U.S. patent application number 13/639610 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-04 for dispensing container with handle means.
This patent application is currently assigned to Reckitt Benckiser LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Taco Dietvorst. Invention is credited to Taco Dietvorst.
Application Number | 20130081970 13/639610 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42236137 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130081970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dietvorst; Taco |
April 4, 2013 |
Dispensing Container with Handle Means
Abstract
Improved dispensing containers of the invention comprise a
container part having a cavity adapted for containing a plurality
of preimpregnated treatment wipes, preferably wherein the said
wipes are a roll of treatment wipe articles which can be separated
by a consumer prior to use, a cap through which one or more of the
treatment wipes can be dispensed by being withdrawn from the cavity
were the cap or part thereof is optionally but preferably
resealable, and further wherein the dispensing container comprises
at least one handle means. The handle means preferably depends from
a part of the container, such as the container part, the cap, or
both or alternately can be integrally formed as part of the
container part, the cap, or both. The handle means may operate to
provide an element which can facilitate the grip of the dispensing
container and/or retention of the dispensing container by the hand
or hands of a consumer holding, or otherwise retaining the
container in the close proximity of a consumer utilizing the
dispensing container during a surface treatment operation. The
handle means may also operate to retain a connecting means.
Inventors: |
Dietvorst; Taco; (Eindhoven,
NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dietvorst; Taco |
Eindhoven |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
Reckitt Benckiser LLC
Parsippany
NJ
|
Family ID: |
42236137 |
Appl. No.: |
13/639610 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
April 11, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2011/050711 |
371 Date: |
December 11, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 2010/3266 20130101;
B65D 25/2885 20130101; B65D 47/0804 20130101; B65D 25/22 20130101;
B65D 85/07 20180101; B65D 25/2811 20130101; B65D 25/282 20130101;
B65D 83/0805 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/494 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/16 20060101
B65D085/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 12, 2010 |
GB |
1006018.4 |
Claims
1. An improved dispensing container adapted for storing and
dispensing one or more treatment wipes, comprising: a container
part adapted to storing said one or more treatment wipes ; a cap
through which one or more of the treatment wipes can be dispensed
by being withdrawn from the cavity were the cap or part thereof is
optionally resealable; and a handle means.
2. A dispensing container according to claim 1, further comprising:
a connecting means.
3. A dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the said
cap or part thereof is resealable.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in containers.
More specifically the present invention relates to improved
dispensing containers adapted to hold and to dispense sheet-like
articles, especially treatment wipes.
[0002] Treatment wipes which comprise substrate, typically a
fibrous substrate or other flexible substrate material which are
preimpregnated with a quantity of a surface treatment composition
are well known. Such are popular and in widespread commercial use.
The nature of the treatment compositions vary widely, and include
for example hard surface treatment compositions, disinfecting or
sanitizing compositions, furniture polish compositions, window
cleaning compositions, as well as many more. Such treatment wipes
are popular as they are particularly convenient from a consumer
perspective. Use of a treatment wipe provides for a clean substrate
which is predosed or preimpregnated with an appropriate amount of
the treatment composition which is utilized by a consumer for
(typically) a single surface treatment operation. The treatment
wipe is used to simultaneously dispense the treatment composition
to a hard surface or other surface in need of treatment, optionally
can be used to abrade or "scrub" the surface being treated, and
simultaneously any released soils are typically at least partially
absorbed into or adsorbed onto the treatment wipe. After the
treatment operation, the treatment wipe is typically disposed of by
the consumer. In the next operation, a new treatment wipe is used
for the succeeding surface treatment operation. Such use is popular
as it negates the need for requiring both a separate wiping
article, and a separate treatment composition supplied by a flask,
bottle, aerosol canister, and the like. Furthermore, the use of a
new treatment wipe ensures that potential resoiling, such as by use
of a dirty or already soiled treatment applicator, e.g., wipe,
sponge, pad and the like is avoided. Further, such preimpregnated
treatment wipes are conveniently stored between uses. Typically,
plurality of treatment wipes, such as a web of an appropriate
substrate which is preimpregnated with a surface treatment
composition are typically provided within a resealable dispensing
container either as a plurality of single treatment wipes, or as a
roll of treatment wipe articles which can be separated by a
consumer prior to use. For surface treatment applications, a
preferred format is to provide a roll of treatment wipe articles
which can be separated by a consumer prior to use which roll is
typically provided in a cylindrical dispensing container having an
opening at one end, which is spanned by a (typically) resealable
cap through which the treatment wipes may be pulled and dispensed.
Between uses, the cap may be closed or sealed to avoid premature
volatilization or drying out of the preimpregnated treatment
wipes.
[0003] While such dispensing containers are satisfactory and in
widespread use, they suffer from several shortcomings. A primary
shortcoming is that typically, the diameter of the dispensing
container is difficult to hold for smaller hands. Furthermore, as
such dispensing containers are typically also formed of a
polyolefin material, which has inherent lubricating properties, a
consumer utilizing a preimpregnated treatment wipe typically has
moist or wet hands which provide a poor gripping surface and which
poor grip is exacerbated by the polyolefin material which
undesirably causes the dispensing container to easily slip and fall
out of a consumer's hands. Furthermore, these problems are
exaggerated with larger and/or heavier dispensing containers which
are used to store and dispense larger quantities of treatment
wipes. This is due to the fact that with increasing internal volume
required to contain a larger number of treatment wipes, the
exterior dimensions and in particular the diameter of such
dispensing containers increases proportionately. Larger or "economy
sized" dispensing containers may have a diameter in excess of 4, 5
or 6 inches making them virtually impossible to securely grip in
one hand by most consumers.
[0004] These and other shortcomings known to the art are overcome
by the improved dispensing containers according to the present
invention. The improved dispensing containers of the invention
comprise a container part having a cavity adapted for containing a
plurality of preimpregnated treatment wipes, preferably wherein the
said wipes are roll or other plurality of treatment wipe articles
which can be dispensed or separated by a consumer prior to use, a
cap through which one or more of the treatment wipes can be
dispensed by being withdrawn from the cavity where the cap or part
thereof is optionally but preferably resealable, and further
wherein the dispensing container comprises at least one handle (or
gripping) means. The handle means preferably depends from a part of
the container, such as the container part, the cap, or both or
alternately can be integrally formed as part of the container part,
the cap, or both. The handle means preferably extends outwardly
from the container when the container is configured in an "open"
configuration allowing for the withdrawal of the treatment wipes
therefrom. The handle means may operate to provide an element which
can facilitate the grip of the dispensing container and/or
retention of the dispensing container by the hand or hands of a
consumer holding, or otherwise retaining the container in the close
proximity of a consumer utilizing the dispensing container during a
surface treatment operation, e.g., such as by suspending the
container. The handle means may also operate to retain a connecting
means, such as a lanyard, cord, string, rope, clip, buckle, band,
belt, and the like which can be used to removably connect the
dispensing container to a body part of the consumer (e.g., a wrist
strap, a lanyard, etc.) or to a part of the consumer's clothing
(e.g., a belt, a belt loop, a button, etc.) whereby the container
can be suspended or supported via this connecting means retaining
it within the immediate proximity of the consumer, but not
requiring that the consumer hold or carry the dispensing container.
The said connecting means can be provided by the consumer, or can
be prepackaged with a dispensing container when the latter is sold
to a consumer. Further, the said connecting means can be
conveniently detached from the handle means of the dispensing
container in between cleaning treatment operations and/or when the
dispensing container is stored for a period of time between
uses.
[0005] Advantageously such an improved dispensing container
provides facilitates the transport and use of the dispensing
container and the treatment wipes which are dispensed therefrom.
The improved dispensing containers taught herein provided an added
convenience benefit to a consumer, in that such a container may be
carried or suspended by/from one hand of the consumer, permitting
for the hand or part thereof to carry a further article, such as
cleaning article or implement (e.g., brush, trigger-spray bottle,
broom, sponge, and the like) thereby providing for a "hands-free"
benefit whereby a consumers hand(s) are not primarily or solely
engaged in gripping or carrying the dispensing container between
uses.
[0006] Exemplary and preferred embodiments of the improved
dispensing containers according to the present invention are
illustrated in the following figures.
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a dispensing container
10 comprising a cylindrical container part 20 sealed by an openable
cap 30 which includes a moveable lid 32 pivotable about a hinge 34.
The dispensing container 10 further comprises a handle means 50
extending outwardly from the container part 20 and which is to be
understood as being integrally formed therewith, are alternately
affixed thereto. As visible, the bow-shaped handle means 50 in its
cross section defines a generally circular opening 54, a part of
which is coincident with a circumferential channel 22 extending
around the upper periphery of the container part 20.
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the dispensing container 10 of
FIG. 1. As is visible in this further embodiment, there is provided
as a connecting means 70 a length of cord 72 positioned partially
within the circumferential channel 22, extending through the
opening 54 and extending to an openable clip 74, which may be of
the currently popular "carrabinier-type" of clip. In use, a
consumer may open the openable clip 74 and loop it through an
article of clothing, such as a belt or belt loop and thereby
suspend the dispensing container 10 for any desired period of time,
e.g., while the consumer is performing a surface treatment
operation, or during a generalized cleaning process.
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts in a side view a still further embodiment of
the dispensing container 10, including a cylindrical container part
20 sealed by an openable cap 30 and further having a handle means
50 extending outwardly from the container part 20. The elongated
handle means 50 in its cross-section defines a generally elongated
opening 54. Further shown as a connecting means 70 is an openable
clip 74, which may be of the currently popular "carrabinier-type"
of clip.
[0010] FIG. 4 in a side view illusrates a still further embodiment
of the dispensing container 10, including a cylindrical container
part 20 sealed by an openable cap 30 and further having a handle
means 50 extending outwardly from the container part 20. In this
embodiment, the handle means 50 is of an inverted "J" configuration
and defines a hook. In use this form of the handle means may be
used to conveniently and removably hook the dispensing container 10
to an article of clothing, such as a belt or belt loop, until it is
desired to be removed.
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts in a side view a still further embodiment of
the dispensing container 10, including a cylindrical container part
20 sealed by an openable cap 30 and further having a handle means
50 extending outwardly from the container part 20. The handle means
50 in its cross-section is generally circular and defines a
generally circular opening 54 in conjunction with a corresponding
recess 28 in the container part 20.
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts in a side view a still further embodiment of
the dispensing container 10, including a cylindrical container part
20 sealed by an openable cap 30 and further having a handle means
50 extending outwardly from the container part 20. The handle means
50 in its cross-section is generally circular and defines a
generally circular opening 54 in conjunction with a circumferential
channel 22 extending around the upper periphery of the container
part 20.
[0013] FIGS. 7A and 7B depicts in two side views a still further
embodiment of the dispensing container 10, including a cylindrical
container part 20 sealed by an openable cap 30 and further having a
handle means 50 extending outwardly from the container part 20. In
the present embodiment the handle means 50 comprises a generally
circular ring 56 affixed to a part of the cap 30 via an
intermediate flexible connector or hinge 57, e.g., a polymeric
"living-hinge" which ring 56 defines a generally "D"-shaped opening
54 passing therethrough.
[0014] FIG. 8A illustrates a still further embodiment of a
dispensing container 10, including a cylindrical container part 20
sealed by an openable cap 30. The handle means 50 is provided by a
hoop element 60 which is positioned beneath the cap 30 and
encircles a part of the container part 20. As illustrated on FIG.
8B, in which depicts a plan view of the hoop element 60, said hoop
element 60 comprises a hoop part 62 defining a hoop opening 64
which has a dimension permitting it to be positioned as illustrated
on FIG. 8A, and having extending outwardly from the hoop part 62 a
handle means 50 having a generally elongate opening 54 passing
therethrough.
[0015] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate in two side views a further
embodiment of a dispensing container 10 comprising a cylindrical
container part 20 sealed by an openable cap 30 and further having a
"J"-shaped handle means 50 in the form of a hook-handle 55
extending outwardly from the container cap 30 and extending
downwardly and parallel to the container part 20. The 30 further
includes a hinged lid 32 which allows for access to the interior of
the container.
[0016] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate a further embodiment of a
dispensing container 10 as well as details concerning the cap 30
and handle means 50 thereof The cap 30 includes in its construction
both a hinged lid 32 affixed to the cap 30 via an intermediate
hinge 34, as well as a generally circular ring 56 also affixed to a
part of the cap 30 via the intermediate hinge 34, which ring 56
defines a generally "D"-shaped opening 54 passing therethrough. The
cap 30 also includes an access port 58 through which one or more
treatment wipes (now shown) may be withdrawn from the container
part 20 when the hinged lid 32 is opened. The ring 56 may be
operated and hinged away from the cap, as illustrated on FIG. 10A
without requiring that the lid 32 be opened. The embodiment of the
cap 30 according to these figures depicts a configuration wherein
the lid 32 includes regions in which the ring 56 may be nested, to
permit for selective deployment of the ring 56 or lid 32 or both,
as may be desired by a consumer.
[0017] FIGS. 11A and 11B respectively illustrates a perspective
view and a side view of a yet further embodiment of a dispensing
container 10 comprising a cylindrical container part 20 sealed by
an openable cap 30 having a lid 32 connected by a hinge 34, further
including a foldable "J"-shaped handle means 50 in the form of a
hook-handle 55 which depends from the container cap 30 by means of
second hinge 35, which is diametrically opposed to the hinge 34.
The hinge 34 permits for the opening of the lid 32 in a direction
away from the hook-handle 55 and thus reducing the physical
interference of the lid 32 and the hook-handle 55 and providing
easier access for withdrawing a treatment wipe from the container
part 20. The foldable hook-handle 35 may be pivoted or rotated
about the second hinge 35 if desired. While not shown, it is
foreseen that one or more interlocking tabs or detents, or other
mechanical or friction-tight fitting means in as part of the
foldable hook-handle 35 second hinge 35 or container cap 30 whereby
consumer may establish a specific orientation on the foldable
hook-handle 55 relative to the container part 20.
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates in perspective, exploded view a further
embodiment of a dispensing container 10 according to invention. The
dispensing container 10, includes a cylindrical container part 20
sealed by an openable cap 30 having a lid 32 connected by hinge 34
which permits for the lid 32 to be folded upon and onto the top of
the openable 30. An extending tab element 33 depending from and
extending outwardly from the lid 32 is also present and, in the
embodiment shown the tab element 33 is diametrically opposed to the
location of the hinge 34. Providing such a tab element 33
facilitates the opening of the lid 32 by simplifying the manner in
which it can be pulled away from the top of the openable cap 30.
The handle means 50 is provided by a generally circular hook 63
which extends outwardly from and depends from a hoop element 60
which is positioned beneath the cap 30 and encircles a part of the
container part 20. When the dispensing container 10 is assembled,
one or more wipes (not shown) are positioned within the interior
(cavity) of the cylindrical container part 30, and thereafter the
hoop element 60 is mounted upon the container part 20, and
thereafter mounted to the container part 20 is the openable cap 30
which is held in place by suitable means, e.g., an interlocking
snap-ring, adhesive, mating threads, which provide for engagement
between the openable cap 30 and the cylindrical container part 20.
Advantageously, the mounted openable cap 30 upon the cylindrical
container part 30 traps the hoop element 60 therebetween. The hoop
element 60 may be movable, such as rotatable about the cylindrical
container part 20, or may be retained in a fixed position relative
to the cylindrical container part 20 and/or the openable 30.
[0019] FIG. 12A depicts a top plan view of the openable cap 30 and
the hoop element 60 of FIG. 12. In this figure, the lid 32 is
unfolded and extends away from the access port 58 present within
the openable cap 30. The hoop element 60 is positioned beneath the
openable cap 30, and includes as a handle means 50 extending
outwardly from the hoop part 62 which handle means 50 is in the
form of a generally circular hook 63 as shown in the figure. The
generally circular hook 63 has a nearly completely unbroken
circumference 66 which includes one gap 67 which permits for the
insertion or removal of a further element, such as perhaps a loop
or ring and/or permits for the insertion through the gap 67 of the
generally circular hook 63 of a supporting member, such as a peg,
so to permit for the dispensing container 10 to be suspended from a
suitable support.
[0020] It is to be understood that although not necessarily shown,
a connecting means 70 and optionally, an openable clip 74, may be
used with any embodiment of at the dispensing container 10.
* * * * *