U.S. patent application number 13/550089 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-08 for dispensing container.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Jeremy D. Mowery.
Application Number | 20120279961 13/550089 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39650671 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120279961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mowery; Jeremy D. |
November 8, 2012 |
DISPENSING CONTAINER
Abstract
A dispensing system (300) includes a packaging structure (200)
and a blank (100) that is constructed to enclose the packaging
structure (200). The dispensing system (300) includes a top panel
(110) and a bottom panel (112) that define a tubular structure
(310) and includes side flaps (120a, 120b) that are configured to
extend into the tubular structure (310). The side flaps (120a,
120b) close the open sides of the tubular structure (310).
Inventors: |
Mowery; Jeremy D.;
(Richmond, VA) |
Assignee: |
MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
39650671 |
Appl. No.: |
13/550089 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12601166 |
Nov 20, 2009 |
8220634 |
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PCT/US08/64522 |
May 22, 2008 |
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13550089 |
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60939543 |
May 22, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/23.83 ;
220/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/0463 20130101;
A61J 1/035 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/23.83 ;
220/62 |
International
Class: |
B65D 3/26 20060101
B65D003/26; B65D 77/04 20060101 B65D077/04 |
Claims
1-31. (canceled)
32. A container, comprising: a first packaging structure and a
second packaging structure, the second packaging structure at least
partially enclosing the first packaging structure, the second
packaging structure comprising: a tubular structure with at least
one open side; the tubular structure comprising: a bottom panel, a
top panel, and at least one side flap that is hingedly connected to
an edge of the tubular structure, one of the bottom panel and the
top panel being substantially curved, the at least one side flap
being configured to extend inwardly into at least a portion of the
tubular structure to at least partially close the at least one open
side; and the at least one side flap restricting access to the
first packaging structure.
33. The container of claim 32, wherein a distal edge of the at
least one side flap is configured to at least partially contact at
least a portion of the inside surface of the tubular structure to
at least partially close the at least one open side.
34. The container of claim 33, wherein the distal edge of the at
least one side flap is configured to at least partially contact the
inside surface of the curved one of the top or bottom panel.
35. The container of claim 34, wherein the top panel is
substantially flat.
36. The container of claim 35, wherein the bottom panel is
substantially curved.
37. The container of claim 36, wherein the edge of the tubular
structure along which the at least one side flap is hingedly
connected comprises a side edge of the top panel.
38. The container of claim 34, wherein the distal edge of the at
least one side flap is substantially curved.
39. The container of claim 32, wherein an extending dimension of
the at least one side flap is greater than an open end dimension of
the tubular structure.
40. The container of claim 32, wherein the tubular structure
comprises an arrangement of severance lines that are configured to
allow access to the interior of the container.
41. The container of claim 40, further comprising a cover that is
hingedly connected to the tubular structure.
42. The container of claim 41, wherein the cover is configured to
selectively overlap the arrangement of severance lines.
43. The container of claim 41, further comprising at least one
locking tab that is configured to releasably secure the cover to
the tubular structure.
44. The container of claim 41, wherein the cover comprises a
sleeve.
45. The container of claim 44, wherein the cover further comprises
an insert that is slidably received in the sleeve.
46. The container of claim 32, further comprising a cover that is
hingedly connected to the tubular structure.
47. The container of claim 46, wherein the cover comprises a first
cover panel and a second cover panel that are secured to one
another.
48. The container of claim 47, wherein the first cover panel is
hingedly connected to the top panel.
49. The container of claim 48, wherein the second cover panel is
hingedly connected to the bottom panel.
50. The container of claim 32, wherein the first packaging
structure is configured to obstruct inward movement of the at least
one side flap.
51. A dispensing system, comprising: a primary packaging structure;
and a dispensing container that at least partially encloses the
primary packaging structure, the dispensing container comprising: a
first main panel and a second main panel at least partially
defining a tubular structure; and a first side flap and a second
side flap, wherein the first side flap and the second side flap are
hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the first main panel
and are configured to extend into at least a portion of the tubular
structure and towards the second main panel, wherein one of the
first and second main panels is curved.
52. A packaging blank, comprising: a first main panel; a second
main panel hingedly connected to an end edge of the first main
panel, the second main panel being longer than the first main
panel; and a first side flap and a second side flap, each being
hingedly connected to one of opposed side edges of the first main
panel, each having a curved distal edge.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/939,543 filed May 22, 2007, the entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to containers and, more
specifically, to containers for blister packs.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Articles such as pharmaceuticals and tobacco plugs are
commonly dispensed from blister packs or as loose-fill. The
packaging and dispensing of such articles requires continuous
improvement to address issues such as child resistance, cost, and
ergonomics in a new and better way.
[0004] For example, in accordance with certain dispensing
containers, articles are packaged in blister packs and secondary
packaging. The secondary packaging leaves parts of the blister pack
exposed such that the child resistance of the dispensing container
may be reduced. Other dispensing containers have a high degree of
child resistance but are expensive to make, complicated to
manufacture, and complicated to use.
SUMMARY
[0005] The various embodiments of the present disclosure overcome
the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a container that is
inexpensive, simple to construct, and can be used to package and
dispense items from a blister pack or tray. The container is
inexpensive and easily constructed as few folding and securing
steps are required to construct the container. The container can
house a blister pack to prevent tampering with the blister pack and
to controllably dispense articles from the blister pack.
[0006] An exemplary container includes a tubular structure with
opposed open sides and a side flap hingedly connected to an edge of
the tubular structure at each open side. The side flaps extend
inwardly into the tubular structure and a distal edge of each side
flap substantially abuts the inside surface of the tubular
structure so as to substantially close each open side. The
extending dimension of each of the side flaps, measured between a
hinged connection and a distal edge, is greater than the open side
dimension of each of the open sides of the tubular structure to
prevent the side flaps from folding outward. Items in the
container, such as loose fill items or items packaged in a blister
pack, can prevent the side flap from folding further inward. Thus,
a side flap closes the open side of the tubular structure without
having the distal edge of the side flap secured in place.
[0007] The tubular structure can be defined by a top panel and a
bottom panel, the opposed end edges of which are proximate or are
hingedly connected to one another. The tubular structure can be
shaped such that the top panel is substantially flat and the bottom
panel is substantially curved. Here, the bottom panel is longer
than the top panel. With such a tubular structure, the side flaps
can be hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the top panel
and the distal edges of the side flaps can be curved so as to
correspond to the curvature of the bottom panel.
[0008] The container includes an arrangement of severance lines
that define detachable tabs. The tabs can be removed to access the
interior of container. In addition to or in place of the detachable
tabs, the container can include an aperture, an alternative
arrangement of severance lines, a slit, a flap, combinations
thereof, and the like. The detachable tabs can be formed in the top
panel or the bottom panel. To disguise the location of the
detachable tabs, close openings provided by removing the detachable
tabs, and protect the detachable tabs, the container includes a
cover that is hingedly connected to the tubular structure and that
can be releasably secured, for example, to the tubular structure by
locking tabs. The locking tabs can be formed by severance lines and
can be configured in different ways to be able to releasably engage
one another. A locking tab can also releasably engage with an
aperture, a slot, and edge, combinations thereof, and the like.
[0009] The cover can include cover panels that are hingedly
connected to the top panel and bottom panel. The cover panels may
be secured together to provide the cover flap. Alternatively, there
can be a sliding connection between cover panels that form the
cover. For example, one of the cover panels can include a sleeve
and the other of the cover panels can include an insert that can
slide within the sleeve.
[0010] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and
features of the present disclosure, which should be construed to be
merely illustrative of various potential applications of the
disclosure. 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 disclosure
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 defined by the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blank and a blister pack,
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partially formed container
that combines the blank and blister pack of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a container formed
from the blank and blister pack of FIG. 1, a cover being
illustrated in open and closed positions.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a blank, according to a second
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a blank, according to a third
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a container formed
from the blank of FIG. 6, a cover being illustrated in open and
closed conditions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure
are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure 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 disclosure. 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 disclosure.
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals
indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings
illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments
of a container. In the embodiments detailed herein, for the
non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the
disclosure, the container is configured for enclosing, carrying,
and dispensing articles such as pharmaceuticals and tobacco
plugs.
[0019] Referring to a first exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-4, a container 300 is formed from a blank 100 and a blister
pack 200. The blank 100 is configured with respect to the blister
pack 200 such that the container 300 is adapted to dispense
articles from the blister pack 200. It is envisaged that the blank
100 can be configured with respect to other blister packs or for
loose-fill articles.
[0020] Turning to FIG. 1, the blank 100 is first described. The
blank 100 is illustrated as a single sheet of suitable substrate.
As used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all manner
of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board,
cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. In the
illustrated embodiments, the blank 100 is unitary although it
should be recognized that two or more blanks may be employed to
form the container 300.
[0021] As used herein, the term "fold line" includes all manner of
lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding
portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise
indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. A fold line
is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed
line.
[0022] As used herein, the term "severance line" includes all
manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the
substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation
locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened
lines, cut lines, or slits.
[0023] It should be understood that severance lines and fold lines
can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the
blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of
short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an
interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and
the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide
the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can
have different degrees of weakness in order to define a fold line
and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed
to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding
and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking
with little effort.
[0024] The blank 100 includes primary panels that define the walls
of a tubular structure 310 of the container 300. The primary panels
include a top panel 110 and a bottom panel 112 that are hingedly
connected to one another along a fold line 114. The bottom panel
112 has a length L2 that is greater than the length L1 of the top
panel 110. It should be understood that a tubular structure can be
formed from any number of panels.
[0025] Side flaps 120a, 120b define side walls of the erected
container 300. Proximal edges of the side flaps 120a, 120b are
hingedly connected to opposite side edges the top panel 110 along
fold lines 122a, 122b and distal edges 124a, 124b of the side flaps
120a, 120b are curved. The curvature of each of the distal edges
124a, 124b corresponds to the curvature of the bottom panel 112 of
the erected container 300, as described in further detail below. A
extending dimension W1 of each of the side flaps 120a, 120b
corresponds to a open end dimension W2 of each of the open sides of
the tubular structure, as described in further detail below.
[0026] The top panel 110 includes severance lines 130 that define
detachable tabs 132. The detachable tabs 132 are arranged with
respect to the illustrated blister pack 200. The detachable tabs
132 can have any size or shape so as to provide a suitable opening
for dispensing articles and the illustrated versions are provided
as a non-limiting example. In place of or in addition to the
detachable tabs 132, the top panel 110 can include apertures,
alternative arrangements of severance lines, flaps, slots,
combinations thereof, and the like. Also, the detachable tabs 132
can additionally or alternatively be formed in the bottom panel
112.
[0027] The container 300 includes a cover 340 that is arranged to
selectively cover the detachable tabs 132. The cover 340 is formed
from a cover panel 140, a sleeve flap 142, and an insert flap 144.
The cover panel 140 is hingedly connected to the bottom panel 112
along a fold line 146, the sleeve flap 142 is hingedly connected to
the cover panel 140 along a fold line 148, and the insert flap 144
is hingedly connected to the top panel 110 along a fold line 150.
As described in further detail below, the cover panel 140 and the
sleeve flap 142 combine to form a sleeve 342 in which the insert
flap 144 is slidably inserted.
[0028] The container 300 further includes a first locking tab 152
defined by a severance line 154 formed in top panel 110 and second
locking tab 156 defined by severance line 158 in cover panel 140.
The first locking tab 152 can cooperate to releasably secure the
cover 340 to the top panel 110 so as to hide and protect the
detachable tabs 132. Fold lines 160a, 160b on each side of the
severance line 158 allow the second locking tab 156 to rotate such
that the second locking tab 156 can be inserted into a receiving
slot defined by the first locking tab 152, as described in further
detail below. An aperture, an opening, a slot, an edge, and the
like can be used in place of the first locking tab 152.
[0029] The illustrated primary packaging structure is a blister
pack 200 including blisters 210 and a substantially planar flange
212. The blisters 210 may be formed in a substantially planar piece
of substrate material that provides the flange 212. The flange 212
and blisters 210 provides a tray for storing items. A backing (not
shown), such as a foil or paperboard backing, can be attached to
the planar flange 212 to enclose articles in the blisters 210. In
certain embodiments, the top panel 110 provides the backing as a
tray is secured to the top panel 110. In alternative embodiments,
other packaging structures are incorporated such as bags, bladders,
cups, trays, combinations thereof, and the like.
[0030] Constructing the container 300 from the blank 100 and the
blister pack 200 may be accomplished with the operations as
described herein. The operations can be performed by automatic
erecting machinery and/or manually. The method of performing the
constructing process is not limited to the exemplary method
described herein. Particularly, the order of the steps can be
altered according to manufacturing requirements and steps may be
added or omitted. The components of the container 300 can be
secured to another with any of tape, staples, interlocking folds,
VELCRO.RTM., glue or other adhesives, combinations thereof, and the
like.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the blister pack 200 is combined
with the blank 100 such that the flange 212 is in contact with the
inside surface of the top panel 110 and such that each blister 210
aligns with the respective detachable tab 132. The blister pack may
be secured to the blank 100 or may be set on the blank 100. The
sleeve 342 is formed as the sleeve flap 142 is folded and secured
to the cover panel 140. For example, the sleeve flap 142 can be
secured to the cover panel 140 with a strip of adhesive 170. The
side flaps 120a, 120b are folded inwardly along the fold lines
122a, 122b toward the blister pack 200 and the inside surface of
the top panel 110. As such, the side flaps 120a, 120b are at an
acute angle with the top panel 110.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the blank 100 is folded along
the fold line 114 to enclose the blister pack 200 between the top
panel 110, the bottom panel 112, and the side flaps 120a, 120b. As
the blank 100 is folded, the bottom panel 112 curves around the
blister pack 200 and comes into contact with the distal edges 124a,
124b of the side flaps 120a, 120b. As such, the bottom panel 112
maintains the side flaps 120a, 120b in the inwardly folded
condition. The insert flap 144 slides into the sleeve 342 to form
the cover 340 and to retain the bottom wall in the folded condition
where the fold lines 146, 150 are proximate one another.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the container 300 is fully
constructed and the cover can be releasably secured to the top
panel 110 as the second locking tab 156 is pressed against the
first locking tab 152 and into the receiving slot formed by the
depressed first locking tab 152. As the extending dimension W1 of
the side flaps 120a, 120b is greater than the open end dimension W2
of the open sides of the tubular structure 310, the distal edges
124a, 124b of the side flaps 120a, 120b are inwardly offset from
the side edges of the bottom panel 112. The extending dimension W1
can be measured between the fold line 122a and the distal edge
124a. The open end dimension W2 can be measured between the top
panel 110 and the bottom panel 112 when the tubular structure 310
is erected.
[0034] To access articles in the blister pack 200, the cover 340 is
opened, one of the detachable tabs 132 is removed by breaking the
associated severance lines 130, and any additional backing of the
blister pack 200 is broken or removed. Thereafter, one or more
articles can be removed from one of the blisters 210 and the cover
340 can be closed and releasably secured to the top panel 110 until
another article is to be dispensed.
[0035] The side flaps 120a, 120b restrict access to the blister
pack 200. The blister pack 200 obstructs the side flaps 120a, 120
from being folded inwardly to where the blister pack 200 could be
accessed. In addition, the bottom panel 112 obstructs the side
flaps 120a, 120b from being folded outwardly to access the blister
pack 200.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, an alternative blank 400 is illustrated
includes elements of the blank 100 and side flaps 420a, 420b that
include apertures 426a, 426b for receiving the blisters 210. A
container formed from the blank 400 secures a blister pack 200 as
the side flaps 420a, 420b secure the flange 212 between the top
panel 110 and overlapping side flaps 420a, 420b as each blister 210
is received in apertures 426a, 426b. Here, the distal edges 424a,
424b are disposed proximate a fold line 122b, 122a, respectively.
Alternatively, this embodiment provides increased child resistance
for loose fill articles as the side flaps 420a, 420b may be secured
to the top panel or each other.
[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 6-8, there is illustrated a third
embodiment of the present disclosure. Where the elements introduced
and described above are present and substantially similar to the
elements present is this embodiment, the same element number has
been used with the substitution of the prefix "5" for the prefix
"1". For example, the top panel 110 shown in FIG. 1 is
substantially similar to the top panel 510 shown in FIG. 6.
Accordingly, only certain of the elements of the second embodiment
are described.
[0038] According to an exemplary method of forming the container
600, the side flaps 520a, 520b are folded toward the inside surface
of the top panel 510; the blank 500 is folded along the fold line
514; and the cover flap 544 is secured to the cover panel 540 such
that the fold line 546 is proximate the fold line 550.
[0039] The top panel 510 and bottom panel 512 can be secured as a
tubular structure according to alternative methods. For example, in
embodiments of containers where the cover 640 is omitted, the flap
544 is secured to the bottom panel 512.
[0040] The container 600 includes a larger detachable tab 532, an
alternative cover 640, and an alternative configuration of locking
tabs 552, 556. The size of the detachable tab 532 facilitates
dispensing loose-fill articles or one or more articles that are
packaged in a larger blister. As described above, the cover 640 is
formed as the cover flap 544 is secured to the cover panel 540. The
locking tabs 552, 556 are configured such that the first locking
tab 556 is defined at a distal edge of the cover 640 and the second
locking tab 552 is defined in the top panel 510 by a severance line
554. To releasably interlock the locking tabs 552, 556, the top
panel 510 can be depressed adjacent the second locking tab 552 such
that the first locking tab 556 can be inserted between the top
panel 510 and the second locking tab 552.
[0041] The present disclosure has been illustrated in relation to a
particular embodiment which is intended in all respects to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the present disclosure is capable of many
modifications and variations without departing from the scope of
the disclosure. For example, as used herein, directional references
such as "top", "base", "bottom", "end", "side", "inner", "outer",
"upper", "middle", "lower", "front" and "rear" do not limit the
respective walls of the container to such orientation, but merely
serve to distinguish these walls from one another. Similarly,
dimensional references that are applied to elements or the
container such as "extending dimension", "open end dimension",
"length", "width", and "height" do not limit the orientation or
configuration of the element or the container.
[0042] The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary
illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear
understanding of the principles of the disclosure. 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.
* * * * *