US3146914A

US3146914A - Dispensing carton-measuring cup combinations

Info

Publication number: US3146914A
Application number: US129694A
Authority: US
Inventors: Dorothy L Eckley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1961-08-07
Filing date: 1961-08-07
Publication date: 1964-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 1981-09-01

Description

Sept. 1, 1964 D. ECKLEY DISPENSING CARTON-MEASURING CUP COMBINATIONS Filed Aug. 7, 1961 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Dorothy L. Eckley Attorne p 1, 1964 D. L'. ECKLEY 3,146,914

DISPENSING CARTON-MEASURING CUP COMBINATIONS Filed Aug. '7, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Dorothy L. Eckley l iwa m Attorneys DISPENSING CARTON-MEASURING CUP COMBINATIONS Filed Aug. 7, 1961 D. L. ECKLEY Sept. 1, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. Dorothy L. Eckley Attorneys United States Patent 3,146,914 DISPENSING CARTON-MEASURING CUP COMBINATIONS Dorothy L. Eckley, Denver, Colo. (27 0 Marshall St., Lakewood 26, C010.) Filed Aug. 7, 1961, Ser. No. 129,694 6 Claims. (Cl. 222-158) This invention relates to improved dispensing cartonmeasuring cup combinations and more particularly to improvements in the combined dispensing carton and attached collapsible measuring cup disclosed in my Patent No. 2,770,403, issued November 13, 1956.

As discussed in said patent a variety of household goods are granulated or powdered and packaged in paperboard dispensing containers. Many of these products, and particularly laundry products such as soap or detergent, dry bleach and the like, are dispensed and used in carefully measured quantities. This is desirable in order to prevent excessive frothing in laundry appliances and possible damage to clothing and the like which are being washed. While the arrangement shown and described in my patent is satisfactory for many uses, careful manipulation is required in using it to avoid spillage and to maintain the flexible measuring cup in a non-collapsed condition in the initial filling thereof.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved dispensing carton and contained measuring cup which are easily manipulated to provide for withdrawal of measured quantities of the contents without spillage.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved dispensing opening for a carton and associated measuring cup providing simplified removal and retraction of the cup and positive placement of the cup in pouring position so as to prevent spillage.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved collapsible measuring cup mounted on a dispensing carton and which resists accidental collapsing during filling operations.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved configuration for a collapsible measuring cup mounted on a dispensing carton.

A dispensing carton according to my invention has an attached collapsible measuring cup stored in its interior when not in use and arranged for removal to a filling and measuring position when a portion of the contents is to be withdrawn. The dispensing container or carton is of the type normally used for packaging granular soap products and the like. The collapsible measuring cup is capable of being folded into a small compact package and secured within the dispensing carton near the top thereof. In use, it is moved through a specially shaped dispensing opening or throat of the carton and opened to an operational configuration by a very simple manipulation. The dispensing throat of the carton is so constructed and arranged as to cooperate with the upper peripheral lip of the collapsible measuring cup and to guide soap powder and the like being dispensed into the measuring cup without spillage. The upper peripheral edge or lip of the measuring cup is so fabricated as to have a degree of rigidity in its open and operational configuration and the cup when open is much wider than the pour opening of the carton to thereby prevent accidental collapsing which would cause spillage in dispensing of powdered or granulated material from the carton. Further, the bottom of the measuring cup is so fabricated as to prevent undesirable lodging of granular particles and the like in the bottom of the cup.

The practice of my invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like "ice reference numerals designate like parts in the several views. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a dispensing carton-measuring cup combination embodying features of my invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a portion of the carton of FIG. 1 with the measuring cup shown in its operational position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 2 during actual dispensing of granular material from the carton to the measuring cup;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the inactive position of the measuring cup before opening the, carton;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the initial or first step in manipulation of the measuring cup from its inactive position shown in FIG. 4 and before its complete unfolding to the operational position of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 6 is the arrangement of FIG. 4 during a second step in the sequence of manipulation in unpackaging of the measuring cup;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative measuring cup and dispensing carton constructed according to the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the measuring cup used with the alternative arrangement of FIG. 7.

In FIG. 1 a dispensing carton it) of the paperboard type is shown having perforations 11 formed through an upper portion of a sidewall 12. The perforations preweaken wall 12 in a pattern for subsequent manipulation to form a dispensing throat without requiring extraneous cutting instruments. This pattern includes an elongated horizontal portion 13 parallel to the upper and lower edges of wall 12, but terminating short of the side edges thereof where its opposite ends merge with the respective pairs of outwardly diverging portions 14 and 15 respectively.

An envelope 20 is mounted inside the carton and encloses a folded measuring cup or bag 29 which will be described below. Envelope 20 is bent in substantially its center and has one-half its outer face attached to the inner surface of sidewall 12 and the other half of that face is attached to the inner surface of top wall 12'. That portion of the outer face which is attached to wall 12 has a perforated pattern similar to pattern 11 formed in wall 12. Thus, the pattern formed in envelope 20 is broken or opened at the same time pattern 11 in wall 12 is broken. When the package material is broken, flap 25 is formed and when it is moved outwardly and upwardly as shown in FIG. 2, the evacuated portion becomes a pouring throat 26 which is best seen in FIG. 3. The generally truncated triangular

shaped side flaps

27 and 28 are left in position in substantially the same plane as wall 12 thereby forming downwardly converging sides for the throat which direct the granular material from the interior of the carton into the measuring cup when it is manipulated to its operational configuration. In that configuration, bag or cup 29 has a diameter greater than the width of wall 12 and extends ontwardly from the throat. Measuring cup 29 is preferably fabricated of a flexible transparent plastic sheet material. It-has its upper edge or lip rolled as indicated at 30 whereby greater strength and stability is imparted to the cup when open, thereby preventing collapsing during pouring of granular material into the cup. The truncated

triangular flaps

27 and 28 cooperate with adjacent portions of wall 12 to grip the rolled lip of cup 29 preventing movement thereof.

As seen in FIG. 3, coded indicia in the form of a series of parallel, horizontal lines are placed on the cup with suitable printing indicating sequential quarter cup to full cup volumes. The lower or bottom portion of cup 29 is fiat rather than tapering to a point to prevent granular material becoming lodged in the bottom of the cup, and to facilitate emptying the cup.

In FIG. 4 envelope 20 is shown in its closed configuration within container lltl and wherein one-half its outer face is attached to the inside of upper Wall 12' the other half of its face is attached to the inside of wall 12. When the perforations discussed above with reference to FiGS. 1 through 3 are broken, envelope 20 is similarly broken allowing the flexible measuring cup 29 to be moved outwardly through the pouring throat generally as indicated in FIG. 5. As first unfolded from the envelope, the measuring cup is generally in the form of an elongated triangle. When so moved to its extended position somewhat as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5, side wing portions are unfolded as indicated by reference numeral 29a in FIG. 6 and then the rolled lip portion 30 of the cup is pulled outwardly to the operational position of the cup shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the latter stage of manipulation, adjoining portions of rolled lip 30 are disposed under truncated triangular flaps 2'7 and 28. These truncated triangular flaps frictionally engage the rolled lip thereby preventing undesirable sidewise movement of the cup relative to the dispensing carton during pouring operations. This avoids one of the difficulties encountered With my patented arrangement wherein the cup was free to swing sidewise thereby increasing the opportunity for spillage if due care were not exercised.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. A dispensing carton at similar to carton and having a sidewall 41 and top wall 41 is adapted to cooperate with a measuring cup 42 in a manner similar to the arrangement of FIGS. 1-6. However, the pouring throat of this arrangement is generally of an upwardly opening rectangular configuration having a smaller width than sidewall 41 whereby upon tearing of the perforated pattern rectangular flap 43 is formed which is smaller in width than sidewall 41. In this arrangement, the rear portion of the rolled peripheral edge or lip 44 of measuring cup 42 is adapted to cooperate with the upwardly opening throat to guide granular material from the interior of the carton 40 into cup 42. The envelope 45 in which measuring cup 42 is contained is shown in FIG. 8 and is adapted to have one-half its outer face attached to upper wall 41' and the other half of its outer surface attached to sidewall 41. However, instead of the tear pattern of the envelope above described, a generally rectangular pattern is included in envelope 45. The dimensions of the rectangular pattern are similar or substantially identical to the upwardly opening rectangular pattern formed in sidewall 41 so that upon rupture of the sidewall along its perforated pattern there is a similar opening of envelope 45 along its curved tear line whereby cup 42 may be manipulated from its folded configuration substantially in the same manner as above discussed with reference to FIGS. 4 through 6 to move it to the operational position of FIG. 7. This arrangement also allows cooperation between the rolled lip and dispensing throat to prevent sidewise movement of the cup during pouring operations.

From the foregoing, it is clear that my invention provides a convenient and easily produced packaging arrangement and one which insures easy withdrawal and return of the measuring cup which has portions secured to the inner surfaces of the container. In operation, the open top of the measuring cup is of such dimension and so located relative to the dispensing throat that spillage is effectively prevented in pouring operations. The rolled rim portion provides adequate stability to avoid collapsing of the cup and the indicia is readily observed so that desired fills are easily attained.

It will be apparent that the two forms of the cartonmeasuring cup combination shown and described provide a positive control of the measuring cup during pouring manipulation of the carton. The provision of the folded rim portion on the measuring cup provides sufficient stiffening of the flexible material to prevent collapsing closure of the top of the cup during pouring. The arrangements of the interior fastening of the cup to the carton and the securing of the carton material adjacent the pour opening so as to prevent lateral swinging movement of such top portion insure accurate filling of the cup to any desired level and the provision of the visible indicia on the measuring cup insures accurate filling of selected amounts.

After a desired quantity of the contents has been removed from the carton and the measured amount has been discharged from the cup, the cup is folded and returned through the pouring opening to the interior of the carton. The fiat portion is moved downwardly to close the pour opening and the carton is again effectively closed until such time as another portion of the contents in to be withdrawn.

Changes and modifications may be availed of within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the hereunto appended claims.

I claim:

1. A combined dispensing carton and measuring cup for granular materials, comprising a hollow box-like body adapted to stand in an upright position and providing a complete enclosure for its granular content when filled, the box having a scored portion in one upright wall adjacent i s top defining a terminus of its top portion, said scored portion being narrower at the bottom and wider at the top whereby to form a pouring opening with tapering sides after separation of the scored portions, a flexible bag disposed within said body after the box-like enclosure is filled, with part of its top surface secured along the bottom scored portion and upwardly along the tapered sides on the interior surface and arranged for its suspension through the pouring opening with its top spread open and in covering relation to the bottom and part of the tapered sides of the pouring opening, the diameter of the open top of the bag being substantially greater than the maximum width of the pouring opening, and stiffening means disposed circumferentially of the top of the bag for holding the top open while the bag is suspended through the pouring opening for reception of granular material poured through said pouring opening.

2. The assembly as defined in claim I, in which the stiffening means comprises a folded rim.

3. The assembly as defined in claim 1, in which the bag is generally conical and has a flat bottom portion.

4. A combined dispensing carton and measuring cup for granular materials, comprising a hollow box-like body adapted to stand in an upright position and providing a complete enclosure for its granular content when filled, the box having a scored portion in one upright wall adjaent its top defining a terminus of its top portion, said scored portion being narrower at the bottom and wider at the top whereby to form a pouring opening with tapering sides after separation of the scored portions, a separable envelope disposed above the stored contents within the body and having surfaces attached to the inner surface of the body adjoining the scored portion so as to be ruptured when the scored portions are separated, a flexible bag disposed within said envelope after the box-like enclosure is filled, with part of its top surface secured along the bottom scored portion and upwardly along the tapered sides on the interior surface and arranged for its suspension through the pouring opening with its top spread open and in covering relation to the bottom and part of the tapered sides of the pouring opening, the diameter of the open top of the bag being substantially greater than the maximum width of the pouring opening, and stiffening means disposed circumferentialiy of the top of the bag for holding the top open while the bag is suspended through the pouring opening for reception of granular material poured through said pouring opening.

5. A combined dispensing carton and measuring cup for granular materials, comprising a hollow box-like body adapted to stand in an upright position and providing a complete enclosure for its granular content when filled, the box having a scored portion in one upright Wall adjacent its top defining a terminus of its top portion, said scored portion being narrower at the bottom and wider at the top whereby to form a pouring opening with tapering sides after separation of the scored portions, a flexible bag disposed within said body after the box-like enclosure is filled, with part of its top surface secured along the bottom scored portion and upwardly along the tapered sides on the interior surface and arranged for its suspension through the pouring opening with its top spread open and in covering relation to the bottom and part of the tapered sides of the pouring opening, the diameter of the open top of the bag being substantially greater than the maximum width of the pouring opening, means on the body for holding the top of the bag against lateral displacement when it is suspended through the pouring opening, and stiflening means disposed circumferentially of the top of the bag for holding the top open while the bag is suspended through the pouring opening for reception of granular material poured through said pouring opening.

6. A combined dispensing carton and measuring cup for granular materials, comprising a hollow box-like body adapted to stand in an upright position and providing a complete enclosure for its granular content when filled, the box having a scored portion in one upright wall adjacent its top defining a terminus of its top portion, said scored portion being narrower at the bottom and wider at the top whereby to form a pouring opening with tapering sides after separation of the scored portions, a flexible bag disposed within said body after filling, with part of its top surface secured along the bottom scored portion and upwardly along the tapered sides on the interior surface and arranged for its suspension through the pouring opening with its top spread open and in covering relation to the bottom and part of the tapered sides of the pouring opening, the diameter of the open top of the bag being substantially greater than the maximum width of the pouring opening, stiffening means disposed circumferentially of the top of the bag for holding the top open While the bag is suspended through the pouring opening for reception of granular material poured through said pouring opening, and indicia at intervals through the length of the bag for measuring the amount of fill.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,447,771 Engle Mar. 6, 1923 2,737,332 Amberg et a1. Mar. 6, 1956 2,770,403 Eckley Nov. 13, 1956 2,909,300 Engram Oct. 20, 1959

Claims

6. A COMBINED DISPENSING CARTON AND MEASURING CUP FOR GRANULAR MATERIALS, COMPRISING A HOLLOW BOX-LIKE BODY ADAPTED TO STAND IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION AND PROVIDING A COMPLETE ENCLOSURE FOR ITS GRANULAR CONTENT WHEN FILLED, THE BOX HAVING A SCORED PORTION IN ONE UPRIGHT WALL ADJACENT ITS TOP DEFINING A TERMINUS OF ITS TOP PORTION, SAID SCORED PORTION BEING NARROWER AT THE BOTTOM AND WIDER AT THE TOP WHEREBY TO FORM A POURING OPENING WITH TAPERING SIDES AFTER SEPARATION OF THE SCORED PORTIONS, A FLEXIBLE BAG DISPOSED WITHIN SAID BODY AFTER FILLING, WITH PART OF ITS TOP SURFACE SECURED ALONG THE BOTTOM SCORED PORTION AND UPWARDLY ALONG THE TAPERED SIDES ON THE INTERIOR SUR-