Receptacles – Horizontally attached receptacle sets – Detachable
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-07
2001-04-17
Foster, Jim (Department: 3728)
Receptacles
Horizontally attached receptacle sets
Detachable
C206S581000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216901
ABSTRACT:
The invention generally relates to a merchandising package and, in particular, to such a package containing two or more interlocking units which allows for independent dispensing of a variety of solid and liquid products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The sale of merchandise, and particularly higher priced merchandise, requires original type packaging to distinguish it from competitive products. The standard type of unit is a rack for holding several items where the containers fit side-by-side in the rack. Typical of such dispensers are those for fingernail polish where a selection of colors is desired. It is desirable to have two or more units combined in a single package because it promotes the sale of multiple units.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a high-styled, sculpted type of merchandising package.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a package which allows the grouping of items together in an interlocking arrangement.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a package which allows for replacement of the individual units when a particular item to be dispensed is exhausted.
Other objects and the advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a high-styled mechanized package is provided to allow a grouping of items for the same intended use in one all-encompassing package with the separate units interlocked together to form a single unit. The package is preferably in the form of a unitary cylinder which is compartmentalized into a series of individual units, although in place of the cylinder a cube or rectangular configuration can be utilized. Each unit is interconnected to the adjacent units so that the final combination cannot fall apart or be accidentally dismantled. A typical suitable arrangement is a tongue and groove configuration. The tongue is affixed to one unit and moves in a groove provided in the adjacent unit. One end of the groove provides a locking arrangement for the tongue. By twisting the individual unit, it is placed in the secure or locked position. The locking device is preferably at one end of the groove. When a unit is rotated in the opposite direction, it is released for ease of dispensing of the contents individually.
The invention provides a high-styled, sculpted type of merchandise package exclusively designed to allow a grouping of items for the same or different intended uses to become one all-encompassing package of the necessary items to perform the functions. The package shell is designed so that each of the individual items may be repurchased as refills as needed and fitted into the original designed package. Typical examples of related goods are fingernail grooming products, eyeliners, lipsticks, blushes, brush and base. The size of the package is determined by the particular goods it is meant to accommodate.
A typical unit contains three dispensers in a pie-shaped configuration which, in the locked position, forms a cylindrical container consisting of the three dispensers. With a three-unit dispenser, the individual units are proportioned to each occupy one-third of the total package. Each unit has a top or access port, such as a screw top, which can have an applicator brush, spray device or similar dispenser. When the permanent top is removed, the individual unit is released for use. The top or cap can be configured so that the unit forms a smooth cylindrical configuration, or the tops can be configured to form a smaller cylindrical unit which sits on top of the larger base. Individual dispenser units can be replaced separately with refills, creating a marketing package that has continual use.
It is preferred to construct the outer surface of a die cast unit such as plastic. A suitable plastic would be that sold under the name Plexiglass®, or it could be formed of polyvinyl chloride or the like. The containers can also be made of metal, such as aluminum. The dispensers can be bottles or similar containers made of glass or plastic and can be tinted in coloration to add to their decorative appearance or identity of content. As an illustration, if the containers contained perfume, one could be white, the second peach and the third black.
The size of the unit will depend upon the material to be dispensed. The invention has been described in relation to the preferred embodiment of a cylindrical package, but, as indicated, other shapes can be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following descriptions in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which the presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
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patent: 1609403 (1926-12-01), Danek
patent: 4139114 (1979-02-01), Long et al.
patent: 5046635 (1991-09-01), Haas et al.
patent: 5115916 (1992-05-01), Beasley et al.
patent: 5316159 (1994-05-01), Douglas et al.
patent: 5356040 (1994-10-01), Reggiani
patent: 5381916 (1995-01-01), Strawder
patent: 5417338 (1995-05-01), Roy et al.
patent: 5735422 (1998-04-01), Binter
patent: 5823391 (1998-10-01), Klauke et al.
Foster Jim
Graham, Curtin & Sheridan
Laughlin, Esq. Richsrd T.
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