U.S. patent application number 17/298089 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-20 for musical lid assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to NICE-PAK PRODUCTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is NICE-PAK PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to John Iarocci.
Application Number | 20220017274 17/298089 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005932305 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220017274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iarocci; John |
January 20, 2022 |
MUSICAL LID ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A lid assembly for a container is provided that comprises a base
frame; a cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal
side thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position and
an open position, the cover panel defining a housing. The lid
assembly further comprises a sound device disposed in the housing,
wherein the sound device is activated when the cover panel moves
between the closed position and the open position.
Inventors: |
Iarocci; John; (Scarsdale,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NICE-PAK PRODUCTS, INC. |
Orangeburg |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NICE-PAK PRODUCTS, INC.
Orangeburg
NY
|
Family ID: |
1000005932305 |
Appl. No.: |
17/298089 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
November 25, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US19/63036 |
371 Date: |
May 28, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62773423 |
Nov 30, 2018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/248 20130101;
B65D 83/0805 20130101; B65D 47/127 20130101; B65D 47/08 20130101;
B65D 2203/12 20130101; B65D 75/58 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/24 20060101
B65D051/24; B65D 75/58 20060101 B65D075/58; B65D 83/08 20060101
B65D083/08; B65D 47/08 20060101 B65D047/08; B65D 47/12 20060101
B65D047/12 |
Claims
1. A lid assembly for a container, comprising: a base frame; a
cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side
thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position and an
open position, the cover panel defining a housing; and a sound
device disposed in the housing, wherein the sound device is
activated when the cover panel moves between the closed position
and the open position.
2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound device emits
sound when the sound device is activated.
3. The lid assembly of claim 2, wherein the sound comprises at
least one of a song, melody, music, or speech.
4. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound device at least
one of displays at least one image, releases a scent, or activates
a light when the sound device is activated.
5. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover panel has a
transition position between the closed position and the open
position.
6. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the lid assembly further
comprises an override button that deactivates the sound device when
the cover panel is in the transition position or the open
position.
7. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the sound device has a
sensor that activates the sound device in the transition position
or open position and deactivates the sound device in the closed
position.
8. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound device comprises
a movable insulating tab and a circuit, wherein the insulating tab
engages with the circuit to deactivate the sound device in the
closed position.
9. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the insulating tab
disengages from the circuit in the open position to activate the
sound device.
10. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the insulating tab is
coupled to the base frame and extends into the housing.
11. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover panel is
hingedly coupled to the frame by at least one of a living hinge, a
butterfly hinge, a bi-fold hinge, a butt hinge, a concealed hinge,
or a continuous hinge.
12. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid assembly is
configured to be coupled to a container for dispensing wipes.
13. The lid assembly of claim 12, wherein the sound device
comprises a movable insulating tab and a circuit, wherein the
insulating tab engages with the circuit to deactivate the sound
device in the closed position and wherein the insulating tab is
coupled to the container for dispensing wipes.
14. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sealing plate
coupled with the housing, wherein the sealing plate seals and
secures the sound device within the housing.
15. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the base frame defines an
orifice therein.
16. The lid assembly of claim 15, wherein a wipe is accessible
through the orifice when the lid is in the open position.
17. A dispenser system comprising: a base compartment defining an
internal cavity; and a lid assembly coupled with the container
having: a cover panel coupled to the base compartment, the cover
panel movable between a closed position and an open position, the
cover panel defining a housing, and a sound device disposed in the
housing, wherein the sound device is activated when the cover panel
moves between the closed position and the open position.
18. The dispenser system of claim 17, wherein the cover panel has a
transition position between the closed position and the open
position, wherein the lid assembly further comprises an override
button that deactivates the sound device when the cover panel is in
the transition position or the open position.
19. A method of operating a musical wipes dispenser, comprising:
providing a dispenser including: a base compartment defining an
internal cavity to house wipes therein, and a lid assembly coupled
with the container having: a base frame defining an orifice therein
to access the internal cavity, a cover panel coupled to the base
frame along a longitudinal side thereof, the cover panel movable
between a closed position to seal the orifice and an open position
to permit access to the orifice, the cover panel defining a
housing, and a sound device disposed in the housing; moving the
cover panel between the closed position and the open position to
access the wipes in the internal cavity; and activating the sound
device when the cover panel moves between the closed position and
the open position.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising deactivating the
sound device when the cover panel is in the closed position.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising recording a tune
with the sound device, wherein the sound device emits the tune when
the sound device activated.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to, and claims the
benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/773,423, filed
Nov. 30, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosed subject matter relates to dispensers for
articles, and particularly to a device, system, and method of
operating a musical wipes dispenser.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Dispensers for articles such as tissues and wet wipes are
well known in the art. Such articles may be provided as moistened,
but also dry or with lotion, and are often generally rectangular in
shape and supplied interleaved, as discrete sheets, or separably
connected. Dispensers for such articles typically include an
opening through which the articles can be removed. The opening of
the dispenser can be covered by a label or a lid that may be opened
by, for example, having an adhesive that may be sealed and unsealed
repeatedly, or by having a hinged cover that can be opened and
closed repeatedly.
[0004] Baby wipes are such articles that are often dispensed from a
dispenser having an openable and closable lid. When using
dispensers for baby wipes, the consumer is often having to
multitask to keep the baby entertained while changing a diaper and
applying the wipe to the child, which can be especially challenging
for a cranky baby that is resistant to diaper changes or resistant
to the application of wipes in general. Such issues can create a
stressful situation for the consumer. Some consumers utilize
mobiles, sound machines, iPads, and other media or devices to
soothe a baby or keep the baby still while changing a diaper. In
fact, it is known that music is soothing and calming to babies,
serves as a distraction, and can help the cognitive development of
babies. Unfortunately, such kinds of media devices are not
immediately available and within reach at a changing station, or
often changing stations are too crowded and do not have additional
space for such devices.
[0005] There remains a continued need for an enhanced, efficient,
and economic system, device, and method for creating a better
experience while changing a baby for the consumer and for the baby,
and for an improved lid and dispenser for articles. The presently
disclosed subject matter satisfies these and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER
[0006] The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter
will be set forth in and are apparent from the description that
follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed
subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject
matter will be realized and attained by the devices particularly
pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well
as from the appended drawings.
[0007] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and
broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a lid
assembly for a container, comprising: a base frame; a cover panel
coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side thereof, the
cover panel movable between a closed position and an open position,
the cover panel defining a housing; and a sound device disposed in
the housing, wherein the sound device is activated when the cover
panel moves between the closed position and the open position.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject
matter, a dispenser system is provided comprising a base
compartment defining an internal cavity; and a lid assembly coupled
with the container having the features described herein.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject
matter, a method of operating a musical wipes dispenser is provided
comprising providing a dispenser having wipes and lid assembly
having the features described above, moving the cover panel between
the closed position and the open position to access wipes in the
internal cavity; and activating the sound device when the cover
panel moves between the closed position and the open position.
[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description and drawings are
examples and are provided for purpose of illustration and not
intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any
manner.
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate
and provide a further understanding of the devices of the disclosed
subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve
to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The subject matter of the application will be more readily
understood from the following detailed description when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the lid
assembly in a closed position according to the disclosed subject
matter;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the lid assembly in
an open position with the sound device and sealing plate shown
separated from the lid assembly, according to the disclosed subject
matter;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the lid assembly in the open
position, according to the disclosed subject matter;
[0016] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict closed and open circuits of the
sound device, according to the disclosed subject matter;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in a closed
position and coupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed
subject matter;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in an open
position and coupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed
subject matter;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a front partially exploded view of the lid
assembly in a transition position and coupled to a dispenser,
according to the disclosed subject matter;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in a
transition position and coupled to a dispenser, according to the
disclosed subject matter;
[0021] FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the lid assembly
alone and coupled with a container, according to another embodiment
of the disclosed subject matter;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lid assembly having a
separable cover panel, according to another embodiment of the
disclosed subject matter; and
[0023] FIGS. 11A and 11B are a perspective and side view of a lid
assembly embodied as a label, according to the disclosed subject
matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter, an example of which is illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter will be
described in conjunction with the detailed description of the
system.
[0025] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a lid
assembly for a container is provided, comprising: a base frame; a
cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side
thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position and an
open position, the cover panel defining a housing; and a sound
device disposed in the housing, wherein the sound device is
activated when the cover panel moves between the closed position
and the open position.
[0026] Solely for purpose of illustration, an embodiment of a lid
assembly 100, is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The examples herein
are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter
in any manner. Particularly, and as illustrated, the lid assembly
100 has a base frame 110 and a cover panel 140 coupled to the base
frame 110. The cover panel 140 is movable between a closed position
and an open position, including any transition positions there
between. FIG. 1 depicts the lid assembly in the closed position.
FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the lid assembly 100 in the open
position. As best shown in FIG. 1, the cover panel 140 can
additionally include a finger tab 150 to allow a consumer to grip
the cover panel and move the cover panel to the open position. The
lid assembly can further include other features as desired, such as
but not limited to, an area for a tail of a wipe to be stored.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover panel can be coupled to the
base frame along a longitudinal side thereof by a hinge 155, such
as but not limited to a living hinge, a butterfly hinge, a bi-fold
hinge, a butt hinge, a concealed hinge, or a continuous hinge.
Alternatively, the cover panel can be separable from the base frame
without a tether, as discussed with respect to FIG. 10. When
hingedly coupled, the cover panel can be independently fully
extended at any suitable angle, such as for example, up to
approximately 180.degree.. In alternative embodiments, the cover
panel and base frame can be coupled together along a transverse
side of the lid assembly.
[0028] The cover panel further includes a housing 130, as shown in
FIG. 2. As shown, the housing 130 can includes a sidewall
substantially perpendicular to the cover panel and extending about
a perimeter of the interior of the cover panel. The housing 130 is
structured to complement the structure of the base frame such that
the housing can be housed within the base frame in the closed
position. As shown in FIG. 2, the base frame includes a recessed
structure 150 to receive the housing therein.
[0029] The cover panel and base frame can further include any
number of suitable features. Such features are further described in
PCT Publication No. WO 2016/007846, the content of which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, the cover
panel 140 can include a clasp 145 that mates with a ridge 135 of
the base frame 110 to close the cover panel and in some
embodiments, seal the contents of a container coupled thereto, such
as by a hermetic seal or plug seal. As shown in FIG. 2, the base
frame can further include, without limitation, an upper tab 125, a
lower tab 130, and a notch 133 and can cooperate with other devices
as further described in PCT Publication No. WO 2016/007846. The
base frame further defines an orifice 135 such that any articles
(such as wipes) are accessible through the orifice when the lid is
in the open position and coupled to a suitable container.
[0030] As shown in the exploded view of the lid assembly of FIG. 2,
the lid assembly can further include a sound device 230 disposed in
the housing 130. The sound device can be activated when the cover
panel moves between the closed position and the open position. The
sound device 230 emits sound when the sound device is activated.
The sound can comprise, but is not limited to, a song, music,
melody, or speech. Such sound can be aurally pleasing and be
directed towards soothing, captivating, and entertaining infants
and children. In one embodiment, the sound can be pre-recorded or
can be recorded by the user. With recording capabilities by the
user, a button (not shown) can be provided to permit recording of
any sounds.
[0031] The sound device can furthermore include supplemental
features such as having a display that depicts at least one image.
The image can be static and/or dynamic and can further include
cartoons, letters, numbers, and any other images that can captivate
and entertain infants and children. The sound device can further
release a scent, such as but not limited to lavender, which is
known for relaxing the nervous system and calming infants and
children. Furthermore, the sound device can include a light when
the sound device is activated to further engage and entertain
infants and children.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a sealing plate 330 can be
coupled with the housing 130 and include the sound device 230
between the sealing plate and cover panel. The sealing plate can
seal and secure the sound device 230 within the housing 130. The
space between the cover panel and the sealing plate that houses the
sound device 230 can be sealed to prevent any moisture from
entering therein. Once the sealing plate is coupled with the cover
panel, the sound device is hidden from a consumer when the lid
assembly is in the open position, as best seen by FIG. 3. The lid
assembly can further include apertures 333 or a speaker to permit
the emanation of sound to exit the sound device. The apertures can
be disposed on the interior and/or exterior of the lid
assembly.
[0033] The sound device has a sensor 250 that activates the sound
device in the open position (or any transition positions) and
deactivates the sound device in the closed position. In one
embodiment, the sensor includes a sensor device 255 having a
movable insulating tab 260 and a circuit 265. As shown in FIG. 4A,
the insulating tab engages with the circuit to deactivate the sound
device when in the closed position. In the closed position, the
sound device is considered "off" 270 such that sound, displays,
images, lights and the like are not active, playing or emitting. As
shown in FIG. 4B, the insulating tab 260 is disengaged with the
circuit 265 to activate the sound device in the open position, as
known in the art. In the open position, the sound device is
considered "on" 270 such that sound, displays, images, lights and
the like are active, playing or emitting. In one embodiment, the
sound device can be active in the open or transition positions for
a predetermined amount of time, such as for purposes of example,
approximately 2-3 minutes. As such, the sound device can
automatically deactivate after the predetermined amount of time
expires even when the cover panel is in the open or transition
position. Such time lapse feature can accommodate for situations in
which the cover panel is inadvertently left ajar.
[0034] In one embodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab is
coupled to the base frame or hinge and extends into the housing. In
another embodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab is
coupled to a dispenser that is coupled with the lid assembly. In
either embodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab can be
fixed, whereas the other end of the insulating tab can be movable
with respect to the cover panel. In other embodiments, the sensor
can include, but is not limited to, at least one of a gravity
sensor, orientation sensor, and position sensor.
[0035] The lid assembly can further comprise an override button
that deactivates the sound device when the cover panel is in the
transition position or the open position. As depicted in FIGS. 2
and 3, the override button 335 is disposed on the sealing plate
330, but other locations of the button are contemplated herein. For
example, the override button 335 can be disposed on the exterior of
the cover panel to deactivate the sound device prior to the opening
of the cover panel, or while the cover panel is in the open or
transition position and the user wants to deactivate the sound
device. The lid assembly can furthermore include an on/off switch
that deactivates the sound device in any position.
[0036] The lid assembly is configured to be coupled to a container,
such as a dispenser 400 to dispense wipes. FIG. 5 is a perspective
view of the lid assembly 100 in a closed position and coupled to a
dispenser, according to the disclosed subject matter. In this
embodiment, the override button is disposed on the exterior of the
cover panel. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in an
open position and coupled to a dispenser 400. In this embodiment, a
display 350 is provided for depicting images, as further discussed
herein.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a front partially exploded view of the lid
assembly in a transition position and coupled to a dispenser 400.
In this embodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab 260 is
fixed and coupled to the base frame 110. In some embodiments and as
shown, the sealing plate 330 can be removable to permit battery
changes and the like. In such embodiments, the sealing plate can be
coupled to the cover panel in any suitable manner as known in the
art. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 7 in
a transition position and coupled to a dispenser,
[0038] The lid assembly 100 can be any suitable shape that
complements a container coupled thereto. The lid assembly 100 as
shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B has a base frame 110 of a circular shape.
The lid assembly 100 can be coupled with a container having a
circular opening as shown. In this example, the base frame 110 is
coupled to the top of the container. The lid assembly can be
coupled together with the container by any suitable mechanism, such
as but not limited to a threaded or snap-fit engagement. In this
embodiment, the cover panel 140 is tethered by a hinge 155 to the
base frame 110 and the sound device 230 can have a sensor disposed
in the cover panel 140.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment of the lid assembly
having a separable cover panel, according to the disclosed subject
matter. The separable cover panel can be coupled with the container
in any suitable manner, such as but not limited to a snap fit
connection. Alternatively, the cover panel and base frame can each
include magnetic portions to permit the coupling of the cover panel
with the base frame. As shown, the separable cover includes the
sound device 230 therein. In this embodiment, the separable cover
panel can furthermore be used to entertain a child. For example,
when the cover panel is disengaged from the container to permit
access to the container such as a baby wipe container, a child can
hold the activated cover panel to provide a distraction to the
child during diaper changes. When the sound device includes a
gravity sensor, the lid assembly can furthermore include a device
that senses when the cover panel is affixed to the base frame and
when the cover panel is separable from the base frame. This device
can inactivate the sound device when the cover panel is affixed to
the base frame in order to prevent the sound device from activating
when the container with closed lid assembly is turned upside
down.
[0040] FIGS. 11A and 11B are a perspective and side view of a lid
assembly embodied as a label 170. The label can be coupled with the
container 400 by any suitable manner, such as adhesive or glue. As
such, the label can be separable from the container and reapplied
to the container after each use. In this embodiment, the label 170
can be directly coupled to the container without a base frame. As
shown, the label 170 includes the sound device 230 therein having a
sensor, such as a gravity sensor. When the label 170 is pealed
back, the sound device 230 can be activated and any products
contained within the container can be accessible. The label can
furthermore include a device that senses when the label is affixed
to the container and when the label is separable from the
container. This device can inactivate the sound device when the
label is affixed to the container in order to prevent the sound
device from activating when the container with closed label is
turned upside down.
[0041] The container 110 can contain any article capable of
dispensing through the lid assembly 100. For example, the article
can include baby wipes, moist toilet tissue or dry tissues, wipes,
nonwoven materials, woven materials, facial pads, and the like. As
such, the article can by dry, moist, or wet and include lotions,
chemical formulations, and the like. When the lid assembly is
provided with a container coupled thereto, the lid assembly in the
closed position hinders evaporation of moisture of any wet wipes
therein or can keep dry products therein protected from an external
environment. Articles, such as wet wipes, within the container 110
can be dispensed via a tortuous path as desired to further hinder
evaporation. Further details regarding suitable dispensers and
containers can be found in the commonly assigned U.S. Publication
No. 2014/0048553, entitled "Dispenser," and in the commonly
assigned U.S. Publication No. 2014/0103058, entitled "Wipes
Dispenser and Disposal," the contents of each of which is
incorporated by reference in their entireties. The lid assembly can
be any suitable size, shape, and material of construction to enable
articles to be dispensed therethrough.
[0042] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject
matter, a method of operating a dispenser, such as a musical wipes
dispenser comprises providing a dispenser and lid assembly as
further described herein. The method includes moving the cover
panel between the closed position and the open position to access
the wipes in the internal cavity; and activating the sound device
when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open
position. The can further comprise deactivating the sound device
when the cover panel is in the closed position.
[0043] In commonly owned PCT Publication No. WO 2016/007846, which
is incorporated by references herein it is entirety, an integration
device is described that cooperates with a dispenser and lid of a
wipes package. It is contemplated herewith to include the lid
assembly with the sound device into the lid of the integration
device itself, thus creating a more permanent solution.
[0044] While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in
terms of certain preferred embodiments and representative examples,
those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications
and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter
without departing from the scope thereof. Additional features known
in the art likewise can be incorporated, such as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 8,939,320; 9,272,831; and D729,062; U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/987,526; and PCT Publication No. WO 2016/007846, the
contents of each of which are incorporated herein by their
entireties. Moreover, although individual features of one
embodiment of the disclosed subject matter can be discussed herein
or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other
embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one
embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another
embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.
[0045] In addition to the various embodiments depicted and claimed,
the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments
having any other possible combination of the features disclosed and
claimed herein. As such, the particular features presented herein
can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope
of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject
matter includes any suitable combination of the features disclosed
herein. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of
the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments
disclosed.
[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the device, system and
method of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the
spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is
intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications
and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *