Convenient solid product dispensing package

Abstract

A hexagonal dispensing box suitable for mounting in a vehicle cup holder includes a dispensing opening, and a slider which may selectively open and close the dispensing opening. The dispensing opening may be in the top or in one side of the box. The slider may have stops to limit its movement, and may be guided by the box construction. The slider may be attached to an actuation panel extending down one side of the box, and the actuation panel may also serve as a handle for removing the box from the cup holder receptacle, and for handling the box.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to product dispensing packages which may conveniently be stored in a vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Many vehicles have cup holders in which drinks may be conveniently held. However, relative to candy or other small pieces of food, they are often sold in flexible paper or plastic bags which are difficult to store in a vehicle. Once the packages are opened, the foodstuff is often spilled onto the car seats and can become sticky, or otherwise soil the interior of the vehicle. [0003] Dispensing containers are known, and prior patents relating to such dispensers are disclosed in the following patents: [0004] D. T. Hengami U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,402 granted Aug. 20, 2002 [0005] D. T. Hengami U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,942 granted Mar. 26, 2002 [0006] D. T. Hengami U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,332 granted Aug. 14, 2001 [0007] D. T. Hengami U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,499 granted Sep. 12, 2000 [0008] C. G. von Stillfried U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,373 granted...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Accordingly, one important object of the invention is to provide a dispensing package which may be conveniently stored in a vehicle.

[0017] One advantage of the design is the ease of manufacture, in that the final box configuration can be realized by successively folding the extending tabs in an appropriate order, without requiring a separate manufacturing step of inserting the slider into the box assembly.

Problems solved by technology

However, relative to candy or other small pieces of food, they are often sold in flexible paper or plastic bags which are difficult to store in a vehicle.

Once the packages are opened, the foodstuff is often spilled onto the car seats and can become sticky, or otherwise soil the interior of the vehicle.

However, these containers are generally rectangular, with a size and configuration such that there is normally no convenient place to store them in a vehicle.

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