ES2534909T3 - Dispensing container - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensing container (10), comprising: an outer shell body (100) having a cavity (102) therein, the outer shell body (100) having first and second portions (106, 104) configured cooperatively such that the outer casing body (100) is capable of moving between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position; a dispensing tray (200) disposed within the cavity (102) of the outer shell body (100) and having an outer peripheral portion (208), the dispensing tray (200) comprising an internal storage compartment (202) adapted for the storage of a plurality of units (300) of a product to be dispensed, the dispensing tray (200) has a cover portion (250) defining at least one dispensing opening (214) through which a stored unit (300) of product is accessible when the outer shell body (100) is in the dispensing position; a sealing member (400) operatively coupled with the outer casing body (100) or the dispensing tray (200), the sealing member (400) being configured to interact with the other of the outer casing body (100) and the dispensing tray (200) to form a seal around the outer peripheral portion (208) of the dispensing tray (200) when the outer shell body (100) is in the closed and locked position; and a locking mechanism (500) operatively coupled to the outer shell body (100) and configured to releasably lock the outer shell body (100) in the closed and locked position.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Dispensing container

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to containers and methods for using them. More particularly, the invention relates to containers that provide dispensing or dosing of the stored product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of containers for dispensing solid objects, particularly solid products intended for human consumption, are known in the art. Such containers are often characterized by a hand size that can be easily stored and transported. Examples of consumable products that are often packaged in such containers are pharmaceutical compositions, oral tobacco products, snacks, mints, chewing gum, breath strips, sweets and the like.

Certain consumables, such as pharmaceuticals, require containers that have a certain level of resistance to children. Traditionally, the pills are packaged in a bottle that has a cap that can only be removed by applying downward pressure while the cap is turned. However, this type of resistance to children has certain disadvantages. For example, if a child manages to open the bottle, immediate access to the entire contents of the bottle is provided. In addition, if an adult user does not place the cap properly in the properly secured position, there is no secondary mechanism to prevent access to a child.

Examples of containers that provide a locking mechanism for increasing the resistance to children of a container can be found, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 6,863,175 to Gelardi; 6,913,149 of Gelardi et al .; 6,976,576 of Intini; and 7,216,776 to Gelardi; U.S. patent publications Nos 2009/0223989 of Gelardi and 2009/0266837 of Gelardi et al .; and U.S. patent applications Nos 12 / 412,809 of Bailey et al .; 12/42580 of Bailey et al .; and 12 / 685,819 of Bailey et al.

In addition to resistance to children, another desirable feature for certain containers is the ability to dispense a measured amount of a product. That is, it may be highly desirable for the container to control the dispensing such that each time the container is opened only a defined number of stored units of product are dispensed, such as only one unit. The measured distribution of a product can be advantageous as an additional level of resistance to children as it prevents unrestricted access to the entire contents of the container, and as a means to improve health because such a container cancels the need to touch numerous units within the container in order to obtain a single desired unit.

In addition, another desirable feature for certain containers is the protection of the product from environmental effects, particularly the effects that can degrade the product stored in the container. For example, in humid environments, moisture can invade the storage space that houses the product, thereby damaging the product or otherwise rendering the product unusable.

In the art there is still a need for a container to store and dispense a product capable of combining various advantageous features, such as resistance to children, protection against moisture, measured dispensing and convenient size.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a container that, in certain embodiments, combines resistance to children with moisture protection, and that can be provided with a convenient portable size. The type and form of the product to be stored and distributed may vary.

In one embodiment, the container of the invention comprises an outer shell body having a cavity therein. The outer shell body includes a first and a second part cooperatively configured such that the outer shell body is capable of moving between a locked and locked position and a dispensing position. A dispensing tray is disposed within the cavity of the outer shell body and has an outer peripheral part. The dispensing tray includes an internal storage compartment adapted for the storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed. The dispensing tray has a cover part that defines at least one dispensing opening through which a stored product unit is accessible when the outer housing body is in the dispensing position. A sealing member is functionally coupled with the outer shell body or with the dispensing tray. The sealing member is configured to interact with the other between the outer shell body and the dispensing tray to form a seal around the outer peripheral part of the dispensing tray when the outer shell body is in the closed position and of locked. A locking mechanism functionally coupled with the outer shell body is configured to release the outer shell body in the locked and locked position.

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In another aspect, the invention provides a method for dispensing at least one unit of a product from a container, the method comprises the steps of:

providing a container in a locked and locked position, the container comprises:

an outer carcass body having a cavity therein, the outer carcass body has a first and a second part cooperatively configured such that the outer carcass body is capable of moving between a locked and locked position and a dispensing position; a dispensing tray disposed within the cavity of the outer shell body and having an outer peripheral part, the dispensing tray comprises an internal storage compartment adapted for the storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, the tray of dispensing has a cover part that defines at least one dispensing opening through which a stored product unit is accessible when the outer housing body is in the dispensing position; a sealing member functionally coupled with the outer shell body or with the dispensing tray, the sealing member is configured to interact with the other of the outer shell body and the dispensing tray to form a seal around the outer peripheral part of the dispensing tray when the outer shell body is in the locked and locked position; and a locking mechanism functionally coupled with the outer shell body and configured to release the outer shell body in the locked and locked position;

release the locking mechanism to separate the first and second part of the outer shell body to the dispensing position; and remove at least one product unit from the internal storage compartment.

In even another aspect, the invention provides a method for sealing a product in a container, the method comprises the steps of:

providing a container in a dispensing position, the container comprises:

an outer carcass body having a cavity therein, the outer carcass body has a first and a second part cooperatively configured such that the outer carcass body is capable of moving between a locked and locked position and a dispensing position; a dispensing tray disposed within the cavity of the outer shell body and having an outer peripheral part, the dispensing tray comprises an internal storage compartment adapted for the storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, the tray of dispensing has a cover part that defines at least one dispensing opening through which a stored product unit is accessible when the outer housing body is in the dispensing position; a sealing member functionally coupled with the outer shell body or with the dispensing tray, the sealing member is configured to interact with the other of the outer shell body and the dispensing tray to form a seal around the outer peripheral part of the dispensing tray when the outer shell body is in the locked and locked position; and a locking mechanism functionally coupled with the outer shell body and configured to release the outer shell body in the locked and locked position; and coupling the locking mechanism in such a way that the first and second part of the outer shell body enclose the dispensing tray and the sealing member that is sealedly coupled to the other of the outer shell body and the dispensing tray.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Having described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and where:

Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a container embodiment of the invention in a locked and locked position; Figure 1B is a rear perspective view of the container embodiment of Figure 1A; Figure 2A is a top perspective view of an outer housing body of a container embodiment of the invention in an open position;

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Figure 2B is a bottom perspective view of the outer shell body of Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container of the invention in an open position and having an opaque cover part, with a sealing member provided in an outer housing body; Figure 3B is a perspective view of the container embodiment of Figure 3A with the sealing member provided in a dispensing tray; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the container embodiment of Figure 3A; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the container embodiment of Figure 3 A with a non-opaque cover part; Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a dispensing tray of the container embodiment of Figure 3A with a plurality of product stored therein; Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the container of the invention in an open position and having an opaque cover part; Figure 8 is an exploded view of the container embodiment of Figure 7; FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the container embodiment of Figure 7 with a non-opaque cover part; Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a dispensing tray of the container embodiment of Figure 7 with a plurality of product stored therein; Figure 11 is a perspective view of even another embodiment of the container of the present invention in an open position and having an opaque cover part; Figure 12 is an exploded front view of the container embodiment of Figure 11; Figure 13 is an exploded rear view of the container embodiment of Figure 11; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the container embodiment of Figure 11 with the cover part that is not opaque; Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of a dispensing tray of the container embodiment of Figure 11 with a plurality of product stored therein; Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a container embodiment of the invention illustrating the interaction of an outer shell body and a dispensing tray to form a seal; Figure 17A is a perspective view of a container with an embodiment of the locking mechanism of the invention; Figure 17B is an exploded view of the container of Figure 17A; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a container with another embodiment of the locking mechanism of the invention; Figure 19A is a perspective view of a container with even another embodiment of the locking mechanism of the invention; Figure 19B is an exploded view of the container of Figure 19A; Figure 20A is a perspective view of a container with yet another embodiment of the locking mechanism of the invention, the container is shown in a locked and locked position; Figure 20B is an exploded view of the container of Figure 20A; Figure 20C is a perspective view of the container of Figure 20A with the container shown in an open position; and Figure 21 is a perspective view of a container with yet another embodiment of the locking mechanism of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described more fully hereafter with reference to certain preferred embodiments. These embodiments are provided so that this description is thorough and complete, and will fully express the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Certainly, the invention can be embodied in many different ways and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments presented herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this description satisfies the applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms of "one", "one", "the" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The container embodiments described in the present application can be used to store and dispense any solid product, but in particular they are very suitable for products designed for oral consumption. Examples of consumable products include pharmaceuticals such as pills and tablets, cigarettes and other smoker products, smokeless tobacco products, sweets, mints, chewing gum and other confectionery products, snacks and the like.

Examples of tobacco products are granulated tobacco products (for example, compressed or molded tablets produced from powdered or processed tobacco, such as those formed with a general form of coin, cylinder, bean, pill, sphere, orb , strip, Oblate spheroid, bucket, bead, or the like), extruded or molded pieces of tobacco (for example, strips, films or sheets, even multilayer films with the desired shape), products incorporating tobacco carried on a solid substrate ( for example, in substrate materials ranging from

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edible grains with inedible cellulosic sticks), extruded or shaped sticks or sticks that contain tobacco, materials such as capsules containing tobacco that have an outer covering region and an inner core region, straw-like forms (eg hollow) containing tobacco , packets or packages containing tobacco (for example, products such as snus), pieces of chewing gum containing tobacco and things like that.

Examples of smokeless tobacco compositions that can be packaged in the containers of the invention are presented in, for example, US Pat. No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; 3,368,567 to Speer; 4,513,756 of Pittman et al .; 4,606,357 of Dusek et al; 4,821,749 of Toft et al .; 5,167,244 to Kjerstad; 5,387,416 to White;

6,668,839 to William; US 2005/0244521 of Strickland et al .; US 2006/0191548 of Strickland et al .; US 2007/0186942 of Strickland et al .; US 2008/0029110 by Dube et al .; and US 2008/0029116 by Robinson et al. Examples of chewing gum containing tobacco are presented in US Pat. Nos. 4,624,269 to Story et al .;

4,975,270 to Kehoe; and 4,802,498 to Ogren. Various ways or methods for packaging smokeless tobacco products are set forth in US 2004/0217024 and US 2006/0118589 of Arnarp et al .; WO 2005/016036 of Bjorkholm; WO 2006/034450 to Budd; WO 2007/017761 of Kutsch et al .; and WO 2007/067953 of Sheveley et al

Smokeless tobacco compositions used as a product contained in the containers of the invention will often include ingredients such as tobacco (typically in the form of particles), sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, mastics, flavoring agents, disintegration aids. , antioxidants, oral care additives and preservatives. See, for example, US 2007/0186941 of Holton et al.

The size and shape of the product to be stored and dispensed may vary. Examples of product forms include pills, tablets, spheres, orbs, strips, films, sheets, coins, cubes, beads, ovoids, Oblate spheroids, cylinders, beans, sticks or rods. The cross-sectional shape of the products may vary, and examples of cross-sectional shapes include circles, squares, ovals, rectangles and the like. Product dimensions will often vary depending on its shape. In one embodiment, the product is in the form of a tablet or bean, and has a length and width in the range of about 3 mm to about 20 mm, more typically about 5 to about 12 mm. In another embodiment, the product is rod-shaped with a length in the range of about 50 to about 100 mm (more typically about 60 to about 80 mm) and a diameter of about 2 mm to about 8 mm (more typically about 3 mm to approximately 6 mm).

In one embodiment, the product is in the form of a flattened sheet or film. The material such as sheet or film typically has a shape that can be described as generally rectangular (optionally with rounded edges or corners), oval, triangular or diamond shape. A generally rectangular sheet or film product will typically have a length in the range of about 20 to about 40 mm, more often about 25 to about 35 mm, and sometimes between about 30 and about 35 mm (eg, about 33 mm). The width of a generally rectangular sheet or film product will typically range from about 12 to about 28 mm, more often from about 15 to about 25 mm, and sometimes, between about 18 and about 22 mm (eg, about 20 mm) . The thickness of the sheet or film product is typically in the range of about 0.05 to about 0.75 mm, more often about 0.1 to about 0.5 mm, and sometimes between about 0.15 and about 0.25 mm Sheet-shaped products are typically arranged in a stacked configuration within the storage compartment of the containers of the invention.

When the product is a smokeless tobacco composition, the sheet or film product can take various forms, including films or sheets formed using tobacco reconstitution techniques known in the art. Alternatively, the sheet or film product may be in the form of so-called "edible films" or "orally soluble strips" that incorporate a tobacco component. Examples of sheet or film materials are presented in US Pat. Nos. 5,587,172 to Cherukuri et al .; 5,733,577 of Myers et al .; 5,869,098 to Misra et al .; 5,871,781 of Myers et al .; 6,337,082 of Fuisz et al .; 6,596,298 of Leung et al .; 7,067,115 to Bess et al .; and 7,025,983 from Leung et al .; US 2004/0241242 by Fuisz et al .; US 2005/0244521 of Strickland et al .; US 2006/0039953 by Leung et al .; US 2006/0198873 of Chan et al .; US 2006/0204559 by Bess et al .; US 2007/0069416 by Yang et al .; US 2008/0029110 by Dube et al .; USSN 11 / 781,641 of Mua et al. (2007); and USSN 12 / 014,525 by Robinson et al (2008)

The shape of the outer surface of the containers of the invention may vary. Although the container embodiments illustrated in the drawings have certain contours, containers with other exterior surface designs could also be used. For example, the sides or edges of the containers of the invention could be flattened, rounded or beveled, and the various surfaces or edges of the outside of the container could be concave or convex. In addition, the opposite sides, ends or edges of the container may be parallel or non-parallel, such that the container becomes narrower in one or more dimensions.

The dimensions of the containers described herein may vary without departing from the invention. However, in preferred embodiments, the containers of the invention can be described as having a

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Suitable size for portable handling and handling. Examples of dimensions for such portable embodiments include lengths in the range of about 25 mm to about 200 mm, more typically from about 50 mm to about 150 mm, and more often from about 80 mm to about 120 mm. Examples of widths include the range of about 10 mm to about 100 mm, more typically from about 20 mm to about 80 mm, and more often from about 30 mm to about 60 mm. As used herein, length and width refer to the larger dimensions of the container that define the greater plane of the container. Examples of depths for embodiments of portable container of the invention range from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, more typically from about 8 mm to about 30 mm, and more often from about 10 mm to about 20 mm.

The number of solid product units stored in the containers of the invention may also vary, depending on the size of the container and the size of the product units. Typically, the number of units of product stored will vary from about 5 to about 100, more typically from about 10 to about 50, and more often from about 15 to about 30.

The construction material of the container may also vary. Examples of materials include metal, wood and synthetic plastic materials. Typically polymeric materials are used that can be extruded and / or molded to desired shapes, such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide and the like.

In certain embodiments, the containers of the invention combine several advantageous features, such as child resistance, moisture protection and measured dispensing of a product. In particular, certain embodiments of the containers of the invention include a child resistant locking mechanism that releasably locks a dispensing chamber of the container in a locked and locked position. The locking mechanism can be released and dispensing a product using a series of manipulations that include, for example, pressing a locking button or flap and separating parts of the container to expose the product to be dispensed. The containers of the invention can provide protection of the product against moisture by providing a sealing member to limit the moisture content within the container. The containers of the invention also provide, in certain embodiments, the measured dispensing of the product by providing a dispensing path with a size for the passage of a single unit of the product so that at the same time only a single unit of product can enter a dispensing opening

Certain preferred embodiments of the invention are described herein by referring to measured dispensing of a single product unit, which may be, for example, a single consumable unit of a smokeless tobacco product, a single consumable unit of a product of confectionery or snack, or a single dose unit of a pharmaceutical product. However, the invention encompasses embodiments in which the product is dispensed in larger quantities, such as a plurality of units. For example, if desired, the dispensing opening and dispensing chamber described herein could be sized to provide space for more than one product unit.

Figures 1-21 illustrate various embodiments of container 10 according to the present invention. The container 10 may include an outer shell body 100 having a cavity 102 defined therein. In some cases, the outer carcass body 100 can be formed from a first and a second part 104, 106, which cooperate to form an enclosure to define the cavity 102. That is, the first and second part 104, 106 can function as a bivalve type way between a closed position (Figures 1A and 1B) and an open position (Figures 2A and 2B). In this regard, the outer shell body 100 may be a single piece having the first and second part 104, 106 formed integrally.

In some embodiments, the outer shell body 100 may include a hinge portion 108 for hingedly coupling the first and second portions 104, 106 such that the outer shell body 100 can move between the closed position and the opening. The hinge portion 108 can be integrally formed with the first and second parts 104, 106 such that the outer shell body is formed as a single unit. In other cases, the first and second parts 104, 106 may be discrete (separate) parts that are hinged by a discrete hinge member (not shown). In another embodiment, the first and second parts 104, 106 may be discrete parts that are not hinged, but still allow the separation of the first and second parts 104, 106. That is, the first part 104 may be entirely removable. with respect to the second part 106 to allow access to the cavity 102 defined therein.

The outer shell body 100 may include a child resistance or a locking mechanism, generally designated 500, to keep the outer shell body 100 in a locked and locked position, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. By releasing the locking mechanism 500, the first and second parts 104, 106 of the outer shell body 100 can be separated in such a way that the content stored inside the outer shell body 100 can be accessed in an open and dispensing position . In the embodiments shown, the first and second parts 104, 106 are hingedly coupled such that the first part 104 is rotated with respect to the second part 106 after the locking mechanism is released. In

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The drawings show various embodiments of the locking mechanism 500 and each will be discussed in detail later.

The container 10 further includes a dispensing tray 200 for storing a product to be dispensed. The dispensing tray 200 may be received within the cavity 102 of the outer housing body 100. In one embodiment, the dispensing tray 200 may be received within the second part 106 of the outer housing body 100. The dispensing tray 200 it can be permanently or temporarily coupled to the second part 106. For example, the dispensing tray 200 can be firmly coupled to the second part 106 through an interference fit or with an adhesive fastener, or otherwise by any fastener or mechanism appropriate coupling. In other cases, the dispensing tray 200 can be integrally formed with the outer shell body 100 as a single piece unit. In such cases, the dispensing tray 200 and the outer shell body 100 may not be separate and distinct parts. The dispensing tray 200 and the outer shell body 100 can be constructed in multiple parts that are fixed together using any means known to one skilled in the art. In other cases, the dispensing tray 200 and the outer shell body 100 could be formed as a single unit structure. The outer housing body 100 can define one or more open slots 112 to facilitate the removal of the dispensing tray 200 from it.

The dispensing tray 200 may include an internal storage compartment 202 for storing a plurality of units 300 (Figures 6, 10, and 15) of a product to be dispensed. A floor 204 of the dispensing tray 200 can define one or more nicks 206 that facilitate the removal of a single unit 300 from the internal storage compartment 202. A peripheral part 208 of the dispensing tray 200 extends around a perimeter or periphery of at least a part of the dispensing tray 200. That is, the peripheral part 208 can be defined by an outer surface of one or more side walls defining an outer part of the dispensing tray 200. In some cases, the peripheral part 208 can be substantially adapted or otherwise matched with the shape of the outer shell body 100. However, the peripheral portion 208 can have any shape or size to fit inside the outer shell body 100.

A cover part or plate 250 may be provided to contain the units 300 within the internal storage compartment 202. In some cases, the cover part 250 may be provided as a separate and discrete part of the dispensing tray 200. The dispensing tray 200 may define a shoulder 210, which, in some cases, may be substantially flat, to receive the cover part 250 in a recessed manner such that the dispensing tray 200 and the cover part 250 form a substantially flat upper surface 212. The cover part 250 can be secured to the plate of the dispensing tray 200 by any suitable mechanism, including, but not limited to, a snap fit, an elastic snap fit, an interference fit. However, other methods for fixing this cover part 250 and the dispensing tray 200 may be provided. In some cases, the dispensing tray may include a channel 220 configured to receive a lip part 254 of the cover part 250 (see Figure 16). According to some embodiments, the cover part 250 may be integrally formed with the dispensing tray 200 such that the cover part 250 and the dispensing tray 200 are provided as a single piece.

In some cases, the cover part 250 may be opaque (Figures 3A, 3B, 4, 7, 8 and 11-13), while in other cases the cover part 250 may not be opaque (ie translucent or transparent; Figures 5, 6, 9, 10, 14 and 15) in such a way that a quantity of product units 300 that remain in the internal storage compartment 202 can be determined. The cover part 250 can define a dispensing opening 214 through from which the product for the removal of the dispensing tray 200 can pass. The dispensing opening 214 can have any shape or size and, in some cases, can have substantially the same shape and size as the product stored in the tray dispensing 200. The dispensing opening 214 can be sized and configured to allow only a single unit of the stored product to pass through the dispensing opening 214, although the dispensing opening 214 could also to be configured to allow a greater defined number of product units to pass each time.

Figures 3A, 3B, 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment of container 10 that is particularly well suited for the storage and dispensing of a product having a pill or tablet form. As shown in the exploded view of Figure 4, the dispensing tray 200 has interior walls 216 defining the internal storage compartment 202 for the storage of the products to be dispensed. The dispensing tray 200 can also have blocking walls 218 defining a dispensing path such that the product can be directed close to the dispensing opening 214 to dispense from the container 10. The internal storage compartment 202 looks at the cover part 250 for enclosing the internal storage compartment 202. The cover part 250 may also include a

or more walls 252 to cooperate with the locking walls 218 of the dispensing tray to define the dispensing path. The blocking walls 218 and / or the walls 252 can be arranged in such a way that the dispensing path is defined as a winding path that prevents the product from crossing a straight path to a dispensing area close to the dispensing opening 214. In addition , the dispensing path can

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dimensioned in such a way that only a single unit of product can pass between the blocking walls 218 and / or the walls 252 that define the dispensing path. That is, in some cases, the product units move along the dispensing path with a series alignment.

Figures 7-9 illustrate an embodiment of container 10 that is particularly well suited for the storage and dispensing of a product having a strip or film shape. As shown in the exploded view of Figure 8, the dispensing tray 200 has interior walls 216 defining the internal storage compartment 202 for the storage of the products to be dispensed. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cover part 250 may include a plurality of projections 256 that extend substantially perpendicularly from the cover part 250 towards the internal storage compartment 202. The terminal end of each projection may be in ramp or otherwise inclined to provide resistance or interference to the product to prevent the product from sliding out of the internal storage compartment 202. The internal storage compartment 202 looks at the cover part 250 to enclose the internal storage compartment 202.

Figures 11-14 illustrate an embodiment of container 10 that is particularly well suited for the storage and dispensing of a product having a stick or rod shape. As shown in the exploded views of Figures 12 and 13, the dispensing tray 200 has interior walls 216 defining the internal storage compartment 202 for the storage of the products to be dispensed. As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the cover part 250 may include one or more lip portions 258 that extend substantially perpendicular to the cover part 250 towards the internal storage compartment 202. The lip part 258 serves to keeping the product inside the internal storage compartment 202 until its dispensing begins, while also facilitating the measurement of the product. In this particular embodiment, the dispensing tray 200 can also define a ramp member 230 configured to facilitate removal of the stick or rod shaped product from the container 10, as shown in Figures 11 and 13.

Embodiments of the present invention may also include a sealing member 400 to seal the product within the container 10 and provide a moisture barrier to limit product degradation due to moisture or other environmental conditions. As shown in Figures 2A, 3A, 4, 5, 7-9, 11-14, 16, 17A, 17B, 18, 19B, 20B, 20C and 21, the sealing member 400 can be functionally coupled with the body of outer housing 100. In some cases, the sealing member 400 may be fixed, engaged, secured or otherwise secured to the outer body of the cover 100. In other cases, the sealing member 400 may be integrally formed with the outer housing body 100 to form a unitary structure. According to one embodiment, the sealing member 400 may be provided on the first part 104 of the outer housing body 100.

In some cases, the sealing member 400 may be substantially configured as a hill-like structure or rib, as shown particularly in Figure 16. In such cases, the sealing member 400 may contact and interact with the peripheral portion 208 of the dispensing tray 200 to provide a seal at least partially around the dispensing tray 200. In this regard, the sealing member 400 and the peripheral portion 208 interact in an interference manner to provide a barrier seal against the humidity. Figure 16 illustrates various sizes of the hill in which the sealing member 400 can be configured. For example, the sealing member 400a represents a rib structure having a shallow profile, the sealing member 400b represents a rib structure which has an intermediate profile, and the sealing member 400c represents a rib structure that has a deep profile. A larger rib structure may provide more interference with the dispensing tray 200. As shown in Figure 16, the sealing member 400 may extend from an inner wall 120 of the outer shell body 100 extending into the interior of the same. In this particular embodiment, the sealing member 400b illustrates a profile increase of approximately 0.00508 cm (0.002 inches) on the profile of the sealing member 400a, while the sealing member 400c illustrates a profile increase of approximately 0.0127 cm (0.005 inches) above the profile of the sealing member 400b.

In other embodiments, the sealing member 400 may be provided around the peripheral portion 208 of the dispensing tray 200, as shown in Figure 3B. That is, in some cases, the sealing member 400 can be fixed, coupled, secured or otherwise secured to the dispensing tray 200 around the peripheral part 208 thereof. In other cases, the sealing member 400 may be integrally formed with the dispensing tray 200 around the peripheral portion 208 thereof to form a unitary structure.

The outer shell body 100 shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 7-9, 11-14, 17A, 17B, 18, 19A, 19B, 20A, 20B, 20C and 21 also includes a child resistance or a locking mechanism 500. In operation, the outer shell body 100 can be manipulated by a user to unlock the outer shell body 100 from its closed and locked position so that the parts of the outer shell body 100 can be separated to the opening and dispensing position, thereby providing access to the dispensing tray 200 and the product stored therein.

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E10745086 04-14-2015

Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 7-9, 11-14 illustrate an embodiment of the locking mechanism 500 that can be implemented according to the container 10 of the present invention. The locking mechanism 500 may include a movable flap 502 formed in the second part 106 and configured to deflect or bending towards the inside of the container 10 to release the locking mechanism 500. In the second part 106 of the outer housing body 100 can be formed integrally a pair of projected members 504 and disposed adjacent to the fin 502. The projected member 504 can be configured to interact with a pair of flange portions 506 integrally formed in the first part 104 of the outer housing body 100 and defining a pair of slots 508 to receive a portion of the projected members 504. That is, the slots 508 of the flange portions 506 may be positioned to engage the projected members 504 when the outer shell body 100 is in the locked and locked position. The flange portions 506 may be configured to deflect or bending outwardly from the inside of the container 10 such that the flange portions 506 and the projected members 504 interact to provide a snap or snap fit. To release the locking mechanism 500, the flap 502 can be diverted into the outer shell body 100, thereby also diverting the projected members 504 out of engagement with the grooves 508 of the flange portions 506. As such, the first and the second part 104, 106 can be rotated apart from each other around the hinge part 108.

Figures 17A and 17B illustrate another embodiment of the locking mechanism 500 that can be implemented according to the container 10 of the present invention. The first part 104 of the outer shell body 100 may include a pair of flanges 510 having projections 512 extending therefrom. The second part 106 of the outer shell body 100 can define a pair of slots 514 to receive correspondingly to the tabs 510 and the projections 512 when the outer shell body 100 is in the locked and locked position. In this manner, the tabs 510 and projections 512 provide a snap or snap fit to keep the outer shell body 100 in the locked and locked position. In the first part 104 of the outer shell body 100, a grip portion 516 can be provided to provide the user with a grip portion to move the outer shell body 100 between the locked and locked position and the dispensing position. Along the peripheral part 208 of the dispensing tray 200, a pair of recessed portions 518 can be provided to allow the flanges 510 to extend through them to the slots 514.

Figure 18 illustrates another embodiment of the locking mechanism 500 that can be implemented according to the container 10 of the present invention. The locking mechanism 500 is similar to that illustrated by Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 7-9, 11-14, where the deviation of the movable flap 502 causes decoupling of the flange portions 506 and projected members 504. Furthermore, the dispensing tray 200 may include a pair of arm members 520 configured to be received correspondingly within a pair of channels 522 defined by the second part 106 of the outer housing body 100. The arm members 520 are disposed out of the peripheral part 208 of the dispensing tray 200. In operation, the arm members 520 are turned inward towards the peripheral part 208 of the dispensing tray 200 such that The arm members 520 can be received within the channels 522 in an interference fit or with elastic jump. In this regard, a pair of pole members 520a can be aligned with the projected members 504 to prevent the projected members 504 from deviating, thereby preventing the projected members 504 from decoupling from the grooves 508 and flange portions 506. The second part 106 may define holes arranged close to the arm member portions 520b of the arm members

520. In this regard, the arm member portions 520b can be seated adjacent to the holes such that the arm member portions 520b can extend out of the second part 106 to remove the pole members 520a from the alignment with the projected members 504. As such, the deviating members 504 can be turned inward toward the dispensing tray 200 to disengage the slots 508 and the flange portions 506.

Figures 19A and 19B illustrate another embodiment of the locking mechanism 500 that can be implemented according to the container 10 of the present invention. The second part 106 of the outer casing body 100 includes an arcuate button with resilience 530, which can be depressed to release the locking mechanism 500. In this regard, the outer casing body 100 is locked and closed by an interference socket. , whereby pressing button 530 helps to release the socket with interference so that the outer shell body 100 can move to the dispensing position. That is, pressing the button 530 allows access to a lower surface 532 of a lip part 534 such that a user can apply an axial force to the lower surface 532 to separate the first and second parts 104, 106 and access the dispensing tray 200.

Figures 20A, 20B and 20C illustrate another embodiment of the locking mechanism 500 that can be implemented according to the container 10 of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 7-9, 11-14, the second part 106 includes the projected members 504 that can be configured to interact with slots 508 and flange portions 506 integrally formed in the first part 104 of the outer shell body 100 to hold the container 10 in the locked and locked position. In addition, the dispensing tray 200 may include an arm member 540 configured to be received in a channel 542 defined by the second part 106 of the outer housing body 100. The arm member 540 is normally predisposed out of the peripheral part 208 of the dispensing tray 200. The arm member 540

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it can be formed separately or integrally with the dispensing tray 200. The arm member 540 can include a flange member 544 and one or more extension parts 545.

The arm member 540 can be turned inward towards the peripheral part 208 of the dispensing tray 200 such that the arm member 540 can be received within the channel 542. The flange member 544 of the arm member 540 can extend to through a slot 546 defined by the second part 106 of the outer shell body 100. The flange member 544 can slide laterally into the slot 546 to release the locking mechanism 500 so that the container 10 can move between the position Closing and locking and dispensing position. That is, the sliding of the flange member 544 causes the arm member 540 to move laterally within the channel 542, thereby causing the extension portions 545 to enter and exit an adjacent position with respect to the projected members 504.

When adjacent to the projected members 504, the extension portions 545 prevent the projected members 504 from being turned inward toward the dispensing tray 200, as shown in FIGURE 20C. Therefore, when aligned with the projected members 504, the extension portions 545 help prevent the separation of the first and second parts 104, 106 such that the container 10 can be held in the locked and locked position . To move the container 10 to the dispensing or opening position, the flange member 544 moves laterally such that the extension portions 545 are not aligned with the projected members 504 such that the projected members 504 can be deflected inside and outside the coupling with the grooves 508 and the flange portions 506. Additionally, the button 530 can be pressed, concurrent with the misalignment of the extension parts 545 and the projected members 504, such that an axial force can be applied to the first part 104 next to button 530 to separate the first and second part 104, 106 to access the dispensing tray 200.

Figure 21 illustrates another embodiment of the locking mechanism 500 that can be implemented according to the container 10 of the present invention. The locking mechanism 500 is similar to that illustrated by Figures 19A and 19B, wherein the outer shell body 100 is locked and closed by an interference socket, where pressing the button with resilience 530 helps release the socket with interference such that the outer shell body 100 can move to the dispensing position. In this embodiment, the button 530 is substantially flat rather than arched, where the button 530 can be pressed to release the locking mechanism 500. That is, pressing the button 530 allows access to a lower edge 536 of a portion of projection 538 of the first part 104 such that a user can apply an axial force to the lower edge 536 to separate the first and the second part 104, 106 and access the dispensing tray 200. According to one embodiment, a surface side 537 of the button 530 (ie, the part coupled by a user) can be arranged substantially flat with respect to a front wall 539 of the second part 106. In other cases, the side surface 537 of the button 530 can be lowered inwards with respect to the front wall 539.

As part of the final packaging process, once the dispensing containers of the invention are filled with the desired product, the containers can be wrapped or over-sealed with a film material, or retractable with such material. The outer packaging material useful according to the present invention may vary. Typically, the selection of packaging material depends on factors such as aesthetics, transparency, handling comfort, desired barrier properties (for example, to provide protection against exposure to oxygen or radiation, or to provide protection against loss of moisture), or something similar. The packaging material is preferably in the form of a film, such as a laminated film (for example, a co-extruded laminated film). Representative materials that can be used to provide components or layers of film materials or laminated films include polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, oriented polypropylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyvinylidene dichloride, polyester terephthalate , ethylene methacrylic acid co-polymer, low density linear metallocene polyethylene, cellulosic materials (eg, cellophane), and something similar. Examples of packaging materials may be plastic / metal films, paper-coated plastic / metal films, plastic laminate films or something similar. US 2008/0029116 by Robinson et al. describes some examples of suitable packaging materials.

Those skilled in the art, to which these inventions belong, will come up with many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions presented herein, which have the advantage of the teachings presented in the preceding descriptions and in the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the inventions are not limited to the specific embodiments described and that within the scope of the appended claims it is intended to include modifications and other embodiments. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense and not only for the purpose of limitation.

Claims (15)

image 1 5 fifteen 25 35 Four. Five 55 65 1. A dispensing container (10), comprising: an outer shell body (100) having a cavity (102) therein, the outer shell body (100) has a first and a second part (106, 104) cooperatively configured such that the outer shell body (100) is able to move between a locked and locked position and a dispensing position; a dispensing tray (200) disposed within the cavity (102) of the outer housing body (100) and having an outer peripheral part (208), the dispensing tray (200) comprises an internal storage compartment (202) adapted for the storage of a plurality of units (300) of a product to be dispensed, the dispensing tray (200) has a cover part (250) defining at least one dispensing opening (214) through which a stored product unit (300) is accessible when the outer housing body (100) is in the dispensing position; a sealing member (400) functionally coupled with the outer shell body (100) or with the dispensing tray (200), the sealing member (400) is configured to interact with the other of the outer shell body (100) and the dispensing tray (200) to form a seal around the outer peripheral part (208) of the dispensing tray (200) when the outer housing body (100) is in the locked and locked position; and a locking mechanism (500) functionally coupled with the outer shell body (100) and configured to release the outer shell body (100) releasably in the locked and locked position.

2.

The dispensing vessel (10) of claim 1, wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of pharmaceuticals, smoker's products, smokeless tobacco products, snack foods and confectionery products.

3.

The dispensing container (10) of claim 1, wherein the product is selected from the group consisting of pharmaceuticals, sweets, mints and chewing gums.

Four.

The dispensing container (10) of claim 1, wherein the first and second part (106, 104) of the outer shell body (100) are hingedly coupled to facilitate movement between the locked and locked position and the dispensing position.

5.

The dispensing container (10) of claim 1, wherein the dispensing opening (214) has a size for the passage of a single unit (300) of the product.

6.

The dispensing container (10) of any one of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism (500) comprises at least one projection (504) projecting from the first part

(106) of the outer shell body (100) and placed adjacent to a movable fin (502) formed in the first part (106) of the outer shell body (100), and at least one opening (508) defined by the second part (104) of the outer shell body (100) and functionally positioned to engage at least one projection (504) when the outer casing body (100) is in the locked and locked position, such that by pressing the fin (502) the separation of the at least one projection (504) will be carried out with respect to the at least one opening (508) and will allow the separation of the first and the second part (106, 104) of the outer shell body (100).

7.

The dispensing container (10) of any one of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the dispensing tray (200) sits inside the second part (104) of the outer shell body (100), and the first part (106) of the outer shell body (100) comprises a substantially flat part and at least one wall part (120) that extends substantially perpendicular to it and has an internal surface, at least one wall part ( 120) has a longitudinally extending ridge integrally formed therewith around the inner surface to form the sealing member (400), wherein the longitudinally extending ridge is configured to interact in a sealed manner with the outer peripheral part ( 208) of the dispensing tray (200) when the outer shell body (100) is in the locked and locked position.

8.

The dispensing container (10) of any one of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the sealing member (400) is configured to form an interference fit between the outer housing body (100) and the dispensing tray ( 200) when the outer shell body (100) is in the locked and locked position.

9.

The dispensing vessel (10) of any one of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the dispensing tray (200) includes at least one wall portion (218) defining a dispensing path that is configured to direct the product to the dispensing opening (214).

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The dispensing vessel (10) of any one of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the dispensing tray (200) defines a recessed portion with axial alignment with the at least one dispensing opening (214).

eleven.

The dispensing vessel (10) of any one of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the sealing member (400) comprises a rib structure that extends from an inner wall (120) of the outer shell body (100) towards the cavity (102).

12.

A method for dispensing a product from the container (10) of any of claim 1 to claim 5, comprising:

providing the container (10) in a locked and locked position; release the locking mechanism (500) to separate the first and second part (106, 104) of the outer housing body (100) to the dispensing position; and remove at least one unit (300) of product from the internal storage compartment (202).

13.

The method of claim 12, wherein the release of the locking mechanism (500) further comprises pressing a movable flap (502) formed in the first part (106) of the outer housing body (100) such that by pressing the flap (502) the separation of at least one projection (504) is made relative to at least one opening (508) to allow the separation of the first and second part (106, 104) of the outer shell body (100 ), the at least one projection (504) projects from the first part (106) of the outer housing body

(100) and is placed adjacent to the movable fin (502) formed in the first part (106) of the outer shell body (100), and the at least one opening (508) defined by the second part (104) of the outer shell body (100) and is functionally positioned to engage at least one projection (504) when the outer shell body (100) is in the locked and locked position.

14.

A method for sealing a product in the container (10) of any one of claim 1 to claim 5, comprising:

providing the container (10) in a dispensing position; and coupling the locking mechanism (500) in such a way that the first and second part (106, 104) of the outer housing body (100) enclose the dispensing tray (200) and the sealing member (400) that is Sealedly coupled to the other of the outer shell body (100) and the dispensing tray (200).

fifteen.

The method of claim 14, wherein the coupling of the locking mechanism (500) further comprises coupling the locking mechanism (500) such that a longitudinally extending hillock of the first part (106) of the housing body outer (100), is configured to interact in a sealed manner with the outer peripheral part (208) of the dispensing tray (200) when the outer housing body (100) is in the locked and locked position, the tray dispensing (200) sits inside the second part (104) of the outer shell body (100), the first part (106) of the outer shell body (100) is coupled to a substantially flat part and at least one part of wall (120) that extends substantially perpendicular thereto and that has an internal surface, the at least one part of wall (120) has the longitudinally extending longitudinally formed ridge with it around the inter surface na to form the sealing member (400).

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