Abstract
The present disclosure provides various example features of a holder configured to retain a squeezable-snack container to help prevent messes from accidental squeezing. The squeezable-snack holder may include a substantially rigid main body having an oval cross-section and defining an internal cavity configured to retain a squeezable snack, wherein the squeezable snack comprises a fruit-sauce pouch, a juice pouch, or a juice box; and a lid configured to removably couple to an upper rim of the main body, wherein the lid may define: a first aperture sized to receive a sauce nozzle of the fruit-sauce pouch; a second aperture sized to receive a first consuming mechanism of the juice pouch; and a third aperture sized to receive a second consuming mechanism of the juice box. In some examples, the lid further may define a fourth aperture sized to receive the second consuming mechanism.
Claims
1. A squeezable-snack holder comprising: a substantially rigid main body consisting of: a sidewall; a first end portion extending from the sidewall; and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the second end portion comprises an opening providing access to an internal cavity of the substantially rigid main body, wherein collectively the sidewall, the first end portion, and the second end portion define the internal cavity configured to retain a first squeezable snack; a lid comprising configured to receive a first consuming mechanism extending from the first squeezable snack, wherein the first consuming mechanism is configured to provide access to contents of the first squeezable snack, and wherein the lid is attachable to the second end portion; wherein the lid includes at least two apertures, wherein the at least two apertures includes: a first aperture in a first location on the lid configured to receive a first consuming mechanism, wherein the first aperture defines a modified quadrilateral with a circular extension shape; and a second aperture in a second location on the lid configured to receive a second consuming mechanism.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The squeezable-snack holder of claim 1, wherein one or both the lid and the first end portion is removable.
5. The squeezable-snack holder of claim 1, wherein the first end portion is fixed and configured to receive one or more inserts configured to modify or customize the size and/or shape of the available space within the internal cavity.
6. The squeezable-snack holder of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a pair of handles disposed on opposite external sides of the sidewall.
7. The squeezable-snack holder of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the sidewall comprises a pair of rubber grips.
8. The squeezable-snack holder of claim 1, wherein the lid or the first end portion comprises a pair of hooked prongs; wherein the sidewall of the main body defines a counterpart pair of openings; and wherein the hooked prongs are configured to extend along an interior surface of the main body to engage with edges of the openings to removably couple the lid or the first end portion to the main body.
9. The squeezable-snack holder of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of the main body defines a plurality of slots configured to removably retain one or more wall inserts configured to partition an available space within the interior cavity to accommodate a particular form factor of the squeezable snack.
10. The squeezable-snack holder of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the main body is formed from a substantially transparent material for viewing the squeezable snack retained within the internal cavity.
11. The squeezable-snack holder of claim 1, further comprising a first plurality of magnets embedded in the rim of the main body and a counterpart second plurality of magnets embedded in the lid, wherein the first plurality of magnets is configured to magnetically attract the second plurality of magnets to removably couple the lid to the main body.
12. A nozzle topper for a squeezable-snack holder including: a threaded inner body configured to connect to a threaded portion of a consuming mechanism of a squeezable snack; and an outer shell disposed around the inner body, wherein the threaded inner body and the outer shell define a lumen through which fruit sauce is dispensable.
13. The nozzle topper of claim 12, wherein the threaded inner body of the nozzle topper includes an integrated internal valve that requires a minimum amount of applied suction force to open the valve.
14. The nozzle topper of claim 12, wherein a cap is coupled overtop of the consuming mechanism to further secure and preserve the contents of a fruit sauce pouch.
15. The nozzle topper of claim 12, wherein the threaded inner body includes a rigid material and the outer shell includes a pliable material.
16. The nozzle topper of claim 12, where in the at least first aperture of the nozzle topper is onto the squeezable-snack holder.
17. The nozzle topper of claim 12, wherein a flexible strap is attached to the outer shell that is configured to connect to another portion of the nozzle topper device.
18. The nozzle topper of claim 17, wherein the flexible strap extends from the outer shell to attach to a cap that is coupled overtop of the consuming mechanism to further secure and preserve the contents of a fruit sauce pouch.
19. The nozzle topper of claim 18, wherein the cap includes handles that extend laterally from opposite sides.
20. The nozzle topper of claim 19, wherein the handles are be configured to fit around the original cap of the fruit sauce pouch while the original cap is still connected.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings that are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an exemplary squeezable-snack holder, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the squeezable-snack holder of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 1C illustrates an overhead view or top view of the squeezable-snack holder of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates an overhead view or top view of an exemplary nozzle topper, which may optionally be used in conjunction with the squeezable-snack holder of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the nozzle topper of FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle topper of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 3A illustrates an overhead view of an exemplary nozzle topper, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the nozzle topper of FIG. 3A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle topper of FIGS. 3A and 3B, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary nozzle topper, having a pop-on mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary squeezable-snack holder, having a removable bottom, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an exemplary squeezable-snack holder in which the lid is removably couplable to the body via a mechanical hinge, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary squeezable-snack holder, in which the lid is removably couplable to the body via a plurality of magnets, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary squeezable-snack holder, in which the lid is removably couplable to the body via a flexible strap, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of an exemplary squeezable-snack holder formed from a transparent material, with an example fruit-sauce pouch retained therein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of the squeezable-snack holder of FIG. 9A, with an exemplary juice pouch retained therein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 9C illustrates a front view of the squeezable-snack holder of FIGS. 9A and 9B, with an exemplary juice box retained therein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of an example of the squeezable-snack holder of FIG. 1, featuring a transparent window to reveal the squeezable snack retained therein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of an example of the squeezable-snack holder of FIG. 1, featuring a plurality of slots and grooves, and one or more removable inserts to modify an available space within the internal cavity of the holder, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the squeezable-snack holder of FIG. 1, including a manual squeezing mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart detailing a method for using a squeezable-snack holder to help prevent squeeze-associated messes, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] The FIGURES of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as their dimensions can be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present disclosure details various example features of a substantially rigid device configured to hold and retain a container of a squeeze-dispensed (or squeezable) snack. Typically, these snacks may be dispensed from their containers by squeezing the container, and/or by applying suction through the accompanying consuming mechanism. The example devices described herein are configured to inhibit the squeeze-based functionality of such containers, which often result in sticky spilled snacks, while retaining the more-precise functionality of the consuming mechanism.
[0037] In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.
Glossary
[0038] Lid: as used herein refers to a top portion of a squeezable-snack holder. In some embodiments, a lid may comprise a plurality of apertures configured to accept one or more consuming mechanism. [0039] Squeezable Snack: as used herein refers to any substantially flexible container comprising a food or beverage, such that inward compression of the container causes the food or beverage to be dispensed outward from the container. [0040] Consuming Mechanism: as used herein refers to any elongated tube or nozzle configured to direct a food or beverage from a container into a consumer's mouth. As a non-limiting example, a consuming mechanism may comprise a straw insertable into a squeezable snack. [0041] Nozzle Topper: as used herein refers to any configuration that may be attached to the top of the squeezable snack that may facilitate use of the consuming mechanism. As a non-limiting example, the nozzle topper may be placed above the lid to couple with a consuming mechanism. [0042] Squeezable-Snack Holder: as used herein refers to any substantially rigid container that may hold the squeezable snack. [0043] Bottom Cover: as used herein refers to a bottom portion of a squeezable-snack holder. In some embodiments, a bottom cover may be detachable to enable entry of the squeezable snack, as a non-limiting example.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a front view of an exemplary squeezable-snack holder 100, in accordance with the present disclosure, is illustrated. In some embodiments, squeezable-snack holder 100 may be configured to retain a squeezable-snack, such as a fruit-sauce pouch, a juice pouch, or a juice box, as non-limiting examples, which may help prevent unwanted messes from excessive squeezing of the squeezable snack. Squeezable-snack holder 100 may comprise at least a main body 102 and a lid 104. In some implementations, main body 102 may be formed from a substantially rigid material, such as polypropylene (PP), another type of plastic or resin, wood, metal, or ceramic, or the like, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, main body 102 may comprise a sidewall 106, a first end portion 108, and a second end portion 110 opposite the first end portion 108.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1B, a perspective view of the squeezable-snack holder 100 of FIG. 1A is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1B, the sidewall 106 and the first end portion 108 collectively may define an internal cavity 112 of the main body 102. The second end portion 110 may define a rim 114 of main body 102, through which a user may access the internal cavity 112. In some examples, but not all examples, sidewall 106 may define a substantially oval-shaped cross-sectional area through the internal cavity 112.
[0046] In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but not in all examples, main body 102 may comprise a pair of handles 116 disposed on opposite external sides of sidewall 106. An exterior surface of sidewall 106 may feature a frosted treatment, e.g., defining a particular texture to improve grip and/or for aesthetic purposes.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 1C, an overhead view or top view of the squeezable-snack holder 100 is illustrated, illustrating some example features of lid 104. Lid 104 may define one or more apertures configured to receive a consuming mechanism of a squeezable-snack. In the example shown in FIG. 1C, lid 104 may define a plurality of apertures 118A-118D (collectively, apertures 118). It is to be understood that the illustrated example is non-limiting; the particular number, size, shape, and arrangement of apertures may vary without affecting the critical functions of squeezable-snack holder 100. In some examples, the first end portion 108 of main body 102 may define apertures 118, e.g., in addition to or instead of lid 104, as detailed further below.
[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 1C, lid 104 may define a first aperture 118A having a shape approximating an inverted letter T. In some embodiments, Aperture 118A may be tailored to accommodate the relatively thicker or wider consuming mechanism integrated within the containers of widely available fruit-sauce pouches, such as applesauce snack pouches. In some implementations, the eight-sided T-shaped configuration of aperture 118A enables the user to insert the fruit-sauce consuming mechanism through the wider bottom portion of the aperture, and then slide the consuming mechanism over into the narrower portion, where the edges of aperture 118A will pinch against the consuming mechanism to hold it in place via friction.
[0049] In some aspects, Aperture 118B may be configured to accommodate the consuming mechanisms packaged alongside commercial juice pouches. Unlike with fruit-sauce pouches, the consuming mechanism sold alongside a juice pouch may not be rigidly coupled to the container. In some embodiments, different brands of juice pouches may indicate different locations for puncturing the container to insert the consuming mechanism. In some aspects, aperture 118B is depicted in FIG. 1C as being generally oval-shaped (e.g., having a cross-section larger than the circular cross-sectional area of the consuming mechanism), to accommodate a range of relative positions and orientations between the juice pouch, the consuming mechanism, and lid 104.
[0050] In some embodiments, Apertures 118C and 118D may be configured to accommodate the consuming mechanisms packaged alongside commercial juice boxes (or cartons). Similar to juice pouches, the consuming mechanism sold alongside a juice box is typically not rigidly coupled to the container. In some implementations, different brands of juice boxes may indicate different locations for puncturing the container to insert the consuming mechanism. In some aspects, unlike juice-pouch consuming mechanisms, which are typically thin, rigid, and straight, juice-box consuming mechanisms typically include an accordion-style bending portion, thereby accommodating a greater range of motion of the user-end of the consuming mechanism. In some embodiments, lid 104 may comprise two juice-box-consuming mechanism apertures 118C, 118D at different positions, such that the juice-box consuming mechanism may be inserted through whichever of the two is more accessible and/or convenient. In some implementations, squeezable-snack holder 100 may include more apertures, fewer apertures, apertures of different sizes and shapes, and apertures differently arranged relative to one another.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a top view or overhead view of an example of a squeezable-snack nozzle topper 220 is illustrated. In some embodiments, nozzle topper 220 may be configured to removably couple to the integrated consuming mechanism or nozzle of a fruit-sauce pouch (e.g., an applesauce pouch) to help prevent excessive and/or accidental dispensation of the fruit sauce. In some aspects, nozzle topper 220 may optionally be used in conjunction with squeezable-snack holder 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0052] As a non-limiting example, when a fruit-sauce pouch is retained within the internal cavity 112 of squeezable-snack holder 100, and while the pouch is not currently in use, nozzle topper 220 may rotatably screw onto the fruit-sauce consuming mechanism while it protrudes through an aperture of the squeezable-snack holder, e.g., for short-term storage. In some embodiments, nozzle topper 220 may comprise an adaptor 222, a cap 224, and a flexible strap 226 connecting the cap 224 to the adaptor 222.
[0053] In some implementations, adaptor 222 may be configured to removably couple over top of the integrated consuming mechanism of a fruit sauce pouch. In some embodiments, adaptor 222 may couple via a threaded-screw connection, via adhesive, via a friction-based (or snap) mechanism, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. In some non-limiting examples, adaptor 222 includes an integrated internal valve that requires a minimum amount of applied suction force to open the valve. In some embodiments, when coupled to a fruit-sauce pouch, the fruit sauce may not pass through the valve solely under its own weight, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of accidental spills. When not in use, cap 224 may be coupled overtop of adaptor 222 to further secure and preserve the contents of the fruit-sauce pouch. Nozzle topper 220 further includes a handle 227 extending laterally off of cap 224. Handle 227 may be configured to fit around the original cap of the fruit-sauce pouch while the original cap is still connected, for convenient storage.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a side view of nozzle topper 220 is illustrated. Nozzle topper 220 may comprise an adaptor 222, a cap 224, and a flexible strap 226 connecting the cap 224 to the adaptor 222.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 2C, a cross-sectional side view of nozzle topper 220 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2C, in some non-limiting examples, adaptor 222 may comprise two interconnecting components: a threaded inner body 228, and an outer shell 230 disposed around the inner body 228. Together, these two components may define a lumen 232 through which fruit sauce may be dispensed or aspirated. A pressure valve (not shown) may be positioned within lumen 232.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a top view or overhead view of another example squeezable-snack nozzle topper 320 is illustrated, which may optionally be used in conjunction with squeezable-snack holder 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. Nozzle topper 320 of FIG. 3A may be marginally smaller than nozzle topper 220 of FIGS. 2A-2C, e.g., to accommodate a smaller-sized consuming mechanism for certain brands of fruit-sauce pouches. Nozzle topper 320 may comprise an adaptor 322, a cap 324, and a flexible strap 326 connecting the cap 324 to the adaptor 322.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 3B, a side view of nozzle topper 320 is illustrated. Nozzle topper 320 may comprise an adaptor 322, a cap 324, and a flexible strap 326 connecting the cap 324 to the adaptor 322. In some embodiments, cap 324 may comprise additional components (not shown) to securely couple itself to adaptor 322.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 3C, a cross-sectional side view of nozzle topper 320 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3C, adaptor 322 may comprise two interconnecting components: a threaded inner body 328, and an outer shell 330 disposed around the inner body 328. Together, these two components may define a lumen 332 through which fruit sauce may be dispensed. In some embodiments, nozzle topper 320 may comprise a pressure valve (not shown) positioned within lumen 332.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional side view of another example squeezable-snack nozzle topper 420 is illustrated, which may optionally be used in conjunction with squeezable-snack holder 100. Nozzle topper 420 is a non-limiting example of nozzle topper 220 and nozzle topper 320, apart from any differences noted herein. In some embodiments, FIG. 4 may represent a different attachment mechanism for removably coupling the adaptor 422 to the consuming mechanism of the fruit-sauce pouch. That is, instead of threaded interior surface configured to rotatably screw onto the complementary threads of the fruit-sauce consuming mechanism, nozzle topper 420 may comprise a pop on interior gripping surface 434 configured to retain the fruit-sauce consuming mechanism through friction alone.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded perspective view of another example squeezable-snack holder 500, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some embodiments, bottom cover 504 may form a bottom surface of cavity 512. Instead, the aperture(s) 518 are defined by the first end portion 508 of main body 502, which forms the top surface of the squeezable-snack holder 500. During use, the user may insert the top of the squeezable-snack container upward into bottom rim 514, all the way through internal cavity 512, and extends the consuming mechanism through one of apertures 518. Then, the bottom cover 504 may be coupled onto bottom rim 514 to seal the squeezable-snack container within internal cavity 512.
[0061] FIG. 5 further illustrates a first example of an attachment mechanism for removably coupling bottom cover 504 to main body 502. That is, in some non-limiting examples, lid 504 may comprise one or more upward-facing extensions or hooked prongs 536. Hooked prongs 536 may be configured to engage against the edges of square-shaped counterpart openings 538 defined by sidewall 506 of main body 502. To release lid 504 from main body 502, the user may access hooked prongs 532 through openings 536, and compresses them radially inward toward each other. With the integrated latching mechanism thereby released, lid 504 may be freely removed from main body 502. It is to be understood that this is merely one non-limiting example attachment mechanism configured to help reduce the likelihood that the user (e.g., a child or toddler) loses lid 504; any other suitable attachment mechanism could likewise be implemented.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 6, a back view or rear view of another example squeezable-snack holder 600 is illustrated. In some embodiments, squeezable-snack holder 600 may comprise another example attachment mechanism for removably coupling main body 602 to lid 604. In some implementations, the attachment mechanism may comprise a mechanical hinge 640 that rotatably couples lid 604 to main body 602.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective view of another example squeezable-snack holder 700 is illustrated. In some embodiments, squeezable-snack holder 700 may comprise another example attachment mechanism for removably coupling main body 702 to lid 704. In some aspects, the attachment mechanism may comprise two counterpart sets of magnets configured to removably engage with one another-a first set of magnets 742A embedded proximate upper rim 714 of main body 702, and a second set of magnets 742B distributed around a lower lip 744 of lid 704.
[0064] In some implementations, squeezable-snack holder 700 of FIG. 7 further may comprise a non-limiting example gripping device that may help prevent the user from dropping squeezable-snack holder 700. In the example of FIG. 7, the gripping mechanism includes a rubber grip 746 extending circumferentially around each of handles 716. In some embodiments, the gripping mechanism may be an integral component of main body 702, such as a texture defined by a surface treatment on the exterior surface of handles 716.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of another example squeezable-snack holder 800 is illustrated. In some embodiments, squeezable-snack holder 800 may comprise another example attachment mechanism for removably coupling main body 802 to lid 804. The attachment mechanism may comprise a flexible strap 846 extending between main body 802 and lid 804. During use, the lower lip 844 of lid 804 may be configured to snap into place within upper rim 814 via friction. It is to be understood that any or all of these attachment mechanisms, including those not explicitly disclosed, may be used in combination with one another.
[0066] Squeezable-snack holder 800 of FIG. 8 further may include another example gripping device to help prevent the user from dropping the respective squeezable-snack holder. The gripping device may be shown in FIG. 8 as a pair of rubber grips 848 adhered directly onto sidewall 806 of main body 802.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 9A, a front view of squeezable-snack holder 900 is illustrated. Squeezable-snack holder 900 may be at least partially formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material, such as a transparent plastic, to reveal the contents within the internal cavity 912. As a non-limiting example, in FIG. 9A, an example fruit-sauce pouch 950 (e.g., pear-sauce pouch) may be retained within internal cavity 912, and may be visible through the transparent material of main body 902. An example nozzle topper 920 (e.g., nozzle topper 220 of FIGS. 2A-2C) may be screwed onto the consuming mechanism 952A of the fruit-sauce pouch 950 while the fruit-sauce consuming mechanism 952A extends through the appropriately sized aperture 918A (e.g., aperture 118A of FIG. 1C).
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 9B, a front view of squeezable-snack holder 900 is illustrated. In FIG. 9B, an example juice pouch 954 may be retained within internal cavity 912, and may be visible through the transparent material of main body 902. Juice-pouch consuming mechanism 952B extends through the appropriately sized aperture 918B (e.g., aperture 118B of FIG. 1C).
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 9C, a front view of squeezable-snack holder 900 is illustrated. In FIG. 9C, an example juice box 956 may be retained within internal cavity 912, with the juice-box consuming mechanism 952C extending through the appropriately sized aperture 918C (e.g., aperture 118C or 118D of FIG. 1C). FIG. 9C further illustrates an example removable spacer or insert 960 configured to modify or customize the size and/or shape of the available space within internal cavity 912, in order to better-accommodate different form factors of squeezable snacks. That is, insert 960 may be received within internal cavity 912 in order to fill the unwanted space between the bottom of juice box 954 and the interior surface of main body 902, thereby propping the juice box 954 up closer to lid 904, as well as firmly retaining juice box 954 in a fixed position along the lateral directions.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 10, a front view of squeezable-snack holder 1000 is illustrated. While squeezable-snack holder 1000 may be formed from a generally opaque material, a front portion of sidewall 1006 may comprise a transparent window 1058 to view the contents of cavity 1012. Specifically, FIG. 10 shows a non-limiting example in which juice box 1054 may be retained within internal cavity 1012, and may be visible through viewing window 1060. FIG. 10 further illustrates an example removable spacer or insert 1060 configured to modify or customize the size and/or shape of the available space within internal cavity 1012, to better accommodate different form factors of squeezable snacks. In some implementations, insert 1060 may be received within internal cavity 1012 to fill the unnecessary space between the bottom of juice box 1054 and the interior surface of main body 1002, thereby propping the juice box 1054 up closer to lid 1004, as well as firmly retaining juice box 1054 in a fixed position along the lateral directions.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 11, a top view or overhead view of squeezable-snack holder 1100 is illustrated. Squeezable-snack holder 1100 may comprise a main body 1102 with an oval-shaped sidewall 1106 defining an interior cavity 1112 therein. An interior surface of sidewall 1106 may comprise a plurality of grooves or slots 1162 configured to receive and retain one or more removable inserts 1164. Removable inserts 1164, when retained within grooves or slots 1162, are configured to partition interior cavity 1112 into two or more spaces of different volumes. In this way, inserts 1164 enable the user to change the size and shape of an available space within internal cavity 1112 configured to store a particular type of squeezable-snack container. In some aspects, removable inserts 1164 may be positioned between different pairs of slots 1162, e.g., to conform the available space to the form factors of different types of squeezable-snack containers.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 12, a transparent perspective view of a squeezable-snack holder 1200 is illustrated. In some embodiments, squeezable-snack holder 1200 may include an integrated manual-squeezing mechanism 1266 that enables the user to exercise significantly more-precise control over the amount of the squeezable snack dispensed from its container 1250. In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 12, the mechanical squeezing mechanism 1266 may include one or more roller bars 1268 configured to compress tightly against the exterior surface of a squeezable-snack container 1250 within internal cavity 1212. Through manual rotation of external knob 1270, roller bar(s) 1268 are configured to roll vertically upward toward the upper rim 1214 of main body 1202 of squeezable-snack holder 1200, thereby dispensing the squeezable snack out from the nozzle 1252A of the container 1250.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 13, a flowchart 1300 detailing a method for implementing a squeezable-snack holder to prevent a sticky mess is illustrated. At Step 1302, the method may comprise inserting the consuming mechanism of a squeezable-snack container through an appropriately sized aperture, from among a plurality of differently sized apertures defined by a lid of the squeezable-snack holder. At Step 1304, the squeezable-snack container may be inserted downward through an upper rim and into an internal cavity defined by a main body of the squeezable-snack holder. At Step 1306, the lid, retaining the consuming mechanism, may be removably coupled to the upper rim of the main body of the squeezable-snack holder, thereby sealing the squeezable container within the internal cavity.
CONCLUSION
[0074] A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0075] Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination or in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[0076] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.
[0077] Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.
[0078] Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.
