US20140345232A1

US20140345232A1 - Apparatus and method for manufacturing a package that includes edible substances

Info

Publication number: US20140345232A1
Application number: US13/902,819
Authority: US
Inventors: Yi-Ming Tseng
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-26
Filing date: 2013-05-26
Publication date: 2014-11-27

Abstract

An apparatus may manufacture a package that includes edible substances. The apparatus may include a first provider for providing a first edible substance into a first space and include a second provider for providing a second edible substance into a second space, at least one of the two edible substances including ready-to-eat cereal. The apparatus further includes a partition mechanism for implement a partition for separating the two edible substances. The apparatus further includes a sealing mechanism for sealing a container that encloses the first space and/or the second space. The apparatus further includes a tube-handling mechanism for combining a tube with the container for forming a combination, an internal width of the tube being larger than an average unit width of units of the ready-to-eat cereal, wherein the package comprises the combination. The apparatus further includes a controller for controlling at least one of the above-mentioned members.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to apparatuses and methods for manufacturing one or more packages that include edible substances. Examples of edible substances may include ready-to-eat cereals (or “cereals”, for conciseness), beverages, etc.
In various situations, it may be desirable to mix two or more edible substances immediately before the intake of the mixture of the edible substances, instead of pre-mix the edible substances long before the intake, for purposes such as optimizing the taste of the mixture and/or avoid shortening the time to expiration of the edible substances. For example, it may be desirable to mix cereal and milk right before the intake of the mixture, so that the cereal will not become too soggy.
Typically, cereal and milk come in separate packages, and intake of cereal and milk typically requires the use of a spoon. The use of the spoon may cause spill of the cereal, the milk, and/or the mixture, and therefore may incur costs for cleaning and may cause waste of edible substances. The existing packages may also be impractical for users who would like to have cereal and milk (for example, for breakfast) when they are on the move.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention is related to an apparatus for manufacturing a package that includes edible substances. The apparatus may include a first provider configured to provide a first edible substance into a first space. The apparatus may further include a second provider configured to provide a second edible substance into a second space, at least one of the first edible substance and the second edible substance including ready-to-eat cereal. The apparatus may further include a partition mechanism configured to implement a partition unit for separating the first edible substance from the second edible substance. The apparatus may further include a sealing mechanism configured to seal a container that encloses at least one of the first space and the second space. The apparatus may further include a tube-handling mechanism configured to handle a tube and configured to combine the tube with the container for forming a combination, an internal width of the tube (e.g., an internal diameter of the tube perpendicular to an axis of the tube) being larger than an average unit width of units of the ready-to-eat cereal, wherein the package comprises the combination. The apparatus may further include a controller including hardware circuit and configured to control at least one of the first provider, the second provider, the partition mechanism, the sealing mechanism, and the tube-handling mechanism.
The above summary relates to only one of the many embodiments of the invention disclosed herein and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the claims herein. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of a package that includes edible substances (or “package”, for conciseness) manufactured using an apparatus and/or a method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1C shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1D shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1E shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1F shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1G shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1H shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic representation illustrating a top view of a partition unit for use in a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a schematic representation illustrating a top view of a partition unit for use in a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2C shows a schematic representation illustrating a top view of a partition unit for use in a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2D shows a schematic representation illustrating a top view of a partition unit for use in a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2E shows a schematic representation illustrating a front view of a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2F shows a schematic representation illustrating a front view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2G shows a schematic representation illustrating a front view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2H shows a schematic representation illustrating a front view of the package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E show schematic representations illustrating a method for manufacturing a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation illustrating a process step of a method for manufacturing a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show schematic representations illustrating a method for manufacturing a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8D shows a schematic representation illustrating a process step of a method for manufacturing a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8E shows a schematic representation illustrating a process step of a method for manufacturing a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show schematic representations illustrating a method for manufacturing a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps components, and/or structures may not have been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
Various embodiments are described herein below, including methods and techniques. It should be kept in mind that the invention might also cover an article of manufacture that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium on which computer-readable instructions for carrying out embodiments of the inventive technique are stored. The computer readable medium may include, for example, semiconductor, magnetic, opto-magnetic, optical, or other forms of computer readable medium for storing computer readable code. Further, the invention may also cover apparatuses for practicing embodiments of the invention. Such apparatus may include circuits, dedicated and/or programmable, to carry out operations pertaining to embodiments of the invention. Examples of such apparatus include a general purpose computer and/or a dedicated computing device when appropriately programmed and may include a combination of a computer/computing device and dedicated/programmable hardware circuits adapted for the various operations pertaining to embodiments of the invention.
One or more embodiments of the invention may be related to an apparatus for manufacturing a package that includes edible substances (or “package”, for conciseness). The edible substances may include one or more solid edible substances and/or one or more fluid edible substances. For example, the edible substances may include ready-to-eat cereal (or “cereal”, for conciseness) and a beverage. In one or more embodiments, the cereal may be made from one or more processed grains; the beverage may include one or more of milk, juice, soda, soy milk, coffee, tea, chai, milk shake, a chocolate drink, an energy drink, a fiber drink, and a protein drink for use with the cereal.
The apparatus may include a first provider configured to provide a first edible substance into a first space. The apparatus may further include a second provider configured to provide a second edible substance into a second space, at least one of the first edible substance and the second edible substance including ready-to-eat cereal. The apparatus may further include a partition mechanism configured to implement a partition unit for separating the first edible substance from the second edible substance. The apparatus may further include a sealing mechanism configured to seal a container that encloses at least one of the first space and the second space. The apparatus may further include a tube-handling mechanism configured to handle a tube and configured to combine the tube with the container for forming a combination, an internal width of the tube (e.g., an internal diameter of the tube perpendicular to an axis of the tube) being larger than an average unit width of units of the ready-to-eat cereal, wherein the package comprises the combination. The axis (e.g., axis of symmetry) of the tube may be a geometric/imaginary line and may not be a physical element of the tube. The apparatus may further include a controller including hardware circuit and configured to control at least one of the first provider, the second provider, the partition mechanism, the sealing mechanism, and the tube-handling mechanism.
The apparatus may include one or more members that are well-known in the art. The apparatus may be used in mass-production of packages.
In one or more embodiments, the internal width of the tube is larger than a maximum unit width of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, the internal width of the tube is larger than an average unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, the internal width of the tube is larger than a maximum unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, at least one of the average unit width, the maximum unit width, the average unit length, and the maximum unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal may be at least ½ inch. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the average unit width, the maximum unit width, the average unit length, and the maximum unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal may be greater than ½ inch.
In one or more embodiments, the partition mechanism may include a holder configured to dispose the partition unit inside the container after the first edible substance has been disposed inside the first space. The partition mechanism may further include a bonding unit configured to bond the partition unit with the container (e.g., using induction bonding, thermal bonding, and/or pressure bonding) after the partition unit has been disposed inside the container.
In one or more embodiments, the container has a tapered portion. The partition mechanism may include a holder that is configured to dispose the partition unit inside the tapered portion and above the first edible substance at a position where a width of the partition unit is substantially equal to an internal width value of the container.
In one or more embodiments, the sealing mechanism is configured to close the container after the first edible substance, the partition unit, and the second edible substance have been disposed inside the container and after the partition unit has been positioned between the first edible substance and the second edible substance.
In one or more embodiments, the first space is inside a first sub-container that includes a first side, and the second space is inside a second sub-container that includes a second side. At least one of the partition mechanism and the sealing mechanism may be configured to couple the first sub-container with the second sub-container. The container may include the first sub-container and the second sub-container. The partition unit may include the first side and the second side. The tube-handling mechanism may be configured to dispose the tube such that the tube overlaps the first side and overlaps the second side.
In one or more embodiments, at least one of a portion of the first side and a portion of the second side is more fragile, more breakable, and/or more collapsible than a sidewall of the container.
In one or more embodiments, a portion of the partition unit is more fragile, more breakable, and/or more collapsible than a sidewall of the container.
In one or more embodiments, the sealing mechanism is configured to seal an interface of/between the first side and the second side.
In one or more embodiments, the sealing mechanism is configured to provide a band such that the band surrounds both the first side and the second side.
In one or more embodiments, the sealing mechanism is configured to provide an enclosure such that the enclosure encloses both the first sub-container and the second sub-container.
In one or more embodiments, the first space is inside a first sub-container that includes a side, and the second space is inside a second sub-container that includes an opening. At least one of the partition mechanism and the sealing mechanism may be configured to use the first sub-container to close the opening. The partition unit may include the side. The container may include the first sub-container and the second sub-container.
One or more embodiments of the invention may be related to a method for manufacturing a package that includes edible substances (or “package”, for conciseness). The method may include the following process steps: providing a first edible substance into a first space; providing a second edible substance into a second space, at least one of the first edible substance and the second edible substance including ready-to-eat cereal; implementing a partition unit for separating the first edible substance from the second edible substance; sealing a container that encloses at least one of the first space and the second space; combining a tube with the container for forming a combination, an internal width of the tube (e.g., an internal diameter of the tube perpendicular to an axis of the tube) being larger than an average unit width of units of the ready-to-eat cereal, wherein the package comprises the combination; and controlling, using a controller that includes hardware circuit, at least one of the implementing, sealing, and combining.
The apparatus may include one or more processes that are well-known in the art. The method may be used in mass-production of packages.
In one or more embodiments, the internal width of the tube is larger than a maximum unit width of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, the internal width of the tube is larger than an average unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, the internal width of the tube is larger than a maximum unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, the step of implementing the partition unit may include the following steps: disposing the partition unit inside the container after the first edible substance has been disposed inside the first space; and bonding the partition unit with the container after the partition unit has been disposed inside the container.
In one or more embodiments, the container has a tapered portion. The step of implementing the partition may include disposing the partition unit inside the tapered portion (with decreasing internal width values along an axis of the tapered portion) and above the first edible substance at a position where a width of the partition unit is substantially equal to an internal width value of the container.
In one or more embodiments, the method may further include the following steps: coupling a first sub-container with a second sub-container, wherein the first space is inside the first sub-container that includes a first side, wherein the second space is inside the second sub-container that includes a second side, wherein the container includes the first sub-container and the second sub-container, wherein the partition unit includes the first side and the second side, and wherein at least one of a portion of the first side and a portion of the second side is more fragile than a sidewall of the container; and disposing the tube such that the tube overlaps the first side and overlaps the second side.
In one or more embodiments, the method may include sealing an interface of/between the first side and the second side.
In one or more embodiments, the method may include providing a band such that the band surrounds both the first side and the second side.
In one or more embodiments, the method may include providing an enclosure such that the enclosure encloses both the first sub-container and the second sub-container.
In one or more embodiments, the method may include inverting the first sub-container before disposing the first side on the second side.
In one or more embodiments, the method may include using a first sub-container that includes a side (and/or using the side of the first sub-container) to close an opening of a second sub-container, wherein the first space is inside the first sub-container, wherein the partition unit includes the side, and wherein the container includes the first sub-container and the second sub-container.
Advantageously, a package manufactured using one or more embodiments of the invention may enable a user to utilize only one tool, the tube, to trigger mixing of edible substances, to control the mixing, and to transmit the mixture from the container to the user's mouth. Packages manufactured using embodiments of the invention may eliminate the need for a spoon. Advantageously spill may be substantially avoided, and the eyesight of the user may not be substantially blocked or distracted.
Packages manufactured using embodiments of the invention may enable the user to easily control the process of mixing edible substances according to the user's preferences regarding concentrations of the edible substances in the mixture.
The features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the figures and discussions that follow.
In the figures, some of the components are illustrated as transparent for facilitating discussion and understanding of embodiments of the invention. Nevertheless, the components may be translucent or opaque in one or more embodiments of the invention. In the examples discussed with reference to the figures, cereal and milk may be used as examples for edible substance. Nevertheless, one or more embodiments of the invention may operate with other edible substances.
FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of a package 100 for facilitating intake of edible substances (or “package 100” or “package 100”) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1A, package 100 may include a container 102 that may include a portion 104, a portion 106, and a partition unit 108 disposed between portion 104 and portion 106. Each of portion 104, portion 106, and partition unit 108 may include well known food packaging, food container, beverage packaging, and/or beverage container materials, such as aluminum, paper, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), and/or stainless steel.
A space 192 (or compartment 192) may be located or formed inside portion 104, and/or located or formed between portion 104 and partition unit 108, for containing an edible substance 110, for example, cereal. A space 194 (or compartment 194) may be located or formed inside portion 106, and/or located or formed between portion 106 and partition unit 108, for containing an edible substance 112, for example, milk. In general, edible substance 112 may be different from edible substance 110. In one or more embodiments, each of space 192 and space 194 may contain solid and/or fluid edible substances.
In one or more embodiments, package 100 may include one or more temperature control units coupled with one or more of portion 104 and portion 106 for influencing and/or maintaining the temperature(s) of one or more of edible substance 110, edible substance 112, and a mixture of edible substance 110 and edible substance 112. The one or more temperature control units may include one or more of a heating unit (e.g., an electrical and/or chemical heating unit), a cooling unit (e.g., an electrical and/or chemical cooling unit), and an insulation unit.
Package 100 may also include a tube 126 (or straw 126) at least for causing a change at partition unit 108 to open an opening between space 192 that contains edible substance 110 and space 194 that contains edible substance 112, and for operating as a straw to transmit at least a portion of an edible mixture from at least one of space 194 and space 192 to the mouth of a user. In one or more embodiments, the edible mixture may include at least part of edible substance 110 provided from space 192 through space 194 and at least part of edible substance 112 provided from space 194. In one or more embodiments, the edible mixture may include at least part of edible substance 112 provided from space 194 through space 192 and at least part of edible substance 110 provided from space 192.
Tube 126 may include or be made of a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) and/or a plastic material. Tube 126 may have at least two holes; one of the holes may be located at an end portion 128 of tube 126. In one or more embodiments, when not in use, tube 126 may be attached to at least an outer wall of at least one of portion 104 and portion 106 as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1A. In one or more embodiments, when not in use, tube 126 may be disposed in a bag or a case attached to at least an outer wall of at least one of portion 104 and portion 106. In one or more embodiments, at least one of portion 104 and portion 106 may include a holder for holding tube 126 when tube 126 is not in use. Although tube 126 is illustrated to have a straight configuration, tube 126 may include one or more other configurations, such as including one or more curved portions, in one or more embodiments.
Package 100 may also include a choice-facilitating mechanism for enabling the user to choose between controlling the addition of edible substance 110 into edible substance 112 and controlling the addition of edible substance 112 into edible substance 110.
The choice-facilitating mechanism may include a designated portion 114 disposed at portion 104 for facilitating the insertion of tube 126 through portion 104 and space 192 into space 194 for controlling a flow of edible substance 110 from space 192 to space 194. The choice-facilitating mechanism may also include a designated portion 118 disposed at portion 106 for facilitating the insertion of tube 126 through portion 106 and space 194 into space 192 for controlling a flow of the second edible substance from space 194 to space 192.
In one or more embodiments, designated portion 114 may be made weaker, more fragile, and/or more penetrable than other part of portion 104, such as a side wall 116 of portion 104. In one or more embodiments, the constituents or material(s) of designated portion 114 may be different from the constituents or material(s) of side wall 116. In one or more embodiments, designated portion 114 may include fewer layers of materials than side wall 116. In one or more embodiments, at least part of designated portion 114 may be perforated. Analogously, designated portion 118 may be made weaker, more fragile, and/or more penetrable than other part of portion 106, such as a side wall 120 of portion 106.
Adding the edible substance 110 into edible substance 112 may be associated with a low initial concentration of edible substance 110 and a high initial concentration of edible substance 112 in the mixture. On the other hand, adding edible substance 112 into edible substance 110 may be associated with a low initial concentration of edible substance 112 and a high initial concentration of the substance 110 in the mixture.
Advantageously, embodiments of the invention may enable the user to easily control the process of mixing the edible substances according to the user's preferences regarding the concentrations of the edible substances in the mixture.
Package 100 may include a communication element 122 disposed at portion 104 for indicating the location of designated portion 114. Communication element 122 may include a tab and/or a label disposed at portion 104. Communication element 122 may include text or symbols displayed at the tab, the label, and/or portion 104. Communication element 122 may instruct the user to insert tube 126 from portion 104 or designated portion 114 for controlling the amount of edible substance 110 (e.g., cereal) added into edible substance 112 (e.g., milk) or for adding edible substance 110 into edible substance 112. Analogously, package 100 may include a communication element 124 disposed at portion 106 for indicating the location of designated portion 118. Communication element 124 may instruct the user to insert tube 126 from portion 106 or designated portion 118 for controlling the amount of edible substance 112 (e.g., milk) added into edible substance 110 (e.g., cereal) or for adding edible substance 112 into edible substance 110.
In one or more embodiments, if edible substance 110 includes solid units (or if space 104 contains solid units), package 100 may provide instructions for instructing the user to rotate container 102 before inserting tube 126 from designated portion 114 (or from portion 104) and to insert tube 126 from an upper portion of designated portion 114 (or of portion 104). In one or more embodiments, the instructions may be provided at communication element 122.
FIG. 1B shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of package 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1B, in accordance with instructions provided at communication element 122, container 102 may have been rotated to turn designated portion 114 sideways, and tube 126 may have been inserted from an upper portion of designated portion 114. Tube 126 may penetrate through portion 104, space 192, and partition unit 108 into space 194, creating an opening 132 at portion 104, creating an opening 130 at partition unit 108, and disposing end portion 128 inside space 194. In one or more embodiments, package 100 may provide instructions for instructing the user to put (or push) tube 126 through partition unit 108.
As can be appreciated from the example illustrated in the example of FIG. 1B, when container 102 has been rotated to turn designated portion 114 sideways, gravity may attract edible substance 110 towards the lower portion of space 192. Given that tube 126 is inserted from the upper portion of designated portion 114 through the upper portion of space 192, tube 126 may avoid at least some of edible substance 110, which may include solid units. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention may prevent tube 126 from being obstructed (or damaged) by at least some of the solid units and/or may prevent at least some the solid units from being broken by tube 126.
FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, FIG. 1E show schematic representations illustrating perspective views of package 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, and FIG. 1E illustrate that package 100 may include a flow rate control mechanism that may include tube 126, partition unit, and opening 130.
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1C, as part of the flow rate control mechanism of package 100, tube 126 may block or reduce the flow (or movement) of edible substance 110 from space 192 through opening 130 to space 194 (and into edible substance 112 or an edible mixture) when end portion 128 is disposed inside space 194 and when tube 126 is disposed through opening 130.
FIG. 1C also illustrates that partition unit 108 may includes a region 188 (indicated by a dotted outline) disposed under tube 126 and disposed between portion 104 and portion 106 for receiving a push from tube 126 to open the opening.
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1D, end portion 128 of tube 126 may be asymmetric with respect to any plane parallel to partition unit 108 when tube 126 is disposed perpendicular to partition unit 108. As further illustrated in the example of FIG. 1D, disposing end portion 128 partly inside space 192 and partly inside space 194 may cause a first flow rate of edible substance 110 from space 192 through opening 130 to space 194. The first flow rate may affect the speed of adding edible substance 110 into edible substance 112 (illustrated in one or more of the examples of FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C) or into an edible mixture 182 that already contains some of edible substance 110 and some of edible substance 112.
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1E, disposing end portion 128 completely inside space 192 may allowing at least a portion of edible substance 110 to move from space 192 through opening 130 to space 194, causing a second flow rate of edible substance 110 from space 192 through opening 130 to space 194. The second flow rate may affect the speed of adding edible substance 110 into edible substance 112 (illustrated in one of more of the examples of FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C) or into an edible mixture 184 that already contains some of edible substance 110 and some of edible substance 112. The second flow rate may be greater than the first flow rate.
As illustrated in FIG. 1E, an internal width D (e.g., internal diameter D) of the tube 126 (perpendicular to an axis X of the tube 126) may be larger than an average unit width w of units (e.g., pieces, flakes, grains, or particles) of edible substance 110, which may be ready-to-eat cereal. The internal width D of the tube may be larger than a maximum unit width W of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal. The internal width D of the tube may be larger than an average unit length h of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal. The internal width D of the tube is larger than a maximum unit length H of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, at least one of the average unit width w, the maximum unit width W, the average unit length h, and the maximum unit length H of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal may be at least ½ inch. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the average unit width w, the maximum unit width W, the average unit length h, and the maximum unit length H of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal may be greater than ½ inch.
FIG. 1F shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of package 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1F, tube 126 may operate as a straw to transmit at least a portion of an edible mixture 140 from space 194 to the mouth 138 of a user 136 when end portion 128 is disposed inside space 194 and when tube 126 is disposed through portion 104, first space 192, and opening 130. Edible mixture 140 may include at least part of edible substance 110 provided from space 192 through space 194 and at least part of edible substance 112 provided from space 194. The portion of edible mixture 140 may travel through end portion 128, opening 130, partition unit 108, space 192, and portion 104 before reaching mouth 138 of user 136. Tube 126 may be repositioned upwards to dispose end portion 128 partly inside space 192 and partly inside space 194 (as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1D) or to dispose end portion 128 completely inside space 192 for adding more of edible substance 110 into edible mixture 140 to adjust the concentrations of edible substance 110 and edible substance 112 in edible mixture 140.
As can be appreciated from the discussion provided above with reference to the examples of FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, FIG. 1E, and FIG. 1F, embodiments of the invention may enable the user to perform all of triggering (or starting) the process of mixing of edible substances, controlling the process of mixing of the edible substances, controlling the concentrations of the edible substances in the mixture of the edible substances, and transmitting the mixture of the edible substances utilizing only one tool, tube 126. Advantageously, the intake of the mixture of the edible substances may be performed in a convenient manner. Tube 126 may also produce substantially less spill than potential spill that may be produced by a spoon in a prior art package.
FIG. 1G shows a schematic representation illustrating a front view of package 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1G, package 100 may include a closure unit 142, such as a valve, a cap, a lid, or a plug, for closing or covering opening 132. After opening 132 has been closed or covered, container 102 may be flipped to dispose space 194 above space 192 (or to dispose portion 106 above portion 104) to accelerate the mixing process assuming edible substance 112 (illustrated in one or more of the examples of FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C) or the edible mixture in space 194 (such as edible mixture 182 illustrated in the example of FIG. 1D, edible mixture 184 illustrated in the example of FIG. 1E, or edible mixture 140 illustrated in the example of FIG. 1F) includes more liquid than edible substance 110 (illustrated in one or more of the examples of FIG. 1A-FIG. 1F) and flows faster than edible substance edible substance 110. After opening 132 has been closed or covered, and after container 102 has been flipped, tube 126 may be inserted through an opening 144 at portion 106 and through opening 130 to dispose end portion 128 in space 192 for transmitting edible mixture to the mouth of the user.
As can be appreciated from the discussion provided with reference to the example of FIG. 1G, closure unit 142 may provide further flexibility and controllability for the user to control the mixing process.
FIG. 1H shows a schematic representation illustrating a front view of package 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In one or more embodiments, tube 126 may be pushed through partition unit 108 to form an additional opening 148 (in addition to opening 130) between space 192 and space 194 for generating an additional flow of edible substance 110 from space 194 to space 192. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1H, after tube 126 has been moved away from opening 148, both opening 148 and opening 130 allow edible substance 110 to flow from space 194 to space 192.
As can be appreciated from the discussion provided with reference to the example of FIG. 1H, partition unit 108 and tube 126 may provide further flexibility and controllability for the user to control the mixing process.
FIG. 2A shows a schematic representation illustrating a top view of a partition unit 208 for use in a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. In one or embodiments, one or more of edge 292, edge 294, edge 296, and edge 298 of partition unit 208 that are coupled with other portions of the package may break away from the other portions of the package when partition unit 208 receives a force greater than a threshold such that partition unit 208 may collapse to form an opening between one or more of edge 292, edge 294, edge 296, and edge 298 and other portion of the package. For example, the package may be weakened and/or perforated near or at edge 292, edge 294, edge 296, and edge 298.
In one or more embodiments, partition unit 208 may be a deformable member that is bendable. In one or more embodiments, partition unit 208 may include one or more resilient materials, such as rubber, elastic plastic, and/or silicone.
In one or more embodiments, partition unit 208 may include a reinforced portion 204 for receiving a force provided by a tube (similar to tube 126 illustrated in the examples of FIG. 1A-FIG. 1H) of the package to the force receiving point, to prevent partition unit 208 from being penetrated by the tube. Reinforced portion 204 may be more rigid than another portion of partition unit 208, such as portion 202. In one or more embodiments, the constituents or material(s) of reinforced portion 204 may be different from the constituents or material(s) of portion 202. In one or more embodiments, reinforced portion 204 may include a metal. In one or more embodiments, reinforced portion 204 may include more layers of materials than portion 202.
FIG. 2B shows a schematic representation illustrating a top view of a partition unit 210 for use in a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Partition unit 210 may include a deformable member 216 located along a side of partition unit 210. Deformable member 216 may be collapsible, bendable, and/or flexible.
In one or embodiments, when deformable member 216 receives a force (from a tube of the package) that is greater than a threshold, one or more edges (such as edge 282 and/or edge 284) of partition unit 210 may break away from other portions of the package, and deformable member 216 may break away from another portion 290 of partition unit 210 at edge 214. As a result, at least an opening may be formed at the break spots.
In one or more embodiments, deformable member 216 may include one or more resilient materials, such as rubber, elastic plastic, and/or silicone.
In one or more embodiments, deformable member 216 may include a reinforced portion 212 for receiving a force provided by the tube of the package.
FIG. 2C shows a schematic representation illustrating a top view of a partition unit 218 for use in a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Partition unit 218 may include a deformable member 222 located at an edge of partition unit 218. Deformable member 222 may be collapsible bendable, and/or flexible. Deformable member 222 may include a reinforced portion 220 for receiving a force provided by a tube of the package. Deformable member 222 may remain connected to the other portion 224 of partition unit 218 through edge 226 when deformable member 222 is deformed by the tube of the package.
FIG. 2D shows a schematic representation illustrating a top view of a partition unit 228 for use in a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Partition unit 228 may include a deformable member 232 located at a corner of partition unit 228. Deformable member 232 may have features that are similar to features of deformable member 222 discussed in the example of FIG. 2C.
FIG. 2E shows a schematic representation illustrating a front view of a package 250 (or “package 250”) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
Package 250 may include a container 252. Container 252 may include well known food packaging, food container, beverage packaging, and/or beverage container materials, such as aluminum, paper, and/or plastic (e.g., polyethylene).
Package 250 may also include partition unit 208 illustrated in the example of FIG. 2A. In one or more embodiments, package 250 may include one or more of partition unit 210, partition unit 218, and partition unit 228 illustrated in the examples of FIG. 2B-FIG. 2D to provide features similar to features provided by partition unit 208. Partition unit 208 may be disposed inside container 252 and disposed between an upper portion 236 and a lower portion 238 of container 252. Partition unit 208 may divide the space inside container 252 into a space 272 and a space 274. The sizes of space 272 and space 274 may change when partition unit 208 is deformed. Space 272 may contain a first edible substance, for example, cereal. Space 274 may contain a second edible substance, for example, milk. In general, the first edible substance may be different from the second edible substance. In one or more embodiments, each of space 272 and space 274 may contain solid and/or fluid edible substances.
In one or more embodiments, package 250 may include one or more temperature control units coupled with container 252 for influencing and/or maintaining the temperature(s) of one or more of the first edible substance, the second edible substance, and a mixture of the first edible substance and the second edible substance. The one or more temperature control units may include one or more of a heating unit (e.g., an electrical and/or chemical heating unit), a cooling unit (e.g., an electrical and/or chemical cooling unit), and an insulation unit.
Package 250 may also include a tube 266 (or straw 266) at least for causing a change at partition unit 208 to open an opening (such as an opening having a size 230) between space 272 that contains the first edible substance and space 274 that contains the second edible substance, and for operating as a straw to transmit at least a portion of an edible mixture from at least one of space 274 and space 272 to the mouth of a user. Partition unit 208 (being a deformable member or including a deformable member) may be disposed under tube 266 and disposed between portion 236 and portion 238 for receiving a push from tube 266 to open the opening. The edible mixture may include at least part of the first edible substance provided from space 272 through space 274 and at least part of the second edible substance provided from space 274. In one or more embodiments, the edible mixture may include at least part of the second edible substance provided from space 274 through space 272 and at least part of the first edible substance provided from space 272.
Tube 266 may include a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) and/or a plastic material. Tube 266 may have at least two holes; one of the holes may be located at an end portion 268 of tube 266. Although tube 266 is illustrated to have a straight configuration, tube 266 may include one or more other configurations, such as including one or more curved portions, in one or more embodiments.
FIG. 2E, FIG. 2F, and FIG. 2G illustrate that package 250 may include a flow rate control mechanism that may include end portion 268 of tube 266 and partition unit 208, a deformable member. In one or more embodiments, the flow rate control mechanism of package 250 may include one or more of deformable member 216, deformable member 222, and deformable member 232 illustrated in the examples of FIG. 2B-FIG. 2D. The one or more of deformable member 216, deformable member 222, and deformable member 232 may be disposed under tube 266 and disposed between portion 236 and portion 238 for receiving a push from tube 266 to open the opening.
Before tube 266 pushes partition unit 208, there may be no opening between space 272 and space 274. When tube 266 pushes partition unit, reinforced portion 204 may receive the force provided by tube 266 to prevent the force-receiving point of partition unit 208 from being penetrated by tube 266. When the force provided by tube 266 is greater than a threshold, partition unit 208 (or the deformable member) may be deformed, and an opening may be opened between space 272 and space 274.
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2E, disposing end portion 268 at position 256 may deform partition unit 208 (or the deformable member) to a first extent to open the opening to a first size 230 to cause a first flow rate of the first edible substance from space 272 to space 274.
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2F, disposing end portion 268 at position 258 may deform partition unit 208 (or the deformable member) to a second extent to open the opening to a second size 234 to cause a second flow rate of the first edible substance from space 272 to space 274. Position 258 may be lower than position 256, and the second flow rate may be greater than the first flow rate.
In one or more embodiment, partition unit 208 may include or be made of at least a resilient material. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2G, when end portion 268 is moved away from partition unit 208 (or the deformable member), partition unit 208 (or the deformable member) may return to some extent and may close at least a portion of the opening.
As further illustrated in the examples of FIG. 2E-FIG. 2G, in one or more embodiments, package 250 may also include at least one protrusion, such as protrusion 270, coupled to the inner wall of container 252 (or at least one inner wall of at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion of container 252. The protrusion(s) may secure partition unit 208 (or the deformable member) in place before the opening is opened (or before secure partition unit 208 is deformed). For example, an edge of partition unit 208 (or the deformable member) may be attached to the protrusion(s). After the opening has been opened, the opening may be located between the protrusion(s) and partition unit 208 (or the deformable member), and tube 266 also may be located between the protrusion(s) and partition unit 208 (or the deformable member). When tube 266 is moved away from partition unit 208 (or the deformable member) and when partition unit 208 (or the deformable member) returns to some extent, the protrusion(s) may compensate for the deformation of partition unit 208 (or the deformable member) and may block at least some of the first edible substance from entering space 274, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 2G.
FIG. 2H shows a schematic representation illustrating a front view of the package 252 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2H, tube 266 may operate as a straw to transmit at least a portion of an edible mixture 242 to the mouth 278 of a user 276 when end portion 128 is submerged in edible mixture 242. Edible mixture 242 may include at least part of the first edible substance provided from space 272 and at least part of the second edible substance provided from space 274.
In one or more embodiments, a region 260 may be formed between partition unit 208 and second portion 238, with end portion 268 of tube 266 being disposed inside region 266. At least a portion of the first edible substance and a portion of the second edible substance may be mixed inside the region.
As can be appreciated from the discussion provided above with reference to the examples of FIG. 2E, FIG. 2F, FIG. 2G, and FIG. 2H, embodiments of the invention may enable the user to perform all of triggering (or starting) the process of mixing of edible substances, controlling the process of mixing of the edible substances, controlling the concentrations of the edible substances in the mixture of the edible substances, and transmitting the mixture of the edible substances utilizing only one tool, tube 266. Advantageously, the intake of the mixture of the edible substances may be performed in a convenient manner. Tube 266 may also produce substantially less spill than potential spill that may be produced by a spoon in a prior art package.
FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of a package 300 (or “package 300”) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Package 300 may also include a choice-facilitating mechanism for enabling the user to choose between controlling the addition of edible substance 310 into edible substance 312 and controlling the addition of edible substance 312 into edible substance 310.
The choice-facilitating mechanism may include a designated portion 314 disposed at portion 304 (on a first side of partition unit 308) for facilitating the insertion of tube 326 through portion 304 and space 392 into space 394 for controlling a flow of edible substance 310 from space 392 to space 394.
The choice-facilitating mechanism may also include a designated portion 318 disposed at portion 306 (on a second side of partition unit 308) for facilitating the insertion of tube 326 through portion 306 and space 394 into space 392 for controlling a flow of the second edible substance from space 394 to space 392.
In one or more embodiments, designated portion 314 may be made weaker, more fragile, and/or more penetrable than other part of portion 304. Analogously, designated portion 318 may be made weaker, more fragile, and/or more penetrable than other part of portion 306.
In one or more embodiments, designated portion 314 and designated portion 318 may be disposed with misalignment, for preventing tube 326 from penetrating both designated portion 314 and designated portion 318. With the misalignment, an imaginary straight line 329 that is perpendicular to partition unit 308 and passes through designated portion 314 may be parallel to an imaginary straight line that is perpendicular to partition unit 308 and passes through designated portion 318.
Advantageously, embodiments of the invention may enable the user to easily control the process of mixing the edible substances according to the user's preferences regarding the concentrations of the edible substances in the mixture, while reducing the risk of leakage.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation illustrating a perspective view of a package 400 (or “package 400”) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
Package 400 may include a first designated portion disposed at portion 404 (on a first side of partition unit 408) for facilitating the insertion of tube 426 through portion 404 and space 492 into space 494 for controlling a flow of edible substance 410 from space 492 to space 494.
Package 400 may also include a second designated portion disposed at portion 406 (on a second side of partition unit 408) for facilitating the insertion of tube 426 through portion 406 and space 494 into space 492 for controlling a flow of the second edible substance from space 494 to space 492.
Package 400 may also include a closure unit 414 (such as a valve, a cap, a lid, or a plug) disposed at portion 404 for covering an opening located at the first designated portion (after tube 426 has penetrated the first designated portion).
Package 400 may also include a closure unit 418 (such as a valve, a cap, a lid, or a plug) disposed at portion 406 for covering an opening located at the second designated portion (after tube 426 has penetrated the second designated portion).
Package 400 may also include structure 492 coupled with portion 404 and surrounding closure unit 414. Structure 492 and portion 404 may form a first container when portion 404 is disposed under structure 492. The first container may collect spill coming from an opening located at the first designated portion. In addition, structure 492 may support package 400 when structure 492 is disposed under portion 404.
Package 400 may also include a structure 494 coupled with portion 406 and surrounding closure unit 418. Structure 494 and portion 406 may form a second container when portion 406 is disposed under structure 494. The second container may collect spill coming from an opening located at the second designated portion. In addition, structure 494 may support package 400 when structure 494 is disposed under portion 406.
Advantageously, embodiments of the invention may enable the user to easily control the process of mixing the edible substances according to the user's preferences regarding the concentrations of the edible substances in the mixture, while reducing the risk of leakage and the risk of spill out of packages.
FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating an apparatus 500 for manufacturing a package (e.g., a package discussed in one or more of the examples of FIGS. 1A-4) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, apparatus 500 may include a provider 504 configured to provide a first edible substance into a first space. Apparatus 500 may further include a provider 508 configured to provide a second edible substance into a second space. At least one of the first edible substance and the second edible substance including ready-to-eat cereal (or “cereal”, for conciseness). In one or more embodiments, at least one of provider 504 and provider 508 is configured to provide ready-to-eat cereal with at least one of an average unit width, a maximum unit width, an average unit length, and a maximum unit length being at least ½ inch or greater than ½ inch. In one or more embodiments, at least one of provider 504 and provider 508 is configured to provide ready-to-eat cereal that includes units that are substantially crunchier and/or crispier than the other edible substance provided by at least one of provider 504 and provider 508. In one or more embodiments, at least one of provider 504 and provider 508 is configured to provide ready-to-eat cereal that does not substantially dissolve the other edible substance provided by at least one of provider 504 and provider 508 for at least 30 minutes after being mixed with the other edible substance.
Apparatus 500 may further include a partition mechanism 506 configured to implement a partition unit for separating the first edible substance from the second edible substance. Apparatus 500 may further include a sealing mechanism 510 configured to seal a container that encloses at least one of the first space and the second space. Apparatus 500 may further include a tube-handling mechanism 512 configured to handle a tube and configured to combine the tube with the container for forming a combination, an internal width of the tube (e.g., an internal diameter of the tube perpendicular to an axis of the tube) being larger than an average unit width of units (e.g., pieces, flakes, grains, or particles) of the ready-to-eat cereal (as discussed with reference to the example of FIG. 1E), wherein the package comprises the combination. The axis (e.g., axis of symmetry) of the tube may be a geometric/imaginary line and may not be a physical element of the tube.
In one or more embodiments, the tube may have an elliptical cross-section (perpendicular to an axis of the tube) for comfort of the user and/or for optimization of package storage; tube-handling mechanism 512 may be configured to handle the tube with the elliptical cross-section.
In one or more embodiments, the internal width of the tube is larger than a maximum unit width of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, the internal width of the tube is larger than an average unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, the internal width of the tube is larger than a maximum unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.
In one or more embodiments, at least one of the average unit width, the maximum unit width, the average unit length, and the maximum unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal may be at least ½ inch. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the average unit width, the maximum unit width, the average unit length, and the maximum unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal may be greater than ½ inch.
Apparatus 500 may further include a controller 502 including hardware circuit and configured to control at least one of provider 502, provider 508, partition mechanism 506, sealing mechanism 510, and tube-handling mechanism 512. Controller 502 may be electrically connected to one or more of provider 502, provider 508, partition mechanism 506, sealing mechanism 510, and tube-handling mechanism 512.
Apparatus 500 may include one or more members that are well-known in the art. Apparatus 500 may be used in mass-production of packages.
Features of apparatus 500 and related methods according to one or more embodiments are further discussed in FIGS. 6A-9C.
FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E show schematic representations illustrating a method for manufacturing a package 600 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. One or more features of package 600 may be analogous to and/or identical to one or more features of one or more packages discussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1A-4.
As illustrated in FIG. 6A, provider 504 may provide an edible substance 616 into a space 618 inside a container 614.
As illustrated in FIG. 6B, partition mechanism 506 may implement a partition unit 624 for separating edible substance 616 from an edible substance 628, which is to be provided. Partition mechanism 506 may include a holder 620 configured to dispose the partition unit 624 inside container 614 after edible substance 616 has been disposed inside space 618. Partition mechanism may further include a bonding unit 522 configured to bond partition unit 624 with container 614 (e.g., using induction bonding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, and/or pressure bonding) after partition unit 624 has been disposed inside container 624. As a result, partition unit 624 may form a hermetic partition.
As illustrated in FIG. 6C, provider 508 may provide edible substance 628 into a space 626 on partition unit 624 inside container 614. At least one of edible substance 616 and edible substance 628 may include ready-to-eat cereal (or “cereal”, for conciseness). At least one of edible substance 616 and edible substance 628 may include a beverage.
As illustrated in FIG. 6D, sealing mechanism 510 may seal and/or close container 614, which encloses space 618 (containing edible substance 616) and space 626 (containing edible substance 628). In one or more embodiments, sealing mechanism 510 may close container 614 after edible substance 616, partition unit 624, and edible substance 628 have been disposed inside container 614 and after partition unit 624 has been positioned between edible substance 616 and edible substance 628. In one or more embodiments, sealing mechanism 510 may fold and/or bend one or more portions of container 614. In one or more embodiments, sealing mechanism 510 may dispose a closure unit (e.g., a lid) on container 614. In one or more embodiments, sealing mechanism 510 may perform one or more of induction bonding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, and pressure bonding to seal and/or close container 614. Now the sealed/closed container 614 may contain the cereal and the beverage that are separated by partition unit 624.
As illustrated in FIG. 6E, tube-handling mechanism 512 may handle a tube 632 and may combine tube 632 with container 614 for forming a combination. Tube 632 may be disposed inside a tube packet or tube wrapper for preventing contamination. Tube-handling mechanism 512 may attach the tube packet or tube wrapper to container 614 (e.g., using an adhesive).
Package 600 may include the combination of tube 632 and container 614 (which has included the cereal and the beverage that are separated by partition unit 624 and has been closed). With aseptic processing in manufacturing package 600, package 600 may have a substantial long shelf life without requiring refrigeration.
FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation illustrating a process step of a method for manufacturing a package in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. One or more features of the package may be analogous to and/or identical to one or more features of one or more packages discussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1A-4.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, a container 714 may have a tapered portion 730 with decreasing internal width values (e.g., internal diameter values). Partition mechanism 506 may include a holder 720 that is configured to dispose a partition unit 724 inside tapered portion 730 and above edible substance 716 (which has been provided into container 714 by provider 504) at a position where a width (e.g., a diameter) P of partition unit 724 is substantially equal to an internal width value (e.g., internal diameter value) C of the container. Advantageously, tapered portion 730 may support partition unit 724 against gravity and may facilitating alignment and/or calibration by stopping partition unit 724 at the aforementioned position. Partition mechanism 506 may further include a bonding unit 722 configured to bond partition unit 724 with container 714 after partition unit 724 has been disposed at the position inside container 714. Bonding unit 722 may have a tapered structure for supporting container 714 against gravity.
Following the process step discussed with reference to FIG. 7, one or more subsequent steps in the method may be analogous to one or more steps discussed with reference to the examples FIGS. 6C-6D.
FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show schematic representations illustrating a method for manufacturing a package 800 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Package 800 may include a container 830. Container 830 may include a sub-container 814 and a sub-container 820. One or more features of package 800 may be analogous to and/or identical to one or more features of one or more packages discussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1A-4.
Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8A, provider 504 may provide an edible substance 816 into a space 818 inside sub-container 814, and provider 508 may provide an edible substance 828 into a space 826 inside sub-container 820. At least one of edible substance 816 and edible substance 828 may include ready-to-eat cereal (or “cereal”, for conciseness). At least one of edible substance 816 and edible substance 828 may include a beverage. Sealing mechanism 510 may seal at least one of sub-container 814 and sub-container 820. Sub-container 814 may include a side 802 and a side 804, wherein a portion 852 of side 802 may be more fragile, more breakable, and/or more collapsible than side 804 (and a sidewall of container 830 that includes side 804). Sub-container 820 may include a side 808 and a side 810, wherein a portion 854 of side 808 may be more fragile, more breakable, and/or more collapsible than side 810 (and a sidewall of container 830 that includes side 810).
Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8B, at least one of partition mechanism 506 and sealing mechanism 510 may couple sub-container 814 with sub-container 820 for forming container 830, which may include sub-container 814 and sub-container 820. Container 830 may include a partition unit that separates edible substance 816 from edible substance 828. The partition unit may include side 802 and side 806.
In one or more embodiments, at least one of partition mechanism 506 and sealing mechanism 510 may invert the sub-container 814 in order to dispose side 802 on side 808 (such that side 802 directly contacts side 808) for forming the partition unit.
In one or more embodiments, a portion of the partition unit that includes at least one of portion 852 of side 802 and portion 854 of side 808 may be more fragile, more breakable, and/or more collapsible than a sidewall of container 830, wherein the sidewall of container 830 may include at least one of side 804 of sub-container 814 and side 810 of sub-container 820.
In one or more embodiments, portion 852 of side 802 may overlap portion 854 of side 808 in the partition unit.
In one or more embodiments, at least one of partition mechanism 506 and sealing mechanism 510 may bond side 802 and side 808 at edges of side 802 and side 808.
In one or more embodiments, sealing mechanism 510 may seal an interface of/between side 802 and side 808 (e.g., at edges of the interface).
Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8C, tube-handling mechanism 512 may dispose a tube 832 (which may be enclosed inside a packet or wrapper) on container 830 such that tube 832 overlaps side 802 and overlaps side 808, both side 802 and side 808 being disposed between edible substance 816 and edible substance 828. Package 800 may include the combination of tube 832 and container 830.
FIG. 8D shows a schematic representation illustrating a process step of a method for manufacturing a package 880 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. One or more features of package 880 may be analogous to and/or identical to one or more features of package 800 discussed with reference to examples of FIGS. 8A-8C.
Referring to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 8A-8D, sealing mechanism 510 may provide a band 834 such that band 834 surrounds both side 802 and side 808. Band 834 may bond sub-container 814 with sub-container 820 for forming/securing container 830 and/or may seal container 830 at the interface of sub-container 814 and sub-container 820.
Tube-handling mechanism 512 may dispose a tube 832 (which may be enclosed inside a packet or wrapper) on band 834 to combine tube 832 with container 830. Package 880 may include the combination of tube 832 and container 830.
FIG. 8E shows a schematic representation illustrating a process step of a method for manufacturing a package 890 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. One or more features of package 890 may be analogous to and/or identical to one or more features of package 800 discussed with reference to examples of FIGS. 8A-8C.
Referring to FIG. 5, FIGS. 8A-8C, and FIG. 8E, sealing mechanism 510 may provide an enclosure 838 such that enclosure 838 encloses both sub-container 814 and sub-container 820. Enclosure 838 may bond sub-container 814 with sub-container 820 for forming/securing container 830 and/or may seal container 830 at the interface of sub-container 814 and sub-container 820.
Tube-handling mechanism 512 may dispose a tube 832 (which may be enclosed inside a packet or wrapper) on enclosure 838 to combine tube 832 with container 830. Package 890 may include the combination of tube 832 and container 830.
As can be appreciated from the discussion with reference to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 8A-8E, with side 802 overlapping side 808, embodiments of the invention may advantageously tolerate substantial misalignment between sub-container 814 and sub-container 820 without substantially sacrificing bonding or sealing quality.
FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show schematic representations illustrating a method for manufacturing a package 900 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Package 900 may include a container 930. Container 930 may include a sub-container 914 and a sub-container 920. One or more features of package 900 may be analogous to and/or identical to one or more features of one or more packages discussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1A-4.
Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 9A, provider 504 may provide an edible substance 916 into a space 918 inside sub-container 914, and provider 508 may provide an edible substance 928 into a space 926 inside sub-container 920. At least one of edible substance 916 and edible substance 928 may include ready-to-eat cereal (or “cereal”, for conciseness). At least one of edible substance 916 and edible substance 928 may include a beverage.
In one or more embodiments, sealing mechanism 510 may seal sub-container 914 after a predetermined amount of edible substance 916 has been provided inside sub-container 914. Sub-container 920 may have an opening 990 that remains unsealed.
Sub-container 914 may include a side 902 and a side 904, wherein a portion 952 of side 902 may be more fragile, more breakable, and/or more collapsible than side 904, a side 910 of sub-container 920, and a sidewall of container 830 that includes at least one of side 904 and side 910.
Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 9B, at least one of partition mechanism 506 and sealing mechanism 510 may use sub-container 914 (e.g., side 902 thereof) to close opening 990 of sub-container 920 and may couple sub-container 914 with sub-container 920 for forming container 930, which may include sub-container 914 and sub-container 920. Container 930 may include a partition unit that separates edible substance 928 from edible substance 916. The partition unit may include side 902 and may include portion 952, which may be more fragile, more breakable, and/or more collapsible than a sidewall of container 830.
In one or more embodiments, at least one of partition mechanism 506 and sealing mechanism 510 may bond sub-container 914 and sub-container 920 at edges of side 902.
In one or more embodiments, sealing mechanism 510 may seal an interface of/between sub-container 914 and sub-container 920 (e.g., at edges of the interface).
In one or more embodiments, a band analogous to band 834 discussed with reference to FIG. 8D or an enclosure analogous to enclosure 838 discussed with reference to FIG. 8E may be provided.
Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 9C, tube-handling mechanism 512 may dispose a tube 932 (which may be enclosed inside a packet or wrapper) on container 930 such that tube 832 overlaps side 902, which is disposed between edible substance 816 and edible substance 828. Package 900 may include the combination of tube 932 and container 930.
As can be appreciated from the discussion with reference to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 9A-9C, embodiments of the invention may advantageously minimize the material cost required for implementing the partition unit.
In one or more embodiments, provider 508 may provide an edible substance 928 into a space 926 inside sub-container 920. At least one of partition mechanism 506 and sealing mechanism 510 may use an empty sub-container 914, which has not contained edible substance 916 and has not been sealed, to close opening 990 of sub-container 920, wherein sub-container 920 has contained edible substance 928; at least one of partition mechanism 506 and sealing mechanism 510 may couple sub-container 914 with sub-container 920. Subsequently, provider 504 may provide an edible substance 916 into a space 918 inside sub-container 914, and sealing mechanism 510 may seal sub-container 914 after a predetermined amount of edible substance 916 has been provided inside sub-container 914, such that a container 930 containing both edible substance 928 and edible substance 916 is formed. Advantageously, sub-container 914 may be relatively light-weighted when being used to close opening 990, and energy consumption for the operation may be minimized.
As can be appreciated from the foregoing, embodiments of the invention may enable manufacturing of packages that allow users to perform all of triggering (or starting) the process of mixing of edible substances, controlling the process of mixing of the edible substances, controlling the concentrations of the edible substances in the mixture of the edible substances, and transmitting the mixture of the edible substances utilizing only one tool, a tube. Advantageously, the intake of the mixture of the edible substances may be performed in a convenient manner.
A package manufactured according to embodiments of the invention includes a tube to operate as a straw for sucking cereal-beverage mixture from a container. Embodiments of the invention may minimize spill, without requiring the user to maintain an uncomfortable posture. Advantageously, waste of edible substances and cleaning costs may be minimized. Packages manufactured according to embodiments of the invention may also enable the intake of the mixture of the edible substances to be performed when the user is on the move, for example, walking or riding a car. Advantageously, the user may be able to save a substantial amount of time.
Packages manufactured according to embodiments of the invention may enable the user to choose between controlling the addition of the first edible substance into the second edible substance and controlling the addition of the second edible substance into the first edible substance. Advantageously, packages manufactured according to embodiments of the invention may enable the user to further easily control the process of mixing edible substances according to the user's preferences regarding concentrations of the edible substances.
While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may find utility in other applications. The abstract section may be provided herein for convenience and, due to word count limitation, may be accordingly written for reading convenience and should not be employed to limit the scope of the claims. It may be therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alternations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a package that includes edible substances, the apparatus comprising:

a first provider configured to provide a first edible substance into a first space;

a second provider configured to provide a second edible substance into a second space, at least one of the first edible substance and the second edible substance including ready-to-eat cereal;

a partition mechanism configured to implement a partition unit for separating the first edible substance from the second edible substance;

a sealing mechanism configured to seal a container that encloses at least one of the first space and the second space;

a tube-handling mechanism configured to handle a tube and configured to combine the tube with the container for forming a combination, an internal width of the tube being larger than an average unit width of units of the ready-to-eat cereal, wherein the package comprises the combination; and

a controller including hardware circuit and configured to control at least one of the first provider, the second provider, the partition mechanism, the sealing mechanism, and the tube-handling mechanism.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal width of the tube is larger than an average unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the partition mechanism comprises:

a holder configured to dispose the partition unit inside the container after the first edible substance has been disposed inside the first space; and

a bonding unit configured to bond the partition unit with the container after the partition unit has been disposed inside the container.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container has a tapered portion, and wherein the partition mechanism comprises a holder that is configured to dispose the partition unit inside the tapered portion and above the first edible substance at a position where a width of the partition unit is substantially equal to an internal width value of the container.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism is configured to close the container after the first edible substance, the partition unit, and the second edible substance have been disposed inside the container and after the partition unit has been positioned between the first edible substance and the second edible substance.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first space is inside a first sub-container that includes a first side, wherein the second space is inside a second sub-container that includes a second side, wherein at least one of the partition mechanism and the sealing mechanism is configured to couple the first sub-container with the second sub-container, wherein the container includes the first sub-container and the second sub-container, wherein the partition unit includes the first side and the second side, and wherein the tube-handling mechanism is configured to dispose the tube such that the tube overlaps the first side and overlaps the second side.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the sealing mechanism is configured to seal an interface of the first side and the second side.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the sealing mechanism is configured to provide a band such that the band surrounds both the first side and the second side.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the sealing mechanism is configured to provide an enclosure such that the enclosure encloses both the first sub-container and the second sub-container.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first space is inside a first sub-container that includes a side, wherein the second space is inside a second sub-container that includes an opening, wherein at least one of the partition mechanism and the sealing mechanism is configured to use the first sub-container to close the opening, wherein the partition unit includes the side, and wherein the container includes the first sub-container and the second sub-container.

11. A method for manufacturing a package that includes edible substances, the method comprising:

providing a first edible substance into a first space;

providing a second edible substance into a second space, at least one of the first edible substance and the second edible substance including ready-to-eat cereal;

implementing a partition unit for separating the first edible substance from the second edible substance;

sealing a container that encloses at least one of the first space and the second space;

combining a tube with the container for forming a combination, an internal width of the tube being larger than an average unit width of units of the ready-to-eat cereal, wherein the package comprises the combination; and

controlling, using a controller that includes hardware circuit, at least one of the implementing, sealing, and combining.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the internal width of the tube is larger than an average unit length of the units of the ready-to-eat cereal.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the implementing comprises:

disposing the partition unit inside the container after the first edible substance has been disposed inside the first space; and

bonding the partition unit with the container after the partition unit has been disposed inside the container.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the container has a tapered portion, and wherein the implementing comprises: disposing the partition unit inside the tapered portion and above the first edible substance at a position where a width of the partition unit is substantially equal to an internal width value of the container.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

coupling a first sub-container with a second sub-container, wherein the first space is inside the first sub-container that includes a first side, wherein the second space is inside the second sub-container that includes a second side, wherein the container includes the first sub-container and the second sub-container, wherein the partition unit includes the first side and the second side, and wherein at least one of a portion of the first side and a portion of the second side is more fragile than a sidewall of the container; and

disposing the tube such that the tube overlaps the first side and overlaps the second side.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: sealing an interface of the first side and the second side.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing a band such that the band surrounds both the first side and the second side.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing an enclosure such that the enclosure encloses both the first sub-container and the second sub-container.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: inverting the first sub-container before disposing the first side on the second side.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: using a first sub-container that includes a side to close an opening of a second sub-container, wherein the first space is inside the first sub-container, wherein the partition unit includes the side, and wherein the container includes the first sub-container and the second sub-container.