Field of the Invention
The present invention provides a packaging system for storing solid and semisolid materials. The packaging system comprises a container, a lid, scoop and a
scoop holding disc which holds the scoop above the solid or semi-solid material
stored in the container during transport or usage.
Background of the Invention
Dietary supplements such as protein powder, weight gain formulas, weight
loss formulas, mineral supplements, vitamins or similar products, are usually sold in
containers with plastic threaded closures. These are often relatively large mouth
containers generally 120 mm or nearby. Powdered products are typically consumed
by mixing them in water or other liquid beverages and these products are often sold
with a dispensing device placed inside the box called scoop. The purpose of adding
a scoop in the box is to allow consumers to take out recommended quantity of
powder for their usage. This scoop even if placed on the top surface of the powdered
product, finds its way inside powder during shipping. As a result, every time
consumer has to retrieve the scoop from the powder either using his/her hands or
some object the entire experience becomes very clumsy and painstaking.
Consumers have found that the current packaging is difficult to handle with a single
hand, and have found that it is difficult locate and remove the scoop from the
packaging upon the first use without experiencing spillage. Once the lid of the
container is removed, the contents are often loosely caked or packed into parts of
the interior of the lid or top of the container, which leads to spillage as the contents
fall away from the lid or top. While some of the falling powder may fall back into the
interior of the container, much of it is wasted and contaminated as it spills onto the
surrounding workspace. Almost every consumer faces this problem one time or other
with currently available packaging for dispensing solid materials.
It would therefore be desirable to provide an alternative packaging system
that alleviates the perceived inconveniences of the prior art. Many of the problems of
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the prior art are addressed by the present invention, which provides new and
innovative way to prevent and/or minimize contamination, spillage, and wastes of
product contained in such containers and provides a pleasant user experience. In
particular, the present invention provides a packaging system wherein the scoop
shall be permanently stationed on the top of the solid or the semi-solid material
stored in the container, making it convenient for consumer to retrieve the scoop and
store it above the material for next usage.
Summary of the Invention
In one general aspect, the present invention provides a packaging system
for storing solid or semi-solid materials wherein the packaging system comprises a
sealed container, a lid, a scoop and a scoop holding disc with recess wherein the
scoop is placed in the recess of the scoop holding disc.
According to one embodiment of the above aspect, the scoop holding disc
remains on top of the solid material.
According to another embodiment, the scoop holding disc holds the scoop
within itself.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the recess in the
scoop holding disc is molded in the shape of the scoop.
In another general aspect, the present invention provides a packaging
system for storing solid or semi-solid material wherein the packaging system
comprises a sealed container, a lid, a scoop and a scoop holding disc with recess;
and wherein the scoop holding disc with recess has dimension and shape of the
interior of the sealed container and the container has hinges along its inner walls to
place the scoop holding disc with recess along the hinges.
According to one embodiment of the above aspect, the scoop holding disc
remains on top of the solid material.
According to another embodiment, the scoop holding disc holds the scoop
within itself.
According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the recess in the
scoop holding disc is molded in the shape of the scoop.
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According to another embodiment of the above aspect, the scoop holding
disc with recess and the sealed container are circular in shape.
In another embodiment of the above aspect, the scoop holding disc with
recess and the sealed container are in a square shape.
In another embodiment of the above aspect, the scoop holding disk with
recess and the sealed container are in a rectangular shape.
In another embodiment of the above aspect, the scoop holding disk with
recess and the sealed container are in an oval shape.
In another general aspect, the present invention provides a packaging
system for storing solid or semi-solid material wherein the packaging system
comprises a sealed container, a lid, a scoop and a scoop holding disc with recess;
wherein the scoop comprises a cup and the recess comprises a molded cavity in a
shape complementary to the cup such that the scoop is placed in the recess in the
scoop holding disc for retention.
In one embodiment of the above aspect, the scoop has a handle to hold the
scoop.
In another embodiment of the above aspect, the scoop holding recess has
molded cavity to accommodate the scoop with handle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 - Top and side view of “Scoop holding disc” according to the invention.
Labelling 1 represents rim of circular disc. Rim will perfectly fit on top of protrusion (10) provided in the sealed container neck.
Labelling 2 represents circular hole for better consumer convenience. This will act as a gripper for easy removal.
Labelling 3 represents Scoop cavity to hold scoop.
Labelling 4 represents planar portion.
Fig. 2- Top and side view of “Scoop” according to the invention.
Labelling 5 represents handle of the scoop.
Labelling 6 represents base of the scoop.
Labelling 7 represents top edge of the scoop
Labelling 8 represents extended support provided to the handle to make it stronger.
Fig. 3- Front and cross section view of the container.
Labelling 9 represents body of the container.
Labelling 10 represents protrusion provided in the container neck to hold scoop holding disc.
Labelling 11 represents thread in the container. These thread helps proper fitment of container with its cap.
Labelling 12 represents container lip.
Fig. 4- Isometric view of complete assembly.
Fig. 5 – Perspective view of the assembly.
Fig. 6 – Top view of the assembly.
Fig. 7 – Bottom view of the assembly.
The aforementioned aspects and embodiments and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

Detailed Description of the Invention

It should be noted that the use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
The container as used herein has generally round outer profile. The container may also have square or rectangular outer profile with or without rounded corners. The lid may also be generally of similar shape. The container can be manufactured from conventional materials such as plastics, cardboards and metals like aluminum.
The lid as used herein is in the shape of the container. When the container has round outer profile, the lid is circular and can have threads corresponding with the top outer surface of the container for closure of the contents. Alternatively, the lid can have snap fit over the top of the container. The lid may be manufactured from conventional materials such as plastics, cardboards and metals like aluminum.
The scoop as used herein refers to an object for removing contents from the interior space of the container. The most typical scoop has a bowl that is carried from a handle, which is away from the interior surface in a grasping position so that it is easy for a user to grasp and remove the scoop from the scoop holder. It may be of different shape and size and are provided for measured dispensing of the material as described herein. The scoop may be manufactured from conventional materials such as plastics and metals like aluminum.
The scoop holding disc with recess as used herein refers to a circular disc and that is securely placed on the container neck. When the container has shapes other than circular like square or rectangular, the scoop holding disc with recess can have the shape complementary to the shape of the container. The said disc has a recess for placement of scoop in order to retain the scoop on the scoop holding disc. The recess may be shaped to accommodate various size and shape of scoop as per dosage recommendation or aesthetics. The said circular disc has a tight fit in the container and the transit conditions do not affect scoop placement and hence safely reach to consumers in position for usage. One of the most important features is that this scoop holding disc is placed inside the container and above the product which makes it stand out for consumers and provide superior experience to the consumers. As a result of this novel and improved designed, the consumer will always get scoop after just opening the container. The scoop holding disc with recess may be manufactured from conventional materials such as plastics, cardboards and metals like aluminum.
The solid material as used herein refers to products in granular and powdered form, such as, for purposes of example without limitation, dietary supplements, infant formula, flour, sugar or coffee. The dietary supplements include, but not limited to, protein powder, weight gain formulas, weight loss formulas, mineral supplements, vitamins or similar products. The semi-solid material as used herein refers to products that are semi-solid in consistency such as ghee, butter, honey, gels, creams and lotions.
The present invention contemplates all possible embodiments. For example, the embodiments are suitable for use in many applications that involve manufacture, distribution, storage, sale, and use of flowable substances such as powders and granular materials. The configurations of the inventive packaging system can be modified to accommodate nearly any conceivable type of such materials, and the shape, size, and arrangement of the features and components of the novel packaging can be modified according to the principles of the invention as may be required to suit a particular type or quantity of flowable material, as well as a preferred mode of use, storage, manufacture, distribution, and/or sales environment.
While all the fundamental characteristics and features of the present invention have been shown and described herein with particular embodiments thereof, latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended to be encompass within the spirit of the invention.

Experimental
The following tests were performed by Indian Institute of Packaging, Delhi. Tests were performed according to Bureau of Indian Standard, IS 7028 part 2, 3, 4, and 5 and Packaging Design Engineering Handbook. One set (8 nos.) of 5-ply RSC type Corrugated Fibre Board boxes, each containing 4 nos. of 2 kg. capacity plastic containers, arranged in 2x2x1 manner was provided to the Instituted for testing. Another set (8 nos.) of 5-ply RSC type corrugated fibre board boxes, each containing 6 nos. of 1 kg plastic containers, arranged in 3 x 2 x 1 manner was also provided for testing. Each plastic container was filled with a powder product and provided with scoop and scoop holding disc with recess . Each plastic container was closed by tagger and further with plastic screw cap.
Inclined Impact Test
To evaluate the ability of the packaging system to withstand sudden horizontal impacts or crushing forces, the incline impact test is performed. In this test the machine uses gravity to propel the test sample to a pre-determined speed before impacting a massive, flat, steel wall. Although the test is relatively simple, the results of testing are valuable, especially for high-value and/or heavy products. The Inclined Test may be performed according to the Bureau of Indian Standard, IS 7028-3 (2002): Performance Tests for Complete, Filled Transport Packages, Part 3: Horizontal Impact Tests (Horizontal or Inclined Test; Pendulum Test) [TED 24: Transport Packages].
The impact speed was 8 km/hr. The test included performing 6 impacts, one on each faces. The fiber cardboard box compressed slightly at the dropped corner. No damage to any of the plastic containers was observed in any of the tested boxes. No damage to the tagger was observed in any of the plastic containers in any of the tested boxes. Importantly, no displacement of the scoop and scoop holding disc in any of the plastic containers in any of the tested boxes and there was no spillage of the contents of the plastic containers.

Vibration Test

To ensure the durability of package, the vibration test is performed. Vibration occurs in all forms of transportation and at varying levels of intensity in the use environment, which can excite the natural frequencies of a product causing rapid fatigue and failure. Determining the product’s sensitivity to vibration is necessary in order to formulate intelligent decisions about the product sensitivity or the package design. The Vibration Test may be performed according to the Bureau of Indian Standard, IS 7028-2 (2002): Performance Tests for Complete, Filled Transport Packages, Part 2: Vibration Test at Fixed Low Frequency [TED 24: Transport Packages]
The vibration Test parameters were as follows:
Duration: 2 hours
Amplitude: One inch
Frequency: 180 cpm.
No damage to any of the plastic containers was observed in any of the tested boxes. No damage to the tagger was observed in any of the plastic containers in any of the tested boxes. Importantly, there was no displacement of the scoop and scoop holding disc in any of the plastic containers in any of the tested boxes and there was no spillage of the contents of the plastic containers.

Drop Test
To evaluate the ability of a package to handle and protect the product against collisions that occurs in the distribution environment. Whether the package is dropped, knocked or simply banged around, the impact can cause product damage. To conduct an impact test, the package is allowed to freefall onto corners, edges, and flat surfaces from a drop height dictated by the standard. Test may be performed according to the Bureau of Indian Standard, IS 7028-4 (1987): Performance tests for complete, filled transport packages, Part 4: Vertical impact drop test [TED 24: Transport Packages]
The parameters for Drop Test on the boxes were as follows:
Drop Height : 1.05 meter
No. of sequential drops: 10.
Drop Sequence :
1st on comer adjacent to faces 1, 2 and 5.
2nd diagonally on the edge adjacent to faces 2 and 5.
3rd diagonally on edge adjacent to faces 1 and 5.
4th diagonally on edge adjacent to faces 1 and 2.
Six drops, flat one on each face 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

The fiber cardboard box compressed slightly at the dropped corner. No damage to any of the plastic containers was observed in any of the tested boxes. No damage to the tagger was observed in any of the plastic containers in any of the tested boxes. Importantly, there was no displacement of the scoop and scoop holding disc in any of the plastic containers in any of the tested boxes and there was no spillage of the contents of the plastic containers.

Rolling Test
Transport packages are often rolled on its faces in order to move them short distances in store houses or in distribution systems. The rolling test, threfore, is performed for testing the strength of thhe transport packages and the protection that it offers to its contents when the ackage confrots the hazards of rolling. Test may be performed according to the Bureau of Indian Standard, IS 7028-5 (1987).
The parameters for rolling test were as follows:
Total 20 rolls on total:
7 rolls on length wise axis
7 rolls on width wise axis, and
6 rolls on height wise axis.
No damage to any of the plastic containers was observed in any of the tested boxes. No damage to the tagger was observed in any of the plastic containers in any of the tested boxes. Importantly, there was no displacement of the scoop and scoop holding disc in any of the plastic containers in any of the tested boxes and there was no spillage of the contents of the plastic containers.

WE CLAIM:
1. A packaging system for storing solid or semi-solid materials wherein the packaging system comprises a sealed container, a lid, a scoop and a scoop holding disc with recess wherein the scoop is placed in the recess of the scoop holding disc.
2. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scoop holding disc remains on top of the solid material.
3. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scoop holding disc holds the scoop within itself.
4. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the recess in the scoop holding disc is molded in the shape of the scoop.
5. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scoop holding disc with recess has dimension and shape of the interior of the sealed container and the container has hinges along its inner walls to place the scoop holding disc with recess along the hinges.
6. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scoop holding disc with recess and the sealed container are circular in shape.
7. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scoop holding disc with recess and the sealed container are in a square shape.
8. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scoop holding disk with recess and the sealed container are in a rectangular shape.
9. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scoop holding disc with recess and the sealed container are in an oval shape.
10. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scoop comprises a cup and the recess comprises a molded cavity in a shape complementary to the cup such that the scoop is placed in the recess in the scoop holding disc for retention.
11. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein, the scoop has a handle to hold the scoop.
12. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scoop holding recess has molded cavity to accommodate the scoop with handle.
13. A packaging system for storing solid or semi-solid materials wherein the packaging system comprises a sealed container, a lid, a scoop and a scoop holding disc with recess wherein the scoop is placed in the recess of the scoop holding disc substantially as herein described.