CN114126984B

CN114126984B - System and container for dispensing packages of items of mail

Info

Publication number: CN114126984B
Application number: CN202080044522.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: W·A·斯奈德; J·L·邓森; M·R·加索; C·C·汉林; P·G·怀特; R·T·克里斯特曼; T·P·奥尔西尼; S·E·马斯顿; J·B·加卢亚迪; D·杜兰特
Original assignee: Sealed Air Corp
Current assignee: Sealed Air Corp
Priority date: 2019-06-19
Filing date: 2020-06-12
Publication date: 2023-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-12
Also published as: US20220297924A1; EP3986796A1; WO2020257068A1; CN114126984A

Abstract

A system for dispensing packages of items of mail includes a holding system and a container. The holding system includes a surface and a holding mechanism. A portion of the retaining mechanism extends transversely across the front of the surface. The container accommodates a package of items of mail. The container is supported by a surface of the holding system. The container comprises a dispensing aperture allowing the dispensing of the packages of items of mail through the first panel of the container. The container is positioned such that the second panel of the container is substantially parallel to the surface. The dispensing orifice is located between a surface of the holding system and a portion of the holding mechanism. The holding means prevents the container from moving towards the holding means when the first item of mail package is dispensed from the container.

Description

System and container for dispensing packages of items of mail

Technical Field

The present disclosure is in the field of dispensing packages of items of mail. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to containers useful for transporting and dispensing packages of items of mail and to systems for dispensing packages of items of mail from such containers.

Background

A wide variety of objects including fragile items are transported in various types of mailer packages (sometimes referred to as "mailer packages"). In some cases, the item of mail package has an outer wall for protecting the contents of the item of mail package. The outer wall of the buffer type package of items of mail is typically formed of a protective material, such as kraft paper, cardstock, polyethylene coated paper, other paper based materials, polyethylene film or other elastic materials. In some examples, the outer wall provides structural rigidity (e.g., the outer wall is made of cardboard).

In other cases, these packages of mail have a buffer in addition to the outer wall in order to provide a certain degree of protection for the objects transported therein. With respect to cushioned mail packages, the outer wall of the cushioned mail package is typically formed of a protective material (such as kraft paper, cardstock, polyethylene coated paper, otherPaper-based material, polyethylene film, or other elastic material). The inner wall of the container of the item of mail is buffered with a buffer material (such as a cellular material (e.g. BUBBLE WRAP sold by Sealed Air Corporation) ^TM Cellular material), foam sheet, or any other cushioning material). In forming the package of items of mail, the outer wall is typically adhered (e.g. laminated) to the cushioning material.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In a first embodiment, a system for dispensing packages of items of mail includes a holding system and a container. The holding system includes a surface and a holding mechanism. A portion of the retaining mechanism extends transversely across the front of the surface. The container is configured to hold a package of items of mail and the container is supported by a surface of the holding system. The container includes a dispensing aperture configured to permit dispensing of the item of mail packages through the first panel of the container. The container is supported by a surface of the holding system such that the second panel of the container is substantially parallel to the surface. The dispensing orifice is located on the container such that the dispensing orifice is located between a surface of the holding system and a portion of the holding mechanism of the holding system. When the first item of mail package is dispensed from the container, a portion of the holding mechanism is configured to prevent movement of the container toward the holding mechanism.

In a second embodiment, each of the packages of items of mail of the first embodiment comprises an open end, and the packages of items of mail are located in a container, wherein the open ends of the packages of items of mail are oriented towards the dispensing orifice.

In a third embodiment the first item of mail package of the second embodiment is positioned in the container such that the open end of the first item of mail package passes through the dispensing orifice before any other part of the first item of mail package.

In a fourth embodiment, the dispensing aperture of any of the previous embodiments is sized and shaped such that the first item of mail package is the only one of the item of mail packages that is able to pass through the dispensing aperture when the first item of mail package is being dispensed.

In a fifth embodiment, the dispensing orifice of the fourth embodiment has an inverted "V" shape with the end of the inverted "V" shape being located above the second panel.

In a sixth embodiment, the first portion of the dispensing orifice of any of the previous embodiments is located on the first panel and the second portion of the dispensing orifice is located on the second panel.

In a seventh embodiment, the container of the sixth embodiment is positioned on the dispensing system such that the second portion of the dispensing orifice is accessible.

In an eighth embodiment, the retaining mechanism of the seventh embodiment is positioned such that the container is located on the surface, wherein a portion of the second panel including the second portion of the dispensing aperture is not covered by the surface.

In a ninth embodiment, the container of the eighth embodiment is located on the surface, wherein the portion of the second panel that includes the second portion of the dispensing aperture is located forward of the front end of the surface.

In a tenth embodiment, the container of any of the seventh to ninth embodiments is supported by the surface indirectly via a retaining mechanism.

In an eleventh embodiment, the holding mechanism of the tenth embodiment includes a base on which the container is located, legs extending downwardly from the base, and posts extending upwardly from the base.

In a twelfth embodiment, the post of the eleventh embodiment includes a tab extending across a portion of the front end of the retaining mechanism. The tab is part of a retaining mechanism configured to prevent movement of the container toward the front end of the retaining mechanism.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the first item of mail package of the twelfth embodiment is configured to be dispensed from the container through the dispensing aperture and through the gap between the tab and the base.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the base of any of the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments includes a recessed portion, and wherein the second portion of the dispensing orifice is aligned with the recessed portion such that the second portion of the dispensing orifice is accessible.

In a fifteenth embodiment, the container of any of the previous embodiments is one of a plurality of containers supported by a surface of the holding system.

In a sixteenth embodiment, the container of the fifteenth embodiment has a different size than at least one other container of the plurality of containers.

In a seventeenth embodiment, the packages of items of mail in any of the fifteenth and sixteenth embodiments have a size that is different from the size of the packages of items of mail in at least one other of the plurality of containers.

In an eighteenth embodiment, the system of any of the previous embodiments further comprises a coupling mechanism configured to couple the container to the surface.

In a nineteenth embodiment, the coupling mechanism of the eighteenth embodiment includes one or more clamps configured to apply a compressive force between the first panel of the container and the surface.

In a twentieth embodiment, the coupling mechanism of any of the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments includes one or more brackets secured to the surface, and each of the one or more brackets includes a tab extending partially in front of the container.

In a twenty-first embodiment, the system of any of the previous embodiments further comprises a funnel member positioned such that the first item of mail package contacts the funnel member when the first item of mail package is dispensed from the container. The funnel element is configured to bias the first item of mail package open when the first item of mail package is dispensed from the container.

In a twenty-second embodiment, the system of the twenty-first embodiment is configured such that the holding mechanism is configured to pass through a hole in the funnel member, the funnel member is rotatable about the holding mechanism, and the funnel member is translatable laterally along the holding mechanism.

In a twenty-second embodiment, the system of any of the twenty-first and twenty-second embodiments is configured such that the funnel comprises a side wall comprising a narrowing portion, the funnel being arranged such that, when the first item of mail package is dispensed from the container, the side portion of the item of mail package contacts the narrowing portion, and the narrowing portion is configured to bias the side portion of the item of mail package inwardly.

In a twenty-fourth embodiment, the retaining mechanism of any of the previous embodiments comprises one or more of a plate, rod, rope, string, cable, or chain.

In a twenty-fifth embodiment, the package of items of mail in any of the containers of the previous embodiments is a buffered package of items of mail having an outer wall formed of a protective material and an inner wall formed of a buffer material.

In a twenty-sixth embodiment, a container for dispensing packages of items of mail comprises a plurality of panels folded in a three-dimensional configuration relative to each other. The plurality of panels includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is configured to be located on a surface of the holding system. The container further includes an openable dispensing closure located on at least the second panel. The openable dispensing closure is defined by a line of weakness configured to be broken to remove the openable dispensing closure. After the openable dispensing lid is removed, the container includes a dispensing orifice in place of the openable dispensing lid. The container further comprises a package of items of mail positioned in the plurality of panels. The openable dispensing lid is positioned on the container such that after the openable dispensing lid is removed and the first panel is supported by the surface of the holding system, the dispensing aperture is positioned between the surface of the holding system and a portion of the holding mechanism of the holding system.

In a twenty-seventh embodiment, the container of the twenty-sixth embodiment further comprises an openable viewing lid on the second panel. After the openably observed cap is removed, the container includes an observation aperture in place of the openably observed cap after the openably observed cap is removed. After the openable viewing lid has been removed, the level of the item of mail package inside the container can be observed through the viewing aperture.

In a twenty-eighth embodiment, each of the item packages of any of the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh embodiments comprises an open end, and the item packages are located in a container with the open ends of the item packages oriented toward the openable dispensing lid.

Drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: fig. 1A and 1B depict a filling configuration and a dispensing configuration, respectively, of an embodiment of a container capable of being used to transport and dispense packages of items of mail according to embodiments disclosed herein;

fig. 2A-2D depict examples of methods of transporting and dispensing packages of items of mail using the containers shown in fig. 1A and 1B, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 3A depicts an embodiment of a container in a flat-laid configuration according to embodiments disclosed herein;

fig. 3B and 3C depict examples of the container shown in fig. 3A formed into a configuration for transporting packages of items of mail according to embodiments disclosed herein;

Fig. 3D and 3E depict examples of the container shown in fig. 3A in a configuration for dispensing packages of items of mail according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a holding system configured to hold a number of dispensing containers in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;

fig. 5A and 5B depict partial detail views of a coupling mechanism shown in the retention system depicted in fig. 4, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;

fig. 5C depicts an embodiment of a funnel component shown in the retention system depicted in fig. 4, in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein;

fig. 6 depicts an example of the holding system shown in fig. 4 when an item of mail package is being dispensed from a container, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of the retention system shown in FIG. 4 in an embodiment of the retention system housing different sized containers according to embodiments disclosed herein;

fig. 8 depicts an embodiment of a biasing mechanism capable of biasing a next item of mail package to be dispensed towards a dispensing aperture, wherein the biasing mechanism is in the form of a flap located on a container, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;

Fig. 9 depicts an embodiment of a biasing mechanism capable of biasing a next item of mail package to be dispensed towards a dispensing orifice, wherein the biasing mechanism is in the form of a tab extending upwardly from a base of a tray, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein;

10A and 10B depict top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a container on a holding system that makes accessible a portion of a base panel having a dispensing aperture, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a retaining mechanism configured to both retain a container and to make a portion of a dispensing aperture located on a base panel of the container accessible in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein; and

fig. 12A and 12B depict perspective and front views, respectively, of a holding system including the holding mechanism shown in fig. 11 and configured to accommodate a container, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of a container for a package of items of mail and a system for dispensing a package of items of mail are described. In some embodiments, a system for dispensing packages of items of mail includes a holding system and a container. The holding system includes a surface and a holding mechanism. A portion of the retaining mechanism extends transversely across the front of the surface. The container accommodates a package of items of mail. The first panel of the container is supported by a surface of the holding system. The container comprises a dispensing aperture allowing the dispensing of the packages of items of mail through the second panel of the container. The container is positioned such that the second panel of the container is substantially parallel to the retaining mechanism. The dispensing orifice is located between a surface of the holding system and the holding mechanism. The holding means prevents the container from moving towards the holding means when the first item of mail package is dispensed from the container.

The item of mail package is convenient because the item of mail package requires minimal training for enabling the user to place objects inside the item of mail package and to adhere flaps that are closed over the opening. However, there are a number of disadvantages to buffered packages of items of mail. In one example, a majority of the total time spent by a user packaging buffered packages of mail items may be occupied by obtaining the packages of mail items and bringing the packages of mail items into a position in which items can be inserted into the packages of mail items. In another example, a majority of the total time spent by a user packaging buffered packages of mail items may be occupied by opening the open end of the package of mail items and maintaining the open end of the package of mail items open while the object is inserted. The amount of time spent for these tasks may be only a few seconds to pack each item of mail package; however, this time spent for each item of mail package may accumulate throughout a plurality of item of mail packages and become a significant problem in a high-volume packaging facility in particular. It would be advantageous to shorten the amount of time required to dispense and open packages of items of mail.

The embodiments depicted in fig. 1A and 1B depict a filling configuration and a dispensing configuration, respectively, of an embodiment of a container 100 that can be used to transport and dispense packages of items of mail. The container 100 includes a base panel 102, wherein a number of panels extend upwardly from the base panel 102. In the depicted embodiment, the container includes a front panel 104, a rear panel 106, a left side panel 108, and a right side panel 110, each of which extends upwardly from the base panel 102. In some embodiments, the container is formed from one or more of any of the following materials: cellulose-based materials (e.g., cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard), plastics, and compressed foams. In one example, the container 100 may include corrugated cardboard, such as, for example, any of single-wall B-flute, C-flute, and/or E-flute corrugated cardboard, B/C double-wall corrugated cardboard, E/B double-wall corrugated cardboard, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the base panel 102 has a predetermined average thickness. In some examples, the average thickness of the panels of the container 100 is, for example, any of up to about and/or at least about: 0.03 inch, 0.06 inch, 0.12 inch, 0.18 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.4 inch, and 0.5 inch. In some embodiments, the container 100 is formed from a single piece of flat corrugated cardboard folded and adhered in the configuration shown in fig. 1A and 1B.

In the depicted embodiment, the container 100 further includes flaps 112, each of the flaps 112 being rotatably coupled to an upper edge of one of the front panel 104, the rear panel 106, the left side panel 108, and the right side panel 110. In fig. 1A, flaps 112 are oriented away from each other with opening 114 exposed between the upper edge of front panel 104, the upper edge of rear panel 106, the upper edge of left side panel 108, and the upper edge of right side panel 110. Thus, in fig. 1A, the container 100 is in a filling configuration, wherein an object, such as a package of items of mail, can be inserted into the container 100 through the opening 114 to fill the container 100. In fig. 1B, flaps 112 are oriented toward each other to close opening 114 so that the container is closed. Although in the depicted embodiment, the opening 114 and flap 112 are shown at the top of the container 100, it is understood that the opening and flap can be positioned around and to the sides of the container 100, such as in place of the left side panel 108 or the right side panel 110.

In fig. 1A, the container 100 includes an openable dispensing lid 116. In the depicted embodiment, an openable dispensing cover 116 is located on portions of the base panel 102 and portions of the front panel 104. In some embodiments, the openable dispensing lid 116 is defined by a first line of weakness 118. As used herein, "line of weakness" means the following line: the panel has been creased, curled, embossed, perforated, scored, slitted, cut or otherwise weakened along the line to enhance the foldability or destructiveness of the panel, frame or other material along the line of weakness. In the depicted embodiment, the first line of weakness 118 is a perforation line configured to be broken upon removal of the openable dispensing lid 116. In some embodiments, the openable dispensing cover 116 includes a second line of weakness 120 between the portion of the openable dispensing cover 116 located on the base panel 102 and the portion of the openable dispensing cover 116 located on the front panel 104. In the depicted embodiment, the second line of weakness 120 is a crease line configured to be folded when the container 100 is in the filling orientation shown in fig. 1A. In the example shown in fig. 1B, the openable dispensing lid 116 has been removed from the container 100 such that the container 100 includes a dispensing orifice 122. Thus, in fig. 1B, the container 100 is in a dispensing configuration, wherein objects inside the container 100, such as packages of items of mail, can be dispensed through the dispensing orifice 122.

In fig. 1A, container 100 includes an openable viewing lid 124. In the depicted embodiment, an openable viewing cover 124 is located on the front panel 104. In some embodiments, the patentable viewing cover 124 is defined by a first line of weakness 126 and a second line of weakness 128. In the depicted embodiment, the first line of weakness 126 is a perforation line configured to be broken upon removal of the open-viewable cover 124. In the depicted embodiment, the second line of weakness 128 is a crease line located between the ends of the first line of weakness 126 and configured to be folded upon removal of the openably-viewable lid 124 from the container 100. In the example shown in fig. 1B, the cover 124 may be openably observed to have been removed from the container 100. More specifically, the first line of weakness 126 has been breached and the openably viewing cover 124 has been folded back about the second line of weakness 128 such that the container 100 includes a viewing aperture 130. The user of the container can view through the viewing aperture 130 to determine the fill level of the container 100 (e.g., the level below the viewing aperture 130, the level at or near the viewing aperture 130, or the level above the viewing aperture 130).

Fig. 2A-2D depict an example of a method of using container 100 to transport item of mail packages 132 and dispense item of mail packages 132. In some embodiments, item of mail package 132 may be a buffered item of mail package (e.g., an item of mail package having a kraft outer wall with cellular material lining the interior of the outer wall) or an outer wall made of a protective material, but not including any buffer material. In some embodiments, the item of mail package 132 is made of two walls forming a front and a rear of the item of mail package. The item of mail package is closed on three sides and item of mail package 132 is open at an open end 134 of item of mail package 132. In some embodiments, item of mail package 132 is formed by: the protective material is folded such that the protective material on either side of the folding member forms two walls and the folding member forms one of the three closed sides of the package of items of mail. In some embodiments, the open end of the item of mail package comprises a flap that can be used to cover the opening. Such flaps can have an adhesive that can be used to adhere the flap closed over the opening. In the depicted embodiment, the open end 134 of the item of mail package 132 does not have such flaps. The package of items of mail without flaps can be closed using the fusion device. Examples of fusion devices and associated funnels are described in U.S. patent application No.62/657198 and international application No. pct/US2019/027166, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In the example shown in fig. 2A, the container 100 is in a filled configuration. The flaps 112 are oriented away from each other such that the opening 114 of the container 100 is exposed. In this configuration, container 100 can be filled with item of mail package 132. In the depicted embodiment, an open end 134 of item of mail package 132 is oriented toward front panel 104. It will be apparent that many of the packages of items of mail 132 depicted in fig. 2A will partially fill container 100, but the container can accommodate any number of packages of items of mail 132 until container 100 is completely filled. After the item of mail package 132 has been inserted into the container 100 to (partially or completely) fill the container 100, the container 100 can be closed by folding the flaps 112 towards each other.

In the example shown in fig. 2B, the container 100 has been closed with a flap 112 positioned over an opening 114. An item of mail package 132 is located inside container 100. The openable dispensing lid 116 and the openable viewing lid 124 remain in place in the container 100. In this configuration, container 100 can be used to transport item of mail package 132 to another location. For example, when container 100 is in the configuration shown in fig. 2B, a seller of item of mail packages 132 is able to transport item of mail packages 132 in container 100 to a customer. Container 100 can be ready for dispensing item of mail package 132 when container 100 is in a position in which item of mail package 132 is to be used.

In the example shown in fig. 2C, container 100 has been prepared for dispensing item of mail packages 132. More particularly, the first line of weakness 118 of the openable dispensing closure 116 has been breached and the openable dispensing closure 116 has been removed from the container 100. Removal of the openable dispensing cap 116 opens the dispensing orifice 122. Portions of some of the item of mail packages 132 are visible through dispensing aperture 122. The open end 134 of one (or more) of the packages 132 of items of mail is positioned within the boundary of the dispensing orifice 122 such that one of the packages 132 of items of mail can be pulled through the dispensing orifice 122. In the depicted embodiment, the top edge of the dispensing orifice 122 has an inverted "V" shape with the end of the "V" shape located above the base panel 102. In this configuration, item of mail package 132 is capable of being dispensed from container 100.

Also shown in the example in fig. 2C is an openable viewing cover 124 that has been opened. More specifically, the first line of weakness 126 of the openably observed cover 124 has been breached and the openably observed cover 124 has been folded back from the front panel 104 about the second line of weakness 128. Removal of the openable viewing cover 124 opens the viewing aperture 130. With the viewing aperture 130 open, a person can view through the viewing aperture 130 to see if the item of mail package 132 inside the container reaches a level below the viewing aperture 130, at the viewing aperture 130 or in the vicinity of the viewing aperture 130 or above the viewing aperture 130.

In the example shown in fig. 2D, one of the packages 132 of mail items is being dispensed from container 100 through dispensing orifice 122. In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 132 is positioned such that open end 134 of item of mail package 132 is the first portion of item of mail package 132 to pass through dispensing aperture 122. In the depicted embodiment, dispensing aperture 122 is sized and shaped such that the bottommost portion of item of mail package 132 can be dispensed through dispensing aperture 122. In some embodiments, dispensing aperture 122 is sized and shaped such that only the bottommost portion of item of mail package 132 can be pulled through dispensing aperture 122. For example, dispensing aperture 122 may be sized and shaped such that an item of mail package located directly above the bottommost portion of item of mail package 132 contacts front panel 104, thereby allowing only the bottommost portion of item of mail package 132 to be pulled through dispensing aperture 122.

After one of the packages of mail items 132 is dispensed through dispensing orifice 122, the other of the packages of mail items 132 can be dispensed through dispensing orifice 122. In some embodiments, item of mail packages 132 can be individually dispensed through dispensing orifice 122 until all of item of mail packages 132 are dispensed from container 100. After all of the packages 132 of items of mail have been dispensed through container 100, container 100 can be disposed of, such as by recycling container 100.

An embodiment of a container 200 in a flat-laid configuration is depicted in fig. 3A. In some embodiments, the container 200 is formed from one or more of any of the following materials: cellulose-based materials (e.g., cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard), plastics, and compressed foams. In one example, the container 100 may include corrugated cardboard, such as, for example, any of single-wall B-flute, C-flute, and/or E-flute corrugated cardboard, B/C double-wall corrugated cardboard, E/B double-wall corrugated cardboard, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the base panel 102 has a predetermined average thickness. In some examples, the average thickness of the panels of the container 100 is, for example, any of up to about and/or at least about: 0.03 inch, 0.06 inch, 0.12 inch, 0.18 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.4 inch, and 0.5 inch.

The container 200 includes a base panel 202, a front panel 204, a rear panel 206, and a top panel 208. Each of the base panel 202, the front panel 204, the back panel 206, and the top panel 208 is at least partially bordered by a first line of weakness 210. In the depicted embodiment, the first line of weakness 210 is a crease line, represented in this figure by a dashed short line, configured to be folded. For example, the base panel 202 and the rear panel 206 can be folded relative to each other about one of the first lines of weakness 210 between the base panel 202 and the rear panel 206, the front panel 204 and the top panel 208 can be folded relative to each other about one of the first lines of weakness 210 between the front panel 204 and the top panel 208, and so on.

The container 200 includes a left minor flap 212. One of the left minor flaps 212 is foldably coupled to the base panel 202 about one of the first lines of weakness 210. One of the left minor flaps 212 is foldably coupled to the top panel 208 about one of the first lines of weakness 210. The container 200 includes a left major flap 214. One of the left major flaps 214 is foldably coupled to the front panel 204 about one of the first lines of weakness 210. One of the left primary flaps 214 is foldably coupled to the rear panel 206 about one of the first lines of weakness 210. The container 200 includes a right minor flap 216. One of the right minor flaps 216 is foldably coupled to the base panel 202 about one of the first lines of weakness 210. One of the right minor flaps 216 is foldably coupled to the top panel 208 about one of the first lines of weakness 210. The container 200 includes a right primary flap 218. One of the right primary flaps 218 is foldably coupled to the front panel 204 about one of the first lines of weakness 210. One of the right primary flaps 218 is foldably coupled to the rear panel 206 about one of the first lines of weakness 210. The container 200 further includes a tab 220 foldably coupled to the back panel 206 about one of the first lines of weakness 210.

The container 200 includes an openable dispensing lid 222. In the depicted embodiment, an openable dispensing cover 222 is located on portions of the base panel 202 and portions of the front panel 204. In some embodiments, the openable dispensing lid 222 is defined by a second line of weakness 224. In the depicted embodiment, the second line of weakness 224 includes a number of slits arranged to allow a user to manually break the base panel 202 and the front panel 204 along the second line of weakness 224. The container 200 also includes an openable viewing cover 226. In the depicted embodiment, an openable viewing cover 226 is located on the front panel 204. In some embodiments, the openable viewing cover 226 is defined by a third line of weakness 228. In the depicted embodiment, the third line of weakness 228 includes a number of slits arranged to allow a user to manually break the front panel 204 and/or fold the front panel 204 along the third line of weakness 224.

The container 200 can be formed in a configuration in which the container 200 can be used for transporting and dispensing packages of items of mail. An example of a container 200 formed in a configuration for transporting a package 232 of items of mail is depicted in fig. 3B and 3C. In fig. 3B, the container 200 has been folded into a three-dimensional configuration. The container 200 is folded from the flat configuration shown in fig. 3A until the tab 220 is aligned with the top panel 208. Tab 220 is adhered to top panel 208. The left minor flap 212 and the left major flap 214 are folded and adhered such that the left minor flap 212 and the left major flap 214 close the left side of the container 200. The right minor flap 216 and the right major flap 218 are unfolded or partially folded so that the right side of the container 200 remains open.

As shown in fig. 3B, item of mail package 232 can be inserted into container 200 through the open right side of container 200. In some embodiments, item of mail package 232 is inserted into container 200 such that open end 234 of item of mail package 232 is oriented toward openable dispensing lid 222. In some embodiments, item of mail package 232 is oriented substantially parallel to base panel 202. In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 232 is inserted into container 200 such that open end 234 of item of mail package 232 is oriented toward openable dispensing lid 222 and item of mail package 232 is oriented substantially parallel to base panel 202. In some embodiments (such as the embodiment shown in fig. 3B), item of mail package 232 can be inserted into container 200 as a single stack.

After insertion of item of mail package 232 into container 200, container 200 can be closed. In fig. 3C, the container 200 is depicted in a closed configuration. In the depicted embodiment, the right minor flap 216 and the right major flap 218 have been closed with the package 232 of items of mail located inside the container 200. In some embodiments, one or more of the right minor flap 216 or the right major flap 218 is adhered or taped to hold the container 200 closed. In the depicted embodiment, wherein container 200 is closed, item of mail package 232 is located inside container 200, and openable dispensing lid 222 is still located on container 200, container 200 can be used to transport item of mail package 232. For example, container 200 can be used as a shipping container for shipping item packages 232 to a recipient.

Container 200 can also be used for dispensing packages 232 of items of mail. Fig. 3D depicts an example of a container 200 that has been prepared for dispensing an item of mail package 232. More particularly, the second line of weakness 224 surrounding the openable dispensing closure 222 has been breached and the openable dispensing closure 222 has been removed from the container 200. Removal of the openable dispensing cap 222 opens the dispensing orifice 236 in the container 200. Portions of some of the item of mail packages 232 are visible through dispensing aperture 236. The open end 234 of one of the packages of items of mail 232 is positioned within the boundary of the dispensing aperture 236 such that one of the packages of items of mail 232 can be pulled through the dispensing aperture 236. In the depicted embodiment, the top edge of the dispensing orifice 236 has an inverted "V" shape with the end of the inverted "V" shape located above the base panel 202. In this configuration, item of mail package 232 is capable of being dispensed from container 200.

Also shown in the example depicted in fig. 3D is an openable viewing cover 226 that has been opened. More specifically, the third line of weakness 228 of the openably observed cover 226 has been broken and the openably observed cover 226 has been folded back from the front panel 204. Removal of the openable viewing cover 226 opens the viewing aperture 238. With the viewing aperture 238 open, a person can view through the viewing aperture 238 to see if the item of mail package 232 located inside the container reaches a level below the viewing aperture 238, at the viewing aperture 238 or near the viewing aperture 238 or above the viewing aperture 238.

An example of dispensing one of the packages 232 of items of mail is shown in fig. 3E. More specifically, one of the packages of items of mail 232 is being dispensed from container 200 through dispensing aperture 236. In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 232 is positioned such that open end 234 of item of mail package 232 is the first portion of item of mail package 232 to pass through dispensing aperture 236. In the depicted embodiment, the dispensing aperture 236 is sized and shaped such that the bottommost portion of the item of mail package 232 can be dispensed through the dispensing aperture 236. In some embodiments, dispensing aperture 236 is sized and shaped such that only the bottommost portion of item of mail package 232 can be pulled through dispensing aperture 236. For example, dispensing aperture 236 may be sized and shaped such that an item of mail package located directly above the bottommost portion of item of mail package 232 contacts front panel 204, thereby allowing only the bottommost portion of item of mail package 232 to be pulled through dispensing aperture 236.

After one of the packages of mail items 232 has been dispensed through dispensing orifice 236, another of the packages of mail items 232 can be dispensed through dispensing orifice 236. In some embodiments, item of mail packages 232 can be individually dispensed through dispensing orifice 236 until all of item of mail packages 232 are dispensed from container 200. After all of the packages 232 of items of mail have been dispensed through container 200, container 200 can be disposed of, such as by recycling container 200.

The embodiments of the container described herein can be used solely for dispensing packages of items of mail. For example, no additional equipment is required to dispense packages of items of mail using the container. However, in some situations it will be advantageous to use any of the containers described herein in combination with a system that accommodates and holds the containers when the packages of items of mail are dispensed from the containers. For example, where the container has a stack of packages of items of mail inside, the weight of the packages of items of mail may cause friction between the container and the packages of items of mail to prevent the bottommost part of the packages of items of mail from being retrieved individually. In some embodiments, the material located on the outside of the item of mail package may have a high friction coefficient at the same time as the material located on the outside of other item of mail packages and/or the material of the container. The coefficient of friction may make it more difficult to remove the bottommost part of the item of mail package from the container separately.

An embodiment of a retention system 300 configured to house a number of dispensing containers is depicted in fig. 4. The holding system 300 includes a surface 302 capable of supporting a dispensing container. In some embodiments, surface 302 is a table top, shelf, workbench, floor surface, or any other substrate upon which a container can be placed. The retention system 300 also includes a retention mechanism 304 fixedly coupled to the surface 302. A portion of the retention mechanism 304 extends laterally (e.g., in the y-direction in fig. 4) across a front of the surface 302 (e.g., a surface parallel to the yz plane in fig. 4). In the depicted embodiment, the retaining mechanism 304 comprises a rod, a portion of which extends across a front of the surface 302. The rods in the depicted embodiment also extend partially along the sides of the surface 302 (e.g., in the x-direction). In other embodiments, the retaining mechanism 304 may include one or more of a plate, rod, rope, string, cable, chain, or any other mechanism configured to prevent movement of the container in a particular direction (e.g., in the x-direction).

In the example shown in fig. 4, the container 200 has been placed on a surface 302 of the holding system 300. The container 200 is oriented with the base panel 202 on the surface 302 and the front panel 204 extending substantially parallel to a portion of the retaining mechanism 304 that extends laterally across the front of the surface 302. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism 304 is positioned relative to the surface 302 such that the dispensing aperture 236 is located between the surface and the retention mechanism 304. In this way, when one of the packages of items of mail 232 is dispensed through the dispensing aperture 236, the package of items of mail 232 passes between the surface 302 and the holding means 304. As item of mail package 232 is being removed, friction between item of mail package 232 being removed and another item of mail package 232 and/or friction between item of mail package 232 being removed and container 200 will cause container 200 to move. However, the holding means 304 blocks the movement of the container 200 such that friction between the item of mail package 232 and the container 200 is overcome and the item of mail package 232 can be retrieved from the container 200. In the depicted embodiment, the container 200 is not adhered to the surface 302, and in other cases is fixedly coupled to the surface 302. Gravity keeps container 200 in contact with surface 302 and removal of one of the packages 232 of items of mail tends to bring container 200 into contact with holding mechanism 304 to maintain the position of container 200 relative to holding mechanism 304.

Also depicted in the embodiment shown in fig. 4 is a container 310 located on the holding system 300 ₁ 、310 ₂ 310, respectively ₃ . Container 310 ₁ Supported by a surface 302 of the holding system 300. Container 310 ₁ Having a front panel 314 ₁ Front panel 314 ₁ Oriented substantially parallel to a portion of the retaining mechanism 304 extending transversely across the front of the surface 302. Container 310 ₁ With dispensing orifice 316 ₁ And a viewing aperture 318 ₁ Each of which is at least partially located on the front panel 314 ₁ And (3) upper part. Container 310 ₁ Can be received through the dispensing orifice 316 ₁ Individually dispensed packages 322 of items of mail ₁ . In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 322 ₁ With a dispensing-oriented orifice 316 ₁ Oriented open end 324 ₁ . In the depicted embodiment, the container 310 ₁ Coupled to surface 302 by coupling mechanism 330, coupling mechanism 330 is depicted in more detail in fig. 5A. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling mechanism 330 is in the form of a positioning at the container 310 ₁ In the form of two clamps on the inside of the two side panels. One end of each of the clamps is located in the container 310 ₁ And the other end of each of the clamps is located below the surface 302. In some embodiments, the clamp is configured to be positioned within the container 310 ₁ Applies a compressive force between the base panel and the surface 302 to resist the container 310 ₁ And a corresponding movement of surface 302.

In fig. 4, container 310 ₂ Supported by a surface 302 of the holding system 300. Container 310 ₂ Having a front panel 314 ₂ Front panel 314 ₂ Oriented substantially parallel to a portion of the retaining mechanism 304 extending transversely across the front of the surface 302. Container 310 ₂ With dispensing orifice 316 ₂ And a viewing aperture 318 ₂ Each of which is at least partially located on the front panel 314 ₂ And (3) upper part. Container 310 ₂ Can be received through the dispensing orifice 316 ₂ Individually dispensed packages 322 of items of mail ₂ . In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 322 ₂ With a dispensing-oriented orifice 316 ₂ Oriented open end 324 ₂ . In the depicted embodiment, the container 310 ₂ Coupled to surface 302 by coupling mechanism 332, coupling mechanism 332 is depicted in more detail in fig. 5B. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling mechanism 332 is along the container 310 ₂ In the form of two brackets for positioning the two side panels. Each of the brackets is secured to the surface 302 and has a portion that is partially within the receptacle 310 ₂ A front extending tab. The rack prevents the container 310 ₂ And the tab resists movement of the container 310 (e.g., movement in the y-direction) ₂ For example, a movement in the x-direction).

In fig. 4, container 310 ₃ Supported by a surface 302 of the holding system 300. Container 310 ₃ Having a front panel 314 ₃ Front panel 314 ₃ Oriented substantially parallel to a portion of the retaining mechanism 304 extending transversely across the front of the surface 302. Container 310 ₃ With dispensing orifice 316 ₃ And a viewing aperture 318 ₃ Each of which is at least partially located on the front panel 314 ₃ And (3) upper part. Container 310 ₃ Can be received through the dispensing orifice 316 ₃ Individually dispensed packages 322 of items of mail ₃ . In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 322 ₃ With a dispensing-oriented orifice 316 ₃ Oriented open end 324 ₃ . In the depicted embodiment, the container 310 ₃ Positioned with respect to funnel part 334 such that in item of mail package 322 ₃ The container 310 is being held ₃ Item of mail package 322 when dispensed ₃ Contacting the funnel 334.

The embodiment of the funnel 334 shown in fig. 4 is depicted in more detail in fig. 5C. Funnel member 334 includes a sidewall 336. The web 338 spans between the side walls 336 such that the side walls remain in a fixed position relative to each other. Each of the side walls 336 includes a parallel portion 340 and a narrowed portion 342. The parallel portions 340 are substantially parallel to each other. As shown in fig. 4, the parallel portions 340 are spaced apart such that the container 310 ₃ Can be located between parallel portions 340 of side walls 336, wherein container 310 ₃ Is oriented toward the parallel portion 340. Narrowing 342 of side wall 336 follows item of mail package 322 ₃ Through the dispensing orifice 316 ₃ The direction of allocation (e.g., the x-direction in fig. 4) converges. The funnel component 334 further includes extensions 344, each of the extensions 344 including an aperture 346. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the retention mechanism 304 is configured to pass through a hole 346 of the extension 344.

In the depicted embodiment, the funnel member 334 is rotatable about the holding mechanism 304 and translatable laterally (e.g., in the y-direction in fig. 4) along the holding mechanism 304. This allows the funnel part 334 to be moved to the container 310 along the holding mechanism 304 ₃ Will be located at the location thereof. Extension 344 and web 338 are sized such that portions of web 338 are located in container 310 ₃ And surface 302. In this way, container 310 ₃ And corresponding movement of the funnel 334 is prevented such that the narrowed portion 342 of the sidewall 336 and the dispensing orifice 316 ₃ Is prevented.

In some embodiments, the retention mechanism 304 is positioned relative to the surface 302 such that the apertures 316 are allocated ₁ 、316 ₂ 316 of the type ₃ Between the surface 302 and the holding mechanism 304. In this way, in the item of mail package 322 ₁ 、322 ₂ 322 ₃ One through the dispensing orifice 316 ₁ 、316 ₂ 316 of the type ₃ One of the doses, the item of mail packages passes between the surface 302 and the holding means 304. As the item of mail package is being removed, friction between the item of mail package being removed and another item of mail package and/or friction between the item of mail package being removed and the container will cause the container to move. However, the holding means 304 blocks the movement of the container such that friction between the item of mail packages and the container is overcome and the item of mail packages can be retrieved from the container.

In fig. 6 is depicted the container 200, 310 when the item of mail package is being received ₁ 、310 ₂ 310, respectively ₃ An example of a holding system 300 at the time of dispensing. In particular, the bottommost portion of item of mail package 232 is being dispensed from container 200, item of mail package 322 ₁ Is from container 310 ₁ Dispensing, package of mail items 322 ₂ Is from container 310 ₂ Dispensing and, in addition, item of mail package 322 ₃ Is from container 310 ₃ And (5) distribution. Dispensing orifice 236, 316 ₁ 、316 ₂ 316 of the type ₃ Sized to permit dispensing of the respective item of mail packages 232, 322 ₁ 、322 ₂ 322 ₃ Is the bottommost part of (2). In the depicted embodiment, the dispensing orifices 236, 316 ₁ 、316 ₂ 316 of the type ₃ Sized so that a respective package 232, 322 of items of mail can be dispensed at a time ₁ 、322 ₂ 322 ₃ Only one of which is shown in the figure. Coupling mechanism 330 and coupling mechanism 332 are sized and positioned such that they do not interfere with the flow of fluid from container 310 ₁ And a container 310 ₂ Dispensing the package of items of mail. Funnel element 334 is configured to be positioned in item of mail package 322 ₃ From container 310 ₃ When dispensed, causes item of mail package 322 ₃ Is biased open. More specifically, in item of mail package 322 ₃ When the side of the item of mail package 322 comes into contact with narrowing 342 of side wall 336 ₃ Is provided with an open end 324 of (c) ₃ Tends to be biased inwardly and open end 324 ₃ The top and bottom portions of the container tend to move away from each other to hold the item of mail package 322 ₃ Biased open. In the depicted embodiment, the slave container 200, 310 is being moved ₁ 、310 ₂ 310, respectively ₃ Each of the dispensed packages of items of mail can be individually removed from the container 200, 310 ₁ 、310 ₂ 310, respectively ₃ Is pulled and the containers 200, 310 ₁ 、310 ₂ 310, respectively ₃ Any resulting movement of (a) is prevented by the holding mechanism 304.

One benefit to the retention system 300 is that the container can be used in many different lateral positions in the retention system 300. In one example, container 200, 310 ₁ 、310 ₂ 310, respectively ₃ Can be adjusted laterally across the front of the surface 302 (e.g., in the y-direction in fig. 4) from the position shown in fig. 4 to any other position. In another example, the containers 200, 310 ₁ 、310 ₂ 310, respectively ₃ Any two of the locations in (a) can be swapped. In some embodiments, such is in the container 200, 310 ₁ 、310 ₂ 310, respectively ₃ The change in position of (c) can be performed manually without the use of tools. Another benefit is the ability of the retention system 300 to accommodate containers of different sizes.

In fig. 7, containers 410 containing different sizes are depicted ₁ 、410 ₂ 、410 ₃ 410 ₄ A front view of the retention system 300 in an embodiment of the retention system 300. Container 410 ₁ Supported by a surface 302 of the holding system 300. Container 410 ₁ Having a front panel 414 ₁ Front panel 414 ₁ Oriented substantially parallel to a portion of the retaining mechanism 304 extending transversely across the front of the surface 302. Container 410 ₁ With dispensing orifice 416 ₁₁ Dispensing orifice 416 ₁₂ Viewing aperture 418 ₁₁ Viewing aperture 418 ₁₂ Each of which is at least partially located in the front panel 414 ₁ And (3) upper part. Container 410 ₁ Accommodating a first group of packages 422 of items of mail ₁₁ And a second set of packages 422 of items of mail ₁₂ . Package 422 of items of mail ₁₁ Can pass through the dispensing orifice 416 ₁₁ Individually dispensed and, in addition, item of mail package 422 ₁₂ Can pass through the dispensing orifice 416 ₁₂ Individually assigned. In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 422 ₁₁ With a dispensing facing orifice 416 ₁₁ Oriented open end 424 ₁₁ And, item of mail package 422 ₁₂ With a dispensing facing orifice 416 ₁₂ Oriented open end 424 ₁₂ . In the depicted embodiment, the container 410 ₁ By coupling mechanism 430 ₁ And a coupling mechanism 430 ₂ Coupled to surface 302. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling mechanism 430 ₁ And a coupling mechanism 430 ₂ Is positioned in the container 410 ₁ In the form of two clamps on the inside of the two side panels. Coupling mechanism 430 ₁ Is positioned in dispensing orifice 416 ₁₁ On either side of (a) and, coupling mechanism 430 ₂ Is positioned in dispensing orifice 416 ₁₂ On either side of (a). Coupling mechanism 430 ₁ One end of each of the clamps of (a) is located at the container 410 ₁ And the other end of each of the clamps is located below the surface 302. Coupling mechanism 430 ₂ One end of each of the clamps of (a) is located at the container 410 ₁ And the other end of each of the clamps is located below the surface 302. In some embodiments, coupling mechanism 430 ₁ And a coupling mechanism 430 ₂ Is configured to be positioned within the container 410 ₁ Applies a compressive force between the base panel and the surface 302 to resist the container 410 ₁ And a corresponding movement of surface 302.

In fig. 7, container 410 ₂ Supported by a surface 302 of the holding system 300. Container 410 ₂ Having a front panel 414 ₂ Front panel 414 ₂ Oriented substantially parallel to a portion of the retaining mechanism 304 extending transversely across the front of the surface 302. Container 410 ₂ With dispensing orifice 416 ₂ And viewing aperture 418 ₂ Each of which is at least partially located in the front panel 414 ₂ And (3) upper part. Container 410 ₂ Can be received through dispensing orifice 416 ₂ Individually dispensed packages 422 of items of mail ₂ . In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 422 ₂ With a dispensing facing orifice 416 ₂ Oriented open end 424 ₂ . In the depicted embodiment, the container 410 ₂ Positioned with respect to funnel part 432 such that in item of mail package 422 ₂ Positive container 410 ₂ When dispensed, item of mail package 422 ₂ Contacting the funnel 432. In packages 422 of items of mail ₂ When the side of the side wall is dispensed and comes into contact with the narrowing of the side wall, the item of mail package 422 ₂ Open end 424 of (2) ₂ Tends to be biased inwardly and open end 424 ₂ Is inclined at the top and bottom of (a)To move away from each other to package items of mail 422 ₂ Biased open.

In fig. 7, container 410 ₃ Supported by a surface 302 of the holding system 300. Container 410 ₃ Having a front panel 414 ₃ Front panel 414 ₃ Oriented substantially parallel to a portion of the retaining mechanism 304 extending transversely across the front of the surface 302. Container 410 ₃ With dispensing orifice 416 ₃ And viewing aperture 418 ₃ Each of which is at least partially located in the front panel 414 ₃ And (3) upper part. Container 410 ₃ Can be received through dispensing orifice 416 ₃ Individually dispensed packages 422 of items of mail ₃ . In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 422 ₃ With a dispensing facing orifice 416 ₃ Oriented open end 424 ₃ . In the depicted embodiment, the container 410 ₃ Positioned with respect to funnel part 434 such that in item of mail package 422 ₃ Positive container 410 ₃ When dispensed, item of mail package 422 ₃ Contacting the funnel 434. In packages 422 of items of mail ₃ When the side of the side wall is dispensed and comes into contact with the narrowing of the side wall, the item of mail package 422 ₃ Open end 424 of (2) ₃ Tends to be biased inwardly and open end 424 ₃ The top and bottom portions of the container tend to move away from each other to hold the item of mail package 422 ₃ Biased open.

In fig. 7, container 410 ₄ Supported by a surface 302 of the holding system 300. Container 410 ₄ Having a front panel 414 ₄ Front panel 414 ₄ Oriented substantially parallel to a portion of the retaining mechanism 304 extending transversely across the front of the surface 302. Container 410 ₄ With dispensing orifice 416 ₄ Dispensing orifice 416 ₄ At least partially on the front panel 314 ₂ And (3) upper part. In the depicted embodiment, the container 410 ₄ At the front panel 414 ₄ Without a viewing aperture. Container 410 ₄ Can be received through dispensing orifice 416 ₄ Individually dispensed packages 422 of items of mail ₄ . In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 422 ₄ With a dispensing facing orifice 416 ₄ Oriented open end 424 ₄ . In the depicted embodiment, the container 410 ₄ Coupled to surface 302 by coupling mechanism 436. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling mechanism 436 is along the container 410 ₄ In the form of two brackets for positioning the two side panels. Each of the brackets is secured to the surface 302 and has a portion that is partially within the receptacle 410 ₄ A front extending tab. Bracket-resistant container 410 ₄ And the tab resists lateral movement of the container 410 ₄ Is moved forward.

As can be seen in fig. 7, container 410 ₁ 、410 ₂ 、410 ₃ 410 ₄ Each of which has a container 410 ₁ 、410 ₂ 、410 ₃ 410 ₄ Different sizes of other containers in the container. In one example, container 410 ₁ Compared to other containers 410 ₂ 、410 ₃ 410 ₄ Wider, and, container 410 ₁ Containing two sets of packages 422 of items of mail ₁₁ And 422 ₁₂ . In another example, container 410 ₃ Compared to other containers 410 ₁ 、410 ₂ 410 ₄ Higher, and, container 410 ₃ Compared to other containers 410 ₁ 、410 ₂ 410 ₄ Narrower. In the container 410 ₁ 、410 ₂ 、410 ₃ 410 ₄ The difference in size of (a) allows for the use of the holding system 300 for dispensing packages of items of mail of many different sizes. In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 422 ₁₁ And 422 ₁₂ Similar size but for item of mail package 422 ₁₁ And 422 ₁₂ Size of item of mail package 422 ₂ Size of item of mail package 422 ₃ Is of a size of the item of mail package 422 ₄ All of which are different from each other in size. In this way, a user of the holding system 300 is approaching many different sizes of packages of items of mail.

As shown in the various embodiments described herein, the container can have a dispensing aperture on the front panel such that the item of mail packages are dispensed outwardly from the dispensing aperture through the front panel. Such containers can be configured to individually dispense packages of items of mail in the container. In some embodiments it may be advantageous to cause the next item of mail package to be dispensed to be biased towards the dispensing orifice. In some embodiments, biasing the next item of mail package to be dispensed towards the dispensing aperture may allow a user to more easily grasp and/or pull the item of mail package through the dispensing aperture. An embodiment of a biasing mechanism capable of biasing a next item of mail package to be dispensed towards a dispensing orifice is depicted in fig. 8 and 9.

In fig. 8 a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a container 500 configured for use in the transportation and/or distribution of packages of items of mail is depicted. The container 500 has a base panel 502, a front panel (not visible), a rear panel 506, a left side panel (not visible), and a right side panel 510. Container 500 is configured to hold an item of mail package 522. The container 500 further includes a dispensing aperture 536, with portions of the dispensing aperture 536 being located on the front panel and portions of the dispensing aperture 536 being located on the base panel 502. In the depicted embodiment, the dispensing aperture 536 is arranged to allow individual dispensing of the item of mail packages 522 through the front panel.

Container 500 includes a biasing mechanism 552 configured to bias one of the packages 522 of items of mail toward dispensing aperture 536. In the depicted embodiment, the biasing mechanism 552 is a flap that is folded inwardly from the rear panel 506. In some embodiments, the container 500 is shipped with the flaps aligned with the rear panel 506 and the rear panel 506 includes lines of weakness around three sides of the panel. When the container 500 is ready for dispensing the package of items of mail 522 (e.g., when the openable dispensing lid is removed to form the dispensing aperture 536), the lines of weakness of the flaps surrounding the biasing mechanism 552 may be broken to allow the flaps to be folded inwardly into the container 500. As stack of packages 522 of items of mail drops down, the bottommost portion of packages 522 of items of mail contacts biasing mechanism 552, biasing mechanism 552 biases the bottommost portion of packages 522 of items of mail toward dispensing aperture 536.

A partial perspective view of an embodiment of a tray 650 that includes a biasing mechanism 652 is depicted in fig. 9. The tray 650 includes a base 654 that spans between two side walls 656. The side wall 656 includes a flap 658 extending around the rear of the tray 650. In the depicted embodiment, the biasing mechanism 652 is a tab extending upward from the base 654. Tray 650 is configured to hold containers on base 654 and between sidewalls 656. When the container is placed into the proper position on tray 650, the container can be aligned with flap 658 such that the tabs of biasing mechanism 652 engage (e.g., pierce) the container and bias the at least one item of mail package toward the dispensing aperture of the container.

In some situations it may be advantageous to arrange the container and/or the packages of items of mail in the container in order to reduce the amount of time and labor required to remove the packages of items of mail from the container. In some embodiments in which the portion of the dispensing aperture is located on the base panel of the container, it may be advantageous for the portion of the base panel having the dispensing aperture to be accessible. In some embodiments, it may be easier for the user to grasp the closed end of the item of mail package instead of the open end, and the item of mail package may be arranged in the container such that the closed end of the item of mail package is oriented towards the dispensing orifice. Examples of these embodiments are discussed below.

A top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of the container 200 on the holding system 300' are depicted in fig. 10A and 10B, respectively, such that the portion of the base panel 202 having the dispensing aperture 236 is accessible. The retention system 300' is similar to the retention system 300 except that the retention system 300' includes a retention mechanism 304' in place of the retention mechanism 304 in the retention system 300. In the retention system 300', the retention mechanism 304' is positioned farther forward (e.g., in the x-direction) on the surface 302 than in the retention system 300, where the retention mechanism 304 is supported by the surface 302. This position of the retaining mechanism 304' relative to the surface 302 allows the container 200 to be supported by the surface 302 such that the portion of the base panel 202 including the dispensing aperture 236 is accessible to a user (e.g., not covered by the surface 302). The holding mechanism 304' prevents the container 200 from moving further forward (e.g., further in the x-direction) or prevents the container 200 from falling off the front of the surface 302 (e.g., a surface parallel to the yz plane in fig. 10A and 10B).

With container 200 in the position shown in fig. 10A and 10B, the user is able to grasp the bottommost part of item of mail package 232 to withdraw item of mail package 232 from container 200. More specifically, as can be seen in fig. 10A, the user is able to grasp the end of the item of mail package 232 oriented towards the dispensing aperture 236. As can be seen in fig. 10B, the user is also able to grasp the bottom of the item of mail package 232 accessible through the portion of the dispensing aperture 236 located on the base panel 202. This accessibility of the item of mail package 232 (both on the bottom and the top of the item of mail package 232) may result in easier pulling of the item of mail package 232 through the dispensing aperture 236 for the user.

In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 232 is located in container 200 with the closed end of item of mail package 232 oriented toward dispensing aperture 236. In some embodiments, the closed end of item of mail package 232 is the end opposite the open end of item of mail package 232. In some embodiments, the closed end of item of mail package 232 is the end adjacent to the open end of item of mail package 232. In some examples, the closed end of item of mail package 232 is easier to grasp than the open end of item of mail package 232. This may also result in that it is easier for the user to pull the item of mail package 232 through the dispensing aperture 236.

In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism can be configured to both retain the container and make accessible the portion of the dispensing aperture located on the base panel of the container. An embodiment of a retaining mechanism 704 configured to both retain the container and to make accessible the portion of the dispensing aperture located on the base panel of the container is depicted in fig. 11. The holding mechanism 704 has a base 740. In some embodiments, the base 740 is substantially planar. The retaining mechanism 704 is configured such that the base panel of the container rests on the base 740. In the depicted embodiment, the base 740 includes a recessed portion 742 on a front end 744 of the retention mechanism 704 and a recessed portion 746 on a rear end 748 of the retention mechanism 704. In embodiments in which the base panel of the container includes a portion of the dispensing aperture, the container can be placed on the base 740 such that the portion of the dispensing aperture located on the base panel is accessible via one of the recessed portion 742 and the recessed portion 746 of the base 740.

The retention mechanism 704 further includes a post 750. In some embodiments, the post 750 extends upward from the base 740. In the depicted embodiment, the post 750 extends upward from a side of the base 740 (e.g., a portion of the side of the base 740 between the front end 744 and the rear end 748). The retention mechanism 704 further includes a tab 752 extending from the post 750. In the depicted embodiment, the tabs 752 are arranged such that there is a gap G between the base 740 and each of the tabs 752. In some embodiments, the container can be placed on the base 740 such that a portion of the dispensing orifice is located in the gap G between the tab 752 and the base 740. In this position, the item of mail packages can be dispensed from the container through the dispensing orifice and through the gap G. In the depicted embodiment, the tab 752 on the front end 744 includes a gap G and the tab 752 on the rear end 748 includes a gap G. This arrangement allows the container to be placed on the base 740 with the dispensing orifice oriented toward either the front end 744 or the rear end 748. In other embodiments, the tab 752 on one end (e.g., the rear end 748) may not form a gap G between the tab 752 and the base 740. In the depicted embodiment, the post 750 is arranged to inhibit left-to-right movement of the container (e.g., movement parallel to the front end 744) and the tab 752 is arranged to inhibit front-to-back movement (e.g., movement perpendicular to the front end 744).

In some embodiments, the retention mechanism 704 further includes legs 754. In the depicted embodiment, the legs extend downwardly from a side of the base 740 (e.g., a portion of the side of the base 740 between the front end 744 and the rear end 748). The legs 754 extend downwardly from the base a distance such that the base 740 is at a height H away from the surface when the retention mechanism 704 is placed on the surface. In the depicted embodiment, each of the legs 754 has a foot 756 that extends away from the bottom of the leg 754. In some embodiments, legs 756 are substantially parallel to base 740. The legs 756 are configured to provide stability to the retention mechanism 704 when the retention mechanism 704 is placed on a surface, and the retention mechanism 704 can be useful in securing the retention mechanism 704 to the surface.

It will be apparent that the retention mechanism 704 can be made from a single piece of material. For example, the retention mechanism 704 can be formed from a single piece of sheet metal. More specifically, the piece of sheet metal can be cut appropriately and then bent to form the recessed portion 742 and the recessed portion 746, the post 750, the tab 752, the leg 754, and the foot 756. In other embodiments, the retention mechanism 704 can be formed from multiple pieces of material (or from different materials) that are secured together.

A perspective view and a front view of a retention system 700 configured to receive a container 710 are depicted in fig. 12A and 12B, respectively. The holding system 700 includes a surface 702 capable of supporting a dispensing container. In some embodiments, surface 702 is a table top, shelf, workbench, floor surface, or any other substrate upon which a container can be placed. The retention system 700 also includes a retention mechanism 704. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism 704 is fixed relative to the surface 702. In the depicted embodiment, the retention mechanism 704 is fixed relative to the surface 702 using tape 758. The tape 758 can be advantageous because the tape 758 allows the retention mechanism 704 to be fixed relative to the surface 702 in any number of positions and orientations as may be desirable. In other embodiments, the retention mechanism 704 can be secured relative to the surface 702 using any number of other fasteners (such as screws, nails, bolts and nuts, rivets, hook and loop fabric fasteners, any other type of fasteners, or any combination thereof).

The container 710 has a base panel 712, the base panel 712 being oriented substantially parallel to a base 740 of the holding mechanism 704 and parallel to the surface 702 of the holding system 700. The container 710 has a front panel 714, the front panel 714 being oriented substantially parallel to the tabs 752 on the front end 744 of the retention mechanism 704. The container 710 has a dispensing aperture 736 partially on the front panel 714 and partially on the base panel 712. Container 710 contains packages 722 of items of mail that are individually dispensable through dispensing orifice 736. In the depicted embodiment, item of mail package 722 has a closed end 724 oriented toward dispensing orifice 736. The container 710 also includes a top panel 716 and a right panel 720. In the depicted embodiment, the right panel 720 is substantially parallel to the post 750 on the right side of the retention mechanism 704.

As can be seen in the embodiment depicted in fig. 12A and 12B, the container 710 is supported by the surface 702 via the retaining mechanism 704. More specifically, the container 710 is held by the holding mechanism 704, wherein the base panel 712 of the container 710 is located on the base 740 of the holding mechanism 704, and the holding mechanism 704 is located on the surface 702. When supported by the surface 702, the base panel 712 of the container 710 is held away from the surface 702 by the retaining mechanism 704. The portion of the base panel 712 that includes the dispensing aperture 736 is aligned with the recessed portion 742 of the base 740 of the retention mechanism 704. This arrangement allows a user to grasp the bottom of the item of mail package 722 accessible through the portion of dispensing aperture 736 located on base panel 712. The user is also able to grasp a partially oriented closed end 724 of the item of mail package 722 on the front panel 714 towards the dispensing aperture 736. While gripping the item of mail package 722, the user is able to pull the item of mail package 722 outwardly from the container 710 through the dispensing aperture 736 and through the gap G between the base 740 and the tab 752 on the front end 744 of the holding mechanism 704.

The embodiment depicted in fig. 12A and 12B shows the retention mechanism 704 fixedly coupled to the surface 702 in one orientation. It will be apparent that the retention mechanism 704 can be fixedly coupled to the surface 702 in any number of other orientations. The retention system 700 can also include any number of other retention mechanisms located on the surface 702. In some embodiments, other holding mechanisms located on surface 702 can have the same dimensions as holding mechanism 704 (e.g., wherein multiple containers of the same dimensions are supported by surface 702) or can be differently sized than holding mechanism 704 (e.g., wherein multiple containers of different dimensions are supported by surface 702).

For purposes of this disclosure, terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "inward," "outward," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," and the like are to be construed as descriptive, and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, the use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted" and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "substantially," "about," and the like are used to mean within 5% of the target value.

The principles, representative embodiments and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, the intended protected aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Moreover, the embodiments described herein are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. It is therefore expressly intended that all such modifications, alterations, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing packages of items of mail, the system comprising:

a retention system comprising a surface and a retention mechanism, wherein a portion of the retention mechanism extends laterally across a front of the surface; and

a container configured to hold a package of items of mail, wherein the container is supported by the surface of the holding system;

wherein the container comprises a dispensing aperture configured to allow the item of mail package to be dispensed through a first panel of the container;

wherein the container is supported by the surface of the holding system such that a second panel of the container is substantially parallel to the surface;

wherein the dispensing orifice is located on the container such that the entire dispensing orifice is located between the surface of the holding system and the portion of the holding mechanism of the holding system; and

wherein the portion of the holding means is configured to prevent movement of the container towards the holding means when a first item of mail package is dispensed from the container;

wherein the system further comprises a funnel part positioned such that the first item of mail package contacts the funnel part when the first item of mail package is dispensed from the container;

Wherein the funnel element is configured to bias the first item of mail package open when the first item of mail package is dispensed from the container.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the item of mail packages comprises an open end, and wherein the item of mail packages are located in the container, wherein the open ends of the item of mail packages are oriented toward the dispensing orifice.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first item of mail package is positioned within the container such that the open end of the first item of mail package passes through the dispensing aperture before any other portion of the first item of mail package.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing aperture is sized and shaped such that the first item of mail package is the only one of the item of mail packages that can pass through the dispensing aperture while the first item of mail package is being dispensed.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the dispensing orifice has an inverted "V" shape, and wherein an end of the inverted "V" shape is located above the second panel.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the dispensing orifice is located on the first panel and a second portion of the dispensing orifice is located on the second panel.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the container is positioned on the system such that the second portion of the dispensing orifice is accessible.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the retaining mechanism is positioned such that the container is located on the surface, wherein a portion of the second panel including the second portion of the dispensing aperture is not covered by the surface.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the container is located on the surface, wherein the portion of the second panel that includes the second portion of the dispensing aperture is located forward of a forward end of the surface.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the container is supported by the surface indirectly via the retaining mechanism.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the retaining mechanism comprises a base on which the container is located, a leg extending downward from the base, and a post extending upward from the base.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the post comprises a tab extending across a portion of a front end of the retention mechanism, and wherein the tab is the portion of the retention mechanism configured to prevent movement of the container toward the front end of the retention mechanism.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first item of mail package is configured to be dispensed from the container through the dispensing aperture and through a gap between the tab and the base.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the base comprises a recessed portion, and wherein the second portion of the dispensing orifice is aligned with the recessed portion such that the second portion of the dispensing orifice is accessible.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the container is one of a plurality of containers supported by the surface of the holding system.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the container has a different size than at least another container of the plurality of containers.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the package of items of mail in the container has a size that is different from a size of the package of items of mail in at least one other container of the plurality of containers.

18. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a coupling mechanism configured to couple the container to the surface.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises one or more clamps configured to apply a compressive force between the first panel and the surface of the container.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises one or more brackets secured to the surface, wherein each of the one or more brackets comprises a tab extending partially in front of the container.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the retention mechanism is configured to pass through a hole in the funnel component;

the funnel member being rotatable about the retaining mechanism; and

the funnel member is translatable laterally along the retaining mechanism.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the funnel comprises a sidewall;

the side wall of the funnel comprises a narrowing portion;

the funnel part is arranged such that the side of the first item of mail package contacts the narrowing when the first item of mail package is dispensed from the container; and

The narrowing is configured to bias the side of the item of mail package inwards.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the retaining mechanism comprises one or more of a plate, rod, rope, string, cable, or chain.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the item of mail packages in the container are buffered item of mail packages having an outer wall formed of a protective material and an inner wall formed of a cushioning material.

25. A container for dispensing packages of items of mail, the container comprising:

a plurality of panels folded into a three-dimensional configuration relative to one another, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel is configured to be located on a surface of a retention system;

an openable dispensing lid located on at least the second panel, wherein the openable dispensing lid is defined by a line of weakness configured to be broken to remove the openable dispensing lid, and wherein, after the openable dispensing lid is removed, the container includes a dispensing aperture in place of the openable dispensing lid; and

an item of mail package positioned within the plurality of panels;

Wherein the openable dispensing lid is located on the container such that after the openable dispensing lid is removed and the first panel is supported by the surface of the holding system, the entire dispensing aperture is located between the surface of the holding system and a portion of a holding mechanism of the holding system extending laterally across the surface;

wherein the container is configured and adapted to be positioned relative to the funnel part such that the item of mail package contacts the funnel part when the item of mail package is dispensed from the container;

wherein the funnel element is configured to bias the item of mail package open when the item of mail package is dispensed from the container.

26. The container of claim 25, further comprising:

an openable viewing cover located on the second panel;

wherein, after the openable viewing lid is removed, the container includes a viewing aperture in place of the openable viewing lid after the openable viewing lid is removed;

wherein the level of the item of mail package inside the container can be observed through the viewing aperture after the openable viewing lid has been removed.

27. The container of claim 25, wherein each of the item of mail packages includes an open end, and wherein the item of mail packages are located in the container with the open ends of the item of mail packages oriented toward the openable dispensing lid.