GB2376220A

GB2376220A - Packaging food in temporarily separate compartments

Info

Publication number: GB2376220A
Application number: GB0207019A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Succony
Original assignee: FLETCHERS BAKERIES Ltd
Current assignee: FLETCHERS BAKERIES Ltd
Priority date: 2002-03-26
Filing date: 2002-03-26
Publication date: 2002-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-26
Also published as: GB0207019D0; GB2376220B

Abstract

A food packaging for housing a first and second food material separately in respective first and second compartments (109, 104) during storage is disclosed. The packaging further comprises means operable to interrupt a partition (105) between the compartments (109, 104) such that the partition is interrupted allowing movement of at least one of said food materials between said compartments (104, 109). Interruption of the partition may be by pulling a protruding end 108 of a strip 106 attached to a tab portion of the partition, by pulling away an adhesive sealing member so that an aperture in the partition becomes open or by piercing the partition by means of at least one spike (607, Figures 6 and 7). The food materials may be donuts 302 and sugar 303.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO FOOD PACKAGING Field of the Invention The present invention relates to apparatus for packaging food and a method of combining foods housed in separate compartments of a food packaging apparatus, and particularly, although not exclusively, to a food packaging comprising first and second compartments separated by a partition and comprising means operable to interrupt said partition to enable a quantity of food material to move between said compartments.

Background to the Invention Many food items are known in the prior art which for the purposes of consumption are desired to comprise of a first food material e. g. donut coated with, or having applied to it, a second food material typically in the form of a seasoning e. g. sugar or salt. Many such food items are sold in pre-packaged containers which are designed to be substantially air tight to provide an extended shelf life of the product compared to corresponding fresh goods.

In the prior art donuts comprising fried dough and optionally containing a selected filling are coated in sugar and pre-packed in plastics containers which are substantially air tight. This arrangement provides for a total life of the product in the range of only 1 to 2 days due to the sugar seasoning coated on the exterior surface of each donut exhibiting hygroscopic properties. This has the effect that the sugar coating absorbs water which makes the product sticky and slimy, resulting in the product being messy to handle while eating, and giving it an unpleasant mouthfeel. The presence of sugar coated on the pre-packed donut is the main factor limiting the shelf life of the donuts. The life of the donut can be maximized by the addition of the sugar immediately prior to eating.

Other food items are also known to be pre-packaged and are desired to be seasoned. For example, pre-packaged salads are known in the prior art P0814. spec

packaged in substantially air tight plastics containers or bags. These products have a typical shelf life in the range 1 to 3 days. It is generally undesirable to premix the salad components with a dressing as this removes the consumers control over the amount of dressing applied to the salad and, additionally, the pre-mixing of salad and dressing can reduce the quality and presentation characteristics of the product as presented to the consumer for consumption.

The prior art therefore presents more than one technical problem. A first problem is how to maintain and extend the shelf life of food products having a food material, e. g. a seasoning, applied to or mixed with a main food material. A further problem considers how to improve the consumers control over the amount of seasoning which is applied to the main food material when supplied in the form of a pre-packaged food product.

Summary of the Invention The inventor has provided a food packaging which enables a first food material e. g. a donut to be separated from a second food material in the form of a seasoning e. g. sugar. The first food material is housed in a first compartment and the second food material is housed in a second compartment. Each compartment is separated by a partition, for example in the form of a wall portion formed by the packaging between the two compartments. A means is provided to enable the consumer to control the degree of separation and/or mixing of the two food materials. Accordingly, the shelf life of the pre-packaged food materials is increased as the food materials are stored separately.

Upon the consumer desiring to consume the food materials the consumer activates the means controlling separation of the two food materials enabling at least one of the food materials to move between the two compartments of the packaging, thereby enabling mixing of the two food components immediately prior to consumption. The resultant food product, whilst being provided in prepackaged form, has a high degree of freshness, improved quality characteristics

and a taste and appearance which, in the consumed product, can be varied to an extent to the consumers preference.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, characterised in that said packaging further comprises: a second compartment configured to house a second food material, a partition formed between said first and second compartments, said partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments; and means operable to interrupt said partition to enable a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments.

Preferably, said partition comprises a tab portion and said means comprises a material strip contacting said tab portion, movement of said strip displacing said tab portion to interrupt said partition.

Preferably, said material strip comprises a first and second end, a portion of said strip in the region of said second end adhesively adhered to said tab portion, a region of said strip towards said first end configured to be pulled by a user, pulling said strip displacing said tab portion to interrupt said partition.

Preferably, in a first storage position said strip overlaps said tab portion forming a sealing member contributing to formation of said partition to separate said food materials.

Preferably, said first end of said strip is located exterior to a main wall of said body.

Preferably, said material strip is located in said first compartment and moveable through said first compartment during interruption of said partition.

Preferably, said material strip is moveable through a guide region of a main wall of said body, said guide region configured to maintain the compartment through which said strip is moveable substantially air tight during movement of said strip.

Preferably, an aperture is formed between said first and second compartments, a sealing member located over said aperture forming said partition, wherein said sealing member is moveable to interrupt said partition.

Preferably, said sealing member comprises an adhesive material strip comprising a first and second end, a portion of said strip in the region of said second end forming said partition, a region of said strip towards said first end configured to be pulled by a user, pulling said region displacing said sealing member to interrupt said partition.

Preferably, said second compartment comprises a base forming said partition, wherein said means comprises at least one projecting member, wherein said projecting member is configured to be resiliently urged towards said partition to pierce said partition.

Preferably, said projecting member is formed by a portion of said packaging forming said second compartment.

Preferably, said projecting member comprises a spike arranged, in a first non-piercing position, opposite and in close proximity to said partition.

Preferably, said packaging comprises a plurality of said projecting members.

Preferably, said second compartment comprises a base forming said partition, said base comprising a scored region defining a tab portion, said tab

portion responsive to application of pressure to break said scored region displacing said tab and interrupting said partition.

Preferably, said packaging further comprises at least one projecting member urgeable towards said tab portion to push said tab portion and thereby interrupt said partition.

Preferably, said second compartment further comprises at least one wall portion dividing said second compartment into two or more sub-compartments.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, characterised in that said packaging further comprises: a second compartment configured to house a second food material, a partition formed between said first and second compartments, said partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments, wherein said partition comprises a tab portion and a material strip attached thereto, said strip moveable to enable displacement of said tab portion thereby enabling a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments.

Preferably, said strip is adhesively adhered to said tab portion, wherein prior to movement of said strip to displace said tab portion said strip overlaps said tab portion contacting a region of said partition surrounding said tab portion to form a sealing member further separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments.

Preferably, said strip is configured to be pulled in order to displace said tab portion.

Preferably, a first end of said strip extends to a region exterior of a said compartment. said strip configured of a thickness to enable movement of said strip through a guide region of a main wall of said body whilst maintaining said compartment substantially air tight.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, characterised in that said packaging further comprises: a second compartment configured to house a second food material, wherein an aperture is formed between said first and second compartments, a sealing member located over said aperture forming a partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments, wherein said sealing member is moveable to interrupt said partition.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, characterised in that said packaging further comprises: a second compartment configured to house a second food material, a partition formed between said first and second compartments, said partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments, wherein said packaging further comprises at least one spike arranged to be resiliently urged into said partition to pierce said partition in order to enable a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments.

Preferably, said partition is formed at a base of said second compartment, said second compartment further comprising an enclosing wall, said at least one spike formed as part of said enclosing wall.

Preferably, said packaging is manufactured from plastics material.

According to a first specific method there is provided a method of combining food materials housed in a food packaging, said food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, said food packaging comprising: a second compartment configured to house a second food material, a partition formed between said first and second compartments, said partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments; and; means operable to interrupt said partition to enable a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments, characterised in that said method comprises the steps of: operating said means to interrupt said partition.

Preferably, said method further comprising the step of: moving said packaging so as to agitate said foods in order to move a said quantity of at least one of said food materials between said compartments.

Preferably, said partition comprises a tab portion and said means comprises a material strip adhered thereto,

wherein said step of operating said means comprises moving said strip to enable displacement of said tab portion.

Preferably, said means comprises at least one spike arranged to be resiliently urged into said partition to pierce said partition, wherein said step of operating said means comprises pushing a portion of said packaging to engage said spike with said partition in order to pierce said partition.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates in external perspective view the food packaging in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates in external perspective view the food packaging of the first embodiment of the present invention further comprising a label portion further defining the second compartment; Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the food packaging in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 illustrates in plan view the upper body portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5a, b and c illustrates stages in the interruption of the partition formed between the first and second compartments in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6a illustrates an external perspective view of the food packaging in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention and Fig. 6b illustrates the spiked projections formed as part of the food packaging providing for piercing of the partition between the first and second compartments in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7a, b and c illustrate stages in the interruption of the partition between the first and second compartments in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 illustrates schematically the method steps involved in interrupting the partition between first and second compartments.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

In this specification the term food material comprises any item of food consumable by human, animal or plant life and comprising such food materials in solid, liquid or gaseous form.

In this specification first and second food materials are considered to be able to interact if a passage for movement of at least one food material exists between respective compartments housing said first and second food materials.

Referring to Fig. 1 herein, there is illustrated a first embodiment of the food packaging in accordance with the present invention. The food packaging 100 comprises a container having a body formed from two body portions 101,102.

Each body portion is made from plastics material injection molded or vacuum formed to a required shape. The two body portions 101,102 are configured to locate together to form a substantially air tight seal 103 in an arrangement known in the prior art. Fig. 1 illustrates a packaging formed to house a first food material, in the form of a plurality of donuts. Body portions, 101,102 each comprise a rim configured to be located together at an approximately mid-height region of the container thereby formed so as to form a sealed perimeter 103 substantially preventing movement of air into and/or out of the assembled container. The upper and lower body portions 101,102 can be separated and reassembled in order to place food material within the packaging and to remove food material from the packaging.

Placing upper body portion 101 onto lower body portion 102 to form the perimeter seal 103 defines a first compartment 109 configured to house a selected first food material. Each body portion is pre-designed in order to be of a shape and configuration to package a desired selected first food material.

Upper body portion 101 is pre-formed to comprise a recessed cavity in the uppermost surface of upper body portion 101. This cavity forms a second compartment 104 having a base layer 105 forming a partition separating the first and second compartments. Second compartment 104 is configured to house a selected second food material.

Fig. 1 specifically illustrates a food packaging container 100 for housing of a plurality of donuts in first compartment 109 and a quantity of seasoning material e. g. sugar in the second compartment 104. Accordingly, Fig. 1 illustrates first compartment 109 to be of larger dimensions than second compartment 104. This is not limiting to the invention and the first and second compartments may optionally be of similar dimensions. Further, the invention is not limited to food

materials including donuts and sugar. For example, alternative food materials comprise housing of a salad component in a first compartment and a predetermined quantity of salad dressing in a second compartment or a quantity of fruit in a first compartment and a quantity of cream or a second fruit in a second compartment 104. Further, the invention is not limited to comprising only two compartments, additional compartments may be provided for the storage of further food material components.

Second compartment 104 comprises a base portion 105 forming a barrier between the first and second compartments 109,104. During storage, this partition 105 divides the first and second compartments separating the food materials housed therein. A tab portion is formed in partition 105, the tab portion defined by a scored line or cut made in the plastics partition. Fig. 1 further illustrates a material strip or label 106 mainly housed within first compartment 109. Material strip 106 comprises an elongate member having a first end 108 located exterior to the main body of the food packaging and a second end adhered to the underside of partition 105, a length of material strip 106 adhered to the tab portion formed in partition 105. The perimeter seal 103 comprises a guide portion 107 which is formed to enable translational movement of material strip 106 through guide portion 107 without substantially affecting the air tight seal formed by the perimeter seal 103.

Referring to Fig. 2 herein, the food packaging illustrated in Fig. 1 is further illustrated to comprise a label 201 applied to the upper body portion covering the second compartment and forming an upper surface to the second compartment.

During packaging, the second food material is loaded into the second compartment and then an adhesive label 201 is applied over the upper portion of upper body 101 covering the second compartment and closing off the second compartment to prevent escape of the food material contained therein. Use of a label represents one method of defining the extent of the second compartment, alternative methods comprise forming an additional lid portion engageable at the upper perimeter of the second compartment wherein a second food material is

placed within the second compartment and the lid portion is placed on top to seal the second food material therein.

Referring to Fig. 3 herein, there is illustrated the food packaging according to the first embodiment of the present invention in side view. Upper body portion 101 and lower body portion 102 define first compartment 109 and are engaged together to form seal 103. A plurality of donuts 302 are illustrated housed in first compartment 109. Second compartment 104 is formed as a recessed shelf in the upper body portion 101. Label 201 is not illustrated for clarity. Material strip 106 comprises a second end 301 adhered to the underside of partition 105 for a length corresponding to the length of the tab portion formed in the partition 105.

A guide region 107 formed in perimeter seal 103 enables communication of the material strip between the interior of first compartment 109 and the environment exterior to the food packaging in which a first end 108 of the material strip 106 is located.

Material strip 106 comprises an adhesive portion in the region of second end 301. The adhesive portion comprising at least one surface of the material strip coated in adhesive material and extending for at least the length of the tab portion formed in partition 105. During storage the adhesive portion of material strip 106 is applied to the underside of the tab portion to adhere the strip to the partition 105 in the region of the tab portion. Once the consumer desires to apply second food material 303 housed in second compartment 104 to a first food material 302 housed in the first compartment 109 the user pulls the material strip in the region of first end 108. The material strip adhered to the underside of partition 105 is thus peeled away from the underside of partition 105 displacing the tab portion by pulling the tab portion towards the interior of first compartment 109. The separation of first and second compartments provided by partition 105 is thus removed and food material contained in the first and second compartments can move between compartments. Fig. 3 illustrates the material strip 106 partially peeled away from partition 105 allowing movement of second food material 303 between the compartments.

Fig. 4 illustrates the food packaging according to the first embodiment of the present invention in plan view. Upper body portion 101 is illustrated comprising second compartment 104 formed therein. Second compartment 104 further comprises tab portion 402 formed in partition 105. Tab portion 402 is defined by a score or cut made in the form of a loop, except for a gap in the score or cut where the tab is hinged at one side 403, this may be either a hinge formed along the longitudinal length or the short breath of the tab portion 402.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 herein, the material strip is operable to interrupt the partition formed between first and second compartments in two modes. In a first mode, the material strip is adhesively adhered to the underside of tab portion 402 indicated by dashed line 401, pulling of the strip to peel away from tab portion 402 both enables the tab portion 402 to be dislodged from the partition 105 by breaking the scored line and further optionally acts to pull the tab portion 402 into the first compartment 109. In the second mode of operation the material strip 106 forms a sealing member around the tab portion, wherein the tab portion 402 is cut from partition 105 save for formation of hinge portion 403. In this second mode of operation the region of second end 302 of material strip 106 adhered to the underside of partition 105 overlaps the tab portion contacting the surrounding region of the partition providing a seal along the length of the tab portion 402 when applied to partition 105 for maintaining separate storage of the food materials. On peeling away of the material strip the seal formed around the edges of tab portion 402 is removed and food material contained in the respective compartments is allowed to move between compartments.

In a further alternative arrangement material strip 106 is attached to tab portion 402 wherein tab portion 402 is formed by a scored line in partition 105 such that in an initial storage position the tab portion is not fully separated from partition 105, the scored line representing a line of weakness in partition 105.

Upon pulling of the material strip which is securely attached to the tab portion the

tab portion is broken away from the partition 105, the line of breakage defined by the scored line.

In yet a further alternative arrangement of the first embodiment the material strip 106 is formed from an adhesive label. Tab portion 402 is entirely cutout and removed from partition 105 during forming of upper portion 101 so as to leave a slotted aperture between the first compartment 109 and second compartment 104. The material strip is located over the slot so that the adhesive surface of the strip 106 is secured to the underside of partition 105 surrounding the slot. The material strip 106 thus forms a sealing member wherein a second food material placed in the second compartment 104 is prevented from moving between the compartments. As the strip is pulled at first end 108 the portion of the strip 106 adhered to the underside of partition 105 surrounding the slot is removed and the seal formed around the slot is broken allowing food material in the respective compartments to move between compartments. In this arrangement both partition 105 and the material strip adhered to the underside of the partition 105 combine to form the partition separating the two compartments during storage.

An additional alternative arrangement of the first embodiment is provided wherein the second compartment 104 is further divided into a plurality of subcompartments by means of at least one further wall portion. Each further wall portion extending transversely from partition 105 upper surface such that each further wall portion is substantially perpendicular to partition 105. These further wall portions separate the second compartment 104 into a plurality of subcompartments, each configured to house a quantity of food material e. g. sugar.

Partition 105 and material strip 106 are as described in any of the arrangements of the first embodiment.

By dividing the second compartment 104 into a plurality of subcompartments, thereby forming third and fourth compartments and so on respectively, a graduated addition of food material, e. g. sugar, housed in the second compartment 104, and sub-compartments formed therein, to the food

material housed in the first compartment 109 can be provided. As the material strip 106 is pulled food material in a first sub-compartment can move between the second and first compartments 104,109. As the material strip 106 is further pulled, food material in respective second and third sub-compartments are further allowed to move between second and first compartments 104, 109. This enables a graduated addition of seasoning e. g. sugar to be added to a main food material in the first compartment 109 such that the first food material in the first compartment 109 is seasoned to the consumers desired taste.

Fig. 5a, b and c illustrate the general mode of operation necessary to enable food material housed in the first and second compartments to move between compartments and interact. Fig. 5a illustrates a storage position in which a tab portion, the longitudinal extent of which is indicated by markers 502, is formed in the partition 105 between compartments. A quantity of second food material 501 is housed in the second compartment 104 formed in the upper body portion 101. Material strip 106 is either attached to or adhesively adhered to the underside of partition 105 along the length of the tab portion and optionally overlapping the tab portion to define a sealing member. The tab portion is either defined by a scored line in the partition 105 or is separated from partition 105 except for a hinged portion about which the tab portion is moveable.

As the material strip 106 is pulled the tab portion 402 is displaced towards the first compartment and food material housed in the second compartment 104 is allowed to move into the first compartment 109. This is illustrated in Fig. 5b.

As the material strip 106 is entirely peeled away from the underside of partition 105 (Fig. 5c) the tab portion 402 is allowed to further displace towards the first compartment and allow movement of the entire contents of the second compartment into the first compartment. The material strip 106 is entirely removed through guide 107 and disposed of. The consumer has the option of shaking the packaging to evenly distribute and combine the two food materials together. Once the two food materials have been distributed and combined to

the consumers satisfaction the packaging is opened by separating upper and lower body portion 101,102 by breaking the seal 103 formed there between.

Referring to Fig. 6a herein, there is illustrated a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6a illustrates a food packaging container comprising upper and lower body portion 601,602 each defining a rim 603, the rims engageable to form a seal at an approximate mid-height of the container 600.

The seal provides a substantially air tight seal to maintain the freshness of the food materials packaged within the container. Fig. 6a illustrates a food packaging container 600 configured to house eight donuts in two rows.

Fig. 6a illustrates an exploded view wherein upper and lower body portions 601,602 are shown in separation. When the upper and lower body portions 601, 602 are placed together to form seal 603 a first compartment is defined for housing a first food material, in this case a plurality of donuts. The interior of the first compartment is formed to receive the first food material in a way such as to package the first food material securely and so as to minimize damage to the food material during storage and transport.

Fig. 6a further illustrates formation of a second compartment 604. Second compartment 604 is formed as part of upper body portion 601. Upper and lower body portions 601,602 are made of plastics materials by either injection molding or vacuum forming. Second compartment 604 comprises a base portion (not shown in Fig. 6) defining a partition between the first and second compartments.

In the second embodiment the upper portion 601 defines a second compartment 604 for storage of a second food material. This second compartment is formed in one of two arrangements.

In a first arrangement as illustrated in Fig. 6a and b the upper body portion 601 is formed in an upper region into an elongated dome shaped portion distinct from the main upper body surface. The dome shaped portion is set into a recess on the upper body portion and is surrounded by a planar perimeter region. To

the underside of this planar perimeter region and within the main body space of packaging 600 a sheet of material e. g. paper, plastics, an adhesive label or fabric can be applied to the planar perimeter region so as to adhere thereto. This adherence can be achieved with suitable adhesive. Prior to application of said sheet material a quantity of a second food material, e. g. a seasoning such as sugar, is poured into the second compartment defined by the dome shaped portion. Following adherence of the sheet material to the underside of the dome shaped portion a second compartment is defined containing a quantity of a second food material.

In a second arrangement a second compartment is defined as described above in the respect of the first embodiment and a lid portion is formed to engage at the perimeter of the second compartment formed on the exterior of upper body portion 601. Engagement of such a lid portion enclosing a food material placed in the second compartment.

In both arrangements a second compartment is defined having a base layer forming a partition encapsulated by a lid portion. Referring to Fig. 6b herein, the underside of lid portion 606 is illustrated in enlarged view. Lid portion 606 is formed to comprise at least one projection in the form of a spike 607. Lid portion 606 is manufactured from flexible plastics material formed into at least one spike shaped projection 607, each projection formed by a cone shaped portion of material extending from the main lid upper surface 605 towards the partition separating the first and second compartments. The upper portion of lid 606 is dome shaped and flexible such that on application of pressure to the upper surface of lid portion 606 the upper portion is deformed downwards. This forces each of the conical projections 607 towards the partition. Each projection has a pointed apex which, upon engagement with the partition pierces the partition forming a hole therein. Each aperture formed in the partition allows a quantity of seasoning contained within the second compartment to escape into the first compartment. The flexible nature of the plastics material from which lid portion 606 is formed imparts a resilient property to the lid portion 606 wherein upon

release of pressure the apex of each cone shaped projection is released from the aperture formed in the partition leaving a hole through which the seasoning contained in the second compartment may flow.

Referring to Fig. 7a, b and c herein there is illustrated in diagrammatic cross section a representation of the steps involved in piercing the partition formed between the first and second compartments. Fig. 7a illustrates upper body portion 601 forming second compartment 604, the upper surface of which is defined by lid 606, wherein lid 606 comprises three conical shaped projections, each having a pointed apex configured to punch a hole in the adjacent partition 701. Fig. 7a illustrates a storage position of the conical projections 607. A quantity of seasoning 702 e. g. sugar or salt is contained within the second compartment 604. When the consumer desires to season the food material contained in the first compartment a force is applied to the upper surface of lid 606 indicated by arrow 703 in Fig. 7b. This acts to deform the flexible lid 606 so as to urge resiliently each conical projection into partition 701 thereby piercing partition 701 as each conical projection forms a hole in the partition. The pressure typically required to puncture the partition can be applied by a single finger. Upon release of downward pressure on the upper lid portion 606, the lid portion resiliently returns to its original storage position, each conical projection thereby being withdrawn from the aperture it has formed. The result is to leave at least one or typically a plurality of apertures in the partition 701 through which the seasoning 702 can escape into the first compartment to mix, interact with and/or coat the first food material as illustrated in Fig. 7c.

In a further embodiment, a food packaging container is formed as generally described in respect of the first and second embodiments. A second compartment is formed in the upper body portion as a recessed cavity. The base of the recessed cavity forming a partition between the first and second compartments. A tab portion is formed in the partition by scoring a line in a loop leaving a gap to form a hinge. Upon formation the tab portion is integral with the partition preventing transfer of a second food material housed in a second

compartment to the first compartment adjacently under the partition. A flexible lid is provided to enclose the upper region of the second compartment, the lid is optionally an integral or separate component to the upper body portion. Wherein the lid portion comprises a separate member the upper region of the second compartment and the perimeter of the lid are designed to form a sealing engagement to securely house a second food material within the second compartment during storage and transport so as to maintain the second food material entirely there within.

In this further embodiment, upper lid portion is flexible so that upon application of pressure by a consumer e. g. by applying finger pressure the lid portion is deformable towards the tab portion to contact the tab portion pushing the tab portion towards the first compartment interior breaking the tab portion from the partition around the scored line and pushing the tab portion into the first compartment about the hinge formed in the partition. The partition between first and second compartments is thus disrupted allowing food material in the first and second compartments to mix and interact.

In one alternative of this further embodiment the lid portion enclosing the second compartment is configured to comprise at least one projection extending towards the tab portion formed in the partition between compartments. Upon depressing the lid portion towards the tab portion the projections contact the tab portion pushing it inwards towards the first compartment, breaking the seal formed by the scored line and enabling movement of the food materials between compartments.

In order to achieve movement of food materials, between compartments a specific method of operation performed by the consumer is required.

Referring to Fig. 8 herein, a food product is purchased wherein the food product is housed within a packaging according to one of the embodiments described above wherein a first food material e. g. a number of donuts is housed

in a first main compartment so as to store the donuts to minimise damage to the donuts during storage, transport and sale and, wherein a second food material is housed in a separate compartment formed integrally as part of the food packaging container. The second food compartment containing a second food material, for instance in the form of a seasoning to be applied to the first food compartment. First and second compartments are separated by a dividing wall separating the first and second foods during storage, transport and sale. Upon desiring to consume the food product, the user has the option of allowing the first and/or second food materials to move between the compartments prior to opening of the food packaging container in order to remove and consume the food products.

To effect movement of one or more of the food materials between the compartments the user takes the packaged food 801, pulls the material strip or pushes the lid of the second compartment 802 in accordance with the relevant embodiment in order to interrupt the partition formed between the compartments and allow movement of one or more of the food materials between the respective compartments.

The consumer may optionally further agitate the packaging 803 by gentle shaking of the packaging to ensure adequate mixing and interaction of the first and second food materials.

The present invention is not limited to mixing of a seasoning and other food material and can be configured for use in any food packaging requirement where a first and second food material are required to be separated for a portion of time until an operator requires the two food materials to come into contact or to interact with each other. The invention is further not limited to comprising only two separated compartments, three or more separate compartments may be provided having two or more partitions and means operable to interrupt each respective partition respectively as required.

Claims

Claims :

1. A food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, characterised in that said packaging further comprises: a second compartment configured to house a second food material, a partition formed between said first and second compartments, said partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments; and means operable to interrupt said partition to enable a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments.

2. A food packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein said partition comprises a tab portion and said means comprises a material strip contacting said tab portion, movement of said strip displacing said tab portion to interrupt said partition.

3. A food packaging as claimed in claim 2, wherein said material strip comprises a first and second end, a portion of said strip in the region of said second end adhesively adhered to said tab portion, a region of said strip towards said first end configured to be pulled by a user, pulling said strip displacing said tab portion to interrupt said partition.

4. A food packaging as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein in a first storage position said strip overlaps said tab portion forming a sealing member contributing to formation of said partition to separate said food materials.

5. A food packaging as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein said first end of said strip is located exterior to a main wall of said body.

6. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein said material strip is located in said first compartment and moveable through said first compartment during interruption of said partition.

7. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein said material strip is moveable through a guide region of a main wall of said body, said guide region configured to maintain the compartment through which said strip is moveable substantially air tight during movement of said strip.

8. A food packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein an aperture is formed between said first and second compartments, a sealing member located over said aperture forming said partition, wherein said sealing member is moveable to interrupt said partition.

9. A food packaging as claimed in claim 8, wherein said sealing member comprises an adhesive material strip comprising a first and second end, a portion of said strip in the region of said second end forming said partition, a region of said strip towards said first end configured to be pulled by a user, pulling said region displacing said sealing member to interrupt said partition.

10. A food packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second compartment comprises a base forming said partition, wherein said means comprises at least one projecting member, wherein said projecting member is configured to be resiliently urged towards said partition to pierce said partition.

11. A food packaging as claimed in claim 10, wherein said projecting member is formed by a portion of said packaging forming said second compartment.

12. A food packaging as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein said projecting member comprises a spike arranged, in a first non-piercing position, opposite and in close proximity to said partition.

13. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein said packaging comprises a plurality of said projecting members.

14. A food packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second compartment comprises a base forming said partition, said base comprising a scored region defining a tab portion, said tab portion responsive to application of pressure to break said scored region displacing said tab and interrupting said partition.

15. A food packaging as claimed in claim 14, wherein said packaging further comprises at least one projecting member urgeable towards said tab portion to push said tab portion and thereby interrupt said partition.

16. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, wherein said second compartment further comprises at least one wall portion dividing said second compartment into two or more sub-compartments.

17. A food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, characterised in that said packaging further comprises: a second compartment configured to house a second food material, a partition formed between said first and second compartments, said partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments, wherein said partition comprises a tab portion and a material strip attached thereto, said strip moveable to enable displacement of said tab portion thereby enabling a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments.

18. A food packaging as claimed in claim 17, wherein said strip is adhesively adhered to said tab portion, wherein prior to movement of said strip to displace said tab portion said strip overlaps said tab portion contacting a region of said partition surrounding said tab portion to form a sealing member further separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments.

19. A food packaging as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein said strip is configured to be pulled in order to displace said tab portion.

20. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein a first end of said strip extends to a region exterior of a said compartment, said strip configured of a thickness to enable movement of said strip through a guide region of a main wall of said body whilst maintaining said compartment substantially air tight.

21. A food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, characterised in that said packaging further comprises: a second compartment configured to house a second food material, wherein an aperture is formed between said first and second compartments, a sealing member located over said aperture forming a partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments, wherein said sealing member is moveable to interrupt said partition.

22. A food packaging as claimed in claim 11 and as herein before described with reference to figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, characterised in that said packaging further comprises:

a second compartment configured to house a second food material, a partition formed between said first and second compartments, said partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments, wherein said packaging further comprises at least one spike arranged to be resiliently urged into said partition to pierce said partition in order to enable a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments.

23. A food packaging as claimed in claim 22 wherein said partition is formed at a base of said second compartment, said second compartment further comprising an enclosing wall, said at least one spike formed as part of said enclosing wall.

24. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 1 to 23, wherein said packaging is manufactured from plastics material.

25. A food packaging as claimed in claim 1 and as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. A method of combining food materials housed in a food packaging, said food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, said food packaging comprising: a second compartment configured to house a second food material, a partition formed between said first and second compartments, said partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments; and; means operable to interrupt said partition to enable a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments,

characterised in that said method comprises the steps of: operating said means to interrupt said partition.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26, said method further comprising the step of: moving said packaging so as to agitate said foods in order to move a said quantity of at least one of said food materials between said compartments.

28. A method as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein said partition comprises a tab portion and said means comprises a material strip adhered thereto, wherein said step of operating said means comprises moving said strip to enable displacement of said tab portion.

29. A method as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein said means comprises at least one spike arranged to be resiliently urged into said partition to pierce said partition, wherein said step of operating said means comprises pushing a portion of said packaging to engage said spike with said partition in order to pierce said partition.

Amended claims have been filed as follows

1. A food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, said packaging further comprising a second compartment configured to house a second food material, wherein an aperture is formed between said first and second compartments, a sealing member located over said aperture and forming a partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments, wherein said sealing member comprises a material strip comprising a first and second end, a surface of said strip in the region of said second end comprising an adhesive portion adhered to the packaging surrounding said aperture, a region of said strip towards said first end configured to be pulled by a user, pulling said region displacing said sealing member to interrupt said partition.

2. A food packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein said material strip is located in said first compartment and moveable through said first compartment during interruption of said partition.

3. A food packaging as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said material strip is moveable through a guide region of a main wall of said body, said guide region configured to maintain the compartment through which said strip is moveable substantially air tight during movement of said strip.

4. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first end of said strip is located exterior to a main wall of said body.

5. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said second compartment comprises a recessed cavity pre-formed in said body.

6. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said second compartment further comprises at least one wall portion dividing said second compartment into two or more sub-compartments.

7. A food packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first end of said strip extends to a region exterior of a said compartment, said strip configured of a thickness to enable movement of said strip through a guide region of a main wall of said body whilst maintaining said compartment substantially air tight.

8. A food packaging as claimed in claim 7, wherein pulling said region enables a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments.

9. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said packaging is manufactured from plastics material.

10. A food packaging as claimed in claim 1 and as herein before described with reference to figs 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A food packaging comprising a body defining a first compartment, said first compartment configured to house a first food material, said packaging further comprising a second compartment configured to house a second food material, a partition formed between said first and second compartments, said partition separating said food materials housed in respective said compartments, wherein said partition comprises a tab portion and a material strip, said material strip comprising a first and second end, a surface of said strip in the region of said second end comprising an adhesive portion overlapping said tab portion and adhered to the packaging surrounding said tab portion thereby forming a sealing member,

a region of said strip towards said first end configured to be pulled by a user, pulling said region displacing said sealing member and displacing said tab portion to interrupt said partition.

12. A food packaging as claimed in claim 11, wherein said tab portion is defined by a scored line or cut in said partition.

13. A food packaging as claimed in claim 11, wherein said tab portion is cut from said partition save for formation of a hinge portion.

14. A food packaging as claimed in claim 11,12 or 13, wherein said material strip is located in said first compartment and moveable through said compartment during interruption of said partition.

15. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, wherein said material strip is moveable through a guide region of a main wall of said body, said guide region configured to maintain the compartment through which said strip is moveable substantially air tight during movement of said strip.

16. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15, wherein said first end of said strip is located exterior to the main wall of said body.

17. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16, wherein said second compartment comprises a recessed cavity pre-formed in said body.

18. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 11 to 17, wherein said second compartment further comprises at least one wall portion dividing said second compartment into two or more sub-compartments.

19. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 11,12 or 13, wherein a first end of said strip extends to a region exterior of a said compartment, said

strip configured ot a thickness to enable movement ot said stnp througn a guide region of a main wall of said body whilst maintaining said compartment substantially air tight.

20. A food packaging as claimed in 19, wherein pulling said region enables displacement of said tab portion thereby enabling a quantity of at least one of said food materials to move between said compartments.

21. A food packaging as claimed in any of claims 11 to 20, wherein said packaging is manufactured from plastics material.