be used, which allows the rigid substrate to be removed for purposes such as recycling, assembly, or cleaning.

[0023] The rigid substrate can be formed in any suitable manner, and in some forms of the invention, it is formed as a disc. The rigid substrate can be formed of, for example, nylon, or of a silicone resin that is harder or more rigid than the wall, or of stainless steel, for example if it is secondary molded into the base. Alternatively, polypropylene or any other hard or rigid food-grade polymer can be used. The disc can be any suitable shape, such as square or circular, and the periphery of the disc can be outlined or configured to be attached to the flexible substrate by co-molding or secondary molding. This outline or configuration can be a groove or channel formed on the periphery of the disc.

[0024] In other forms of the invention, the base of the flexible substrate is reinforced by being made thicker than the sidewalls. The base may include reinforcing ribs, for example, for reinforcement or to increase rigidity.

[0025] The container body can be formed from any suitable material; in the prototypes made to date, the container body is partially made of silicone. In the example given above, the container body is formed with a base reinforced by a rigid substrate, a flexible substrate defining the base and sidewalls, which is formed of silicone, and a rigid nylon substrate is embedded into the base by co-molding. Thus, the container body is a composite component formed from silicone or other flexible polymers into the shape of a bag, cup, or bowl, with the rigid substrate embedded in the base.

[0026] It should be noted that the reference to the sidewalls of the container body is in the plural form. It should be understood that the sidewalls of the container body can be circular, such that one sidewall can be considered to exist, rather than multiple sidewalls as can be provided in a non-circular container body (such as a square or rectangular container body). However, the term "sidewall" is used in this specification to cover both circular and non-circular container bodies, and should be interpreted in this way when considering the scope of the invention.

[0027] The container lid can take any suitable form. In some forms, the opening of the container body is defined by an edge formed to engage with the lid, such that the lid can be pressed into contact with the edge and closed. The edge can be an integral part of the container body and, for example, a thicker portion of the sidewall in the area of ​​the opening to provide rigidity or strength. Thus, the edge can be integrally formed with the sidewall, but rigidity or stiffness can be provided by an edge that is much thicker than the sidewall.

[0028] In other forms of the invention, the edge includes or is defined by a collar, which is attached to a sidewall of the container body around the opening or to form the opening. The edge is stiffer or more rigid than the flexible sidewall of the container body. The sidewall of the container body may extend to the opening, and the edge may be attached to the sidewall around the opening. Alternatively, the sidewall may extend toward but not into the opening, and the edge may be attached to the sidewall and extend into the opening to form the opening.

[0029] Edges can also be formed for mating engagement with a container lid. This can be achieved by engaging or disengaging the edge with a sidewall of the container body. In some forms of the invention, a sidewall of the container body extends into an opening, and a collar is attached to the sidewall around the opening such that the collar extends around the opening and extends outside the sidewall defining the opening. The sidewall may include a lip or flange covering the upper surface of the collar to facilitate positioning of the collar attached to the sidewall and to provide a seal for sealing engagement with the lid, as discussed below.

[0030] The container lid can be separate from the container body or connected to the container body via a means such as a hinged connection. In some forms of the invention, the container lid is connected to the container body via a hinged connection and locked or latched to the container body in a closed state by a cooperating latching device. The hinged connection can be made at or near the edge of the container body. A hinged connection can be made between the lid and the collar if the edge includes or is defined by a collar, and the collar is attached to the container body around an opening or is attached to the container body to form an opening. A cooperating latching device can also be made between the lid and the collar. The hinged connection preferably allows the lid to be fully hinged away from the opening of the container body to provide maximum access to the opening for filling the interior of the container body with dispensable food. The latching device can include a snap-fit ​​connection, such as a protrusion (e.g., a tongue) on one of the lid, container body, or collar, and an opening in the other of the lid, container body, or collar, into which the protrusion can enter to achieve a latching engagement between the protrusion and the opening. Other snap-fit ​​devices may also be used, such as a pair of protrusions that overlap each other to enter a nested and / or latched state.

[0031] The container lid securely closes the container opening by requiring effort to move it to the open position. This has the benefit of preventing easy opening of the container when dispensable food is present inside. The lid can have the hinge and locking mechanisms discussed above, or alternative connection mechanisms such as a threaded attachment of the lid to the container body, or even just a friction connection. Once the lid is closed, it also seals the container opening to prevent dispensable food from leaking from the container body. The seal is achieved through frictional engagement between the lid and the parts of the container body that engage with the lid in the closed position (such as the edge of the container body around the opening). Suitable sealing materials can be used for the mating parts of the container body and lid, as described above, where the sidewalls include a lip or flange covering the upper surface of the collar and provide a seal for sealing the opposing surfaces of the lid. Alternatively, for example, an O-ring can be used.

[0032] The lid has a dispensing opening that communicates with or opens to the interior of the container body when the lid is closed. Therefore, the dispensing opening can serve as an inlet opening facing the interior of the container body. During container body folding, dispensable food within the container body can be pushed toward and through the inlet opening, allowing the food to enter the dispensing opening for dispensing or discharge to the outside of the container, such as into an infant's mouth or onto a spoon for spoon feeding. The dispensing opening can have a passage between the inlet and outlet openings, and this passage can have any suitable shape.

[0033] The dispensing opening can be configured to be directly applied to the mouth around the outlet opening, allowing infants or other container users to receive dispensable food directly from the dispensing opening. However, an alternative is to configure the dispensing opening to receive an attachment through which the dispensable food will flow once it exits the outlet opening, and this attachment may include, for example, a straw or spoon shape.

[0034] The outer surface of the dispensing opening can be configured for oral application, allowing the lips of an infant or other person using the container to easily adhere to and seal the outer surface during food dispensing. A preferred configuration of the dispensing opening is as a nozzle, angled to facilitate convenient feeding by providing an ergonomic position, suitable for both parents feeding children and self-feeding children. The nozzle angle can be approximately 50-70 degrees to the horizontal plane. Many prior art containers have nozzles perpendicular to the plane of the container's opening, or in other words, such nozzles extend vertically when the container is stationary or standing on a horizontal surface.

[0035] When the container is not in use, a cap or closure can be provided to close the outlet opening of the dispensing opening. This cap or closure can prevent dispensable food from exiting the dispensing opening at times other than feeding time. The cap or closure can be a friction fit or other type of fit, and can include a snap-fit ​​or threaded fit. The cap or closure can be fastened to the container body or container lid, ensuring it is attached to the container and cannot be misplaced. This can be a releasable connection. In some forms of the invention, the cap or closure is fastened to the lid, and when the cap or closure is removed from the closed position to the open position on the dispensing opening, the cap or closure engages with the lid, and this engagement holds the cap or closure in place relative to the lid. This holds the lid or closure in one position and prevents it from loosening and becoming an irritant to the person using the container or hindering access to the dispensing opening. For this purpose, the lid may include a lip, and the cap or closure may engage with the fastener under slight tension below the lip to securely position the lid or closure in place when feeding from the container. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To better understand the present invention, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 A food container according to one aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A food container that is partially open.

[0039] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A food container that is fully open.

[0040] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a food container.

[0041] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a food container filled with dispenseable food.

[0042] Figure 5A This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hinge area of ​​the container lid.

[0043] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a food container, showing partially folded sidewalls indicating that dispensable food is being discharged.

[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a food container, where the fully folded sidewalls show the maximum discharge capacity for dispensing food. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A food container 10 according to one aspect of the invention is shown. As will be apparent from the foregoing description, the food container 10 is configured to dispense flowable food (such as food typically consumed by infants) through a dispensing opening of the container 10 by squeezing the container 10, as described below.

[0046] Food container 10 includes a container body 11 and a container lid 13, the container body 11 having an interior 12 for receiving dispenseable food (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0047] The container body 11 has a base 15 and an opening 17 opposite to the base 15. A sidewall 16 extends from the base 15 to the opening 17. Figure 2 As shown, the opening is defined by edge 18.

[0048] exist Figure 1 The image shows the lid 13 in its closed state, which, in this state, seals the opening 17 of the container body 11. Figure 2 The image shows the lid 13 in the open state, with the opening 17 exposed for access to the interior 12 of the container body 11. Figure 3 The lid 13 is shown in the fully open position, such that the lid 13 has been rotated completely away from the opening 17 of the container body 11 in order to provide maximum passage through the opening 17 to fill the interior 12 of the container body 11 with dispensable food.

[0049] The cover 13 has a dispensing opening 19, such as Figure 4 As shown. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the middle, the distribution opening 19 is covered by a cap or cover 20. When the cover 13 is in Figure 1 In the closed state shown, the dispensing opening 19 communicates with the interior 12 of the container body 11, or in other words, it is open to the interior 12 of the container body 11. The dispensing opening 19 is therefore open for dispensing dispensable food from within the container body 11, as described below.

[0050] The sidewalls 16 of the container body 11 are foldable. (See reference...) Figure 1 This means that when pressure is applied to the lid 13 and base 15 in the opposite direction as indicated by arrow A, the sidewall 16 will fold, resulting in a reduction in the volume of the interior 12 of the container body 11, thereby causing the dispensable food inside the interior 12 to be pushed through and out of the dispensing opening for consumption.

[0051] In the container 10 shown in the figure, the sidewalls are made of a flexible polymer (such as silicone). In the prototypes manufactured to date, the wall thickness of the sidewalls in their foldable regions is approximately 0.5 mm to 3 mm, and the silicone has a Shore A hardness between 30 and 70. Forming the sidewalls 16 in this way allows them to maintain their shape without forces or loads that deform them, but allows them to be easily folded when needed. Advantageously, the sidewalls 16 can automatically self-recover when the pressure applied between the lid 13 and the base 15 is released, or as... Figure 1 After a slight thrust is applied to the base in the direction opposite to arrow A, as shown, sidewall 16 can automatically recover. Sidewall 16 will tend to spring back. Figure 1 The location shown.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the container body 11 includes a base 15 and sidewalls 16. In the food container 10, the base 15 and sidewalls 16 are formed from a single flexible substrate (such as the silicone described above) into the shape of a bag, cup, or bowl 21 as shown, and the base 15 is reinforced by a rigid substrate, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it is a single rigid disc 22. In the prototypes made so far, disc 22 is made of nylon.

[0053] In the food container 10, the tray 22 is formed as an integral part of the base 15 of the container body 11 by secondary molding or co-molding the tray 22 into the base 15 of the flexible bag 21. This... Figure 5 As shown in the image, the disc 22 is secondary-molded at the outer diameter, exposing the bottom surface of the disc 22, but the outer edge 23 of the disc 22 is contained within the base 15 of the bag 21. Figure 5 As can be clearly seen, the disc 22 extends substantially across the entire area of ​​the base 15 of the bag 21 and extends generally perpendicular to or at least transverse to the sidewall 16. This makes the base 15 of the container body 11 substantially completely rigid.

[0054] The cap 13 is also substantially rigid. The cap 13 can be formed from any suitable material, such as polypropylene. Therefore, both the cap 13 and the base 15 are rigid, while the sidewalls 16 are flexible. This means that... Figure 1 The pressure applied to the lid 13 and base 15 as shown allows the lid 13 and base 15 to move toward each other as the sidewall 16 folds, thereby reducing the volume of the interior 12 of the container body 11 so that any dispensable food within the interior 12 is squeezed out of the container body 11 through the dispensing opening 19. This sequence refers to... Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, where Figure 5 In the middle, food container 10 is in Figure 1In the closed state, food container 10 is already filled with a large amount of dispensable food 25. When lid 13 is in the closed state... Figure 3 When fully open as shown, the dispenseable food 25 has been inserted into the interior 12 of the container body 11, and then the lid 13 is closed (as described below) to seal the container 10 for dispensing the dispenseable food.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the lid 13 and base 15 have been pressed together, and the sidewall 16 has been bent and folded up as shown. Therefore, the volume of the interior 12 of the container body 11 is reduced, allowing the dispensable food 25 to be pushed into the dispensing opening 19 and pushed out through it.

[0056] Figure 7 It is shown that the base 15 of the container body 11 and the inner surface of the lid 13 have been pushed into contact with each other, further reducing the interior 12 of the container body 11, so that almost all of the dispensable food 25 previously loaded into the container body 11 has been squeezed out through the dispensing opening 19. Figure 7 This represents the maximum movement of the cover 13 and the base 15 toward each other. Figure 7 Since no more food can be dispensed from the dispensing opening 19, the container 10 will now be in a position to be reopened, cleaned, and reloaded with new or fresh dispensable food.

[0057] Reference Figure 4 The figure shows food bag 21, plate 22, lid 13 and cap 20 respectively. Figure 4 Also shown is a collar 27, which is attached to the upper end of the bag 21 of the container body 11 around the opening 17. The collar 27 is configured to engage with the container lid 13 in both the open and closed states, and the collar 27 is more rigid or stiffer than the sidewall 16. The collar 27 may be formed of polypropylene, for example.

[0058] The collar 27 is attached to the upper section of the side wall 16; this fit is in... Figures 5 to 7 Each of the diagrams in the document is self-evident. For example... Figures 4 to 7 As shown, bag 21 has a lip 29 that extends laterally to a generally upright orientation of sidewall 16, and the lip 29 covers the upper edge 30 of collar 27. Furthermore, Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the collar 27 includes an inwardly extending lip 32 received within an outwardly facing groove 34 of the sidewall 16. The lip 32, received within the groove 34, connects the collar 27 to the sidewall 16 around the opening 17. Each of the lip 32 and the groove 34 is annular, but alternatively may be short segments of the groove and the lip.

[0059] The collar 27 is thus connected to the side wall 16 of the bag 21 and includes a complementary hinged section 38 connected to the cap 13 (see Figure 3as well as Figures 5 to 7 The hinged connector 36 and the latch 40 for receiving within the opening 42 formed in the cover 13 allow the cover 13 to snap onto the collar 27. Although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The latch 40 and opening 42 are shown respectively, but Figures 5 to 7 The image shows the engagement between the latch 40 and the opening 42. When the cover is removed... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Move the open state to Figure 1 In the closed state, portion 44 of skirt 46 overlaps with latch 40 until latch 40 enters opening 42, after which cover 13 is securely closed on collar 27. To release latch 40 from opening 42 to open cover 13, portion 48 (see...) can be pressed inward. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 This allows the latch 40 to be displaced out of the opening 42, and then the cover 13 can be rotated away from the closed state.

[0060] In the food container 10, the lid 13 seals a portion of the container body 11 in a closed state. (See reference...) Figure 3 The cover 13 includes an annular groove G defined by an annular flange 50 and a skirt 46. (As...) Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in the closed state of the cover 13, the lip 29 of the sidewall 16 is located within the groove G. A seal is created by the contact between the outer surface of the annular flange 50 and the opposing surface of the upper end of the sidewall 16. This seal can be a piston seal formed by creating an annular groove 51, which creates a flexible circular flange 53 at the top of the silicone bag 21 (see...). Figure 5A As the lid 13 is closed, the bag 21 bends and engages the flange 50. Compression or clamping of the upper end of the sidewall 16 against the lip 32 by the flange 50 improves the seal. Through this engagement, the lid 13 seals the container body 11 to prevent dispensable food 25 from leaking through the lid 13.

[0061] The dispensing opening 19 has a tapered outer profile and is configured to be engaged by the user's lips when pressure is applied to the lid 13 and the base 15 to allow dispensable food 25 to be discharged through the dispensing opening 19 from the interior 12 of the container body 11. Figures 5 to 7 The internal passage 52 extending through the distribution opening 19 is shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The flow of dispensable food 25 through passage 52 is shown. It should be understood that, although... Figures 5 to 7The food container 10 is shown in one orientation, during which the lid 13 and base 15 are pushed or pressed together to dispense food 25 through the dispensing opening 19, but the container 10 can be used in any orientation convenient to the user. Typically, the lid will be engaged by one or more of the user's fingers, while the base will be engaged by the thumb of the same hand. However, the reverse approach can also be readily applied, and additionally, especially for young children, both hands can be used to apply the required pressure to the lid 13 and base 15.

[0062] As can be seen, the outer surface of the lid 13 is concave, and this contour is specifically designed so that the fingers of a person squeezing the container 10 naturally press towards the center of the lid 13, thus potentially applying more central pressure to the lid 13, while the inner convex surface of the lid 13 tends to facilitate the passage of the dispensable food 25 in the direction of the dispensing opening 19, as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0063] The various figures show the proper position of the cap 20 above the dispensing opening 19, while Figures 5 to 7 This shows the cap separated from the dispensing opening 19 and positioned spaced apart from and positioned so as not to interfere with the placement of the lips around the opening 19. Therefore, in Figures 5 to 7 In this configuration, the cap 20 engages or is held below the leading edge 54 of a portion 44 of the skirt 46 of the cover 13. For this purpose, the cap 20 includes a lip 56, which, when engaged, is positioned behind or near the inner surface of the leading edge 54 and holds the cap 20 in place. To maintain engagement, the cap needs to be pushed into engagement with the leading edge 54, which is achieved by a tie 58 of a certain length, thereby applying a load to the cap 20 and thus tending to hold the cap 20 in place. Figures 5 to 7 The joint position.

[0064] The cap 20 includes a central insert 59 for insertion into the passage 52 to further seal the dispensing opening 19 when the cap 20 is applied to the opening 19.

[0065] The connector 58 is attached to the cover 13 in any suitable manner. Figure 2 In the middle, opening 42 is shown as having a central slot or groove 60 extending upward from opening 42, which frictionally receives the neck 62 of the fitting (see Figure 4 ), and capture the head 64 within the groove G (see Figure 4 On the other side of slot 60, the fastener includes shoulder 66 (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 5The shoulder 66 and head 64 tend to compress around the slot 60 on both sides of the skirt 46, thereby anchoring the tie in the proper position where it is connected to the skirt 46. However, the tie can be released from the slot 60 for cleaning purposes, and it will be apparent that the tie can be completely separated from the cover 13 once the head has entered the opening 42.

[0066] Referring to the accompanying diagrams discussed above, especially... Figures 5 to 7 The operation of food container 10 should be self-evident. In short, in food container 10 as... Figure 1 When closed as shown, the latch 40 is released from the opening 42 and the cover 13 is lifted to pivot around the hinge portions 36 and 38. Figure 3 In the fully open state shown, container 10 can be filled with suitable dispensable food. For example, soluble food, pureed food, paste, food puree, smoothie, or yogurt can be scooped or poured into the interior 12 of the container body 11. Once full, the lid 13 can be returned to the latched and closed state.

[0067] Container 10 can be stored until it is ready for use. When ready for use, the person using container 10 will remove the cap 20 from the container. Figure 1 The cap 20 shown closes the outlet 68 of the dispensing opening 19 (see...) Figure 5 Remove the position of ) and move it to Figures 5 to 7 The person then inserts the outlet 68 of the dispensing opening 19 into its mouth and applies pressure to the lid 13 and base 15 of the container 10 to push the lid 13 and base 15 toward each other. When this happens, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the sidewall 16 is folded up, reducing the volume of the interior 12 of the container body 11, so that the dispensable food 25 is forced through the inlet 70 of the passage 52 of the dispensing opening 19 and through the passage 52 to the outlet 68. Pressure continues to be applied between the lid 13 and the base 15 until enough dispensable food 25 has been dispensed, or alternatively, the two parts of the container 10 are joined together, as shown. Figure 7 As shown, in this case, as Figure 7 As shown by the complete folding of the middle sidewall 16, the sidewall 16 is fully folded. In some forms of the invention, once the pressure is released from the cover 13 and the base 15, the sidewall 16 automatically returns to its original position due to the elasticity of the sidewall material. Figure 5 The non-folded state shown, although in other forms of the invention, may require opening the lid 13 from the container body 11 and pushing the base 15 downwards. Furthermore, the base 15 may include a small external handle so that the base 15 can be pulled downwards away from the lid 13 while it is still closed.

[0068] By providing a large opening 17 for introducing dispensable food 25 into the interior 12 of the container body 11, the container 10 improves upon the prior art devices known to the applicant. Furthermore, it is clearly visible from the figures that when the lid 13 is open, the components of the container 10 are easier to clean because the interior 12 and lid 13 can be fully accessed. The container 10 also almost completely empties the dispensable food 25 from the container body 11, which... Figure 7 The difference is evident in the fact that the lid 13 and base 15 are relatively wide compared to the height of the sidewalls 16. The container 10 is easy for infants and young children or other users of the container 10 to use.

[0069] If any or all of the terms “comprising” or “including” are used in this specification (including the claims), they shall be construed as specifying the presence of the said feature, integer, step, or component, but not excluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention described herein permits variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It should be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A reusable, dispensable food container for feeding, comprising: a. A container body having an interior for receiving dispensable food, and b. Rings, and c. Container lid, The container body has a base and an opening opposite and generally parallel to the base, and one or more foldable sidewalls extending between the base and the opening, wherein the opening of the container body is defined by an edge. In the folded state, the collar surrounds at least a portion of one or more sidewalls adjacent to the edge. The container lid has a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the container lid closes and seals the opening of the container body. In the open state, the opening of the container body is exposed for access to the interior of the container body. When the container lid is in the closed state, the edge of the container body is located between the container lid and the inwardly extending lip of the collar. The container lid has a dispensing opening, which communicates with the interior of the container body when the container lid is in the closed state. In the non-folded state, the ratio of the diameter of the container body's opening to the height of one or more of the sidewalls can be within the range of 1:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, or 3:

1. In use, when the container lid is in the closed state, the container body can be folded by the suction applied at the dispensing opening of the container lid, such that one or more of the side walls fold and force the dispensable food inside the container body through the dispensing opening, and the bottom wall contacts the inner surface of the container lid.

2. The reusable dispensing food container for feeding according to claim 1, wherein, The container body is configured to provide full access to the interior for cleaning when the lid is in the open position.

3. The reusable dispensing food container for feeding according to claim 2, wherein, The container body is foldable during food dispensing so that the base contacts the inner surface of the lid.

4. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 3, wherein the container body is formed in a composite manner, wherein a flexible substrate defining a base and one or more sidewalls is reinforced in the base with a rigid substrate.

5. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 4, wherein the flexible substrate is a flexible polymer formed in the shape of a bag, cup, or bowl, and wherein the flexible polymer is a silicone resin.

6. The dispensable food container of claim 5, wherein one or more of the sidewalls are resilient, facilitating the return of one or more of the sidewalls to their pre-folded or pre-folded state, such that the tendency of one or more of the sidewalls is to return to their pre-folded or pre-folded state.

7. The reusable dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 6, wherein the edge is formed to engage with the container lid such that the container lid can be pressed to connect with the edge to form a seal.

8. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 7, wherein the edge includes a collar attached to the container body around the opening, the collar being stiffer or more rigid than one or more sidewalls of the container body.

9. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 8, wherein the container lid is connected to the collar via a hinged connector.

10. The reusable dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 9, wherein the dispensing opening has an outlet opening through which dispensable food can flow for consumption, and a cap or closure is provided for closing the outlet opening of the dispensing opening.

11. The reusable dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 10, wherein when the cap or closure is in the closed position on the dispensing opening, the cap or closure is fastened to the container lid and engaged with the fastener under slight tension below the lip of the container lid to securely position the cap or closure in place.

12. The reusable dispensing food container for feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The diameter of the opening of the container body is in the range of 60 mm to 100 mm, and the height of one or more of the sidewalls is in the range of 20 mm to 100 mm.

13. The reusable dispensing food container for feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The diameter of the opening of the container body is 77 mm, and the height of one or more side walls in the non-folded state is 30 mm.

14. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The container lid is engaged by one or more of the user's fingers, and the base is engaged by the user's thumb of the same hand. The opposite method is also applied to apply pressure to the container lid and the base in opposite directions, causing one or more of the sidewalls to fold and force the dispensable food inside the container body through the dispensing opening.

15. A reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The sidewalls are configured to fold substantially linearly or coaxially about a central axis, such that pressure applied to the container lid and the base will tend to cause the container lid and the base to move directly toward each other.

16. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The nozzle angle is 50-70 degrees to the horizontal plane.

17. A reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, During dispensing, a single fold is formed on the sidewall, which allows the sidewall to fold to the extent necessary for the container lid and the base to move toward each other, thereby reducing the internal dimensions of the container body and dispensing food from the reusable feedable dispensing container.

18. A reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, One or more sidewalls fold from an open state into a collar surrounding at least a portion of the one or more sidewalls, and wherein the container lid is connected to the container body via a hinged connection between the container lid and the collar.

19. A reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, A space is formed between the periphery of one or more of the sidewalls and the collar.

20. A reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, When the container lid is in the closed state, the flange of the container lid compresses or clamps the upper ends of one or more sidewalls onto the inwardly extending lip of the collar.

21. A reusable, dispensable food container for feeding, comprising: A container body having a base, an edge defining an opening opposite the base, and one or more sidewalls extending between the base and the edge, the base and the one or more sidewalls together defining an interior for receiving dispensable food. A collar, in its folded state, surrounds at least a portion of one or more sidewalls adjacent to an edge. A container lid, attached to the collar and having a dispensing opening through which dispensable food can flow for consumption, has a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the container lid closes and seals the opening of the container body by positioning the edge of the container body between an inwardly extending lip of the collar and a portion of the container lid within the edge. In the open state, the opening of the container body is exposed for access to the interior of the container body. When the container lid is in the closed state, the dispensing opening communicates with the interior of the container body, and the container body folds one or more sidewalls by applying opposing pressures to the container lid and the base, or by using suction at the nozzle of the reusable dispensing food container, thereby forcing the dispensable food inside the container body to flow out from the dispensing opening. When one or more sidewalls are folded within the collar, the base of the container body moves toward the inner surface of the container lid.

22. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 21, wherein, In the non-folded state, the ratio of the diameter of the opening of the container body to the height of one or more of the sidewalls can be in the range of 1:1, 2:1, 2.5:1 or 3:

1.

23. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 21, wherein, The container body is formed in a composite manner, wherein a flexible substrate defining a bottom wall and one or more side walls is reinforced in the bottom wall with a rigid substrate, wherein the flexible substrate is a flexible polymer formed in the shape of a bag, cup or bowl, and wherein the flexible polymer is a silicone resin.

24. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 21, wherein, The container cap is hinged to the collar, the container body is separable from the collar and the container cap, and the container cap has a nozzle including a dispensing opening.

25. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 21, wherein, The container body is configured to provide full access to the interior for cleaning when the container lid is in the open position.

26. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 21, wherein, A space is formed between the periphery of one or more sidewalls and the collar.

27. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 21, wherein, The container body is foldable during food dispensing so that the base contacts the inner surface of the lid.

28. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 27, wherein, The diameter of the opening of the container body is between 60 mm and 100 mm, and the height of one or more of the sidewalls is between 20 mm and 100 mm.

29. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 27, wherein, The diameter of the opening of the container body is 77mm, and the height of one or more of the side walls in the non-folded state is 30mm.

30. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 22, wherein, The container lid is engaged by one or more of the user's fingers, and the base is engaged by the user's thumb of the same hand. The opposite method is also applied to apply pressure to the container lid and the base in opposite directions, causing one or more of the sidewalls to fold and force the dispensable food inside the container body through the dispensing opening.

31. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 27, wherein, The dispensable food container for feeding includes a cap or closure for closing the outlet opening of the dispensing opening, the cap or closure being attached to the container lid by a fastener releasably connected to the container lid, the cap or closure engaging below the lip of the container lid when the cap or closure is in the open position over the dispensing opening to position the cap or closure in the open position.

32. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 31, wherein the container lid has a slot or recess, and the fastener mates with the slot or recess, wherein the slot or recess has an entry opening and a connecting section, the entry opening for the connecting end of the fastener to enter the slot or recess, and the connecting section for a releasable connection of the connecting end within the slot or recess.

33. The reusable dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 32, wherein the connecting end has a head and a neck, wherein the neck has a diameter smaller than that of the head, and wherein the width of the connecting section of the slot or groove frictionally engages against the opposing surfaces of the neck.

34. The reusable dispensable food container for feeding according to claim 32 or 33, wherein when the container lid is in the closed state, the connecting end is fixed within a connecting section of a slot or groove between the container lid and the container body, and when the container lid is in the open state, the connecting end is release from the connecting section to an entry opening of the slot or groove for removal from the slot or groove.

35. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein, The sidewalls are configured to fold substantially linearly or coaxially about a central axis, such that pressure applied to the container lid and the base will tend to cause the container lid and the base to move directly toward each other.

36. The reusable dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein one or more of the sidewalls are resilient, facilitating the return of one or more of the sidewalls to their pre-folded or pre-folded state, such that the tendency of one or more of the sidewalls is to return to their pre-folded or pre-folded state.

37. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein, The nozzle is at an angle of 50-70 degrees to the horizontal plane.

38. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein, When one or more sidewalls are folded, a single fold is formed, which allows one or more sidewalls to fold generally parallel to the collar to the extent necessary for the container lid and the base to move toward each other, thereby reducing the internal dimensions of the container body and dispensing food from the reusable, feedable food dispensing container.

39. The reusable, dispensable food container for feeding according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein, When the container lid is in the closed state, the flange of the container lid compresses or clamps the upper ends of one or more sidewalls onto the inwardly extending lip of the collar.

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