US20240043167A1 - Loose article dispensing package and blanks assembly for making a loose article dispensing package - Google Patents
Loose article dispensing package and blanks assembly for making a loose article dispensing package Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240043167A1 US20240043167A1 US18/268,966 US202118268966A US2024043167A1 US 20240043167 A1 US20240043167 A1 US 20240043167A1 US 202118268966 A US202118268966 A US 202118268966A US 2024043167 A1 US2024043167 A1 US 2024043167A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- outer casing
- container
- main portion
- auxiliary portion
- dispensing package
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 244000144725 Amygdalus communis Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000299461 Theobroma cacao Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000020224 almond Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000015218 chewing gum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
- B65D5/724—Internal fittings facilitating the discharge of contents, e.g. guiding panels, movable bottoms or lifting strips
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
- B65D5/726—Means for discharging contents through the bottom of containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
- B65D5/728—Contents-dispensing means for drawer-and-shell-type containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
- B65D83/0409—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills the dispensing means being adapted for delivering one article, or a single dose, upon each actuation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2583/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D2583/04—For dispensing annular, disc-shaped or spherical or like small articles or tablets
- B65D2583/0472—For dispensing annular, disc-shaped or spherical or like small articles or tablets characterised by the dispensing action
- B65D2583/0477—For dispensing annular, disc-shaped or spherical or like small articles or tablets characterised by the dispensing action the container is maintained in the same position during the dispensing of several successive articles or doses
- B65D2583/0481—One reciprocating action, e.g. to or from
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a loose article dispensing package and to a blanks assembly for making a loose article dispensing package, preferably loose articles of the food or confectionery sector such as, for example, candies, sugared almonds, chewing gums in the form of tablets, chocolates and the like.
- the loose article dispensing package of the present invention is of the type enabling both the storage and the containment of loose articles (i.e. bulk articles), and the dispensing of such articles on demand by a user.
- loose articles i.e. bulk articles
- the loose article dispensing package it is not possible, without compromising the integrity of the package itself, to access the loose articles directly, but they are made available by being ejected from the package through a dispensing opening actuated by a user.
- the dispensing opening is actuated by the user between a closing condition in which the loose articles are prevented from exiting the dispensing opening and an opening condition in which the loose articles exit the dispensing opening.
- This type of dispensing packages is particularly appreciated due to the fact that it prevents or in any case strongly limits any contamination of the loose articles when contained in the package, as the loose articles are not directly reachable and therefore cannot come into contact with external agents or the user's hands before being consumed. In addition, this type of packages prevents any possibility of reintroducing an already dispensed article into the package.
- This type of dispensing packages can be made of plastic or metal material using appropriate moulds, or it can be made starting from assemblies of flat blanks, which are folded and glued to define a three-dimensional structure.
- a dispensing package obtained starting from an assembly of flat blanks is described in document WO2019116194A1.
- the dispensing package described in this document comprises a container for loose articles and a casing arranged outside the container and slidingly coupled to the container.
- An occlusion element acts on an outlet opening for the loose articles to open and close the outlet opening.
- the latter is placed at one end of a conveyor channel of the container and at the opposite end of this conveyor channel there is provided a dosing element which can be switched between a closing condition of the conveyor channel and an opening condition of the conveyor channel.
- the reciprocal sliding between the outer casing and the container alternately actuates the occlusion element and the dosing element in such a way that the opening of the one corresponds to the closing of the other.
- the conveyor channel is sized to contain a predetermined number of loose articles at a time, so that when the dosing element is opened, a predetermined number of loose articles are loaded into the conveyor channel and when the occlusion element is opened, only the predetermined number of loose articles contained in the conveyor channel is dispensed.
- the Applicant has perceived that it might be difficult to wrap the dispensing package in an automatic cellophaning station, e.g. with a film that protects the integrity of the package and its contents before first use.
- the dispensing package when in the condition with closed occlusion element, presents a shape substantially referable to two rectangular parallelepipeds superimposed with the upper rectangular parallelepiped having a base greater than the lower rectangular parallelepiped.
- This shape produces eight surfaces for the dispensing package which, in the Applicant's experience, may present difficulties for automated wrapping with a film.
- the present invention therefore relates, in a first aspect thereof, to a loose article dispensing package comprising a container for containing a plurality of loose articles, comprising a bottom wall and a top wall.
- the dispensing package comprises an outer casing arranged outside the container and slidingly coupled to the container along a sliding direction between a raised position and a lowered position.
- the outer casing comprises a main portion and an auxiliary portion, wherein, in the raised position of the casing, the bottom wall of the container is substantially aligned with a free end of the auxiliary portion.
- the container comprises a dispensing opening adjacent to the bottom wall in the direction transverse to the sliding direction.
- the dispensing opening is spaced from the bottom wall of the container along the sliding direction when the outer casing is in the raised position.
- the container comprises a shutter that is active on the dispensing opening and movable between a closing configuration, in which it closes the dispensing opening, and an opening configuration, in which it opens the dispensing opening.
- the shutter is connected to the container and to the outer casing so that in the raised position of the outer casing the shutter is in the closing configuration.
- the outer casing comprises a predetermined separation line arranged between the auxiliary portion and the main portion.
- the auxiliary portion of the outer casing is configured to be separated from the main portion of the outer casing along said predetermined separation line.
- the dispensing of loose products from the container is therefore actuated by sliding the outer casing with respect to the container.
- the shutter in the raised position of the outer casing the shutter is in the closing condition and the loose articles cannot exit the dispensing opening.
- the Applicant has perceived that this configuration is suitable for the insertion of loose articles into the container during the operations performed in an automated manufacturing line.
- the Applicant has verified that by providing for the open top wall of the container, the loose products can be inserted and the top wall can be subsequently closed.
- the Applicant has found that by arranging the auxiliary portion of the outer casing in such a way that it reaches, in the sliding direction, the bottom wall of the container when the outer casing is in the raised position (a configuration in which the dispensing opening is spaced from the bottom wall of the container), the step formed between the bottom wall of the container and the dispensing opening is covered or surmounted by the auxiliary portion of the casing.
- the Applicant has also verified that when the dispensing package is used for the first time, the outer casing must be moved with respect to the container from the raised position to the lowered position in order to open the dispensing opening. This operation can be carried out by pushing the bottom wall of the container into the outer casing along the sliding direction.
- the Applicant has verified that the auxiliary portion of the outer casing in the raised position of the outer casing would tend to hinder this operation since, by reaching the bottom wall of the container, it would not permit acting on the bottom wall easily for pushing it slidingly inside the casing as far as bringing the outer casing into the lowered position. During such sliding, in fact, the auxiliary portion of the outer casing would extend beyond the bottom wall of the container.
- the Applicant has found that by providing for the auxiliary portion of the outer casing to be removable with respect to the main portion along the predefined separation line, the auxiliary portion can be removed prior to the first use of the dispensing package allowing for proper and easy handling of the container with respect to the outer casing when the container must be pushed into the outer casing to actuate the first dispensing.
- auxiliary portion of the outer casing can also serve as an element for checking the integrity of the dispensing package, as its presence on the outer casing indicates that the dispensing package has never been used.
- the present invention relates to a blanks assembly for making a loose article dispensing package, preferably for making a loose article dispensing package in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
- This assembly of blanks comprises a first flat blank and a second flat blank.
- the first flat blank comprises a main portion configured to define a container.
- the first flat blanks comprise first appendages arranged at a first longitudinal end of the main portion and configured to define a top wall of the container.
- the first flat blank comprises second appendages arranged at a second longitudinal end of the main portion configured to define a bottom wall of the container.
- the first flat blank comprises a pair of third appendages arranged in a recess of the main portion, facing each other and longitudinally interposed between the first appendages and the second appendages; said pair of third appendages being configured to define a shutter for a dispensing opening of the container.
- the second flat blank is configured to define an outer casing which can be slidingly inserted onto said container.
- the second flat blank comprises a main portion and an auxiliary portion distinguishable from one another by a separation line.
- the term “longitudinal” or “longitudinal direction” refers to a direction parallel to the prevailing direction of development of the dispensing package. This direction is directed between an upper end of the dispensing package and a lower end of the dispensing package and is preferably perpendicular to an upper wall of the dispensing package. A longitudinal direction coincides with a sliding direction between the outer casing and the container.
- transverse or “transverse direction” refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
- the present invention may have, in both aspects discussed above, at least one of the preferred features described below. These features can therefore be present individually or in combination with each other, unless expressly stated otherwise, either in the package of the first aspect of the present invention or in the assembly of blanks of the second aspect of the present invention.
- the outer casing is a tubular body.
- said dispensing opening is arranged at a first distance from the bottom wall along the sliding direction.
- said auxiliary portion has an extension in the sliding direction equal to or less than said first distance.
- the shutter when the outer casing is in the lowered position, the shutter is in the opening condition.
- said outer casing comprises a cutting or weakening line at said predetermined separation line.
- said cutting or weakening line is configured to create a fracture line along said predetermined separation line when a separation force is applied between the auxiliary portion of the outer casing and the main portion of the outer casing.
- the auxiliary portion is removable from the main portion of the outer casing.
- the main portion when the auxiliary portion is removed from the main portion, the main portion comprises a free edge facing the bottom wall of the container.
- the free edge of the main portion is longitudinally aligned with the bottom wall of the container.
- the main portion of the outer casing comprises four walls.
- said four walls surround four side walls of the container.
- the auxiliary portion of the outer casing comprises at least three walls that are coplanar to the respective three walls of the main portion.
- said at least three walls of the auxiliary portion are arranged at the dispensing opening of the container.
- the auxiliary portion of the outer casing comprises four walls that are coplanar to respective four walls of the main portion.
- said auxiliary portion comprises a tear-off appendage not connected to the main portion and configured to be grasped by a user.
- the tear-off appendage is made as one piece with the auxiliary portion.
- the tear-off appendage is coplanar with a wall of the main portion of the outer casing.
- the tear-off appendage can be raised with respect to said wall of the main portion of the outer casing.
- said tear-off appendage develops along the sliding direction between the predetermined separation line and a free end of the auxiliary portion.
- the predetermined separation line is longitudinally aligned with the dispensing opening.
- the predetermined separation line is longitudinally aligned with the bottom wall of the container.
- the outer casing is made of a single material.
- the container is made of a single material.
- the material from which the outer casing is made is the same as the material from which the container is made.
- such material is a material based on plant fibres, such as paper or cardboard.
- the second blank comprises a longitudinal end for the main portion and a free end for the auxiliary portion.
- the longitudinal end and the free end are parallel to each other.
- the longitudinal end defines an upper edge of the outer casing.
- the free end defines a lower edge of the outer casing.
- said separation line is parallel to the longitudinal end of the main portion.
- said auxiliary portion of said second flat blank comprises an appendage configured to define a tear-off appendage.
- said separation line is defined by a sequence of incisions in said second flat blank.
- said sequence of incisions visually distinguishes the main portion from the auxiliary portion.
- FIGS. 1 A and 1 B are schematic representations of a loose article dispensing package according to the present invention in a first operating configuration
- FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the package of FIG. 1 A in a second operating configuration
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a loose article dispensing package in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 represents the dispensing package of FIG. 3 with the auxiliary portion of the outer casing removed;
- FIG. 5 represents a first flat blank of a blanks assembly for making a dispensing package in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6 represents a second flat blank of a blanks assembly for making a dispensing package in accordance with the present invention.
- a loose article dispensing package according to the present invention is generically indicated by the numerical reference 1 .
- the package 1 comprises a container 2 configured to contain a plurality of loose articles A and an outer casing 20 slidingly fitted on the container 2 .
- the container 10 comprises a bottom wall 3 and a top wall 4 .
- the bottom wall 3 has a smaller extension in the transverse direction than the extension in the same transverse direction of the top wall 4 , as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 A .
- the container 2 Adjacent to the bottom wall 3 along a transverse direction, the container 2 comprises a dispensing opening 5 configured to dispense the loose products A contained in the container 2 .
- the dispensing opening 5 has an extension in the transverse direction given by the difference between the extension, in the same transverse direction, of the top wall 4 and of the bottom wall 3 .
- the container 2 further comprises a first side wall 6 , a second side wall 7 opposite the first side wall 6 , a front wall 8 substantially perpendicular to the first side wall 6 and to the second side wall 7 , and a rear wall 9 opposite the front wall 8 (in FIGS. 1 A and 1 n FIG. 2 the container has been shown with the front wall 8 removed and in FIG. 1 B the container has been shown with the first side wall 6 removed to illustrate the inside of the container 2 ).
- the first side wall 6 is connected to front wall 8 and to the rear wall 9 and the second side wall 7 is connected to the front wall 8 and to the rear wall 9 .
- a prismatic body 10 is provided inside container 2 .
- the prismatic body 10 comprises a first wall 11 , a second wall 12 and a third wall 13 which are substantially parallel to the front wall 8 and to the rear wall 9 of the container 2 .
- the second wall 12 of the prismatic body 10 is in contact with the front wall 8 of the container 2 and the third wall 13 of the prismatic body 10 is in contact with the rear wall 9 of the container 2 .
- the first wall 11 of the prismatic body 10 is arranged between the second wall 12 and the third wall 13 and is parallel to and transversely spaced from the first side wall 6 of the container 2 .
- a loose article conveyor channel 14 is defined between the first wall 11 of the prismatic body 10 and the first side wall 6 of the container 2 .
- Such a conveyor channel 14 is preferably transversely sized so as to be able to be traversed by one loose product A at a time, as shown in FIG. 1 A .
- the prismatic body 10 also comprises a fourth wall 15 connected to the first wall 11 , to the second wall 12 and to the third wall 13 to define a lead-in chute for the loose articles in order to enter the conveyor channel 14 .
- the prismatic body 10 is closed, on the longitudinal side opposite the fourth wall 15 , by the bottom wall 3 of the container 2 .
- the outer casing 20 is slidingly inserted on the container 2 in order to be able to translate in a longitudinal direction with respect to the container 2 .
- the outer casing 20 comprises a main portion 21 and an auxiliary portion 22 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the main portion 21 comprises a first side wall 23 , a second side wall 24 opposite the first side wall 23 , a front wall 25 which is substantially perpendicular to the first side wall 23 and to the second side wall 24 , and a rear wall 26 opposite the front wall 25 .
- the package 1 comprises a shutter 40 that is active on the dispensing opening 5 and movable between a closing configuration (illustrated in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B ) in which it closes the dispensing opening 5 , and an opening configuration (illustrated in FIG. 2 ) in which it opens the dispensing opening 5 .
- the shutter 40 comprises a first flap 41 and a second flap 42 which are switchable between a first position in which they project into the conveyor channel 14 and close the dispensing opening 5 and a second position in which they are substantially aligned in a longitudinal direction and leave the dispensing opening 5 open.
- the first flap 41 of the shutter 40 is connected at a first end to the container 2 and, at a second end opposite to the first end, is connected to the main portion of the outer casing 20 .
- the second flap 42 of the shutter 40 is connected at a first end to the container 2 and, at a second end opposite to the first end, is connected to the main portion of the outer casing 20 .
- the first flap 41 and the second flap 42 are arranged in the first position.
- a longitudinal end 27 of the main portion 21 of the outer casing 20 is aligned longitudinally with the top wall 4 of the container 2 .
- the longitudinal end 27 defines an upper edge 27 a for the outer casing 20 .
- the first flap 41 and the second flap 42 are arranged in the second position.
- the longitudinal end 27 of the main portion of the outer casing 20 is moved away in the direction of the bottom wall 3 to the top wall 4 of the container 2 .
- the package 1 also comprises a dosing device 50 that is active at the inlet of the conveyor channel 14 and movable between a closing configuration (illustrated in FIG. 2 ) in which it closes the inlet of the conveyor channel 14 , and an opening configuration (illustrated in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B ) in which it opens the inlet of the conveyor channel 14 .
- a dosing device 50 that is active at the inlet of the conveyor channel 14 and movable between a closing configuration (illustrated in FIG. 2 ) in which it closes the inlet of the conveyor channel 14 , and an opening configuration (illustrated in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B ) in which it opens the inlet of the conveyor channel 14 .
- the dosing device 50 comprises a first flap 51 which can be switched between a first position in which it projects into the conveyor channel 14 and closes the inlet of the conveyor channel 14 and a second position in which it is substantially aligned with a longitudinal direction and leaves the inlet of the conveyor channel 14 open.
- the flap 51 of the dosing device 50 is connected at a first end to the container 2 and, at a second end opposite to the first end, is connected to the main portion of the outer casing 20 .
- the flap 51 When the outer casing 20 is in a raised position (shown in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B ), the flap 51 is in the second position. In this configuration, the longitudinal end 27 of the main portion 21 of the outer casing 20 is aligned longitudinally with the top wall 4 of the container 2 .
- the flap 51 When the outer casing 20 is in a lowered position (shown in FIG. 2 ), the flap 51 is in the second position. In this configuration, the longitudinal end 27 of the main portion of the outer casing 20 is moved away in the longitudinal direction from the top wall 4 of the container 2 .
- the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 comprises a first side wall 28 , a second side wall 29 opposite the first side wall 28 , a front wall 30 which is substantially perpendicular to the first side wall 28 and to the second side wall 29 , and a rear wall 31 opposite the front wall as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the first side wall 28 of the auxiliary portion 22 is coplanar with the first side wall 23 of the main portion 21
- the second side wall 29 of the auxiliary portion 22 is coplanar with the second side wall 24 of the main portion 21
- the front wall 30 of the auxiliary portion 22 is coplanar with the front wall 25 of the main portion 21
- the rear wall 31 of the auxiliary portion 22 is coplanar with the rear wall 26 of the main portion 21 .
- a separation line 32 parallel to the longitudinal end 27 of the main portion and parallel to a free end 33 of the auxiliary portion 22 .
- the separation line 32 is also indicated in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B (for convenience of representation) although not visible in these representations of the dispensing package.
- the free end 33 of the auxiliary portion 22 defines a lower edge 33 a of the outer casing 20 when the main portion 21 and the auxiliary portion 22 are joined.
- the separation line 32 is, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, a weakening line, for example made by incisions.
- the auxiliary portion 22 further comprises a tear-off appendage 34 superimposed on one of the walls of the auxiliary portion 22 , preferably superimposed on the first side wall 28 .
- the size in the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary portion 22 is equal to the difference between the size, in the longitudinal direction, of the container 2 and the size of the main portion 21 .
- the size of container 2 is measured between the top wall 4 and the bottom wall 4 .
- the size in the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary portion 22 is further equal to the sliding distance that the outer casing 20 travels between the raised position and the lowered position along a sliding direction.
- the tear-off appendage 34 has the same size in the longitudinal direction as the auxiliary portion 22 .
- the package 1 has an external shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a first face given by the front wall 25 of the main portion 21 and by the front wall 30 of the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 , a second face given by the rear wall 26 of the main portion 21 and by the rear wall 31 of the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 , a third face given by the first side wall 23 of the main portion 21 and by the first side wall 28 of the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 , a fourth face given by the second side wall 24 of the main portion 21 and by the second side wall 29 of the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 , and a fifth face given by the top wall 4 of the container 2 .
- the sixth face of said rectangular parallelepiped is partially realised by the bottom wall 3 of the container 2 and is perimetrically delimited by the free end 33 of the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 .
- the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 is configured to be removed prior to a first use of the package 1 .
- the tear-off appendage 34 can be raised with respect to the first side wall 28 of the auxiliary portion 22 in order to be grasped by a user and pulled. This action causes the outer casing 20 to break or tear along the separation line 32 and thereby detach the auxiliary portion 22 with respect to the main portion 21 of the outer casing 20 .
- the main portion 21 of the casing is the only portion that defines the outer casing 20 itself.
- the end portion 27 of the main portion 21 is, in this case, longitudinally opposed to a free edge 35 of the main portion 21 .
- FIG. 4 and FIG. 2 The configuration in which the auxiliary portion 22 has been removed from the main portion 21 is illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 shows a condition in which the auxiliary portion 22 has been removed from the main portion 21 and in which the outer casing 20 is in the raised position.
- the free edge 35 of the main portion 21 does not reach the bottom wall 3 of the container 2 but is longitudinally spaced therefrom.
- the free edge 35 of the main portion 21 is longitudinally aligned with the bottom wall 3 of the container 2 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 show respectively a first flat blank 100 and a second flat blank 200 of a blanks assembly configured to make the dispensing package 1 .
- the first blank 100 is configured to make the container 2 .
- the first blank 100 comprises a main portion 101 and an auxiliary portion 102 that is connected to the main portion 101 .
- the main portion 101 comprises a first panel 109 configured to define the rear wall 9 of the container 2 , a second panel 108 configured to define the front wall 8 of the container 2 and a third panel 107 arranged between the first panel 109 and the second panel 108 to define the second side wall 7 of the container 2 .
- a fourth panel 106 a is arranged on the side of the first panel 109 , on the opposite side with respect to the second panel 108
- a fifth panel 106 b is arranged on the side of the second panel 108 , on the opposite side with respect to the first panel 109 .
- the fourth panel 106 a and the fifth panel 106 b cooperate to define the first side wall 6 of the container 2 .
- first appendages 104 a , 104 b , 104 c , 104 d configured to define the top wall 4 of the container 2 .
- a recess 101 c of the main portion 101 of the first blank 100 is defined below the third panel 107 and between the first panel 109 and the second panel 109 .
- a pair of third appendages 140 , 141 defining the shutter 40 are provided at the recess 101 c.
- An appendage 140 of this pair of appendages comprises three panels 140 a , 140 b , 140 c which define the first flap 41 of the shutter. This appendage 140 is laterally connected to the first panel 109 .
- the other appendage 141 of said pair of appendices comprises three panels 141 a , 141 b , 141 c which define the second flap 41 of the shutter 40 .
- This appendage 141 is laterally connected to the second panel 108 and faces the other appendage 140 .
- a fourth appendage 150 is defined on the third panel 107 which defines the dosing device 50 .
- the fourth appendage comprises three panels 150 a , 150 b , 150 c which form the flap 51 of the dosing device 50 .
- the auxiliary portion 102 of the first blank 101 is connected to the fifth panel 106 b of the main portion 101 and is one piece with the main portion 101 .
- the auxiliary portion 102 comprises a first panel 113 , a second panel 111 , and a third panel 112 which respectively define the third wall 13 , the first wall 11 , and the second wall 12 of the prismatic body 10 .
- a fourth panel 114 is arranged on the side of the third panel 112 and is intended to be superimposed on the fifth panel 106 a of the main portion 101 .
- first panel 113 Above the first panel 113 , the second panel 111 and the fourth panel 114 there are arranged respective appendages 115 a , 115 b , 115 c which define the fourth wall 15 of the prismatic body 10 .
- the second blank 200 ( FIG. 6 ) comprises a main portion 201 and an auxiliary portion 202 that is connected to the main portion 201 and is integral with the main portion 201 .
- the second blank 200 is configured to make the outer casing 20 .
- the main portion 201 of the second blank 200 defines the main portion 21 of the outer casing 20
- the auxiliary portion 202 of the second blank 200 defines the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 .
- the main portion 201 is distinguishable from the auxiliary portion 202 by a separation line 210 .
- Said separation line 210 is parallel to a longitudinal end 201 a of the main portion 201 which defines the upper edge 27 a of the outer casing.
- the separation line 210 is also parallel to a free end 202 a of the auxiliary portion 202 which defines the lower edge 33 a of the outer casing 20 .
- the distance separating the longitudinal end 201 a of the main portion 201 from the free end 202 a of the auxiliary portion 202 in the longitudinal direction is equal to the height, measured in the longitudinal direction, of the outer casing 20 .
- the main portion 201 comprises a first panel 205 which defines the front wall 25 of the main portion 21 of the outer casing 20 .
- the main portion 201 comprises a second panel 204 which defines the second side wall 23 of the main portion 21 of the outer casing 20 .
- the main portion 201 comprises a third panel 206 which defines the rear wall 26 of the main portion 21 of the outer casing 20 .
- the second panel 204 is interposed between the first panel 205 and the third panel 206 .
- a fourth panel 203 a is arranged on the side of the third panel 206 on the opposite side to the second panel 204 .
- a fifth panel 203 b is arranged on the side of the first panel 205 on the opposite side to the second panel 204 .
- the fourth panel 203 a and the fifth panel 203 b cooperate to define the first side wall 23 of the main portion 21 of the outer casing 20 .
- the auxiliary portion 202 comprises a first panel 230 which defines the front wall 30 of the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 .
- the auxiliary portion 202 comprises a second panel 229 which defines the second side wall 29 of the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 .
- the auxiliary portion 202 comprises a third panel 231 which defines the rear wall 31 of the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 .
- the second panel 229 is interposed between the first panel 230 and the third panel 231 .
- a fourth panel 228 is arranged on the side of the first panel 230 on the opposite side to the second panel 229 .
- the fourth panel 228 defines the first side wall 28 of the auxiliary portion 22 of the outer casing 20 .
- an appendage 234 which defines the tear-off appendage 34 .
- the first panel 205 of the main portion 201 is arranged above the first panel 230 of the auxiliary portion 202 .
- the second panel 204 of the main portion 201 is arranged above the second panel 229 of the auxiliary portion 202 .
- the third panel 206 of the main portion 201 is arranged above the third panel 231 of the auxiliary portion 202 .
- the fifth panel 203 b of the main portion 201 is arranged above the fourth panel 228 of the auxiliary portion 202 .
- the fourth panel 203 a of the main portion 201 is arranged above the appendage 234 of the auxiliary portion 202 .
- the separation line 210 is made by a sequence of weakening incisions.
- the separation line makes the panels of the main portion 201 visually, and not physically, distinct from one another from the panels of the auxiliary portion 202 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
Abstract
A loose article dispensing package including a container having a bottom wall and a top wall; an outer casing slidingly coupled to the container along a sliding direction between a raised position and a lowered position, the outer casing including a main portion and an auxiliary portion, wherein, in the raised position of the outer casing, the bottom wall of the container is substantially aligned with a free end of the auxiliary portion; a dispensing opening of the container; wherein the outer casing includes a predetermined separation line arranged between the auxiliary portion and the main portion, and wherein the auxiliary portion of the outer casing is configured to be separated from the main portion of the outer casing along said predetermined separation line.
Description
- The present invention relates to a loose article dispensing package and to a blanks assembly for making a loose article dispensing package, preferably loose articles of the food or confectionery sector such as, for example, candies, sugared almonds, chewing gums in the form of tablets, chocolates and the like.
- The loose article dispensing package of the present invention is of the type enabling both the storage and the containment of loose articles (i.e. bulk articles), and the dispensing of such articles on demand by a user. In such a dispensing package it is not possible, without compromising the integrity of the package itself, to access the loose articles directly, but they are made available by being ejected from the package through a dispensing opening actuated by a user. In particular, the dispensing opening is actuated by the user between a closing condition in which the loose articles are prevented from exiting the dispensing opening and an opening condition in which the loose articles exit the dispensing opening.
- This type of dispensing packages is particularly appreciated due to the fact that it prevents or in any case strongly limits any contamination of the loose articles when contained in the package, as the loose articles are not directly reachable and therefore cannot come into contact with external agents or the user's hands before being consumed. In addition, this type of packages prevents any possibility of reintroducing an already dispensed article into the package.
- This type of dispensing packages can be made of plastic or metal material using appropriate moulds, or it can be made starting from assemblies of flat blanks, which are folded and glued to define a three-dimensional structure.
- The use of assemblies of flat blanks to make these types of dispensing packages makes it possible to use completely or almost completely recyclable materials and is therefore often preferred in place of moulds (which are also expensive in some cases) in the production of the packages.
- A dispensing package obtained starting from an assembly of flat blanks is described in document WO2019116194A1. The dispensing package described in this document comprises a container for loose articles and a casing arranged outside the container and slidingly coupled to the container. An occlusion element acts on an outlet opening for the loose articles to open and close the outlet opening. The latter is placed at one end of a conveyor channel of the container and at the opposite end of this conveyor channel there is provided a dosing element which can be switched between a closing condition of the conveyor channel and an opening condition of the conveyor channel. The reciprocal sliding between the outer casing and the container alternately actuates the occlusion element and the dosing element in such a way that the opening of the one corresponds to the closing of the other. The conveyor channel is sized to contain a predetermined number of loose articles at a time, so that when the dosing element is opened, a predetermined number of loose articles are loaded into the conveyor channel and when the occlusion element is opened, only the predetermined number of loose articles contained in the conveyor channel is dispensed.
- The Applicant has noted that such a dispensing package allows for a very smooth dispensing and is easily implemented by a user simply by moving the outer casing and container reciprocally.
- The Applicant has also noted that such a dispensing package allows for the dispensing of a predetermined number of loose articles. Therefore, a constant and predetermined dispensing of loose articles can be guaranteed.
- However, the Applicant has perceived that the production of the above-mentioned dispensing package may not be easily implemented on automated manufacturing lines.
- In particular, the Applicant has perceived that it might be difficult to wrap the dispensing package in an automatic cellophaning station, e.g. with a film that protects the integrity of the package and its contents before first use.
- The Applicant has in fact noticed that the dispensing package, when in the condition with closed occlusion element, presents a shape substantially referable to two rectangular parallelepipeds superimposed with the upper rectangular parallelepiped having a base greater than the lower rectangular parallelepiped. This shape produces eight surfaces for the dispensing package which, in the Applicant's experience, may present difficulties for automated wrapping with a film.
- The Applicant has further perceived that it would be advantageous to be able to equip the dispensing package described in WO2019116194A1 with an element for checking the integrity of the dispensing package that is only removable following its first use, in order to highlight any tampering or misuse of the dispensing package before its first actual use.
- The present invention therefore relates, in a first aspect thereof, to a loose article dispensing package comprising a container for containing a plurality of loose articles, comprising a bottom wall and a top wall.
- Preferably, the dispensing package comprises an outer casing arranged outside the container and slidingly coupled to the container along a sliding direction between a raised position and a lowered position.
- Preferably, the outer casing comprises a main portion and an auxiliary portion, wherein, in the raised position of the casing, the bottom wall of the container is substantially aligned with a free end of the auxiliary portion.
- Preferably, the container comprises a dispensing opening adjacent to the bottom wall in the direction transverse to the sliding direction.
- Preferably, the dispensing opening is spaced from the bottom wall of the container along the sliding direction when the outer casing is in the raised position.
- Preferably, the container comprises a shutter that is active on the dispensing opening and movable between a closing configuration, in which it closes the dispensing opening, and an opening configuration, in which it opens the dispensing opening.
- Preferably, the shutter is connected to the container and to the outer casing so that in the raised position of the outer casing the shutter is in the closing configuration.
- Preferably, the outer casing comprises a predetermined separation line arranged between the auxiliary portion and the main portion.
- Preferably, the auxiliary portion of the outer casing is configured to be separated from the main portion of the outer casing along said predetermined separation line.
- The dispensing of loose products from the container is therefore actuated by sliding the outer casing with respect to the container. In particular, in the raised position of the outer casing the shutter is in the closing condition and the loose articles cannot exit the dispensing opening.
- The Applicant has perceived that this configuration is suitable for the insertion of loose articles into the container during the operations performed in an automated manufacturing line. In this regard, the Applicant has verified that by providing for the open top wall of the container, the loose products can be inserted and the top wall can be subsequently closed.
- The Applicant has found that by arranging the auxiliary portion of the outer casing in such a way that it reaches, in the sliding direction, the bottom wall of the container when the outer casing is in the raised position (a configuration in which the dispensing opening is spaced from the bottom wall of the container), the step formed between the bottom wall of the container and the dispensing opening is covered or surmounted by the auxiliary portion of the casing.
- The Applicant has verified that this makes it possible to obtain an outer surface of the dispensing package (given in substance by the casing) with a regular shape, for example in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, which can be easily wrapped with a removable film in an automatic cellophaning station.
- The Applicant has also verified that when the dispensing package is used for the first time, the outer casing must be moved with respect to the container from the raised position to the lowered position in order to open the dispensing opening. This operation can be carried out by pushing the bottom wall of the container into the outer casing along the sliding direction.
- The Applicant has verified that the auxiliary portion of the outer casing in the raised position of the outer casing would tend to hinder this operation since, by reaching the bottom wall of the container, it would not permit acting on the bottom wall easily for pushing it slidingly inside the casing as far as bringing the outer casing into the lowered position. During such sliding, in fact, the auxiliary portion of the outer casing would extend beyond the bottom wall of the container.
- The Applicant has found that by providing for the auxiliary portion of the outer casing to be removable with respect to the main portion along the predefined separation line, the auxiliary portion can be removed prior to the first use of the dispensing package allowing for proper and easy handling of the container with respect to the outer casing when the container must be pushed into the outer casing to actuate the first dispensing.
- The Applicant has also found that the auxiliary portion of the outer casing can also serve as an element for checking the integrity of the dispensing package, as its presence on the outer casing indicates that the dispensing package has never been used.
- In a second aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a blanks assembly for making a loose article dispensing package, preferably for making a loose article dispensing package in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
- This assembly of blanks comprises a first flat blank and a second flat blank.
- Preferably, the first flat blank comprises a main portion configured to define a container.
- Preferably, the first flat blanks comprise first appendages arranged at a first longitudinal end of the main portion and configured to define a top wall of the container.
- Preferably, the first flat blank comprises second appendages arranged at a second longitudinal end of the main portion configured to define a bottom wall of the container.
- Preferably, the first flat blank comprises a pair of third appendages arranged in a recess of the main portion, facing each other and longitudinally interposed between the first appendages and the second appendages; said pair of third appendages being configured to define a shutter for a dispensing opening of the container.
- Preferably, the second flat blank is configured to define an outer casing which can be slidingly inserted onto said container. Preferably, the second flat blank comprises a main portion and an auxiliary portion distinguishable from one another by a separation line.
- In this description and in the subsequent claims, the term “longitudinal” or “longitudinal direction” refers to a direction parallel to the prevailing direction of development of the dispensing package. This direction is directed between an upper end of the dispensing package and a lower end of the dispensing package and is preferably perpendicular to an upper wall of the dispensing package. A longitudinal direction coincides with a sliding direction between the outer casing and the container.
- In the present description and in the subsequent claims, the term “transverse” or “transverse direction” refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
- The present invention may have, in both aspects discussed above, at least one of the preferred features described below. These features can therefore be present individually or in combination with each other, unless expressly stated otherwise, either in the package of the first aspect of the present invention or in the assembly of blanks of the second aspect of the present invention.
- Preferably, the outer casing is a tubular body.
- Preferably, when said outer casing is in the raised position, said dispensing opening is arranged at a first distance from the bottom wall along the sliding direction.
- Preferably, said auxiliary portion has an extension in the sliding direction equal to or less than said first distance.
- Preferably, when the outer casing is in the lowered position, the shutter is in the opening condition.
- Preferably, said outer casing comprises a cutting or weakening line at said predetermined separation line.
- Preferably, said cutting or weakening line is configured to create a fracture line along said predetermined separation line when a separation force is applied between the auxiliary portion of the outer casing and the main portion of the outer casing.
- Preferably, the auxiliary portion is removable from the main portion of the outer casing.
- Preferably, when the auxiliary portion is removed from the main portion, the main portion comprises a free edge facing the bottom wall of the container.
- Preferably, when the auxiliary portion is removed from the main portion, and when the outer casing is in the lowered position, the free edge of the main portion is longitudinally aligned with the bottom wall of the container.
- Preferably, the main portion of the outer casing comprises four walls.
- Preferably, said four walls surround four side walls of the container.
- Preferably, the auxiliary portion of the outer casing comprises at least three walls that are coplanar to the respective three walls of the main portion.
- Preferably, said at least three walls of the auxiliary portion are arranged at the dispensing opening of the container.
- Preferably, the auxiliary portion of the outer casing comprises four walls that are coplanar to respective four walls of the main portion.
- Preferably, said auxiliary portion comprises a tear-off appendage not connected to the main portion and configured to be grasped by a user.
- Preferably, the tear-off appendage is made as one piece with the auxiliary portion.
- Preferably, the tear-off appendage is coplanar with a wall of the main portion of the outer casing.
- Preferably, the tear-off appendage can be raised with respect to said wall of the main portion of the outer casing.
- Preferably, said tear-off appendage develops along the sliding direction between the predetermined separation line and a free end of the auxiliary portion.
- Preferably, when the outer casing is in the raised position, the predetermined separation line is longitudinally aligned with the dispensing opening.
- Preferably, when the outer casing is in the lowered position, the predetermined separation line is longitudinally aligned with the bottom wall of the container.
- Preferably, the outer casing is made of a single material.
- Preferably, the container is made of a single material.
- Preferably, the material from which the outer casing is made is the same as the material from which the container is made.
- Preferably, such material is a material based on plant fibres, such as paper or cardboard.
- Preferably, the second blank comprises a longitudinal end for the main portion and a free end for the auxiliary portion.
- Preferably, the longitudinal end and the free end are parallel to each other.
- Preferably, the longitudinal end defines an upper edge of the outer casing.
- Preferably, the free end defines a lower edge of the outer casing.
- Preferably, said separation line is parallel to the longitudinal end of the main portion.
- Preferably, said auxiliary portion of said second flat blank comprises an appendage configured to define a tear-off appendage.
- Preferably, said separation line is defined by a sequence of incisions in said second flat blank.
- Preferably, said sequence of incisions visually distinguishes the main portion from the auxiliary portion.
- Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, with reference to the appended drawings and provided by way of indicative and non-limiting example, in which:
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic representations of a loose article dispensing package according to the present invention in a first operating configuration; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the package ofFIG. 1A in a second operating configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a loose article dispensing package in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4 represents the dispensing package ofFIG. 3 with the auxiliary portion of the outer casing removed; -
FIG. 5 represents a first flat blank of a blanks assembly for making a dispensing package in accordance with the present invention; and -
FIG. 6 represents a second flat blank of a blanks assembly for making a dispensing package in accordance with the present invention. - In the appended figures, a loose article dispensing package according to the present invention is generically indicated by the
numerical reference 1. - The
package 1 comprises acontainer 2 configured to contain a plurality of loose articles A and anouter casing 20 slidingly fitted on thecontainer 2. - The
container 10 comprises abottom wall 3 and atop wall 4. Thebottom wall 3 has a smaller extension in the transverse direction than the extension in the same transverse direction of thetop wall 4, as schematically illustrated inFIG. 1A . - Adjacent to the
bottom wall 3 along a transverse direction, thecontainer 2 comprises adispensing opening 5 configured to dispense the loose products A contained in thecontainer 2. The dispensingopening 5 has an extension in the transverse direction given by the difference between the extension, in the same transverse direction, of thetop wall 4 and of thebottom wall 3. - The
container 2 further comprises afirst side wall 6, asecond side wall 7 opposite thefirst side wall 6, afront wall 8 substantially perpendicular to thefirst side wall 6 and to thesecond side wall 7, and arear wall 9 opposite the front wall 8 (inFIGS. 1A and 1 nFIG. 2 the container has been shown with thefront wall 8 removed and inFIG. 1B the container has been shown with thefirst side wall 6 removed to illustrate the inside of the container 2). - The
first side wall 6 is connected tofront wall 8 and to therear wall 9 and thesecond side wall 7 is connected to thefront wall 8 and to therear wall 9. - A
prismatic body 10 is provided insidecontainer 2. Theprismatic body 10 comprises afirst wall 11, asecond wall 12 and athird wall 13 which are substantially parallel to thefront wall 8 and to therear wall 9 of thecontainer 2. - The
second wall 12 of theprismatic body 10 is in contact with thefront wall 8 of thecontainer 2 and thethird wall 13 of theprismatic body 10 is in contact with therear wall 9 of thecontainer 2. - The
first wall 11 of theprismatic body 10 is arranged between thesecond wall 12 and thethird wall 13 and is parallel to and transversely spaced from thefirst side wall 6 of thecontainer 2. - A loose
article conveyor channel 14 is defined between thefirst wall 11 of theprismatic body 10 and thefirst side wall 6 of thecontainer 2. Such aconveyor channel 14 is preferably transversely sized so as to be able to be traversed by one loose product A at a time, as shown inFIG. 1A . - The
prismatic body 10 also comprises afourth wall 15 connected to thefirst wall 11, to thesecond wall 12 and to thethird wall 13 to define a lead-in chute for the loose articles in order to enter theconveyor channel 14. - The
prismatic body 10 is closed, on the longitudinal side opposite thefourth wall 15, by thebottom wall 3 of thecontainer 2. - The
outer casing 20 is slidingly inserted on thecontainer 2 in order to be able to translate in a longitudinal direction with respect to thecontainer 2. - The
outer casing 20 comprises amain portion 21 and anauxiliary portion 22, as shown inFIG. 3 . - The
main portion 21 comprises afirst side wall 23, asecond side wall 24 opposite thefirst side wall 23, afront wall 25 which is substantially perpendicular to thefirst side wall 23 and to thesecond side wall 24, and arear wall 26 opposite thefront wall 25. - The
package 1 comprises ashutter 40 that is active on thedispensing opening 5 and movable between a closing configuration (illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B ) in which it closes the dispensingopening 5, and an opening configuration (illustrated inFIG. 2 ) in which it opens the dispensingopening 5. - The
shutter 40 comprises afirst flap 41 and asecond flap 42 which are switchable between a first position in which they project into theconveyor channel 14 and close the dispensingopening 5 and a second position in which they are substantially aligned in a longitudinal direction and leave thedispensing opening 5 open. - The
first flap 41 of theshutter 40 is connected at a first end to thecontainer 2 and, at a second end opposite to the first end, is connected to the main portion of theouter casing 20. - The
second flap 42 of theshutter 40 is connected at a first end to thecontainer 2 and, at a second end opposite to the first end, is connected to the main portion of theouter casing 20. - When the
outer casing 20 is in a raised position (shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B ), thefirst flap 41 and thesecond flap 42 are arranged in the first position. In this configuration, alongitudinal end 27 of themain portion 21 of theouter casing 20 is aligned longitudinally with thetop wall 4 of thecontainer 2. - In particular, the
longitudinal end 27 defines anupper edge 27 a for theouter casing 20. - When the
outer casing 20 is in a lowered position (shown inFIG. 2 ), thefirst flap 41 and thesecond flap 42 are arranged in the second position. In this configuration, thelongitudinal end 27 of the main portion of theouter casing 20 is moved away in the direction of thebottom wall 3 to thetop wall 4 of thecontainer 2. - The
package 1 also comprises adosing device 50 that is active at the inlet of theconveyor channel 14 and movable between a closing configuration (illustrated inFIG. 2 ) in which it closes the inlet of theconveyor channel 14, and an opening configuration (illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B ) in which it opens the inlet of theconveyor channel 14. - The
dosing device 50 comprises afirst flap 51 which can be switched between a first position in which it projects into theconveyor channel 14 and closes the inlet of theconveyor channel 14 and a second position in which it is substantially aligned with a longitudinal direction and leaves the inlet of theconveyor channel 14 open. - The
flap 51 of thedosing device 50 is connected at a first end to thecontainer 2 and, at a second end opposite to the first end, is connected to the main portion of theouter casing 20. - When the
outer casing 20 is in a raised position (shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B ), theflap 51 is in the second position. In this configuration, thelongitudinal end 27 of themain portion 21 of theouter casing 20 is aligned longitudinally with thetop wall 4 of thecontainer 2. - When the
outer casing 20 is in a lowered position (shown inFIG. 2 ), theflap 51 is in the second position. In this configuration, thelongitudinal end 27 of the main portion of theouter casing 20 is moved away in the longitudinal direction from thetop wall 4 of thecontainer 2. - The
auxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20 comprises afirst side wall 28, asecond side wall 29 opposite thefirst side wall 28, afront wall 30 which is substantially perpendicular to thefirst side wall 28 and to thesecond side wall 29, and arear wall 31 opposite the front wall as illustrated inFIG. 3 . - The
first side wall 28 of theauxiliary portion 22 is coplanar with thefirst side wall 23 of themain portion 21, thesecond side wall 29 of theauxiliary portion 22 is coplanar with thesecond side wall 24 of themain portion 21, thefront wall 30 of theauxiliary portion 22 is coplanar with thefront wall 25 of themain portion 21, and therear wall 31 of theauxiliary portion 22 is coplanar with therear wall 26 of themain portion 21. - Between the
main portion 21 and theauxiliary portion 22 there is arranged aseparation line 32 parallel to thelongitudinal end 27 of the main portion and parallel to afree end 33 of theauxiliary portion 22. Theseparation line 32 is also indicated inFIGS. 1A and 1B (for convenience of representation) although not visible in these representations of the dispensing package. - The
free end 33 of theauxiliary portion 22 defines alower edge 33 a of theouter casing 20 when themain portion 21 and theauxiliary portion 22 are joined. - The
separation line 32 is, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, a weakening line, for example made by incisions. - The
auxiliary portion 22 further comprises a tear-offappendage 34 superimposed on one of the walls of theauxiliary portion 22, preferably superimposed on thefirst side wall 28. - The size in the longitudinal direction of the
auxiliary portion 22 is equal to the difference between the size, in the longitudinal direction, of thecontainer 2 and the size of themain portion 21. The size ofcontainer 2 is measured between thetop wall 4 and thebottom wall 4. - The size in the longitudinal direction of the
auxiliary portion 22 is further equal to the sliding distance that theouter casing 20 travels between the raised position and the lowered position along a sliding direction. - The tear-off
appendage 34 has the same size in the longitudinal direction as theauxiliary portion 22. - As schematically illustrated in
FIG. 1 , when theouter casing 20 is in the raised position, thefree end 33 of theauxiliary portion 22 is longitudinally aligned with thebottom wall 3 of thecontainer 2. - In this configuration, the
package 1 has an external shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a first face given by thefront wall 25 of themain portion 21 and by thefront wall 30 of theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20, a second face given by therear wall 26 of themain portion 21 and by therear wall 31 of theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20, a third face given by thefirst side wall 23 of themain portion 21 and by thefirst side wall 28 of theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20, a fourth face given by thesecond side wall 24 of themain portion 21 and by thesecond side wall 29 of theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20, and a fifth face given by thetop wall 4 of thecontainer 2. - The sixth face of said rectangular parallelepiped is partially realised by the
bottom wall 3 of thecontainer 2 and is perimetrically delimited by thefree end 33 of theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20. - The
auxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20 is configured to be removed prior to a first use of thepackage 1. - For this purpose, the tear-off
appendage 34 can be raised with respect to thefirst side wall 28 of theauxiliary portion 22 in order to be grasped by a user and pulled. This action causes theouter casing 20 to break or tear along theseparation line 32 and thereby detach theauxiliary portion 22 with respect to themain portion 21 of theouter casing 20. - When the
auxiliary portion 22 has been removed from themain portion 21, themain portion 21 of the casing is the only portion that defines theouter casing 20 itself. - The
end portion 27 of themain portion 21 is, in this case, longitudinally opposed to afree edge 35 of themain portion 21. - The configuration in which the
auxiliary portion 22 has been removed from themain portion 21 is illustrated inFIG. 4 andFIG. 2 . - In particular,
FIG. 4 shows a condition in which theauxiliary portion 22 has been removed from themain portion 21 and in which theouter casing 20 is in the raised position. In this condition, thefree edge 35 of themain portion 21 does not reach thebottom wall 3 of thecontainer 2 but is longitudinally spaced therefrom. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , in the condition in which theauxiliary portion 22 has been removed from themain portion 21 and in which theouter casing 20 is in the lowered position, thefree edge 35 of themain portion 21 is longitudinally aligned with thebottom wall 3 of thecontainer 2. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 show respectively a first flat blank 100 and a secondflat blank 200 of a blanks assembly configured to make the dispensingpackage 1. - The first blank 100 is configured to make the
container 2. - The first blank 100 comprises a
main portion 101 and anauxiliary portion 102 that is connected to themain portion 101. - The
main portion 101 comprises afirst panel 109 configured to define therear wall 9 of thecontainer 2, asecond panel 108 configured to define thefront wall 8 of thecontainer 2 and athird panel 107 arranged between thefirst panel 109 and thesecond panel 108 to define thesecond side wall 7 of thecontainer 2. - A
fourth panel 106 a is arranged on the side of thefirst panel 109, on the opposite side with respect to thesecond panel 108, and afifth panel 106 b is arranged on the side of thesecond panel 108, on the opposite side with respect to thefirst panel 109. Thefourth panel 106 a and thefifth panel 106 b cooperate to define thefirst side wall 6 of thecontainer 2. - In a first
longitudinal end 101 a of themain portion 101 of the first blank 100 and above thefirst panel 109, thesecond panel 108, thethird panel 107 and thefifth panel 106 b there are arranged respectivefirst appendages top wall 4 of thecontainer 2. - In a second
longitudinal end 101 b of themain portion 101 of the first blank 100 and below thefirst panel 109, thesecond panel 108 and thethird panel 107 there are arranged respectivesecond appendages bottom wall 3 of thecontainer 2. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , arecess 101 c of themain portion 101 of the first blank 100 is defined below thethird panel 107 and between thefirst panel 109 and thesecond panel 109. - A pair of
third appendages shutter 40 are provided at therecess 101 c. - An
appendage 140 of this pair of appendages comprises threepanels first flap 41 of the shutter. Thisappendage 140 is laterally connected to thefirst panel 109. - The
other appendage 141 of said pair of appendices comprises threepanels second flap 41 of theshutter 40. Thisappendage 141 is laterally connected to thesecond panel 108 and faces theother appendage 140. - A fourth appendage 150 is defined on the
third panel 107 which defines thedosing device 50. The fourth appendage comprises three panels 150 a, 150 b, 150 c which form theflap 51 of thedosing device 50. - The
auxiliary portion 102 of the first blank 101 is connected to thefifth panel 106 b of themain portion 101 and is one piece with themain portion 101. - The
auxiliary portion 102 comprises afirst panel 113, asecond panel 111, and athird panel 112 which respectively define thethird wall 13, thefirst wall 11, and thesecond wall 12 of theprismatic body 10. - A
fourth panel 114 is arranged on the side of thethird panel 112 and is intended to be superimposed on thefifth panel 106 a of themain portion 101. - Above the
first panel 113, thesecond panel 111 and thefourth panel 114 there are arrangedrespective appendages fourth wall 15 of theprismatic body 10. - The second blank 200 (
FIG. 6 ) comprises amain portion 201 and anauxiliary portion 202 that is connected to themain portion 201 and is integral with themain portion 201. - The second blank 200 is configured to make the
outer casing 20. - The
main portion 201 of the second blank 200 defines themain portion 21 of theouter casing 20, and theauxiliary portion 202 of the second blank 200 defines theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , themain portion 201 is distinguishable from theauxiliary portion 202 by aseparation line 210. - Said
separation line 210 is parallel to alongitudinal end 201 a of themain portion 201 which defines theupper edge 27 a of the outer casing. - The
separation line 210 is also parallel to afree end 202 a of theauxiliary portion 202 which defines thelower edge 33 a of theouter casing 20. - The distance separating the
longitudinal end 201 a of themain portion 201 from thefree end 202 a of theauxiliary portion 202 in the longitudinal direction is equal to the height, measured in the longitudinal direction, of theouter casing 20. - The
main portion 201 comprises afirst panel 205 which defines thefront wall 25 of themain portion 21 of theouter casing 20. - The
main portion 201 comprises asecond panel 204 which defines thesecond side wall 23 of themain portion 21 of theouter casing 20. - The
main portion 201 comprises athird panel 206 which defines therear wall 26 of themain portion 21 of theouter casing 20. - The
second panel 204 is interposed between thefirst panel 205 and thethird panel 206. Afourth panel 203 a is arranged on the side of thethird panel 206 on the opposite side to thesecond panel 204. Afifth panel 203 b is arranged on the side of thefirst panel 205 on the opposite side to thesecond panel 204. Thefourth panel 203 a and thefifth panel 203 b cooperate to define thefirst side wall 23 of themain portion 21 of theouter casing 20. - The
auxiliary portion 202 comprises afirst panel 230 which defines thefront wall 30 of theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20. - The
auxiliary portion 202 comprises asecond panel 229 which defines thesecond side wall 29 of theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20. - The
auxiliary portion 202 comprises athird panel 231 which defines therear wall 31 of theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20. - The
second panel 229 is interposed between thefirst panel 230 and thethird panel 231. - A
fourth panel 228 is arranged on the side of thefirst panel 230 on the opposite side to thesecond panel 229. Thefourth panel 228 defines thefirst side wall 28 of theauxiliary portion 22 of theouter casing 20. - On the side of the
third panel 231 on the opposite side to thesecond panel 229 there is arranged anappendage 234 which defines the tear-offappendage 34. - The
first panel 205 of themain portion 201 is arranged above thefirst panel 230 of theauxiliary portion 202. - The
second panel 204 of themain portion 201 is arranged above thesecond panel 229 of theauxiliary portion 202. - The
third panel 206 of themain portion 201 is arranged above thethird panel 231 of theauxiliary portion 202. - The
fifth panel 203 b of themain portion 201 is arranged above thefourth panel 228 of theauxiliary portion 202. - The
fourth panel 203 a of themain portion 201 is arranged above theappendage 234 of theauxiliary portion 202. - The
separation line 210 is made by a sequence of weakening incisions. - The separation line makes the panels of the
main portion 201 visually, and not physically, distinct from one another from the panels of theauxiliary portion 202. - Obviously, a person skilled in the art, in order to satisfy specific and contingent needs, can make numerous modifications and variations to the invention described above while remaining within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.
Claims (12)
1. A loose article dispensing package, comprising:
a container for containing a plurality of loose articles (A), comprising a bottom wall and a top wall;
an outer casing arranged outside the container and slidingly coupled to the container along a sliding direction between a raised position and a lowered position, a dispensing opening of the container adjacent to the bottom wall in a direction transverse to the sliding direction and spaced from the bottom wall of the container along the sliding direction when the outer casing is in the raised position;
a shutter that is active on the dispensing opening and movable between a closing configuration, in which the shutter closes the dispensing opening, and an opening configuration, in which the shutter opens the dispensing opening;
wherein the shutter is connected to the container and to the outer casing so that in the raised position of the outer casing the shutter is in the closing configuration;
wherein:
the outer casing comprises a main portion and an auxiliary portion, wherein, in the raised position of the outer casing, the bottom wall of the container is substantially aligned with a free end of the auxiliary portion;
the outer casing comprises a predetermined separation line arranged between the auxiliary portion and the main portion, wherein the auxiliary portion of the outer casing is configured to be separated from the main portion of the outer casing along said predetermined separation line.
2. The dispensing package according to claim 1 , wherein, when said outer casing is in the raised position, said dispensing opening is arranged at a first distance from the bottom wall along the sliding direction and wherein said auxiliary portion has an extension in the sliding direction equal to or less than said first distance.
3. The dispensing package according to claim 1 , wherein said outer casing comprises a cutting or weakening line at said predetermined separation line.
4. The dispensing package according to claim 1 , wherein the main portion of the outer casing comprises four walls and wherein the auxiliary portion comprises at least three walls that are coplanar to respective three walls of the main portion.
5. The dispensing package according to claim 1 , wherein said auxiliary portion comprises a tear-off appendage not connected to the main portion and configured to be grasped by a user.
6. The dispensing package according to claim 5 , wherein said tear-off appendage develops along the sliding direction between the predetermined separation line and said free end of the auxiliary portion.
7. The dispensing package according to claim 1 , wherein the main portion comprises a longitudinal end on an opposite side with respect to the auxiliary portion; said longitudinal end of the main portion being substantially aligned with the top wall of the container when the outer casing is in the raised position.
8. An assembly of blanks for making a dispensing package comprising:
a first flat blank comprising:
a main portion configured to define a container;
first appendages arranged at a first longitudinal end of the main portion and configured to define a top wall of the container;
second appendages arranged at a second longitudinal end of the main portion configured to define a bottom wall of the container;
a pair of third appendages arranged in a recess of the main portion, facing each other and longitudinally interposed between the first appendages and the second appendages; said pair of third appendages being configured to define a shutter for a dispensing opening of the container;
wherein the assembly of blanks comprises a second flat blank configured to define an outer casing which can be slidingly inserted onto said container, comprising a main portion and an auxiliary portion distinguishable from one another by a separation line.
9. The assembly of blanks according to claim 8 , wherein said separation line is parallel to a first longitudinal end of the main portion of the second flat blank.
10. The assembly of blanks according to claim 8 , wherein said auxiliary portion of said second flat blank comprises an appendage configured to define a tear-off appendage.
11. The assembly of blanks according to claim 8 , wherein said separation line is defined by a sequence of incisions in said second flat blank.
12. The assembly of blanks according to claim 11 , wherein said sequence of incisions distinguishes the main portion from the auxiliary portion of the second flat blank.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT102020000031829 | 2020-12-22 | ||
IT102020000031829A IT202000031829A1 (en) | 2020-12-22 | 2020-12-22 | DISPENSER PACKAGE FOR BULK ITEMS AND ASSEMBLY OF BLANKS TO MAKE A DISPENSER PACKAGE FOR BULK ITEMS |
PCT/IB2021/061778 WO2022137029A1 (en) | 2020-12-22 | 2021-12-15 | Loose article dispensing package and blanks assembly for making a loose article dispensing package |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240043167A1 true US20240043167A1 (en) | 2024-02-08 |
Family
ID=74875095
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/268,966 Pending US20240043167A1 (en) | 2020-12-22 | 2021-12-15 | Loose article dispensing package and blanks assembly for making a loose article dispensing package |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240043167A1 (en) |
IT (1) | IT202000031829A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022137029A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1596528A (en) * | 1977-12-23 | 1981-08-26 | Manuel Lorca A | Dispensing container |
PL3724090T3 (en) | 2017-12-12 | 2022-08-01 | G.D S.P.A. | Slide-open dispenser package for loose articles |
-
2020
- 2020-12-22 IT IT102020000031829A patent/IT202000031829A1/en unknown
-
2021
- 2021-12-15 WO PCT/IB2021/061778 patent/WO2022137029A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-12-15 US US18/268,966 patent/US20240043167A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2022137029A1 (en) | 2022-06-30 |
IT202000031829A1 (en) | 2022-06-22 |
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