Re-Usable Carafe System with Re-Closable Pouches

Abstract

An environmentally efficient packaging/delivery system that is cost effective, carbon effective and readily recyclable while being very usable for dispensing pourable materials (primarily dairy and juice) is disclosed. The system leverages light-weight flexible refill pouches with re-sealable closures that are securely installed in re-usable carafes in the home. Single-use packaging is reduced since light-weight flexibles are used as distribution and retail packaging, and a durable carafe is used repeatedly in the home.

1 . A material holding apparatus comprising:
 a re-usable container comprising:
 a receiving feature for receiving a fitment on a re-closeable pourable material containing pouch wherein the receiving feature is adapted to allow the fitment to be:
 securely held to support the pouch, 
 resist twisting of the pouch, and 
 to release the fitment if desired; 
 positioned optimally for dispensing the pourable material; and 
 
 a translucent window that permits an estimate to be made of the level of pourable material in the pouch; 
   the re-closeable material containing pouch for holding and dispensing pourable material comprising:
 a fitment that fits securely into the receiving feature of the container to support the pouch and deter it from twisting but is removable from the receiving feature with adequate force; 
 an opening for dispensing the pourable material that is re-closable and indicates whether the opening has been opened previously; and 
 a recyclable material that holds the pourable material. 
   
     
     
         2 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the re-usable container comprises a material that is capable of holding a pourable material of a weight that is appropriate for the volume of the container. 
     
     
         3 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the re-usable container comprises a shape that permits a first container to be nested inside an additional container. 
     
     
         4 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable container comprises a shape to fit in an A×B space. 
     
     
         5 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable container further comprises a separate handle that can be remove-ably attached to the reusable container. 
     
     
         6 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable container further comprises a lid that communicates with the fitment and assists in holding the re-closeable material containing pouch in place. 
     
     
         7 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the reusable container further comprises a securing mechanism that release-able holds the lid in a closed position. 
     
     
         8 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the hinged lid is release-ably held in place with a snap fitment. 
     
     
         9 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the lid further comprises a handle. 
     
     
         10 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the handle further comprises a retention device to assist in securing the material containing pouch. 
     
     
         11 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the lid adjusts from a first open position to a second closed position to secure the fitment. 
     
     
         12 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is made of the same material as the material holding container. 
     
     
         13 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the fitment is adapted to snap fit into the lid. 
     
     
         14 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a logo imprinted in the material holding container. 
     
     
         15 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the material holding liner further comprises a communication form. 
     
     
         16 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the communication form further comprises a coupon. 
     
     
         17 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the communication form further comprises a prize. 
     
     
         18 . The material holding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the material holding container is dishwasher safe.