Elevating lift dispenser and container for foodstuffs

Abstract

Containers for foodstuffs which are resealable and have an elevating lift therein. The lift is preferably operated by an operator that fits within the container to prevent loss of freshness of the foodstuff or other contents. One operator uses a slot or groove which winds at least partially around a tubular operator which is engaged by a follower that extends from the elevator lift. The follower may also engage with a feature on an inside wall of the container to prevent rotation of the lift and provide relative longitudinal motion between the lift platform upon which chips or other foodstuffs are supported so that the contents can be adjusted for easy access. A removable lid allows controlled opening and closing or resealing of the container to keep the foodstuff contents fresh when not being dispensed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 076,386 filed Mar. 9, 2005. Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 or as otherwise provided by law is claimed. Such prior application is incorporated by reference entirely. Applicant further reserves the right to withdraw this priority claim.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The technical field of the inventions relate to relatively small or manually operated dispensing containers having an interior lift for raising contents, particularly foodstuffs, for easier removal by a user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are a number of different foodstuffs that are provided in sealed containers which have a removable cap that can be remounted to reseal the container. Some of these containers are used to contain manufactured potato chips. As many have experienced when eating various brands of potato chips which are packaged in this manner, the relatively small tubular size used to laterally con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the assembly of FIG. 1 with the elevator lift in a low position.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the assembly of FIG. 1 with the elevator lift in a partially raised position relative to the position of FIG. 10.

Problems solved by technology

As many have experienced when eating various brands of potato chips which are packaged in this manner, the relatively small tubular size used to laterally contain the potato chips in a stacked configuration is relatively small in diameter and this makes it difficult to manually extract the chips after a portion have been previously removed.

Another problem many people encounter with containers is that as the chips are removed and what becomes the top chip recedes downwardly, the chips become increasingly difficult to grasp.

This leads to shaking of the container and upsetting it to obtain the contents.

This results in breakage of the chips and then the broken chips are usually poured out onto one's hand and small pieces of the potato chips pass through the hand and onto the floor.

Some might consider this poor etiquette or poor manners.

Others just find it sloppy and messy.

Such problems may also exist with other products to an extent that the tubular containers are not favored by the manufacturer.

This improves access to some degree, but significantly increases the costs associated with packaging.

Other approaches may also have been attempted, but to date none has fully addressed the problems to the complete satisfaction of consumers.

Some manufacturers have not adopted this type of product and packaging because of consumer frustration over the breakage of the theoretically “perfect” potato or other chip or foodstuff.

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