GB2601527A

GB2601527A - Dispensing container

Info

Publication number: GB2601527A
Application number: GB2019081.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Gavin Jonathan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-12-03
Filing date: 2020-12-03
Publication date: 2022-06-08
Also published as: GB202019081D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container 1, especially a bag or sack for dispensing particulate matter, granular matter, fluidic material or pellets of animal feed or pet litter, contained therein into a secondary and smaller receptor. The container comprises a elongate flexible container 1 comprising a main body in which the granular matter is stored, the container having an upper end 4 and a lower end 5, wherein the upper end comprises a plurality of apertures 2, 3 at least one of which is suitably sized and shaped for manual handling and wherein the lower end 5 comprises an integral funnel channel formed in the main body and a dispensing nozzle assembly 6, the dispensing nozzle assembly being associated with a manually operable opening/closure member (9, figure 2) having an aperture (12, figure 3), an exit port and a terminal end cap (10).

Description

DISPENSING CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a flexible container, especially a bag or sack for dispensing particulate matter, granular matter, flowable material or pellets of animal feed or pet litter, contained therein into a secondary and smaller receptor.

BACKGROUND

It is known from the prior art to dispense pet food directly from a hermetically sealed bag containing feed by way of removing a corner of the sealed bag and simply pouring the contents, under gravity, into a secondary container such as a bucket, dish, tray, feeder or the like. This however requires a user, to not only lift the bag, but also to the risk of substantial spillage of its contents in the transfer process. A further problem is that the pouring of the contents is not controlled, and as the volume of the contents diminishes, the user has to further manipulate the bag to ensure residual matter at the bottom of the bag is directed to the opening and into the secondary container. It is also known from the prior art to provide hermetically sealed bags that have integral dispensing nozzles so that a user can control the amount of contents dispensed into a recipient container.

Bird feed is classed as a "wild animal" product in the UK and therefore any bag sold over 12.75 kg is exclusive of VAT. This therefore means that commercial outlets often sell wild bird food in bags over 12.75kg in weight, the problem with providing bags this heavy is that the demographic and age of the type of person buying these bags is often the elderly, who struggle significantly to pick up a bag of this weight. Furthermore, depending on the season dispensing into a feeder unit maybe a daily occurrence. Some bird seed bags can be 30kg in weight and often come in a woven sack with no handling mechanism. The weight of these bags is impractical, not only to carry from the site of purchase to their final destinations, but also when actually handling the bag to dispense the contents into its desired secondary container.

Pet food and pet litter once purchased in bulk, often has to be decanted into another secondary container. Typically, the secondary container is a smaller container such as a bucket or tray and transfer is via a scoop, as an assistive aid or additional implement for dispensing purposes, all with the intention of making the process of dispensing pet food/pet litter easier and more convenient for the consumer experience. This means that there is often further purchases that the consumer will have to bear in addition to purchasing the pet food/pet litter product itself. There is also a potential, should the secondary container require yet further decanting into a final receptacle that there is a need to clean not only the bag/sack each time it is reused or refilled but also the secondary container and further receptacle.

There is a need to provide an easier, cleaner and more convenient way of dispensing particulate matter from a storage bag into a smaller container such as a pet litter tray or dispenser such as an animal feeder.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an elongate flexible container comprising a main body in which granular matter, particulate matter or pellets, in use, are stored, the flexible container having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end comprises a plurality of apertures at least one of which is suitably sized and shaped for manual handling and wherein the lower end comprises an integral funnel channel formed in the main body and a dispensing nozzle assembly, the dispensing nozzle assembly being associated with a manually operable opening/closure member having an aperture, an exit port and a terminal end cap.

Preferably, the upper end of the bag comprising the plurality of apertures not only comprises a handling portion but also additional apertures to enable the flexible container to be suspended by for example hooks, nails or the like on a solid surface.

Preferably, the upper end of the flexible bag comprises a first portion of the main body in which the apertures are positioned that is integrally formed with a second portion of the main body which, in use, contains the particulate matter, granular matter or pellets.

Preferably, the first and second portions of the main body whilst being integrally formed, in some embodiments are separated by a transverse channel.

The flexible container of the present invention maybe in some embodiments be a single use sealed bag and in other embodiments provide a pocket which can be refilled.

In the embodiment where the flexible container is refillable, the transverse channel is resealable such as a Ziploc TM mechanism.

Preferably, the funnel channel positioned at the lower end of the flexible container is "V" shaped, so as to direct contents contained within the main body towards the dispensing nozzle. The funnel channel is formed as part of the flexible bag by having cut away portions on both a right and a left side of the lower end of the main body, thereby forming the "V" shaped directional channel. Alternatively, the "V" shaped channel may be formed by pressing or gluing the opposite lower sides so as to form the required funnel shape and slope towards the exit port.

Preferably, the nozzle assembly comprises a transverse slidable mechanism so as to open and close an aperture to the exit port thereby allowing controlled release of contents contained within the main body of the bag to the exit port.

Preferably, the aperture of the dispensing nozzle is sized according to the contents that are to be dispensed. In some embodiments of the invention, the aperture size is between 15 to 60 mm and preferably between 20 to 50 mm Preferably, the exit port of the nozzle assembly further comprises a terminal end cap, typically a screw cap Preferably, the flexible container is composed of a material selected from the group comprising plastics, plastics composites, reinforced paper or the like.

Preferably, the flexible container is biodegradable.

In the embodiment that the bag provides a pouch or bag, the flexible container is reusable.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of dispensing contents from a flexible container as described in the first aspect of the invention into a secondary container, the method comprising sliding a release mechanism to an open position and when sufficient contents have been released via the aperture of the exit port, sliding the release mechanism to a closed position thereby closing the aperture.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided use of the flexible container of the first aspect of the invention in dispensing bird feed from the bag interior into a bird feeder.

It will be appreciated that preferred features ascribed to one aspect of the invention applies mutatis mutandis to each and every aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows the flexible dispenser bag of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows details of the dispenser nozzle assembly of the bag of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a plan view of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a solution to the pet food/hygiene market in the form of a pet food or pet litter, dispenser bag which offers a suitable and convenient solution in the handling and dispensing of its contents to its required destination. Moreover, in some embodiments it is reusable, sustainable and at its end of use is substantially biodegradable.

The flexible container bag of the present invention offers a unique dispensing arrangement, the bottom of which has been purposely designed and extended to allow for easier directional dispensing into items such as bird feeders with a small 40-50mm circumference aperture or other smaller pet food products. Due to the weight and size of the bags and the speed under gravity, at which the product will dispense from the spout, the overall design of the bag itself has been considered to ensure that larger pet food particles or particular matter does not get stuck in the process of it being dispensed. This is achieved by having a specific spout or aperture circumference between 30 -50 mm dependent on the size of the particular matter, as well as having opposing slopes in each bottom corner of the flexible container, ensuring that the particular matter is always directed towards the exit/dispenser nozzle even when the flexible container is almost empty. The dispensing assembly of the flexible container is also placed purposefully at the front of the bag, facing the customer, so that it is easily accessible and can be operated in an open/closed manner, quickly and with ease. Finally, the bottom of the dispenser has a screw cap which is easily removed before the first dispensing takes place.

The handle of the bag has also been designed to be easily held, with one full hand, which is much more supportive for transportation. The handle is also designed to be hung on any type of hook inside or outside and can easily be hooked onto a nail or hook that has been placed on a garden fence or wall. This allows for the flexible container to have versatility in where it can be used or hung. The hook or nail is typically placed at head height so that the bottom of the bag is at a level and height that is easily accessible and convenient for the items to be dispensed or refilled. Accordingly, this makes the flexible container and methods of the present invention more convenient, safer and easier to use in an outside space obviating a user to lift or bend every time they wish to feed pet or birds.

The present invention offers a solution and multifaceted alternative to all of the above identified issues with other products. It is a recyclable suspensible pet food bag that has encompassing features and functions that no other product in the pet food market offers.

This invention eradicates all of the challenges and issues described above and allows the consumer to easily handle the bag and transport it from the place of purchase to their home. It allows for easier handling and flexibility around places such as the garden or garage, and is much more practical and convenient in supporting the dispensing of pet food products.

Reference herein to an "exit pod' is synonymous with a spout or nozzle.

Reference herein to "pet food' includes feed for both domesticated and wild animals, and may include for example and without limitation, seeds, nuts, corns, fish feed and pellets With reference to the following Figures, there is shown in Figure 1 the flexible bag of the present invention (1) having in an upper end region comprising a number of apertures, such as a central handling portion (2) and further peripheral apertures (3). The bag (1) is thus easily handled and can be stably suspended via these apertures to a solid surface such a wall or fence by means of hooks and nails. The back surface of the bag in some embodiments is sealed in a contiguous manner both in both horizonal and vertical lines, the front wall is separated from the back wall via channel (4) at the upper end of the bag so as to form a pocket in the main body. The channel is typically of a Ziploc TM type design so that it may be opened to introduce the particulate, granular of pellets into the main body of the bag and then sealed to keep the contents moisture free and uncontaminated. At the bottom end of the bag there are complementary, opposing cut-out portions (5). The cut-out portions are such that they form a "V" shaped channel or funnel at the bottom of the bag. The cut-out portions (or sealed/glued funnel forming sides) are of commensurate dimensions in terms of length and angle so that contents can be directed towards the dispensing assembly (6) positioned centrally at the bottom of the bag.

Figure 2 shows the dispensing assembly (6) of Figure 1 in greater detail. The top of the assembly (7) is attached to the terminal end of the funnel channel. Hollow nozzle or spout (8) descends therefrom, and ideally is tapered to provide yet further control of contents during the decanting or dispensing process. Approximately, midway along the nozzle or spout there is provided a manually operable sliding opening and closing mechanism (9).

The sliding mechanism is inserted transversely into the dispensing assembly and comprises an aperture that is of the same or slightly larger diameter than the terminal end of the nozzle or spout. This ensures that when the sliding mechanism is in a fully open position there is a full flow of contents into a secondary container and by sliding the mechanism towards a fully closed position there is interim control of the decanting or dispensing process until the secondary container contains the required amount of contents. The assembly further comprises an end cap (10) typically a screw cap.

A plan view of assembly (6) is shown in Figure 3. The is sliding mechanism is operated at end (14) and comprises a slide (11) the aperture of the slide (12) can be manually manipulated to open or close the interior diameter (13) of hollow nozzle or spout (8).

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An elongate flexible container comprising a main body in which granular matter, particulate matter or pellets, in use, are stored, the flexible container having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end comprises a plurality of apertures at least one of which is suitably sized and shaped for manual handling and wherein the lower end comprises an integral funnel channel formed in the main body and a dispensing nozzle assembly, the dispensing nozzle assembly being associated with a manually operable opening/closure member having an aperture, an exit port and a terminal end cap.
2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the upper end of the container comprising the plurality of apertures comprises at least one or more manual handling portion in addition to further apertures to enable the container to be suspended by suspension means.
3. A container according to either claim 2 wherein the suspension means are hooks, nails or the like to permit suspension of said container on a solid surface.
4. A container according any preceding claim wherein the upper end of the flexible bag comprises a first portion in which the apertures are positioned that is integrally formed with a second portion of the main body which, in use, contains the particulate matter, granular matter or pellets.
5. A container according to claim 4 wherein the first and second portions of the main body whilst are integrally formed on a back surface and optionally are separated on a front surface by a transverse channel.
6. A container according to claim 5 wherein the transverse channel is a Ziploc TM.
7. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the funnel channel is positioned at the lower end of the flexible container and is "V" shaped, so as to direct contents contained within the main body towards the dispensing nozzle.
8. A container according to claim 7 wherein the "V" shaped funnel is positioned at a substantially central position of the lower end of the main body.
9. A container according to either claim 7 or 8 wherein each side of the "V" shape are substantially of the same length and angle.
10. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a transverse slidable mechanism so as to open and close via an aperture to the exit port thereby allowing controlled release of contents contained within the main body of the bag towards the exit port.
11. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the aperture of the dispensing nozzle is between 15 to 70 mm.
12. A container according to claim 11 wherein the aperture is between 20 to 50 mm.
13. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the terminal end cap is a screw cap and is of commensurate dimensions as the exit port.
14. A container according to any preceding claim wherein it is composed of a material selected from the group comprising plastics, plastics composites, reinforced paper or the like.
15. A container according to any preceding claim wherein that is biodegradable.
16. A container according to any preceding claim wherein that is reusable.
17. A method of dispensing contents from a flexible container according to any preceding claim into a secondary container, the method comprising sliding a release mechanism to an open position and when sufficient contents have been released via the aperture and exit port from the main body, sliding the release mechanism to a closed position
18. Use of the flexible container of any one of claims 1 to 16 in dispensing bird feed from the bag interior into a bird feeder.