WO2023018935A1

WO2023018935A1 - Actuator based packaging for use with solid cartridge refills

Info

Publication number: WO2023018935A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/040160
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey C. Minnette; Ryan P. Davidson
Original assignee: Nypro Inc.
Priority date: 2021-08-13
Filing date: 2022-08-12
Publication date: 2023-02-16
Also published as: EP4370442A1; CN117916170A

Abstract

Disclosed herein are actuator based packages for use with cartridge refills. A package includes a container configured to hold a cartridge refill, a replaceable cap configured to fit the container, and an actuator mechanism integral with the container. The actuator mechanism is configured to compress the cartridge refill to dispense a useable material contained in the cartridge refill. The actuator mechanism can be a slider mechanism. The actuator mechanism can be a screw mechanism.

Description

ACTUATOR BASED PACKAGING FOR USE WITH SOLID CARTRIDGE REFILLS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to packaging and in particular, packages having actuators to dispense content from solid cartridge refills.

SUMMARY

[0002] Disclosed herein are methods and packages which have actuators to dispense solid content from refill cartridges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and are incorporated into and thus constitute a part of this specification. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

[0004] FIG. 1 is an example of a slider actuated package in accordance with implementations.

[0005] FIG. 2A is an example of a disposable cartridge for use in a slider actuated package of in accordance with implementations.

[0006] FIG. 2B is a top view of the disposable cartridge of FIG. 2A in accordance with implementations .

[0007] FIG. 3A is an internalized view of a slider actuated package in an initial state in accordance with implementations.

[0008] FIG. 3B is a profile view of the slider actuated package of FIG. 3A in accordance with implementations .

[0009] FIG. 4A is an internalized view of a slider actuated package in a partially used state in accordance with implementations.

[0010] FIG. 4B is a profile view of the slider actuated package of FIG. 4A in accordance with implementations .

[0011] FIG. 5 is an example side diagram of a slider actuated package in accordance with implementations . [0012] FIG. 6 is an example of a housing for a slider actuated package in accordance with implementations .

[0013] FIG. 7 is an example of a cartridge refill in accordance with implementations.

[0014] FIG. 8 is an example of an exploded view of a slider actuated package in accordance with implementations.

[0015] FIG. 9A is an internalized view of a slider actuated package in an initial state in accordance with implementations.

[0016] FIG. 9B is a profile view of the slider actuated package of FIG. 9A in accordance with implementations .

[0017] FIG. 10A is an internalized view of a slider actuated package in a partially used state in accordance with implementations.

[0018] FIG. 10B is a profile view of the slider actuated package of FIG. 10A in accordance with implementations.

[0019] FIG. 11 is an example of a housing for a slider actuated package in accordance with implementations .

[0020] FIG. 12 is an example of a cartridge refill in accordance with implementations.

[0021] FIG. 13 is an example of an exploded view of a slider actuated package in accordance with implementations.

[0022] FIG. 14A is an internalized view of a slider actuated package in an initial state in accordance with implementations.

[0023] FIG. 14B is a profile view of the slider actuated package of FIG. 14A in accordance with implementations.

[0024] FIG. 15A is an internalized view of a slider actuated package in a partially used state in accordance with implementations.

[0025] FIG. 15B is a profile view of the slider actuated package of FIG. 15A in accordance with implementations.

[0026] FIG. 16 is an example of a housing for a screw actuated package in accordance with implementations .

[0027] FIG. 17A is an example of a cartridge refill in accordance with implementations.

[0028] FIG. 17B is a top view of the cartridge refill of FIG. 17A in accordance with implementations . [0029] FIG. 18 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package of FIG. 16 in accordance with implementations.

[0030] FIG. 19 is an example of an exploded view of a screw actuated package in accordance with implementations.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a profile view of a screw actuated package in accordance with implementations .

[0032] FIG. 21 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package of FIG. 20 with seal off in accordance with implementations.

[0033] FIG. 22 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package of FIG. 20 in a partial use state in accordance with implementations.

[0034] FIG. 23 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package of FIG. 20 in a used state in accordance with implementations.

[0035] FIG. 24 is a view of a cartridge refill in a used state in accordance with implementations. [0036] FIG. 25A is the internalized view of the screw actuated package of FIG. 21 with seal off in accordance with implementations.

[0037] FIG. 25B is a top view of a refill cartridge in the screw actuated package of FIG. 25A in accordance with implementations.

[0038] FIG. 25C is a bottom view of the screw actuated package of FIG. 25A in accordance with implementations.

[0039] FIG. 26 is an illustration of how a refill cartridge is positioned in a housing in accordance with implementations.

[0040] FIG. 27 is a profile of a screw actuator in accordance with implementations.

[0041] FIG. 28 is another profile of a screw actuator in accordance with implementations.

[0042] FIG. 29A and 29B are illustrations of how a refill cartridge is removed in accordance with implementations.

[0043] FIG. 30 is an example of a housing for a screw actuated package in accordance with implementations .

[0044] FIG. 31 A is an example of a cartridge refill for a screw actuated package in accordance with implementations.

[0045] FIG. 3 IB is a top view of the refill cartridge of FIG. 31A in accordance with implementations . [0046] FIG. 32 is an example of an exploded view of a screw actuated package in accordance with implementations.

[0047] FIG. 33 is an internalized view of a screw actuated package with seal off in accordance with implementations.

[0048] FIG. 34 is an internalized view of a screw actuated package in a partial use state in accordance with implementations.

[0049] FIG. 35 is an internalized view of a screw actuated package in a fully used state in accordance with implementations.

[0050] FIG. 36 is an internalized view of a cartridge refill with cap in accordance with implementations .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The figures and descriptions provided herein may be simplified to illustrate aspects of the described embodiments that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein disclosed processes, machines, manufactures, and/or compositions of matter, while eliminating for the purpose of clarity other aspects that may be found in typical similar devices, systems, compositions, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may thus recognize that other elements and/or steps may be desirable or necessary to implement the devices, systems, compositions, and methods described herein. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments, a discussion of such elements and steps may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art in light of the discussion herein.

[0052] Embodiments are provided throughout so that this disclosure is sufficiently thorough and fully conveys the scope of the disclosed embodiments to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific aspects, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain specific disclosed details need not be employed, and that embodiments may be embodied in different forms. As such, the exemplary embodiments set forth should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0054] The steps, processes, and operations described herein are thus not to be construed as necessarily requiring their respective performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as a preferred or required order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, in place of or in conjunction with the disclosed aspects.

[0055] Yet further, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, steps or aspects, these elements, steps, or aspects should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element or aspect from another. Thus, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, step, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, step, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0056] The non-limiting embodiments described herein are with respect to packages which have actuators to dispense solid content from refill cartridges or disposable cartridges. These packages may be modified for a variety of applications and uses while remaining within the spirit and scope of the claims. The embodiments and variations described herein, and/or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope and spirit. The descriptions herein may be applicable to all embodiments of the device and the methods for making the devices.

[0057] Disclosed herein are implementations of packages which have actuators to dispense solid content from refill cartridges. The implementations shown are illustrative and other implementations are within the scope of the specification and claims described herein. For purposes of illustration, certain aspects, features, and the like are described with respect to implementations. These aspects, features, and the like are appropriately applicable to and interchangeable with other implementations described herein. [0058] In implementations, the packages which have actuators to dispense solid content from refill cartridges described herein use a combination of injection molding (IM), in-mold labeling (IML), lamination, and other like processing to manufacture containers, actuator mechanisms, caps, cartridge refills, and other elements using films, paper, recyclable materials, biodegradable materials, bio-based resins, sustainable materials, and the like. In implementations, the packaging is hybrid package using a combination of semi-rigid, flexible, and composite structures.

[0059] In implementations, injection molding (IM), in-mold labeling (IML), die cutting, compression blow molding, thermoform molding, in-mold labeling (IML), lamination, and the like processing (collectively “structure forming process”) can be used to form a housing, actuator mechanism components, containers, actuator mechanisms, caps, cartridge refills, and other elements (collectively “structure” or “molded part or portion”). Injection molding (IM), in-mold labeling (IML), heat, induction, mechanical, staking, ultrasonic, and adhesive or chemical bonding (collectively “join processing”) can be used to fuse, weld, or bond (collectively “fuse”) a flexible part to create a sealed package which can hold or protect content or materials. In implementations, the fusing can include application of pressure, temperature, and/or combinations thereof. In implementations, the sealed package is an integrally, hermetically sealed package.

[0060] In implementations, the structure can be made from polymers, biopolymers, sustainable materials, recyclable materials, biodegradable materials, bio-based resins, weight-optimized biodegradable plastic, and the like.

[0061] In implementations, the flexible part can be or can be made from heavy film, paperboard, pressed pulp, compostable coated paper, and the like. In implementations, the flexible part can include a barrier layer or film on an internal or inside surface, where the barrier layer is impervious to the content or material in the package and chemically inert with respect to the content or material in the package. In implementations, the flexible part can be an integrated or integrally formed barrier layer or film with the heavy film, paperboard, pressed pulp, and the like. In implementations, the flexible part can be or can be made from recyclable, sustainable, degradable, biodegradable, and like materials.

[0062] In implementations, a content filled disposable cartridge or refill cartridge is placed in an actuator based package. The actuator based package can be, but is not limited to, a slider based actuating mechanism, a screw based actuating mechanism, or the like. The content can be solids, semi- solids, and combinations thereof. [0063] FIG. 1 is an example of a slider actuated package 1000 in accordance with implementations. The slider actuated package 1000 includes a housing 1100, a slider mechanism 1200, and a refill cartridge 1300. The housing 1100 is configured to removably hold the refill cartridge 1300 in a lock and load configuration. That is, the refill cartridge 1300 is positioned in the housing 1100 and locked in place via a friction or interference fit mechanism. The slider mechanism 1200 is configured for placement and access on a side surface 1110 of the housing 1100.

[0064] FIG. 2A is an example of a disposable or refill cartridge 2000 for use in a slider actuated package in accordance with implementations. FIG. 2B is a top view of the refill cartridge 2000 of FIG. 2A in accordance with implementations. The refill cartridge 2000 includes a cap 2100 and in-mold label (IML) based pouch or cartridge 2200 which holds the content. The IML cartridge 2200 includes a lock and load structure 2300 which friction or interference fits with the housing 1100. The cap 2100 can include ridges 2110 to assist in placement of the refill cartridge 2000 in the housing 1100. Removal of the cap 2100 exposes an application surface 2400 of the IML cartridge 2200. As described herein, the IML film collapses as the content is pushed out of the IML cartridge 2200.

[0065] FIG. 3A is an internalized view of a slider actuated package 3000 in an initial state in accordance with implementations, FIG. 3B is a profile view of the slider actuated package 3000 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 4A is an internalized view of the slider actuated package 3000 in a partially used state in accordance with implementations, and FIG. 4B is a profile view of the slider actuated package 3000 in the partially state in accordance with implementations. The slider actuated package 3000 includes a housing 3100, a slider 3200, an elevator or platform 3300, a cap 3400, and a refill cartridge 3500. The slider 3100, is connected to the elevator 3200, on which the refill cartridge 3400 is positioned. In FIG. 4A and 4B, the slider 3100 and the elevator 3200 are moved up to expose content for use.

[0066] FIG. 5 is an example side diagram of a slider actuated package 5000 in accordance with implementations. The description associated with the slider actuated package 5000 can be representative of any of the slider actuated packages described herein. The slider actuated package 5000 includes a housing 5100, a cap 5200, and a slider actuator mechanism 5300. The housing 5100 includes an access surface 5110 which includes a scalloped-like access area 5120. The slider actuator mechanism 5300 includes a platform (shown in FIG. 3A) and a slider 5310, where the slider 5310 is accessible by a user. The scalloped-like access area 5120 is configured to prevent the slider 5310 and the platform from moving down or slipping due to inertia. The scalloped-like access area 5120 includes slots 5122 which retains the slider 5310 and the platform in position once moved.

[0067] Operationally, with respect to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, and 5, a refill cartridge is loaded and locked into a housing. Upon removing of the cap from the housing, a slider can be pushed up one or more slots to expose the content. As the content is pushed up, the film surrounding or encapsulating the content collapses inside the housing due to the locking and interference/friction fit. Once the refill cartridge is exhausted or used up, the collapsed film can be removed and another refill cartridge can be loaded and locked.

[0068] FIG. 6 is an example of the slider actuated package 6000 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 7 is an example of a disposable or refill cartridge 7000 for use in the slider actuated package 6000 in accordance with implementations, and FIG. 8 is an example of an exploded view of a slider actuated package 6000 in accordance with implementations. The slider actuated package 6000 includes a housing 6100 and a cap 6200. The housing 6100 is configured to removably hold a refill cartridge 7000 in a lock and load configuration. That is, the refill cartridge 7000 is positioned in the housing 6100 and locked in place via a friction or interference fit mechanism. The refill cartridge 7000 includes a cap 7100 and in-mold label (IML) based pouch or cartridge 7200 which holds the content. The IML cartridge 7200 includes a lock and load structure 7300 which friction or interference fits with the housing 6100. The cap 7100 can include ridges 7110 to assist in placement of the refill cartridge 7000 in the housing 6100. Removal of the cap 7100 exposes an application surface of the IML cartridge 7200. As described herein, the IML film collapses as the content is pushed out of the IML cartridge 7200.

[0069] FIG. 9A is an internalized view of the slider actuated package 6000 in an initial state in accordance with implementations, FIG. 9B is a profile view of the slider actuated package 6000 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 10A is an internalized view of the slider actuated package 6000 in a partially used state in accordance with implementations, and FIG. 10B is a profile view of the slider actuated package 6000 in the partially state in accordance with implementations. The slider actuated package 6000 further includes a slider 9000 and an elevator or platform 9100. The slider 9000 and the elevator 9100 are configured for placement and access on a wide, main, or center surface 6110 of the housing 6100. The surface 6110 includes an access surface 6120 via which the slider 9000 is connected to the elevator 9100. The refill cartridge 7000 is positionable on the elevator 9100. The access area 6120 is configured to prevent the slider 9000 and the elevator 9100 from moving down or slipping due to inertia. In FIG. 10A and 10B, the slider 9000 and the elevator 9100 are moved up to expose content for use.

[0070] Operationally, with respect to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B, the slider actuated package 6000 is operationally and functionally similar to the slider actuated package 1000 except that the slider mechanism 1200 is positioned on the wide, main, or center surface 6110 of the housing 6100.

[0071] FIG. 11 is an example of the slider actuated package 11000 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 12 is an example of a disposable or refill cartridge 12000 for use in the slider actuated package 11000 in accordance with implementations, and FIG. 13 is an example of an exploded view of the slider actuated package 11000 in accordance with implementations. The slider actuated package 11000 includes a housing 11100 and a cap 11200. The housing 11100 is configured to removably hold a refill cartridge 12000 in a lock and load configuration. That is, the refill cartridge 12000 is positioned in the housing 11100 and locked in place via a friction or interference fit mechanism. The refill cartridge 12000 includes a cap 12100 and in-mold label (IML) based pouch or cartridge 12200 which holds the content. The IML cartridge 12200 includes a lock and load structure 12300 which friction or interference fits with the housing 11100. The cap 12100 can include ridges 12110 to assist in placement of the refill cartridge 12000 in the housing 11100. Removal of the cap 12100 exposes an application surface of the IML cartridge 12200. As described herein, the IML film collapses as the content is pushed out of the IML cartridge 12200.

[0072] FIG. 14A is an internalized view of the slider actuated package 11000 in an initial state in accordance with implementations, FIG. 14B is a profile view of the slider actuated package 11000 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 15A is an internalized view of the slider actuated package 11000 in a partially used state in accordance with implementations, and FIG. 15B is a profile view of the slider actuated package 11000 in the partially state in accordance with implementations. The slider actuated package 11000 further includes a pair of sliders 14000 and 14000’ connected to an elevator or platform 14100. The sliders 14000 and 14000’ are configured for placement and access on side surfaces 11110 and 11110’ of the housing 11100. The side surfaces 11110 and 11110’ each include an access surface 11120 via which the slider 14000, for example, is connected to the elevator 14100. The refill cartridge 12000 is positionable on the elevator 14100. Each access area 11120 is configured to prevent the sliders 14000 and 14000’ and the elevator 14100 from moving down or slipping due to inertia. In FIG. 15A and 15B, the sliders 14000 and 14000’ and the elevator 14100 are moved up to expose content for use.

[0073] Operationally, with respect to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14A, 14B, 15A and 15B, the slider actuated package 11000 is operationally and functionally similar to the slider actuated packages 1000 and 6000 except that the sliders 14000 and 14000’ and the elevator 14100 are positioned on and through the side surfaces 11110 and 11110’ of the housing 11100.

[0074] FIG. 16 is an example of a screw actuated package 16000 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 17A is an example of a disposable or refill cartridge 17000 for use in the slider actuated package 16000 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 17B is a top view of the refill cartridge of FIG. 17A in accordance with implementations, FIG. 18 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package 16000 of FIG. 16 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 19 is an example of an exploded view of the screw actuated package in accordance with implementations, FIG. 25A is an internalized view of the screw actuated package 16000, FIG. 25B is a top view of the screw actuated package 16000, and FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the screw actuated package 16000.

[0075] The screw actuated package 16000 includes a housing 16100 and a cap 16200. The housing 16100 is configured to removably hold a refill cartridge 17000 in a lock and load configuration. That is, the refill cartridge 17000 is positioned in the housing 16100 and locked in place via a friction or interference fit mechanism. The refill cartridge 17000 includes a top component 17100 and a base component 17200 which are connected by fusing a flexible part such as a film 17300 using an in-mold labeling (IMF) process, for example. A seal 17400 can be used to seal a top surface of the top component 17100 after placement of content in the refill cartridge 17000. The top component 17100 includes an alignment slot 17110 for aligning the refill cartridge 17000 with the housing 16100 and a lock and load structure 17120 which friction or interference fits with the housing 16100. The base component 17200 includes a refill cartridge screw 17210. The housing 16100 includes an actuator 16110 in communication with an elevator 16120.

[0076] FIG. 20 is a profile view of the screw actuated package 16000 without the cap 16200 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 21 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package 16000 without the cap 16200 and removal of the seal 17400 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 22 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package 16000 in a partial use state in accordance with implementations, FIG. 23 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package 16000 in a used state in accordance with implementations, and FIG. 24 is a view of the refill cartridge 17000 in a used state in accordance with implementations.

[0077] Operationally, as shown in FIGS. 20-24, turning or rotating of the actuator 16110 causes the elevator 16120 to rotate, which in turn causes the refill cartridge screw 17210 to move up. This compresses the base component 17200 toward the top component 17100 and causes exposure of the content from the refill cartridge 17000. The film 17300 folds or collapses as the base component 17200 reaches the top component 17100.

[0078] FIG. 26 is an illustration of how the refill cartridge 17000 is positioned in the housing 16100 in accordance with implementations. The alignment slot 17110 is aligned with respect to the elevator 16120. Once aligned, the refill cartridge 17000 is loaded into the housing 16100, which resets the elevator 16120 with respect to the refill cartridge screw 17210.

[0079] FIG. 27 is a profile of an elevator 27000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 28 is another profile of an elevator 28000 in accordance with implementations. Other profiles can be used without departing from the scope of the specification and claims.

[0080] FIG. 29A and 29B are illustrations of how the refill cartridge 17000 is removed in accordance with implementations. Once the refill cartridge 17000 is used, the sides of the housing 16100 are squeezed toward each other, which disengages the elevator 16120 with respect to the refill cartridge screw 17210 and the lock and load mechanism 17120.

[0081] FIG. 30 is an example of a screw actuated package 30000 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 31A is an example of a disposable or refill cartridge 31000 for use in the slider actuated package 30000 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 3 IB is a top view of the refill cartridge 31000 in accordance with implementations, and FIG. 32 is an example of an exploded view of the screw actuated package 30000 in accordance with implementations.

[0082] The screw actuated package 30000 includes a housing 30100, a cap 30200, and an actuator 30300. The housing 30100 is configured to removably hold a refill cartridge 31000 in a lock and load configuration. That is, the refill cartridge 31000 is positioned in the housing 30100 and locked in place via a friction or interference fit mechanism. The refill cartridge 31000 includes an inner housing 31100, a screw 31200, and an elevator 31300. A film 31400 is fused to the inner housing 31100 using an in-mold labeling (IML) process, for example. A seal 31500 can be used to seal a top surface of the inner housing 31100 after placement of content in the refill cartridge 31000. The inner housing 31100 can include a load and lock mechanism 31110.

[0083] FIG. 33 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package 30000 with removal of the seal 31500 in accordance with implementations, FIG. 34 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package 30000 in a partial use state in accordance with implementations, FIG. 35 is an internalized view of the screw actuated package 30000 in a used state in accordance with implementations, and FIG. 36 is a view of the refill cartridge 31000 in a used state in accordance with implementations.

[0084] Operationally, turning or rotating of the actuator 30300 causes the screw 31200 to rotate, which in turn causes the elevator 31300 to move up. This compresses the elevator 31300 and causes exposure of the content from the refill cartridge 31000. The film 31400 folds or collapses as the elevator 31300 moves up.

[0085] The actuator based packaging for use with cartridge refills described herein may be manufactured using compression molding, injection molding and other like production processes. The actuator based packaging for use with cartridge refills may be made from biodegradable materials, recyclable materials, sustainable materials, and the like.

[0086] The construction and arrangement of the methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials and components, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0088] While the disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A package comprising: a container configured to hold a cartridge refill; a replaceable cap configured to fit the container; and an actuator mechanism integral with the container, the actuator mechanism configured to dispense a useable material contained in the cartridge refill.

2. The package of claim 1, the cartridge refill comprising: a cap configured to assist in positioning the cartridge refill in the container; an in-mold label based pouch configured to contain the useable material; and a lock and load mechanism configured to interference or friction fit with the container.

3. The package of claim 2, the actuator mechanism comprising: an elevator, wherein the cartridge refill is positionable on the elevator; and a slider connected to the elevator, the slider and the elevator configured to compress the in-mold label based pouch against the lock and load mechanism to dispense the useable material.

4. The package of claim 3, the container comprising: an access surface configured to permit a user to move the slider, the access surface including slots configured to retain the slider in position once moved.

5. The package of claim 2, the container comprising: an elevator, wherein the cartridge refill is positionable on the elevator; and a pair of sliders, each slider connected to one side of the elevator, the pair of sliders and the elevator configured to compress the in-mold label based pouch against the lock and load mechanism to dispense the useable material.

6. The package of claim 5, the container comprising: a pair of access surfaces configured to permit a user to move the pair of sliders.

7. The package of claim 1, the cartridge refill comprising: a film; a top component including an alignment slot configured to align the cartridge refill with the container and a lock and load mechanism configured to interference or friction fit with the container; and a base component including a screw, the base component connected to the top component by in-mold labeling the film to the top component and the base component to establish a place for the useable material.

8. The package of claim 7, the actuator mechanism comprising: an elevator, wherein the screw is positionable on the elevator; and an actuator connected to the elevator, wherein rotation of the actuator rotates the elevator which moves the screw to compress the film against the lock and load mechanism to dispense the useable material.

9. The package of claim 1, the cartridge refill comprising: a housing including a lock and load mechanism configured to interference or friction fit with the container; a film in-mold labeled to the housing to establish a place for the useable material; a screw; and an elevator connected to the screw.

10. The package of claim 9, the actuator mechanism comprising: an actuator connected to the screw, wherein rotation of the actuator rotates the screw which moves the elevator to compress the film against the lock and load mechanism to dispense the useable material.

11. A method for providing a reusable package, the method comprising: providing a container configured to hold a replaceable compressible cartridge; replaceably positioning the replaceable compressible cartridge in the container; and dispensing contents from the replaceable compressible cartridge by actuating an actuator mechanism to compress the replaceable compressible cartridge, wherein the actuator mechanism is integral with the container; removing the replaceable compressible cartridge after usage of the contents; and replaceably positioning another replaceable compressible cartridge in the container.

12. The method of claim 11, the method comprising: forming a content bearing pouch for the replaceable compressible cartridge by in-mold labeling a film with a replaceable compressible cartridge structure.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the replaceably positioning further comprises: locking the replaceable compressible cartridge to the container via an interference or friction fit to enable compression of the film.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the replaceably positioning further comprises: aligning the replaceable compressible cartridge to the container to enable compression of the film.

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