Reversibly deformable interactive package components

US9260223B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NESTEC S.A. · CH

Inventors

• Kisun Kim · Chesterfield, US
• Stephen Andrew Wurth · Chesterfield, US
• Bethanie L. Gasperson · Chesterfield, US
• Jacob Ballard · Chesterfield, US
• James Persells · Marshall, US
• Christopher Graham Tuttle · Portland, US
• Kate Elizabeth Jente · Clayton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 22, 2013
• Grant date: Feb 16, 2016
• Expiry date: Nov 5, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D2203/12
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed herein are packages for consumer goods that provide additional functionality as an interactive device for encouraging playful interaction with the package contents. In various embodiments, the package includes a lid or top comprising a hollow body defined by a flexible shell, wherein the shell is reversibly deformable or comprises regions that are reversibly deformable, the lid adapted for launching or propelling an item when the item is placed on the shell or on a reversibly deformable region of the shell, wherein when the shell is deformed and thereafter springs back to its undeformed shape, the springing action propels the item away from the lid. Kits and methods for using the interactive packages and particularly the interactive portions of the packages are also disclosed.