AU2015200861A1 - A dispensing container - Google Patents

Abstract

A dual dispensing container comprising a first chamber, at least one outlet in the first chamber to allow product to be dispensed from the first chamber, a second chamber, at least one outlet in the second chamber to allow product to be dispensed from the second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being hinged relative to each other between a substantially overlapping folded position, and an open position, the outlet in the first chamber and the outlet in the second chamber being proximal to each other when the container is in the folded position, and a closure adapted to close the outlet on the first chamber and the outlet on the second chamber when in the folded position, the closure additionally functioning as a latch to hold the container in the folded position.

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE PATENT SPECIFICATION A DISPENSING CONTAINER The following statement is a description of the invention: 1 A DISPENSING CONTAINER TECHNICAL FIELD [01] The present invention is directed to a dispensing container and particularly in relation to a portable container enabling two different types of products to be dispensed from the same container. BACKGROUND [02] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge. [03] Dispensing containers to dispense small towelettes (often called wipes) are known in the art. It is known to provide a soft container to dispense cleaning wipes. [04] There is an advantage in providing a container having two chambers whereby each chamber can contain a different product to be dispensed. As a particular example, one chamber can dispense a makeup removing wipe, and the other chamber can dispense a cleansing or moisturizing wipe. [05] There is an advantage in providing a container that is readily portable and which can, for instance, be placed in a handbag. [06] Therefore, there is an advantage in providing a "softshell" type container which is also known as a "bag type" container. [07] There are some disadvantages in respect of existing bag type containers. One disadvantage is that these containers can only dispense a single product.

2 [08] A disadvantage with dual dispensing containers, of the type having two separate compartments is that these containers are usually made of rigid plastics and therefore not very portable and are not very suited to be carried in a handbag or even a pocket. [09] Another disadvantage with dual dispensing containers is that the containers typically have a removable lid in respect of each chamber outlet. These lids are usually required to be manufactured of somewhat rigid material and the outlet also needs to be somewhat rigid. This can cause the container to have hard and awkward angles making the container less suited for easy portability. There would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a dual dispensing container with fewer lids. [10] Another disadvantage with some dual dispensing containers is the size of the container. There would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a dual dispensing container having a more compact size. [11] A further problem that may occur with some types of dual dispensing containers of the prior art is that of cross contamination occurring between the contents of the two compartments. [12] Another problem that has been known to occur with some types of dual dispensing containers of the prior art is that the contents, which are typically moist, may be poorly sealed and so dry out. [13] It is an object of the invention to provide a dual dispensing container which is compact, easily portable, and which does not contain unnecessary hard and rigid parts. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dual dispensing container that addresses one or more of the previously discussed problems of the prior art.

3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [14] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a dual dispensing container comprising a first chamber, at least one outlet in the first chamber to allow product to be dispensed from the first chamber, a second chamber, at least one outlet in the second chamber to allow product to be dispensed from the second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being hinged relative to each other between a substantially overlapping folded position, and an open position, the outlet in the first chamber and the outlet in the second chamber being proximal to each other when the container is in the folded position, and a closure adapted to close the outlet on the first chamber and the outlet on the second chamber when in the folded position, the closure additionally functioning as a latch to hold the container in the folded position. [15] With this arrangement, a single closure is provided for both chamber openings which reduces the number of hard and rigid parts of the dispenser. Furthermore, the same closure can also function as a latch to hold the dispenser in the "closed" folded position. [16] The arrangement provides a simple yet effective container dispenser which is very portable. [17] Suitably, the first chamber and the second chamber are made of soft material and therefore can be seen as "bags". The type of material can vary depending on the contents of the chamber. [18] Suitably, the first chamber and the second chamber are approximately of equal shape and size. In this manner, each chamber may be provided with a substantially equal number of towelettes or wipes. For instance, one chamber may be provided with an impregnated wipe and the other chamber may be provided with a drying wipe. The chambers may contain different types of cosmetic wipes. Of course, it should be appreciated that these are only nonlimiting examples of the contents of the containers.

4 [19] There may be circumstances where it is desirable for one chamber to be larger than the other chamber. As an example, the product dispensed by the larger chamber may be larger cleaning wipes (for instance) and the product dispensed by the smaller chamber may be smaller drying wipes (for instance). Of course, this may be reversed and different types of products may be present in each chamber. [20] There may be circumstances where it is desirable for one chamber to have a different shape relative to the other chamber. [21] However, in a preferred embodiment, each chamber is approximately the same shape and the same size. [22] The size may vary depending on the use of the container. If the container is to be used as an easily portable container that can be placed in a bag or even in a large pocket, the container may have a length of between 10 30 cm, a width of between 5-20 cm and a height of between 2-10 cm. Of course, it should be appreciated that no unnecessary limitation should be placed on the invention merely by providing certain nonlimiting examples of sizes. [23] Suitably, each chamber is substantially rectangular when viewed in plan and substantially rectangular when viewed in elevation. [24] Suitably, each chamber has a front wall containing the outlet. It is preferred that the front wall is substantially planar as this can facilitate the overlapping folded position of the container. [25] Each chamber has at least one outlet. There may be circumstances where there is an advantage for the chamber to have more than one outlet, but it appears convenient for the chamber to have a single outlet. The shape and size of the upper may vary. It is envisaged that a suitable shape of the outlet will be substantially circular this being quite common for dispensing 5 wipe containers. The circular outlet may be provided with a slit like opening which can minimize drying of the contents of the chamber. [26] Circular outlets with a slit like opening are known in the art. There may be circumstances where it is desirable for the outlet to be oval, slot like, slit like and the like. [27] The first chamber and the second chamber are hinged relative to each other. Suitably, a hinge is provided between the first chamber and the second chamber. The hinge may comprise a foldable plastic hinge, a hinge containing a hinge pin or other types of hinges. One or more hinges may be provided. [28] It is preferred that each chamber is completely separate and each chamber is attached to part of the hinge. [29] Suitably, the hinge and the outlet on each chamber have parts in common. [30] Suitably, the hinge has parts in common with the closure. [31] Suitably, when the container is in the folded position the outlet on the first chamber and the outlet on the second chamber are in a substantially overlapping and closely spaced orientation. [32] The container contains a closure. The container suitably comprises a single closure that is adapted to close the outlet in the first chamber and the outlet in the second chamber when the container is in the folded position. Thus, it need not be necessary to have two closures. The closure suitably comprises a "press lock" type closure. [33] Suitably, the closure comprises a first closing face and a second opposed closing face, the first closing face able to close one outlet and the second closing face able to close the other outlet.

6 [34] Suitably, a closure comprises the closing faces as described above and a stem portion. The stem portion and the closing faces may be formed integrally together. [35] Suitably, the stem portion is associated with the hinge and is able to hinge relative to each chamber. In this manner, the stem portion may hinge between a first closure position where the closure closes and outlet on one of the chambers, and hinge between a second closure portion where the closure closes the outlet on the other chamber. [36] Suitably, each outlet is associated with a bridging portion. The bridging portion may be associated with the hinge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [37] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [38] Figure 1. Illustrates the container in the unfolded use position. [39] Figure 2. Illustrates the container in the process of being folded (or unfolded). [40] Figure 3. Illustrates the container in the folded position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [41] Referring initially to figure 1 there is illustrated a dual dispensing container 10 comprising a first chamber 11, at least one outlet 12 in the first chamber to allow product to be dispensed from the first chamber, a second chamber 13, at least one outlet 14 in the second chamber 13 to allow product to be dispensed from the second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being hinged 15 relative to each other between a substantially 7 overlapping folded position (see figure 3), and an open position (see figure 1), the outlet 12 in the first chamber 11 and the outlet 14 in the second chamber 13 being proximal to each other when the container is in the folded position (see figure 3), and a closure 16 adapted to close the outlet on the first chamber and the outlet on the second chamber when in the folded position, the closure additionally functioning as a latch to hold the container in the folded position (see figure 3). [42] Chamber 11 and chamber 13 are of the same substantially rectangular shape and are of the same size. Each outlet is substantially identical. [43] The front face 17 of each chamber is substantially flat to enable the chambers to adopt a proper folded overlapping position as illustrated in figure 3. Similarly, each outlet 12, 14 has a relatively low profile. [44] In particular, each outlet contains a small peripheral upstanding ring 18 to assist in snap fitting with the closure 16 as will be described in greater detail below. [45] The chambers 11, 13 are formed separately and are formed from soft bag like material. [46] The chambers 11, 13 are hingedly attached together by hinge 15. Hinge 15 comprises two wings or leaves which are a substantially identical part of special design. Each wing contains a knuckle portion 19 and a pin (not illustrated) connects the knuckle portions together as is conventional. [47] Each wing comprises a bridging portion 20 extending from its associated knuckle 19 with the other end of bridging portion 20 being connected to the respective outlet 12, 14. In the particular embodiment, the knuckle, bridging portion and outlet are formed integrally to form a particular wing of the hinge. This arrangement is made from relatively rigid plastic.

8 [48] Closure 16 is also attached to the hinge. Closure 16 therefore contains a knuckle 21 to enable it to rotate around the pin (not illustrated). Closure 16 is arranged on the pin such that it can rotate between and contact each outlet 12, 14. Closure 16 is provided with a pair of opposed closing faces 22, 23. Each face contains a small extending ring like portion 23 which can engage with (snap fit) to the respective ring 18 on the particular outlet. [49] Thus, with reference to figure 1, closure 16 can rotate from the midway position illustrated in figure 1 (where both outlets 12, 14 are open), to either close outlet 12 or to close outlet 14. [50] Importantly (and with reference to figure 3), the container 10 can be folded such that chamber 11 overlaps with chamber 13. In this orientation, outlet 12 aligns with outlet 14. Also, the closing faces 22, 23 snap fit to each respective outlet which means that both chambers are now sealed with a single closure. [51] Also importantly, closure 16 functions as a "latch" to hold the container in the folded position. That is, a separate latching arrangement is not required. [52] In use, if the container is in the folded position illustrated in figure 3, it is extremely portable. The majority of the hard plastic parts are situated and are sandwiched between the soft containers 11, 13. To open the container, the chambers can be pulled apart which will cause the closure 16 to pop off one (or both) of the outlets 12, 14. When in the open position (figure 1) wipes (or other product) can be removed from either desired chamber. An easy way to close the outlets is to simply fold the container back to the position illustrated in figure 3 which automatically close off the outlets and will latch the container in the folded position. [53] The container enables different products to be marketed in one consumer pack. Because the chambers are quite separate items, there is almost no problem of migration or cross contamination of contents from one chamber to the other chamber. Additionally, it will be realised that the 9 likelihood of contamination between the two containers 11 and 13 is greatly reduced since the closing faces 22 and 23 are located on opposite sides. [54] Furthermore, it is possible to keep one container sealed whilst the other is open without having to provide a separate hinge for separate closure members as is common in the prior art. [55] It is envisaged that the container will be supplied ready filled with wet wipes or pads (or other suitable product). If the container contains wet wipes, it is envisaged that these will be made from fabric ranging from 35 g/m 2 to 150 g/m 2 . [56] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. [57] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. [58] Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

1. A dual dispensing container comprising: a first chamber, at least one outlet in the first chamber to allow product to be dispensed from the first chamber, a second chamber, at least one outlet in the second chamber to allow product to be dispensed from the second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being hinged relative to each other between a substantially overlapping folded position, and an open position, the outlet in the first chamber and the outlet in the second chamber being proximal to each other when the container is in the folded position, and a closure adapted to close the outlet on the first chamber and the outlet on the second chamber when in the folded position, the closure additionally functioning as a latch to hold the container in the folded position.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are approximately of equal shape and size.

3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, having a length of between

10-30 cm, a width of between 5-20 cm and a height of between 2-10 cm. 4. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each chamber is substantially rectangular when viewed in plan and substantially rectangular when viewed in elevation. 5. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each chamber has a front wall containing the outlet. 6. A container according to claim 5, wherein the front wall is substantially planar to facilitate the overlapping folded position of the container. 7. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each chamber has at least one outlet. 11 8. A container according to any one of the preceding claims including a hinge between the first chamber and the second chamber. 9. A container according to claim 8, wherein each chamber is completely separate and each chamber is attached to part of the hinge. 10. A container according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the hinge and the outlet on each chamber have parts in common.

11. A container according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the hinge has parts in common with the closure.

12. A container according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein when the container is in the folded position the outlet on the first chamber and the outlet on the second chamber are in a substantially overlapping and closely spaced orientation.

13. A container according to claim 12 comprising a single closure that is adapted to close the outlet in the first chamber and the outlet in the second chamber when the container is in the folded position.

14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the closure comprises a first closing face and a second opposed closing face, the first closing face able to close one outlet and the second closing face able to close the other outlet.

15. A container according to claim 14, wherein the closure includes an integrally formed stem portion.

16. A container according to claim 15, wherein the stem portion is associated with the hinge and is able to hinge relative to each chamber.

17. A container according to anyone of claims 8 to 11, wherein each outlet is associated with a bridging portion and wherein the bridging portion is associated with the hinge.