Package with integrated spreading and cutting functionality

Abstract

A package for use in holding, dispensing, and spreading a viscous substance, such as a condiment. The package may include a thin-walled rigid planar member with at least one centrally-located opening, a flexible membrane forming a sealed reservoir on one surface and a flexible membrane forming a removable cover over the opening on the opposing surface. The reservoir membrane may be permanently sealed to the rigid planar member about a perimeter that surrounds the perforation. The cover, reservoir membrane and the rigid planar member form a sealed cavity with which to safely store and transport the contents, with the cover being removed for dispensing and spreading purposes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package for use in dispensing a viscous substance, the package comprising;
 a thin-walled planar member having at least one opening extending therethrough;   a flexible reservoir membrane attached to a first side of the planar member to surround the opening and thus form a reservoir for holding the viscous substance between the flexible membrane and the planar member; and   a removable cover attached to a second side of the planar member, positioned over the at least one opening.   wherein the planar member includes a spreading surface on the second side that is exposed when the removable cover is removed.   
     
     
         2 . A package as in  claim 1 , wherein the planar member has an approximately triangular or fan-like shape having narrower proximal end and a wider distal end. 
     
     
         3 . A package as in  claim 2 , wherein the spreading surface of the planar member is located toward distal end of the planar member. 
     
     
         4 . A package as in  claim 2 , wherein the distal end of the planar member comprises serrations or a beveled edge for cutting. 
     
     
         5 . A package as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening in the planar member is positioned closer to one end of the planar member than to an opposite end. 
     
     
         6 . A package as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening comprises multiple perforations positioned in a pattern along the spreading surface to facilitate dispensing and spreading of the viscous substance. 
     
     
         7 . A package as in  claim 1 , wherein the viscous substance comprises a condiment, and wherein the package further includes the condiment, loaded into the reservoir. 
     
     
         8 . A package as in  claim 1 , wherein the condiment is selected from the group consisting of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, peanut butter, jelly, jam, honey, wasabe and relish. 
     
     
         9 . A package as in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible reservoir membrane has a dome shape. 
     
     
         10 . A package as in  claim 1 , wherein the cover includes a tab to facilitate grasping and pulling off of the cover. 
     
     
         11 . A package as in  claim 8 , wherein the cover extends to an edge of the planar member, and wherein the spreading surface thus extends to the edge of the planar member. 
     
     
         12 . A package as in  claim 1 , wherein the planar member comprises a contoured surface to enhance grip and control for single-handed dispensing and spreading. 
     
     
         13 . A package as in  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the second side of the planar member is elevated facilitate easier removal of the cover. 
     
     
         14 . A method of dispensing a condiment from a disposable condiment package, the method comprising:
 removing a cover from a first side of the package to expose an opening in the package and a spreading surface on the first side of the package;   applying pressure to a condiment reservoir on a second side of the package to force the condiment through the opening; and   using the spreading surface on the first side of the package to spread the condiment onto a surface.   
     
     
         15 . A method as in  claim 14 , wherein the condiment is selected from the group consisting of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, peanut butter, jelly, jam, honey, wasabe and relish. 
     
     
         16 . A method as in  claim 14 , wherein the surface comprises a piece of food, the method further comprising cutting the piece of food with a serrated edge of the package, wherein the serrated edge is adjacent the spreading surface.