Patent Watch
Wrigley packs more gum pieces with compact invention
It has done so by creating multiple compartments in a paperboard package.
Easy removal
Wrigley said in its patent application: “Some consumers have expressed a desire for a package which contains a large number of individual product pieces, but which is compact and allows individual product pieces to be removed easily.”
Blister packs, loose boxed pieces and paperboard compartments have been some of pack types used to date.
“The latter package is advantageous in that product pieces may be displayed to the consumer and individual product pieces may be removed from the compartment with relative ease.
“However, a package which includes too many individual product pieces in a compartment package makes removal of an individual product piece difficult,” said Wrigley.
It added that gum can lose its freshness if the package is left open for an extended period.
Multi-compartment packs
The Mars gum subsidiary has therefore created a pack where product pieces are arranged in three or more layers and the layers are divided between at least two compartments.
“In this way, not all consumable product pieces are in the same volumetric space where removal of the product pieces may be complicated through tight fitting layers and limited access to consumable product pieces,” said the firm.
“The package is convenient for the consumer to carry and product pieces are exposed only when a consumer desires to consume product pieces in a particular compartment,” it continued.
Up to 42 pieces per pack
Wrigley already sells Orbit gum in the US in 14-piece packs, which are divided into two foldable seven-piece layers
The latest invention allows multiple double-fold layers in separate compartments, which allows a maximum of 42-pieces pieces per pack.
Those 42-pieces can be spread across three compartments each with two layers that carry seven pieces per layer.
The compartments can be folder together or even completely separated to consume on another occasion. Each compartment also has a cover such as foil, paper, or plastic wrap to maintain freshness
As well as gum, Wrigley said the package could be used for hard or soft candies, toffees, caramels and chocolates.