CN102431730A - dispensing container device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispenser and a method of assembling a dispenser for dispensing small solid particles such as pills, tablets or candies or liquids such as emulsions, gels, solvents or aqueous solutions comprising: a base and a cover; the base has a bottom wall and a curved sidewall having an upper edge; the side wall of the base is provided with a hole; wherein a portion of the upper edge of the base sidewall opposite the aperture is angled downwardly such that the portion of the upper edge of the base sidewall is lower than the remaining upper edge of the base sidewall; the lid has an upper wall and a curved side wall having a lower edge; wherein a portion of the lower edge of the lid sidewall opposite the aperture is angled upwardly such that the portion of the lower edge of the lid sidewall is higher than the remaining lower edge of the lid sidewall; and upon assembly of the lid and base, a portion of the base wall is exposed to apply downward pressure to an area of the lid upper wall opposite the aperture in the base sidewall to lift the lid wall, exposing portions of the aperture in the base sidewall to allow at least some of the contents of the dispenser to be dispensed.

Description

dispensing container device

This application is a branch of the Chinese invention patent application with the application number 200810169171.1, the application date is November 4, 2008, the applicants are Delica Fulehua Co., Ltd. and Harry Cross, and the invention name is "dispensing container device". case application.

technical field

The dispenser of the invention relates generally to the field of small containers that can be used as dispensers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a container for dispensing small solid particles such as pills, tablets or candies, or liquids such as emulsions, gels, solvents or aqueous solutions, wherein the lid is constructed to a base such that when the base When or part of the lid is pressed, the device opens, allowing its contents to be dispensed through the aperture.

Background technique

Small containers for storing and dispensing items typically include various moving parts such as caps, covers, lids, closures or hinged openings. Furthermore, dispensers with top press configurations are basically known in the art.

The present invention provides a dispensing container device which is portable and maneuverable and suitable for easy dispensing of small solid particles such as pills, tablets or candies or liquids such as emulsions, gels, solvents or aqueous solutions. The present invention allows opening the device, dispensing its contents, and closing the device with one hand, if desired. Furthermore, the present invention allows dispensing of the contents of the dispenser without reaching into the dispenser or touching its contents.

Contents of the invention

The present invention comprises a dispenser for use as a container for holding and dispensing small solid particles such as pills, tablets or candies or liquids such as emulsions, gels, solvents or aqueous solutions, the lid assembled to the base. One embodiment of the invention includes a base having a bottom wall, side walls, a front wall having an aperture, and a rear wall, each wall having an upper edge. The cover has upper, side, front and rear walls, each wall having a lower edge. A portion of the upper edge of each base side wall is angled such that the resulting upper edge of the base rear wall is lower than the base front wall. A portion of the lower edge of each lid side wall is also angled such that the resulting lower edge of the lid rear wall is higher than the lid front wall. When the lid and base are assembled, applying downward pressure to the rear region of the lid upper wall lifts the lid front wall, revealing some portion of the aperture, thereby allowing at least some of the contents of the dispenser to be dispensed.

The invention also includes a dispensing device having an insert. The insert has a hole in its front wall which corresponds to at least some portion of the hole in the front wall of the base when the insert is placed in the base. The insert is shaped in such a way as to allow at least some portion of the aperture in the front wall of the base to be exposed when pressure is exerted on the cover or the rear of the base.

The invention also includes a dispensing device having cooperating detents provided on the lid and base for maintaining the lid and base in the closed configuration. Interacting detents may also be provided to prevent disengagement of the cover and base when the device is in the open configuration.

The invention also includes dispensing devices in which the bottom, side, front or rear walls of the base are curved.

The invention also includes dispensing devices in which the upper, side, front or rear walls of the lid are curved

The present invention also includes dispensing devices having various geometric shapes, including but not limited to polygonal (eg, triangular, rectangular, square, or hexagonal) and curved (eg, oval, circular, elliptical, or pear-shaped).

The insert is optional but preferred if the size of the contents of the dispensing device is small enough to "stack" to prevent the lid from pressing against the base.

It should be understood that the foregoing summary merely provides an example of how the inventive aspects of the dispensing device may be implemented, and is not intended to limit the broad spirit and scope of the invention.

Description of drawings

In the specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which reference numerals are used in the drawings to indicate certain elements, aspects or components shown therein. Reference numerals used in more than one figure represent the same element, aspect or component as shown in the figures.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a dispenser showing a cover, insert and base;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 in a closed configuration;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 2 in an open configuration showing a finger depressing the rear of the lid to expose the hole in the base;

Figure 4 is a side view of the insert of Figure 1 showing the rear wall of the insert and the portion of the upper wall of the insert angled downwardly towards the end wall of the base;

Figure 5 is a top view of the lid of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a side view of the lid of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a side view of the dispenser of Figure 1 in a closed configuration showing the interacting detents;

Figure 8 is a rear exploded perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a side view of the lid of the dispenser of Figure 1, particularly showing the angled portion of the lower edge of the side wall of the lid;

Figure 10 is a side view of the base of the dispenser of Figure 1, particularly showing the angled portion of the upper edge of the side wall of the base;

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a curvilinear shaped dispenser showing the cap, insert and base; and

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a triangular shaped dispenser showing the cap, insert and base.

Detailed ways

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing device shown in Figs.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 8, the base 11 includes a bottom wall 14, at least two opposing side walls 15 (both indicated by reference numeral 15), a front wall 16 and a rear wall 17, each having an upper edge . The upper edge of the front wall of the base is indicated by reference number 18 and the upper edge of the rear wall of the base is indicated by reference number 19 . A portion 50 of the upper edge of each base side wall is angled such that the resulting upper edge 19 of the base rear wall is lower than the upper edge 18 of the base front wall. The base front wall 16 has at least one hole 20 . Aperture 20 may vary in size, shape and location within base front wall 16 .

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 8, cover 12 includes an upper wall 21, at least two opposing side walls 22, a front wall 23 and a rear wall 24, each having a lower edge. The lower edge of the cover front wall 23 is indicated by reference numeral 25 and the lower edge of the cover rear wall by reference numeral 26 . A portion 51 of the lower edge of each lid side wall is angled such that the resulting lower edge 26 of the lid rear wall is higher than the lower edge 25 of the lid front wall.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the cover 12 and base 11 are assembled, with a portion 27 of the base exposed, downward pressure is applied to the rear area (e.g., location 40) of the cover upper wall 21 so that Lid front wall 23 lifts to reveal a portion of aperture 20 in base front wall 16, thereby allowing at least some of the dispenser's contents to be dispensed.

The angled portions 50 and 51 of the base and cover, respectively, allow the front wall 23 of the cover 12 to be lifted when pressure is applied to the cover or base, thereby revealing the aperture 20 in the base front wall 30 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, by adjusting the respective angled portions 50 and 51 according to the size, thickness and length of the dispensing device, or by changing the degree to which the lid front wall 23 lifts when downward pressure is applied to the lid or base, the lid front wall 23 can be lifted. Many embodiments are contemplated. 9 and 10, in alternative embodiments, the angles (θ) 55 and 56 and lengths 60 and 61 of the respective angled portions 51 and 50 of the cover and base, respectively, can be increased or decreased to vary the aperture 20 The degree of exposure or the degree of lifting of the cover front wall 23 is changed. The angles (θ) 55 and 56 in FIGS. 9 and 10 are both measured to be about 17 degrees, and these angles can be adjusted to degrees greater than 0 but less than 90 degrees.

Another embodiment of the dispensing device of the invention comprises an insert 13 . The insert holds the contents in place, for example when the lid is disengaged. Furthermore, small solid particles such as tablets tend to stack within the dispensing device, and the insert allows the dispensing device to be opened and closed when stacking occurs. This optional insert is preferred if the size of the contents of the dispensing device is small enough to "stack" to prevent the cap from pressing against the base. The insert may also be removably or permanently secured to the base.

As shown in FIGS. 1 , 4 and 8 , the insert 13 may include an upper wall 28 , at least two opposing side walls 29 , a front wall 30 and a rear wall 31 . Both the front wall 30 and the rear wall 31 of the insert 13 have upper edges. The upper edge of the front wall of the insert is indicated by reference numeral 33 and the upper edge of the rear wall of the insert by reference numeral 32 . A portion 52 of each upper edge of each side wall 29 of the insert is angled such that the resulting upper edge 32 of the rear wall is lower than the upper edge 33 of the front wall. The insert 13 has in the front wall 30 at least one hole 34 corresponding to at least some part of the hole 20 in the base front wall 16 when the insert 13 is placed in the base 11 .

Another embodiment of the dispensing device of the present invention includes cooperating detents on the base and lid. These interacting detents help keep the lid in the closed position and also help keep the lid in the open position. These interacting detents also make disengagement of the cover or base more difficult and also reduce the likelihood of disengagement of the cover or base when the device is in the extreme position of its open configuration. These detents may comprise a pair of cooperating corresponding inwardly directed female detents and outwardly directed male detents, and may include fasteners such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts and nuts, or Any other type of fastener that allows the dispenser to fulfill its intended purpose.

Reference is now made to Figures 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 as examples of how a lock key works. In the exemplary embodiment shown in these figures, detent 35 of base 11 interacts and engages detent 36 of lid 12 to help maintain the dispensing device in its closed configuration ( FIG. 2 ), thereby maintaining Its contents also help to keep the device in its open configuration (Fig. 3), allowing its contents to be dispensed while secured in the open configuration. Likewise, detent 37 of base 11 interacts and engages detent 38 of cover 12 to help device 10 maintain its closed configuration, making disengagement of the cover or base more difficult. Detent 39 of base 11 interacts and engages detent 38 of cover 12 to help keep the device in its open configuration, thereby reducing the possibility of the cover or base coming off when the device is in the extreme position of its open configuration .

There may also be additional locking keys on the base or cover. Lock keys may also be provided at alternative locations other than those described herein. For example, in an alternative embodiment, detent 38 could be located on lid front wall 23, and corresponding detents 37 and 39 could be located on lid front wall 23 and base front wall 16, respectively, so that the device remains It is in the closed configuration and prevents disengagement in the extreme position of the open configuration. Alternatively, the detents 35 at the rear region of the base sidewall 15 and the detents 36 at the rear region of the cover sidewall 22 may be replaced with fasteners, screws, nuts and bolts, or any other known in the art. Other suitable materials such that the base 11 and cover 12 are rotatably engaged (ie allowed to pivot like a pivot) in this position either permanently or removably.

The dispenser of FIG. 2 can be opened in a number of ways, one of which is by applying downward pressure to the rear region of the upper wall 21 of the lid 11 as shown in FIG. 3 . The dispenser of FIG. 2 can also be opened by applying pressure to the rear area of the bottom wall 14 of the base. The dispenser can be opened with one finger by placing the dispenser on the surface shown in FIG. One finger presses the base 11) to open the dispenser.

The dispenser of Figure 3 can be closed in a number of ways, one of which is to apply downward pressure to the front area of the upper wall 21 of the lid. It is also possible to close the dispenser of FIG. 3 by applying pressure to the front area of the bottom wall 14 of the base. The dispenser can also be closed with one finger by placing the dispenser on a surface, or by holding the container between two opposing fingers while pressing with two opposing fingers (one finger pressing on the lid 12, the other A finger presses the base 11) to close the dispenser.

Another embodiment of the invention is a dispensing device of curved geometry (eg, oval, circular, oval or pear-shaped). Figure 11 shows a circular dispensing device. Specifically, in this embodiment, the dispenser basically includes a base 100 and a cover 101 . The base 100 has a bottom wall 103 and a curved side wall 104 with an upper edge 105 . The base sidewall has at least one hole 106 . A portion 107 of the upper edge of the base sidewall is opposite the aperture 106 and is angled downwardly such that the portion of the upper edge of the base sidewall is lower than the remaining upper edge of the base sidewall. The cover 101 has an upper wall 108 and a curved side wall 109 with a lower edge 111 . A portion 110 of the lower edge of the lid sidewall is opposite the aperture 106 of the base sidewall and is angled upwardly such that the lower edge of the portion 110 of the lid sidewall is higher than the remaining lower edge of the lid sidewall. When the lid 101 and base 100 are assembled, a portion of the base wall is exposed such that downward pressure applied to the area of the upper lid wall 108 lifts the lid wall 109 through holes in the base side walls to reveal the base. Portions of apertures 106 in the side walls of the seat allow dispensing of at least some of the contents of the dispenser.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a circular, oblong, oval, oval or pear shaped dispensing device as described above, having an insert 102 (as shown in Figure 11). The insert 102 has an upper wall 112 and a curved side wall 113 with an upper edge 114 . A portion 115 of the upper edge of the side wall of the insert is angled downwardly such that the portion of the upper edge of the side wall of the insert is lower than the remaining upper edge of the side wall of the insert. The insert 102 has at least one aperture 116 in the curved sidewall corresponding to at least some portion of the aperture 106 in the base sidewall when the insert 102 is placed within the base 100 .

The dispensing device of FIG. 11 may also include cooperating detents on the base 100 and lid 101 . In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the detent 119 of the base 100 interacts and engages with the detent 117 of the cover 101 to help keep the dispensing device in its closed configuration, thereby retaining its contents, and also to facilitate To keep the device in its open configuration, allowing its contents to be dispensed while secured in the open configuration. Likewise, detent 120 of base 100 interacts and engages detent 118 of cover 101 to help maintain the device in its closed configuration, making disengagement of the cover or base more difficult. Detent 121 of base 100 interacts and engages detent 118 of cover 101 to help keep the device in its open configuration, thereby reducing the likelihood of the cover or base coming off when the device is in the extreme position of its open configuration. .

Another embodiment is a dispensing device having selectable polygonal geometries including, but not limited to, for example, triangles, squares, rectangles (shown in Figures 1-8), or hexagons. Embodiments of the dispensing device of the present invention that are polygonal, such as triangular (including scalene, isosceles, equilateral, and right angled) generally include a base and a cover. Figure 12 shows an embodiment of a triangular dispenser. Specifically, in this embodiment, the dispenser basically comprises a base 200 and a cover 201, each shaped as a triangular geometry. The base 200 has a bottom wall 203 , a first side wall 204 , a second side wall 205 and a third side wall 206 , each side wall having an upper edge 209 . The first side wall 204 has a hole 207 . The apex 208 is formed opposite the hole 207 by the convergence of the second side wall 205 and the third side wall 206 . A portion 210 of the upper edge of the second side wall and a portion 210 of the upper edge of the third side wall are angled downward such that the resulting upper edge 211 at the convergence of the second and third side walls is smaller than that of the first, second, and third side walls. The upper edge 209 of the three base side walls is low. Cover 201 has an upper wall 212 , a first side wall 213 , a second side wall 214 and a third side wall 215 each having a lower edge 216 . Apex 217 is formed by the convergence of second sidewall 214 and third sidewall 215 . A portion 218 of the lower edge of the second side wall and a portion 218 of the lower edge of the third side wall are angled upwardly such that the resulting lower edge 219 where the second and third side walls converge is smaller than that of the first, second and third side walls. The lower edge 216 of the cover side wall is high. When the lid 201 and base 200 are assembled, a portion of the base wall is exposed, whereby downward pressure applied to the upper lid wall 212 opposite the hole 207 lifts the first side wall 213 of the lid, thereby revealing the Portions of apertures in the side walls of the base to permit dispensing of at least some of the contents of the dispenser.

Another embodiment of the invention is a triangular (as described above) dispensing device with an insert. As shown in FIG. 12 , a triangular shaped insert 202 fits within the base and has an upper wall 220 , a first side wall 221 , a second side wall 222 and a third side wall 223 each having an upper edge 224 . The first side wall 221 has a hole 225 that corresponds with at least some portion of the hole 207 in the first base side wall 204 when the insert is placed in the base. An apex 226 is formed opposite the aperture 225 by the convergence of the second and third side walls. A portion 227 of the upper edge of the second side wall and a portion 227 of the upper edge of the third side wall are angled downward such that the upper edge 229 obtained at the convergence of the second and third side walls is smaller than that of the first, second, and third side walls. The upper edge 224 of the base sidewall is low.

Another embodiment of the dispensing device of the present invention comprises a base which is a single piece, wherein the insert and the base are formed as a single integral piece, having at least one hole in the side wall and having a cover, as here disclosed in the specific description.

Another embodiment is a dispensing device in which the bottom wall, side wall, front wall or rear wall of the base is a curved shape.

Another embodiment is a dispensing device in which the upper wall, side wall, front wall or rear wall of the lid is a curved shape.

In each of the foregoing embodiments, the edges of the walls of the lid and base may be rolled so as to form a smooth rolled lip around the entire periphery of these edges. The rolled lip advantageously eliminates any exposed sharp metal edges that could sting the user.

The invention also includes a method of assembling the dispensing device. In this method, the dispensing device is assembled by first obtaining the base, cover and insert (the insert is optional) of any of the above embodiments; third (if an insert is desired), place the insert in the base and over the item to be dispensed; and fourth, engage the latch to assemble the lid and base. The assembly can be done whether the dispensing device is full or empty. Alternatively, the item to be dispensed may be loaded, for example through an aperture thereof, after assembly, when the dispensing device is in the open configuration.

In embodiments where all of the interacting detents are removably engaged with each other and the insert is removably inserted in the base, it is possible to disengage the base and cover and remove the insert from the base, to easily disassemble the dispensing unit. This allows the dispensing device to be re-used and refilled with the desired dispensed item.

Finally, with regard to the composition of the elements that make up the dispenser, by way of example and not limitation, the base, cover or insert may be made of metal, alloy, plastic, resin or other suitable material that allows the dispenser to fulfill its intended purpose . By way of example and without limitation, the base, cover or insert may be formed by injection molding a synthetic resin material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or by any other suitable material and forming method known in the art Metal stamping parts, thermoformed plastic parts. The cover and base may also be embossed, stamped or printed for decorative purposes or functional purposes such as indicating where to press to open or close the device.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described, various modifications, changes, alternative constructions and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims (9)

1. A dispenser comprising: base and cover; The base has a bottom wall and a curved side wall with an upper edge; the base sidewall has holes; wherein a portion of the upper edge of the base sidewall opposite the aperture is angled downward such that the portion of the upper edge of the base sidewall is lower than the remaining upper edge of the base sidewall; The cover has an upper wall and a curved side wall with a lower edge; wherein a portion of the lower edge of the lid sidewall opposite the aperture is angled upwardly such that the lower edge of that portion of the lid sidewall is higher than the remaining lower edge of the lid sidewall; and When the lid and base are assembled, a portion of the base wall is exposed so that applying downward pressure to the area of the lid upper wall opposite the hole in the base side wall lifts the lid wall to reveal the opening in the base side wall. Portions of the aperture, thereby permitting dispensing of at least some of the contents of the dispenser. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: an insert having an upper wall and a curved side wall having an upper edge; wherein a portion of the upper edge of the side wall of the insert is angled downward such that the portion of the upper edge of the side wall of the insert is lower than the remaining upper edge of the side wall of the insert; and The insert has an aperture in the curved sidewall that corresponds to at least some portion of the aperture in the sidewall of the base when the insert is positioned within the base. 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the base and lid further include cooperating detents. 4. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the base and lid further include cooperating detents. 5. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein said detent comprises a pair of cooperating corresponding inwardly directed female detents and outwardly directed male detents. 6. A method of assembling a dispenser comprising: obtaining a base having at least two opposing side walls, a bottom wall, a front wall and a rear wall, each wall having an upper edge, the base front wall having a hole, wherein the upper edge of each base side wall A portion of is angled such that the resulting upper edge of the rear wall of the base is lower than the upper edge of the front wall of the base, and wherein the base has a detent; A cover is obtained having at least two opposing side walls, a bottom wall, a front wall and a rear wall, each wall having a lower edge, wherein a portion of the lower edge of each cover side wall forms an angle such that the resulting cover rear wall has the lower edge is higher than the lower edge of the front wall of the cover, and wherein the cover has a detent; Loading the desired dispensed item into the base; and Engaging the detents assembles the cover over the base such that applying downward pressure to the rear region of the cover upper wall lifts the cover front wall to reveal portions of the aperture in the base front wall out, thereby allowing at least some of the contents of the dispenser to be dispensed. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: placing an insert in the base, the insert having an upper wall, at least two opposing side walls, a front wall and a rear wall, each wall having an upper edge, wherein the upper edge of each side wall of the insert A portion is angled such that the resulting upper edge of the rear wall of the insert is lower in height than the upper edge of the front wall of the insert, and wherein the insert has a hole in the front wall when the insert is placed in the base , the aperture corresponding to at least some portion of the aperture in the front wall of the base. 8. A triangular dispenser comprising: base and cover, each shaped as a triangular geometry; The base has a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third side wall, each side wall having an upper edge; the first side wall has a hole; an apex formed opposite said aperture by the convergence of the second sidewall and the third sidewall; wherein a portion of the upper edge of the second side wall and a portion of the upper edge of the third side wall are angled downward such that the resulting upper edge where the second and third side walls converge is smaller than that of the first, second, and third side walls. The upper edge of the side wall of the base is low; The cover has an upper wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third side wall, each side wall having a lower edge; an apex formed by the convergence of the second sidewall and the third sidewall; wherein a portion of the lower edge of the second side wall and a portion of the upper edge of the third side wall are angled upwardly such that the resulting lower edge where the second and third side walls converge is smaller than that of the first, second, and third covers. the upper edge of the side wall is high; and When the lid and base are assembled, a portion of the base wall is exposed such that applying downward pressure to the upper wall of the lid opposite the hole lifts the first side wall of the lid to reveal the hole in the side wall of the base portions of the dispenser, thereby allowing dispensing of at least some of the contents of the dispenser. 9. The triangular shaped dispenser of claim 8, further comprising, a triangular-shaped insert fitting within the base, having an upper wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third side wall, each wall having an upper edge; the first side wall has an aperture corresponding to at least some portion of the aperture in the first side wall of the base when the insert is placed within the base; an apex formed opposite the aperture by the convergence of the second sidewall and the third sidewall; and wherein a portion of the upper edge of the second side wall and a portion of the upper edge of the third side wall are angled downward such that the resulting upper edge where the second and third side walls converge is smaller than that of the first, second, and third side walls. The upper edge of the side wall of the base is low.

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