Container for facilitating the consumption of products in single-dose packaging

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container for facilitating the consumption of products in single-dose packaging which can be used to removably incorporate a deformable packaging (2) containing a drinkable product, which is sucked therefrom or using a straw (3), such as a Brik or pouch with a threaded cap, and to facilitate the fastening and use of said packaging (2) for consumption by preventing it from being squashed and the content from incorrectly coming out. The invention comprises a casing (10) made of a rigid material defining an inner space (11) that is structurally configured to totally or partially cover the packaging (2), said packaging being retained therein, with at least one access opening (12) to access the packaging (2) being provided to be able to consume its contents. The casing (10) is made of a single piece and is provided with an insertion opening (13) to incorporate the packaging (2) in the inner space (11) by inserting it through said insertion opening.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Container to facilitate the consumption of products in single-dose packaging

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as stated in the present descriptive report, refers to a container to facilitate the consumption of single-dose packaged products that provides, to the function for which it is intended, advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail below.

[0005] More specifically, the object of the invention focuses on a container-shaped tool that, intended primarily for use by children, defines a rigid receptacle specially designed to incorporate a deformable beverage container or other similar product, mainly a single-dose or individual beverage container with a straw, but without ruling out others such as a juice pouch or compote pouch for sucking, and to facilitate the child's grip and use of it, preventing it from getting dirty when pressed on it.

[0006] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of everyday utensils, focusing particularly on the field of kitchen utensils, and more specifically on those intended to facilitate the consumption of food.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As is well known, there are many food products on the market, especially beverages, that are sold in single-dose or individual containers, usually in a 125 or 200 cc brick format, which are usually consumed directly from the container itself, for which they usually include a straw with which a hole is pierced and sucked, being a product that has a lot of acceptance for use by the child consumer public, due to the ease it provides.

[0010] The problem with this type of packaging is that, being made of cardboard, as the child sucks on the straw, or even before putting it in their mouth, they often squeeze the container too hard. Since they are children, sometimes very young, they do not have adequate control over what they are holding, and the liquid shoots out through the hole or the straw itself, with the corresponding inconvenience of getting juice or the product on their clothes or face.

[0011] This same problem also occurs with other products that currently exist in the form of drinks or compotes that are sold packaged in single-dose bags with a screw cap that the child sucks directly from, so that if the child presses the container too hard when holding it, the product also comes out in a stream from the cap.

[0012] The objective of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a practical and simple means to avoid this problem and ensure that, regardless of the force that the child may apply to hold the container from which he intends to drink or suck its contents directly, the contents are not crushed and do not come out improperly through the straw or the cap.

[0013] On the other hand, this same problem can be experienced by people, elderly or with some disability, who also do not adequately control the force they apply when holding an object such as a brick-type container or bag, so the object of the present invention can also be a very useful tool for them.

[0014] Furthermore, and with reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, at least as far as the applicant is concerned, there is no knowledge of any other container to facilitate the consumption of products in single-dose packaging, nor of any other invention of similar application, that presents technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal or similar to those claimed herein.

[0015] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The container for facilitating the consumption of single-dose packaged products that the invention proposes is thus configured as an optimal solution to the objectives indicated above, with the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0017] Specifically, the invention proposes, as previously mentioned, a container-shaped tool intended primarily for use by children. It is specially designed to easily and removablely incorporate a deformable or crushable container of a drinkable or suction product, such as a single-dose or individual carton containing a liquid consumed with a straw, or another container, for example, a bag-type container with a screw cap containing a liquid or creamy product, such as juice or compote, which is sucked through the cap. The container's purpose is to facilitate the child's grip and use of the container by preventing them from pressing too hard and crushing it, thus preventing the contents from spilling out uncontrollably and causing a mess.

[0018] To this end, and more specifically, said container essentially comprises a rigid material casing, for example, rigid plastic, which defines a hollow inner receptacle structurally designed to totally or partially cover the container for which the container is intended in each case and to be retained in it, with at least one access opening to the container to be able to proceed to the consumption of its contents.

[0019] Preferably, the casing is made of a single piece with an insertion opening to insert the container into the inner cavity without having to disassemble or open it; this can be the same access opening provided for consuming its contents or a different one.

[0020] Ideally, the inner cavity of the casing is designed to fit the shape and size of the container it is intended for in each case. To this end, the container is manufactured in various sizes with the main standardized measurements of the brick or bag-type containers it is intended for, allowing its use with most products from major brands.

[0021] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the container comprises a housing with a parallelepiped cavity inside which a beverage carton, inserted through an insertion opening at one end, fits snugly. Preferably, the container housing includes tabs on the edge of the insertion opening designed to secure and retain the carton inside once inserted, preventing it from coming loose unintentionally.

[0022] Preferably, the container casing also includes a second extraction hole on the opposite side from the insertion opening, in this case intended to allow the container to be pushed out, for example with the fingers, so that, once the contents have been consumed, it comes out through the insertion opening.

[0023] Preferably, especially if the container is intended for use with brik-type containers, the existence of retention means on the outside of the casing is provided to hold the straw that these types of containers usually incorporate for consumption and to be able to transport it along with it, since, as mentioned, in the inner cavity the container, preferably, fits very tightly and does not allow the inclusion of the straw inside it.

[0024] Finally, and since the container that is the subject of the invention is primarily intended for use by small children, the outer surface of the casing can be adapted to different shapes and designs for purely aesthetic and / or commercial purposes, preferably friendly shapes, imitating objects or figures of any kind that are more attractive to children, for example in the shape of a “cupcake” (or madeleine), in the shape of a “cactus in a pot”, in the shape of a “pineapple” or in the shape of an “avocado”.

[0025] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the device of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by sheets of drawings, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0027] Figures 1-A and 1-B show two perspective views, top and bottom respectively, of a first example of the embodiment of the container that is the subject of the invention, specifically an example for a brik-type container, showing its configuration and the parts it comprises.

[0028] Figure 1-C shows a perspective view of an example of a single-dose brik-type container, which is the container example shown in Figure 1-A and 1-B.

[0029] Figure 1-D shows a perspective view of the example container shown in figures 1-A and 1-B in the position of use, i.e., with the brick-type container incorporated.

[0030] Figures 2-A and 2-B show two perspective views, top and bottom respectively, of another example of the container of the invention similar to that shown in figures 1-A and 1-B but for a brik container of a different capacity.

[0031] Figures 2-C, 2-D and 2-E show respective side elevation, front and top plan views of the container example according to the invention shown in figures 2-A and 2-B.

[0032] Figures 3-A and 3-B show two perspective views, top and bottom respectively, of another example of the container of the invention, in this case an example for a brik container with a friendly external shape of a “cupcake”.

[0033] Figures 4-A and 4-B show two perspective views, top and bottom respectively, of another example of the container of the invention in an example for a friendly externally shaped brik container, in this case in the shape of a cactus.

[0034] Figures 5-A and 5-B show two perspective views, top and bottom respectively, of another example of the container of the invention in an example for a friendly externally shaped brik container, in this case in the shape of a pineapple.

[0035] Figures 6-A and 6-B show two perspective views, top and bottom respectively, of another example of the container of the invention in a friendly external shape, in this case in the shape of an avocado.

[0036] Figures 7-A and 7-B show perspective views, top and bottom respectively, of an example of the container of the invention for a bag-type package. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0037] In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, several non-limiting examples of the container for facilitating the consumption of single-dose packaged products of the invention can be seen, which comprises what is indicated in detail below.

[0038] Thus, as can be seen in the figures, the container (1) of the invention, applicable for easily and removablely incorporating a deformable container (2) of a drinkable product or one that is sucked directly from it or by using a straw (3), such as a single-dose or individual brik-type container, as shown in figure 1-C, or another container, for example a bag with a screw cap (not shown in the figures), and facilitating the holding and use of said container (2) for consumption, preventing it from being crushed and the contents from coming out improperly, essentially comprises a casing (10) of rigid material, for example rigid plastic, which defines an inner cavity (11) structurally configured to totally or partially cover the container (2) and retain it therein, there being at least one access opening (12) to the container (2) to be able to proceed to the consumption of its contents, for example to insert the straw (3) and stick it into the container to drink with it.

[0039] Preferably, the housing (10) is made of a single piece and, also preferably, the housing (10) has an insertion opening (13) to incorporate the container (2) into the inner cavity (11) by inserting it through the same.

[0040] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 3-A and 3-B and Figures 7-A and 7-N, the insertion opening (13) is distinct from the access opening (12) to the container (2) for consumption, being located on the opposite side of the casing (10). Whereas, in other embodiments, as shown in the remaining figures, the insertion opening (13) is also the access opening (12) to the container (2) for consuming its contents.

[0041] In any case, in a preferred embodiment, the inner cavity (11) of the casing (10) is designed to fit the shape and size of a specific type of container (2) for which it is intended in each case, said container (2) fitting perfectly inside said inner cavity (11) once inserted through the insertion opening (13). Thus, in an embodiment intended for a brik-type container (2), as shown in the examples in Figures 1-A to 6-B, the inner cavity (11) of the casing (10) of the container (1) has a parallelepiped configuration, where the container (2) fits perfectly, as shown in Figure 1-D, and a rectangular insertion opening (13) is provided at one of its ends.

[0042] Furthermore, preferably, the housing (10) of the container (1) comprises tabs (14) on the edge of the insertion opening (13) intended to fix and retain the container (2) inside once inserted, preventing it from coming out undesirably.

[0043] Preferably, the housing (10) of the container (1) further comprises an extraction hole (15) on the opposite side of the same to the insertion opening (13) intended to allow the pushing of the container (2) and facilitate its expulsion through the insertion opening (13).

[0044] Preferably, especially if the container (1) is intended for use with brik-type packaging (2) whose contents are consumed using a straw (3) with which they are usually sold, the outer part of the casing (10) also provides for the existence of retention and support means (16) to hold said straw (3).

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the outer surface of the casing (10) can adopt different shapes and designs and present a neutral aesthetic, as shown in Figures 1-A to 2-E, or a more appealing aesthetic, for example, in the shape of a "cupcake," as shown in Figures 3-A and 3-B, in the shape of a "cactus in a pot," as shown in Figures 4-A and 4-B, in the shape of a "pineapple," as shown in Figures 5-A and 5-B, or in the shape of an "avocado," as shown in Figures 6-A and 6-B. However, this is not a limitation, and it can have any other shape or design. For this purpose, the casing (10) of the container (1) of the invention is preferably made of molded plastic.

[0046] For its part, in figures 7-A and 7-B an example of the container (1) for use with bag-type packaging can be seen, in which case the inner cavity (11) of the casing (10) is adapted to the dimension and shape of said type of packaging, and may present externally different shapes and designs.

[0047] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages derived from it, it being noted that it may be put into practice in other embodiments that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, provided that the fundamental aspects are not modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- CONTAINER TO FACILITATE THE CONSUMPTION OF PRODUCTS IN SINGLE-DOSE PACKAGING which, applicable to incorporate in an easily removable manner a deformable container (2) of a drinkable product or which is sucked directly from it or by using a straw (3), such as a brik-type container or a bag-type container with a screw cap, and to facilitate the holding and use of said container (2) for its consumption, preventing it from being crushed and the contents from coming out in an inappropriate way, is characterized by comprising a casing (10) of rigid material that defines an inner cavity (11) structurally configured to totally or partially cover the container (2) and keep it retained therein, there being, at least, an access opening (12) to the container (2) to be able to proceed to the consumption of its contents. 2.- CONTAINER TO FACILITATE THE CONSUMPTION OF PRODUCTS IN SINGLE-DOSE PACKAGING, according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing (10) is formed by a single piece. 3.- CONTAINER TO FACILITATE THE CONSUMPTION OF PRODUCTS IN SINGLE-DOSE PACKAGING, according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing (10) has an insertion opening (13) to incorporate the container (2) into the inner cavity (11) by inserting it through the same. 4.- CONTAINER TO FACILITATE THE CONSUMPTION OF PRODUCTS IN SINGLE-DOSE PACKAGING, according to claim 3, characterized in that the insertion opening (13) is different from the access opening (12) to the container (2) for consumption, being located on the opposite side of the casing (10). 5.- CONTAINER TO FACILITATE THE CONSUMPTION OF PRODUCTS IN SINGLE-DOSE PACKAGING, according to claim 3, characterized in that the insertion opening (13) is at the same time the access opening (12) to the container (2) to consume its contents. 6.- CONTAINER TO FACILITATE THE CONSUMPTION OF PRODUCTS IN SINGLE-DOSE PACKAGING, according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the inner cavity (11) of the casing (10) is designed to fit the shape and size of a specific type of container (2) for which it is intended in each case, said container (2) remaining perfectly fitted inside said inner cavity (11) once inserted through the insertion opening (13).

7. A container for facilitating the consumption of single-dose products, according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the casing (10) comprises tabs (14) on the edge of the insertion opening (13) intended to secure and retain the container (2) inside once inserted, preventing it from coming out unintentionally.

8. A container for facilitating the consumption of single-dose products, according to any of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the casing (10) further comprises an extraction recess (15) on the side opposite the insertion opening (13) intended to allow the container (2) to be pushed in and facilitate its ejection through the insertion opening (13). 9.- CONTAINER TO FACILITATE THE CONSUMPTION OF PRODUCTS IN SINGLE-DOSE PACKAGING, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, on the external part of the casing (10), there is provided for the existence of retention and support means (16) to hold a straw (3).

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