Combination and package using same

Abstract

In one embodiment, a package is disclosed comprising a container, a lid having a knob body on a top surface, and a grip the handle of a utensil, e.g. a scoop, and having a rounded end. The grip and knob body each have respective internal magnets that cause the grip to be magnetically attached to the underside of the lid. The working end of the utensil, e.g. the scoop end, is in contact with the level of the contents of the package and rounded end of the grip permits rotation of the grip responsive to changes in the level of the contents thereby keeping the utensil from becoming unduly submerged in the contents. The disclosure is also directed to the knob body, the grip, and a combination of same, and a method for securing a utensil.

Description

COMBINATION AND PACKAGE USING SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 582,355 filed on September 13, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The disclosure pertains generally to a package comprising a utensil, such as a scoop for contents of the package which may include, e.g. particulate material, semi-solids, powders, and the like, wherein the utensil is removably held to the package does not become significantly submerged in the contents by being responsive to the level of the contents in the package thus staying essential at or near the surface of the contents at any given time.BACKGROUND

[0003] Packages for particulate material, semi-solids, powders and the like, such as foodstuffs, nutritional supplements and similar' contents often come with utensils such as a scoop or a spoon to permit a user to remove and / or measure out the contents from the package. Often, such a package is in the form of a substantially cylindrical container and the utensil is placed inside. During shipping, storage, and over the course of use, the utensil can become submerged in the contents which causes the user to search for and extract it when needed, and which is inconvenient and can cause loss of the contents by carryover of same when the utensil is ultimately found and retrieved from the container.

[0004] Additionally, containers used in this regard often comprise a lid that is of a size, e.g. a diameter, that makes it difficult for some users to remove because a sufficient grip on the lid cannot be attained, e.g. if a user has small hands, such as a child, or a has hand injury or a disability or where the container lid is of size so large that it causes difficulty even for a normal healthy adult user. Problems can also arise in removing the lid from the container if the lid if it is threaded too tightly onto the container e.g. because of its having been closed with too much force or by environmental factors which can cause swelling or distortion of the threads. In all suchinstances, a user may not be able to generate the amount of torque needed to remove the screw top lid easily, if at all.

[0005] There is thus a need for a package and utensil design that will make access to the utensil convenient and reduce or eliminate submergence of the utensil in the contents, making its use more convenient while also reducing carryover loss of container contents. And there is thus a further need for a design that facilitates removing a lid from a container irrespective of its size or the size and / or condition of the user.SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a package comprising a container body comprising an internal volume; a lid having a top side and an underside, the lid configured to be removably engaged with the container body; a knob body secured to the top side of the lid and comprising an internal knob magnet; a utensil comprising a handle and a working end; and a grip comprising a rounded first end which comprises an internal grip magnet having a magnetic attraction to the internal knob magnet, the grip configured to receive the handle of the utensil at a second end distal from the rounded first end. In one practice, the working end of the utensil is in contact with the contents in the container and the degree of rotation of the rounded first end is responsive to the level of the contents in the container.

[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a combination comprising a knob body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and an internal knob magnet, the knob body configured to be removably secured to a container body or to a lid for a container body; and a grip for a utensil, the utensil comprising a handle and a working end, the grip comprising a rounded first end which comprises an internal grip magnet having magnetic attraction to the internal knob magnet, the grip configured to receive the handle of the utensil at a second end distal from the rounded first end.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a knob body having an axial cross section in the general shape of a rectangle, the rectangle comprising two generally parallel first length sides and two generally parallel second width sides, each of the first length sides having a first length and each of the second width sides having a second length, wherein the first length is greater than the second length, and each of the first sides individually comprises an outwardlyextending pyramidal projection of similar size and shape. In one embodiment the resulting axial cross section is in the general shape of a concave decagon. In another embodiment, the knob body comprises an internal knob magnet.

[0009] In yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a grip for a utensil comprising an elongated grip body comprising a length, a first rounded end, and a second end distal from the first rounded end; a grip magnet located within the rounded first end; and a slot extending from the second end and along at least a portion of the elongated grip body, the slot configured to receive a handle of a utensil.

[0010] The disclosure is also directed to a method for securing a utensil in a container comprising providing a container body comprising a generally cylindrical body having an open end, an internal volume, and a rim around the open end, the internal volume comprising contents; and providing a lid having a top side and an underside, the lid configured to be removably engaged with the open end of the container body; providing a knob body secured to the top side of the lid and comprising an internal knob magnet; providing a utensil comprising a handle and a working end; providing a grip comprising a rounded first end which comprises an internal grip magnet having magnetic attraction to the internal knob magnet, the grip configured to receive the handle of the utensil at a second end distal from the rounded first end, the rounded first end configured to rotate anywhere between a first position whereby the handle of the utensil is at least laterally adjacent the underside of the lid and a second position whereby the handle of the utensil is substantially perpendicular to the underside of the lid, and all positions in between, when the rounded first end is in contact with the underside of the lid due to the magnetic attraction, wherein the working end of the utensil is in contact with the contents and the degree of rotation of the rounded first end is responsive to the level of the contents in the internal volume.

[0011] In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a package comprising a container body comprising an internal volume and an opening to access the internal volume; a knob body secured to the container body, the knob body comprising an internal knob magnet; a utensil comprising a handle and a working end; and a grip comprising a rounded first end which comprises an internal grip magnet having a magnetic attraction to the internal knob magnet, the grip configured to receive the handle of the utensil at a second end distal from the rounded firstend. Tn this aspect, the container body can comprise a flexible material such as plastic or fabric, a can be in the form of a bag or sack and the like, where the knob body is secured to the outside surface of the container body, including proximate the opening to facilitate use, and the grip is attached to the inside surface of the container body by way of the magnetic attraction between the internal knob magnet and the internal grip magnet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figs. 1A, IB, 1C are cut away cross sectional views of an embodiment of a package of the disclosure depicting the rounded end of the grip being responsive to the level of contents in the package. Figs. ID and IE are partial cut away cross sectional views respectively showing rotation of the grip as seen by the handle of the utensil being substantially laterally adjacent to the underside of the lid, and being substantially perpendicular to the underside of the lid.

[0013] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a knob of the disclosure having a generally decagon axial cross sectional shape. Fig. 2B is a cut away cross sectional side view of the knob of Fig. 2A showing an internal knob magnet. Fig. 2C is a top view of the knob of Fig. 2A showing the relative sizes of the sides for this particular embodiment.

[0014] Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C respectively depict a side and two perspective views of an embodiment of grip of the disclosure.

[0015] Figs. 4 A and 4B respectively depict a side view and perspective view of another embodiment of grip of the disclosure.

[0016] Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C respectively depict two perspective views and one side view of an embodiment of a combination of the disclosure where the combination additionally comprising a utensil and a lid.

[0017] Fig. 6 is a cut away cross sectional view of another embodiment of a package of the disclosureDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The ensuing detailed description is made with reference to the figures. This is for convenience only and is not limiting to the scope of the disclosure. Explanation of related functions or constructions known in the art are omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0019] As used herein terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a single entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. Terms defined herein in the singular are intended to include those terms defined in the plural and vice versa.

[0020] Reference to any numerical range as used herein expressly includes each numerical value (including fractional numbers and whole numbers) encompassed by that range and including endpoints of that range.

[0021] As used herein, the term “about” indicates that the value listed may be somewhat altered, as long as the alteration does not result in nonconformance of the article or method or system herein described. For example, the term “about” as used herein can refer to a variation of between ±1% up to ±10%, including any value therebetween.

[0022] As used herein, the term “substantially” or “substantial” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation, and refers to a complete or near complete action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a surface that is “substantially” flat would either be completely flat or so nearly flat that the effect would be the same as if it were completely flat.

[0023] Referring to Figs. 1A, IB, 1C, ID, and IE, thereat is an embodiment of a package 100 of the disclosure comprising a container body 110 which comprises an internal volume 111. In the embodiment depicted, container body 110 is shown as being of generally cylindrical shape but can be of any shape or size. Container body 110 can comprise any suitable material of construction including rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible materials of construction. In the non-limiting embodiment depicted, container body 110 is comprised of one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials of construction, e.g. plastic (such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and the like), including without limitation food-grade plastics, or one or more metals, including e.g. non-magnetic metals; flexible materials of construction can comprise without limitation synthetic (such as polyolefins including polyethylene, e.g. low density polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like; and other polymers such as polyurethane, polystyrene and the like); cellulose (such as paper or cellophane and the like), fiber (such as cotton, burlap, and the like), hide (such as leather, including artificial leather) or any combination of the foregoing. Container 110 can be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque.

[0024] In the particular embodiment shown, lid 120 has a top side 130 and an underside 140 and is removably engaged with the container body c.g. by screw threads that arc complimentary to screw threads on the rim of the container body, or by pressure or snap fit or by other engagement means known in the art. Lid 120 can comprise one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials of construction, e.g. plastic, including without limitation food-grade plastics, or one or more metals, including e.g. non-magnetic metals; and can be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque.

[0025] Package 100 comprises knob body 165 which in the embodiment shown is secured to the top side 130 of lid 120. In one practice, knob body 165 can be of any shape including e.g. any geometric cross section (e.g. polygons, including without limitation square, rectangular, triangular’ and the like) with dimensions suitable to provide a user with sufficient grasp of same and optionally to accommodate custom product shapes, e.g. logos etc. In the practice depicted, the knob body is secured to the top side of the lid by means known in the art, e.g. by being integrally formed as pail of lid 120, or by being a separate and distinct piece from lid 120 whereby it is secured to lid 120 either permanently or is removably secured to the top side 130 by means known in the art. For example, knob body 165 can be removably secured to top side 130 by an adhesive 162, e.g. a reusable adhesive, as known in the art, e.g. a double-sided tape, such as without limitation nano-tape commercially available as Alien-Tape from Bell & Howell. In the practice depicted, knob body 165 comprises an internal knob magnet 160 which can be of any size and shape including of a generally spherical shape, such as a ball magnet, and can be of any suitable material of construction, such as without limitation, neodymium magnets, such as comprised of NdFeB . The internal knob magnet can be of any magnetic strength, but in one practice varies from N24 to N52 as known in the art. Such magnets are commercially available from McMaster-Carr. Internal knob magnet 160 can comprise one such magnet as shown or multiple such magnets which can be the same or different (not shown). Internal knob magnet 160 can be embedded within knob body 165 (not shown), or can be located within a compartment 161 of knob body 165. In one practice, compartment 161 has a size greater than the size of the internal knob magnet 160 sufficient to permit movement of the internal knob magnet 161 within compartment 161. Compartment 161 can be located substantially within the center of knob body 165 and can optionally extend to the perimeter of same. Knob body 165 can comprise surface texturing such as knurls to improve the user’s hand grip. Knob body 165 can be used to removethe lid 120, e.g. by turning the knob body 165 the torque for which will unscrew lid 120 and remove it from container body 110.

[0026] Utensil 170 comprises a handle 180 and a working end 190, the working end can comprise any structure having a function and includes structures such as a scoop (as depicted for element 190), a spoon, fork and the like. Grip 200 comprises a rounded first end 210 which rounded first end comprises an internal grip magnet 220 which has a magnetic attraction to the internal knob magnet 160 in knob body 165. In the practice shown, grip 200 is attached to the underside 140 of lid 120 by way of the magnetic attraction between the internal knob magnet 160 and the internal grip magnet 220. The internal grip magnet 220 can be of any size and shape including of a generally spherical shape, such as a ball magnet, and can be of any suitable material of construction, such as without limitation, neodymium magnets, such as comprised of NdFeB. The internal grip magnet can be of any magnetic strength, but in one practice varies from N24 to N52 as known in the art. Such magnets are commercially available from McMaster- Carr. The internal grip magnet 220 can comprise one such magnet as shown or multiple such magnets which can be the same or different (not shown). Internal grip magnet 220 can be embedded within the rounded first end 210 (not shown), or can be located within a compartment 221 in the rounded first end 210. The internal knob magnet and the internal grip magnet may but need not be the same. In one practice, compartment 221 has a size greater than the size of the internal grip magnet 220 sufficient to permit movement of internal grip magnet 220 within compartment 221. Without limitation, compartment 221 can be located substantially within the center of rounded first end 210 and can optionally extend to the perimeter of same. Grip 200 is configured to receive the handle 180 of the utensil 170 at a second end 212 distal from the rounded first end 210. Grip 200 can be configured to removably receive handle 180 or handle 180 can be permanently attached to or be an integral part of grip 200. Grip 200 can be comprised of one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials of construction, e.g. plastic, including without limitation food-grade plastics, or one or more metals, including e.g. non-magnetic metals. Grip 200 can optionally comprise at least one outwardly extending hook 215, which can be configured to secure the grip to the rim of the container body 110, e.g. after the container has been opened by removing the lid.

[0027] The rounded first end 210 is configured to rotate. In one practice, as shown more particularly in Figs. ID and IE, the rounded first end 210 is configured to rotate anywhere between a first position whereby the handle 180 of the utensil 200 is at least laterally adjacent the underside 140 of the lid 120 to a second position whereby the handle 180 of the utensil 200 is substantially perpendicular to the underside 140 of the lid 120 when the rounded first end 210 is in contact with the underside 140 of lid 120 due to the magnetic attraction between the internal knob magnet 160 and the internal grip magnet 220.

[0028] As shown in the practice of Figs. ID, the first position where handle 180 is at least laterally adjacent the underside 140 of the lid 120 corresponds to handle 180 being aligned substantially with the 0° position of the X axis (Fig. ID). As shown in the Fig. IE, the second position where handle 180 has rotated to be substantially perpendicular to the underside 140 of lid 120 corresponds to handle 180 being aligned substantially with the 90° position of the Y axis. The rotation of handle 180 can be anywhere from the first position (0°) to the second position (90°), or vice-versa, and includes all degrees and fractions of degrees between 0° and 90°, e.g. between about 0° and about 50°, between about 10° to about 40° and the like. As illustrated in Figs. 1 A, IB, and 1C, the container 110 comprises internal volume 111 and the internal volume contains contents 230. Without limitation, contents includes any type of particulate matter including powders such as e.g. foodstuffs and nutritional supplements, and / or can include any type of semi-solids e.g. foodstuffs such as pressed coconut oil and the like. Working end 190, exemplified as a scoop, is in contact with the contents 230, e.g. at or near the level 240 of the contents, and the degree of rotation of the rounded first end 210 is responsive to the level 240 of the contents in the internal volume. Thus, as shown, as level 240 gets lower due to use and the like, the first rounded end 210 rotates as working end 190, which is in contact in whole or in part with level 240, moves commensurately downward in response.

[0029] An embodiment of a knob body 165 of the disclosure is depicted at Figs. 2A, 2B, and 2C. In one practice, knob body comprises a substantially planar top surface 310, a substantially planar bottom surface 320, and optionally comprises surface texturing e.g. one or more knurls 300 on one or more or all of the vertical sides 166. As shown in Fig.2C, knob body 165 has an axial cross section, i.e. the cross section when the knob body is viewed from the top surface 310 that is in the general shape of a rectangle where the rectangle is defined by sides 3, 4, 5hypothetical side Bl , 8, 9, 10 and hypothetical side B2. The rectangle comprises two generally parallel first length sides each having a length L, one of which generally parallel first length sides is defined by side 8, hypothetical side Bl, and side 5; and the other of which is defined by side 10, hypothetical side B2, and side 3. The rectangle also comprises two generally parallel second width sides each having a length W, one of which generally parallel second width sides is defined by side 4, the other of which is defined by side 9. As seen in Fig. 2C, the resulting axial cross section having ten sides 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and six apexes Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6, is in the general shape of a concave decagon. As depicted, length L is greater than length W, e.g. the ratio of L : W is between about 2 : 1.5.

[0030] In the practice shown, each of the first length sides comprises an outwardly extending pyramidal projection defined respectively by sides 7, 6, and hypothetical side Bl; and by sides 1, 2, and hypothetical side B2. The pyramidal projections are of similar size and shape and are located at the general midpoint of the first length sides. In one practice, each pyramidal projection has a pyramidal height P, as measured from the apex Al to hypothetical side Bl, and apex A2 to hypothetical side B2, and the ratio of P : W is about 0.5 : 1.5. Hypothetical sides Bl and B2 also form the hypothetical bases of the respective pyramidal projections, the ratio of the length of hypothetical base Bl : L is about 1 : 2; and the ratio of the length of the hypothetical base B2 : L is about 1 : 2; wherein the ratio of the length of the hypothetical base Bl : P is about 1 : 0.5, and the ratio of the length of the hypothetical base B2 : P is about 1 : 0.5 . As shown in Fig. 2C the length E is the distance from apex Al to apex A2; in one practice, the ratio of E : W is about 2.5 : 1.5. In the practice depicted, sides 2 and 3, sides 5 and 6, sides 7 and 8, and sides 10 and 1 are each respectively separated by angle a, which is about 46° to about 50°. In one embodiment, VH is about 1 inch; L is about 2 inches; W is about 1.5 inch; hypothetical sides / bases Bl and B2 are each about 1 inch; P is about 0.5 inch; E is about 2.5 inches; and angle a is about 48°.

[0031] In one practice, knob body 165 comprises an internal knob magnet 160 located therein. As hereinabove, the internal knob magnet 160 can comprise one or a plurality of magnets that can individually be of any size or shape or material of construction and is shown as being of generally spherical shape, including e.g. a ball magnet. Internal knob magnet 160 can be embedded in knob body 165 or can be located in an internal compartment 161 of knob body 165.Knob body 165 can be secured to the lid of a container or any other vessel to form a combination. The particular’ shape and dimensions of knob body 165 as herein described to ergonomically permit a user to more easily remove e.g. the lid from a container merely by grasping and turning the knob body as opposed to grasping and turning the lid which may be difficult due to the size and / or shape of the lid and / or infirmities associated with the user’s hand, such as small size, weakness and the like.

[0032] Referring to Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C, thereat is an embodiment of a grip 200 comprising an elongated grip body 211 comprising a length that extends from rounded first end 210 to a second end 212 distal from first rounded end 210. The first rounded end for the embodiments serviceable in the disclosure can comprise a radius of curvature of between about 1.1 to about 4.2. As shown in Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first rounded end 210 comprises a radius of curvature of between about 1.1 to about 1.7. As in Figs 1A to IE, internal grip magnet 220 is located within the rounded first end by either being embedded within the rounded first end 210 or can be located within a compartment 221 which is within rounded first end 210. Grip body 211 comprises a slot 217 that commences at and extends from the second end 212 and continues along at least a portion of the length of elongated grip body. Slot 217 is configured to receive a handle of a utensil. Grip body 211 further comprises at least one groove 216 (two being shown in Figs.3 A, 3B, 3C) extending around at least part of the perimeter of the grip body 211 and situated crosswise to the length of same. Grooves 216 are configured to receive a respective securement member 218 (see e.g. Fig. 1A) which can comprise an elastic band and the like, which in one practice can be comprised of food-grade plastics. In another embodiment, the grip body can comprise threads or other securement means known in the ail where the utensil comprises complimentary threads or other complimentary configurations. In the embodiment shown, grip body 211 comprises an outwardly extending hook 215. One or more hooks can be present and can be configured in any direction, including configured to secure the grip to a rim on a container body.

[0033] Figs. 4A and 4B depict another embodiment of a grip of the invention. As shown thereat, grip 400 comprises elongated body 411 comprising a length longer than that of Fig. 3 and which extends from that extends from rounded first end 410 to a second end 412 distal from first rounded end 410. In the embodiment of Figs. 4A and 4B, first rounded end 410 comprises aradius of curvature of between about 2.0 and bout 4.2. Internal grip magnet 420 is located within the rounded first end 410 by cither being embedded within the rounded first end 410 or can be located within a compartment 421 which is within rounded first end 410. Grip body 411 comprises a slot 417 that commences at and extends from the second end 412 and continues along at least a portion of the length of elongated grip body. As depicted, slot 417 is substantially internal to grip body 411. Slot 417 is configured to receive a handle of a utensil. Grip body 411 further comprises at least one groove 416 (two being shown) extending around at least part of the perimeter of the grip body 411 and situated crosswise to the length of same. Grooves 416 are configured to receive a respective securement member (such as e.g. shown by 218 in Fig. 1A) which can comprise an elastic band and the like, which in one practice can be comprised of foodgrade plastics. In the embodiment shown, grip body 411 comprises an outwardly extending hook 415. One or more hooks can be present and can be configured in any direction, including configured to secure the grip to a rim on a container body.

[0034] Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C depict a combination of the disclosure comprising a knob body comprising and a grip both comprising internal magnets as described herein. In the practice shown, knob body 165 has an axial cross section in the general shape of a concave decagon with knurls 300 on its vertical walls, and grip 200 has rounded first end 210. Grip 200 contains an internal grip magnet (not shown) is magnetically attracted to the internal knob magnet (not shown). The combination can further comprise utensil 170. The combination can further comprise a lid 120. The combination can further comprise utensil 170 and lid 120.

[0035] In another practice, the disclosure is directed to a method for securing a utensil in a container. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a container body 110 comprising a generally cylindrical body having an open end, an internal volume, and a rim around the open end, the internal volume comprising contents 230; and providing a lid 120 having a top side 130 and an underside 140, the lid configured to be removeably engaged with the open end of the container body by means known in the art, e.g. screw threads. The method of this embodiment also comprises providing a knob body 165 secured to the top side 130 of the lid 120, the knob body 165 comprising an internal knob magnet 160. A utensil 170, such as a scoop, comprising a handle 180 and a working end 190 is provided, as is a grip 200 comprising a rounded first end 210 which comprises an internal grip magnet 220 having magnetic attraction to the internal knobmagnet 160, the grip 200 being configured to receive the handle 180 of the utensil at a second end 212 distal from the rounded first end 210, the rounded first end 210 configured to rotate anywhere from a first position whereby the handle of the utensil is at least laterally adjacent the underside 140 of lid 120 to a second position whereby the handle 180 is substantially perpendicular to the underside 140 of the lid when the rounded first end 210 is in contact with the underside 140 of the lid due to the magnetic attraction, and wherein the working end 190 of the utensil is in contact with the contents 230 and the degree of rotation of the rounded first end is responsive to the level 240 of the contents 230 in the internal volume 111. Without limitation, the contents 230 can comprise semi-solids, particulate matter, or both; and can comprise foodstuffs or nutritional supplements.

[0036] Referring to Fig. 6, thereat is another embodiment of a package 600 of the disclosure comprising container body 610 which comprises an outside surface 611 and an inside surface 612, and an internal volume 620 and an opening 630 to access the internal volume. The description above for Figs.1 to 5 pertain to the extent appropriate to the practice of Fig. 6. In the practice depicted in Fig. 6, container body 610 comprises a flexible material. Flexible materials in this regard include, without limitation, materials comprising a synthetic, cellulose, fiber, hide or any combination of the foregoing. Representative examples of a synthetic material includes plastics such as polyolefins, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like; and other polymers such as polyurethane, polystyrene and the like; representative examples of a cellulose material includes paper, cellophane and the like; representative examples of a fiber material include cotton, burlap, and the like; representative examples of a hide material include leather, including artificial leather. Container body 610 can be of any shape or size, including a bag, pouch, sack, and the like. The container body 610 can be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. In one practice, the container body is re-sealable at the mouth by means known in the art, e.g. tie string, press fit, zip lock, snaps, zipper, and the like. In the practice shown, knob body 640 is secured to the outside surface 611 of the container body 610. Knob body 640 can be secured at any point of the outside surface 611 of container body 610. In the practice shown, knob body 640 is secured to the outside surface 611 of container body 610 at a location proximate opening 630. Proximity of the knob body 640 to the opening 630 aids in facilitating separation of the opening to allow the user to access the contents in the internal volume. Knobbody 640 can also be used by a user to facilitate moving or lifting container body 610. Knob body 640 can be secured to container body 610 by means known in the ail, such as by adhesives, including reusable adhesives, such as double-sided tape as described herein; or the knob body can permanently be secured. Knob body 640 comprises an internal knob magnet 650 as described herein, which can be one or a plurality of magnets and can be of any suitable size and shape, including a generally spherical shape, e.g. a ball magnet; and which can be embedded in knob body 640 or located within a compartment of the knob body as described herein.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 6, utensil 660 comprises handle 680 and working end 670 which can include a scoop or a spoon or other structure as described herein. Grip 690 comprises rounded first end 696 which comprises internal grip magnet 695, the grip 690 being configured to receive the handle 680 of utensil 660, e.g. distal from the rounded first end. Internal grip magnet 695 can be the same as or different from the internal knob magnet 650 and can comprise one or a plurality of magnets and can be of any suitable size and shape, including a generally spherical shape, e.g. a ball magnet; and which can be embedded the rounded first end 696 or located within a compartment of the rounded first end 696 as described herein. In the practice shown, grip 690 is attached to the inside surface 612 of the container body 610 by way of the magnetic attraction between the internal knob magnet 650 and the internal grip magnet 695.

[0038] The described embodiments and examples of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive and are not intended to represent every embodiment or example of the present disclosure. While the fundamental novel features of the disclosure as applied to various specific embodiments and details thereof have been shown, described and pointed out, it will also be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and / or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and / or elements and / or method steps shown and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiments of the disclosure may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiments and details. Further, various modifications and variations can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims both literally and in equivalents recognized in law.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A package comprising: a container body comprising an internal volume; a lid having a top side and an underside, the lid configured to be removably engaged with the container body; a knob body secured to the top side of the lid and comprising an internal knob magnet; a utensil comprising a handle and a working end; and a grip comprising a rounded first end which comprises an internal grip magnet having a magnetic attraction to the internal knob magnet, the grip configured to receive the handle of the utensil at a second end distal from the rounded first end.

2. The package of Claim 1 wherein the container body comprises a rigid or semi-rigid material and is of generally cylindrical shape.

3. The package of Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the rounded first end is configured to rotate anywhere between a first position whereby the handle of the utensil is at least laterally adjacent the underside of the lid to a second position whereby the handle of the utensil is substantially perpendicular to the underside of the lid when the rounded first end is in contact with the underside of the lid due to the magnetic attraction.

4. The package of Claim 3 wherein the rounded first end is configured to rotate from a first position of about 0° to a second position of about 50°.

5. The package of any one of Claim 1 to Claim 4 wherein the knob body has an axial cross section in the general shape of a concave decagon.

6. The package of Claim 5 wherein one or more of the ten sides comprise one or more knurls.

7. The package of any one of Claim 1 to Claim 6 wherein the knob body is removably secured to the top side of the lid.

8. The package of Claim 7 wherein the knob body is removably secured by an adhesive.

9. The package of Claim 8 wherein the adhesive comprises a reusable adhesive.

10. The package of Claim 9 wherein the reusable adhesive comprises a double-sided tape.

11. The package of any one of Claim 1 to Claim 10 wherein the internal knob magnet is of generally spherical shape.

12. The package of any one of Claim 1 to Claim 11 wherein the internal grip magnet is of generally spherical shape.

13. The package of any one of Claim 1 to Claim 12 wherein the lid comprises screw threads and the container body comprises complimentary screw threads whereby the lid is removably engaged to the container body.

14. The package of any one of Claim 1 to Claim 13 wherein the knob body is configured to be turned by a user to remove the lid from the container body.

15. The package of any one of Claim 1 to Claim 14 wherein the grip is configured to removably receive the handle of the utensil.

16. The package of any one of Claim 1 to Claim 15 wherein the grip comprises at least one outwardly extending hook.

17. The package of any one of Claim 2 to Claim 16 wherein the container body and the grip are each individually comprised of one or more food grade plastics.

18. The package of any one of Claim 1 to Claim 17 wherein the working end of the utensil comprises a scoop or a spoon.

19. The package of any one of Claim 3 to Claim 16 wherein the internal volume comprises contents, the contents comprising semi-solids, particulate matter, or both.

20. The package of Claim 19 wherein the contents comprise a foodstuff or a nutritional supplement.

21. The package of Claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the working end of the utensil is in contact with the contents and the degree of rotation of the rounded first end is responsive to a level of the contents in the internal volume.

22. A combination comprising: a knob body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and an internal knob magnet, the knob body configured to be removably secured to a container body or to a lid for a container body; and a grip for a utensil, the utensil comprising a handle and a working end, the grip comprising a rounded first end which comprises an internal grip magnet having magnetic attraction to the internal knob magnet, the grip configured to removably receive the handle of the utensil at a second end distal from the rounded first end.

23. The combination of Claim 22 wherein the bottom surface of the knob body comprises an adhesive by which it is removably secured to (i) the container body, or (ii) a top side of the lid.

24. The combination of Claim 23 wherein the adhesive comprises a double-sided tape.

25. The combination of any one of Claim 22 to Claim 24 wherein the knob body has an axial cross section in a general shape of a concave decagon.

26. The combination of any one of Claim 22 to Claim 25 wherein the internal knob magnet is of generally spherical shape.

27. The combination of any one of Claim 22 to Claim 26 wherein the internal grip magnet is of generally spherical shape.

28. The combination of any one of Claim 22 to Claim 27 wherein the grip is configured to removably receive the handle of the utensil.

29. The combination of any one of Claim 22 to Claim 28 wherein the grip is comprised of one or more food grade plastics.

30. The combination of any one of Claim 22 to Claim 29 wherein the grip comprises at least one hook.

31. The combination of any one of Claim 22 to Claim 27 further comprising the utensil.

32. The combination of 31 wherein a working end of the utensil comprises a scoop or a spoon.

33. A knob comprising: a knob body having an axial cross section in the general shape of a rectangle, the rectangle comprising two generally parallel first length sides and two generally parallel second width sides, each of the first length sides having a first length and each of the second width sides having a second length, wherein the first length is greater than the second length, and each of the first sides individually comprises an outwardly extending pyramidal projection of similar size and shape.

34. The knob of Claim 33 wherein the knob body has a vertical height, and the ratio of the first length to the vertical height is about 2:1; the ratio of the second length to the vertical height is about 1.5:1; and the ratio of the first length to the second length is about 2:1.5.

35. The knob of Claim 34 wherein each pyramidal projection has a pyramidal height and the ratio of the pyramidal height to the second length is about 0.5:1.5.

36. The knob of Claim 35 wherein the ratio of the base of each outwardly extending pyramidal projection to the first length is about 1:2.

37. The knob of Claim 36 wherein the knob body has a vertical height of about 1 inch; the first length is about 2 inches; the second length is about 1.5 inch; the base of each outwardly extending pyramidal projection is about 1 inch; and the pyramidal height of each outwardly extending pyramidal projection is about 0.5 inch.

38. The knob of any one of Claim 33 to Claim 37 wherein the knob body comprises ten vertical sides and one or more of the vertical sides are knurled.

39. The knob of any one of Claim 33 to Claim 38 wherein the axial cross section is in the general shape of a concave decagon.

40. The knob of any one of Claim 33 to Claim 39 further comprising a knob magnet located internally within the knob body.

41. The knob of Claim 40 wherein the knob magnet is of generally spherical shape.

42. The knob of Claim 40 or Claim 41 wherein the knob magnet is embedded in the knob body, or is located in an internal compartment within the knob body.

43. The knob of any one of Claim 33 to Claim 42 wherein the knob body comprises a substantially planar top surface, and a substantially planar bottom surface.

44. The knob of Claim 43 wherein the bottom surface comprises an adhesive.

45. The knob of Claim 44 wherein adhesive comprises a reusable adhesive.

46. The knob of Claim 45 wherein the reusable adhesive comprises a double-sided tape.

47. A grip for a utensil comprising: an elongated grip body comprising a length, a first rounded end, and a second end distal from the first rounded end; a grip magnet located internally within the rounded first end; and a slot extending from the second end and along at least a portion of the elongated grip body, the slot configured to receive a handle of a utensil.

48. The grip of Claim 47 wherein the slot is configured to removably receive the handle of the utensil.

49. The grip of Claim 47 or Claim 48 wherein the elongated grip body comprises at least one securement member situated crosswise to the length of the elongated grip body.

50. The grip of Claim 49 wherein each securement member is located are in a respective groove situated crosswise to the length of the elongated grip body.

51. The grip of Claim 50 wherein the securement member comprises an elastic band.

52. The grip of any one of Claim 47 to Claim 51 wherein the grip magnet is of generally spherical shape.

53. The grip of Claim 52 wherein the grip magnet is embedded in the rounded first end, or is located in an internal compartment within the rounded first end.

54. The grip of any one of Claim 47 to Claim 53 wherein the first rounded end comprises a radius of curvature of between about 1.1 to about 4.2.

55. The grip of Claim 54 wherein the first rounded end comprises a radius of curvature of between about 1.1 to about 1.7.

56. The grip of Claim 54 wherein the first rounded end comprises a radius of curvature of between about 2.0 to about 4.2.

57. The grip of Claim 47 further comprising the utensil, the utensil comprising a working end.

58. The grip of Claim 57 wherein the working end comprises a scoop or spoon.

59. The grip of Claim 51 wherein the grip and the securement bands each individually comprise one or more food grade plastics.

60. The grip of any one of Claim 47 to Claim 59 wherein the grip comprises at least one hook configured to secure the grip to a rim on a container body.

61. A method for securing a utensil in a container comprising: providing a container body comprising a generally cylindrical body having an open end, an internal volume, and a rim around the open end, the internal volume comprising contents. providing a lid having a top side and an underside, the lid configured to be removeably engaged with the open end of the container body; providing a knob body secured to the top side of the lid and comprising an internal knob magnet; providing a utensil comprising a handle and a working end;providing a grip comprising a rounded first end which comprises an internal grip magnet having magnetic attraction to the internal knob magnet, the grip configured to receive the handle of the utensil at a second end distal from the rounded first end, the rounded first end configured to rotate anywhere between a first position whereby the handle of the utensil is at least laterally adjacent the underside of the lid to a second position whereby the handle of the utensil is substantially perpendicular to the underside of the lid, when the rounded first end is in contact with the underside of the lid due to the magnetic attraction, and wherein the working end of the utensil is in contact with the contents and the degree of rotation of the rounded first end is responsive to the level of the contents in the internal volume.

62. The method of Claim 61 wherein the grip comprises at least one hook configured to secure the grip to the rim, and securing the grip to the rim by means of the hook.

63. The method of Claim 61 or Claim 62 wherein the contents comprise semi-solids, particulate matter, or both.

64. The method of Claim 63 wherein the contents comprise a foodstuff or a nutritional supplement.

65. A package comprising: a container body comprising an outside surface, and inside surface, an internal volume, and an opening to access the internal volume; a knob body secured to the outside surface of the container body, the knob body comprising an internal knob magnet; a utensil comprising a handle and a working end; and a grip comprising a rounded first end which comprises an internal grip magnet having a magnetic attraction to the internal knob magnet, the grip configured to receive the handle of the utensil at a second end distal from the rounded first end, the grip attached to the inside surface of the container body by way of the magnetic attraction.

66. The package of Claim 65 wherein the container body comprises a flexible material.

67. The package of Claim 65 wherein the flexible material comprises a synthetic, cellulose, fiber, hide or any combination of the foregoing.

68. The package of Claim 65, Claim 66, or Claim 67 wherein the knob body is secured to the outside surface of the container body proximate the mouth.

69. The package of any one of Claim 65 to Claim 68 wherein the knob body is removably secured to the outside surface of the container body.

70. The package of any one of Claim 65 to Claim 69 wherein the knob body is removably secured by an adhesive.

71. The package of Claim 70 wherein the adhesive comprises a reusable adhesive.72 The package of Claim 71 wherein the reusable adhesive comprises a double-sided tape.

73. The package of any one of Claim 65 to Claim 72 wherein the internal knob magnet is of generally spherical shape.

74. The package of any one of Claim 65 to Claim 73 wherein the internal grip magnet is of generally spherical shape.

75. The package of any one of Claim 65 to Claim 74 wherein the grip is configured to removably receive the handle of the utensil.

76. The package of any one of Claim 65 to Claim 75 wherein the working end of the utensil comprises a scoop or a spoon.

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