U.S. patent application number 11/877706 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for container with cutting apparatus.
Invention is credited to John A. Gelardi.
Application Number | 20080156816 11/877706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39582420 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080156816 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gelardi; John A. |
July 3, 2008 |
Container With Cutting Apparatus
Abstract
A container includes a base portion having a compartment for
storing an encased item and an opening to the compartment. The
container also includes a cover and a cutting apparatus. The
cutting apparatus includes a channel, a cutting member having a
cutting edge positioned in the channel, and a displaceable
structure that is positioned in the channel proximate the cutting
member. The cutting apparatus can be concealed when the cover and
the base portion are positioned proximate to one another.
Inventors: |
Gelardi; John A.; (Wake
Forest, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PARKS KNOWLTON - C001
1117 PERIMETER CENTER WEST, SUITE E402
ATLANTA
GA
30338
US
|
Family ID: |
39582420 |
Appl. No.: |
11/877706 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11619540 |
Jan 3, 2007 |
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11877706 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/694 ;
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 69/0008 20130101;
B65D 77/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/694 ;
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/00 20060101
B65D081/00; B65D 25/00 20060101 B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a base portion comprising a compartment
for storing an encased item and an opening to said compartment; a
cover; and a cutting apparatus comprising: a channel; a cutting
member having a cutting edge disposed in said channel; and a
displaceable structure disposed in said channel proximate said
cutting member; wherein said cutting apparatus can be concealed
when said cover and said base portion are positioned proximate to
one another.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein said base portion includes
said cutting apparatus.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein said cover includes said
cutting apparatus.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein said cover at least partially
closes said opening when said cover and said base portion are
positioned proximate to one another.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein said cutting member is acutely
angled with respect to a vertical plane defined by said
channel.
6. The container of claim 1, further comprising means for biasing
said displaceable portion.
7. The container of claim 6, where said means for biasing is one of
a flexible arm, a leaf spring, a coil spring, a foam element, and a
rubber element.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein said container further
includes means for facilitating removal of an encased item from
said compartment.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein said means for facilitating
removal includes a flap that is displaceable into said
compartment.
10. The container of claim 9, wherein said flap is opposite said
opening.
11. The container of claim 8, wherein said means for facilitating
removal includes one of a wheel and a plunger.
12. A method for providing a container, comprising: forming a
container with a plurality of walls that define a compartment;
forming an opening to said compartment in at least one of said
walls; forming a cover that can attach to said compartment to at
least partially close said opening; and forming a cutting apparatus
in a portion of said container, forming a cutting apparatus
comprising: forming a channel in said portion; attaching a cutting
member having a cutting edge to said portion such that said cutting
edge is disposed in said channel; and forming a displaceable
structure that extends into said channel.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said portion is integral to
said cover.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11/619,540, filed Jan. 3,
2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to containers, and
more specifically to a container including a cutting apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Items, such as medicaments, are packaged in child-resistant
or particularly durable encasements such as pouches, blister packs,
blisters, and the like. These encasements are useful for providing
child resistance and maintaining the freshness of the item therein,
but can also make the encasements difficult for the intended user
to open. Thus, there is a need for storing encased items and for
safely and efficiently opening encased items.
SUMMARY
[0004] The various embodiments of the present invention depart from
the current packaging industry environments and the known prior art
through the creative manner the inventors identified present and
future needs, and then developed flexible solutions that addressed
both isolated and overlapping failures in the present art to
satisfy those needs. Through the present invention, as taught and
illustrated through exemplary embodiments, obstacles including
structural integrity, child-resistance, ease of access, consistent
operation through repeated use, and price-point economics are
simultaneously solved.
[0005] A first exemplary embodiment of a container includes a base
portion having a compartment for storing an encased item and an
opening to the compartment. The container also includes a cover and
a cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus includes a channel, a
cutting member having a cutting edge positioned in the channel, and
a displaceable structure that is positioned in the channel
proximate the cutting member. The cutting apparatus can be
concealed when the cover and the base portion are positioned
proximate to one another. In certain embodiments, the cover at
least partially closes the opening when the base portion and cover
are positioned with respect to one another.
[0006] In the first exemplary embodiment, the base portion includes
the cutting apparatus. In alternative embodiments, the cover
includes the cutting apparatus.
[0007] In the first embodiment, the cutting member is acutely
angled with respect to a vertical plane defined by the channel. By
angling the cutting member, the container is allowed a more compact
design. In alternative embodiments, the cutting member can be
substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane defined by the
channel.
[0008] The cutting apparatus also includes means for biasing the
displaceable structure. In the exemplary embodiment, means for
biasing includes a flexible arm that is defined from a wall of the
channel. In alternative embodiments, means for biasing can include
a leaf spring, a coil spring, a foam element, a rubber element,
combinations thereof, and the like.
[0009] The container also includes means for facilitating removal
of an encased item from the compartment. In the first exemplary
embodiment, means for facilitating removal includes a flap that is
displaceable into the compartment and that is opposite the opening.
In alternative embodiments, means for facilitating removal can
include a wheel or a plunger.
[0010] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and
features of the present invention, which should be construed to be
merely illustrative of various potential applications of the
invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the
disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various
aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects
and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be
obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container, according to a
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the container of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of the container of FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side elevation view of
the container of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a partial end elevation view of the container of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1
illustrating an exemplary method of opening a pouch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary examples of the invention that may
be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations
thereof. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively
to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens,
models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and
some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of
particular components. In other instances, well-known components,
systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in
order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention.
[0019] For purposes of teaching, the illustrated embodiment is
shown and described in the context of a container 10 that is
configured to store and dispense pouches P, which encase
pharmaceutical-related goods or medicaments (not shown). Referring
momentarily to FIG. 7, the pouch P is a protective encasement that
is child-resistant or otherwise tear resistant. The pouches P are
made to be particularly durable for child-resistance or for
purposes of freshness. The illustrated pouch P includes substrates
that are sealed together at the periphery to define a flanged
portion F.
[0020] The illustrated embodiment of the packaging system, which is
provided by the container 10 and pouches P, can be utilized to
store and dispense items other than medicaments and is specifically
useful for small, delicate, sensitive, or portable items. Examples
of such items include all manner of consumable products such as
candy, food, vitamins, and the like; and all manner of personal
care products such as contact lens, birth control devices, smoking
cessation patches, hearing aid batteries, and the like.
[0021] In alternative embodiments of the packaging system, the
pouches P can be substituted with other primary packaging such as a
blister cards, trays, cards, racks, packs, flexible or
semi-flexible protective coverings, blister wraps, shrink wraps,
combinations thereof, and the like. In general, the teachings
provided herein are applicable to any primary packaging that
provides protective encasement of an item. In such alternative
embodiments, the container 10 can be alternatively configured to
accommodate the primary packaging.
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals
represent like features throughout, a first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 10 includes base portion B having a
plurality of walls that define a compartment C, which is
dimensioned to store one or more pouches P (shown in FIG. 7). The
container 10 also includes an opening 12 through which the pouches
P can be removed from the compartment C.
[0023] A cover 14 is connected to the base portion B by a hinge 16
and can be positioned to open and close the opening 12. In
alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the cover 14 can
be connected to the container 10 by alternative means for
connecting such as elements that provide a snap connection,
elements that provide a sliding connection, mechanical fasteners,
elements that can be press fit, glue or other adhesive,
combinations thereof, and the like.
[0024] The compartment C is defined by a compartment top wall 20, a
compartment base wall 22, opposing compartment side walls 24a, 24b,
and opposing compartment end walls 26a, 26b. In the first exemplary
embodiment, the compartment end wall 26b is defined by an end
structure 28 of the base portion B to which the cover 14 is
connected. The opening 12 is defined in the compartment top wall 20
and disposed adjacent to the compartment side walls, 24a, 24b and
the compartment end wall 26b.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the end structure 28 includes an
integral cutting apparatus 30. In alternative embodiments, the
container 10 can be alternatively configured such that the cutting
apparatus 30 is differently positioned or formed in a different
part or portion of the container 10. In one such embodiment, the
configuration of the first exemplary embodiment is altered such
that the end structure 28 and the cutting apparatus 30 are
integrally formed in an area X of the cover 14. Thus, when the
cover 14 is closed, the end structure 28 fills a space or void that
is adjacent to the compartment C and the cutting apparatus 30 is
concealed. Similar to the first embodiment, when the cover 14 is
opened, the cutting apparatus 30 is revealed and operable.
[0026] In still other alternative embodiments, the cutting
apparatus and the container can be independently formed before
being attached to one another to form a container that includes a
cutting apparatus.
[0027] The illustrated cutting apparatus 30 includes a channel 32
that extends between end structure side walls 34a, 34b (best shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2). The end structure side walls 34a, 34b and the
compartment side walls 24a, 24b provide substantially continuous
side walls of the container 10. The channel 32 defines channel side
walls 36, 38 that are substantially parallel to one another, a
channel base wall 40 that connects the channel side walls 36, 38,
and open ends 42a, 42b in the end structure side walls 34a, 34b. In
the exemplary embodiment, the channel 32 is dimensioned to guide
and support the flanged portion F of the pouch P therethrough (best
shown in FIG. 7). However, the dimensions of the channel 32,
including the length, width, and depth, can be alternatively
selected to accommodate other primary packaging or to select the
location of a cut formed in primary packaging by the cutting
apparatus 30, as described in further detail below.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the walls of the channel are
configured to support the flanged portion of the pouch. However,
for alternative primary packaging, the channel 32 can have a
profile with any shape. In other words, the channel walls can have
any shape or configuration so as to accommodate alternative primary
packaging.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 32 is
substantially perpendicular to the compartment base wall 22.
However, the channel 32 can be alternatively disposed in the
container 10. For example, the channel 32 can be disposed in the
end structure 28 so as to be at an angle with respect to the
compartment base wall 22 or so as to be substantially perpendicular
to the compartment end wall 26b.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the channel 32 is curved along
its length. However, in alternative embodiments, the channel may be
substantially straight.
[0031] The cutting apparatus additionally includes a cutting
member, such as a blade 44, having a distal end 46 and cutting edge
48 positioned in the channel 32. The body of the blade 44 is housed
in the end structure 28 and the distal end 46 extends from the
channel side wall 38 into the channel 32 so as to be spaced apart
from the channel side wall 36. In other words, the blade 44 is
cantilevered in the channel 32. In alternative embodiments,
opposite ends of the blade 44 are supported by each of the channel
side walls 36, 38 and a medial portion thereof provides the cutting
edge.
[0032] Turning momentarily to FIG. 5, in the illustrated
embodiment, the blade 44 is at an acute angle A with respect to the
channel side walls 36, 38. By positioning the blade 44 at an acute
angle A, the length of the end structure 28 can be reduced, thereby
reducing the overall length of the base portion B of the container
10. In alternative embodiments, the blade 44 is positioned so as to
be substantially perpendicular with respect to the channel side
walls 36, 38. Also, in still other alternative embodiments, the
blade can have a curved or alternatively shaped body to reduce the
length of the container.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 44 has a single
cutting edge 48 to cut a pouch P translated through the channel 32
in a selected direction, as described in further detail below.
However, in alternative embodiments, the blade 44 includes opposing
cutting edges such that a pouch P is cut when translated through
the channel 32 in either direction.
[0034] The cutting apparatus 30 includes a displaceable protrusion
50 that extends into the channel 32 and cooperates with the blade
44 to cut open the pouch P. The displaceable protrusion 50 extends
from the channel side wall 36 into the channel 32 and is
dimensioned and positioned to protect and/or hide the blade 44. The
illustrated displaceable protrusion 50 has a rounded shape, but any
shape that facilitates the displacement thereof when the pouch P is
translated along the length of the channel 32 is contemplated. The
displaceable protrusion 50 is positioned above the blade 44 in the
channel 32 and obstructs a pouch P or other object that is lowered
into the channel 32 rather than translated therethrough.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the displaceable protrusion
50 is made displaceable as it is integral to a flexible arm 52. The
illustrated flexible arm 52 is defined from the channel side wall
36 by slots 54a, 54b and can be displaced transversely with respect
to the channel 32. Thus, the displaceable protrusion 50 can be
displaced toward and away from the channel side wall 38. The
flexible arm 52 provides resistance to the displacement of the
displaceable protrusion 50, which facilitates the operation of the
cutting apparatus 30, as described in further detail below.
[0036] In alternative embodiments, the displaceable protrusion 50
can be made displaceable by other means for biasing including leaf
springs, coil springs, flexible walls, foam elements, rubber
elements, gel elements, any compressible element that returns to
its initial shape, combinations thereof, and the like. In such
embodiments, the displaceable protrusion 50 may be configured to
slide transversely with respect to the channel and be attached to
or in contact with means for biasing.
[0037] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated
embodiment, when the cover 14 is positioned to close the opening
12, a cover top wall 70 and cover side walls 74a, 74b, along with
the compartment top wall 20 and the compartment side walls 24a,
24b, provide substantially continuous top and side walls 20/70,
24a/74a, 24b/74b of the container 10. In the illustrated
embodiment, the cover 14 overlaps an inset portion of each of the
compartment top wall 20 and the compartment side walls 24a, 24b as
well as the end structure 28. When the cover 14 is closed, the
cutting apparatus 30 is concealed, protected, and prevented from
being used. In alternative embodiments, the cover 14 conceals one
of the cutting apparatus 30 and the opening 12. In still other
embodiments, the cutting apparatus 30 and the opening 12 have
separate covers.
[0038] The container 10 includes elements to releasably hold the
cover 14 in a position to close the opening 12. Specifically, when
the cover 14 is closed, recesses 82a, 82b in the cover 14
releasably engage detents 80a, 80b on the side walls 24a, 24b to
maintain the cover 14 in a closed position. In alternative
embodiments, the container 10 can include locking elements that
lock the cover 14 in a closed position to provide a child-resistant
feature.
[0039] The container 10 further includes means for facilitating
removal of pouches P therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment,
means for facilitating removal is a flap 84 that is defined in the
compartment base wall 22 and opposite the opening 12. Specifically,
the flap 84 is defined by a U-shaped slot 86 and is displaceable
into the compartment. Operation of the flap 84 is described in
further detail below.
[0040] In alternative embodiments, other means for facilitating
removal include wheels or plungers that advance or feed an item
from the compartment, and the like.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7, a method of operating the
container 10 to open the pouch P is now described in further
detail. The cover 14 is opened and the pouch P is removed from the
compartment. Specifically, the flap 84 is displaced into the
compartment which in turn displaces an end of the pouch P toward or
through the opening 12. The end of the pouch P can then easily be
grasped to remove the pouch P from the compartment.
[0042] Thereafter, referring specifically to FIG. 7, the flanged
portion F of the pouch P is inserted into the open end 42b and
translated through the channel 32 towards the other open end 42a.
The leading edge of the pouch P then comes into contact with the
displaceable protrusion 50 and displaces the displaceable
protrusion 50 outwardly. Thereafter, the pouch P moves against the
cutting edge 48 and in between the distal end 46 of the blade 44
and the displaceable protrusion 50. The resistance of the flexible
arm 52 to deflection is such that the protrusion 50 forces the
pouch P against the blade 44 and the blade 44 punctures or
initiates a cut in the flanged portion F. As the pouch P continues
through the channel 32, the cutting edge 48 forms a cut in the
pouch P through which items in the pouch P can be accessed once the
pouch P exits the channel 32 through the open end 42a.
[0043] The distal end 46 or cutting edge 48 of the blade 44 can be
positioned relative to the channel base wall 40 of the channel 32
to control the location of the cut that is formed by the cutting
apparatus 30 in the pouch P.
[0044] The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive
to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present
claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary
illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear
understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations,
modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All
such variations, modifications, and combinations are included
herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following
claims.
* * * * *