U.S. patent application number 10/164892 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-11 for flip-over dual stack dispensing box.
Invention is credited to Antebi, Michael.
Application Number | 20030226851 10/164892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29710306 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030226851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Antebi, Michael |
December 11, 2003 |
Flip-over dual stack dispensing box
Abstract
The present invention provides a container for dispensing
articles from first and second stacks within the container. The
container has an upper panel with a first dispensing opening formed
therein for dispensing articles and a lower panel with a second
dispensing opening formed therein for dispensing articles. A panel
for separating the first and second stacks of articles is provided
within the container. The first stack of articles may be dispensed
through the first dispensing opening so that the container may be
turned over and the second stack of articles may be dispensed
through the second dispensing opening.
Inventors: |
Antebi, Michael; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EZRA SUTTON, P.A.
PLAZA 9
900 ROUTE 9
WOODBRIDGE
NJ
07095
US
|
Family ID: |
29710306 |
Appl. No.: |
10/164892 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/48024 20130101;
B65D 5/5445 20130101; B65D 83/0805 20130101; B65D 5/5475
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/47 |
International
Class: |
B65H 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container for dispensing articles from a first stack and a
second stack of articles disposed within the container, comprising:
a) a container having an upper panel with a first dispensing
opening formed therein for dispensing articles from the first stack
of articles and a lower panel with a second dispensing opening
formed therein for dispensing articles from the second stack of
articles; b) means for separating the first and second stacks of
articles disposed within said container; and c) wherein the first
stack of articles may be dispensed through said first dispensing
opening, and wherein the container may be turned over and the
second stack of articles may be dispensed through said second
dispensing opening.
2. A container according to claim 1, wherein said means for
separating includes a separating member extending between the walls
of the container.
3. A container according to claim 1, wherein said container
includes a means for opening and reclosing said first and second
dispensing openings in the form of a reclosable flap or perforated
flap.
4. A container according to claim 1, wherein said container is made
from material selected from the group consisting of cardboard,
metal, plastic, tin and stainless steel.
5. A container according to claim 1, wherein said articles are
selected from the group consisting of tissue paper, napkins, wipes,
paper towels, frozen ice cream, frozen food, frozen pizza, and
crayons.
6. A container according to claim 1, wherein said container
includes two vertically arranged and separable first and second
containers, wherein said upper first container includes said first
stack and said lower second container includes said second
stack.
7. A container according to claim 6, wherein said first and second
containers include a perforated means for separating said upper
first container from said lower second container, so said
containers may be separated and individually used.
8. A container according to claim 1, wherein said means for
separating may be disposed at different heights within said
container to accommodate stocks of different sizes and
articles.
9. A container for dispensing articles from four or more stacks of
articles disposed within the container, comprising: a) a container
having a first upper panel with a first dispensing opening formed
therein for dispensing articles from a first stack of articles and
a second upper panel with a second dispensing opening formed
therein for dispensing articles from a second stack of articles; b)
said container having a first lower panel with a third dispensing
opening formed therein for dispensing articles from a third stack
of articles and a second lower panel with a fourth dispensing
opening formed therein for dispensing articles from a fourth stack
of articles; c) first means for separating the first and third
stacks of articles disposed within said container and second means
for separating the second and fourth stacks of articles disposed
within said container; and d) wherein the first stack of articles
may be dispensed through said first dispensing opening and said
second stack of articles may be dispensed through said second
dispensing opening, and wherein said container may be turned over
and said third stack of articles may be dispensed through said
third dispensing opening, and said fourth stack of articles may be
dispensed through said fourth dispensing opening.
10. A container according to claim 9, wherein said first means for
separating includes a separating member extending between the first
and third stacks of articles; and wherein said second means for
separating includes a separating member extending between the
second and fourth stacks of articles.
11. A container according to claim 9, wherein said first and second
stacks are separated by a first vertically extending member, and
wherein said third and fourth stacks are separated by a second
vertically extending member.
12. A container according to claim 9, wherein said container
includes means for opening and reclosing said first and second
dispensing openings in the form of a reclosable flap or perforated
flap.
13. A container according to claim 9, wherein said container is
made from material selected from the group consisting of cardboard,
metal, plastic, tin and stainless steel.
14. A container according to claim 9, wherein said articles are
selected from the group consisting of tissue paper, napkins, wipes,
paper towels, frozen ice cream, frozen food, frozen pizza, and
crayons.
15. A container for dispensing articles from a first stack and a
second stack of articles disposed within the container, comprising:
a) a container having a first side panel with a first dispensing
opening formed therein for dispensing articles from the first stack
of articles and a second side panel with a second dispensing
opening formed therein for dispensing articles from the second
stack of articles; b) means for separating the first and second
stacks of articles disposed within said container; and c) wherein
the first stack of articles may be dispensed through said first
dispensing opening, and without turning over the container the
second stack of articles may be dispensed through said second
dispensing opening.
16. A container according to claim 15, wherein said means for
separating includes a separating member extending between the walls
of the container.
17. A container according to claim 15, wherein said container
includes a means for opening and reclosing said first and second
dispensing openings in the form of a reclosable flap or a
perforated flap.
18. A container according to claim 15, wherein said container is
made from material selected from the group consisting of cardboard,
metal, plastic, tin and stainless steel.
19. A container according to claim 15, wherein said articles are
selected from the group consisting of tissue paper, napkins, wipes,
paper towels, frozen ice cream, frozen food, frozen pizza, and
crayons.
20. A container for dispensing articles from a first group and a
second group of randomly arranged articles disposed within the
container, comprising: d) a container having an upper panel with a
first dispensing opening formed therein for dispensing articles
from the first group of articles and a lower panel with a second
dispensing opening formed therein for dispensing articles from the
second group of articles; e) means for separating the first and
second groups of articles disposed within said container; and f)
wherein the first group of articles may be dispensed through said
first dispensing opening, and wherein the container may be turned
over and the second group of articles may be dispensed through said
second dispensing opening.
21. A container according to claim 20, wherein said means for
separating include a separating member extending between the walls
of the container.
22. A container according to claim 20, wherein said container
includes a means for opening and reclosing said first and second
dispensing openings in the form of a reclosable flap or a
perforated flap.
23. A container according to claim 20, wherein said container is
made from material selected from the group consisting of cardboard,
metal, plastic, tin and stainless steel.
24. A container according to claim 20, wherein said articles are
selected from the group consisting of pills, candy and pellets.
25. A container according to claim 20, wherein said means for
separating may be disposed at different heights within said
container.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an improved box with four
(4) stacks of articles with dual openings on the top and bottom of
the box. Each opening provides access to a separate stack of
articles separated by a fixed or movable divider. Thus, when the
top stack of articles is emptied, the box can be flipped over so as
to easily access the second stack of articles in the once bottom
stack.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dispensing boxes or containers are often the simplest means
to store and access various articles ranging from candies to pills,
etc. However, tall dispensing box openings often provide limited
access to articles resting on the bottom. Moreover, it is
cumbersome or awkward to reach down an often tiny opening to grab
an article all the way at the bottom of such a box. In addition,
replacing such dispensing boxes when the contents are emptied is
inconvenient. There is a need for a dispensing box that provides
for easy access to the bottom of a tall dispensing box without
sacrificing the amount of articles that may be stored or
dispensed.
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide for a
dispensing box with up to four (4) or more short stacks of articles
with most openings being exposed on the top and bottom of the box.
Each opening provides access to a separate stack of articles
separated by a divider(s). Thus, when the top stack of articles is
emptied, the box can simply be flipped over so as to easily access
the second stack of articles in the (once) bottom stack.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,249 discloses a sanitary paper dispenser
which is open at both ends. Thus, the sanitary paper may be
accessed from the top or bottom of the dispenser.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,849 discloses a tissue dispenser box
with atop wall and a front wall having a first slot and second
slots respectively. The slots are rectangular and parallel to each
other. The slots are non-intersecting and each allow access to
tissues in the box.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,354 discloses a plastic container for
facial tissues where the tissues will be removed vertically from
the top opening. An internal control plate controls the subsequent
removal of tissues from the packet inside the container one tissue
at a time and also assists in holding the tissues vertically for
ease of removal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a container for dispensing
articles from first and second stacks within the container. The
container has an upper panel with a first dispensing opening formed
therein for dispensing articles and a lower panel with a second
dispensing opening formed therein for dispensing articles. A panel
for separating the first and second stacks of articles is provided
within the container. The first stack of articles may be dispensed
through the first dispensing opening so that the container may be
turned over and the second stack of articles may be dispensed
through the second dispensing opening.
[0008] In alternate embodiments, the container may have four (4) or
more adjacent stacks of articles in which the first and second
stacks can be equally accessed at a time through the first and
second dispensing openings. When those two (2) stacks are depleted,
the container can be flipped over, revealing a third and fourth
opening which permit access to a third and fourth stack of articles
respectively.
[0009] In another alternate embodiment, the container can be turned
on its side so as to expose the first and second openings which are
horizontally opposed. Thus, there can be equal access to the first
and second stacks of articles at the same time.
[0010] In another alternate embodiment, the container may contain a
grouping of randomly arranged articles and may be made to form to
various sizes.
[0011] In another alternate embodiment the container may include
two containers separably attached by a perforation.
[0012] In another alternate embodiment, the container may contain a
grouping of randomly arranged articles instead of stacked
articles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved article
dispenser;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment for
an improved article dispenser having four (4) adjacent dispensing
openings with a reclosable flap;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment for
an improved article dispenser having two (2) adjacent dispensing
openings that can be accessed from either side of the
container;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment for an improved article
dispenser that has a perforation between the upper and lower
containers; and
[0017] FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment for an improved article
dispenser that contains a grouping of randomly arranged
articles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a container 10 for dispensing articles 15
within the container 10 comprising a container 20 having an upper
panel 22 with a first dispensing opening 24 therein for dispensing
articles 15 from a first stack 25 of articles 15 and a lower panel
26 with a second opening 28 formed therein for dispensing articles
15 from a second stack 29 of articles 15. A means 30 for separating
the first and second stacks 25, 29 of articles disposed within the
container 20. The first stack 25 of articles 15 may be dispensed
through the first dispensing opening 24 so that the container 20
may be turned over and the second stack 29 of articles 15 may be
dispensed through the second dispensing opening 28. The means 30
for separating the first and second stacks 25, 29 of articles 15
extend between the walls 40 of the container 20.
ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0019] FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment of container 100 for
dispensing articles 115 within the container 100 comprising a
container 120 having a first upper panel 122 with a first
dispensing opening 124 formed therein for dispensing articles 115
from a first stack 125 of articles 115 and a second upper panel 126
with a second dispensing opening 128 formed therein for dispensing
articles 115 from a second stack 129 of articles 115. Container 100
also contains a first lower panel 130 with a third dispensing
opening 132 formed therein for dispensing articles 115 from a third
stack 134 of articles 115 and a second lower panel 136 with a
fourth dispensing opening 138 formed therein for dispensing
articles 115 from a fourth stack 139 of articles 115. A first means
140 is also provided for separating the first and third stacks 125,
134 of articles 115 disposed within container 100 and second means
142 for separating the second and fourth stacks 129, 139 of
articles 115 disposed within container 100. The first stack 125 of
articles 115 may be dispensed through said first dispensing opening
124 and the second stack 129 of articles may be dispensed through a
second dispensing opening 128. The container 100 may be turned over
and said third stack 134 of articles 115 may be dispensed through
said third dispensing opening 132, and the fourth stack 139 of
articles 115 may be dispensed through the fourth dispensing opening
138. The first means 140 for separating includes a separating
member 144 extending between the first and third stacks 125, 134 of
articles 115. A second means 142 for separating include a
separating member 146 extending between the second and fourth
stacks 129, 139 of articles 115. The first and second stacks 125,
129 are separated by a first vertically extending member 148 and
wherein the third and fourth stacks 134, 139 are separated by a
second vertically extending member 149.
[0020] FIG. 2 also shows that dispensing openings 124, 128; 132,
138 of the respective container may include reclosable flaps 150
and 152 so the remaining elements of the stack do not fall out when
container 100 is turned over. It should be understood that this
type of reclosable flap may be used on any of the embodiments
herein.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of container 200 for
dispensing articles 215 from a first stack 225 and a second stack
229 of articles 215 disposed within the container 200, comprising a
container 220 having a first side panel 222 with a first dispensing
opening 224 formed therein for dispensing articles 215 from the
first stack 225 of articles 215 and a second side panel 226 with a
second dispensing opening 228 formed therein for dispensing
articles 215 from the second stack 229 of articles 215. A device
240 is provided for separating the first and second stacks 225, 229
of articles 215 disposed within the container 220. The first stack
225 of articles 215 may be dispensed through the first dispensing
opening 224. Without turning over the container 220 the second
stack 229 of articles 215 may be dispensed through said second
dispensing opening 228. The means 240 for separating include a
separating member 244 extending between the walls 250 of the
container 220.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of container 500 which
includes two vertically arranged and separable first and second
containers 520, 522, wherein the upper first container 520
incorporates a first stack 524 and the lower second container 522
incorporates a second stack 526. Container 500 also includes a
perforated means 525 for separating the first upper container 520
from the lower second container 522 so containers 520, 522 may be
separated and individually used.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of container 400 for
dispensing articles 415 within the container 400 comprising a
container 420 having an upper panel 422 with a first dispensing
opening 424 therein for dispensing articles 415 from a group 425 of
randomly arranged articles 415 and a lower panel 426 with a second
opening 428 formed therein for dispensing articles 415 from a
second group 425a of randomly arranged articles 415 such as pills,
candy or pellets. A device 430 for separating the first and second
groups 425, 429 of articles 415 is disposed within the container
420. The first group 425 of articles 415 may be dispensed through
the first dispensing opening 424 so that the container 420 may be
turned over and the second group 429 of articles 415 may be
dispensed through the second dispensing opening 428. The means 430
for separating the first and second groups 425, 429 of articles 415
extend between the walls 440 of the container 420.
[0024] Containers 10, 100, 200, 400, 500 may be made from
cardboard, metal, plastic, tin or stainless steel. The articles 15,
115, 215, and to be placed in containers 10, 100, 200, 500 may
consist of tissue paper, napkins, wipes, paper towels, frozen ice
cream, frozen food, frozen pizza, crayons, other foods and other
articles. The articles to be placed in container 400 may consist of
pills, candy, pellets, and other articles
[0025] Operation
[0026] Container 10 has a container 20 comprising an upper panel 22
with a first dispensing opening 24 for dispensing articles 15 from
a first stock 25 of articles 15 and a lower panel 26 with a second
opening 28 for dispensing articles 15 from a second stack 29 of
articles 15. A means 30 horizontally separates the first and second
stacks 25, 29 of articles 15. When the first stack 25 of articles
15 is depleted, container 10 may be flipped over to reveal a second
dispensing opening 28, which provides access to the second stack 29
of articles 15. The first dispensing opening 24 may be resealed
with a reclosable flap 300 so any left over articles 15 will not
fall out when flipping container 10.
[0027] An alternate embodiment, container 100, contains a container
120 having a first upper panel 122 with a first dispensing opening
124 for dispensing articles 115 from a first stack 125 of articles
115 and a second upper panel 126 with a second dispensing opening
128 for dispensing articles 115 from a second stack 129 of articles
115. When the first and second stacks 125, 129 of articles are
depleted, container 100 can be flipped over to expose a third and
fourth dispensing opening 132, 138 which allow access to a third
and fourth stack 134, 139 of articles 115. Each individual stack is
compartmentalized.
[0028] An alternate embodiment, container 200, contains a container
220 having a first side panel 222 with a first dispensing opening
224 for dispensing articles 215 from a first stack 225 of articles
215 and second side panel 226 with a second dispensing opening 228
formed therein for dispensing articles 215 from the second stack
229 of articles 215. The first and second stacks 225, 229 are
separated by a means 240. The first and second dispensing openings
224, 228 are horizontally opposed to each other, so they can be
equally accessed to the first and second stacks 225, 229 from
either side of the container 200.
[0029] An alternate embodiment, container 500, which includes two
vertically arranged and separable first and second container 520,
522 can be separated by tearing the perforation means 520 between
the two containers 520, 522.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0030] It is an advantage of the present invention to provide for a
dispensing box with up to four (4) short stacks of articles with at
most openings being exposed on the top and bottom of the box. Each
opening provides access to a separate stack of articles separated
by a divider. Thus, when the top stack of articles is emptied, the
box can simply be flipped over so as to easily access the second
stack of articles in the (once) bottom stack.
[0031] A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is
intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some
features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding
use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the
appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent
with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.
* * * * *