PACKAGES FOR Edible MATERIALS

Abstract

The invention discloses an edible food packaging piece, which comprises a packaging main body, an edible food packaging piece, an edible food packaging piece and an edible food packaging piece, the packaging cavity is defined by a first packaging plate, a second packaging plate opposite to the first packaging plate, a first packaging end connected with the first packaging plate and the second packaging plate, and a second packaging end connected with the first packaging plate and the second packaging plate; the packaging main body is provided with at least one opening end, and the at least one opening end is communicated with the packaging cavity; and at least one content holding member comprising a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the at least one content holding member is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content holding member, and wherein the second end of the at least one content holding member is attached to the package body.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 398,078, filed on August 15, 2022, and U.S. Application No. 63 / 509,801, filed on June 23, 2023, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an edible object package, and more particularly to an edible object package having at least one content retaining member. Background Art

[0004] Consumers are interested in chewing gum packages that hold larger amounts of chewing gum. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a package that can hold larger amounts of chewing gum in a manner that is convenient for the user. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one embodiment, an edible package includes: a packaging body, the packaging body has a packaging cavity, and the packaging cavity is defined by a first packaging board, a second packaging board opposite to the first packaging board, a first packaging end connecting the first packaging board and the second packaging board, and a second packaging end connecting the first packaging board and the second packaging board. At least one open end of the packaging body is connected to the packaging cavity. The edible package also includes at least one content retaining member, the at least one content retaining member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the at least one content retaining member is removably attached to at least one of the packaging body and the at least one content retaining member. The second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to the packaging body.

[0006] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, when the first end is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member, the at least one content retaining member extends across the open end.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in another embodiment, the second end is attached to the second packaging panel and the first end is attached to at least one removable portion of the first packaging panel, and at least one content retaining member can be removed from the packaging body via separation of the removable portion from the first packaging panel.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to an outer surface of the second packaging panel.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to the inner surface of the second packaging panel.

[0010] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one content retention member comprises an inner surface having an adhesive.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the second end of the at least one content retaining member is adhered to the second packaging panel.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the adhesive has a greater affinity for the material of the second packaging panel than for the contents disposed in the packaging cavity.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the removable portion of the first packing panel is connected to the remainder of the first packing panel via at least one line of relative weakness.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one removable portion of the first plate is disposed proximate to the at least one open end.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in another embodiment, at least one open end is a first open end and a second open end disposed at opposite ends of the packaging body, wherein at least one removable portion is a first removable portion disposed near the first open end and a second removable portion disposed near the second open end, and wherein at least one content retaining member is a first content retaining member extending across the first open end and attached to the first removable portion and a second content retaining member extending across the second open end and attached to the second removable portion.

[0016] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one removable portion includes an adhesive at an inner surface, thereby allowing resealing to any contents in the cavity and the first packaging panel.

[0017] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the packaging cavity is sized to accommodate a plurality of individual packets arranged in a side-by-side alignment.

[0018] In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the package body includes at least one access recess that enables a user to access the package contents disposed in the package cavity.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the at least one line of weakness is a perforation or score in the first packaging panel.

[0020] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the adhesive is releasable from package contents disposed in the package cavity.

[0021] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the content retaining member is attached to the second packing panel such that removing the content retaining member from the second packing panel will visibly remove a portion of the second packing panel.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one content retention member comprises an adhesive that allows the at least one content retention member to be removed from any of the plurality of packets and has an adhesive strength sufficient to support the entire weight of at least one of the plurality of packets.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one removable portion of the first packing panel is pullable from a remainder of the first packing panel.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments at least one removable portion of the first packing panel is pushable from a remainder of the first packing panel.

[0025] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in another embodiment, at least one content retention member extends across the opening end when in the content retention position and is separated from the package body at the first end or the second end when in the open position.

[0026] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least a first end of at least one content retaining member includes an adhesive for releasably adhering the first end of the at least one content retaining member to the first panel of the package body.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, the first end of the at least one content retaining member is pullable from the remainder of the first package panel via a tab.

[0028] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, a first end of at least one content retention member is connected to a remainder of at least one content retention member via at least one relative weakening line disposed along at least one content retention member.

[0029] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one content retaining member is pullable from the remainder of the first packaging panel via a tab disposed proximate to at least one relative weakening line disposed along the at least one content retaining member.

[0030] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in another embodiment, at least one content retaining member is completely wrapped around the packaging body, and the second end of at least one content retaining member is detachably attached to another area of ​​the at least one content retaining member.

[0031] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in another embodiment, at least one weakening line is a plurality of weakening lines, which are arranged at the relative center of the first packaging panel and at the area adjacent to the first packaging panel and the first packaging end and the second packaging end.

[0032] According to another embodiment, a kind of edible package comprises: a packaging body, the packaging body has a packaging cavity, and the packaging cavity is defined by a first packaging board, a second packaging board opposite to the first packaging board, a first packaging end connecting the first packaging board and the second packaging board, and a second packaging end connecting the first packaging board and the second packaging board. At least one edible packet is arranged in the packaging cavity. At least one open end of the packaging body is communicated with the packaging cavity. The edible package also includes at least one content retaining member, the at least one content retaining member has a first end and a second end, and the content retaining member extends across at least one open end. The first end of the at least one content retaining member is removably attached to at least one of the packaging body and the at least one content retaining member, and the second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to the packaging body.

[0033] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, when the first end is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member, the at least one content retaining member extends across the open end.

[0034] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the above features, in further embodiments, at least one edible packet is a plurality of individual packets arranged in a side-by-side alignment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the drawings, similar elements are similarly numbered:

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an edible package with a retained packet according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 1A With optional tabs Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an edible packaging;

[0038] Figure 2 There is no retained packet Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an edible packaging;

[0039] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view of a first panel of an edible package;

[0040] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of a second panel of an edible package;

[0041] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an edible product package;

[0042] Figure 6 It is shown as blank Figure 1 a front view of an edible package;

[0043] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an edible package with a retained packet according to another embodiment;

[0044] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an edible package with a retained packet according to another embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an edible package with a retained packet according to another embodiment;

[0046] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of an edible package having a retained packet according to another embodiment; and

[0047] Fig.11 is a schematic illustration of an edible package having a retained packet according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] refer to Figure 1-Figure 6 , a package 10 is shown for containing a plurality of edible packets 12a and 12b. Figure 1-Figure 6 As described in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the package 10 contains two independent edible packets 12a and 12b arranged side by side (or end to end) in the packaging cavity 14 of the edible package 10 (the packaging cavity is Figure 2 12a, 12b). The edible contents contained in the packets 12a, 12b may be any food or food-like item, such as, but not limited to, chewing gum, candy, or other sweets. For purposes of this disclosure, the term edible shall be defined as any ingestible substance, such as, but not limited to, chewing gum, candy, other sweets, food, or medicine.

[0049] The package 10 can be made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, cardboard or plastic. In the exemplary embodiment discussed below, the package is cardboard. Similarly, the packets 12a, 12b can be made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, cardboard or plastic, although in the exemplary embodiment discussed below, the packets 12a, 12b are cardboard or plastic packets wrapped in a barrier film (such as cellophane or plastic).

[0050] The package 10 includes a package body 16 (essentially a sleeve) that defines a package cavity 14 via a first package panel 18, a second package panel 20 disposed opposite the first package panel 18, a first package end 22 connecting the first package panel 18 and the second package panel 20, and a second package end 24 also connecting the first package panel 18 and the second package panel 20. Figure 6 As best shown in the package blank of FIG. 1 (which is the exploded package body 16), the first or top package end 22 is integral with the first panel 18 and the second panel 20, while the second package end 24 is two package flaps 24a, 24b that are integral with the first panel 18 or the second panel 20, respectively, and the flaps 24a, 24b are adhered or otherwise attached to each other to connect the first panel 18 and the second panel 20. To facilitate user access to (and manipulation of) the packets 12a, 12b, the package body 16 may include one or more optional notches, such as 25a-25e, disposed at one or more edges thereof.

[0051] The package body 16 includes at least one open end. Figure 1-Figure 6In the exemplary embodiment of the package, the first and second open ends 26, 28 are shown. These open ends 26, 28 are connected to the packaging cavity 14 and are sized to allow the packets 12a, 12b to be removed from the packaging cavity 14. In order to prevent removal at an unexpected time (such as any time before the consumer purchases and opens), the first content retaining member 30 and the second content retaining member 32 extend across the first and second open ends, respectively. These content retaining members can be pressure-sensitive labels or tapes, or any other type of tape or adhesive that may be desired and available for food packaging. In an exemplary embodiment, in order to extend across the open ends 26, 28 and retain the packets 12a, 12b in the packaging cavity 14, the content retaining members 30, 32 are attached or attached to the packaging body 16 at the first packaging panel 18 at the first member ends 37a, 37b and at the second packaging panel 20 at the second member ends 39a, 39b. Figure 1-Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment shown, first member ends 37a, 37b are removably attached to first panel 18 of package body 16 via removable portions 34, 36 (the "removable" nature of these portions will be described more below). These attached content retaining members 30, 32 allow packets 12a, 12b to be secured in cavity 14 to prevent removal through either of open ends 26, 28.

[0052] Of course, at some point, the consumer does wish to remove one or both packets 12a, 12b from the package body 16. Figure 1-Figure 6 and Fig.11 In the exemplary embodiment shown, removal is accomplished by tearing off at least one removable portion 34, 36 to which the content retaining members 30, 32 are attached at their respective first ends 37a, 37b. Figure 1-Figure 6 As shown, removable portion 34,36 is a part of first packaging board 18, and is connected to the remainder of first packaging board 18 via relatively weakened lines 38a, 38b. These lines or regions of first packaging board 18 can be any type of wear or thinning area of ​​paperboard, such as but not limited to perforations or notches. In an exemplary embodiment, relatively weakened lines or regions 38a, 38b can be separated from the remainder of first packaging board 18 via sufficiently low pressure (as applied by the user's fingers) so that packet 12a, 12b and edible contents thereof are not damaged. This can be achieved by adopting a perforation pattern, which helps to push one or two removable portions 34,36 outwards toward proximal open ends 26,28 (see, e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0053] Separation may also be accomplished by using a perforated pattern or optional tabs 41a, 41b that allow a user to grasp (perhaps initially with fingers or nails) the portions 34, 36 and pull the portions 34, 36 out of the remainder of the first packaging panel 18 (see, e.g., FIG. Figure 1 ). The removable portions 34, 36 may also be disposed near or at the defining edges 40, 42 of the open ends 26, 28 to facilitate easier removal of the portions 34, 36 from the first packaging panel 18. Figure 3 As best shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , when they are removed, the portions 34, 36 and the content retaining members 30, 32 can hang down from the package body 16, attached to the package body via the corresponding attachment points of the content retaining members 30, 32 to the second package panel 20. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the removable portions 34, 36 occupy a much larger surface area of ​​the first panel 18, such as but not limited to Fig.11 Here, the lines of weakness 38a, 38b are connected substantially at the relative centres of the first plate 18, extending the entire height thereof (extending from the recess 25a to the relative bottom of the plate 18). Fig.11 The lines of weakness 38a, 38b in the exemplary embodiment of also extend across the area adjacent the first package panel 18 and the first package end 22 and the second package end 24. In addition to physically preventing the packets 12a, 12b from being removed from the cavity 14 when the portions 34, 36 are attached to the first package panel 18, the content retaining members 30, 32 may each include an inner surface 44a, 44b having an adhesive (which would be the case if the content retaining members were pressure sensitive labels as discussed in the exemplary embodiments above). These surfaces 44a, 44b are Figure 3 Of course, the content retaining members 30, 32 can be adhered to the outer surface 46 of the second packaging panel 20 and the outer surface of the content retaining members 30, 32 via such adhesive (see Figure 4 ). The content retaining members 30, 32 may also be more releasably adhered to one of the packets 12a, 12b when the respective open ends 26, 28 are closed.

[0054] In such exemplary embodiments, the adhesive on the inner surface 44a, 44b generally has a greater affinity to the material of the package body 16, and specifically to the removable portions 34, 36 of the second package panel 20 and the first panel 18 than to any content disposed in the package cavity (e.g., packets 12a, 12b). In fact, in exemplary embodiments, the adhesive may have a greater affinity to the cardboard of the body 16 than to the cellophane or plastic packaging wrapped around the packets 12a, 12b or the actual plastic of the packet itself (if the packet is plastic). The adhesive may be detachably adhered to the packaging (or the plastic packet itself) around the packets 12a, 12b, so that the content retaining members 30, 32 may be adhered to the respective packets 12a, 12b, but may also be removed from the packets without causing damage to the packets 12a, 12b or the packaging around them. The adhesive disposed on the inner surfaces 44a, 44b may even be releasable as discussed and strong enough to support the full weight of one of the packets 12a or 12b, which will be beneficial for packet retention (particularly when one of the packets 12a, 12b is removed and the other no longer has a packet blocking its path to the opposite open end). Such adhesive may also help pull the adjacent packet 12a or 12b out of the cavity 14 when the respective retaining member 30, 32 is removed from the respective open end 26, 28.

[0055] The adhesive discussed above may be applied uniformly on the inner surfaces 44a, 44b of the content retaining members 30, 32, and / or may be applied more strongly (perhaps via a stronger adhesive or a greater amount of adhesive) to the areas of the surfaces 44a, 44b that attach or adhere the content retaining members 30, 32 to the outer surface 46 of the second package panel 20 and the removable portions 34, 36 of the first panel 18. Either way, in an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may have sufficient strength and / or sufficient affinity for the second panel material and the removable portions 34, 36 of the first panel 18 so that removing any of the content retaining members 30, 32 from the second package panel 20 and / or the removable portions 34, 36 of the first panel 18 will visibly damage and / or remove these portions of the package body 16. Such damage and / or removal, along with tearing off the removable portions 34, 36, may allow the content retaining members 30, 32 and the removable portions 34, 36 to act as a package integrity feature, alerting consumers to possible package tampering.

[0056] In addition to the above, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the inner surfaces 44a, 44b of the content retaining members 30, 32 do not have any adhesive anywhere except at the point of adhesion to the second panel 20, or simply do not have any adhesive at all. If the inner surfaces 44a, 44b do not have any adhesive at all, the content retaining members 30, 32 may be attached to the second panel 20 and the removable portion 34, 36 of the first panel 18 via other means, such as, but not limited to, mechanical features, heat sealing, or the use of additional tape or label members. Additionally, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the adhesive provided on the inner surfaces 44a, 44b of the content retaining members 30, 32 may be resealable to any contents contained within the cavity 14, such as the outer packaging or other possible plastic material of the packets 12a, 12b.

[0057] It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that, instead of being attached to the outer surface 46 of the second panel 20 and / or the outer surfaces 47a, 47b of the removable portions 34, 36 of the first panel 18, the content retaining members 30, 32 may be attached to the inner surface of the second panel 20 and / or the inner surfaces of the removable portions 34, 36 of the first panel 18 (these inner surfaces are not labeled in the figure, but they are opposite to the outer surface 46 and the outer surfaces 47a, 47b, respectively). In such embodiments, the content retaining members 30, 32 may include adhesive on their outer surfaces, possibly just at the area of ​​the inner surfaces of the removable portions 34, 36 attached to the inner surface of the second panel 20 and the first panel 18. The content retaining members may also be attached to the inner surface of the second packaging panel 20 and the inner surfaces of the removable portions 34, 36 of the first panel 18 via other options (such as, but not limited to, mechanical features, heat sealing, or the use of additional tape or label members).

[0058] It should be understood that, although one content retaining member is shown on each side of the package body 16, one or more content retaining members 30, 32 and removable portions 34, 36 may be provided on both sides of the body 16 so that one or more content retaining members 30, 32 may extend across the open ends 26, 28. The content retaining member may also be simply provided at one open side of the body 16, while the other side does not have one or more content retaining members (and one or more removable portions). Such sides without one or more content retaining members may simply be closed via an additional panel on the body 16.

[0059] Regardless of the number of content retaining members 30, 32 or the manner / surface in which the content retaining members 30, 32 are attached to the removable portions 34, 36 of the second packaging panel 20 and the first panel 18, in Figure 1-Figure 6 and Fig.11In the exemplary embodiment of , the content retaining members 30, 32 are removably attached to the package body 16 at their first ends 37a, 37b via the separability of the removable portions 34, 36 from the remainder of the first panel 18 of the body 16. Figure 1-Figure 6 and Fig.11 In an exemplary embodiment, such separability is produced via weakening lines 38a, 38b, wherein when the removable position 34, 36 is attached (removably attached) to the remainder of the first plate 18 at the weakening lines 38a, 38b, the content retaining members 30, 32 are in the content retaining position 60, and when the removable portion 34, 36 is removed / separated from the remainder of the first plate 18 at the weakening lines 38a, 38b, the content retaining members are in the open position 62.

[0060] In practice, when the removable portions 34, 36 are removably attached to the remainder of the first panel 18, the content retaining members 30, 32 extend across the open ends 26, 28 in the retaining position 60 to retain the packets 12a, 12b in the cavity 14. When the removable portions 34, 36 are removed / separated from the remainder of the first panel 18, the content retaining members 30, 32 are in the open position 62 such that the open ends 26, 28 are open to remove the packets 12a, 12b from the cavity 14.

[0061] Reference now Figure 7 , another exemplary embodiment of the package 100 is shown. Figure 7 The package 100 shown is similar to Figure 1-Figure 6 and Fig.11 The package 10 shown is different in that the package body 116 of the package 100 does not include the removable portions 34, 36. Instead, the retaining members 130, 132 are provided on the inner surface ( Figure 7 126, 128) is removably attached to the first panel 118 by an adhesive on the first panel 118. In this exemplary embodiment, the retaining members 130, 132 can be simply peeled off from the first panel 118 to move the retaining members 130, 132 to the open position, whereby the packets 12a, 12b can be removed from one or more of the open ends 126, 128.

[0062] Similar to the adhesive discussed above, the adhesive in this exemplary embodiment may be applied consistently on the inner surface of the content retention members 130, 132, and / or may be applied more strongly (perhaps via a stronger adhesive or a greater amount of adhesive) to the areas of the content retention members 130, 132 that attach or adhere the content retention members 130, 132 to the second panel 120. Either way, in an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may have sufficient strength and / or sufficient affinity for the second panel 120 such that removing either of the content retention members 130, 132 from the second packaging panel 120 will significantly damage and / or remove one or more portions of the second panel 120 or the content retention members 130, 132 themselves.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, the content retaining members 130, 132 may also optionally include tabs 141a, 141b at their respective first ends 137a, 137b. These tabs 141a, 141b may be used to help pull the respective first ends 137a, 137b out of the first plate 118.

[0064] Reference now Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , another exemplary embodiment of the package 200 is shown. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The package 200 shown is similar to Figure 1-Figure 6 and Fig.11 The package 10 shown is different in that the package body 216 of the package 200 does not include the removable portions 34, 36. Instead, the retaining members 230, 232 themselves include relatively weakened lines or areas 238a, 238b, which can be any type of wear or thinning area of ​​the material of the retaining members 230, 232, such as but not limited to perforations or scoring. In this embodiment, the respective first ends 237a, 237b and second ends ( Figure 8 and Fig. 9 260) is attached or attached to the first plate 218 and the second plate 220, thereby allowing the retaining members 230, 232 to retain the packet in the cavity 214 when the retaining members 230, 232 are in the retaining position / configuration 260.

[0065] Here, the retaining members 230, 232 include intermediate portions 270a, 270b that are removably attached to the respective first ends 237a, 237b or second ends of the retaining members 230, 232 (in the embodiment of FIG. Figure 8 and Fig. 9237a, 237b). This removable attachment is achieved by the weakening line 238a, 238b, whereby the middle portion 270a, 270b can be separated from the first end 237a, 237b to move the retaining members 230, 232 to the open position and allow the packet 12a, 12b to be removed from one or more of the open ends 226, 228. Similar to the adhesive discussed above, the adhesive in this exemplary embodiment can be uniformly applied to the inner surface of the content retaining member 230, 232 ( Figure 8 and Fig. 9 218 and the second panel 220. The adhesive may also simply have a greater affinity for the cardboard of the body 216 of the package 200 than it has for the cellophane or plastic wrapping wrapped around the packets 12a, 12b or the actual plastic of the packet itself (if the packet is plastic). In either case, in an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may have sufficient strength and / or sufficient affinity for the body 216 so that removing any of the content retaining members 230, 232 from the first packaging panel 218 or the second packaging panel 220 will significantly damage and / or remove one or more portions of the packaging body 216 or the content retaining members 230, 232 themselves.

[0066] like Fig. 9 As shown, the content retaining members 230, 232 may optionally include tabs 241a, 241b at the respective ends of the middle portions 270a, 270b, near the positions of the weakening lines 238a, 238b. These tabs 241a, 241b can be used to help pull the respective middle portions 270a, 270b out from the first ends 237a, 237b, which remain attached to the first plate 218.

[0067] Reference now Fig.10 , another exemplary embodiment of a package 300 is shown. Fig.10 The package 300 shown is also similar to Figure 1-Figure 6 and Fig.11 The illustrated package 10 is different in that the package body 316 of the package 300 also does not include the removable portions 34, 36. In this exemplary embodiment, the package 300 also does not include the plurality of content retaining members 30, 32. Instead, Fig.10 The exemplary embodiment shown includes a single retaining member 330 that wraps completely around the package body 316 to close both ends 326 , 328 .

[0068] Here, the retaining member 330 is attached to the second plate 320 at the second end (not shown) of the retaining member 330 and is removably attached to itself at the first end 337. The first end 337 is removably attached to the middle portion 370 of the retaining member 330 and can be simply peeled off from the middle portion 370 to unfold the retaining member 330 and move the retaining member 330 to the open position, whereby the packets 12a, 12b can be removed from one or more of the open ends 326, 328. Similar to the adhesives discussed above, the adhesive in this exemplary embodiment can be uniformly applied to the inner surface ( Fig.10 316) and / or may be more strongly applied (perhaps via a stronger adhesive or a greater amount of adhesive) to the area of ​​the content retaining member 330 that attaches or adheres the content retaining member 330 to the second panel 320. The adhesive may also simply have a greater affinity for the paperboard of the second panel 320 than it has for the material of the retaining member 330 itself. Either way, in an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may have sufficient strength and / or sufficient affinity for the body 316 such that removing the retaining member 330 from the second packaging panel 320 will visibly damage and / or remove one or more portions of the package body second panel 320 or the content retaining member 330.

[0069] like Fig.10 As shown, the content retaining member 330 may again optionally include a tab 341 at its first end 337. The tab 341 may be used to assist in pulling the first end 337 out of the middle portion 370 of the retaining member 330 to allow the packets 12a, 12b to be removed from the open ends 326, 328.

[0070] It should be noted that for the purposes of this disclosure, "removably attachable" means that an element (such as Figure 1-Figure 6 and Fig.11 The removable positions 34, 36 in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 7-10322, 130, 132, 230, 232, 330, 332 itself) can be removed from the package body or one or more content retaining members 30, 32, 130, 132, 230, 232, 330, 332 itself without causing any damage to the package body 16, 116, 216, 316, or to one or more content retaining members 30, 32, 130, 132, 230, 232, 330, 332. It should also be noted that although the various packages 10, 100, 200, 300 may be shown and described as having two open ends 26, 28, 126, 128, 226, 228, 326, 328, any or all of the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures may simply have one open end and one removable portion and / or content retaining member to close the single open end. It should also be noted that the one or more content retention members 30 , 32 , 130 , 132 , 230 , 232 , 330 , 332 may be disposed anywhere about the height of the packages 10 , 100 , 200 , and 300 .

[0071] This written description uses examples to disclose the present invention, including the best mode. These embodiments are also used to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. It should be understood that the patentable scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other embodiments that can be thought of by those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims, then such other examples are considered to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0072] All cited patents, patent applications and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in this application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term in this application takes precedence over the conflicting term in the incorporated reference.

[0073] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. It should be understood that each range disclosed herein constitutes a disclosure of any point or subrange falling within the disclosed range.

[0074] The use of the terms "a", "an", "the" and similar indicators in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the appended claims) should be understood to cover both singular and plural meanings, unless otherwise specified herein or the context clearly contradicts. In addition, it should be further pointed out that the terms "first", "second", etc. do not represent any order, quantity or importance in this article, but are used to distinguish one element from another element. The modifier "about" used in conjunction with a quantity covers the specified value and has the meaning specified by the context (for example, the modifier includes the degree of error associated with the measurement of a specific quantity).

Claims

1. An edible package, comprising: A packaging body, the packaging body comprising a packaging cavity, the packaging cavity being defined by a first packaging board, a second packaging board opposite to the first packaging board, a first packaging end connecting the first packaging board and the second packaging board, and a second packaging end connecting the first packaging board and the second packaging board; at least one open end of the packaging body, the at least one open end being in communication with the packaging cavity; and at least one content retaining member, the at least one content retaining member comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the at least one content retaining member is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member, and Wherein the second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to the package body.

2. The edible package of claim 1, wherein when the first end is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member, the at least one content retaining member extends across the open end.

3. An edible package according to claim 1, wherein the second end is attached to a second packaging panel and the first end is attached to at least one removable portion of the first packaging panel, and the at least one content retaining member can be removed from the packaging body via separation of the removable portion from the first packaging panel.

4. The edible article package of claim 3, wherein the second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to an outer surface of the second packaging panel.

5. The edible package of claim 3, wherein the second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to an inner surface of the second packaging panel.

6. The edible package of claim 1, wherein the at least one content retaining member comprises an inner surface having an adhesive.

7. The edible object package of claim 6, wherein the second end of the at least one content retaining member is adhered to the second packaging panel.

8. The edible article package of claim 6, wherein the adhesive has a greater affinity for the material of the second packaging panel than for the contents disposed in the packaging cavity.

9. An edible article package according to claim 3, wherein the removable portion of the first packaging panel is connected to the remainder of the first packaging panel via at least one relative line of weakness.

10. The edible package of claim 3, wherein the at least one removable portion of the first panel is disposed proximate the at least one open end.

11. An edible package according to claim 3, wherein the at least one open end is a first open end and a second open end arranged at opposite ends of the package body, wherein the at least one removable portion is a first removable portion arranged near the first open end and a second removable portion arranged near the second open end, and wherein the at least one content retaining member is a first content retaining member extending across the first open end and attached to the first removable portion and a second content retaining member extending across the second open end and attached to the second removable portion.

12. The edible product package of claim 1, wherein the at least one removable portion comprises an adhesive at an inner surface to allow for resealing to any contents in the cavity and the first packaging panel.

13. The edible package of claim 1, wherein the packaging cavity is sized to accommodate a plurality of individual packets arranged in a side-by-side alignment.

14. The edible object package of claim 1, wherein the package body comprises at least one access recess, the at least one access recess enabling a user to access package contents disposed in the package cavity.

15. The edible article package of claim 9, wherein the at least one line of weakness is a perforation or score in the first packaging panel.

16. The edible article package of claim 6, wherein the adhesive is releasable from package contents disposed in the package cavity.

17. The edible object package of claim 3, wherein the content retaining member is attached to the second packaging panel such that removing the content retaining member from the second packaging panel will visibly remove a portion of the second packaging panel.

18. The edible package of claim 13, wherein the at least one content retaining member comprises an adhesive that allows the at least one content retaining member to be removed from any of the plurality of packets and has an adhesive strength sufficient to support the entire weight of at least one of the plurality of packets.

19. The edible package of claim 3, wherein the at least one removable portion of the first packaging panel is capable of being pulled away from a remainder of the first packaging panel.

20. The edible package of claim 3, wherein the at least one removable portion of the first packaging panel is capable of being pushed out from a remainder of the first packaging panel.

21. The edible package of claim 1, wherein the at least one content retaining member extends across the open end when in the content retaining position and is separate from the package body at the first end or the second end when in the open position.

22. The edible package of claim 1, wherein at least the first end of the at least one content retaining member comprises an adhesive for releasably adhering the first end of the at least one content retaining member to the first panel of the package body.

23. An edible article package according to claim 22, wherein at least the first end of the at least one content retaining member is pullable from the remainder of the first packaging panel via a tab.

24. The edible package of claim 1, wherein the first end of the at least one content retaining member is connected to a remainder of the at least one content retaining member via at least one relative line of weakness disposed along the at least one content retaining member.

25. An edible package according to claim 24, wherein the at least one content retaining member is pullable from the remainder of the first packaging panel via a tab disposed proximate to the at least one relative line of weakness disposed along the at least one content retaining member.

26. The edible package of claim 1, wherein the at least one content retaining member is wrapped completely around the package body, the second end of the at least one content retaining member being releasably attached to another area of ​​the at least one content retaining member.

27. The edible package of claim 9, wherein the at least one line of weakness is a plurality of lines of weakness disposed relatively centrally of the first packaging panel and at areas adjacent the first packaging panel and the first and second package ends.

28. An edible package, comprising: A packaging body, the packaging body comprising a packaging cavity, the packaging cavity being defined by a first packaging board, a second packaging board opposite to the first packaging board, a first packaging end connecting the first packaging board and the second packaging board, and a second packaging end connecting the first packaging board and the second packaging board; at least one edible packet disposed in the packaging cavity; at least one open end of the packaging body, the at least one open end being in communication with the packaging cavity; and at least one content retention member comprising a first end and a second end extending across the at least one open end; and wherein the first end of the at least one content retaining member is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member, and Wherein the second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to the package body.

29. The edible package of claim 28, wherein when the first end is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member, the at least one content retaining member extends across the open end.

30. The edible package of claim 28, wherein the at least one edible packet is a plurality of individual packets arranged in a side-by-side alignment.

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