CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63/398,078, filed on August 15, 2022, and U.S. Application No. 63/509,801, filed on June 23, 2023, which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to a comestible package, and more particularly to a comestible package with at least one content retaining member.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There is consumer interest in gum packages that contain greater amounts of gum. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a package able to retain greater amounts of gum in a manner that is convenient to the user.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment, a comestible package includes a package body with a package cavity defined by a first package panel, a second package panel opposite the first package panel, a first package end joining the first package panel and second package panel, and a second package end joining the first package panel the second package panel. At least one open end of the package body is in communication with the package cavity. The comestible package also includes at least one content retaining member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the at least one content retaining member is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member. The second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to the package body.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one content retaining member extends across the open end when the first end is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second end is attached to a second package panel and the first end is attached to at least one removable portion of the first package panel, the at least one content retaining member being removable from the package body via separation of the removable portion from the first package panel. [0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second end of the at least one content retaining member is affixed to an outer surface of the second package panel.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second end of the at least one content retaining member is affixed to an inner surface of the second package panel.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one content retaining member includes an inner surface with an adhesive.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the second end of the at least one content retaining member is adhered to the second package panel.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the adhesive includes a greater affinity for the material of the second package panel than contents disposed in the package cavity.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the removable portion of the first package panel is connected to a remainder of the first package panel via at least one line of relative weakness.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one removable portion of the first panel is disposed proximate the at least one open end.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one open end is a first open end and a second open end disposed at opposing ends of the package body, wherein the at least one removable portion is a first removable portion disposed proximate the first open end and a second removable portion disposed proximate the second open end, and wherein the at least one content retaining member is a first content retaining member extending across the first open end and being affixed to the first removable portion, and a second content retaining member extending across the second open end and being affixed to the second removable portion.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one removable portion includes an adhesive at an inner surface allowing for resealing to any contents in the cavity and the first package panel. [0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the package cavity is sized to contain a plurality of individual packs disposed in a side-by-side alignment.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the package body includes at least one access notch creating user access to package contents disposed in the package cavity.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one line of weakness is a perforation or scoring in the first package panel.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the adhesive is releasable from package contents disposed in the package cavity.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the content retaining member is affixed to the second package panel such that removal of the content retaining member from the second package panel will visibly remove a portion of the second package panel.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one content retaining member includes an adhesive that both allows the at least one content retaining member to be removable from any of the plurality of packs, and includes an adhesive strength sufficient to support a full weight of at least one of the plurality of packs.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one removable portion of the first package panel is pullable away from a reminder of the first package panel.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one removable portion of the first package panel is pushable away from a reminder of the first package panel.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one content retaining member extends across the open end when in a content retaining position, and is detached from the package body at the first end or the second end when in an open position.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least the first end of the at least one content retaining member includes an adhesive for releasably adhering the first end of the at least one content retaining member to the first panel of the package body.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first end of the at least one content retaining member is pullable away from a reminder of the first package panel via a tab.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first end of the at least one content retaining member is connected to a remainder of the at least one content retaining member via at least one line of relative weakness disposed along the at least one content retaining member.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one content retaining member is pullable away from a reminder of the first package panel via a tab disposed proximate the at least one line of relative weakness disposed along the at least one content retaining member.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one content retaining member wraps completely around the package body, the second end of the at least one content retaining member being releasably attached to another area of the at least one content retaining member.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one line of weakness is multiple lines of weakness disposed at a relative center of the fist package panel and at areas adjoining the first package panel with the first package end and the second package end.

[0030] According to another embodiment, a comestible package includes a package body with a package cavity defined by a first package panel, a second package panel opposite the first package panel, a first package end joining the first package panel and second package panel, and a second package end joining the first package panel and second package panel. At least one pack of comestibles is disposed in the package cavity. At least one open end of the package body is in communication with the package cavity. The comestible package also includes at least one content retaining member with a first end and a second end, the content retaining member extending across the at least one open end. The first end of the at least one content retaining member is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member, and the second end of the at least one content retaining member is attached to the package body.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one content retaining member extends across the open end when the first end is removably attached to at least one of the package body and the at least one content retaining member.

[0032] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one comestible pack is a plurality of individual packs disposed in a side-by-side alignment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0033] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0034] FIG. l is a schematic view of a comestible package with retained packs according to an embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 1 A is a schematic view of the comestible package of FIG. 1 with optional tabs;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the comestible package of FIG. 1 absent retained packs;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a first panel elevation view of the comestible package of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a second panel elevation view of the comestible package of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the comestible package of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the comestible package of FIG. 1 as shown in blank form;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a comestible package with retained packs according to another embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a comestible package with retained packs according to another embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a comestible package with retained packs according to another embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a comestible package with retained packs according to another embodiment; and

[0045] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a comestible package with retained packs according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a package 10 for containing a plurality of comestible packs 12a and 12b is shown. As is set forth in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the package 10 contains two individual comestible packs 12a and 12b disposed side by side (or end to end) in a package cavity 14 of the comestible package 10 (the package cavity is best shown in FIG.2, which does not include the packs 12a, 12b). The comestible contents contained within the packs 12a, 12b, may be any food or food-type item, such as but not limited to chewing gum, candy, or other confections. For purposes of this disclosure, the term comestible should be defined as any ingestible material, such as but not limited to chewing gum, candy, other confections, foods, or pharmaceuticals.

[0047] The package 10 could be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to paperboard or plastic. In the exemplary embodiment discussed below, the package is paperboard. Similarly, the packs 12a, 12b could be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to paperboard or plastic, though in the exemplary embodiment discussed below, the packs 12a, 12b are paperboard or plastic packs wrapped in a barrier film (such as cellophane or plastic).

[0048] The package 10 includes a package body 16 (essentially a sleeve) that defines the package cavity 14 via a first package panel 18, a second package panel 20 disposed opposite the first package panel 18, a first package end 22 that joins the first package panel 18 and the second package panel 20, and a second package end 24 that also joins the first package panel 18 and the second package panel 20. As is best shown in the package blank of FIG. 6 (this package blank being the disassembled package body 16) the first or top package end 22 is unitary with the first and second panels 18, 20, while the second package end 24 is two packaging flaps 24a, 24b unitary with the first or second panels 18, 20 respectively, with the flaps 24a, 24b being adhered or otherwise affixed to each other to join the first and second panels 18, 20. In order to provide convenient user access to the packs 12a, 12b (and manipulation thereof), the package body 16 may include one or more optional notches, such as 25a-e, disposed at one or more edges thereof.

[0049] The package body 16 includes at least one open end, shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 as a first open end 26 and second open end 28. These open ends 26, 28 communicate with the package cavity 14, and are sized to allow the packs 12a, 12b to be removed from the package cavity 14. In order to prevent removal at non-desirable times (such as any time prior to purchase and opening by a consumer), a first content retaining member 30 and second content retaining member 32 extend across the first and second open ends respectively. These content retaining members may be pressure sensitive labels or tape, or any other type of tape or adhesive that may be desirable and usable for food packaging. In an exemplary embodiment, in order to extend across the open ends 26, 28 and hold the packs 12a, 12b in the package cavity 14 the content retaining members 30, 32 are affixed or attached to the package body 16 at both the first package panel 18 at first member ends 37a, 37b and the second package panel 20 at second member ends 39a, 39b. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, he first member ends 37a, 37b are removably attached to the first panel 18 of the package body 16 via removable portions 34, 36 (more on the “removable” nature of these portions below). These affixed content retaining members 30, 32, allow the packs 12a, 12b to be secured in the cavity 14 from removal through either of the open ends 26, 28.

[0050] Of course, at some point the time will come when a consumer does wish to remove one or both packs 12a, 12b from the package body 16. In the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 11, removal is accomplished by tearing away at least one removable portion 34, 36 to which the content retaining members 30, 32 are affixed at their respective first ends 37a, 37b. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the removable portions 34, 36 are part of the first package panel 18, and connected to a remainder of the first package panel 18 via lines of relative weakness 38a, 38b. These lines or areas of the first package panel 18 may be any type of abraded or diminished area of the paperboard, such as but not limited to perforation or scoring. In an exemplary embodiment, the lines or areas of relative weakness 38a, 38b are separable from a remainder of the first package panel 18 via a pressure (as applied by a user’s finger) low enough such that the packs 12a, 12b and comestible contents thereof are not damaged. This may be achieved by employing a perforation pattern conducive to a pushing of one or both removable portions 34, 36 outwardly towards proximate open ends 26, 28 (see for example, FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0051] Separation also may be achieved by employing a perforation pattern or optional tab 41a, 41b that allows a user to grip (perhaps initially with a finger or fingernail) the portions 34, 36, and pull the portions 34, 36 away from a remainder of the first package panel 18 (see for example, FIG. 1). The removable portions 34, 36 may also be disposed proximate or at defining edges 40, 42 of the open ends 26, 28 in order to facilitate an easier removal of the portions 34, 36 from the first package panel 18. As is best shown in the exemplary embodiment FIG. 3, when they are removed the portions 34, 36 and content retaining members 30, 32 may hang off the package body 16, attached thereto via respective affixing points of the content retaining members 30, 32 to the second package panel 20. It is also within the scope of the disclosure that the removable portions 34, 36 take up a much larger surface area of the first panel 18, such as but limited to that which is shown in FIG. 11. Here, the lines of weakness 38a, 38b essentially join at a relative center of the first panel 18, extending an entire height thereof (from the notch 25a to a relative bottom of the panel 18). The lines of weakness 38a, 38b in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11 also extend across areas adjoining the first package panel 18 with the first package end 22 and the second package end 24. In addition to physically impeding the packs 12a, 12b from being removed from the cavity 14 when the portions 34, 36 are attached to the first package panel 18, the content retaining members 30, 32 may also each include an inner surface 44a, 44b with an adhesive (as would be the case if the content retaining members are pressure sensitive labels as discussed in the exemplary embodiment above). These surfaces 44a, 44b are best shown in FIG. 3. Of course, the content retaining members 30, 32 may be adhered to an outer surface 46 of the second package panel 20 and outer surfaces of the content retaining members 30, 32 via this adhesive (see FIG. 4). The content retaining members 30, 32 may also be more releasably adhered to one of the packs 12a, 12b when closing off the respective open ends 26, 28.

[0052] In such an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive on the inner surfaces 44a, 44b may include a greater affinity for the material of the package body 16 generally, and second package panel 20 and removable portions 34, 36 of the first panel 18 specifically, than any contents disposed in the package cavity (e.g. the packs 12a, 12b). Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may include a greater affinity for the paperboard of the body 16 than it does for the cellophane or plastic wrapping about the packs 12a, 12b, or actual plastic of the packs themselves if the packs are plastic. The adhesive to releasably adhere to the wrapping about the packs 12a, 12b (or plastic packs themselves) such that the content retaining members 30, 32 may adhere to the respective packs 12a, 12b, but also be removed therefrom without causing damage to the packs 12a, 12b or the wrapping thereabout. The adhesive disposed on the inner surfaces 44a, 44b may even be both releasable as discussed, as well as being strong enough to support the full weight of one of the packs 12a or 12b, which will be a benefit to pack retention (particularly when one of the packs 12a, 12b is removed and the other no longer has a pack to block its path towards the opposite open end). This adhesive may also assist with pulling the adjacent pack 12a or 12b out of the cavity 14 when a respective retaining member 30, 32 is moved away from a respective open end 26,28.

[0053] The above discussed adhesive may be applied consistently across the inner surfaces 44a, 44b of the content retaining members 30, 32, and/or may be applied more strongly (perhaps via a stronger adhesive or adhesive in a greater amount) to areas of the surfaces 44a, 44b that affix or adhere the content retaining members 30, 32 to the outer surface 46 of the second package panel 20 and removable portions 34,36 of the first panel 18. Either way, in an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may be of sufficient strength and/or have a sufficient affinity for the second panel material and removable portions 34,36 of the first panel 18 such that removal of either of the content retaining members 30, 32 from the second package panel 20 and/or and removable portions 34,36 of the first panel 18 will visibly damage and/or remove these portions of the package body 16. Such damage and/or removal, along with the tearing away of the removable portions 34, 36, may allow the content retaining members 30, 32 and removable portions 34, 36 to act as package integrity features that alert a consumer to potential package tampering.

[0054] In addition to the above, it is also within the scope of the disclosure that the inner surfaces 44a, 44b of the content retaining members 30, 32 are absent any adhesive anywhere but at the point of adhering to the second panel 20, or are simply absent any adhesive at all. If the inner surfaces 44a, 44b are absent any adhesive at all, the content retaining 30, 32 members may be affixed to the second panel 20 and removable portions 34, 36 of the first panel 18 via other means, such as but not limited to mechanical features, heat sealing, or use of additional tape or labeling members. It is additionally within the scope of the disclosure that the adhesive disposed on the inner surfaces 44a, 44b of the content retaining members 30, 32 is resealable to any contents contained within the cavity 14, such as the outer wrapping or other perhaps plastic materials of the packs 12a, 12b.

[0055] It is further within the scope of the disclosure that instead of being affixed to the outer surface 46 of the second panel 20 and/or outer surfaces 47a, 47b of the removable portions 34,36 of the first panel 18, the content retaining members 30, 32 may be affixed to an inner surface of the second panel 20 and/or inner surfaces of the removable portions 34,36 of the first panel 18 (these inner surfaces are not labeled in the FIGS., but they are opposite to the outer surface 46 and outer surfaces 47a, 47b respectively). In such an embodiment, the content retaining members 30, 32 may include adhesive on outer surfaces thereof, perhaps just at the area of affixing to the inner surface of the second panel 20 and inner surfaces of the removable portions 34,36 of the first panel 18. The content retaining members may also be affixed to the inner surface of the second package panel 20 and inner surfaces of the removable portions 34,36 of the first panel 18 via other options, such as but not limited to mechanical features, heat sealing, or use of additional tape or labeling members.

[0056] It should be appreciated that though one content retaining member is shown on each side of the package body 16, one or more content retaining members 30, 32 and removable portions 34, 36 may be disposed on both sides of the body 16, such that one or more content retaining members 30, 32 may extend across the open ends 26, 28, The content retaining member(s) may also simply be disposed at one open side of the body 16, with the other side being absent one or more content retaining members (and one or more removable portions). Such a side absent one or more content retaining member may simply be closed via an additional panel on the body 16.

[0057] Regardless of the number of content retaining members 30, 32, or manner/ surf ace in which the content retaining members 30, 32 are attached to the second package panel 20 and removable portions 34,36 of the first panel 18, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS 1-6 and 11 the content retaining members 30, 32 are removably attached to the package body 16 at first ends thereof 37a, 37b via the seperability of the removable portions 34, 36 from the rest of the first panel 18 of the body 16. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 and 11, this separability occurs via the line of weaknesses 38a, 38b, with the content retaining members 30, 32 being in a content retaining position 60 when the removable positions 34, 36 are attached (attached removably) to the rest of the first panel 18 at the lines of weakness 38a, 38b, and an open position 62 when the removable portions 34, 36 are removed/separated from the rest of the first panel 18 at the lines of weakness 38a, 38b.

[0058] Indeed, when the removable portions 34, 36 are removably attached to the rest of the first panel 18, the content retaining members 30, 32 extend across the open ends 26, 28 in the retaining position 60 to retain the packs 12a, 12b in the cavity 14. When the removable portions 34, 36 are removed/separated from the rest of the first panel 18, the content retaining members 30, 32 are in the open position 62 such that the open ends 26, 28 are open to removal of the packs 12a, 12b from the cavity 14.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 7, another exemplary embodiment of a package 100 is shown. The package 100 as shown in FIG. 7 differs from the package 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 11 in that a package body 116 of the package 100 does not include removable portions 34, 36. Instead, the retaining members 130, 132 are removably attached to the first panel 118 via an adhesive disposed on inner surfaces (not shown in FIG. 7) of the content retaining members 130, 132. In this exemplary embodiment, the retaining members 130, 132 may simply be pealed away from the first panel 118 to move the retaining members 130, 132 to an open position, whereby the packs 12a, 12b can be removed from one or more of the open ends 126, 128.

[0060] Similarly to the adhesive discussed above, adhesive in this exemplary embodiment may be applied consistently across inner surfaces of the content retaining members 130, 132, and/or may be applied more strongly (perhaps via a stronger adhesive or adhesive in a greater amount) to areas of the content retaining members 130, 132 that affix or adhere the content retaining members 130, 132 to the second panel 120. Either way, in an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may be of sufficient strength and/or have a sufficient affinity for the second panel 120 such that removal of either of the content retaining members 130, 132 from the second package panel 120 will visibly damage and/or remove a portion or portions of the second panel 120 or content retaining members 130, 132 themselves.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the content retaining members 130, 132 may also optionally include tabs 141a, 141b at respective first ends 137a, 137b thereof. These tabs 141a, 141b could be used to assist in pulling the respective first ends 137a, 137b away from the first panel 118.

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, another exemplary embodiment of a package 200 is shown. The package 200 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 differs from the package 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 11 in that a package body 216 of the package 200 does not include removable portions 34, 36. Instead, retaining members 230, 232 themselves include lines or areas of relative weakness 238a, 238b, which may be any type of abraded or diminished area of the material of the retaining members 230, 232, such as but not limited to perforation or scoring. In this embodiment, the respective first ends 237a, 237b and second ends (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) of the retaining members 230, 232 are affixed or attached to the first panel 218 and second panel 220, allowing the retaining members 230, 232 to hold the packs in the cavity 214 while the retaining members 230, 232 are in this retaining position/configuration 260.

[0063] Here, the retaining members 230, 232 include intermediate portions 270a, 270b that are removably attached with the either respective first ends 237a, 237b or second ends of the retaining members 230, 232 (in the FIGS. 8 and 9 removable attachment is with the first ends 237a, 237b). This removable attachment is achieved by the lines of weakness 238a, 238b, whereby the intermediate portions 270a, 270b may be separated from the first ends 237a, 237b to move the retaining members 230, 232 to an open position, and allow removal of packs 12a, 12b from one or more of the open ends 226, 228. Similarly to the adhesive discussed above, adhesive in this exemplary embodiment may be applied consistently across inner surfaces (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) of the content retaining members 230, 232, and/or may be applied more strongly (perhaps via a stronger adhesive or adhesive in a greater amount) to areas of the content retaining members 230, 232 that affix or adhere the content retaining members 230, 232 to the first panel 218 and second panel 220 respectively. The adhesive may also simply have a greater affinity for the paperboard of the body 216 of the package 200 than it does for the cellophane or plastic wrapping about the packs 12a, 12b, or actual plastic of the packs themselves if the packs are plastic. Either way, in an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may be of sufficient strength and/or have a sufficient affinity for the body 216 such that removal of either of the content retaining members 230, 232 from the first or second package panels 218, 220 will visibly damage and/or remove a portion or portions of the package body 216 or content retaining members 230, 232 themselves.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, the content retaining members 230, 232 may optionally include tabs 241a, 241b at respective ends of the intermediate portions 270a, 270b, proximate the lines of weakness 238a, 238b. These tabs 241a, 241b could be used to assist in pulling the respective intermediate portions 270a, 270b away from first ends 237a, 237b, which remain affixed to the first panel 218.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 10, another exemplary embodiment of a package 300 is shown. The package 300 as shown in FIG. 10 also differs from the package 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 11 in that a package body 316 of the package 300 again does not include removable portions 34, 36. In this exemplary embodiment the package 300 also does not include multiple content retaining members 30, 32. Instead, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10 includes a single retaining member 330 that wraps entirely around the package body 316 to close both ends 326, 328.

[0066] Here, the retaining member 330 is affixed to the second panel 320 at a second end (not shown) of the retaining member 330, and removably attached to itself at a first end 337. The first end 337 is removably attached to an intermediate portion 370 of the retaining member 330 and may simply be pealed away from the intermediate portion 370 to unwrap the retaining member 330 and move the retaining member 330 to an open position whereby the packs 12a, 12b can be removed from one or more of the open ends 326, 328. Similarly to the adhesive discussed above, adhesive in this exemplary embodiment may be applied consistently across inner surface (not shown in FIG. 10) of the content retaining member 330, and/or may be applied more strongly (perhaps via a stronger adhesive or adhesive in a greater amount) to areas of the content retaining member 330 that affixes or adheres the content retaining member 330 to the second panel 320. The adhesive may also simply have a greater affinity for the paperboard of the second panel 320 than it does for the material of the retaining member 330 itself. Either way, in an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may be of sufficient strength and/or have a sufficient affinity for the body 316 such that removal of retaining member 330 from the second package panel 320 will visibly damage and/or remove a portion or portions of the package body second panel 320 or content retaining member 330.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, the content retaining member 330 may once again optionally include a tab 341 at a first end 337 thereof. This tab 341 could be used to assist in pulling the first end 337 away from the intermediate portion 370 of the retaining member 330 to allow the packs 12a, 12b to be removed from the open ends 326, 328.

[0068] It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, “removably attached” means the element (such as the removable positions 34, 36 in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 and 11, portions of the removable member itself in FIGS. 7-10) may be removed from the package body or one or more content retaining members 30, 32, 130, 132, 230, 232, 330, 332 themselves without causing arbitrary damage to the package body 16, 116, 216, 316, or causing arbitrary damage to the one or more content retaining members 30, 32, 130, 132, 230, 232, 330, 332. It should also be noted that though the various packages 10, 100, 200, 300 may be shown and described as having two open ends 26, 28, 126, 128, 226, 228, 326, 328, any or all of the exemplary embodiments shown the FIGS. May simply have one open end, and one removable portion and/or content retaining member to close the single open end. It should still further be noted that the one or more content retaining members 30, 32, 130, 132, 230, 232, 330, 332 may disposed anywhere about the height of the packages 10, 100, 200, and 300.

[0069] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode. The examples are also used to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It should be appreciated that the patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0070] All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term from the present application takes precedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference.

[0071] All of the ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. It should be appreciated that each range disclosed herein constitutes a disclosure of any point or sub-range lying within the disclosed range.

[0072] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should further be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity).