MXPA98005104A - Dispenser system of particu - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser system of the present invention includes a channel assembly and a rectangular container for dispensing particulate material into the container, the channel assembly includes a door and latch mechanisms that open to receive the rectangular container, the insertion of the rectangular container in the container, and The channel assembly automatically engages the bolt mechanism, allowing the doors to open, which then engages a sub assembly of the channel assembly to open the container and expose the particulate contents for dispensing, the container includes an outer cardboard container, a cardboard insert having a wedge-shaped circumference at one end thereof, and a laminated or thin-film liner, the container includes means for partially exposing the liner prior to the insertion of the container into the can assembly;

Description

PARTICLE DISPENSER SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a new and improved particulate dispensing system and more particularly to a dispensing system having a housing for receiving a partially open container wherein the container is placed. in the housing opens the housing to receive and facilitate the complete opening of the container to dispense the material from the container. 2 ~ Prior art inspection Particles »such as solid fertilizers» chemicals and other types of materials »are commonly handled and transported in bulk containers. The containers must be opened and emptied of their contents »in order to use the particulate substances. Depending on the particular material and its intended application, the opening and emptying of the material container can be difficult and potentially dangerous to the health of the operator dispensing the material and potentially dangerous to the health of others who subsequently come into contact with the material. the recipient. There are several problems associated with handling »the opening and emptying of containers containing said particulate materials. Exposure to the particles stored in the material container during handling »the opening and emptying of the container» can be a serious problem »especially when the particulate material is a pesticide» a herbicide or other hazardous material. Undesirable exposure can be the result of handling the material and breathing the particles that exist in the air. Several attempts have been made to develop both containers of material and dispensing devices that allow the safe and convenient "opening and emptying" of the container with materials. Problems associated with the disposal of contaminated containers »the risk of damage to operators by contact with hazardous materials or with sharp components of the apparatus» and the need for special supporting components to prevent remnants of spattering of the contents. For example. special pallets may be necessary for boarding »such as those shown in US Pat. No. 4» 119 »263 of Cuthbertson» and co-inventors. Examples of the cutting devices used to open the containers of particulate materials "to expose the contents for delivery" are shown in US Pat. No. 4,527,716 to Shaas and co-inventors and to US Patent 2,094,818 to Richm. and co-inventors. Some of these cutter devices may require separate manipulation by an operator to open the container effectively and unload the material. US Pat. No. 2,109,995 to Statham "and co-inventors is exemplary of said apparatus. After the particles are dispensed, the disposal of the container is problematic when the particles are toxic or otherwise dangerous. When the containers are made of a plastic material with rigid walls, the collection and transport of bulky containers is expensive and time consuming. Incineration of such containers is typically impractical. In addition »it would be expected that a toxic residue would remain on the internal walls of the said container» so that these containers should be perfectly cleaned before being recycled or discarded. The health risk »associated with the handling and washing of empty containers» can be problematic. In addition »government regulations may limit the possibility of recycling containers for certain materials. In addition, the disposal of even washed containers is wasteful and environmentally unsatisfactory due to the lack of biodegradability of such containers. In some cases »this practice is legally prohibited. Although it is known to use cardboard boxes in the construction of containers to contain particulate material for disposal as described above, the waste of the material during the manufacture of the containers to contain particulate materials is irreplaceable »has not been reduced to the minimum until now. For example, approximately 13% of a rectangular sheet of cardboard is cut and discarded when the cardboard container 201 of US Patent 4,120,120 of DirKsing is manufactured. Given the increasing cost of forest products used for at least partial construction of such containers, it is advisable to minimize the waste of material. It is against this background that significant improvements and important advances of the present invention have been made in the field of particle dispensing systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with its main aspects, a dispensing system of the present invention includes a channel assembly and a rectangular container received therein. The channel assembly includes door and latch mechanisms that open to receive the rectangular container. The insertion of the rectangular container within the channel assembly automatically engages with the bolt mechanism "which allows the doors to open" which then engage a cutter subassembly of the channel assembly to open the container and expose the contents of the container. particles to dispense them. The preferred container of the present invention includes an outer cardboard container »a cardboard insert having a wedge-shaped circumference at one of its ends» and a plated or metallized liner. The preferred container includes means for partially exposing the liner prior to inserting the container into the channel assembly of the present invention. The present invention provides a dispensing system that minimizes both direct physical contact with the contents of the container and inhalation of particles remaining in the air by the operator, while opening and dispensing the contents of the container. After dispensing »the outer cardboard container and the cardboard insert can be flattened and can be recycled or incinerated. The lining can be crushed and incinerated. A more complete appreciation of the present invention and its scope can be obtained from the understanding of the drawings that come to the end which are briefly summarized below "of the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. »And of the rei indications that come later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a planter attachment in which a preferred embodiment of the particulate dispensing system of the present invention is incorporated. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the channel assembly and the container component of the particle dispensing system shown in Figure 1 »with part of the channel cutout assembly for exposing a bolt mechanism and a cutter subassembly of the channel assembly» and part of the cut-out container for exposing an insert and a container liner. Figure 3 is a top view of the channel assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 4 is a side view of the channel assembly shown in Figures 1-3. Figure 5 is an end view of the channel assembly shown in Figures 1-4. Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the channel assembly of the particle dispensing system shown in Figures 1-5 »with part of the channel cutout assembly for exposing a spring mechanism of the channel assembly. Figure 7 is a partial, representative sectional view of the particulate dispensing system shown in Figures 1-6. before the complete insertion of the container into the channel assembly. Figure 8 is a partial sectional view. representative of the particle dispensing system »shown in Figures 1-7» before the insertion of the container into the channel assembly is complete. Fig. 9 is a partial sectional view of the particulate dispensing system shown in Figs. 1-B and illustrating the spring mechanism and the trim subassembly. Figure IO is a partial sectional view of the particle dispensing system shown in Figures 1-9 »before the insertion of the container into the channel assembly is completed. Figure 11 is a partial sectional view of the particulate dispensing system shown in Figures 1-10 »showing the coupling of the container with the cutter subassembly of the channel assembly shown in Figures 1-10. Figure 12 is a representative partial sectional view of the particle dispensing system shown in Figures 1-11 »after the insertion of the container into the channel assembly is complete. Fig. 13 is a "partially exposed" side view of the container of the particulate dispensing system shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 14 is a plan view of an unfolded insert component of the container shown in Figs. Figure 15 is an exploded view of the outer container »the liner and the insert components of the container shown in Figures 1» 2 »13 and 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. -Desc. In general A preferred embodiment of the particle dispensing system 20 of the present invention is better described with reference to the component parts of a planter attachment 22 which is shown in FIG. 1. which is suitable for planting corn »soy or wheat. The particle dispensing system 20 is sealable on a channel 24 'of the planter attachment 22. When the planter attachment 22 is connected to and pulled by a tractor (not shown) during planting, the particles contained in the dispensing system 20 are controllably dispensed through a passage (not shown) in the body 26. of channel 24 »through conduit 28 and into the ground. The particulate dispensing system 20 of the present invention includes a channel assembly 30 and a container 32. As best seen in Figs. 2-12, the channel assembly 30 includes a main body member 34 a lid 36"? N upper opening 38 and a lower opening 40. The lower opening 40 of the channel assembly 30 is positioned adjacent to an upper opening (not shown) of the channel 24. The channel assembly 30 includes a pair of doors 42» adjacent to the upper opening 38 »selectively positionable to cover the upper opening 38 of the channel assembly 30 in a closed position (see Figures 2-6) and to leave open a passageway 44 of the channel assembly 30 defined by the member 34 of main body. when the doors 42 of the channel assembly 30 are in an open position (see Figure 10). The doors 42 each include a lower layer 45"a nal length edge 46" and an upper layer 47. The doors 42 are forcibly carried to the closed position by the action of a spring 48 (see Figure 6) in which position the Length edges 46 are adjacent to each other. The doors 42 are releasably held in the closed position by means of a latch mechanism 49. A cutter subassembly 50 is positioned through the lower opening 40 of the channel assembly 30. The cutter subassembly 50 is oriented so that it engages with a portion of the container 32 »when the container 32 is mounted in the channel assembly 30» which causes the container 32 to open up allowing the particles stored therein to be dispensed (not shown).

I 2.-51 enss? le qe? 3 the Most Specifically »and now referring to Figures 2-5. the main body member 34 of the channel assembly 30 of the present invention includes a pair of walls io opposing ends 52 interconnected by a pair of lateral walls 54 oriented longitudinally. The main body member 34 defines an upper surface 56 and a lower surface 58. The upper surface 56 defines an upper peripheral edge 60 which "in turn" defines the upper opening 38. The lower surface 58 defines a lower peripheral edge 62 that »In turn defines the lower opening 40. The upper peripheral edge 60 extends inward from the end 52 and the outer walls 54. A flange 64 is downwardly dependent on the upper peripheral edge 60» around the upper opening 38 »the flange 64 hangs down approximately one fourth of the height of the end and side walls 52 and 54 »and terminates in a lower eyebrow 66. A pair of doors 42. each is pivotally connected to the end walls 52» adjacent to the lower eyebrow G & of the flange 64. A pair of pivot pins 55 is pivotally fixed between the end wall 52 and the longitudinal longitudinal edge 57 of the door 42 »at each end of the door» as shown in Figs. 3 »5 and 6. The pivot pin 55 is pivotally fixed to the end wall 52 »near the intersection of the end wall 52 and the exterior wall 54. The doors 42 pivot about the pivot pins 55 between closed and open positions. Further »the doors 42 are thus biased down from the upper surface 56 of the channel assembly 30.

A spacing 68 is formed between the longitudinal edges 46 of the fasteners 42 and grooves 70 are formed in each of the doors 42 which extend transverse from the longitudinal edges 46, the grooves 70 of each door 42 being coextensive with the doors. corresponding grooves 70 of the other door 42. The doors extend substantially through the upper opening 38 of the channel assembly "when in the closed position" and extend downwards, along the respective side wall 54 »when they are in the open position »as described in more detail below. The doors are forced to the closed position "shown in Figures 2-6" by means of a spring 48 located on the pivot pin 55. and having a leg 73 extending between the lower layer 45 and the upper layer 47. And which is coupled with the upper layer 47 of the door 42 »and a second leg 75 which engages with the side wall 54 (see Figures 6 and 9). The spring 48 may be mounted on each pivot pin 55 or only one per door 42. The spring 48 is designed to forcibly carry the doors 42 to the closed position »in which the doors are approximately at an angle of 90 ° with respect to to the side wall 54. The top layer 47 of the doors 42 engages with the eyebrow 66 of the flange 64 to prevent the doors from pivoting even further upwards »as best shown in Figures 6 and 9. When in the closed position "although in general the doors 42 are substantially perpendicular to the side walls 54" the upper layer 47 of the doors 42 is inclined downwardly "towards the separation 68 between the longitudinal edges 46" as best seen in FIG. Figures 9 and 10. Tilting allows any particulate material remaining on the doors 42 »when the doors are in closed position» to move towards and fall through the separation 68 towards the channel 24. The spring 48 allows the doors 42 to pivot to the open position and extend downwards along the side walls 54, while continuously forcing the doors 42 to the closed position continuously » such that when the force holding the doors 42 in the open position is removed, the doors 42 automatically pivot to return to the closed position. The cutter subassembly 50 shown in Figures 4 »5 and 7-12» is positioned within the passage 44 of the channel assembly 30 »adjacent to the lower opening 40. The cutter subassembly 50 includes a plurality of longitudinal blades 72 projecting upwardly "within the passageway 44. The cutter subassembly 50 also includes a pair of opposite end knives 76 each of which is positioned perpendicular and adjacent the opposite ends of the longitudinal knives 72. The end knives 76 are positioned to adjust under the slots 70 when the doors 42 are in a closed position, and when the doors 42 move to the open position »the slots 70 pass over the end blades 76» as described in more detail below. Thus, the configuration of the slots 70 prevents the end blades 76 from interfering with the movement of the doors 42, thereby allowing the doors 42 to fully open and extend substantially directly downward, when needed. Preferably, the longitudinal blades 72 and the opposite end blades 76 collectively define a cutting edge 74 that extends substantially along the channel assembly 30. The lock mechanism 49 includes a pair of elongated main body members 69"each one pivotally connected at its upper end 77 to the upper peripheral edge 60 »adjacent to the upper opening 38. The main body members 69 are located on the opposite members of the separation 68» formed between the longitudinal edges 46 of the doors 42. The main body members 69 are pivotally joined to the edge 60 by a pivot pin 81 which extends through the upper ends 77 'and which is received in corresponding depressions 33' formed in the channel assembly 30. The main body members 69 extend »each» downward and slightly inwardly »through the gap 68 formed between the doors 42. A crossbar 82 is mounted through each of the ends lower 79 of the main body members 69.

With the doors 42 in the closed position »the main body members extend through the gap 68 and the cross bars 82 engage the lower wall 45 of each of the doors 42» thereby restricting movement toward below each of the doors 42 »when the doors are in the closed position. This is considered the upper position for the main body member 69 »see Figures 2» 4 »5» 8 and 9. The main body members 69 can pivot about their upper ends 77 »downwards and outwards» for longer. not extending through the separation 68 »by uncoupling the crossbar 82 from the lower layer 45 of the doors 42» for example »as shown in Figures 2 and 7. When the crossbar 82 is uncoupled from the lower layer 45 of the doors 42 »the doors can pivot down to the open position. The main body members 69 of the latch mechanism 49 must extend substantially downwardly "adjacent the end walls 52" to the "bottom position" so that the doors 42 pivot to the open position. Each main body member 69 is spring loaded to the upper position (Figures 2, 4 and 5) »in contact with the lower layer 45 of each of the doors 42» by means of a helical spring 84 »located between the wall end 52 and main body member 69 »as best shown in Figures 7 and 8. Spring 84 urges primary body member 69 to the upper position» to ensure engagement between cross bars 82 and layers bottom 45 of doors 42 »when the doors are in the closed position. When the main body member 69 is pivoted to the lower position "the spring 84" is compressed as shown in Figure 7. When the doors are moved to the closed position the spring extends to forcefully carry the body member main 69 to the top position. Thus »the doors are automatically maintained» in a solvable manner, in the closed position by means of the latch mechanism 49. This helps to ensure that the doors 42 can not be easily opened in order to have access to the blade access 50. such as it is described later. A cam surface BB "best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8" is formed on the inwardly facing surface 85 of each of the main body members 69"to facilitate movement of the main body members from the upper position. to the lower position "in order to allow the doors 42 to pivot to the open position. The cam surface 88 slopes downwardly and inwardly from the upper end 77 to the lower end 79 of the main body member 69 »thereby increasing the amplitude of the main body member from the upper end 77 to the lower end 79. When the container 32 is inserted into the channel 30 »the container 32 engages the cam surface 88 in each main body member 69» and as the container is lowered »it gradually pivots the main body members 69 from the upper position to the lower position, by the time the container 32 reaches the doors 42, allow the doors 42 to pivot to the open position. This will be explained in more detail later. A lower portion 90 of the body member 34 »of the channel assembly 30 extends outwardly and downwardly from the upper portion 92 of the body member 34, to form a flange 94 and a skirt 95. The flange 94 engages an upper edge (not shown) of the channel 24 »to seat the channel assembly 30, above the channel 24» aligning the passageway 44 of the channel assembly 30 with the passage (not shown) of the channel 24. The skirt 95 it extends down around the top of channel 24. 3. - The container The container 32 of the dispensing system 20 of the present invention »which is shown in figures 27, 8, 14 and 15, has a parallelepiped shape and includes an outer container 100, an insert 102 and a liner 104. The insert 102 is sized to fit snugly within the outer container 100, and the liner 104 is sized to fit tightly within the insert 102. The liner 104 is formed to a bag-like shape and is preferably constructed of a plasticized metal foil or of a nylon / poly material. Better still, a nylon / poly material, having characteristics of tearing desired. The outer container 100 includes four side walls 106, an upper end wall IOS and a lower end wall 110, which collectively define an interior chamber 112. The four side walls 106 abut the upper end wall 108 at an upper edge 114, and bump with the lower end wall in a lower edge 116. There are formed in the four side walls 106 perforations 118 continuous around the container 100 under which they are mounted coextensively with a strip 120. The perforations 118 and the strip 120 in general they are arranged parallel to each of the upper and lower edges 114 »116» closer to the lower edge 116 and farther from the upper edge 114 »and thus define upper and lower portions 121 and 123 of the outer container 100. The insert 102 includes 4 external insert walls 122"4 internal insert walls 124" an open upper end 125 and a lower surface 127. The four p insert inserts 122 and the four inner insert walls 124 defi in an insert passage 126 between an insert upper edge 128 and an insert lower edge 130. Insert inner walls 124 are bent to form four wedge portions 132 »Circumscribing the lower edge 130 of the insert and defining an inner perimeter edge 131» and also comprise the lower surface 127. The inner peripheral edge 131 typically defines an opening 129 having a rectangular shape. Referring now to Figure 14, the insert 102 is preferably constructed of a single sheet 133"with notches 134 and 135 and holes 136 and 137 formed in the sheet 133. Collectively" the notches 134 and 135 and the holes 136 and 137 preferably they represent less than 654 of the surface area of the sheet 133. The sheet 133 is divided longitudinally into sections 142 and 143 »along the line" A ", the section 142 being slightly larger than the section 143. Each of the sections 142 and '43 are further divided into panels 145 by means of the fold lines "B". The panels 145 in the section 142 each correspond to a particular panel 145 in the section 143. The panels 145 of the section 142 become the inner walls 124 of the insert 102 »and the panels 145 of the section 143 become the outer walls 122 of insert 102. Section 142 defines additional bending lines, TC "and" B "which run parallel to bending line" A "and define panels 147 (between Lines" A "" C ") and panels 149 (between the lines "Ctt and" B ")" together with the fold lines "B". The panels 147 and 149 become the four wedge portions 132 circumscribing the lower insert edge 130 and define the opening 129"as described above. To form the insert 102, the sections 142 and 143 are folded first following the line "A" to overlap the panels 145 of the section 143 with the panels 145 of the section 142. The opposite edges 140 and 141 of the sheet 133 are bent to be found »thereby defining the upper edge 128 of the insert. The panels 145 of the section 142 of the sheet 133 form the inner insert walls 124 and the panels 145 of the section 143 of the sheet 133 form the outer walls 122 of the insert. The sections extending together 142 and 143 are then folded along the lines "B" to define the parallelepiped shape. The flap 144 is secured to the adjacent panel to secure the shape of the insert. Because the free edge 140 of the section 142 and the free edge 141 of the section 143 are aligned to be adjacent to each other and the section 142 is wider than the section 143 »the panels 147 and 149 form a triangular structure» with the panel 147 formed between the lines "A" and "C" defining the lower surface 127 of the insert 102"and the panels 149 defining the wedge portions 132. The fold line" A "forms the lower edge 130 of the insert" and the line of doubles "Ctt forms the internal edge 131 of the perimeter" defining the opening 129. The lining 104 and its contents adapt to the configuration of the passage 126 of the insert 102 »rest on the portions 132 in the form of which» and covers the opening 129. The wedge-shaped portions 132 create a funnel at the bottom of the insert 102"so that there are no corners or ridges on the liner 104 that trap particulate material" as it flows out of the liner. is assembled by closing the lower end wall 110 of the outer container 100. by inserting the bent insert 102 into the chamber 112 and placing the empty liner 104 within the passage 126 of the insert 102. The liner 104 is then filled with a predetermined amount of a particulate material » and sealed. Typically, the container is designed to contain around 20 kilograms of particulate material. The upper end wall 108 of the outer container 100 is then sealed. At that point »a lower portion 148 of the container 32 includes the lower portion 123 of the outer container 100» the wedge-shaped portion 132 of the second 102 »the opening 129 defined in the lower surface of the insert 102 and the bottom 150 of the lining 104. Preferably the channel assembly is designed to allow easy and efficient emptying of the particulate material from a container 32 to the channel 24. In addition »the channel assembly 30» is also designed to dissuade the user from not transporting a container 32 in the channel assembly 30 »while the planter attachment 22 is in use. If a container 32 is placed in the channel assembly 30 and then transported to the planter attachment 22, the container 32 will likely fall out of the channel assembly 30 and the planter addition 22 »on the ground» creating spillage and waste and possibly harming those who are nearby. A user is encouraged to transport an extra container 32 in the channel assembly 30 »in order to effectively load twice the amount of particulate material in the channel 24. Loading an extra container 32 into the channel assembly 30 would replenish the particulate material in the channel 24 »because the particulate material leaving the channel 24 would be replaced by the particulate material of the extra container 32. The dimensions of the channel assembly 30 are designed to discourage the user from placing a container extra 32 in the channel assembly 30 for transport during use. The width of the channel assembly 30 is reduced to a minimum so that when the container 32 is inserted into the passage 44 of the channel assembly 30, the container 32 is suitably positioned to empty its contents into the channel 24 but not it is sufficiently robust to be transported on the planter attachment 22 in that inserted position. The height of the channel assembly 30 must be sufficient to allow the doors 42 to free the cutter subassembly 50 and to provide an adequate seal around the container 32"by the channel assembly 30 extending a small distance above the doors 42 »as described above. Based on the width of the container 32 and the size of the channel 24 »the channel assembly 30 should have an opening 38 of a certain size to accommodate the container 32. The doors 42» in turn »must have a sufficient width to cover The opening 3B in the channel assembly 30 »when in the closed position» but must be able to pivot to the fully open position to receive the container 32 in the channel assembly 30. Given the placement of the cutter subassembly 50 »the slots 70 must be formed in the doors 42 to allow the doors to pass through the cutter subassembly 5? »to open fully. The height of the channel assembly 30 is increased by a small amount to extend upwardly a short distance from the position of the doors 42"so as to form a suitable seal around the container 42" to minimize the escape of material into the container. particles during emptying. The minimized height of the channel assembly 30 discourages the user from transporting an extra container 32 »since the height of the channel assembly would cause the extra container to likely tip over from the channel assembly 30 and fall to the ground. This aspect will help to avoid watering the particulate material in the container 32 as well as potential damage to those nearby. 4. -The assembly To assemble the particle dispensing system 30 of the present invention, first the lower portion 123 of the outer container 100 is removed by pulling the strip 122 through the perforation 118 »around the whole container» and separating the lower portion 123 of the outer container 100 of the upper portion 121 of the outer container 100 »thereby exposing the bottom 150 of the liner 104» through the opening 129 in the insert 102. The liner 104 is made of a sufficiently strong material for support the particulate material contained in it »without tearing or bursting. In addition, the wedge-shaped portions 132 of the insert 120 maintain the liner 104 and its contents preventing it from slipping out of the insert passage 126 through the opening 129. Thus, the integrity of the container 32 and its contents is not impaired. is affected by the removal of the lower portion 123 of the outer container 100. The container 32 is then placed in the channel assembly 30 »which had been previously arranged to be seated on top of, and sealingly engaged with, the channel 24. The container 32 it is placed on the upper opening 38 of the channel assembly 30 »with the lower edge 116 of the outer container 100 coextensive with the upper opening 38. The bottom 150 of the lining 104 faces downwards. The side walls 106 of the container 32 engage the cam surface 88 of the main body members 69 of the latch mechanism 49. When the container 32 moves downwardly into the channel 30. and before the container 32 makes contact with the doors 42. the side walls 106 engage the cam surfaces 88. by causing the main body members 69 of the latch mechanism 49 to pivot outwardly and downwardly »thereby disengaging the cross bars 82 in the members 69 of main body »of the lower layers 45 of the doors 42. The container 32 then engages with the doors 42. which are forced against the impulse of the spring 48. to the open position» by the weight and downward movement of the container 32. The container 32 and its contents then slide down through the passage 44 »falling by the force of gravity and engaging the cutter subassembly 50. The blades 72 and 76 of the cutter subassembly 50 fit within the opening 129 formed in the lower surface 127 of the liner 102 »and tear an opening 152 in the liner 104» exposing the particulate material contained therein. The particulate material falls through the opening 152 in the liner 104"beyond the cutter subassembly 50" through the lower opening 40 of the channel assembly 30 and into the channel 24. The wedge-shaped portions 132 of the insert 102 facilitates flow of the particulate material out of the container 30 and into the channel 24. The shape of the cutter subassembly 50 »with its cutter blades 72 extending longitudinally» and with its transverse end blades 76 »cuts an opening 152 suffciently large in the liner 104 to prevent the liner 104 from interfering with the delivery of the particulate material. Further »the seal obtained between the lower peripheral edge 62 of the channel assembly 30 and the channel 24» together with the outlet coupling of the side walls 106 of the outer container 100 »with the upper peripheral edges 60 surrounding the upper opening 38 of the assembly of channel 30 »provide a substantially dust-free discharge of the particulate material into the channel 24. After the particulate material has been dispensed from the container 32 to the channel 24» the container 32 is removed from the channel assembly 30 holding the outer container 100 and lifting the container 32 out of the channel assembly 30. When the container 32 is removed from the channel assembly 30 »the doors 42 move from the open position to the closed position» under the spring spring driving force 48 as explained earlier. When the container 32 is uncoupled from the cam surface 88 in the main body member 69 of the latch mechanism 49, the main body members 69 pivot upwards and inwards "through the gap 6B" so that the crossbars 82 re-engage with the lower layers 45 of the doors 42. The doors 42 in this manner »are fixed in the closed position. The longitudinal separation 68 allows the latch mechanisms 49 to engage again with the doors 42 »and also allow the remaining particulate material to fall through the gap 68» into the passageway 44 and into the channel 24. Then it can be moved the cover 36 to cover the upper opening 38 of the channel assembly 30 »thereby preventing the particulate material from leaving the channel 24. The cover 36 also protects the channel 24 against the elements. As is evident »the use of the dispensing system 20 of the present invention» allows the material to be dispensed from a container into a channel 24 »for subsequent distribution therefrom» while eliminating the need for the operator to come into contact with the material when it opens the container »fills the channel and dispenses the material from it. The exposure of the operator to dust or particles remaining in the air is reduced to a minimum. Further »the operator is protected against accidental damage resulting from contact with a cutting device because the doors 42 of the present invention are fixed in a closed position unless the lock mechanism 49 is decoupled. The manual decoupling of the mechanism Bolt 49 requires the use of both hands »since each of the main body members 76 is placed on opposite end walls 52 of the main body 34 of the channel 30» in such a way that it is difficult to make contact with the cutter subassembly 50 when the hands of the operator are busy uncoupling the locks 48. This aspect helps prevent damage as a result of being in contact with the cutter subassembly 50. When constructed of mixed nylon / poly material. or a similar material, once emptied of its contents, the empty liner 104 can be crushed to facilitate transport and incineration in an environmentally safe manner. When the outer container 100 and the insert 102 are constructed of cardboard, the outer container 100 and the insert 102 can be incinerated, recycled or biodegraded, as well as other cardboard products. Further »when manufactured in accordance with the preferred embodiment described herein» the triple-walled carton box configuration »of the container 30» provides sufficient support for the contents of the liner 104 »without the need for additional supporting structures» such as risers »pallets or panels. A currently preferred embodiment of the present invention and many of its improvements have been described with a certain degree of particularity. It should be understood that this description has been made by way of preferred example and that the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.

Claims (20)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION f iyi PECACiQnES

1. - A dispensing system for dispensing a material from an upwardly directed channel, characterized in that it comprises: a container; said container comprising an outer container having outer walls defining a chamber "the outer container having an upper end and opposite lower end, the lower end and the adjacent portions of the outer wall defining a lower portion of the outer container and the upper end and the adjacent portions of the outer wall define an upper portion of the outer container; means for removing the lower portion of the outer container from the upper portion of the outer container; an insert having inner walls extending to form a lower peripheral edge and defining a passage of the insert; looking at the inner walls of the insert towards the outer walls of the outer container "and defining the lower peripheral edge to an opening adjacent to the lower end of the outer container" and a liner located in the passage and extending through the opening "and adapted to contain the material that is to be dispensed; and a channel assembly comprising a body member defining an upper opening, a lower opening and a channel passage therebetween; the lower opening being movable on the channel; a cutter assembly located in the channel assembly and extending through the lower opening; a door pivotally connected to the body member and movable between a closed position and an open position; the door being normally forced to the closed position "and covering the upper opening" and a releasable latch securing the door in the closed position; wherein "after the lower portion of the container is removed from the container to expose a portion of the liner" and that the container is placed on and inserted into the upper opening of the channel assembly »with the exposed liner portion facing the lower opening of the channel assembly »the lock is released automatically» which allows the door to move to the open position »the container to slide down on the channel passage» the liner makes contact with the cutter assembly and is believed to that way an opening in the lining »through which the material flows into the passage of the channel assembly and into the» channel to be dispensed therefrom.

2. A system in accordance with the claim 1 further characterized in that the outer container has an inner side "and wherein the means for removing the lower portion of the external container from the upper portion of the outer container comprises a perforation formed through the outer container" in a continuous line around the container external »of neando perforation the upper and lower portions; a flexible strip member having a first end and which is positioned coextensive with the perforation on the inner side of the outer container "and wherein the first end of the strip member is pulled along and through the perforation" around of the external container "to separate the upper and lower portions.

3. A system according to claim 1 »further characterized in that the lower peripheral edge defines a wedge shape between the inner wall and the opening to facilitate the complete supply of the material from the container.

4. A system according to claim 1 »further characterized in that it additionally comprises two doors» each of which defines an internal and external longitudinal edge »and that are pivotally joined to the body member along the external longitudinal edge; the doors can be pivotally moved between a closed position covering the upper opening »where the internal longitudinal edges are adjacent to each other and both doors extend substantially in the same plane "and an open position that discovers the upper opening wherein the doors extend vertically downwards along the main body member.

5. A system according to claim 4 »further characterized in that a gap is formed between the longitudinal edges of the doors» when the doors are in a closed position.

6. A system according to claim 5 »further characterized in that the doors define a lower layer» and wherein the bolt comprises a main body member defining an upper end and a lower end »and which is pivotally connected in the upper end to the body member of the channel assembly »adjacent to the upper opening; the lower end defining a transverse bar extending outwardly from it; the main body member being movable between a top position and a bottom position, the main body member being elastically loaded to the upper position; and the main body member extends downwardly from the upper opening and extends under the doors; the transverse bar is coupled with the lower layer of the doors in the upper position and the transverse bar of the lower layer of the doors being in the lower position.

7. A system according to claim 6 »further characterized in that the main body member extends through the separation between the internal longitudinal edges of the doors in the upper position; and the main body member extends substantially downwardly along the body member of the channel assembly »when in the lower position.

8. -A system according to claim 5 »further characterized in that the upper layers of the doors are inclined downwards» towards the separation »when they are in the closed position.

9. A system according to claim 7 »further characterized in that the main body member defines a cam surface oriented inwardly and upwardly to engage the container» to move the main body member from the upper position in the coupling with the lower layers of the doors »to said lower position.

10. A system according to claim 9 »further characterized in that a bolt is placed at each end of the channel assembly» adjacent to the separation.

11. A channel assembly for dispensing a material into an upwardly directed channel, characterized in that they comprise: a body member defining an upper opening, a lower opening and a passage of the channel therebetween; the lower opening on the channel being able to place a cutter assembly disposed in the channel assembly and extending through the lower opening; a door pivotally connected to the body member and movable between a closed position and an open position; the door being normally loaded to the closed position and covering the upper opening; and a sun bolt that secures the door in the closed position.

12. -A system according to claim 11 »further characterized in that it comprises two doors» each of which defines an internal and external longitudinal edge »and that are pivotally joined to the body member along the external longitudinal edge; the doors being pivotally movable between a closed position covering the upper opening, wherein the internal long edges are adjacent to each other. and both doors extend substantially in the same plane, and an open position that discovers the upper opening, wherein the doors extend vertically downwards along the main body member.

13. A system according to the indication 12. also characterized in that a separation is formed between the longitudinal edges of the doors »when the doors are in a closed position.

14. A system according to claim 13 »further characterized in that the doors define a lower layer» and wherein the bolt comprises a main body member defining an upper end and a lower end »and which is attached to the upper end of the body member of the channel assembly »adjacent to the upper opening; the lower end defining a transverse bar extending outwardly therefrom with the main body member being movable between an upper position and a lower position; the main body member being elastically loaded to the upper position "and the main body member extending downwardly from the upper opening to extend below the doors; the transverse bar is coupled with the lower layer of the doors in the upper position »and the transverse bar of the lower layer of the doors being free» in the lower position.

15. A system according to claim 14 »further characterized in that the main body member extends through the gap between the internal longitudinal edges of the doors in the upper position; and the main body member extends substantially downwardly along the body member of the channel assembly »when in the lower position.

16. A system according to claim 13 »further characterized in that the upper layers of the doors are tilted down towards the separation when they are in the closed position.

17. A system according to claim 15, further characterized in that the main body member defines a cam surface oriented inwards and upwards to engage with the container "to move the main body member from the upper position in engagement with the lower layers of the doors" to the lower position.

18. A container adapted to contain particulate material and dispense the particles therefrom characterized said container because it comprises: an external container having external walls defining a chamber, the outer container having an upper end and an opposite lower end; the lower end and the adjacent portions of the outer wall define a lower portion of the outer container and the upper end the adjacent portions of the outer wall define an upper portion of the outer container "means for removing the lower portion of the outer container from the upper portion. of the external container "an insert having internal walls extending to form a lower peripheral edge and defining a passage of the insert; the inner walls of the insert face toward the outer walls of the outer container with the lower peripheral edge defining an opening adjacent to the lower end of the outer container; and a liner located in the passageway and adapted to contain the material to be dispensed.

19. A container according to claim 18 »further characterized in that the inner wall includes wedge-shaped portions adjacent to the opening adapted to form a funnel for the particles towards the channel passage.

20. A container according to claim 19 »further characterized in that the outer container has an inner side» and wherein the means for removing the lower portion of the outer container from the upper portion of the outer container comprises a perforation formed through the external container in a continuous line »around the outer container» delineating the perforation the upper and lower portions; a flexible strip member having a first end and which is located coextensive with the perforation »on the inner side of the outer container» and wherein the first end of the strip member is pulled along and through the perforation around of the external container "to separate the upper and lower portions.