CONTAINER ASSEMBLY WITH DISPENSER

Abstract

A container assembly has a container and a dispenser. The container has a hollow main body. The hollow main body has an open end, an inner surface, and a base wall. The dispenser is movably disposed in the hollow main body. The dispenser has a hollow stem, a handle, and a plunger. The hollow stem has a first end and a second. The first end having a venting aperture. The handle is connected to the first end of the hollow stem. The plunger is connected to the second end of the hollow stem. The plunger has an aperture formed therein. The aperture is in communication with the hollow stem. The plunger further includes an outermost perimeter that conforms to the inner surface of the hollow main body

Claims

1. A container assembly, comprising: a container having a hollow main body with an open end, an inner surface, and a base wall; and a dispenser movably disposed in the hollow main body, the dispenser including a hollow stem with a first end and a second end, the first end having a venting aperture formed therein, a handle connected to the first end of the hollow stem, and a plunger connected to the second end of the hollow stem, the plunger having an aperture formed therein, the aperture in communication with the hollow stem, and the plunger further including an outermost perimeter conforming to the inner surface of the hollow main body.

2. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the outermost perimeter of the plunger has beveled edges.

3. The container assembly of claim 2, wherein the container has a first volume and a second volume, the first volume of the container disposed between and defined by the open end and a first portion of the inner surface of the hollow main body and the plunger of the dispenser, and the second volume of the container disposed between and defined by the plunger of the dispenser and a second portion of the inner surface and the base wall of the hollow main body.

4. The container assembly of claim 3, wherein the hollow stem is disposed through the first volume of the container.

5. The container assembly of claim 4, wherein the first volume is configured to store a product for dispensing and the second volume is not configured to store the product.

6. The container assembly of claim 5, wherein the hollow stem and the aperture are together configured to permit airflow to the second volume of the container from the atmosphere surrounding the container as the dispenser moves through the hollow main body of the container.

7. The container assembly of claim 6, further comprising a lid selectively disposed on the open end of the container.

8. The container assembly of claim 7, wherein the handle of the dispenser is disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the lid where the lid is disposed on the open end of the container.

9. The container assembly of claim 8, wherein the handle is a flexible pull tab, the flexible pull tab including an annular body coupled to the first end of the hollow stem with a living hinge.

10. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein the flexible pull tab is oriented in a downward position where the lid is disposed on the open end of the container and the is oriented in an upward position where the lid is removed from the open end of the container.

11. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the flexible pull tab contacts and is pressed into the downward position by the interior surface of the lid where the lid is disposed on the open end of the container.

12. The container assembly of claim 7, wherein the handle is integral with the lid.

13. The container assembly of claim 12, wherein the lid further has an external pull tab disposed on an outer surface of the lid.

14. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the lid further has a receiver with an opening disposed on an interior surface of the lid, the opening receiving the first end of the hollow stem.

15. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the receiver has an inner diameter and the hollow stem has an outer diameter, the inner diameter of the receiver being greater than the outer diameter of the hollow stem, thereby allowing the hollow stem to be received by the receiver.

16. The container assembly of claim 15, wherein the receiver further has a plurality of fingers extending downwardly from the interior surface of the lid, each of the plurality of fingers having an inwardly orientated flange with a beveled surface, and wherein the beveled surface of each of the inwardly orientated flanges is configured to receive the first end of the hollow stem and militate against the first end from being removed from the receiver.

17. The container assembly of claim 16, wherein the plurality of fingers are spaced apart and define a plurality of slots, the plurality of slots configured to permit airflow into the venting aperture of the hollow stem.

18. The container assembly of claim 17, wherein first end of the hollow stem further includes a frustoconical head.

19. A container assembly, comprising: a container having a hollow main body with an open end, an inner surface, a base wall, and a lid selectively disposed on the open end of the container; a dispenser movably disposed in the hollow main body, the dispenser having a hollow stem having a first end and a second end, the first end having a venting aperture formed therein, a handle which is a flexible pull tab having an annular body, the handle coupled to the first end of the hollow stem with a living hinge, a plunger connected to the second end of the hollow stem, the plunger having an aperture formed therein, the aperture in communication with the hollow stem, and the plunger further having an outermost perimeter conforming to the inner surface of the hollow main body; and wherein a first volume of the container is disposed between and defined by the open end and a first portion of the inner surface of the hollow main body and the plunger of the dispenser, and a second volume of the container is disposed between and defined by the plunger of the dispenser and a second portion of the inner surface and the base wall of the hollow main body; wherein the hollow stem and the aperture are together configured to permit airflow to the second volume of the container from the atmosphere surrounding the container as the dispenser moves through the hollow main body of the container; wherein the handle contacts and is pressed into a downward position by an interior surface of the lid where the lid is disposed on the open end of the container; and wherein the handle is oriented in an upward position where the lid is removed from the open end of the container.

20. A container assembly, comprising: a container having a hollow main body with an open end, an inner surface, and a base wall; a dispenser movably disposed in the hollow main body, the dispenser having a hollow stem having a first end and a second end, the first end having a venting aperture formed therein, a handle integral with a lid selectively disposed on the open end of the container, the lid having an interior surface and an outer surface, the interior surface connected to the first end of the hollow stem, the outer surface having an external pull tab disposed thereon, a plunger connected to the second end of the hollow stem, the plunger having an aperture formed therein, the aperture in communication with the hollow stem, and the plunger further having an outermost perimeter conforming to the inner surface of the hollow main body; and wherein a first volume of the container is disposed between and defined by the open end and a first portion of the inner surface of the hollow main body and the plunger of the dispenser, and a second volume of the container is disposed between and defined by the plunger of the dispenser and a second portion of the inner surface and the base wall of the hollow main body; wherein the hollow stem and the aperture are together configured to permit airflow to the second volume of the container from the atmosphere surrounding the container as the dispenser moves through the hollow main body of the container; wherein the lid further has a receiver with an opening disposed on an interior surface of the lid, the opening receiving the first end of the hollow stem; wherein the receiver has an inner diameter and the hollow stem has an outer diameter, the inner diameter of the receiver being greater than the outer diameter of the hollow stem, thereby allowing the hollow stem to be received by the receiver; wherein the receiver further has a plurality of fingers extending downwardly from the interior surface of the lid, each of the plurality of fingers having an inwardly orientated flange with a beveled surface, and wherein the beveled surface of each of the inwardly orientated flanges is configured to receive the first end of the hollow stem and militate against the first end from being removed from the receiver; wherein the plurality of fingers are spaced apart and define a plurality of slots, the plurality of slots configured to permit airflow into the venting aperture of the hollow stem; wherein first end of the hollow stem further includes a frustoconical head.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0026] The above, as well as other advantages of the present disclosure, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, particularly when considered in the light of the drawings described herein.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a dispenser for a container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a container assembly including the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational view taken at section line A-A in FIG. 2, and further showing a lid disposed over an open end of the container and a flexible pull tab oriented in a downward position;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view taken at section line A-A in FIG. 2, and further showing the lid being removed from the container, and the flexible pull tab orientating into an upward position;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view taken at section line A-A in FIG. 2, and further showing the flexible pull tab oriented in an upward position, and being pulled, thereby pulling a product from the container;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a dispenser according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a container assembly, including the dispenser shown in FIG. 6 according to one embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side elevational view taken at section line B-B in FIG. 7, further showing a handle is integral with the lid, and the lid affixed to the open end of the container;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevational view taken at section line B-B in FIG. 7, further showing a pull tab disposed on the grip lid, being pulled upward, thereby pulling the product from container; and

[0036] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the lid with a receiver, and the receiver receiving a first end of a hollow stem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, is not necessary or critical unless otherwise disclosed.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 7-9, a container assembly 100 has a container 102 and a dispenser 104. The container 102 includes a hollow main body 106. The hollow main body 106 has an open end 108, an inner surface 110, and a base wall 112.

[0039] The container 102 may be a standard jar or a storage can. In particular, the container 102 may be a jar or can for storage of food. Non-limiting examples include draw-and-wall ironing cans, stretch-draw-ironing cans, and draw-and-redraw cans. In a most particular example, the container 102 may be about three and two-fifth inches (3.44) by about four and one-half inches (4.56). In addition, the container 102 may be manufactured using different materials, such as metal or aluminum. Although these dimensions and materials of the container 102 are being supplied for purpose of illustrating the invention, it should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may select other suitable dimensions and materials for the container 102, as desired.

[0040] With reference to FIGS. 1-9, the dispenser 104 may include a hollow stem 114, a handle 116, and a plunger 118. The dispenser 104 is movably disposed in the hollow main body 106 of the container 102. In particular, the dispenser 104 is configured to slide within the hollow main body 106 of the container 102 for the purpose of dispensing contents or products from the container 102, as described further herein.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, it should be further understood that, upon being assembled with the dispenser 104, the container 102 has a first volume 120 and a second volume 122 disposed therein. The first volume 120 is defined by the open end 108 of the container 102, the plunger 118, and a first portion 110a of the inner surface 110 of the hollow main body 106 between the open end 108 and the plunger 118. The second volume 122 is defined by the plunger 118, the base wall 112 of the hollow main body 106, and a second portion 110b of the inner surface 110 of the hollow main body 106 between the plunger 118 and the base wall 112 of the hollow main body 106.

[0042] The dispenser 104 may be manufactured using a variety of methods and materials. For example, the dispensing device may be formed metal, wood, and from food safe materials, such as Nylon 66. Different materials may be selected by a person skilled in the art within the scope of this disclosure.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 7-9, the hollow stem 114 of the dispenser 104 is disposed through the first volume 120 of the container 102. It should be appreciated that the length of the hollow stem 114 is scalable according to the height of the container 102. With reference to FIGS. 1-9, the hollow stem 114 has a first end 124 and a second end 126. The first end 124 of the hollow stem 114 includes a venting aperture 128. In operation, and as discussed in further detail below, the venting aperture 128 is configured to permit airflow between the ambient or surrounding atmosphere and the second volume 122 of the container 102. Desirably, the airflow militates against a vacuum forming in the second volume 122 as the dispenser 104 moves through the container 102.

[0044] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-9, the handle 116 of the dispenser 104 is configured to function as a grip for a user. In particular, the handle 116 permits the user to manually pull and move the dispenser 104 through the container 102. In some examples, the handle 116 may be a flexible pull tab 130. The flexible pull tab 130 may have an annular body 132, for example, sized to permit the user to insert a finger through the same. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may select different shapes and dimensions of the flexible pull tab 130, as desired.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the flexible pull tab 130 may be hingedly coupled to the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114. For example, the flexible pull tab 130 may be coupled to the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114 with a hinge such as a living hinge 134. The living hinge 134 may be flexible but resilient, and through a spring force normally oriented the body of the pull tab 130 into an upward position, even after the body of the pull tab 130 has been depressed or compressed into a downward position, for example, by the application of the lid 142, as described further herein. Suitable materials for the living hinge 134 may include polymers such as thermoplastics. However, one skilled in the art may select other suitable materials for the living hinge 134 within the scope of the disclosure.

[0046] In certain embodiments, also shown in FIGS. 1-5, the living hinge 134 may be attached to an arch 136. The arch 136 may be generally inverted U-shaped, for example. Advantageously, the arch 136 does not cover or block the airflow to the venting aperture 128, thereby permitting the airflow to and from the second volume 122 in operation. It should be appreciated that different methods and types of hinges for attaching the flexible pull tab 130 may be employed by a person skilled in the art, as long as the venting aperture 128 of the hollow stem 114 is not otherwise obstructed.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the container assembly 100 may further comprise a lid 138. The lid 138 is selectively disposed on the open end 108 of the container 102. Where the lid 138 is in a closed position, the flexible pull tab 130 is pressed downwardly by the lid 138 and orientated parallel with and adjacent to an interior surface 140 of the lid 138, as shown in FIG. 3. Desirably, the downwardly orientation of the flexible pull tab 130 permits the lid 138 to be sealed to the container 102. Where the lid 138 is removed the container 102, the flexible tab 130 becomes undepressed or uncompressed and orientates into an upward position, as shown in FIG. 4. Conveniently, the upwardly orientation or position of the flexible pull tab 130 permits the user to easily grip the flexible pull tab 130.

[0048] Now referencing FIGS. 6-10, an alternate embodiment is shown where the handle 116 is integral with the lid 138. In particular, the combined handle 116 and lid 138 may be considered a grip lid 142. The grip lid 142 is selectively disposed on the open end 108 of the container 102. The grip lid 142 has an inner surface 144 and an outer surface 146. The inner surface 144 includes a receiver 148 with an opening 150 formed therein. The opening 150 receives the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114.

[0049] In some examples, the opening 150 has a greater diameter than an outer diameter of the hollow stem 114. Desirably, this allows the hollow stem 114 to be received by the receiver 148. It should be appreciated that the length of the receiver 148 is scalable in order to accommodate different containers 102.

[0050] In particular examples, and as shown in FIGS. 8-10, the receiver 148 may have a plurality of fingers 152 extending downwardly. Each of the plurality of fingers 152 has an inwardly orientated flange 154 with a beveled surface 155. Each of the plurality of fingers 152 are configured to fasten over and grip the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114. Advantageously, the beveled surface 155 of each of the inwardly orientated flanges 154 are configured to easily permit the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114 to be inserted adjacent the fingers 152. In addition, the inwardly orientated flanges 154 are further configured to militate against the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114 from being removed from the receiver 148 after being inserted adjacent the finger 152.

[0051] While still referencing FIGS. 8-10, each of the plurality of fingers 152 are spaced apart and define a plurality of slots 156. It is believed that the plurality of slots 156 increases the flexibility of the plurality of fingers 152. Desirably, the increased flexibility of the plurality of fingers 152 allows for the plurality of fingers 152 to more easily fasten over the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114. In addition, the plurality of slots 156 allows the airflow into the venting aperture 128 during an operation of the dispenser 104. It should be appreciated that a person skilled in the art may provide different configurations of the plurality of fingers 152 within the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] While now referencing FIGS. 6-10, the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114 may further includes a frustoconical head 157. It is believed that the angled outer surfaces of the frustoconical head 157, in combination with the beveled surfaces 155 of the inwardly oriented flanges 154, permit for the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114 to be more easily inserted into the receiver 148. A skilled artisan may select suitable angles for the outer surfaces of the frustoconical head 157, as desired.

[0053] In a further alterative embodiment (not shown), the receiver 148 has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and the first end 124 of hollow stem 114 has a plurality of flexible grip tabs formed thereon and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the hollow stem 114. The plurality of apertures may be sized and shaped so as to receive the flexible grip tabs. In particular, the plurality of apertures receives the plurality of flexible grip tabs where the hollow stem 124 is inserted into the receiver 148. Desirably, an interlocking of the plurality of apertures with the plurality of flexible grip tabs militates against the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114 being removed from the receiver 148.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 8-9, the grip lid 142 may further comprise an external pull tab 158 that is disposed on the outer surface 146 of the grip lid 142. Conveniently, the external pull tab 158 permits a user to easily pull the dispenser 104 from the container 102 via a gripping of the external pull tab 158. The external pull tab 158 may be hingedly attached to an outer surface of the grip lid 142, for example and movable between a downward position where the pull tab 158 lies flat against the outer surface, and an upward position where the pull tab 158 may be gripped by the user. It should be understood a skilled artisan may select different methods of gripping and pulling on the grip lid 142, as desired.

[0055] It is believed that the grip lid 142 and the receiver 148 may facilitate, in combination, a manufacturing of the container assembly 100. For example, during the manufacturing process, the dispenser 104 is disposed in the container 102 before the grip lid 142. Then, the grip lid 142 is affixed to the container 102. As the grip lid 142 is being affixed, the receiver 148 receives the first end 124 of the hollow stem 114. Conveniently, this leads to a faster and more efficient manufacturing process. It should be appreciated that a person skilled in the art may also manufacture the container assembly 100 using different methods and steps within the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] The plunger 118 is configured to pull a product 160 from the container 102. Nonlimiting examples of the product 160 include food such as cheese or jelly, or nonedible products such as paints. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may also select other suitable products 160 to be stored in the container 102, as desired.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the plunger 118 is connected to the second end 126 of the hollow stem 114. The plunger 118 has an aperture 162 and an outermost perimeter 164. The aperture 162 is formed therethrough the plunger 118. The aperture 162 is in communication with the hollow stem 114. The aperture 162 provides a path for the airflow to the second volume 122 of the container 102. Desirably, and as previously mentioned herein, providing the path for the airflow serves to equalize the pressure between the second volume 122 of the container 102 and the ambient atmosphere around the container 102 as the dispenser 104 moves therethrough.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 2-5 and 7-9, the outermost perimeter 164 of the plunger 118 conforms to the inner surface 110 of the hollow main body 106. In particular, the outermost perimeter 164 abuts the inner surface 110 while still allowing the plunger 118 to be slidably moved through the container 102. Advantageously, this allows the plunger 118 to effectively pull the product 160 from the container 102 via the outermost perimeter 164 abutting the inner surface 110 and scraping the product 160 off of the inner surface 110. It should be appreciated that, since the plunger 118 conforms to the inner surface 110 of the hollow main body 106, the shape and size of the plunger 118 can be changed to accommodate different types of containers 102.

[0059] In some optional embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 8-9, the outermost perimeter 164 also has beveled edges 166. It is believed that the beveled edges 166 may be more effective at scraping the product 160 off of the inner surface 110 of the hollow main body 106 where the dispenser 104 is being pulled out of the container 102. In further examples, the beveled edges 166 may have a polymer coating, such as a rubberized coating, to provide an effective seal between the beveled edges 166 and the inner surface 110 of the container 102. Other suitable shapes and coatings for the outermost perimeter 164 may also be employed, as desired.

[0060] In the assembling process, the dispenser 104 is placed into the hollow main body 106 of the container 102. The hollow stem 114, the venting aperture 128, and the aperture 162 of the plunger 118 are configured to permit the airflow between the ambient atmosphere around the container 102 and the second volume 122 of the container 102. Desirably, permitting the airflow to the second volume 122 militates against a vacuum from forming in the second volume 122, when the dispenser 104 is initially disposed in the hollow main body 106 of the container 102. The forming of the vacuum would otherwise undesirably militate against the plunger 118 from being pulled away from the base wall 112 of the container 102. Likewise, it is believed that the permitted airflow to and from the second volume 122 of the container 102 allows the plunger 118 to be fully inserted during the initial assembly, and abut the base wall 112 of the container 102, while closely confirming with the inner surfaces of the container 102. This would otherwise be difficult to do if the air were to be trapped between the plunger 118 and the base wall 112.

[0061] After the dispenser 102 is disposed in the hollow main body 106 of the container 102, the product 160 is placed into the first volume 120 of the container 102. None of the product 160 is placed in the second volume 122 of the container 102. It should be appreciated that the amount of product 160 placed, poured, or packed into the first volume 120 of the container 102 is enough to fill the first volume 120 but does not obstruct the venting aperture 128 of the hollow stem 114. It should also be appreciated that obstructing the venting aperture 128 may otherwise prevent the airflow to and from the second volume 122 of the container 102 in operation of the dispenser 104.

[0062] In order to seal and preserve the products 160, and as shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 8-9, for example, the lid 138 may be selectively affixed to the open end 108 of the container 102. As mentioned previously, where the lid 138 is selectively affixed to the open end 108, the handle 116, such as the flexible pull tab 130, may be depressed or compressed and oriented into the downward position to allow the lid 138 to otherwise seal with the hollow main body 106. It should be further understood, that in alternative embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, this step is not required as the handle 116 is integral to the lid 138, in the form of the grip lid 142 described hereinabove, which is selectively affixed with the hollow main body 106.

[0063] In operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the first step involves removing the lid 138 from the container 102. For example, the removing of the lid 138 may involve using a standard hand-held can opener. Other methods of removing the lid 138 from the container 102 can be employed, as desired. Once the lid 138 is fully removed, the flexible pull tab 130 becomes now undepressed or uncompressed by the lid 138, and due to a spring force of the hinge 134 orientates from the downward position into an upward position. Conveniently, this upward position is above the product 160, so the user does not have to fish the flexible pull tab 130 from the product 160. Next, the user pulls the flexible pull tab 130 which pulls the product 160 out of the hollow main body 106 of the container 102 via the plunger 118. Desirably, as the plunger 118 moves through the hollow main body 106, the outermost perimeter 164 scrapes or wipes the inner surface 110 of the container 102, thereby dislodging any product 160 on the inner surface 110.

[0064] In operation of the alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 6-10, the first step involves removing the grip lid 142 from the container 102. For example, the can opener mentioned previously. It should be appreciated that other methods of removing the grip lid 142 can be employed by a person skilled in the art. Next, the user grips the grip lid 142 using the external pull tab 158 and pulls the product 160 via the plunger 118 from of the container 102. Other methods of gripping the grip lid 142 may be used, as desired.

[0065] Advantageously, the container assembly 100 via the dispenser 104 allows the user to easily and rapidly remove the contents from the container 102 without using a separate tool such as a spatula or spoon. In addition, permitting the airflow to and from the second volume 122 of the container 102, militates against a vacuum from forming in the second volume 122. Desirably, and as mentioned above, militating against the formation of the vacuum allows for the assembly and operation of the container assembly 100 to be easier and more efficient.

[0066] While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is further described in the following appended claims.