PACKAGING FOR POWDERED BEVERAGE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to packaging for a
powdered beverage.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Powdered nutritional beverages may be packaged in a variety of
different containers, most of which include at least a reclosable lid or other feature that
allows for multiple dosing from and resealing of the package. Such containers include
rigid reclosable bottles, cans or other containers, as well as resealable bags.
[0003] In one example, such packaging may include a metal container and
a lid removably attached to an open top of the metal container to retain the powdered
beverage in the container. As initially packaged (i.e., during shipping and at the point of
sale), the metal container also typically includes a waterproof membrane seal removably
attached over the open top of the container between the container and the lid. To initially
access the powdered beverage in the metal container, a user removes the lid and then
removes the waterproof seal. The lid can be repeatedly removed and reattached to the
container after the initial use, but the waterproof seal is not re-attachable to the container.
The metal container is not resiliently flexible, and therefore, the container may be dented or
otherwise damaged during shipping. A dented or otherwise damaged can has the
appearance of being a defective product, particularly to a consumer at the point of sale.
Moreover, the metal container tends to rust if exposed to moisture, which can spoil the
powdered beverage inside the container.
[0004] Recently, powdered nutritional beverages have alternatively been
packaged in containers comprising a rigid container within which is a resealable plastic bag
containing the powder. Such containers may be metal or relatively rigid plastic. These
products are beneficial in that they offer a resealable container for multi dose dispensing
while also offering a number of additional features. For example, using resealable bags
within the container provides additional protection against moisture, additional protection
against powder spilling out upon opening the lid of the container - particularly in instances
where the container is inadvertently dropped and the lid pops off. In certain other uses, the
bag may be replaceable while the container is suitable for re-use, with the container
configured so that an empty bag is easily removed and a filled replacement bag reinserted.
[0005] But the use of such bags in rigid containers also has associated
drawbacks. For example, in current products packaged in bags within containers, the
containers have a generally uniform cross-section to permit the powder-containing bags to
be readily placed in and removed from the container. However, in such configurations, the
bag often slides relative to the container, particularly if the container is tilted sideways to
facilitate reaching into the lower regions of the bag to scoop out the powder. This can
result in the bag of powder falling out of the container with the powder spilling out of the
bag. The bag may also be inadvertently lifted out of the container by the person reaching
down into the bag to scoop out powder.
[0006] The rigid containers used to house the resealable bags also have
associated drawbacks, one being that the containers are still susceptible to damage (e.g.,
visibly permanent deformation such as denting, creasing, etc) during transport - which
gives the impression to potential purchasers that the contents (i.e., the powder) of the
container are spoiled or that the contents and/or the packaging are otherwise defective.
These containers can also be somewhat difficult to grip while holding the container in one
hand and scooping powder from the bag with the other hand, again because the bag may be
inadvertently lifted out of the container but the user has no other hands to hold the bag
against such movement. In other packaging applications for powdered beverages, a
resealable bag may be housed in a cardboard box-type container. While such containers
are less rigid, they are no less susceptible to damage, particularly crushing and/or creasing,
during transport. They are also of uniform cross-section and thus still have associated
drawbacks relating to the bag not being adequately retained in the container.
[0007] There is a need, therefore, for a bag-in-container type packaging
for powdered beverage which overcomes the various drawbacks associated with existing
bag-in-container type packaging.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one aspect, hand-held packaging for a powdered beverage
generally comprises a container having an open top, a closed base, and a sidewall
extending from the top to the base such that the sidewall and the base together define an
interior space. The container has an interior cross-sectional dimension generally adjacent
the top of the container, with the sidewall having an interior surface configured to define a
minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the container at a longitudinal location
intermediate the top and the base. The minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the
container is substantially smaller than the interior cross-sectional dimension of the
container adjacent the top of the container. A lid is removably positionable on the top of
the container to open and close the interior space of the container. A bag is positionable
within the interior space of the container and has an upper end, a closed lower end, a
flexible sidewall, and an interior space for containing powdered beverage. The flexible
sidewall has a maximum cross-sectional dimension that is less than the minimum interior
cross-sectional dimension of the container. The bag and the container are configured
relative to each other such that upon positioning of the bag in the interior space of the
container the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the bag is disposed at least one of at
the minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the container, and intermediate the base
of the container and the minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the container
sidewall.
[0009] In another aspect, hand-held packaging for a powdered beverage
generally comprises a container having an open top, a closed base, and a sidewall
extending from the top to the base such that the sidewall and the base together define an
interior space. The container has an interior cross-sectional dimension generally adjacent
the top of the container and an interior cross-sectional dimension generally adjacent the
base of the container, and the sidewall has an interior surface configured to define a
minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the container at a longitudinal location
intermediate the top and the base. The minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the
container is substantially smaller than the interior cross-sectional dimensions of the
container adjacent the respective top and base of the container. A bag is positionable
within the interior space of the container and has an upper end, a closed lower end, a
flexible sidewall, and an interior space for containing powdered beverage.
[0010] In still another aspect, hand-held packaging for a powdered
beverage generally comprises a container having an axis, an open top, a closed base, a
sidewall extending from the top to the base, and an interior space defined by the sidewall
and the base. The sidewall is generally resiliently deformable in a radially inward direction
toward the axis of the container, and has an unloaded cross-sectional dimension that is
reducible by about 20% to about 99% without undergoing visibly permanent deformation
when a radially inward load is applied to the sidewall. A quantity of powdered beverage is
disposed in the interior cavity of the container.
[001 1] In still another aspect, hand-held packaging for a high fat
nutritional powdered beverage generally comprises a container having an open top, a
closed base, and a sidewall extending between the open top and the closed base. The
sidewall has an interior surface partially defining an interior cavity, with the interior
surface having a throat portion intermediate the top and the base, an upper portion tapering
from adjacent the top toward the throat portion, and a lower portion tapering from adjacent
the base toward the throat portion. A bag is disposed in the interior cavity of the outer
container. The bag has at least one flexible wall enclosing an interior space. A quantity of
high fat nutritional powdered beverage is disposed in the interior space of the inner bag,
with the quantity of high fat nutritional powdered beverage having a total fat content
representing at least about 5% by weight of the powdered beverage.
[0012] In yet another aspect, hand-held packaging for a high fat nutritional
powdered beverage generally comprises a container having a longitudinal axis, an open
top, a closed base, and a sidewall extending between the open top and the closed base. The
sidewall has an interior surface partially defining an interior cavity having an interior crosssectional
dimension. A bag is positionable in the interior cavity of the container. The bag
has at least one flexible wall enclosing an interior space. A quantity of high fat nutritional
powdered beverage is disposed in the interior space of the bag. The quantity of high fat
nutritional powdered beverage has a total fat content representing at least about 5% by
weight of the powdered beverage. The bag has an outer cross-sectional dimension greater
than the interior cross-sectional dimension of the interior cavity when the bag is outside the
container, and the outer cross-sectional dimension of the bag is substantially conformable
to the interior cross-sectional dimension of the interior cavity when the bag is positioned in
the interior cavity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective of packaging for a powdered beverage,
the packaging being configured in a sealed configuration;
[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the packaging of Figure 1,
including an outer container, an bag, and a dispensing utensil of the packaging;
[0015] Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the packaging of Figure 1;
[0016] Figure 4 is a front elevation of the outer container of Figure 1,
including a tamper-indicating band attached to a container and a lid of the outer container;
[0017] Figure 5 is a right elevation of the outer container of Figure 4;
[0018] Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of the outer container taken in the
plane of the line 6—6 of Figure 4;
[0019] Figure 6A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the outer container
of Figure 6 illustrating a lid- connection;
[0020] Figure 7 is a front elevation of the bag removed from the outer
container and configured in an unfolded configuration;
[0021] Figure 8 is a rear elevation of the bag of Figure 7;
[0022] Figure 9 is a right elevation of the bag of Figure 7;
[0023] Figure 10 is a front elevation of the outer container and the bag
received in the outer container, with an upper portion of the bag extending upward through
an open top of the container;
[0024] Figure 11 is a perspective of the dispensing utensil;
[0025] Figure 12 is a front elevation of the packaging configured in an inuse
configuration;
[0026] Figure 13 is a longitudinal section of the packaging taken in the
plane of the line 13—13 of Figure 12;
[0027] Figure 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of another
embodiment of a packaging for a powdered beverage, the packaging being configured in a
sealed configuration;
[0028] Figure 15 is a front elevation of the packaging of Figure 14,
including a tamper-indicating band attached to a container and a lid of the outer container;
[0029] Figure 16 is a right elevation of the packaging of Figure 14;
[0030] Figure 17 is a longitudinal section of the packaging of Figure 16;
[0031] Figure 17A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the outer container
and lid of Figure 17 illustrating a lid-connection;
[0032] Figure 18 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the packaging
for a powdered beverage of Figure 14 but with the packaging being configured in an
unsealed configuration;
[0033] Figure 19 is a longitudinal section of the packaging of Figure 18;
[0034] Figure 19A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the outer container
and lid of Figure 19 illustrating a lid-connection;
[0035] Figure 20 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the packaging
for a powdered beverage of Figure 14 but with the packaging being configured in a use
configuration;
[0036] Figure 20A is an enlarged fragmentary view of a living-hinge of
the lid;
[0037] Figure 2 1 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the packaging
for a powdered beverage of Figure 14 illustrating the lid being moved from an opened
position to a closed position; and
[0038] Figure 21A is an enlarged fragmentary view of a first alignment
member mounted on an upper portion of the lid contacting a second alignment member on
a ring of the lid.
[0039] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts
throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one suitable embodiment of packaging for
a powdered beverage is generally indicated at 10. The packaging 10 includes an outer
container, generally indicated at 12, an inner bag 14, which holds a quantity of powdered
beverage 16, and a dispensing utensil, generally indicated at 18. In a sealed configuration
of the packaging 10, as seen in FIGS. 1-3, the powdered beverage 16 is sealed in the inner
bag 14, and the bag and the dispensing utensil 18 are retained in the container 12 by a lid,
generally indicated at 22, that is removably attached to the container. A tamper-indicating
band, generally indicated at 24, may be removably attached to both the lid 22 and the
container 12. The packaging 10 is suitably in its sealed configuration during shipping and
at the point of sale. In an in-use configuration of the packaging 10, as seen in FIGS. 13 and
14, the tamper-indicating band 24 is permanently detached from both the lid 22 and the
container 12, the bag 14 is unsealed (e.g., opened) in the container, and the lid 22 is
removably and repeatedly attachable to the container 12 to allow for repeated access to and
storage of the powdered beverage 16. The packaging 10 is in its in-use configuration
during intermittent consumption of the powdered beverage 16 by a consumer following the
point of sale, which may take place over an extended period of time.
[0041] The powdered beverage 16 may, in one embodiment, include a
powdered nutritional beverage comprising one or more of fat, protein and carbohydrate.
Such powdered beverages include high fat nutritional powdered beverage, non limiting
examples of which include infant formula powder (e.g., Similac® brand formula from
Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA), as well as adult nutritional powders such
as Esnure® Powder, also available from Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA).
[0042] The term "high fat powdered beverage" as used herein, unless
otherwise specified, means a powder that may be reconstituted with water or other aqueous
liquid to form a beverage, wherein the powder has a total fat content that represents from at
least about 5%, including from about 5% to about 50%, also including from about 8% to
about 30%, and also including from about 10%> to about 25%, by weight of the powder.
High fat powders typically further comprise one or more of carbohydrate and protein.
[0043] The nutritional beverage may include energy drinks, milk or
protein based compositions, or other nutritional beverages available in a powdered form.
In other embodiments, the powdered beverage 16 may be a non-nutritive beverage such as
a flavored soft drink or other powdered beverage that is reconstituted with an aqueous
liquid such as water, milk, fruit juice, and so forth to prepare the desired beverage. The
powdered beverages as described herein are typically in the form of particulates, most
typically flowable particulates which may be fine or granular or any combination thereof.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, in one suitable embodiment, the container
1 is sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a person, although it may have other shapes
and sizes within the scope of this invention. The container 12 has an axis A extending
along its height HI, a tubular sidewall 26 (e.g., having a circular cross section, as in the
illustrate embodiment), an open top 28, and a closed base 30. As seen best in FIG. 6, an
exterior surface of the sidewall 26 tapers axially both from the open top 28 and from the
closed base 30 toward a waist portion 32 of the container 12. In the illustrated
embodiment, the exterior surface of the sidewall 26 has a generally one-sheeted
hyperboloid shape, although it may have other shapes, including other tapering shapes,
within the scope of this invention.
[0045] The narrowed waist portion 32 provides for positive retention of
the bag within the container, e.g., against the bag inadvertently slipping out of the container
or against inadvertent lifting of the bag out of the container. The narrowed waist portion
32 also provides for improved gripability of the container 12 and serves as an indicator to
the user as to where to grip the container to squeeze the container when inserting or
removing the bag into or from the container, as well as when holding the container while
scooping powder from the bag. It is understood that the exterior surface of the sidewall 26
of the container 12 may be of another suitable shape without departing from the scope of
the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, an outer cross-sectional dimension of
the sidewall 26 (e.g., an outer diameter of the sidewall) may measure about 110 mm at a
location generally adjacent to the open top 28 (indicated at OD1), and about 110 mm at a
location generally adjacent to the closed base 30 (indicated at OD2). Moreover, the waist
portion 32 may have a minimum outer cross-sectional dimension at an axial location
thereof measuring about 100 mm (indicated at OD3). In the illustrated embodiment, the
minimum outer cross-sectional dimension OD3 of the waist portion 32 lies generally at a
midline ML of the container 12 (e.g., about 87 mm from the top and the base where the
height HI is about 174 mm), although it may be spaced axially from the midline without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, an interior surface of the sidewall 26 and an
interior surface of the closed base 30 together define an interior cavity 36 extending from
the open top 28 to the closed base of the container 12. The interior cavity 36 is sized and
shaped to receive the bag 14 containing the powdered beverage 16 (FIG. 3). For reasons
discussed below, in the illustrated embodiment the interior surface of the sidewall 26 tapers
axially both from the open top 28 and from the closed base 30 toward a throat portion 37 of
the container 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior surface of the sidewall has a
generally one-sheeted hyperboloid shape, although it may have other shapes, including
other tapering shapes, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The
throat portion 37 of the sidewall 26 defines a relatively narrow portion of the interior cavity
36. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 26 has a substantially uniform thickness,
such that the shape of the interior surface of the sidewall 26 generally corresponds to the
shape of the exterior surface and the throat portion 37 generally corresponds to the waist
portion 32. In one example, an inner cross-sectional dimension of the sidewall 26 may
measure about 109 mm at a location generally adjacent to the open top 28 (indicated at
ID1), and about 109 mm at a location generally adjacent to the closed base 30 (indicated at
ID2). Moreover, the throat portion 37 may have a minimum cross-sectional dimension, at
an axial location thereof, measuring about 99 mm (indicated at ID3). In the illustrated
embodiment, the minimum cross-sectional dimension ID3 of the throat portion 37 lies
generally at the midline ML of the container 12, although it may be spaced axially from the
midline without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0047] The sidewall 26 of the container 12 may be generally resiliently
deformable when a pressure is applied in a radially inward direction (i.e., toward the axis
A). By being resiliently deformable, the container 12 resists denting and other physical
defects which can occur during shipping and storage. Moreover, a user may more readily
"squeeze" the container 12 with his or her hand, causing the container to resiliently deform.
In one embodiment, the resiliency of the container facilitates easier insertion in and
removal of the bag into and from the container upon squeezing of the container as
described in further detail later herein, and further provides a more positive retention of the
bag upon release of the squeezing force and the container reforming to its undeformed
configuration. Providing such resiliency of the container 12 also enhances the user's grip
on the container. When the user releases the container 12, the sidewall 26 will
substantially rebound to its original shape, without denting, creasing, or other permanent
and readily visible deformation.
[0048] In one non-limiting example, an unloaded cross-sectional
dimension of the container 12 (e.g., the minimum outer cross-sectional dimension) is
reducible from about 5% to about 99%, including from about 20% to about 90%>, also
including from about50% to about 90%, and still further including from about 20% to
about 25% through radially inward loading (i.e., squeezing) without undergoing permanent
visible deformation, such as denting, creasing or other visible deformation relative to the
original condition of the container. It is understood that in other embodiments, however,
the container 12 may not be resiliently deformable and remain within the scope of the
present invention. As used herein, the term "permanent deformation" refers to permanent
deformation to a container that is readily noted by the unaided human eye.
[0049] The container 12 may be substantially opaque to prevent light from
entering the container, although it is understood that the container may be transparent
without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the container 12 may
be substantially waterproof. The container 12 may be made from a suitable plastic, such as
high density polyethylene, polypropylene or other suitable plastics, or may be made from
other materials such as paper, various resiliently flexible laminates and other suitable
resiliently flexible materials without departing from the scope of the present invention.
High density polyethylene, for example, can be formed to be suitably resiliently flexible
and to allow for generally resilient deformation of the sidewall 26 when a pressure is
applied in a radially inward direction. The container 12 can be molded, such as by blow
molding, or formed in other ways without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0050] The container lid 22 is removably attached to the open top 28 of
the container 12 to close the interior cavity 36 of the container to further enhance retention
of the bag 14 therein. More specifically, in the sealed configuration, the container lid 22 is
removably attached to the container 12 by a lid-container connection, generally indicated at
38 (FIG. 6A), and the tamper-indicating band 24, which is described below in more detail.
After initially removing the lid 22 from the container 12, the lid is removably and
repeatedly attachable to the container 12 by the lid-container connection 38. In the
illustrated embodiment, the lid 22 is completely removable from the open top 28 container
12 to allow for repeated opening and closing of the container. It is understood, however,
that the lid 22 may be hingedly secured to the container 12 such that the lid remains
attached to the container, such as at a location adjacent the open top 28, and still be
removably positionable on the top of the container to open and close the interior space of
the container.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, lid-container connection 38 is a
snap-fit connection that includes an annular interior ridge 40 (i.e., a male component) on
the lid 22, and an annular groove 44 on the exterior surface of the container 12. The
interior ridge 40 is elastically deflectable to facilitate both repeated insertion of the ridge
into the annular groove 44 and repeated removal of the ridge from the groove. A pull tab
50, extending radially outward from the container lid 22, facilitates removal of the lid from
the container 12. More specifically, a suitable upward force applied to the pull tab 50, such
as by a user's hand, produces elastic deflection of the ridge 40 and removal of the container
lid 22 from the container 12. Other ways of making the container lid 22 removably
attached to the open top 28 of the container 12 do not depart from the scope of the present
invention. The container lid 22 may be made from plastic, such as a 1:1 blend (by mass) of
low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene, or may be made from other
material without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0052] In one example, the lid-container connection 38 may be a
substantially water-tight connection that inhibits the ingress of liquid into the container 12.
The container lid 22 and the container 12 may also be substantially waterproof, such that
the container 12 as a whole is substantially waterproof so as to inhibit the ingress of liquid
into the container 12. It is understood, however, that the container 12 may not be
waterproof and remain within the scope of the present invention.
[0053] The illustrated outer container 12 can be stacked with like
containers, such as during shipping or at the point of sale. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the lid
22 includes a dome-shaped protrusion 52 that nests within a complementary recess 54 on
the exterior surface of the closed base 30. To increase the axial (i.e., height wise) load
strength of the container 12 and facilitate stacking of a plurality of containers 12 during
shipping and/or at the point of sale, the illustrated container has annular ribs 55 generally
adjacent to the open top 28 and the closed base 30 and extending circumferentially around
the.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4-6, in the sealed configuration of the
packaging 10, as set forth above, the tamper-indicating band 24 is removably attached to
both the container lid 22 and the container 12. The tamper-indicating band 24 includes an
annular securement portion 56 that is removably attached adjacent a perimeter of the
container lid 22 by a plurality of frangible bridges (not shown) and is also removably
received in a band groove 59 on the container 12. The securement portion 56 has opposite
first and second longitudinal ends. The tamper-indicating band 24 also includes an arcuate
tab portion 60 having a first longitudinal end attached to the securement portion 56 at a
location generally remote from the first and second longitudinal ends by a frangible bridge
62, and a second longitudinal end attached to the second longitudinal end of the securement
portion by a non-frangible attachment. The tab portion 60 is bowed outward from the
securement portion 56 and is removably attached adjacent to an outer perimeter of the pull
tab 50 by at least one of frangible bridge 63. Through this configuration, as can be seen in
FIG. 6A, the tab portion 60 is spaced radially from a segment of the securement portion 56
that extends from the first longitudinal end of the tab portion toward the second
longitudinal end of the tab portion 60, such that a space 64 is provided radially between the
tab portion 60 and the segment of the securement portion 56. The tab portion 60 is wider
than the securement portion 56 to facilitate gripping of the tab portion. The tamperindicating
band 24 may be formed from plastic or other material.
[0055] The tamper-indicating band 24 inhibits the container lid 22 from
being removed from the container 12 without first removing the tamper-indicating band.
Thus, the tamper-indicating band 24 indicates to the consumer whether the outer container
12 has been opened. To permanently remove the tamper-indicating band 24 from the
container 12, a user breaks both the frangible bridges 62 between the tab portion 60 and the
securement portion 56 and the frangible bridge 63 between the tab portion and the pull tab
50. For example, the user may break these frangible bridges 62, 63 by inserting his or her
thumb into the space 64 between the tab portion 60 and the segment of the securement
portion 56 and then pulling the tab portion 60 radially outward away from the lid 22. Once
the tab portion 60 has been removed from both the pull tab 50 and the securement portion
56, the user can grip the tab portion with his or her hand and pull the tab portion
circumferentially around the container 12, thereby breaking the frangible bridges that
connect the tamper-indicating band 24 to the lid 22 and simultaneously removing the
securement portion of the band from the band groove 59. When all of the bridges have
been broken, the tamper-indicating band 24 is detached from both the container 12 and the
lid 22, and at such time, the lid can be removed from the container. It is understood that
the packaging 10 may include a different tamper indicating structure or may not including a
tamper indicating structure without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0056] As disclosed above, the inner bag 14 is received in the outer
container 12 when the packaging 10 is configured in either its sealed configuration or its
in-use configuration. When the packaging 10 is in the sealed configuration, the bag 14 is
sealed and has an enclosed interior space 65 that contains the powdered beverage 16.
When sealed, the bag 14 is preferably substantially impervious to at least one of liquid, air,
and light, to inhibit the ingress of at least one of the respective liquid, air, and light into the
interior space 65. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag 14 may be formed from a single
sheet or a single laminated sheet of flexible material, such as aluminum laminate, that
defines at least one flexible sidewall 66. In this embodiment, the flexible sidewall 66 is
folded and sealed, such as by heat sealing or adhesive, along overlapping opposite side
edge margins, overlapping upper edge margins, and overlapping lower edge margins. The
bag 14 may be formed in other ways and/or may be formed from other materials without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the bag 14 is removably received in
the container 12. However, the bag 14 is configured such that the powdered beverage 16
inside the bag presses the sidewall 66 of the bag against the interior surface of the container
12 in such a way that frictional forces acting between the bag and the interior surface of the
container inhibit or help resist the bag from falling out of the container when the container
is tilted axially (e.g., turned on its side and/or upside down). In particular, the bag 14 has a
maximum outer cross-sectional dimension OD4 that is greater than at least the minimum
cross-sectional dimension ID3 of the interior surface of the container 12. Other ways of
retaining the bag 14 in the container 12 independent of the lid 22 do not depart from the
scope of the present invention. Moreover, the container 12 may not be configured to
removably retain the inner bag 14 therein without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the bag 14 suitably has an oblong
cross-sectional profile, with the maximum outer cross-sectional dimension OD4
corresponding to a major cross-sectional axis and a minimum cross-sectional dimension
OD5 of the bag (FIG. 9) corresponding to a minor cross-sectional axis. As seen in FIG. 3,
the minimum cross-sectional dimension OD5 of the bag 14 is less than the minimum crosssectional
dimension ID3 of the interior surface at the throat portion 37 of the container 12,
and as seen in FIG. 2, the maximum outer cross-sectional dimension OD4 of the bag is
greater than the minimum cross-sectional dimension ID3 of the interior surface of the
container 12. For example, the maximum outer cross-sectional dimension OD4 of the bag
14 along its major cross-sectional axis may be about 110 mm, and the minimum outer
cross-sectional dimension OD5 of the bag along its minor cross-sectional axis may be
about 60 mm.
[0059] The oblong shape of the bag 14 and the relative sizes of the bag
and the container 12, in combination with the "squeezability" of the container, facilitates
insertion and removal of the bag from the container as well as retention of the bag within
the container. For example, to insert the bag 14 filled with powdered beverage 16 into the
container 12, the user squeezes the container at the narrowed waist portion, whereby the
container resiliently deforms into an oblong shape having a generally oblong interior crosssectional
shape including at the waist portion. In this flexed, oblong configuration, a major
interior axis at the throat portion 37 of the container at least approaches, and is more
suitably approximately equal to or even greater than the maximum outer cross-sectional
dimension OD4 of the bag 14, and the minor axis at the throat portion at least approaches,
and is more suitably approximately equal to or even greater than the minimum outer crosssectional
dimension OD5 of the bag. Thus, the container 12 is resiliently deformable into
the oblong shape that readily accepts the oblong bag 14.
[0060] Upon release of the squeezing (deforming) force applied to the
container, the container resiliently reforms into its initial configuration, thus pinching or
squeezing the bag at the throat portion 37 of the container to positively inhibit the bag
against sliding movement outward of the container. Moreover, as is apparent, configuring
the container 1 into the oblong shape allows for easy removal of the oblong bag 14 in that
the bag can fit through the throat portion 37. It is understood that the bag 14 may be of
another shape, and the container 12 may be resiliently deformable into another shape for
accepting and allowing removal of the bag, without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the filled bag 14 (i.e., the bag with
the powdered beverage 16 disposed therein) has a conforming lower portion that is
generally conformable to the shape of the corresponding portion of the interior surface of
the container. In particular, an outer cross-sectional shape of the bag 14 may generally
correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the interior surface of the container 12. The
maximum volume of the interior space 65 of the sealed bag 14 is greater than the volume
occupied by the powdered beverage 16 such that the powdered beverage can shift inside
the bag, thus allowing for the bag to generally conform to the shape of the interior surface
of the container. In this way, the bag 14 fits snugly in the container 12 and frictional forces
acting between the bag and the container 12, particularly at the throat portion 37, generally
retain the bag in the container independent of the lid 22. In one example, an upper fill line
FL of the powdered beverage 16 may be generally adjacent to or substantially coplanar
with the transverse midline ML of the container 12, which also may correspond to the
narrowest part of the throat portion 37.
[0062] In one non-limiting example, the bag 14 has a suitable rigidity or
stiffness, such that when the bag is partially or completely empty and received in the
container 12, the frictional forces acting between the bag and the interior surface of the
container inhibit the bag from falling out of the container when the container is tilted
axially. In this way, the bag 14 may not fall out or shift in the container 12 when the
container is turned on its side during use and when a portion of the powdered beverage 16
has been removed from the bag. One non-limiting example of a suitable bag 14 having
such rigidity is an aluminum laminate bag.
[0063] When the packaging 10 is in its sealed configuration, the upper
edge margin of the bag 14 is folded downward to configure the bag in a closed, folded
configuration, as seen best in FIGS. 2 and 3. When the bag 14 is unfolded to a closed,
unfolded configuration (FIGS. 7-9), the bag 14 has a height H2, extending between the
sealed upper and lower edges thereof, that is greater than the height HI of the container 12.
For example, the height H2 of the bag may be about 250 mm. In this way, the upper
portion of the bag 14 extends through the open top 28 of the container 12 when the lid 22 is
removed to allow a user to open the bag without removing the bag from the container. In
one example, the bag 14 may be cut (e.g., sheared) in a transverse direction, such as by
using scissors, to open the bag and access the powdered beverage 16 therein. Other ways
of making the bag 14 openable, including making the bag reclosable, do not depart from
the scope of the present invention.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 11, the dispensing utensil 18 is sized and
shaped for reception in the interior cavity 36 of the container 12 when the sealed bag 14 is
also received therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing utensil 18 includes a
scoop portion 70, which defines a metering cavity 72, and a handle 74 projecting laterally
outward from the scoop portion 70. The metering cavity 72 is sized to hold a
predetermined quantity of powdered beverage 16. The dispensing utensil 18 may have
other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0065] In one exemplary method of assembling the packaging 10, the bag
14 is filled with the powdered beverage 16 and sealed before inserting the bag in the
container 12. Because the enlarged lower portion of the bag 14 has an outer cross-sectional
dimension OD4 greater than the minimum inner cross-sectional dimension ID3 of the
throat portion 37, the enlarged lower portion of the filled bag will not fit in the throat
portion 37 of the container 12, unless the lower portion is contracted or the shape of the
throat portion is changed. In one example, the container 12 is squeezed at the waist portion
37 to configure the container in its oblong shape that is sized and shaped to readily accept
the bag 14, as explained above. While squeezing the container 12, the bag 14 is inserted
into the container and positioned therein. The container 12 is then released (i.e., the
squeezing is ceased) so that the container rebounds to its original, unloaded shape. As the
container 12 rebounds, the bag 14, particularly the portion of the bag at the throat portion
37, resiliently and circumferentially contracts into a contracted circumferential shape that
generally conforms to the shape of the interior surface of the container due to the force of
the contracting container sidewall 26, as see in FIG. 13. The lower portion of the bag 14 is
circumferentially contractible by shifting some of the powdered beverage 16 adjacent to the
throat portion 37 to the lower portion and/or the upper portion of the bag. In this way, the
bag 14 fits snugly in the container 1 and frictional forces acting between the bag and the
container 12, particularly at the throat portion 37, generally retain the bag in the container
independent of the lid 22.
[0066] After or before the bag 14 has been positioned in the container 12,
the upper portion of the bag is folded downward into the container. Next, the dispensing
utensil 18 is placed in the container 12 on top of the folded bag 14. Then, the lid 22,
including the tamper-indicating band 24, is snapped onto the open top 28 of the container
to complete the assembly of the packaging 10. It is understood that the packaging 10 may
be assembled in other ways within the scope of the present invention. For example, the bag
14 may be filled with powdered beverage 16 after the bag has been positioned in the
container 12. Other ways of assembling the packaging 10 do not depart from the scope of
the present invention.
[0067] In an exemplary use, after purchasing the packaging 10 of
particulate beverage 16, a consumer may remove the tamper-indicating band 24, such as in
the manner set forth above, and subsequently remove the container lid 22, such as in the
manner set forth above. With the lid 22 removed, the consumer may remove the
dispensing utensil 18 from the container 12. The consumer may then unfold the inner bag
14, such that an upper portion of the bag extends upward through the open top 28 of the
container 12, and then open the inner bag, such as by cutting (e.g., shearing) the upper
portion of the bag along a transverse line using scissors or another cutting tool.
Alternatively, the consumer may remove the bag 14 from the container 12 and then open
the bag. With the bag 14 open and received in the container 12, the consumer can use the
dispensing utensil 18 to meter a desired quantity of powdered beverage 16 from the bag.
The desired quantity of powdered beverage 16 can be placed into a drinking vessel, such as
a drinking glass or cup or a feeding bottle, and reconstituted into a liquid beverage by
adding water or another suitable liquid. When the consumer is finished making the liquid
beverage(s), the remaining upper portion of the bag 14 may be folded downward to close
the bag, the dispensing utensil 18 may be placed back inside the container 12, and the lid
22 may be reattached to the container. The consumer may then store the package 10 for
subsequent use.
Example of Suitable Packaging of High Fat Nutritional Powdered Beverage
[0068] The illustrated packaging 10, as shown throughout the drawings
and described in detail above, may comprise a high fat nutritional powdered beverage
comprising a combination of fat and one or more of protein and carbohydrates. Such
powdered beverage may be prepared by any known or otherwise suitable method in the
nutrition art, including dry mixing or blending, spray drying, and others. The high fat
nutritional powdered beverage may further comprise vitamins, minerals, active ingredients,
excipients, and or other nutritional ingredients.
[0069] As disclosed above, the term "high fat nutritional powdered
beverage" as used herein means a powdered beverage having a total fat content that
represents from at least about 5%, including from about 5% to about 50%, also including
from about 8% to about 30%>, and also including from about 10%> to about 25%, by weight
of the powdered beverage.
[0070] Suitable fat for use herein may include coconut oil, soy oil, corn
oil, olive oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower oil, MCT oil (medium chain triglycerides),
sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, palm and palm kernel oils, palm olein, canola oil,
marine oils, cottonseed oils, and combinations thereof, or any other fat suitable for use in a
nutritional product. The term "fat" as used herein is includes any lipid material, including
fats, oils, and combinations thereof.
[0071] Carbohydrates suitable for use in the high fat nutritional powdered
beverage may include simple or complex, lactose-containing or lactose-free, or
combinations thereof, non-limiting examples of which include hydrolyzed, intact, naturally
and/or chemically modified cornstarch, maltodextrin, glucose polymers, sucrose, corn
syrup, corn syrup solids, rice or potato derived carbohydrate, glucose, fructose, lactose,
high fructose corn syrup and indigestible oligosaccharides such as fructooligosaccharides
(FOS), and combinations thereof. The high fat nutritional powdered may comprise from 0
to 95%, including from 1%> to 90%>, and also including from 10%> to 85%>, of a suitable
carbohydrate by weight of the powder.
[0072] Proteins suitable for use in the high fat nutritional powdered
beverage may include hydrolyzed, partially hydrolyzed or non-hydrolyzed proteins or other
protein sources, and can be derived from any known or otherwise suitable source such as
milk (e.g., casein, whey), animal (e.g., meat, fish), cereal (e.g., rice, corn), vegetable (e.g.,
soy), or combinations thereof. The proteins may include free amino acids. The high fat
nutritional powdered be may comprise from 0 to 95%, including from 1% to 90%, and also
including from 10%> to 50%>, of a suitable protein by weight of the powder.
[0073] It is believed that the high fat nutritional powdered beverage is
more malleable than many other powders, including those powders having from 0 to less
than 5% by weight of total fat, including zero percent by weight of total fat. That is, high
fat nutritional powdered beverages tend to more readily conform to the contour or shape of
the inner surface of the container holding the beverage. Accordingly, where the high fat
nutritional powdered beverage is enclosed in a flexible bag, which is in turn received in a
container, the flexible bag may readily conform to the contour or shape of the interior of
the container.
[0074] Thus, if the container for use with the high fat powder has an open
top and an interior shape that is substantially uniform along its height (i.e., its axis), the bag
of high fat nutritional powdered beverage is likely to move axially relative to the container
toward the open top of the container if and when the container is tilted on its axis, such as
turned on its side. In contrast, it is believed that low fat powdered products do not readily
conform to the container holding it, and therefore, it is believed that a bag of low fat
powdered product is less likely to experience this problem of readily moving axially
relative to the container toward the open top of the container if and when the container is
tilted on its axis.
[0075] In view of the malleable or conformable characteristic of the high
fat nutritional powdered beverage, the shape of the interior surface of the sidewall 26 of the
illustrated container 12 inhibits or helps resist a bag of high fat nutritional powdered
beverage received in the container from moving axially and/or sliding out of the container
when the container is tilted on its axis. More specifically, the narrowed throat portion 37 of
the container 12 acts as a stop or catch that inhibits a lower portion of the bag, which is
disposed below the throat portion and has a maximum cross-sectional dimension greater
than the minimum cross-sectional diameter of the throat portion, from moving axially
through the throat portion toward the open top 28 the container.
[0076] In an alternative method of use, the user may completely remove
the bag 14 and pour the powdered beverage 16 into the container 12. This method of use
may be suitable in certain embodiments where the container 12 is substantially waterproof
and the lid-container connection 38 is substantially water-tight and air-tight.
[0077] FIGS. 14-21A illustrate the packaging 10 with other suitable
embodiments of a lid, generally indicated at 122, and a tamper-indicating band, generally
indicated at 124. As seen in FIG. 14, the lid 122 includes a generally circular outer edge
151, a dome-shaped protrusion 152, and an outwardly extending pull tab 150. A catch 153,
which can be seen in FIGS. 17A and 19A, extends from a bottom surface of the pull tab
150 of the lid 122. With reference now to FIGS. 20 and 20A, an alignment tab 157
(broadly, "a first alignment member") extends outward from an inner (or bottom) surface
of the lid 122 at a location spaced from the pull tab 150 and generally adjacent the outer
edge 151. In the illustrated embodiment, the pull tab 150 and the alignment tab 157 of the
lid 122 are generally axially aligned (i.e., coaxial).
[0078] With reference now to FIG. 20A, the alignment tab 157 includes a
first fixed end 141 fixed to the inner surface of the lid 122 and a second free end 143
spaced from the first fixed end. The alignment tab 157 also includes a concave inner
surface 145 and a convex outer surface 147. A width of the alignment tab 157 tapers from
the first fixed end 141 to the second free end 143. That is, the width of the alignment tab
157 decreases along its length from the first fixed end 141 to the second free end 143.
Accordingly, the width of the alignment tab 157 at the second free end 143 is significantly
less than the width of the alignment tab at the first fixed end 141. It is understood,
however, that the width of the alignment tab 157 can be generally constant along its length
or increase along its length. In other words, the first fixed end 141 and the second free end
143 can have substantially the same widths or the second free end 143 can have a width
that is greater than the width of the first fixed end.
[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 122 is hingedly connected to
the container 12 via a living hinge, indicated generally at 161. More specifically, a collar,
indicated generally at 163, is fixedly attached to the open top 28 of the container 12 and the
lid 122 is hingedly connected to the container 12 via the living hinge 161. Thus, the lid
122 can be pivoted relative to the container 12 about the living hinge 161 to open and close
the container. In one suitable embodiment, the lid 122, the collar 163, and the living hinge
161 are integrally formed. That is, the lid 122, the collar 163, and the living hinge 161 are
formed as a single-piece. It is understood, however, that the lid 122 may instead be
connected to the container 12 in other suitable manners, e.g., by a conventional mechanical
hinge. In one suitable embodiment, the material used to make the living hinge 161 is
preferably a flexible polymeric material, such as, for example, polypropylene and/or
polyethylene, and can be flexed numerous times without failure.
[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 163 has a snap-fit
connection with the open top 28 of the container 12. It is understood, however, that the
collar 163 can be connected to the container 12 in other suitable manners, e.g., clips or
other mechanical attachments. It is also understood that, in some embodiments, the collar
163 can be omitted. In such an embodiment, the lid 122, the living hinge 161, and the
container 12 may be integrally formed.
[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 20A, the collar 163 has a shoulder
167 (broadly, "a second alignment member") disposed adjacent the living hinge 161 and
aligned with the alignment tab 157 extending from the lid 122. The shoulder 167 is
recessed and configured to engagingly receive the outer surface 147 of the alignment tab
157 when the lid 122 is moved from the opened position to the closed position as illustrated
in FIGS. 2 1 and 2 1A. The engagement between the shoulder 167 on the collar 163 and the
alignment tab 157 facilitates alignment of the lid 122 with the container and more
specifically with the collar 163.
[0082] The tamper-indicating band 124 is removably attached to both the
lid 122 and the container 12. More specifically, the packaging 10 is suitably in a sealed
configuration during shipping and at the point of sale (FIGS. 14-17A). In the sealed
configuration and as illustrated in FIG. 17A, a tab portion 160 of the tamper-indicating
band 124 engages the catch 153 on the pull tab 150 of the lid 122 to thereby secure (or
lock) the lid to the container 12. As a result, the lid 122 is inhibited from moving relative
to the container 12. In other words, the engagement between the tab portion 160 of the
tamper-indicating band 124 and the catch 153 prevents the lid 122 from being pivoted
relative to the container 12 about the living hinge 161.
[0083] The tamper-indicating band 124 can be selectively disengaged
from the catch 153 to move the packaging 10 from the sealed configuration to an in-use
configuration of the packaging 10, as seen in FIGS. 19 and 19A, the tamper-indicating
band 124 can be permanently detached from both the lid 122 and the container 12. In the
in-use configuration, the lid 22 is selectively pivotable relative to the container 12 about the
living hinge 161 for allowing repeated access to and storage of the powdered beverage 16
contained within the bag 14. The packaging 10 is in its in-use configuration during
intermittent consumption of the powdered beverage 16 by a consumer following the point
of sale, which may take place over an extended period of time.
[0084] As mentioned above, the lid 122 is selectively attachable to the
collar 163 mounted on the open top 28 of the container 12 to close the interior cavity 36 of
the container to further enhance retention of the bag 14 therein. More specifically, the lid
122 is attached to the collar 163 by a lid-container connection, generally indicated at 138
(FIG. 17A), and the tamper-indicating band 124. In the illustrated embodiment, lidcontainer
connection 138 is a snap-fit connection that includes an annular interior ridge 140
(i.e., a male component) on the lid 122, and an annular groove 144 on the exterior surface
of the collar 163. The interior ridge 140 is elastically deflectable to facilitate both repeated
insertion of the ridge into the annular groove 144 and repeated removal of the ridge from
the groove. The pull tab 150, which extends radially outward from the lid 122, facilitates
removal of the lid from the container 12. More specifically, a suitable upward force
applied to the pull tab 150, such as by a user pulling up on the tab, produces elastic
deflection of the ridge 140 and removal of the lid 122 from the container 12.
[0085] In one example, the lid-container connection 138 may be a
substantially air-tight and/or water-tight connection that inhibits the ingress of air/liquid
into the container 12. The lid 122 and the container 12 may also be substantially
waterproof, such that the container 12 as a whole is substantially waterproof so as to inhibit
the ingress of liquid into the container 12. It is understood, however, that the container 12
may not be waterproof and remain within the scope of the present invention.
[0086] In the sealed configuration of the packaging 10, the tamperindicating
band 124 is removably attached to both the lid 122 and the collar 163 to inhibit
the lid 122 from being removed from the container 12 without first removing the tamperindicating
band. Thus, the tamper-indicating band 124 indicates to the consumer whether
the container 12 has been opened prior to its initial intended opening. To permanently
remove the tamper-indicating band 124 from the container 12, a user can grasp the tamperindicating
band 124 and pull it radially outward away from the lid 122, which disengages
the tab portion 160 from the catch 153 of the pull tab 150 of the lid 122. Once the tab
portion 160 has been fully disengaged from the catch 153, the user can grip the pull tab 150
and pivot the lid 122 relative to the container 12. It is understood that the packaging 10
may include a different tamper indicating structure or may not including a tamper
indicating structure without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0087] When introducing elements of the present invention or preferred
embodiments thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that
there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having"
are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the
listed elements.
[0088] As various changes could be made in the above constructions and
methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. Hand-held packaging for a powdered beverage, the packaging comprising:
a container having an open top, a closed base, and a sidewall extending from the top
to the base such that the sidewall and the base together define an interior space, the
container having an interior cross-sectional dimension generally adjacent the top of the
container, the sidewall having an interior surface configured to define a minimum interior
cross-sectional dimension of the container at a longitudinal location intermediate the top
and the base, said minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the container being
substantially smaller than the interior cross-sectional dimension of the container adjacent
the top of said container;
a lid positionable relative to the top of the container to open and close the interior
space of the container; and
a bag positionable within the interior space of the container, the bag having an
upper end, a closed lower end, a flexible sidewall, and an interior space for containing
powdered beverage, the flexible sidewall having a maximum cross-sectional dimension
that is less than the minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the container, the bag
and container being configured relative to each other such that upon positioning of the bag
in the interior space of the container the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the bag is
disposed at least one of at the minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the container,
and intermediate the base of the container and the minimum interior cross-sectional
dimension of the container sidewall.
2. The hand-held packaging set forth in claim 1 wherein container further has an
interior cross-sectional dimension generally adjacent the base of the container, the
minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the container being substantially smaller
than the interior cross-sectional dimension of the container adjacent the base thereof to
define a throat of the container intermediate the top and base of the container, the
maximum cross-sectional dimension of the bag being disposed at least one of at the throat
of the container and intermediate the base of the container and the throat thereof.
3. The hand-held packaging set forth in claim 1 wherein the lid comprises a first
alignment member and the container comprises a second alignment member, the first and
second alignment members being engagable when positioning the lid to close the interior
space of the container.
4. Hand-held packaging for a powdered beverage, the packaging comprising:
a container having an open top, a closed base, and a sidewall extending from the top
to the base such that the sidewall and the base together define an interior space, the
container having an interior cross-sectional dimension generally adjacent the top of the
container and an interior cross-sectional dimension generally adjacent the base of the
container, the sidewall having an interior surface configured to define a minimum interior
cross-sectional dimension of the container at a longitudinal location intermediate the top
and the base, said minimum interior cross-sectional dimension of the container being
substantially smaller than the interior cross-sectional dimensions of the container adjacent
the respective top and base of said container; and
a bag positionable within the interior space of the container, the bag having an
upper end, a closed lower end, a flexible sidewall, and an interior space for containing
powdered beverage.
5. The hand-held packaging set forth in claim 4 wherein the container has an outer
cross-sectional dimension generally adjacent the top of the container and an outer crosssectional
dimension generally adjacent the base of the container, the sidewall having an
exterior surface configured to define a minimum outer cross-sectional dimension of the
container at a longitudinal location intermediate the top and the base, said minimum outer
cross-sectional dimension of the container being substantially smaller than the outer crosssectional
dimensions of the container adjacent the respective top and base of said container.
6. The hand-held packaging set forth in claim 4 further comprising a lid
positionable relative to the top of the container to open and close the interior space of the
container, the lid being connected to the container via a living hinge.
7. Hand-held packaging for a powdered beverage, the packaging comprising:
a container having an axis, an open top, a closed base, a sidewall extending from
the top to the base, and an interior space defined by the sidewall and the base, wherein the
sidewall is generally resiliently deformable in a radially inward direction toward the axis of
the container, the sidewall having an unloaded cross-sectional dimension that is reducible
by about 5% to about 99% without undergoing permanent deformation when a radially
inward load is applied to the sidewall; and
a quantity of powdered beverage disposed in the interior cavity of the container.
8. The hand-held packaging set forth in claim 7 wherein the sidewall of the
container has an unloaded cross-sectional dimension that is reducible by about 50% to
about 99% without undergoing permanent deformation when a radially inward load is
applied to the sidewall container is made from plastic material.
9. The hand-held packaging set forth in claim 7 further comprising a tamperindicating
band and a lid positionable relative to the top of the container to open and close
the interior space of the container, the lid having a catch adapted to engage the tamperindicating
band.
10. Hand-held packaging for a high fat nutritional powdered beverage, the hand
held packaging comprising:
a container having an open top, a closed base, and a sidewall extending between the
open top and the closed base, the sidewall having an interior surface partially defining an
interior cavity, the interior surface having a throat portion intermediate the top and the
base, an upper portion tapering from adjacent the top toward the throat portion, and a lower
portion tapering from adjacent the base toward the throat portion;
a bag disposed in the interior cavity of the outer container, the bag having at least
one flexible wall enclosing an interior space; and
a quantity of high fat nutritional powdered beverage disposed in the interior space
of the inner bag, the quantity of high fat nutritional powdered beverage having a total fat
content representing at least about 5% by weight of the powdered beverage.
11. The hand-held packaging set forth in claim 10 wherein the sidewall of the
container has an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a waist portion intermediate
the top and the base, an upper portion tapering from adjacent the top toward the waist
portion, and a lower portion tapering from adjacent the base toward the waist portion.
12. The hand-held packaging set forth in claim 10 further comprising a collar
attached to the top of the container and a lid removably positionable on the collar to open
and close the interior space of the container, the lid being hingedly connected to the collar.
13. Hand-held packaging for a high fat nutritional powdered beverage, the hand
held packaging comprising:
a container having a longitudinal axis, an open top, a closed base, and a sidewall
extending between the open top and the closed base, the sidewall having an interior surface
partially defining an interior cavity having an interior cross-sectional dimension;
a bag positionable in the interior cavity of the container, the bag having at least one
flexible wall enclosing an interior space; and
a quantity of high fat nutritional powdered beverage disposed in the interior space
of the bag, the quantity of high fat nutritional powdered beverage having a total fat content
representing at least about 5% by weight of the powdered beverage,
wherein the bag has an outer cross-sectional dimension greater than the interior
cross-sectional dimension of the interior cavity when the bag is outside the container, and
wherein the outer cross-sectional dimension of the bag is substantially conformable to the
interior cross-sectional dimension of the interior cavity when the bag is positioned in the
interior cavity.
14. The hand-held packaging set forth in claim 13 wherein the sidewall of the
container is resiliently deformable when the sidewall is subjected to a force applied in a
radially inward direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the container.
15. Packaging for a powdered beverage, the packaging comprising:
a container having an open top, a closed base, and a sidewall extending from the top
to the base such that the sidewall and the base together define an interior space for
containing a powdered beverage; and
a lid hingedly positionable relative to the top of the container to open and close the
interior space of the container, the lid having an alignment tab depending therefrom for
disposition within the container upon closing of the lid, the alignment tab being configured
and arranged to engage the container during closing of the lid to facilitate alignment of the
lid on the container.