U.S. patent application number 11/435654 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for multi-chambered container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Eastman Kodak Company. Invention is credited to Tracy L. Finnemore Olson, Ronald A. Gogle, Ralph L. Piccinino.
Application Number | 20070267378 11/435654 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38711067 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070267378 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piccinino; Ralph L. ; et
al. |
November 22, 2007 |
Multi-chambered container
Abstract
A multi-chambered container having at least two chambers
connected by webbing is described, wherein at least one chamber has
at least one indentation, each pair of chambers is connected by
webbing, at least one pair of chambers connected by webbing
includes a non-webbed area, and a grippable portion. The container
is useful to supply one or more materials, or to collect one or
more materials, and can be indexed for proper correlation with an
associated apparatus.
Inventors: |
Piccinino; Ralph L.; (Rush,
NY) ; Gogle; Ronald A.; (Rochester, NY) ;
Finnemore Olson; Tracy L.; (Webster, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark G. Bocchetti;Patent Legal Staff
Eastman Kodak Company, 343 State Street
Rochester
NY
14650-2201
US
|
Assignee: |
Eastman Kodak Company
|
Family ID: |
38711067 |
Appl. No.: |
11/435654 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/102 20130101;
B65D 1/04 20130101; B65D 23/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/6 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/04 20060101
B65D001/04 |
Claims
1. A one-piece container comprising: at least two chambers, wherein
each chamber independently has an internal cavity defining a volume
and an opening connected to the internal cavity, and at least one
chamber has at least one indentation; webbing between each pair of
chambers, wherein the webbing between at least one pair of chambers
is discontinuous, forming at least one non-webbed area: and a
grippable portion formed by at least one indentation in a chamber,
a non-webbed area, or a combination thereof.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the chambers are in-plane.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the chambers define an
arc.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the webbing is flexible.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one chamber is
polygonal, having at least four sides.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one chamber is
round.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises an
indexing feature.
8. The container of claim 7, wherein the indexing feature comprises
at least a portion of the webbing, at least one non-webbed area, at
least one indentation of one of the chambers, indicia, or a
combination thereof.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the internal cavity of at
least one of the chambers comprises a filler to reduce volume.
10. The container of claim 1, further comprising indicia.
11. The container of claim 1, comprising at least three
chambers.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the indentation is aligned
with at least one non-webbed area.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein the indentation and the
aligned non-webbed area are the same length.
14. The container of claim 12, wherein the indentation and the
aligned non-webbed area are different lengths.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one indentation
extends along a width of a side of a chamber.
16. The container of claim 1, wherein the internal cavity of at
least one chamber contains a fluid material or a solid
material.
17. The container of claim 16, wherein the fluid or solid material
comprises ink, a developer, a bleach, a fixative, a disinfectant, a
biocide, a cleaning agent, a surfactant, or chlorine.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein the internal cavities of at
least two chambers contain different materials.
19. The container of claim 1, wherein the internal cavities of at
least two chambers have different volumes.
20. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further
comprises a label.
21. The container of claim 20, wherein the label is integrally
molded as a portion of the container.
22. The container of claim 1, wherein the webbing and one or more
non-webbed area together form a design, lettering, numerals, or
perforations.
23. A material delivery system comprising the container of claim 1,
wherein at least two chambers of the container contain different
materials.
24. A waste collection system comprising the container of claim
1.
25. A one-piece container comprising: at least two chambers,
wherein each chamber independently has an internal cavity defining
a volume and an opening connected to the internal cavity, at least
one chamber has at least one indentation, and at least one chamber
has eight sides; webbing between each pair of chambers, wherein the
webbing between at least one pair of chambers is discontinuous,
forming at least one non-webbed area; and a grippable portion
formed by at least one indentation in a chamber, a non-webbed area,
or a combination thereof.
26. A system for delivery of materials, including: a one-piece
container comprising at least two chambers, wherein each chamber
independently has an internal cavity defining a volume and an
opening connected to the internal cavity, and at least one chamber
has at least one indentation; webbing between each pair of
chambers, wherein the webbing between at least one pair of chambers
is discontinuous, forming at least one non-webbed area: and a
grippable portion formed by at least one indentation in a chamber,
a non-webbed area, or a combination thereof; and a delivery
mechanism attached to at least one opening of the container.
27. A method of providing material for use in an apparatus having a
supply port, comprising: providing a one-piece container comprising
at least two chambers, wherein each chamber independently has an
internal cavity defining a volume and an opening connected to the
internal cavity, and at least one chamber has at least one
indentation; webbing between each pair of chambers, wherein the
webbing between at least one pair of chambers is discontinuous,
forming at least one non-webbed area: and a grippable portion
formed by at least one indentation in a chamber, a non-webbed area,
or a combination thereof; cooperatively connecting at least one
opening of the container to the supply port.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the apparatus includes a supply
area, and the method further comprises inserting the container into
the supply area.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the supply area includes at
least one indexing feature, and the containment unit has a
complementary indexing feature.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A multi-chambered container that is one piece, and is
capable of containing liquids, solids, or gasses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Containers are used for many different materials, including
liquids, solids, and gasses. In some industries, multiple materials
are required to complete a process. For example, in photofinishing
and film development, more than one chemical is necessary to
complete processing steps such as developing, bleaching, and
fixing. The photographic film and paper processing agents are
contained in separate containers, and distributed to a processing
station lab. The containers for the photographic processing agents
are installed in an automatic photo-processor by an operator. The
individual containers can be supplied as a unit, wherein an outer
containment unit, such as a box, tie, or cartridge, is used to
house the individual containers in a single unit, to simplify
installation and removal of the containers.
[0003] Similarly, in printing, multiple colors, or multiple
containers of a single color, can be used. In ink jet or laser
printers, for example, multiple individual containers, separately
or in a common containment unit, are used to satisfy the
requirements of supplying more than one colorant to the
printer.
[0004] Other areas in which multiple materials, or a single
container having multiple chambers, have been used include
detergent bottles, and lawn and garden chemical bottles, wherein
the chambers may carry different chemicals, or one chamber may
serve as a measuring chamber for a material stored in the second
chamber.
[0005] Examples of various configurations of multiple containers in
a containment unit, and of multi-chambered containers, include the
following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,457,602 B2; 4,860,927; 6,951,276; D
494,851 S; D 368,555; D 400,263; D. 292,373; D. 394,805; and D.
365,983; US Patent Application Publication US 2005/0175338 A1; and
WO 94/16969.
[0006] Many industries have a need to supply more than one material
in a limited space, whether the materials supplied are liquids,
solids, gasses, or a combination thereof. Further, there is a need
to simplify manufacturing, reduce material waste, and lower
manufacturing costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention is a one-piece container including at least
two chambers, wherein each chamber independently has an internal
cavity defining a volume and an opening connected to the internal
cavity, and at least one chamber has at least one indentation;
webbing between each pair of chambers, wherein the webbing between
at least one pair of chambers is discontinuous, forming at least
one non-webbed area; and a grippable portion formed by at least one
indentation in a chamber, a non-webbed area, or a combination
thereof. The container can be a delivery system, can be used in a
system for delivery of materials supplied by the container, and can
be used as a method of supplying materials.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The multi-chambered container has numerous advantages over
existing container and dispenser devices. For example, the
multi-chambered container provides more than one material in a
confined space. The multi-chambered container further does not
require a separate containment unit, such as a box, thereby
simplifying manufacturing as compared to existing multiple bottle
systems, and providing a more environmentally-friendly packaging by
reducing packaging material use and waste. The features of the
multi-chambered container can be designed to prevent incorrect
loading of the container in a device, and can include indicia for
ease of installation. The container has grippable portions,
increasing the ergonomic ease of use. The container is also
flexible, allowing play in alignment of the chambers in inserting
into a device. Other advantages will be apparent upon reading the
remainder of the document, and study of the accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view of a two-chambered container;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of another two-chambered
container;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of three-chambered container;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a left, front, top isometric view of a
three-chambered container;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a right, rear, bottom isometric view of the
three-chambered container of FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a front view of the three-chambered container of
FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the three-chambered container of
FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of the three-chambered container of
FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the three-chambered container of
FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a right view of the three-chambered container of
FIG. 4; and
[0019] FIG. 11 is a left view of the three-chambered container of
FIG. 4. The figures are exemplary embodiments only, and other
embodiments will be apparent from review of the following
description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] A one-piece container can include at least two chambers,
wherein each chamber independently has an internal cavity defining
a volume and an opening connected to the internal cavity, and at
least one chamber has at least one indentation; webbing between
each pair of chambers, wherein the webbing between at least one
pair of chambers is discontinuous, forming at least one non-webbed
area; and a grippable portion formed by at least one indentation in
a chamber, a non-webbed area, or a combination thereof. The
container can be a delivery system, can be used in a system for
delivery of materials supplied by the container, and can be used as
a method of supplying materials.
[0021] The container can be formed of any suitable material, for
example, polymeric material such as plastics, glass, or metal. The
container material can be chosen to reduce or eliminate reactivity
with the material the container chambers will hold. For example,
caustic chemicals can best be contained in glass or plastic.
Exemplary plastics include, for example, polyethylene, including
high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene,
polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isosorbide terephthalate,
vinyl, or other plastic materials known in the art. If a plastic
material is chosen, it can be a harder or softer plastic, depending
on container contents, desired durability, and intended use.
[0022] The container can be formed by any known methods. For
example, a plastic container can be formed by blow molding,
injection molding, or thermal molding. Glass can be molded to form
the container. Metal can be smelted and poured, hammered, or bent
into shape. If parts of the container are formed in separate
pieces, the pieces can be joined by thermal or sonic welding, by
adhesive, by fasteners, or a combination thereof.
[0023] The container can include two or more chambers, wherein the
chambers are joined by webbing. The chambers and webbing together
form a one-piece container. The container can be formed integrally,
or by joining individually formed pieces, as addressed elsewhere
herein. According to one embodiment, the container is integrally
formed, for example, of blow-molded or injection-molded
plastic.
[0024] The webbing extends between pairs of chambers. The webbing
between any two chambers can be formed of the same or a different
material than at least one of the chambers. For example, the entire
container can be formed of a single material, or two types of
plastics can be used, for example, a more malleable plastic for the
webbing and a less malleable plastic for at least one of the
chambers connected to the webbing.
[0025] The webbing can be any desired thickness. The webbing
thickness, width, and height each independently can be determined
by intended use, considering, for example, aesthetics, desired
flexibility between chambers, interaction with associated
equipment, durability, ease of manufacturing, and cost of
materials. Other factors for consideration will be apparent to
those skilled in container manufacture. The webbing can be of
varied thicknesses. The webbing can be embossed, engraved, etched,
painted, or printed.
[0026] The webbing between at least one pair of chambers is
discontinuous, forming at least one non-webbed area. A
two-chambered container can include both webbing and a non-webbed
area between the chambers. Where three or more chambers are present
in the container, each pair of adjacent chambers is connected by
webbing, and at least one pair of adjacent chambers is connected by
webbing including a non-webbed area between the chambers.
[0027] The non-webbed area can extend to a top or bottom of the
container. The non-webbed area can form a shaped absence of webbing
material, for example, a slot, circle, oval, polygon, or irregular
shape. More than one non-webbed area can be present in the webbing
between a pair of chambers. The webbing and non-webbed areas
together can form a design, lettering, numerals, or
perforations.
[0028] The container can include two or more chambers, wherein at
least one chamber has an internal cavity defining a volume. Each
chamber having a cavity further includes an opening connected to
the internal cavity, such that materials can be added to or removed
from the cavity through the opening. The opening can be placed on
any suitable surface of the container, for example, top, bottom, or
sides. The opening can be on one or more chamber side including a
webbing.
[0029] Each chamber can be made of the same or a different material
of at least one other chamber of the container. According to one
embodiment, all chambers are made of the same material. According
to another embodiment, all chambers and the interconnecting webbing
are made of the same material.
[0030] Each chamber can be of the same or different dimensions, for
example, height, width, depth, volume, overall shape, or a
combination thereof, as at least one other chamber. According to
one embodiment, the shapes of the containers are varied. Each
chamber independently can be of a symmetrical or asymmetrical
shape. Each chamber independently can be polygonal, round, ovoid,
or irregularly shaped. Each chamber can have at least a portion of
the chamber that is polygonal, round, ovoid, or irregularly shaped,
herein at least one other portion of the chamber is differently
shaped. One or more edge of a chamber can be angular or rounded.
The width, depth, or both of each chamber can vary over the height
of the chamber. The shapes of at least two containers can be
different.
[0031] Different volumes between two or more chambers can be
achieved by changing the dimensions, or overall shape, of a
chamber, by changing the shape or dimensions of the internal cavity
of the chambers, by filling at least a portion of the internal
cavity or chamber, or a combination thereof. For example, filler
can be added directly to a chamber, and a partition, flexible
structure such as a bag, or inflexible structure can be added to
the chamber to form the internal cavity.
[0032] The internal cavity suitable for holding materials can be
formed by the interior of the chamber walls. The internal cavity
can be formed by formation of a second, enclosed internal space
within the chamber, wherein the internal space can be separated
from the interior chamber walls, abut the interior chamber walls,
or be formed by at least a portion of at least one interior chamber
wall. The internal cavity can be connected to the opening in the
chamber. Where the internal cavity is formed at least partially by
a structure other than the interior chamber walls, the structure
can be molded as part of the opening, or connected to the opening
by a form of welding, adhesive, fasteners, or a combination
thereof. The internal cavity can have some or all of the volume
consumed by a filler, for example, a solid, liquid, or gas. Filler
can be enclosed, for example, in a bag or other containment unit,
before adding to the internal cavity of a chamber.
[0033] At least one chamber of the container can have at least one
indentation. The indentation can be of any width, height, depth, or
shape desired. The dimensions and shape of the indentation can be
determined by aesthetics, interaction with associated equipment,
ease of manufacturing, and cost of materials. Other factors for
consideration will be apparent to those skilled in container
manufacture. More than one indentation can be present in a chamber.
The indentation can be wholly formed on one surface of the
container. The indentation can be formed such that it extends
across two or more surfaces of the container, for example, on an
edge, where two or three surfaces can be affected. The indentation
can be formed as a polygonal, arcuate, or irregular shape. A
polygonal indentation, including a V-shaped indentation, can have
rounded edges.
[0034] The indentation can be aligned with an adjacent or remote
webbing, such that one portion of the indentation, for example, a
top or bottom, aligns with one end of a webbing area. The
indentation can extend for the length of the webbing, or be longer
or shorter than the length of the webbing. The indentation can be
aligned with an adjacent or remote non-webbed area such that one
portion of the indentation, for example, a top or bottom, aligns
with one end of a non-webbed area. The indentation can extend for
the length of the non-webbed area, or be longer or shorter than the
length of the non-webbed area. The indentation can be centered on
an adjacent or remote webbing or non-webbed area. The indentation
can have no relation to either a webbing or non-webbed area. By
"remote" webbing or non-webbed area, it is meant a webbing or
non-webbed area that is not connected to the indented chamber.
[0035] The container can include a grippable portion. The grippable
portion is sufficient for a user to pick up the container using at
least one finger and an opposed thumb, or at least two fingers. The
grippable portion can be formed by at least one indentation in at
least one chamber, a non-webbed area, or any combination thereof.
If the grippable portion is formed by an indentation, it can be
formed by an indentation in one or more sides of a chamber. The
indentation can be sufficiently sized to accommodate at least one
finger or a thumb. According to at least one embodiment, at least
two opposed sides of a chamber can be indented, providing an
indented or recessed area for gripping. If the grippable area is
formed by a non-webbed area, the non-webbed area can be
sufficiently sized to accommodate at least one finger, for example,
two or more fingers, such that the container can be lifted or moved
by the non-webbed area. The grippable area can be formed by a
combination of one or more indentation and one or more non-webbed
area. For example, an indentation in a chamber can be aligned at
least in part with an adjacent non-webbed area. The indentation can
be on the chamber side attached to the webbing, or on a
perpendicular chamber side from the webbing side.
[0036] The container can include one or more indexing features.
Indexing features can be used for alignment of the container with
associated equipment. Indexing features can include one or more
indentation, one or more non-webbed area, one or more webbing area,
a raised portion of the container surface, or some combination
thereof.
[0037] The container can include one or more indicia on any
surface, for example, a chamber wall, webbing, or opening. Indicia
can include alpha-numerics, symbols, drawings, or colored areas.
Indicia can be applied to the container with adhesive, fasteners,
printing techniques, painting, engraving, etching, as a slipcover,
or by any other means. Indicia can be formed as part of the
container, on one or more chamber or webbing area, or a combination
thereof. A non-webbed area, or combination of webbing and
non-webbed area can form indicia, for example, alpha-numerics or a
symbol.
[0038] The container can have one or more labels. The label can be
affixed to the container by heat, adhesive, slipcover, fastener, or
other known methods of attachment. The label can be on one or more
surface of the container, for example, extending across at least a
portion of one or more chambers, or at least a portion of one
chamber and at least a portion of a webbing. Alternately, the label
can be formed integrally as part of the container, wherein the
label is formed as part of one or more chamber, webbing area, or a
combination thereof. The label can include information such as, but
not limited to, manufacturer, materials, hazard information, run
date, batch number, expiration date, and use instructions. The
label and indicia can be the same according to certain
embodiments.
[0039] The opening of one or more chambers can be formed integrally
with the chamber, or separately therefrom and attached thereto
during manufacturing. The opening can be planar with the surface of
the chamber including the opening, recessed from the surface, or
raised from the surface, for example, in a neck-like formation.
Examples of raised openings include those suitable for closure with
screw tops or pressure fit tops. The opening can be closed by any
means, for example, a screw top, a pressure fit top, a film, or a
plug.
[0040] The container can be made in various configurations.
According to one embodiment, the two or more chambers of the
container can be in-line, such that the containers are co-planar.
The container can be made such that at least one chamber is not
co-planar with at least one other chamber, for example, by curving
or forming an angled webbing between a pair of chambers in the
container. The container can describe an arc, S-curve, or other
non-linear shape. The container can be substantially polygonal,
round, ovoid, or irregularly shaped, wherein the container shape is
described by the overall circumferential shape formed by the outer
surface of the chambers. All chambers can be connected by webbing
to at least one other chamber.
[0041] The material of the container can allow the container to be
moved out of plane. This allows the container to be adapted to fit
in a carton, other containment unit, or an apparatus that is
arcuate, round, ovoid, polygonal, or irregularly shaped. A
container having more than two chambers can be manipulated to form
a polygonal, round, ovoid, or irregular closed shape, having two
end chambers, not connected by webbing, abutted.
[0042] One or more container can be placed in a containment unit. A
containment unit can be any material or combination of materials
that extends around the periphery or circumference of the
container, for example, one or more strap, rope, a film or flexible
wrapper, a box, a carton, a bag, or other enclosure. The
containment unit can be designed to be removed before use of the
container, or can be designed to remain on the container during
use.
[0043] The container can be designed to carry any type of material,
or combination of materials, desirable. For example, one or more
chambers of the container can be filled with a liquid, solid, gas,
or combination thereof. Exemplary uses of the container include
supplying materials for use in a system, for example,
photofinishing, medical imaging, or printing systems. The container
be used to supply materials, for example, those used in film
development, including photographic, x-ray, MRI, and CAT scan film
development, paper development, pool chemistry kits, ink jet or
laser printing, or copying. The container can act as the supply of
materials in a system, and can be inserted into or connected to an
apparatus to supply materials for the system. The container can be
used to supply one or more material. The container can be used as a
dispenser for one or more material, for example, developer, bleach,
fixatives, disinfectants, biocides, pesticides, cleaning agents,
surfactants, or chlorine, in liquid, solid, or gaseous form. The
container can be used to collect one or more material, for example,
waste collection. Each chamber can be connected to a waste line,
and may contain the same or different waste material when in
use.
[0044] As an example, one use of the container can be to supply
photofinishing chemicals. The container can include one chemical in
all chambers, or different chemicals in each chamber. The chemicals
can be in the same or different states, including liquid, solid,
and gaseous. The full container can be emptied into a supply tank
for a photofinishing device, or can be directly inserted into a
photofinishing device, acting as the supply tank for the chemicals.
The container can include indicia indicting the content of each
chamber, or the orientation of the container when inserted into a
photofinishing device. The container can include one or more label
with information such as, but not limited to, manufacturer,
materials, hazard information, run date, batch number, expiration
date, and use instructions. The container can include one or more
indexing feature, or key, to ensure proper orientation upon
insertion into, or connection with, an apparatus or system.
[0045] Examples of various possible container configurations are
described below with reference to the figures.
[0046] FIG. 1 shows an example of a one-piece container 10 having
two chambers 12. An opening 14 is positioned at a top portion 30 of
each chamber 12. Webbing 18 connects the chambers, leaving a
non-webbed area 20 extending from the bottom of the webbing 18 to
the bottom 32 of the chambers 12. An indentation 16 is present on
one container. The container has eight sides. The indentation 16
extends across one entire side 34 of the right chamber, and across
two corners 36 of the chamber, extending slightly into the front 38
and rear surfaces of the container. A grippable portion 22 is
formed by the indentation 16.
[0047] FIG. 2 shows a second example of a one-piece container 10
having two chambers 12. An opening 14 is positioned at a top
portion 30 of each chamber 12. Webbing 18 connects the chambers,
leaving a non-webbed area 20 between two areas of webbing 18. An
indentation 16 is present on the front 38 of both chambers 12. A
grippable portion 22 is formed by the indentation 16, and could
also include the non-webbed area 20 if the non-webbed area were
enlarged in width to accommodate at least a finger.
[0048] FIG. 3 shows an example of a one-piece container 10 having
three chambers 12, wherein the chambers are four-sided. An opening
14 is positioned at a top portion 30 of each chamber 12. Webbing 18
connects each pair of chambers 12. A non-webbed area 20 is present
between two webbing areas extending between the middle and right
chambers 12. An indentation 16 is present on the side 34 of the
middle chamber. Formation of the indentation 16 on side 34 of the
chamber 12 allows for a wider non-webbed area 20, sufficient to
accommodate at least one finger. The non-webbed area 20 forms a
grippable portion 22. A label 28 is present on one chamber.
[0049] FIGS. 4-11 show different views of another one-piece
container 10 having three chambers 12. Each chamber has at least
eight sides, with the right chamber (FIG. 4) having two V-shaped
portions on the left side of the chamber. An opening 14 is
positioned at a top portion 30 of each chamber 12. Webbing 18
connects each pair of chambers 12. A non-webbed area 20 is present
between two webbing areas between both pairs of chambers. The
chambers 12 are of different shapes, and of different volumes. Each
chamber has an indentation 16 that extends across the sides 34,
front 38, and rear 40 of each chamber, allowing the non-webbed
areas 20 to be of sufficient width to accommodate at least one
finger. The non-webbed areas 20 in combination with the
indentations 16 form multiple grippable portions 22. The container
10 includes indexing features 24 corresponding to further
indentations on each chamber, where the indexing features 24
correspond to indexing features in a cooperating device, for
example, a photofinishing device such as a minilab. Numerical
indicia 26 are present on the front 38 of each chamber 12,
indicating the contents of each chamber. Further indicium 26 in the
form of an arrow is present on the bottom 32 of the center chamber,
indicating a direction of insertion into a cooperating device. Such
indicia would be read and used in accordance with instructions on
an accompanying label for the container, or instructions for use of
the cooperating device.
[0050] The multi-chambered container described and shown herein has
numerous advantages over existing container and dispenser devices.
For example, the multi-chambered container provides more than one
material in a confined space. The multi-chambered container further
does not require a separate containment unit, such as a box,
thereby simplifying manufacturing as compared to existing multiple
bottle systems, and providing a more environmentally-friendly
packaging by reducing packaging material use and waste. The
features of the multi-chambered container can be designed to
prevent incorrect loading of the container in a device, and can
include indicia for ease of installation. The container has
grippable portions, increasing the ergonomic ease of use. The
container is also flexible, allowing play in alignment of the
chambers in inserting into a device. Other advantages will be
apparent upon reading the remainder of the document, and study of
the accompanying figures.
[0051] The invention has been described in detail with particular
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be
understood that variations and modifications can be effected within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
PARTS LIST
[0052] 10 Container [0053] 12 Chamber [0054] 14 Opening [0055] 16
Indentation [0056] 18 Webbing [0057] 20 Non-webbed Area [0058] 22
Grippable Portion [0059] 24 Indexing Feature [0060] 26 Indicia
[0061] 28 Label [0062] 30 Top Portion [0063] 32 Bottom [0064] 34
Side [0065] 36 Corner [0066] 38 Front [0067] 40 Rear
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