WO2021255709A1

WO2021255709A1 - Bulk dispenser and refill container

Info

Publication number: WO2021255709A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/055412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alon FARBER; Serge OUELLETTE
Original assignee: Prana Biovegan Inc.
Priority date: 2020-06-19
Filing date: 2021-06-18
Publication date: 2021-12-23

Abstract

Described are a bulk dispenser and a refill container adapted to be used with a bulk dispenser. The bulk dispenser comprises a container receiving area for receiving thereon the container and a pull out tray operable between a storage mode and a dispensing mode for dispensing bulk products. The refill container further comprises a hollow body, a removable closing member and an interior removable pull tab aligned with the removable closing member. The described bulk dispenser and refill container meet heightened hygiene and safety standards since they do not involve exposure of the bulk content to ambient air when refilling the bulk dispenser, thereby reducing risks of contamination of the bulk product.

Description

BULK DISPENSER AND REFILL CONTAINER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to US patent application No. 63/041,165 filed on June 19, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to the fields of bulk dispensers and refill containers for dispensing bulk products such as foodstuffs.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] Bulk dispensers for dispensing bulk products such as foodstuffs are used in a variety of public locations including supermarkets, discount stores and bulk retailers. Generally, a bulk dispenser has a removable lid at the top to fill the dispenser and an opening at the bottom end for dispensing a given quantity of bulk product to a user. The bulk dispenser is typically filled by an authorized person who removes the lid and empties the content of a refill container into the dispenser. Often the container is a simple box which is opened by the authorized person bulk product. Examples of existing bulk dispensers include those described in issued patents US 9,185,996; US 8,708,199; US 7,178,697; US 6,220,313; US 6,158,623; US 5,833,097; US 5,555,604; US 5,139,173; and in published patent publications US 2013012042; US 20110062187; WO 2014/168853.

[0004] Existing dispensers that require too much human manipulation are not ideal in terms of hygiene and may not be acceptable in terms of safety requirements against germs and viruses. Indeed, because the bulk product is manipulated and is exposed to the outside environment during emptying of the refill container, the bulk product is susceptible to contamination by ambient air and/or contamination by the person emptying the container (e.g. if the person is sick, contagious, or has unsanitary hands).

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a bulk dispenser and refill container meeting heightened hygiene and safety standards. There is particularly a need for a bulk dispenser and refill container which does not involve exposure of the bulk content to ambient air when refilling the bulk dispenser, thereby reducing or removing risks of contamination of the bulk product.

[0006] The present invention addresses these needs and other needs as it will be apparent from review of the disclosure and description of the features of the invention hereinafter.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to one aspect, there is provided a bulk dispenser comprising an upper portion to receive a container filled with bulk product, a middle portion in communication with the upper portion to receive therefrom the bulk product and a bottom portion to distribute to a user the bulk product inside the middle portion. The upper portion comprises a container receiving area comprising a base to deposit thereon the container filled with bulk product, the container receiving area being configured to receive and retain onto the base of the upper portion of the container bulk product. The upper portion also comprises an opening inside the base for providing an open communication with the middle portion. The middle portion comprises a slideable pull-out tray having a first position for receiving bulk product from the upper portion and a second position for dispensing bulk product to a user. The pull-out tray comprises a containment unit, the containment unit comprising an upper opening in open communication with the opening in the base of the container receiving area, a lower opening in open communication with the bottom portion of the bulk dispenser, and sidewalls defining an empty space surrounding the upper and lower openings. The containment unit is configured to receive and contain a limited portion of bulk product from the upper portion when the pull-out tray is in the first position and to discharge a limited portion of bulk product when the pull-out tray is in the second position. The bottom portion comprises a plaque onto which is deposited the slideable pull-out tray. The plaque comprises an opening for discharging bulk product from the containment unit when the pull-out tray is in the second position.

[0008] In one embodiment, the upper portion further comprises an opening adapted to removably receive a pull tab extending from a bottom section of a container.

[0009] In one embodiment, the opening inside the base of the upper portion is shaped as a funnel extending downwardly from the upper portion towards the middle portion. [0010] In one embodiment, the pull-out tray comprises a handle extending outwardly from the middle portion of the bulk dispenser.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pull-out tray is resiliently secured to the middle portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pull-out tray is resiliently secured via a spring.

[0013] In one embodiment, the opening of the bottom portion is shaped like a funnel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the upper portion and the bottom portion are integrally formed.

[0015] According to another aspect, there is provided a container for a bulk dispenser. In one embodiment the container comprises a hollow body with sidewalls defining a closed and an openable container for containing and dispensing a bulk product therein. The hollow body also comprises a bottom section with an opening, the bottom section comprising an exterior and removable closing member for closing said opening. The hollow body also comprises an interior removable pull tab positioned above the removable closing member, the pull tab being configured for being pulled and allowing bulk product to flow by gravity out of the container through the opening.

[0016] In one embodiment, the removable pull tab has a handle extending outwardly from the hollow body.

[0017] In one embodiment, wherein the handle has a hole for facilitating grasping of the handle by a user.

[0018] In one embodiment, the container is adapted to fit in a bulk dispenser.

[0019] In one embodiment, the closing member is a sealing member for sealing the opening in an airtight manner.

[0020] In one embodiment, the container is made of cardboard.

[0021] In one embodiment, the closing member is a tear tab. [0022] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of filling a bulk dispenser with a removable container filled with bulk product. According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: providing a bulk dispenser, wherein the bulk dispenser comprises a receiving area configured to receive and retain the container, the bulk dispenser further comprising an opening for receiving a pull tab extending from a bottom section of the removable container; and providing a removable container filled with bulk product, wherein the removable container is configured to be received and retained by the bulk dispenser, the removable container comprising a bottom portion with an opening, the opening being covered by a pull tab. The method further comprises the step of depositing the removable container into the receiving area of the bulk dispenser while introducing the pull tab into the opening of the bulk dispenser; and pulling the pull tab of the removable container to uncover the opening thereby filling the bulk dispenser with bulk product contained in the removable container.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of manipulating the bulk dispenser for dispensing a limited predetermined quantity of bulk product.

[0024] In one embodiment, the bulk dispenser further comprises a pull-out tray, and pulling the pull-out tray dispenses said limited predetermined quantity of bulk product.

[0025] In one embodiment, the opening of the container is further covered with a closing member positioned over the pull tab, and filling the bulk dispenser further requires the step of removing said closing member prior to pulling the pull tab.

[0026] According to another aspect, there is provided a removable container and bulk dispenser assembly. In one embodiment the assembly comprises a removable container comprising: a hollow body with sidewalls defining a closed and an openable container for containing and dispensing a bulk product therein, the hollow body comprising: a bottom section with an opening, said bottom section comprising an exterior and removable closing member for closing said opening.

[0027] The hollow body also comprises an interior removable pull tab positioned above the removable closing member, said pull tab being configured for being pulled and allowing bulk product to flow by gravity out of the container through the opening. The assembly further comprises a bulk dispenser comprising: a body configured to receive the refill container thereon, the body comprising a front portion configured to receive the pull tab of the refill container; and a dispensing opening for dispensing to a user bulk product flowing by gravity from the removable container inside the body of the bulk dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Having thus generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration example embodiments thereof and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a diagonal elevated perspective view of a bulk dispenser and refill container assembly in accordance with one embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a front view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly of FIG. 1 ;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly of

FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagonal elevated perspective view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly of FIG. 1 with walls of the bulk dispenser made transparent to show its internal structure;

[0034] FIG. 6 is an exploded diagonal elevated perspective view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly of FIG. 1 ;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a refill container in accordance with one embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 8 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the refill container of FIG. 7;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective cross sectional view of the refill container of FIG. 7 ; [0038] FIG. 10 is a diagonal elevated perspective view of a bulk dispenser in accordance with one embodiment, with walls of the bulk dispenser made transparent to show its internal structure;

[0039] FIG. 11 is a diagonal elevated exploded perspective transparent view of the bulk dispenser of FIG. 10 showing its body, a resilient member and a pull-out tray;

[0040] FIG. 12 is a side cross section view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly showing bulk product (white circles) bulk product inside the refill container;

[0041] FIG. 13 is a side cross section view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly showing release of the bulk product (white circles) from the refill container into the bulk dispenser in accordance with a storage mode;

[0042] FIG. 14 is a side cross section view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly showing dispensing of a quantity of the bulk product (white circles) outside the bulk dispenser, in accordance with a dispensing mode.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a diagonal elevated perspective view of a refill container in accordance with another embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 16 is a diagonal lowered exploded perspective view of the refill container of FIG. 15, wherein the closing member has been removed;

[0045] FIG. 17 is a diagonal perspective view of a bulk dispenser and refill container assembly showing the refill container of FIG. 15 deposited onto another embodiment of a bulk dispenser;

[0046] FIG. 18 is a diagonal elevated perspective exploded view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly of FIG. 17;

[0047] FIG. 19 is a diagonal elevated perspective view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly of FIG. 16 with a pull tab partially removed from the refill container; and [0048] FIG. 20 is a diagonal elevated perspective view of the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly of FIG. 19 with a pull tab removed completely from the refill container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following description of the embodiments, references to the accompanying drawings are illustrations of examples by which the invention may be practiced. It will be understood that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed.

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 6, there is shown a bulk dispenser 100 with a refill container 200 mounted thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the bulk dispenser 100 and refill container 200 have a cuboid shape but the present invention is not limited only to this particular shape as it is within the skills of the person of ordinary skill in the art to manufacture refill containers having other shapes (e.g. cylindrical, octagonal, triangular, etc.) and manufacture a bulk dispenser with a receiving area matching the shape of the refill container, and vice-versa.

[0052] Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 9, there is shown the refill container 200 in greater detail. The refill container 200 comprises a hollow body 210 having a bottom face 212, side walls 214, a top face 216, a front face 218, a back face 220, a closing member 230 and a pull tab 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the hollow body 210 has a generally cuboid shape. The bottom face 212 of the container 200 comprises the closing member 230 removably attached thereto. The closing member 230 has a shape and size to allow the bulk product of the refill container 200 to easily flow out therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing member 230 corresponds to the general shape of the bottom face 212 of the container 200, the closing member 230 having a generally rectangular body with chamfered edges 232. Alternatively, the closing member 230 may have any other shape which allows the bulk product to easily flow out therefrom, for example a circular shape.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the refill container 200 is made of cardboard and the closing member 230 is a tear tab. The tear tab can be removed by placing a finger in a recess 234 disposed at one end of the tear tab and pulling outwardly. The recess 234 is positioned at the closing member 230 proximal to the back end 244 of the pull tab 240, though any other position may be used.

[0054] Other configurations for the container 200 are also possible. For instance, it is additionally envisaged that the container 200 may be designed in such a way that the closing member 230 and the pull tab 240 are difficult to remove by accident. For example, where the container 200 is made of cardboard, the closing member 230 may be secured to the pull tab 240 by a connecting cardboard tab (not shown). In connecting the cardboard tab to the pull tab 240, the user would encounter resistance when attempting to remove the closing member 230. The cardboard tab would have to be torn, for example by the force of a user pulling on the pull tab or cutting it with scissors. This may help reduce the likelihood of accidental opening of the container 200. In one embodiment, the pull tab 240 is substantially airtight to improve the storage characteristics of the container 200 (e.g. keep the bulk product of the container 200 fresh for longer).

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the pull tab 240 is positioned above the closing member 230. The pull tab 240 is interior to the body 210 of the container 200 while the closing member 230 is placed on the exterior of the body 210 of the container 200. The pull tab 240 has a generally rectangular shape having a front end 242, a back end 244 and two sides 246. As explained with more details hereinafter, the pull tab 240 is configured to be received in an opening (e.g. a slot or an empty space) of the bulk dispenser 100 (in FIGS 10 to 15, the opening in a slot 118). A handle portion 248 of the pull tab 240 then extends outwardly from the refill container 200 to allow a user to manipulate the pull tab 240 (see FIG. 1). The pull tab 240 thus encloses bulk product of the container 200 therein until a user grasps the handle portion 248 and pulls outwardly. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 248 comprises a hole 249 therein to facilitate grasping of the handle portion 248 by a user. Alternatively, other means of improving the grip of the handle portion may be considered by the skilled addressee, including for example a textured handle portion, a string, a strap, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 200 and the pull tab 240 are both made of cardboard though the skilled addressee will appreciate other materials are possible, such as transparent or colored plastic or polymer. [0056] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 to 6, 10 and 11 in connection with a bulk dispenser 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The bulk dispenser

100 comprises a hollow body 102 and a pull-out tray 300. The hollow body 102 comprises a front wall 104, side walls 106, a back wall 108 and a bottom face 110. The hollow body 102 can further be divided into an upper portion 101, a middle portion 103 and a bottom portion 105 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). The upper portion 101 is in communication with the middle portion 103 which is further in communication with the bottom portion 105. The upper portion 101 comprises a container receiving area 107 having a rectangular shape in accordance with the shape of the bulk dispenser 100. The receiving area 107 comprises a base 112 and side walls 106. The base 112 consists of two longitudinal lips 114 and a base opening 116. The longitudinal lips 114 of the base 112 extend inwardly from the side walls 106 toward the opening 116, with the base opening 116 positioned between the longitudinal lips 114 for receiving and letting bulk products flow by gravity. The base opening 116 is in open communication with the middle portion 103 which comprises lateral lips 120, inclined walls 124, lateral wall 126, lateral wall opening 128 and pull-out tray 300. The inclined walls 124 together form a generally funnel shaped passage to the lateral wall 126 and the lateral wall opening 128. The lateral wall opening 128 is in open communication with the pull-out tray 300. The lower portion 105 comprises a plaque 140 and dispenser opening 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the bulk dispenser 100 is made of plastic, though other materials may be considered by the skilled addressee.

[0057] Referring again to the upper portion 101, the longitudinal lips 114 are configured for receiving the refill container 200 thereon and to snuggly fit the refill container 200 between the front wall 104, side walls 106 and back wall 108 of the bulk dispenser 100. The upper portion

101 further comprising an opening 118 being configured to receive therein the pull tab 240 of the refill container 200. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, 10 and 11, the opening 118 is shaped as a slot being configured to receive therein the pull tab 240 of the refill container 200. As described hereinafter, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 20, the opening 118 is shaped like an empty space with two side wings 260. Of course, many other shapes of opening may be considered by the skilled persons. Although in the illustrated embodiment the upper portion 101 includes longitudinal lips 114 for receiving the refill container 200 thereon, it is also envisaged that the container 200 may be received on lateral lips 120 instead. Other means of supporting the refill container 200 on the bulk dispenser 100 may be used as deemed suitable by the skilled addressee.

[0058] Now referring again to the middle portion 103, the middle portion 103 of the bulk dispenser 100 comprises lateral lips 120, inclined walls 124, lateral wall 126 and lateral wall opening 128 and a pull-out tray 300. The inclined walls 124 connect to the lateral lips 120 of the upper portion 101 to define a generally funnel shaped passage for the bulk product of the refill container 200 to flow into the wall opening 128. In one embodiment, the longitudinal lips 114 may be removed and the refill container 200 can then be received on the lateral lips 120 instead. The inclined walls 124 are configured to, with the sidewalls 106 of the bulk dispenser 100, define a passageway and a storage space for bulk products (see FIG. 14). In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral wall 126 is slightly angled.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the middle portion 103 further includes a label display 122 (see FIG. 11). The label display 122 is recessed relative to the front wall 104 to define a surface for displaying a brand or a graphical/textual reference to the bulk products that may be dispensed by the bulk dispenser 100. Alternatively, the label display 122 may be a digital display or any other type of display as deemed suitable by the skilled addressee.

[0060] The pull-out tray 300 has a shape in accordance with the body of the dispenser 100. In the illustrated embodiment it is a generally rectangular body having a bottom face 304, a top face 306, a back face 308, a front face 310 and side walls 312. The pull-out tray 300 comprises a containment unit 320, the containment unit 320 having sidewalls 322 defining a hollow space in the pull-out tray 300. The containment unit 320 has an upper opening 324 in the top face 306, that opening being in opened communication with the base opening 116 of the upper portion 101 for receiving bulk products therefrom, and a lower opening 326 in the bottom face 304 in communication with the bottom portion 105 of the bulk dispenser 100 for dispensing the bulk products to the funnel 162. Although in the illustrated embodiment the containment unit 320 has upper opening 324 and lower opening 326, in alternative embodiments the upper and lower openings 324, 326 could possibly further comprise a removable cover, for example through a hinged access panel. [0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the pull out tray 300 is operably connected to the back wall 108 of the dispenser 100 by a resilient member 340 such as a spring (see FIGS. 10 & 11) or other such as a rubber band, or the like. The pull out tray 300 comprises a hook portion 330 extending backwardly from the containment unit 320 and towards the back face 308 of the pull-out tray 300. The hook portion 330 comprises a loop 332 for receiving one end of the resilient member 340 therein. Coincidently, the bulk dispenser 100 also comprises on its back wall 108 a back-wall loop 130. The bottom face 304 of the pull-out tray 300 has a bottom face opening 344 which grants access to the hook portion 330. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment the back face 308 of the pull-out tray 300 comprises an opening 342 which extends throughout the entirety of the back face 308, the opening 342 of the back face 308 allowing for the resilient member 340 to extend freely from the loop 332 of the pull-out tray 300 to the back wall loop 130 of the bulk dispenser 100.

[0062] Opposite to the back face 308 of the pull-out tray 300 is the front face 310, the front face 310 having a handle 350 extending outwardly therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, when the pull-out tray 300 is appropriately positioned inside the bulk dispenser 100, the handle 350 extends outwardly from the front face 310 of the bulk dispenser 100 so that a user may manipulate the pull-out tray 300 by a pull or release motion of the handle 350. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 350 further comprises two lips 352, each lip 352 extending upwardly from each of the side walls 312 on the top face 306. The lips 352 are configured to rest against a bottom face 127 of the lateral wall 126 in a storage mode to maintain the upper opening 324 of the containment unit 320 in open communication with the lateral wall opening 128.

[0063] Although in the illustrated embodiment a pull-out tray is shown, it is understood that other dispensing methods may also be used. For example, instead of a pull-out tray, a rotational dispenser may be used for dispensing controlled portions of bulk product. Alternatively, the pull-out tray may not be used at all, being replaced instead with a closeable hatch at a bulk dispenser dispensing opening for switching between a storage mode or a dispensing mode. The incorporation of a hatch may instead change the form of dispensing from dispensing a controlled portion (e.g. by pulling on the pull-out tray) to continual dispensing of bulk product. Other alternatives may be considered by the skilled addressee. [0064] Now referring again to the bottom portion 105 of the bulk dispenser 100, it comprises plaque 140, which also forms the bottom face 110 of the bulk dispenser 100. The plaque 140 is a generally rectangular body having a top face 142, a bottom face 144, a front side 146, a back side 148, and two lateral sides 149. There is an access opening 150 in the bottom face 144 and proximal to the back side 148 of the plaque 140, the access opening 150 being coincident with the bottom face opening 344 of the pull-out tray 300 when the pull-out tray 300 is appropriately disposed in the bulk dispenser 100. The access openings 150, 344 inside the bulk dispenser 100 provide access to the resilient member 340, whether for installation of the resilient member 340 or maintenance of said resilient member. There is, furthermore, a dispenser opening 160 disposed proximal to the front side 146 (See FIG. 10) of the plaque 140. The dispenser opening 160 is configured to dispense the bulk product received in the bulk dispenser 100.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser opening has a funnel 162 attached thereto. The funnel 162 extends outwardly from the dispenser opening 160 at an angle towards the front of the bulk dispenser 100. The outwardly and angled extending of the funnel 162 makes dispensing more accurate, for example for dispensing directly into a bag for carrying the bulk product. There is a bottom portion 170 of the side walls 106 which comprises the portion of the side walls 106 which extends downwardly from the bottom face 144 of the plaque 140 and around the bulk dispenser 100. The bottom portion 170 comprises side walls 172 and a rear wall 174 and a front portion 176. The front portion 176 comprises an opening in the side walls 172 which extends across a front face of the bottom portion 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 172 each has a recess 175 therein, each recess 175 may, for example, be used to correctly position the bulk dispenser 100 on a shelf at a vending location. The opening of the front portion 176 allows the funnel 162 of the dispenser opening 160 to extend outwardly.

[0066] Now, a typical use of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 6, 7, 8 and 11 to 13. In order to release the bulk product of the refill container 200 into the bulk dispenser 100, the closing member 230 of the refill container 200 is first removed. Next, the pull tab 240 is received into the slot 118 of the bulk dispenser 100 and the refill container 200 is positioned on the bulk dispenser 100, such as to sit on the longitudinal lips 114 of the bulk dispenser 100. In a next step, once the refill container 200 is well positioned into the receiving area 107 and the pull tab 240 extending outside the said receiving area 107 through the slot 118, a user pulls on the handle portion 248 of the pull tab 240 to remove the pull tab 240 from the refill container 100 (shown in FIG. 11). Removal of the pull tab 240 automatically releases bulk product out of the refill container 200 by force of gravity into the middle portion 103 of the bulk dispenser 100, the bulk product being received between the side walls 106 of the bulk dispenser 100 and being funneled towards the lateral wall opening 128 by the inclination of the inclined walls 124 (shown in FIG. 13).

[0067] In a first mode of operation, the pull-out tray 300 is in a first position corresponding to a storage mode. In this storage mode, the bulk product is received from the container 200 into the middle portion 103 of the bulk dispenser 100. A limited portion of the bulk product then passes through opening 128 into the containment unit 320 of the pull out tray 300.

[0068] In a second mode of operation corresponding to a dispensing mode, a user pulls on the handle 350 to pull outwardly the pull-out tray to a second dispensing position. The containment unit 320 is therefore pulled towards the dispenser opening 160 of the bottom portion 105 of the bulk dispenser 100 until the containment unit 320 is substantially vertically aligned with the dispenser opening 160. The bulk product of the containment unit 320 thereby flows outwardly by gravity from the containment unit 320 into the dispenser opening 160 and funnel 162. The resilient member 340, which is operably connected to the bulk dispenser 100 and the pull-out tray 300, exerts a force on the pull-out tray 300 to force it to return to its original storage mode position, where once again, a limited portion of the bulk product will pass through opening 128 into the containment unit 320 of the pull-out tray 300. A user may dispense repetitive quantities of bulk product by pulling the pull-out tray 300 multiple times, considering that each dispensing action or pulling of the pull-out tray 300 provides an amount of bulk product corresponding to the volume of the containment unit 320.

[0069] Although in the illustrated embodiment, a manual pull-out tray has been described, it is envisaged that the pull-out tray may also be mechanical (e.g. using a rotating mechanism, an electronic motor, etc.) or electrical. For instance, for an electrical mechanism, the bulk dispenser may further include electronics and a control panel by which a user may input commands in order to access the bulk product. In an alternative embodiment, and in order to further improve the hygiene features of the bulk dispenser, it is envisaged that a no touch sensor may be connected to the dispenser opening for dispensing bulk product without touching any part of the dispenser. Such a system may reduce risks of infection of users by reducing/eliminating interaction with the bulk dispenser in a vending environment and help lead to a more sanitary retail environment. The skilled addressee will appreciate that other embodiments may be possible.

[0070] Turning now to FIGS. 15 to 20, another embodiment of the bulk dispenser 100 and another embodiment refill container 200 will be described.

[0071] Particularly, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, instead of being a slot, the opening 118 in the front wall 104 of the bulk dispenser 100 is an empty space that extends for all the top portion 101 of the front wall 104 between the side walls 106. Two side wings 260 extend toward each other from the side walls 106 to partially block that opening 118. The purpose of these side wing wings is to keep the refill container in place and prevent its forward sliding into the opening 118, once it has been deposited on the top of the bulk dispenser 100.

[0072] Regarding the refill container 200, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, the closing member 230 and the pull tab 240 are slightly different from the ones described hereinbefore.

[0073] As best shown in FIG 16, the closing member 230 has a generally rectangular shape corresponding to the general shape of the bottom face 212 of the container 200. In this embodiment, the closing member 230 is shaped such that it comprises one longitudinal side 237 extending in alignment with a corresponding side wall 214 of the refill container 200 (i.e. left side on the figure). In addition, for providing more options for its removal by a user, the closing member 230 comprises three half-moon shaped recesses 234 that are positioned proximal its back end 244, its front end 242 and its left side 246.

[0074] In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 to 20, the pull tab 240 comprises a handle portion 248 that extends outwardly from the refill container 200 and that can be folded along fold lines 254 and 256 over the bottom face 212 of the refill container 200. The folded handle portion 248 may be detachably connected to the bottom face 212 (e.g. with glue, tape, Velcro™, etc.) for insuring it stays in a folded position.

[0075] In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 to 20, the pull tab 240 comprises a handle portion 248 with a hole 249 to facilitate grasping by a user. Alternatively, other means of improving grip of the handle portion may be considered by the skilled addressee, including for example a textured handle portion, a string, a strap, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 248 has side walls 246 each having a recess 258. The two recesses 258 provides an empty space for passage the two removable side wings 260 of the bulk dispenser 100 when the refill container 200 is deposited onto the bulk dispenser 100. Therefore, in accordance with the bulk dispenser and refill container assembly illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 20, during a typical use a user would: i) remove the closing member 230; ii) deposit the refill container 200 onto the bulk dispenser 100; iii) pull down the pull tab 240 to the horizontal; iv) pull out completely the pull tab 240.

[0076] In embodiments, the container and bulk dispenser described herein are used to store and dispense foodstuffs such as dried fruit, seeds, nuts, bites, snacks, chocolates, candies, cookies, cereals, beans, grains, granola, salad topper, baking ingredients (flour, yeast, etc.), coffee, animal food, etc. Alternatively, instead of dry foodstuffs the container and bulk dispenser may be used to store and dispense any other bulk products, including, but not limited to, dry products such as wipes, masks, bags, hair combs, medicinal products (e.g. Aspirin™, Tylenol™), mini gifts, etc.

* * *

[0077] Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locating certain sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described therein, and these concepts may have applicability in other sections throughout the entire specification. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0078] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a side wall" includes one or more of such side wall and reference to "the method" includes reference to equivalent steps and methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art that could be modified or substituted for the methods described herein.

[0079] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the present invention and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A bulk dispenser comprising: an upper portion to receive a container filled with bulk product, a middle portion in communication with the upper portion to receive therefrom the bulk product and a bottom portion to distribute to a user the bulk product inside the middle portion, the upper portion comprising: a container receiving area comprising a base to deposit thereon the container filled with bulk product, the container receiving area being configured to receive and retain onto the base of the upper portion of the said container bulk product, an opening inside the base for providing an open communication with the middle portion, the middle portion comprising: a slideable pull-out tray having a first position for receiving bulk product from the upper portion and a second position for dispensing bulk product to a user, the pull-out tray comprising a containment unit, the containment unit comprising an upper opening in open communication with the opening in the base of the container receiving area, a lower opening in open communication with the bottom portion of the bulk dispenser, sidewalls defining an empty space surrounding the upper and lower openings the containment unit being configured to receive and contain a limited portion of bulk product from the upper portion when the pull-out tray is in the first position and to discharge said limited portion of bulk product when the pull-out tray is in the second position, the bottom portion comprising a plaque onto which is deposited the slideable pull-out tray, said plaque comprising an opening for discharging bulk product from said containment unit when the pull-out tray is in the second position.

2. The bulk dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the upper portion further comprises an opening adapted to removably receive a pull tab extending from a bottom section of a container.

3. The bulk dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the opening inside the base of the upper portion is shaped as a funnel extending downwardly from the upper portion towards the middle portion.

4. The bulk dispenser of claim 1, wherein the pull-out tray comprises a handle extending outwardly from the middle portion of the bulk dispenser.

5. The bulk dispenser of claim 1, wherein the pull-out tray is resiliently secured to the middle portion.

6. The bulk dispenser of claim 5, wherein the pull-out tray is resiliently secured via a spring.

7. The bulk dispenser of claim 1, wherein the opening of the bottom portion is shaped as a funnel.

8. The bulk dispenser of claim 1, wherein the upper portion and the bottom portion are integrally formed.

9. A container for a bulk dispenser comprising: a hollow body with sidewalls defining a closed and an openable container for containing and dispensing a bulk product therein, the hollow body comprising: a bottom section with an opening, said bottom section comprising an exterior and removable closing member for closing said opening; and an interior removable pull tab positioned above the removable closing member, said pull tab being configured for being pulled and allowing bulk product to flow by gravity out of the container through the opening.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the removable pull tab has a foldable handle extending outwardly from the hollow body.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the handle has a hole for facilitating grasping of the handle by a user.

12. The container of claim 9, wherein the container is adapted to fit in a bulk dispenser.

13. The container of claim 9, wherein the closing member is a sealing member for sealing the opening in an airtight manner.

14. The container of claim 9, wherein the container is made of cardboard.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the closing member is a tear tab.

16. A method of filling a bulk dispenser with a removable container filled with bulk product comprising: providing a bulk dispenser, wherein the bulk dispenser comprises a receiving area configured to receive and retain the container, the bulk dispenser further comprising an opening for receiving a pull tab extending from a bottom section of the removable container; providing a removable container filled with bulk product, wherein the removable container is configured to be received and retained by the bulk dispenser, the removable container comprising a bottom portion with an opening, the opening being covered by a pull tab; depositing the removable container into the receiving area of the bulk dispenser while introducing the pull tab into the opening of the bulk dispenser; pulling the pull tab of the removable container to uncover the opening thereby filling the bulk dispenser with bulk product contained in the removable container.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of manipulating the bulk dispenser for dispensing a limited predetermined quantity of bulk product.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the bulk dispenser further comprises a pull-out tray, and wherein pulling said pull-out tray dispenses said limited predetermined quantity of bulk product.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the opening of the container is further covered with a closing member positioned over the pull tab, and wherein filling the bulk dispenser further requires the step of removing said closing member prior to pulling the pull tab.

20. A removable container and bulk dispenser assembly comprising: a removable container comprising: a hollow body with sidewalls defining a closed and an openable container for containing and dispensing a bulk product therein, the hollow body comprising: a bottom section with an opening, said bottom section comprising an exterior and removable closing member for closing said opening; an interior removable pull tab positioned above the removable closing member, said pull tab being configured for being pulled and allowing bulk product to flow by gravity out of the container through the opening; and a bulk dispenser comprising: a body configured to receive the refill container thereon, the body comprising a front portion configured to receive the pull tab of the refill container; and a dispensing opening for dispensing to a user bulk product flowing by gravity from the removable container inside the body of the bulk dispenser.