REFILLABLE PACKAGE FOR CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to containers for storing and dispensing consumable products. Several aspects of storing and dispensing consumable products may be discussed in the present disclosure including, but not limited to, protecting the products from being damaged during shipping and maintaining the freshness of the products.

Some consumable products do not require that the packaging be robust, sturdy or disposable. On the other hand, in certain instances, packaging can allow a user to access consumable products without having to consume all of the products at one time. In such an instance, the manufacturer may wish to provide a package that is secure, reclosable and reusable.

Packaging is also an important aspect of the marketing of the product the package contains. As such, containers for products, such as consumable products, come in a variety of sizes, shapes and designs. Packaging can also convey a wide array of information to the consumer whereby the consumer may then associate a product with a specific characteristic of that product by simply viewing the product packaging. Once the consumer has identified a desired brand, the consumer can typically choose a product based solely on the type of packaging. Very often, in addition to the text of the packaging, the packaging may convey a message about the product, the quality of the product, or the purpose of the product simply by adding aesthetic designs, simple indicators or indicia or other sensory triggers.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a refillable package for dispensing a plurality of consumable products. The package may include a reusable container and a removable refill housing the consumable products therein. The reusable container may have a lid connected to a receptacle defining a container interior. The removable refill may include a refill body and a closure and may be configured to fit inside the container interior. The refillable package may be portable and easily carried. In an embodiment, the refill body retains a shape that corresponds to a shape of the receptacle. In another embodiment, the refill body is molded from plastic. There may be a seal between the refill body and the lid to keep the consumable products fresh.

The present disclosure provides, in an embodiment, a package including a refillable container and a molded plastic refill container defining an interior housing a plurality of solid consumable products and a closure covering the interior.

In an embodiment, the refillable container is sized and shaped to fit into a standard cup holder.

In an embodiment, the plurality of solid consumable products are confectionaries.

In an embodiment, the plurality of solid consumable products are gum.

In an embodiment, the closure may be a material selected from the group consisting of film, foil, stock material, paper, plastic, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the refillable package also includes a lid and a receptacle defining a refillable container interior where the refill container can be received within a portion of the refillable container interior.

In an embodiment, the refillable package also includes a lid having threads so as to be removably received on the refill container via a twisting action.

In an embodiment, the package further includes a lid on the refillable container removably received on the refill container by a friction fit connection.

In an embodiment, the package further includes a lid on the refillable container removably received on the refill container by a snap-fit connection.

In an embodiment, the refillable package also includes a lid that may create a seal with the refill container.

In an embodiment, the refill container defines a plurality of compartments, each compartment housing a different type of solid consumable product.

In an embodiment, the refillable container may include a lid and a seal between an annular shoulder of the lid and the refill container.

In an embodiment, an annular bead on the annular shoulder can engage a periphery of the refill container.

In an embodiment, the closure includes a score line.

In an embodiment, the refillable container also includes a major opening defined in the lid and the score line has a size and shape that is the same or smaller than a size and shape of the major opening.

In another embodiment, a package includes a plurality of refill containers each having an interior housing a plurality of solid consumable products and a closure covering the interior. The package also includes an outer container having a lid and a receptacle defining a container interior. At least two of the refill containers can be received within the container interior.

In a further embodiment, a method for distributing products housed in a package is provided. The method includes distributing a refillable container including a refill container housing a first plurality of consumable products where the refill container is insertable within the refillable container and distributing additional refill containers housing a second plurality of consumable products.

In an embodiment, distributing involves selling the refillable container and refill container.

In an embodiment, the first plurality of solid consumable products are different than the second plurality of solid consumable products.

In an embodiment, the first plurality of solid consumable products are the same as the second plurality of solid consumable products.

In an embodiment, the first and second plurality of solid consumable products are confectionaries.

In yet another embodiment, a method for inserting a refill into a container is provided. The method includes providing an outer container comprising a receptacle defining an interior and a lid defining an opening, providing a removable refill container housing a plurality of products and a closure covering the refill container, inserting the refill container into the outer container interior, securing the lid to the receptacle to enclose the outer container interior, opening a portion of the lid to expose a portion of the closure and the opening, and removing the closure from the refill container through the opening.

In an embodiment, the closure comprises a score line.

In an embodiment, the method also includes providing threads on the lid. Securing the lid to the receptacle involves a twisting action.

In an embodiment, the method also includes providing threads on the refill container. Inserting the refill container into the outer container interior involves a twisting action.

In an embodiment, inserting the refill container into the outer container involves a snap-fit connection between the refill container and the outer container.

In an embodiment, inserting the refill container into the outer container involves a friction-fit connection between the refill container and the outer container.

In still yet another embodiment, a package is provided. The package includes a portable refillable container defining a container interior and a refill container defining a refill interior housing a plurality of solid consumable products and a closure covering the refill interior. The refill container may be received within a portion of the container interior.

In an embodiment, the refill container is sized and shaped to fit in a standard cup holder.

In an embodiment, the refill container is molded.

In an embodiment, the refill container is a pouch, a bag, a sachet, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the refill container is made from paper, film, metal, plastic and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, a package is provided. The package includes a reusable lid, and a portable refill container defining an interior housing a plurality of solid consumable products and a closure covering the interior. The lid may be removably received on the refill container.

In an embodiment, the lid includes threads so that it may be removably received on the refill container in a twisting action.

In an embodiment, the refill container is sized and shaped to fit in a standard cup holder.

In an embodiment, the plurality of solid consumable products are confectioneries.

In a further embodiment, a method for distributing products housed in a package is provided. The method includes distributing a reusable lid defining an opening and distributing a portable refill container defining an interior housing a plurality of solid consumable products and a closure covering the interior.

In a further embodiment, a method for inserting a refill into a container is provided. The method includes providing an outer container comprising a receptacle defining an interior and a lid defining an opening, providing a removable refill container housing a plurality of products and a closure covering the refill container, opening a portion of the lid to expose a portion of the closure and the opening, removing the closure from the refill container, inserting the refill container into the outer container interior, and securing the lid to the receptacle to enclose the outer container interior.

In an embodiment, the closure comprises a score line.

The present disclosure also provides, in an embodiment, a package including a reusable container defining a reusable container interior, a molded plastic refill container defining a refill interior housing a plurality of solid consumable products, and a closure covering an opening in the refill container. The refill container is configured to be removably receivable within at least a portion of the reusable container interior.

In an embodiment, the reusable container is sized and shaped to fit into a standard cup holder.

In an embodiment, the closure includes material made from film, foil, stock material, paper, plastics and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the reusable container includes a lid and a receptacle defining the reusable container interior. The receptacle includes a sidewall and at least one sidewall opening. The refill container is removably receivable within at least a portion of the sidewall opening.

In an embodiment, the refill container includes a pair of elongated edges and the reusable container includes a pair of elongated slots. The refill container is removably receivable within at least a portion of the reusable container interior by a sliding action associated with the edges and slots.

In an embodiment, the reusable container includes a sidewall and a least one sidewall opening. The sliding action extends along a direction that is transverse to a surface of the sidewall.

In an embodiment, the reusable container includes a lid and a receptacle. The receptacle includes an elastomeric element that creates a seal with a surface of the refill container.

In an embodiment, the seal is formed from thermoplastic elastomer.

In an embodiment, the closure includes a score line.

In an embodiment, the reusable container includes a lid. The refill container is removably receivable within a portion of the reusable container by a stacking action.

In an embodiment, the stacking action extends along an axis of symmetry of the receptacle.

In an embodiment, the refill container defines a plurality of compartments, where each compartment houses a different type of solid consumable product.

In another embodiment, a package includes a reusable lid defining a lid opening where the lid is configured to selectively cover the lid opening, a portable refill container defining a refill opening and a refill interior housing a plurality of solid consumable products, and a removable closure covering the refill opening. The reusable lid is configured to be removably receivable on the refill container.

In an embodiment, the refill container is sized and shaped to fit in a standard cup holder.

In an embodiment, the lid has threads so as to be removably received on the portable refill container in a twisting action.

In an embodiment, the closure is a molded plastic closure and the refill container is configured to be removably coupled to either the reusable lid or the plastic closure.

In an embodiment, the reusable lid includes a base and a plurality of apertures positioned on the base. The refill container includes a sidewall and a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the sidewall. The projections are configured to engage the apertures in a snap-fit connection.

In an embodiment, the refill container is a flexible container selected from the group consisting of a pouch, a bag, a sachet or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the refill container is made form a material selected from the group consisting of paper, film, metal, plastic and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the reusable lid also has a closure mechanism is configured to selectively cover the lid opening by a sliding action.

In a further embodiment, a package is provided that includes first and second refill containers having the same shape. Each refill container defines an opening and an interior housing a plurality of solid consumable products, and each refill container also has a connection. The connection of one is releasably engagable with the connection of the other to form an interlocking releasable connection. A closure removably covers at least one of the openings.

In an embodiment, each connection includes a plurality of teeth and a plurality of interstices. The teeth of one refill container selectively and releasably engage the interstices of the other refill container, providing a snap-fit connection.

In an embodiment, each connection includes threads, forming an releasable interlocking threaded connection.

In an embodiment, the refill containers are sized and shaped to fit into a standard cup holder.

In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for distributing products housed in a package. The method includes distributing a reusable lid and a first portable refill container. The reusable lid is so constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a first portable refill container. The first portable refill container defines an interior housing a plurality of solid consumable products. The method further includes distributing a second portable refill container that has a shape that is substantially the same as a shape of the first portable refill container. A portion of the second portable refill container is designed to be received by the reusable lid when the first portable refill container is removed.

It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide an improved product container.

It is also an advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that are portable and easily carried from place to place.

It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that are conveniently reusable and refillable.

It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that are sized to fit in a pocket or a purse.

It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to provide consumable product containers that are easy to open.

It is still another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a consumable product container that can house different types of products at different times.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide consumable product containers that may be used at home, at an office, or in a car.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an expanded perspective view of an embodiment of a refillable package of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and side views, respectfully, of an embodiment of a refill body of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a receptacle of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the refillable package of the present disclosure in a closed position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of refillable package of the present disclosure in a closed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of section A in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates perspective views of an embodiment of the removable refill of the present disclosure in closed and open positions, respectively.

FIG. 8 illustrates an expanded perspective view of another embodiment of the refillable package of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the refill body of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate front perspective views of a further embodiment of the refillable package of the present disclosure in open and closed positions, respectively.

FIG. 11 illustrates an expanded perspective view of yet another embodiment of the refillable package of the present disclosure in an open position.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the refillable package of the present disclosure in a closed position.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of still another embodiment of the refillable package of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate front perspective views of an embodiment of the refillable package of the present disclosure in separated, closed and open positions, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a refillable package for housing a plurality of solid consumable products. As used herein, the term “refillable container” means a container that, once emptied of its contents, can have additional contents that are either different to or the same as those previously in the container or added thereto and can thereafter be used for its original purpose without loss of structural integrity.

It will be understood that the products to be dispensed may be of any suitable shape and size. Examples of such shapes include, but are not limited to, tablet, pill, block, flat stick, pillow, round, rectangular, triangular, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the products housed in the package may be confectionary products including, but not limited to, hard candies, gummy candies, mints, tablets, gum pellets, beads, liquid filled beads, chewy candy, chocolate, caramels, and gumballs. In another embodiment, the products may be snack foods including, but not limited to, peanuts, nuts, pretzels, and salty snacks.

In another embodiment, the products can alternatively be any other type of solid consumable product. For example, the products can be cough drops or breath mints or other types of consumable medicament products. In a further embodiment, the package may include combinations of different products. It should also be appreciated that the package may house non-edible products of similar size and shape. The teachings of the present disclosure, therefore, are not dependent upon the products being of any particular type so long as the products fit within and may be dispensed by the refillable package described herein. The package can therefore hold different types of confectionary products, such as chewing gum, candy or mint. The container can hold different colors of the same or different confectionary product. Differently flavored, coated or textured products can also be stored therein.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, in an illustrated embodiment of the refillable package 10, the package may include a reusable container 15 and a removable refill 40. The reusable container 15 can include a receptacle 20 and a lid 30. The refillable package 10 is not limited to any particular size or shape as long as the products contained therein may be dispensed therefrom. In an embodiment, the refillable package is portable and easily carried. As used herein, “portable” means compact and designed to be small in size (i.e., generally able to fit in a pocket or a purse) so as to be easily carried from place to place and yet be economical in operation. As illustrated, the refillable package 10 may be generally be sized and shaped to fit into a standard cup holder. However, the refillable package 10 may be any suitable size and shape including, but not limited to, cubic, rectangular, pyramidal, cylindrical, conical and spherical shapes, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the refillable package 10 may be of limited capacity, providing only a small amount of consumable products to the consumer. In this embodiment, the refillable package 10 may be portable and suitable for use in different environments. For example, the package 10 may be sized and shaped to conveniently fit in a consumer's pocket or purse. With its compact size, a consumer may be encouraged to bring the refillable package 10 with them throughout the day. Similarly, in an embodiment, the refillable package 10 may measure about two inches to about 5 inches tall. However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the dimensions of the refillable package may vary as desired or in accordance with manufacturing specifications. The refillable package 10 may be made from a sufficiently rigid material to prevent the package from deforming or opening upon application of pressure to the refillable package 10 when, for example, the refillable package 10 is squeezed.

As discussed above, the refillable package 10 may include a reusable container 15 and a removable refill 40. The reusable container 15 defines a container interior 22 that can house a plurality of consumable products. However, once an initial supply of consumable products runs out, the reusable container 15 may be designed to accommodate a removable refill 40 therein. The removable refill may comprise a closure 42 and a refill body 44. The refill body 44 may house a plurality of consumable products within a refill interior 46.

As used herein, the term “reusable” means a structure, such as an outer container, that can be intended to be returned or refilled rather than be immediately discarded. In this way, such reusable containers are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than non-reusable containers. The reusable container may be designed to withstand repeated and extended use over time. For example, containers may be refilled with contents different to those previously in the container.

As used herein, the term “removable” means a structure, such as an inner container, that can be separated from another structure, such as a reusable container, and then reinserted in the same way that it was originally housed without losing structural integrity of either structure.

Also as used herein, the term “refill container” means a container or body not intended as a complete and final dispenser for the consumable products housed therein, that may be purchased for use with another container from either the same or different supplier and that is typically intended for use with the other container only until emptied of its contents.

In an embodiment, the refill body 44 of the removable refill 40 may be made from a molded plastic material. Plastic may include polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, or combinations thereof. The refill body 44 may be made using conventional thermoforming or molding processes including, but not limited to, injection blow molding, extrusion blow molding and injection molding.

It should be understood that the removable refill 40 is not limited to any particular size or shape as long as the consumable products are able to fit in the refill interior 46 and as long as the removable refill 40 is sized and shaped to correspond with the shape of the reusable container 15. In other words, the refill body 44 must be able to fit inside a portion of the interior 22 of the reusable container 15. Furthermore, the refill body 44 must be sized and shaped so that it can be easily separated from the receptacle 20 of the reusable container 15. In an embodiment, the refill body 44 resembles a small beverage cup, measures about two and two-third inches tall and has a diameter of about two inches. In another embodiment, the refill body 44 has a maximum internal volume of about 125 milliliters. In another embodiment, the refill body 44 is sized so that it does not move around loosely or generate noise within the interior 22 of the reusable container 15.

Regardless of the shape and size of the receptacle 20 of the reusable container 15, the refill body 44 can serve as a simply shaped, standard refill 40 for the reusable container 15. In this regard, a wide variety of designs and shapes can be utilized for the reusable container 15. For example, the reusable container 15 can reflect an array of novelty or seasonal designs and shapes, where a universal removable refill 40 can be intended for use with all designs.

The removable refill 40 may include a closure 42 that can be separated from the refill body 44 to expose the refill interior 46 and the consumable products therein. In an embodiment, the closure 42 may be sealed to an upper surface 52 of a lip 50 positioned on a periphery of the refill body 44. The closure 42 may be used to keep the consumable products fresh and to extend the shelf life of the consumable products within the refill interior 46.

The closure 42 may be made from any suitable known material. For example, in an embodiment, the closure 42 may be a layer of film (e.g. foil) that is sealed to the lip 50 of the refill body 44, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In an embodiment, this seal may include an adhesive applied between the closure 42 and the lip 50. In another embodiment, there may be a heat activated layer on the film to seal the film to the refill body 44. In a further embodiment, the closure 42 is sealed to the lip 50 using conventional conductive sealing techniques. For example, conductive heating may be used to melt an underside of the closure 42 to the lip 50. Alternatively, conventional induction sealing techniques may also be used including, but not limited to, cold sealing techniques, heat sealing techniques utilizing a hot melt, heat activated adhesives or fusible substrates, room temperature sealing techniques utilizing room temperature adhesives, or other induction sealing processes utilizing conductive foil systems. In other embodiments, the closure can be made from stock material, paper, plastic, or the like, and combinations thereof. Nevertheless, when a consumer initially receives the removable refill 40, the consumer may separate the closure 42 from the refill body 44 so as to break the seal and to expose a refill interior 46 containing the plurality of consumable products therein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6, the removable refill 40 may be received in the container interior 22 of reusable container 15 by way of a stacking motion. In this regard, a consumer can introduce the removable refill 40 into the container interior 22 in a direction that extends along an axis of symmetry of the receptacle 20. In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, the lip 50 of the refill body 44 includes an upper surface 52 and a lower surface 54. When the refill body 44 is inserted into the container interior 22, the lower surface 54 of the lip 50 can sit on a rim 24 of the receptacle 20. The lip 50 ensures that the refill body 44 can be removed from the receptacle 20, since a consumer can easily access the lip 50 and lift the lip 50 from the rim 24 of the receptacle 20 once the lid 30 is removed from the receptacle 20. In other words, the lip 50 facilitates stacking and unstacking motion.

The lid 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8 can include two main parts: a base 32 and a cover 34. These two parts are connected to each other by a hinge 36. The hinge can be any type of hinge including, but not limited to, an integral living hinge, a metal spring hinge, a pin hinge, an elastomer hinge or the like. The base 32 defines a main opening 38 (illustrated in FIG. 4) providing access to and enabling dispensing of the consumable products within the container interior 22. The base 32 can securely fasten to the receptacle 20 by any known means. For example, the base can snap-fit, frictionally fit or twist onto the receptacle 20. In an embodiment, an exterior side of the receptacle 20 includes one or more outer threads 26 while an interior side of the base 32 of the lid 30 includes one or more inner threads 28. The outer and inner threads 26, 28 cooperate to allow the lid 30 to matingly engage with the receptacle 20 in a releasable yet secure fashion.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the base 32 of the lid 30 can include an annular shoulder 56. An underside of the annular shoulder 56 can have an annular bead 58 spaced at a distance from the wall of the base 32. In an embodiment, this annular bead 58 can be integrally molded with the annular shoulder 56. In another embodiment, the annular bead 58 can involve a different material from the material of the annular shoulder 56. For example, in an embodiment, the annular bead 58 is formed from thermoplastic elastomer.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, when the lid 30 is secured to the receptacle 20, the lip 50 of the refill body 44 may be secured between the annular shoulder 56 of the lid 30 and the rim 24 of the receptacle 20. At the same time, the annular bead 58 engages the upper surface 52 of the lip 50 of the refill body 44. This arrangement creates a seal between the lid 30 and the refill body 44. This seal acts as a barrier for consumable products within the refill interior 46 to protect the consumable products and keep them fresh. The arrangement also retains the refill body 44 against movement within the container interior 22.

The closure 42 of the removable refill 40 can include several features designed to facilitate the separation of the closure 42 from the refill body 44. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the closure 42 including a circular score line 60 running just inside an inner radial edge of the lip 50. However, it should be appreciated that the score line can be in any position and involve any shape as long as the consumable products within the refill interior 46 can be dispensed therefrom. Furthermore, the line 60 can either be scored or perforated along its length. In an embodiment, the closure 42 is laser scored. For example, in an embodiment, the closure includes two layers of flexible film with a layer of adhesive therebetween. A first layer can be a flexible film such as polypropylene and a second layer can be a metallic film. The closure can be laser scored only through the first layer. The closure 42 can also include a pull tab 62, illustrated in FIG. 1, to aid a consumer in separating the closure 42 from the refill body 44. In an embodiment, a portion of the closure defining the pull tab 62 may not include a layer of adhesive.

In an embodiment, the score line 60 is configured such that a removable section of the closure 42 is the same size or smaller than the main opening 38 of the lid 30 (illustrated in FIG. 4). This configuration allows a consumer to insert and secure the entire removable refill 40 inside the reusable container 15 without first separating the closure 42 from the refill body 44. Thus, after the removable refill 40 is inserted, a consumer can hinge open the cover 34 of the lid 34, access the closure 42 through the main opening 38, and proceed to separate the closure 42 from the refill body 44 along the score line 60. Such separation can be done without disturbing the seal between the shoulder 56 of the lid 30 and the lip 50 of the removable refill 40.

The refill body 44 can hold different types or colors of the same or different consumable product. Differently flavored, coated or textured products can also be stored in the different compartments. As illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a single refill body 44 can be compartmented to hold different types of consumable product at the same time. In an embodiment, the refill body 44 can contain one or more dividing walls 64 to keep different products sorted and organized within the refill interior 46 within one or more wells 66, 68. In another embodiment, the refill body 44 can include four wells. The dividing wall can also protect one type of product from another. For example, the dividing wall can serve as a flavor barrier between different flavors of confectionaries, preventing flavor migration and homogenization which can otherwise adversely affect product quality and performance.

In another embodiment, the refill body 44 can be composed of one or more distinct and interchangeable sections. For example, the refill body 44 may be made up of two semi-cylindrical halves where a first well 66 can be disconnected from a second well 68. Thus, once a consumer has finished all of a first product in well 66 but still has some of a second product in well 68 remaining, the consumer must only substitute a new well 66 rather than wait to consume the remaining second product in well 68.

In an embodiment, the lid 30 may include more than one cover 34 for each type of consumable product housed in the refillable package 10. For example, a first cover in the lid can be associated with a first product in well 66 and a second cover in the lid can be associated with a second product in well 68. Thus, a consumer can dispense each type of consumable product separately through the appropriate cover. In a further embodiment, the lid 30 of the reusable container 15 can rotate such that the main opening 38 provides selective access to only one type of product at a time in one of the wells 66, 68 of the refill body 44.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the removable refill 40 may also be received in the container interior 22 by way of a sliding motion. In an embodiment, the receptacle 20 includes a sidewall 70 and at least one opening 72 defined in the sidewall. In this regard, a consumer can introduce the removable refill 40 into the container interior 22 in a direction that is transverse to a surface of the sidewall 70, e.g., a lateral direction. The opening 72 is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the refill body 44 therein.

To facilitate the sliding motion, the refill body 44 can include at least one guide edge 74 on an exterior surface. Similarly, the reusable container 15 can include at least one guide slot 76 located in communication with the sidewall opening 72 and positioned on an interior surface. The guide edge 74 engages the guide slot 76 such that the refill body 44 moves with respect to the reusable container 15 in a translational motion. It should be understood that the arrangement of the guide edge and the guide slot can be reversed with respect to the refill body 44 and the reusable container 15.

In an embodiment, the guide edge is represented by a pair of elongated edges, illustrated in FIG. 10A, positioned on opposing sides of the refill body periphery 44 and adjacent to the rim 24. In another embodiment, the guide slot is represented by a pair of elongated slots, also illustrated in FIG. 10A, positioned along interior surfaces of the sidewall 70. The sidewall opening 72 can include a single opening or a plurality of openings in spaced relation to one another on the sidewall 70.

The refill body 44 can translate with respect to the reusable container 15 and be secured with a snap-fit connection. In an embodiment, the guide edge 74 and/or guide slot 76 can include at least one detent for providing the snap-fit connection between the refill body 44 and the reusable container 15. In further embodiment, the sidewall 70 of the receptacle 20 includes a brim 78 positioned along a periphery of the sidewall opening 72 that is sized and shaped to provide a snap-fit connection between the refill body 44 and the sidewall opening 72. In another embodiment, the refill body 44 can translate with respect to the reusable container 15 and be secured with a friction-fit. In either case, the reusable container 15 and the refill body 44 may act in concert to create a barrier for the consumable products within the refill interior 46. As discussed above, such barrier serves to protect the consumable products and keep them fresh.

The reusable container 15 may be distributed in any of several different embodiments. For example, the reusable container 15 may initially be sold in conjunction with or separate from the removable refill 40. In an embodiment, the reusable container 15 is sold housing a plurality of consumable products in the container interior 22 without the removable refill 40. In this embodiment, the receptacle 20 will initially include a closure of its own sealed to the rim 24 to keep the consumable products fresh. In another embodiment, the reusable container 15 is sold with a removable refill 40 included inside. In this embodiment, the reusable container 15 may be sold with more than one removable refill 40 as a kit or bulk consumable product. In a further embodiment, the reusable container 15 is sold empty but in conjunction with one or more removable refills 40. In this embodiment, it will be intuitive to a consumer that the removable refills 40 must be inserted into the container 15 and that the container 15 is to function as a reusable housing for the removable refills 40.

Alternatively, the removable refill 40 may be directly received on a lid 30 of the reusable container 15. In this regard, only the lid 30 can be intended for repeated use by the consumer. Such embodiments are illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. In other words, the reusable container 15 may not include a receptacle 20 with the lid 30. For example, a removable refill 40 housing consumable products in a refill interior 46 can replace a previously provided refill body 44, once the previously provided refill body 44 is emptied of its contents. The removable refill 40 may have a size and/or shape that is similar to that of receptacle 20 in previous embodiments. In such embodiments, the lid 30 and the refill body 44 may act in concert to create a barrier for the consumable products to protect the consumable products and keep them fresh.

In an embodiment, a simple rigid plastic lid can be coupled to the refill 40 to offer temporary protection for the consumable products. The rigid plastic lid can be removed and replaced with the lid 30 of the present disclosure, illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. In this regard, the lid 30 can be reused and the refillable package 10 can be designed to minimize waste and to reduce manufacturing costs.

As discussed above, the refill body 44 can be received on the lid by a twisting action or by a snap-fit connection. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate various a snap-fit connections. For example, the refill body 44 can include a pair of outwardly extending projections 80 positioned on opposite sides of the refill body 44 exterior. In addition, the lid 30 can include a pair of apertures 82 positioned on opposite sides of the base 32. The pair of projections 80 can engage the pair of apertures 82 to removably secure the refill body 44 with the lid 30 in a snap-fit.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of the refillable package 10 of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the refillable package 10 does not include any outer reusable container 15. Instead, the refillable package 10 is constructed from of a pair of similarly shaped removable refills 40. In one embodiment, each removable refill 40 of the present embodiment is initially sold to the consumer with a removable lid. The removable lid offers temporary protection for the consumable products until the removable lid is removed and the pair of refills 40 are combined. In another embodiment, a pair of removable refills are sold to the consumer as illustrated in FIG. 13. The removable refill 40 may further include a removable closure 42 as discussed above.

Each removable refill 40 of FIG. 13 is configured with a connection for releasable engagement with a similarly configured and inverted second refill 40. In an embodiment, such connection includes an interlocking threaded connection. In another embodiment, such connection involves a plurality of teeth and a plurality of interstices and forms an interlocking snap-fit connection. In this regard, the consumer can use either a single removable refill 40 or a connected pair of removable refills 40 as a refillable package 10. In the latter option, the consumer can further choose to combine removable refills 40 that house different consumable products therein such that the resultant package 10 contains a mixture of consumable products in its interior. Thus, the refillable package 10 of FIG. 13 offers multiple flavor options and personalizable flavor combinations to the consumer. The consumer can first remove both closures 42 prior to combining the refills 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the closure 42 may include indicia provided on an exterior and/or interior side. The indicia may involve logos, advertisements, branding information, nutritional information, product information, manufacturer information, or the like, or combinations thereof. The indicia may also be provided in a number of ways. For example, in an embodiment, the indicia may be printed on a pressure sensitive material (e.g. sticker). In another embodiment, the indicia may be printed directly on the closure 42. In a further embodiment, the indicia may include a manufacturer's coupon to purchase additional removable refills 40.

The reusable container 15 may also include indicia provided thereon. For example, the lid 30 can include branding information on its cover 34. In another example, the receptacle can include product information along its exterior. In an embodiment, indicia can be molded into the reusable container 15. In another embodiment, the indicia can be directly printed thereon. In a further embodiment, the reusable container 15 may be surrounded by a layer of material printed with indicia.

At least a portion of the reusable container can be either transparent or translucent and/or free from indicia. In an embodiment, the entire receptacle 20 can be translucent while the refill body 44 can include indicia. This is particularly useful where the reusable container 15 is designed to house different types of products over time. For example, a first removable refill can house fruit flavored gum while a second removable refill can house peppermint breath mints. If the reusable container 15 is designed to house either removable refill, a consumer can see directly through a portion of the receptacle 20 to the indicia on the refill body 44 and readily discern which type of consumable product is contained in the refillable package 10 at any given time. In an embodiment, the indicia simply involves a color symbolizing a flavor of consumable products housed within the refill interior 46. For example, a portion of the refill body 44 can include a purple color swatch to represent grape flavored products housed inside.

The refill body 44 may alternatively be composed from non-plastic materials including, but not limited to, paperboard, metal, film, flexible film or the like or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the refill body may not be molded but may rather be made from a flexible material and have an amorphous shape. For example, the refill body may be a flexible pouch, a bag, a sachet or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the refill body 44 is a plastic flexible pouch having a circular opening. In the present embodiment, the circular opening further includes a rigid or semi-rigid connecting ring. The connecting ring can include a lip 50 or removable connection as discussed above.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, the refill body is a flexible bag 90 defining a notch 92 in at least a portion of the refill body 90. The notch 92 can be formed by removing a portion of the refill body 90 along a score line 60 to thereby expose the refill interior. Score line 60 can be perforated, scored, or laser scored along its length. A reusable lid 94 can clamp against or clip onto the refill body 44 at first and second ends 93, 95 on either side of the notch 92. A central portion of the lid 94 includes a slide mechanism 96 to selectively cover an opening 98 in the lid 94. The lid 94 provides a reusable and resealable closure for the bag 90 and keeps the products fresh. In addition, the lid 94 also provides for controlled dispensing of the products from the refill interior. When the bag 90 is emptied of its contents, a consumer can remove the lid 94 and use it on another flexible bag 90.

It should be understood that refillable package 10 can include a seal at an interface between any portion of the refill body 44 and any portion of the reusable container 15 to keep the consumable products fresh. It should further be understood that the seal can be at an interface between any portion of the lid 30 and any portion of the receptacle 20 of the reusable container 15. The seal may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer and have a shape that includes, but is not limited to, a ring, a strip, a bead, a shoulder and a pad.

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

	Number	Date	Country
	60913472	Apr 2007	US
	60914920	Apr 2007	US

REFILLABLE PACKAGE FOR CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS

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