Dispensing – Collapsible wall-type container – Nonmetallic
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-27
2001-06-12
Walczak, David J. (Department: 3751)
Dispensing
Collapsible wall-type container
Nonmetallic
C222S541600, C222S543000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244467
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to containers and dispensers, and in particular, single use containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many consumer products are packaged to provide single use dispensing of the product. In other words, the package is not adapted to be resealed once it is opened. Applicable products for use in connection with such containers include but are not limited to nutritional foods in the form of high carbohydrate gels for athletes, toothpaste, shampoo, cosmetics and the like.
Typically, a single use container and dispenser is constructed from a laminate comprising two sheets sealed along a perimeter edge to form an interior region containing the product. To dispense the product, an opening is made into the package by sufficiently tearing along an edge of the package. The laminate sheets may be constructed from a material that is easily torn or otherwise adapted to be torn along defined regions of the package. Once opened, the container is squeezed to cause the product to be dispensed.
One problem associated with such containers is litter. That is, because the packages are designed or configured to cause the opening to occur along a desired corner or end region of the package, the corner or end region is often separated from the main package body when opening the package. Since many of the products dispensed from single use containers are consumed by athletes while running, kayaking, cycling or the like, the separated corner or end region is often misplaced or otherwise lost thereby creating a litter problem.
Accordingly, a need has existed in the art for a container and dispenser of the single use type that eliminates the above noted problems associated with the prior art.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container and dispenser of the single use type that will maintain the package in a single piece following opening of the package.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a laminate type of packaging provided with a connector that reduces the likelihood of litter while also functioning as a support member for display of the product while on sale.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new container and dispenser of the single use type that is economically incorporated into the package manufacturing process.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a laminate type dispenser and container that includes a connector constructed from the same materials as the laminate sheets comprising the package.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a container and dispenser of the laminate type that is readily adapted into a variety of shapes and designs.
These and other features of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed specification of the preferred embodiments taken together with the drawings and the claims.
In summary the present invention is directed to a container and dispenser having a litterless closure comprising a body member having an interior region for containing a material to be dispensed, a frangible portion integral with the body member, the frangible portion adapted to rupturably open a portion of the body member to the interior region and a connector member having first and second portions, the connector member first portion engaged to the body member and engaged at the connector member second portion to the frangible portion whereby the frangible portion remains secured to said body member upon opening of the container.
The present invention is also directed to a material container and dispenser comprising a body member having at least a front panel and a rear panel, the panels secured therebetween about respective perimeter edges to provide a sealed interior region for containing a material to be dispensed and a connector member having a first end and a second end, the connector member first end engaged to a first region of the body member and engaged at the second end to a second region of the body member whereby upon opening of the body member between the first region and the second region, the regions remain interconnected and liter is reduced.
The present invention is also directed to a material container and dispenser comprising means for containing a material to be dispensed, means for opening said containing means for purposes of dispensing material therein and means for maintaining an interconnection between the containing means and the opening means following opening of the container.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3217971 (1965-11-01), Shvetz
patent: 3874570 (1975-04-01), Katzman et al.
patent: 4063638 (1977-12-01), Marwood
patent: 4470521 (1984-09-01), Scammell
patent: 4805792 (1989-02-01), Lecinski, Jr.
patent: 4935283 (1990-06-01), Jamison
patent: 5531358 (1996-07-01), Corella
patent: 5746352 (1998-05-01), Corella
deVore Peter
Shlesinger & Arkwright & Garvey LLP
Walczak David J.
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