U.S. patent application number 10/413638 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-16 for device for storing and squeezing sachets.
This patent application is currently assigned to Unilever Bestfoods North America, Division of Conopco, Inc.. Invention is credited to Maskell, William John.
Application Number | 20030192909 10/413638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28685991 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030192909 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maskell, William John |
October 16, 2003 |
Device for storing and squeezing sachets
Abstract
A device for holding sachet and emptying its content comprising
two hingedly connected members through which the sachet is placed
wherein at least one member comprises an aperture through which the
outlet of the sachet is passed.
Inventors: |
Maskell, William John;
(London, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
UNILEVER
PATENT DEPARTMENT
45 RIVER ROAD
EDGEWATER
NJ
07020
US
|
Assignee: |
Unilever Bestfoods North America,
Division of Conopco, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
28685991 |
Appl. No.: |
10/413638 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/103 ;
222/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/525 20130101;
B65D 35/28 20130101; B65D 2231/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/103 ;
222/105 |
International
Class: |
B65D 035/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 15, 2002 |
EP |
02252634.7 |
Claims
1. A device for storing and squeezing a collapsible container
having at least one dispensing outlet, the device comprising two
opposing bodies wherein at least one of the bodies comprises an
aperture through which the outlet of the container passes, the
bodies being hingedly linked to accommodate the container such that
the exertion of pressure on one or more of the bodies moves the
bodies towards each other to squeeze the container, the device
further comprising means to enable the device to stand.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the aperture is at the
upper end of the device, when the device is put in an upright
position.
3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the bodies are hingedly
linked at the upper part of the device when the device stands in an
upright position.
4. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the
opposing bodies is flexible.
5. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the
opposing bodies is of substantially the same length as the body of
the collapsible container.
6. A device according to claim 1 wherein the means to enable the
device to be stood upright comprises at least one of the opposing
bodies which is shaped such that it allows the device to stand on
its own in an upright position.
7. A device according to claim 1 further comprising means to keep
the collapsible container in place.
8. A device according to claim 1 further comprising means to keep
the collapsible container in place, which means are the edges of an
aperture in which the container fits.
9. A device according to claim 1 further comprising means to keep
the collapsible container in place, which means are the edges of an
aperture in which the container fits and wherein the edges of
aperture secure the outlet of the container and wherein the
apertures are shaped such that the outlet of the container fits in
it.
10. A device according to claim 1 further comprising means to keep
the collapsible container in place wherein said means to keep the
sachet in place comprises a means protruding from the inner face of
at least one of the opposing bodies at a position such that the
collapsible container is securely placed between the aperture and
the protruding means.
11. A device according to claim 1 further comprising fixation means
that if engaged keeps the two opposable bodies in a fixed position
relative to each other.
12. A device according to claim 1 wherein the device is being made
from a unitary body of a flexible material.
13. A kit of parts comprising a device according claim 1 and a
collapsible container, said container having a dispensing
outlet.
14. A kit of parts comprising a device according claim 1 wherein
the device comprises an aperture whose edges secure the outlet of
the container and at least one container having a dispensing outlet
sized that it can be secured by the edges of that aperture.
15. A kit of parts comprising a device according claim 1 wherein
the device comprises an aperture whose edges secure the outlet of
the container and at least one container having a dispensing outlet
sized that it can be secured by the edges of that aperture, wherein
said container is a collapsible pouch.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for storing and
squeezing collapsible containers, said containers having at least
one dispensing outlet.
[0002] The invention also relates to a kit of parts, comprising a
reusable container storing device and at least one collapsible
container having a dispensing outlet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Collapsible containers such as, for example, sachets or
pouches are becoming increasingly popular packaging forms for
pourable or squeezable products because they can be cheaply
manufactured and are of low weight. Many collapsible containers,
particularly containing liquid or squeezable food products,
comprise resealable dispensing outlets to allow for the dispensing
of multiple portions of the content of the containers. These type
of containers are frequently used for food products such as
mayonnaise or ketchup and also for personal care products such as
toothpastes, washing liquids, shampoos or liquid soaps.
[0004] A disadvantage in using such collapsible containers is that
the contents are often not very easily dispensed, particularly,
when the container is nearly empty. Another disadvantage of
collapsible containers is that they often lack the rigidity to be
conveniently stored, transported, handled and/or displayed.
Particularly, difficulties in stably storing such containers in the
upright position as opposed to lying them down on the shelves, both
in commercial use, e.g. on supermarket shelves as well as in the
home, is a commonly encountered problem.
[0005] In order to try to overcome the lack of instability,
collapsible containers have been manufactured which comprise either
reinforcements or rims to enable the containers to stand on their
own. This however, has the disadvantage that it increases the
manufacturing costs for the container but it still does not provide
suitable stability for upright storage. Furthermore, it increases
the amount of packaging material which is becoming increasingly
undesirable for environmental reasons. Holders have also been
developed to try to overcome some of the problems outlined
above.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,903,161 discloses a bag supporter and bag
content dispenser comprising two elongated side portions, means
movably attaching together said side portions, means for engaging
and upholding a bag disposed between the side portions and tearing
means.
[0007] Although U.S. Pat. No. 2,903,161 provides a solution to some
of the problems described above, there is still a need for a device
for storing and squeezing a collapsible container (such as a sachet
or a pouch) that meets most or all of the following criteria:
[0008] it allows the storage of the collapsible container in an
upright position without requiring excessive storage space (shelf
space), it offers at least some protection from physical damage to
the container, it is of simple construction and/or has only a
minimal number of components, it is cheaply manufactured--ideally
from a unitary body of a flexible material, it allows the contents
of the container to be easily dispensed without leaving a large
amount of the contents which cannot be dispensed from the container
(ideally by single-handed use), and/or it is reusable.
[0009] The device provided by the invention disclosed herein solves
or at least reduces most or all of the problems listed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides according to a first aspect a
device for storing and squeezing a collapsible container having at
least one dispensing outlet, the device comprising two opposing
bodies wherein at least one of the bodies comprises an aperture
through which the outlet of the container passes, the bodies being
hingedly linked to accommodate the container such that the exertion
of pressure on one or more of the bodies moves the bodies towards
each other to squeeze the container, the device further comprising
means to enable the device to stand.
[0011] According to a second aspect the present invention provides
a kit of parts comprising a device according to any one of claims 1
to 11 and a collapsible container, said container having a
dispensing outlet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0012] A device according to the invention is a holder for storing
and squeezing a collapsible container wherein the container has at
least one dispensing outlet. The container has an upper part and a
lower part. The upper part of the container is defined as the
portion of the container wherein the dispensing outlet is
situated.
[0013] Although the device can be used for any type of conventional
collapsible container, preferred containers according to the
invention are pouches or sachets. Preferably, the containers are
containers for liquid or squeezable food products, or personal care
products e.g. tooth-paste, shampoos and washing liquids. The
dispensing outlet of the container is preferably a resealable
outlet. Preferably, the body of the container is wider than the
outlet. If the resealable outlet is covered by a lid, it is
preferred that the lid does not cover the entire outlet but leaves
part of the outlet Between lid and body of the container accessible
for an engagement means.
[0014] The device comprises at least two opposing bodies that are
hingedly linked. At least one of the bodies has an aperture. When
inserting the collapsible container into the device, the container
is placed between the opposable bodies of the device and the outlet
of the container is passed through the aperture. Generally, the
outlet extends beyond the perimeter of the opposing bodies or
extends beyond the perimeter of at least of one of the exposing
bodies.
[0015] Hingedly linked as used herein is understood to mean to mean
to allow the movement of the bodies towards and away from each
other as if they were attached to each other by means of a hinge.
An actual hinge may be used but any means fulfilling the same
purpose as a hinge may also be used.
[0016] Suitable examples therefor are membranes, films, folds or a
thinned section in a unitary piece of material. For example, the
two bodies may be formed from a unitary body of plastics material,
which at some point is reduced in thickness so as to allow
opposable movement of the parts separated by the reduced thickness
section along that section.
[0017] Preferably, the device is configured such that the opposing
bodies are hingedly linked at the upper part of the device when the
device stands in an upright position. Preferably, the opposing
bodies are configured (with respect to aperture and hingedly
linkage) such that the upper part of the container after being
accommodated between the bodies comes to rest at, or near, the
hinged linkage of the bodies.
[0018] At least one of the bodies comprises an aperture through
which the outlet of the collapsible containers passes. Generally,
the aperture is at, next, or close to, the part of the device where
the opposing bodies are hingedly linked. Preferably, the aperture
is at the upper part of the device, when the device stands in an
upright position. The aperture is shaped such that the outlet of
the container can pass through it. Generally, the aperture is at
least of the same width as the outlet of the container but smaller
than the body of the container.
[0019] The opposing bodies can be made of a single piece of a
material, or, they can be made of multiple, separated pieces. The
opposing bodies may be smooth, roughened or textured on the inside
and/or on the outside in order to facilitate handling and/or
use.
[0020] Preferably, at least one the opposing bodies is flexible,
more preferably all bodies are flexible.
[0021] The bodies may be of any shape. Preferably they are
elongated. Most preferably they are of substantially the same
length as the collapsible container. Preferably, at least one of
the bodies is wider than the collapsible container.
[0022] The device further comprises standing means.
[0023] The standing means can be any means known in the art that
enables the device to be stood upright.
[0024] A means to enable the device to stand may be an integral
part of at least one of the opposing bodies.
[0025] The standing means may also be a base. Such standing means
may comprise one or more base portions, provided on one or both of
the opposing bodies. The base portions may be inwardly or outwardly
inclined relative to the non-base portion of the opposing body. The
means to enable the device to stand upright may comprise one or
more thickened end portions provided on at least one of the
opposing bodies.
[0026] The device may further comprise means that keeps the
collapsible container in place.
[0027] Such a means can be a mere support of the collapsible
container, or, it can be a means that secures or engages the
container. Preferably, the means secures the outlet of the
container. Any means known in the art that can fulfil a supporting,
securing or engaging function may be suitably used according to the
invention. Suitable examples include glue, springs, straps,
protruding features, supports, locks, adhesive tapes or hooks
etc.
[0028] The means may be an integral part of the device.
[0029] In one embodiment according to the invention, at least one
of the bodies is, on its inner side, shaped such that it has a
ledge or a rim. In this embodiment the device is dimensioned such
that the ledge fits under the bottom of the collapsible container
after the outlet has been passed through the aperture and thus the
ledge or rim serves to support the container. Any configuration or
shape of one or both opposable bodies that can serve this function
is a suitable means according to the invention.
[0030] In another embodiment according to the invention the outlet
of the container is kept in place by the edges of an aperture or
recess in which the outlet of the collapsible container fits.
Aperture (recess) and outlet are shaped and dimensioned such that
the edges of that aperture fit closely around the outlet of the
collapsible container thus securing the container. Preferably that
aperture in which the outlet of the collapsible container fits is a
second aperture, which is situated at, or in proximity to, the
first aperture through which the outlet of the container passes.
More preferably, the second aperture is located at the hinged
attachment of the opposing bodies.
[0031] The device may further comprise fixation means that once
engaged keeps the opposing bodies in a fixed spatial position
relative to each other. This means allows the opposing bodies to be
secured closely around the collapsible container, which has been
accommodated between the opposing bodies. Suitable fixation means
according to the invention are any fixation means known in the art,
for example, a couple of mechanically interacting devices that
serves a lock and key function.
[0032] Preferably, the fixation means can be reversibly engaged and
released. Other examples for the fixation means include magnets or
adhesive tapes.
[0033] Preferably, the fixation means is an integral part of the
device.
[0034] The fixation means can also fulfill the function of the
means to keep the collapsible container in place. For example, the
fixation means can be configured and placed such that it supports
the bottom part of the collapsible container after its outlet has
been passed through the aperture of the device.
[0035] Preferably the device is dimensioned such that it fits
closely around the container so that not much more space is
required for storing the device plus container as compared to
storing the container on its own. Preferably, the device has no
more than three different components, more preferably no more than
two different components.
[0036] The device may be made from a unitary body of a suitable
material. A suitable material is any material that is sufficiently
flexible to allow the collapsible container to be squeezed by the
exertion of pressure, e.g. manually applied pressure upon the
bodies of the device but which still provides sufficient rigidity
for the device to stand in upright position and allow protection of
the collapsible container from physical damage upon storage.
Examples for suitable materials are, amongst others, plastics
materials, cardboard, composite materials and/or metals.
[0037] Preferably, a material is used that allows the device to be
manufactured by using molds. Preferably, the device is made from a
plastic material. More preferably, the device is made from a
plastics material.
[0038] According to one embodiment there is provided a device
comprising two opposing bodies, standing means and means to keep
the collapsible container in place wherein the opposing bodies are
shaped and configured such that they can fulfill the function of
all these means, in which case all these means form an integral
part of the device.
[0039] In another embodiment of the invention the standing means
are formed by two opposing bodies that are, at their bottom parts
shaped outwardly to allow the device to be freely self-standing.
Each of the two bodies has on its inside face, protruding features
at a position that support the bottom of the container after the
dispensing outlet of the container has been passed through the
aperture. One of the protruding features may comprise a hole
whereas the other protruding feature provides a fitting knob that
can be placed in the hole thus fixing the two members together. In
this embodiment the fixation means also keeps the container in
place.
[0040] The invention further relates to a kit of parts comprising a
collapsible container as described above having a dispensing outlet
as described above and a device for holding and squeezing the
container as described above. Preferably, the outlet is covered by
a lid. More preferably, some part of the outlet between the lid and
the body of the container is accessible. Preferably, the outlet of
the container is shaped such that it can be engaged by the means of
the device that keeps the sachet in place. Preferably, the outlet
of the collapsible container is kept in place by the edges of a
second aperture as described above.
[0041] The device according to the invention can be assembled as
follows:
[0042] The opposing bodies of the device are moved away from each
other by movement along their hinged attachment. The device is then
placed around the collapsible container and the outlet of the
collapsible container is placed through the aperture of the device.
If necessary the sachet is then secured by the means provided for
this purpose. The members are moved towards each other and fixed,
if fixation means are present. The device may then be put in an
upright position for use and storage.
[0043] If pressure is exerted on the opposing bodies in a manner so
as to move the bodies towards each other, the container can be
squeezed and the contents of the container can be released through
the dispensing outlet of the container.
[0044] The invention will further be exemplified by means of the
following figures, which show an embodiment of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a holder according to the
invention.
[0046] FIG. 1a) shows a perspective view of the empty holder.
[0047] FIG. 1b) shows a side view of the empty holder.
[0048] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the holder with a collapsible
container.
[0049] FIG. 2a) shows the holder in a half-opened position with a
collapsible container being placed in it.
[0050] FIG. 2b) shows the holder in a closed position holding the
container.
* * * * *