Packages for and methods of packaging food products

Abstract

A package for food products including a first portion, a second portion, and at least one indicator. The first portion has a first closed end, at least one first side wall surrounding the first closed end, and a first open end opposite the first closed end. The second portion has a second closed end, at least one second side wall surrounding said second closed end, and a second open end opposite the second closed end. The first portion and second portion are movably connected at their respective open ends. The at least one indicator is placed in communication with the package such that when the package is expanded to a desired inner volume the indicator is activated. The closed end of either portion may be opened when a desired inner volume of a food product is reached.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package for food products comprising:
 a first portion having a first closed end, at least one first side wall surrounding said first closed end, and a first open end opposite said first closed end;   a second portion having a second closed end, at least one second side wall surrounding said second closed end, and a second open end opposite said second closed end; said second open end of said second portion being movably attached to said first open end of said first portion; and   at least one indicator in communication with said package such that when said package is expanded to a desired inner volume said indicator is activated.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one first interface portion at said first open end and at least one second interface portion at said second open end, wherein said first interface portion engages with said second interface portion. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said first closed end of said first portion is openable. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said indicator is activated when said inner volume of said package is in the range of about 108 to 112 cubic inches. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said indicator is activated when said inner volume of said package is in the range of about 90 to 94 cubic inches. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said second portion is smaller than said first portion such that said second portion fits inside of said first portion. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said first portion is smaller than said second portion such that said first portion fits inside of said second portion. 
     
     
         8 . A method of making a package comprising the steps of:
 providing a first portion pattern;   providing a second portion pattern;   folding said first portion pattern to form a first portion having a first closed end, at least one first side wall surrounding said first closed end, a first open end opposite said first closed end, and at least one first interface portion at said first open end;   folding said second portion pattern to form a second portion having a second closed end, at least one second side wall surrounding said second closed end, a second open end opposite said second closed end, and at least one second interface portion at said second open end;   fastening said first portion such that said first portion retains the folded configuration;   fastening said second portion such that said second portion retains the folded configuration; and   assembling said first portion and said second portion such that said first interface portion of said first portion engages with said second interface portion of said second portion and said first portion and said second portion are movably attached.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of providing a sheet stock. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the step of printing said sheet stock. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of cutting a first portion pattern. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of cutting a second portion pattern. 
     
     
         13 . A method of packaging a food product comprising the steps of:
 providing a food product;   providing a package comprising:   a first portion having a first closed end, at least one first side wall surrounding said first closed end, and a first open end opposite said first closed end;   a second portion having a second closed end, at least one second side wall surrounding said second closed end, and a second open end opposite said second closed end; said second open end of said second portion being movably attached to said first open end of said first portion; and   at least one indicator in communication with said package such that when said package is expanded to a desired inner volume said indicator is activated; and   enclosing said food product within said package.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of sealing said food product in a bag. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said bag is a plastic bag. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said bag is a thermoplastic bag. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said step of providing said package further includes providing a first portion having at least one first interface portion at said first open end and a second portion having at least one second interface portion at said second open end. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said bag is large enough such that said bag is capable expanding said package to activate said indicator.