Container with dispenser, related systems and methods

Abstract

A container for holding at least one article includes a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container, a closed bottom engaging the body, at least one barrier member positioned within the container and having an access opening, and a dispenser member rotatably positioned within the container, the dispenser member including a dispenser opening selectively rotatably alignable with the access opening of the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 438,928, filed January 13, 2023.

[0002] Incorporation by reference The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 438,928, filed January 13, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety.

[0003] background The present disclosure generally relates to a container for holding one or more items. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a container having an access and dispensing mechanism for at least one item within the container. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a container for holding at least one article, the container comprising: a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a closed bottom engaged with the body; at least one barrier member positioned within the container and including an access opening; and a dispenser member rotatably positioned within the container, the dispenser member including a dispenser opening that can be selectively rotatably aligned with the access opening of the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to an assembly of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one article, the assembly including: a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a bottom blank for forming a closed bottom engaged with the body when the container is formed from the assembly of blanks; at least one barrier blank for forming at least one barrier member having an access opening and disposed within the container formed from the assembly of blanks; and a dispenser blank having a dispenser opening. The dispenser blank for forming the dispenser member is rotatably positioned within the container formed from the assembly of blanks such that the dispenser opening is selectively rotatably aligned with the access opening in the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container formed from the assembly of blanks.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a container for holding at least one article, the method including: obtaining a body blank; obtaining a bottom blank; obtaining at least one barrier blank having an access opening; obtaining a dispenser blank having a dispenser opening; positioning the body blank to extend at least partially around an interior of the container; positioning the bottom blank to form a closed bottom of the container engaged with the body; positioning the at least one barrier blank within the container; and positioning the dispenser blank to form a dispenser member rotatably positioned within the container such that the dispenser opening is selectively rotatably aligned with the access opening of the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate these and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a body blank used to form a body of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to another alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a dispenser blank for forming a dispenser member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a dispenser crank for forming a dispenser member of a container according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a dispenser block for forming a dispenser member of a container according to another alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a bottom blank for forming the bottom of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of a container formed from the blank of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel of FIG. 5 taken along line VI-VI. [Figure 7] 6 is a perspective view of a dispenser member of the container of FIG. 5 formed from the blank of FIG. 3; [Figure 7A] 6 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 5 with the dispenser member in a first rotational position. [Figure 7B] 6 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 5 with the dispenser member in a second rotational position. [Figure 7C] 6 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 5 with the dispenser member in a third rotational position. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A, and 4 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 8 with the dispenser member in a rotated position. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of FIGS. 1, 2B, 3B and 4 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 10 with the dispenser member in a rotated position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0011] Containers according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of many different shapes. For purposes of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles such as fluent products or ingredients, e.g., granular materials having relatively small particle sizes, such as fluent foods. In one embodiment, the articles described herein can be fluent products, such as granulated sugar, powdered drink mixes (e.g., iced tea mix, sports drink mix, instant coffee, etc.), spices or seasonings, cereal, granola, trail mix, candy, pasta, or other food products, such as liquid or powdered food or beverage products. In other embodiments, the fluent products can be non-food products (e.g., detergent, cat litter, etc.) without departing from the present disclosure.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to a fully upright container and orientations determined with respect to the upright container. As described herein, a container can be formed from a blank by overlapping multiple panels, sections, and / or end flaps. Such panels, sections, and / or end flaps may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc., in consecutive or non-consecutive reference, without departing from this disclosure.

[0013] 1-4 are plan views of a series of blanks used to form components that can be assembled to form container 105 (FIG. 5), according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, in some embodiments, container 105 can be considered an assembly or system of multiple components.

[0014] 1 , there is shown a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of a body blank 203 for forming a body 205 of a container 105. As described herein, the body 205 is positioned to extend at least partially around the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0015] As shown, the body blank 203 can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. In some embodiments, the axes L1, L2 can be transposed. In the illustrated embodiment, the body blank 203 can have a generally rectangular configuration with a pair of opposing transverse free edges 207, 209 and a pair of opposing longitudinal free edges 211, 213 extending from respective endpoints of the free edge 207 to respective endpoints of the free edge 209.

[0016] The body blank 203 and the body 205 formed therefrom may also include a central portion 215 , an upper peripheral portion 217 , and a lower peripheral portion 219 .

[0017] In some embodiments, the body blank 203 may be constructed from one or more paperboard materials made primarily from cellulose or paper fibers. The materials may be provided in the form of a continuous web or as individual sheets of material. The paperboard materials may be single- or multi-layer materials or laminates including one or more reinforcing, moisture-resistant, non-cellulosic layers of materials such as films and coatings, metal foils, etc. The paperboard materials may be coated, printed, embossed, etc., and may include fillers, pigments, binders, and other additives known in the art. In some embodiments, the paperboard materials may lack polymeric and / or metallic materials.

[0018] 2A, an exterior surface 301 of a barrier blank 303 for forming a barrier member 305 of the structure 105 is shown. In some embodiments, the barrier blank 303 and the barrier member 305 formed therefrom can be formed from one or more materials, which can include aluminum foil, silicone-coated paper, plastic film, or laminates thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the barrier blank 303 can include at least a layer of paperboard material laminated with a layer of foil. In some embodiments, the barrier blank 303 and the barrier member 305 formed therefrom can be formed from a paperboard material that is free of polymeric and / or metallic materials.

[0019] The barrier blank 303 and the barrier member 305 formed therefrom may have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2, and may include a central portion 307 and a peripheral portion 309 that extend to the periphery of the barrier blank 303. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion 309 of the barrier blank 303 may be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 307 at one or more lines of weakness, e.g., fold lines. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the peripheral portion 309 of the blank 303 and the central portion 307 of the blank 303 may be formed during formation of the barrier member 305.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier blank 303 and the barrier member 305 formed therefrom may include access features for facilitating access to one or more features of the interior 107 of the container 105, including at least an access panel 311 defined at least in part by a substantially continuous edge 313 of the central portion 307 of the blank 303 / member 305.

[0021] The access panel 311 can be positioned generally abutting the central portion 307 of the barrier blank 303 and the barrier member 305 formed therefrom, and can be separately connected thereto, such that the access panel 311 can be at least partially separated from the central portion 307 to expose an access opening 315 ( FIG. 7A ) in the barrier blank 303 and the barrier member 305 formed therefrom. In this regard, in some embodiments, the access panel 311 can be considered an access feature of the container described herein, and the access opening 315 exposed by the access panel 311 can be considered a dispenser feature of the container described herein.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the access panel 311 can have a configuration complementary to that of the edge 313, which has a generally triangular configuration with rounded corners.

[0023] It will be understood that the barrier blank 303 / barrier member 305 and associated features may have different configurations without departing from this disclosure.

[0024] For example, Figure 2A shows an alternative configuration of a barrier blank 303, generally designated 303A, that can be used to form barrier member 305A (Figure 8). As shown, barrier blank 303A can have a similar configuration to blank 303, i.e., it can have a longitudinal axis L1, a lateral axis L2, a central portion 307, and a peripheral portion 309.

[0025] The blank 303A and barrier member 305A also include an access panel 311A ​​detachably connected to the remainder of the blank 303A / barrier member 305A exposing an access opening 315A (FIG. 9) defined at least in part by a generally continuous edge 313A having a generally longitudinal segment 313a, a pair of generally curved segments 313b, 313c extending inwardly from respective ends of segment 313a, and a generally longitudinal segment 313d extending from an end point of segment 313b to an end point of segment 313c.

[0026] 2B, another alternative configuration of barrier blank 303 is generally designated 303B and can be used to form barrier member 305B (FIG. 10). As shown, barrier blank 303B can have a similar configuration to blank 303, i.e., it can have a longitudinal axis L1, a lateral axis L2, a central portion 307, and a peripheral portion 309.

[0027] The blank 303B and barrier member 305B may also have an access panel 311B detachably connected to the remainder of the blank 303B / barrier member 305B exposing an access opening 315B defined at least in part by a generally continuous edge 313B having a generally curved segment 313e, a pair of generally angled segments 313f and 313g extending inwardly from respective end points of segment 313e, and a generally longitudinal segment 313h extending from an end point of segment 313f to an end point of segment 313g.

[0028] 3, there is shown an exterior surface 401 of a dispenser crank 403 for at least partially forming a dispenser member 405 of a container 105. In some embodiments, the dispenser member 405 can at least partially close the interior 107 of the container 105 at its top so as to form a reclosable top end 109 (FIG. 5) of the container 105.

[0029] As shown, the dispenser blank 403 and dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2, and can include a central portion 407 and a peripheral portion 409 extending around the periphery of the dispenser blank 403. The blank 403 can have a generally circular configuration, but can have different outer shapes without departing from this disclosure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the peripheral portion 409 of the dispenser crank 403 may be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 407 with a generally rounded rectangular / oval fold line. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the peripheral portion 409 of the dispenser crank 403 and the central portion 407 of the dispenser crank 403 may be formed during formation of the dispenser member 405, as described further herein.

[0031] The dispenser block 403 and the dispenser member 405 formed therefrom may also include dispenser features for facilitating the controlled or metered dispensing of one or more articles therefrom.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser mechanism may include a first dispenser opening 411 that is at least partially defined by a generally continuous edge 413 having a configuration generally similar to the generally continuous edge 313 of the barrier blank 303 / barrier member 305, for example, a rounded triangular configuration, although the dispenser opening may have a different configuration without departing from this disclosure.

[0033] As shown, the dispenser feature of the dispenser block 403 / dispenser member 405 may also include a plurality of openings 415 arranged collectively in a generally rounded rectangular configuration to form a second dispenser opening 417. In this regard, each opening 415 may be generally smaller than the dispenser opening 411 as a whole to more precisely control the discharge of one or more articles from the interior 107 of the container 105, as described further herein.

[0034] The dispenser bulk 403 and the dispenser member 405 formed therefrom may also include an engagement mechanism to facilitate movement of the dispenser member 405 relative to the remainder of the container 105. In this regard, the engagement mechanism may be a portion of the dispenser member 405 that is capable of being grasped, pinched, or contacted by a user.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement feature may include a pair of protrusions 419 (broadly referred to as a "first protrusion" and a "second protrusion," respectively) that are spaced apart from one another and extend upward from a central portion 407 of the dispenser block 403 / dispenser member 405. The protrusions 419 may be formed during formation of the dispenser member 405 from the dispenser block 403, but in some embodiments are illustrated schematically on the blank 403 with dashed lines that may correspond to lines of weakness to facilitate formation of the protrusions 419. While the protrusions 419 are illustrated as having a generally rounded rectangular outline, it will be understood that the engagement feature may have different configurations without departing from this disclosure.

[0036] In some embodiments, the dispenser crank 403 and the dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can be formed from a composite material, for example, a material comprised of cellulose fibers that can be molded into a desired configuration. In some embodiments, the dispenser crank 403 and the dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can incorporate one or more polymeric materials, such as plastic. In some embodiments, the dispenser crank 403 and the dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can be devoid of polymeric materials.

[0037] It will be understood that the dispenser crank 403 / dispenser member 405 and associated features may have different configurations without departing from this disclosure.

[0038] For example, Figure 3A shows an alternative configuration of dispenser crank 403, generally designated 403A, that can be used to form dispenser member 405A (Figure 8). As shown, dispenser crank 403A can have a similar configuration to dispenser crank 403, i.e., it can have a longitudinal axis L1, a lateral axis L2, a central portion 407, a peripheral portion 409, and a protrusion 419.

[0039] The blank 403A and dispenser member 405A may also have a dispenser opening 411A formed by a generally continuous edge 413A having a configuration generally complementary to the configuration of the generally continuous edge 313A of the barrier blank 303A / barrier member 305A, for example, having a generally longitudinal segment 413a, a pair of generally curved segments 413b, 413c extending inwardly from respective end points of segment 413a, and a generally longitudinal segment 413d extending from the end point of segment 413b to the end point of segment 413c.

[0040] 3B, another alternative configuration of the dispenser crank 403 is generally designated 403B and can be used to form the dispenser member 405B (FIG. 10). As shown, the dispenser crank 403B can have a similar configuration to the blank 403, i.e., having a longitudinal axis L1, a lateral axis L2, a central portion 407, and a peripheral portion 409.

[0041] The blank 403B and dispenser member 405B may also have a dispenser opening 411B formed by a generally continuous edge 413B having a configuration generally complementary to the configuration of the generally continuous edge 313B of the barrier blank 303B / barrier member 305B, for example having a generally curved segment 413e, a pair of generally inclined segments 413f, 413g extending inwardly from respective end points of segment 413e, and a generally longitudinal segment 413h extending from the end point of segment 413f to the end point of segment 413g.

[0042] Additionally, the engagement feature of the dispenser block 403A and the dispenser member 405B formed therefrom may include a single protrusion 419B having an elongated, generally rounded rectangular profile. As shown, the protrusion 419B may have a longitudinal length LI that is generally longer than the length of the protrusion 419 described above.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an exterior surface 501 of a bottom blank 503 for at least partially forming the closed bottom or end 111 of the container 105 (FIG. 5).

[0044] As shown, bottom blank 503 can include a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2, a central portion 507, and a peripheral portion 509 that extends to the periphery of bottom blank 503. In the illustrated embodiment, peripheral portion 509 can be at least partially foldably connected to central portion 507 with a generally rounded rectangular / oval fold line, although blank 503 can lack such a fold line without departing from this disclosure.

[0045] 5-7C, the formation of container 105 from blanks 203, 303 is described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] The body blank 203 can be positioned to extend at least partially around the interior 107 of the container 105. In one embodiment, the body blank 203 can be at least partially bent, curved, folded, or the like to have a generally circular cross-section such that adjacent portions of the free edges 207, 209 of the body blank 203 at least partially overlap to form a seam configuration that can be maintained with strips of adhesive tape or other closure mechanism. In some embodiments, the free edges 207, 209 of the blank 203 can generally contact edge to edge.

[0047] In some embodiments, the overlapping / interlocking portions of the body blank 203 can be joined, for example, with an adhesive such as glue, with an adhesive-coated tape or substrate, and / or by another joining method such as ultrasonic welding, RF welding, an interference locking configuration, etc.

[0048] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the body 205 of the container 105 can be formed in different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc., including variations of these circular or curved polygonal shapes.

[0049] The closed bottom 111 of the container 105 can be formed, according to the illustrated embodiment, by positioning a bottom blank 503 within the interior 507 of the container 105, with the central portion 507 of the bottom blank 503 positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship with the body 205 of the container 105 to form the bottom panel 511 of the container 105.

[0050] The peripheral portion 509 of the bottom blank 503 / bottom panel 511 can be bent or folded downward relative to the central portion 507 of the blank 503 / bottom panel 511 and can be attached, for example, glued, welded, or otherwise attached, to the inner surface of the container body 205.

[0051] Item A can be inserted into the interior 107 of the container 105 upon formation of its bottom 111. As described herein, Item A can be a flowable product or material, e.g., a granular material having a relatively small particle size, such as a flowable food product, although Item A can be other products without departing from this disclosure.

[0052] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, one or more top portions of the container 105 may be closed prior to the formation of the closed bottom 111 of the container 105, thereby allowing the interior 107 of the container 105 to be filled in an inverted manner, for example, prior to the formation of the closed bottom 111.

[0053] In some embodiments, after item A is filled into the interior 107 of the container 105, the peripheral portion 309 of the barrier blank 303 can be folded or bent at least partially upwardly or downwardly relative to the central portion 307 of the barrier blank 303 to form a barrier member 305, with the peripheral portion 309 positioned to attach to one or more inner surfaces of the container body 205.

[0054] The barrier member 305 can be positioned in the container interior 107 at a selected depth below the upper edge of the body 205 of the container 105, as shown. The barrier member 305 can thus be disposed in a generally perpendicular relationship with the body 205, with its edge 309 attached to the container body 205, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached. In some embodiments, a portion of the barrier member 305 can be at least partially clamped or held between the inner surface of the container body 205 and one or more rims or frame elements associated with the top of the container 105.

[0055] 5-7C, the dispenser member 405, in some embodiments, can be formed from the blank 403 by a suitable molding process, such as transfer molding or thermoforming (in-mold curing). In this regard, the reinforcing member 505 can be molded to have desirable structural properties, such as density, resistance to bending, resistance to compression, tear resistance, etc.

[0056] A peripheral portion 409 of the dispenser block 403 may be disposed in at least a partially upright relationship relative to a central portion 407 of the dispenser block 403 to form a dispenser member 405 of the container 105 .

[0057] The formed dispenser member 405 can be inserted into the interior 107 of the container 105 a selected distance below the upper edge of the container 105 so as to be positioned to engage with the upper peripheral portion 217 of the body 205 of the container 105 that is rolled inward toward the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0058] In this regard, the peripheral portion 409 of the dispenser member 405 may be disposed between the upper peripheral portion 217 of the body 205 of the container 105 and the central portion 215 of the body 205 of the container 105 .

[0059] Thus, the dispenser member 405 can generally rotate freely within the interior 107 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the central portion 407 of the dispenser member 405 can be positioned in at least partial face contact with the central portion 307 of the barrier member 305 and can slide at least partially along it as the dispenser member 405 rotates. In other embodiments, the dispenser member 405 can be positioned at least partially suspended above the central portion 307 of the barrier member 305.

[0060] Upon obtaining the formed container 105, the user can, for example, grasp or pinch the protrusion 419 between one or more of their fingers and apply a rotational force to the dispenser member 405, thereby rotating the dispenser member 405 in a first rotational direction R1 (e.g., clockwise) or a second rotational direction R2 (e.g., counterclockwise) about a vertical axis that is perpendicular to each of the axes L1, L2 and extends along the height of the container 105.

[0061] As described above, such rotation of the dispenser member 405 may include sliding the central portion 407 of the dispenser member 405 at least partially along the central portion 307 of the barrier member 305, and / or sliding the peripheral portion 409 of the dispenser member 405 at least partially along the central portion 215 and / or upper peripheral portion 217 of the body 205 of the container 105.

[0062] Thus, the dispenser member 405 is rotatably positionable relative to a user in a plurality of rotational positions relative to the remainder of the container 105 .

[0063] 7A , a user can rotate the dispenser member 405 so that the dispenser opening 411 is generally aligned with the access panel 311 of the underlying barrier member 305 (broadly, a “first rotational position,” “second rotational position,” or “third rotational position” relative to the barrier member 305). In such a configuration, the access panel 311 can be at least partially separated from the remainder of the barrier member 305 by a user, for example, by pushing the access panel 311 at least partially further into the interior 107 of the container 105 or by at least partially pulling the access panel 311 away from the remainder of the barrier member 305, at least partially exposing the access opening 315. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the access panel 311 can be removed from the remainder of the barrier member 305 prior to such alignment of the dispenser opening 411.

[0064] In such a configuration, the container can be at least partially tilted or inverted so that the dispenser opening 411 is at least partially aligned with the access opening 315 below it, allowing article A from the interior 107 of the container to flow out of the aligned openings 411, 315.

[0065] 7B, a user can rotate the dispenser member 405 so that the dispenser opening 417 is generally aligned with the access panel 311 of the underlying barrier member 305 (broadly, a "first rotational position," "second rotational position," or "third rotational position" relative to the barrier member 305). In such a configuration, the access panel 311 can be at least partially separated from the remainder of the barrier member 305 as described above, and the container 105 can be at least partially tilted or inverted to allow article A from the interior 107 of the container to flow out of the aligned openings 417, 315. In some embodiments, the opening 417 can induce a lower flow rate of article A from the interior 107 of the container 105 compared to the opening 411.

[0066] 7C, a user can rotate the dispenser member 405 so that the dispenser openings 411, 417 are not aligned with the access panel 311 / access opening 315 of the barrier member 305 (broadly, a "first rotational position," "second rotational position," or "third rotational position" relative to the barrier member 305). In such a configuration, the portion of the barrier member 305 that is spaced from the access panel 311 / access opening 315 formed therefrom can minimize, inhibit, and / or prevent article A from exiting the container 105 through the dispenser openings 411, 417.

[0067] Such selective rotation of the dispenser member 405 of the container 105 by the user provides the container 105 with a selectively openable and selectively closeable configuration in which access to the item A within the interior 107 of the container 105 can be conveniently provided by selective partial rotation of the dispenser member 405, and therefore closure of the container 105 can be provided by an additional partial rotation of the dispenser member 405.

[0068] The foregoing configurations provide both ease of access and ease of closure, e.g., maintaining freshness and preventing spillage and spoilage. In some embodiments, one or more portions of container 105 may be provided with additional features to facilitate convenient opening and closing of container 105. For example, in some embodiments, different portions of barrier member 305, e.g., access panel 311 and the remainder thereof, may be provided with visual indicia, e.g., letters, words, numbers, colors, etc., to facilitate easy visual inspection of the open or closed state of container 105 through one or both of dispenser openings 411, 417.

[0069] 8-9, there is shown a container 105A according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The container 105A is generally similar to the container 105 described above, except that the barrier member 305 is replaced by a barrier member 305A formed from a barrier blank 303A, and the dispenser member 405 is replaced by a dispenser member 405A formed from a dispenser blank 403A.

[0070] In this regard, the container 105A provides similar functionality and advantages as those described above with respect to the container 105. That is, a user can engage the protrusion 419 of the dispenser member 405A to rotate the dispenser member 405A to a selected rotational position that aligns the dispenser opening 411A with the access panel 311A / access opening 315A (broadly, a "first rotational position" relative to the barrier member 305A), allowing articles within the container 105A to flow through the aligned opening 411A / 315A, or rotate the dispenser member 405A to a selected rotational position that does not align the dispenser opening 411A with or is offset from the access panel 311A / access opening 315A (broadly, a "second rotational position" relative to the barrier member 305A), providing a closed-top configuration for the container 105A.

[0071] 10-11, a container 105B according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Container 105B is generally similar to containers 105, 105A described above, except that a barrier member 305B formed from a barrier blank 303B is provided in place of barrier members 305, 305A, and a dispenser member 405B formed from a dispenser blank 403B is provided in place of dispenser members 405, 405A.

[0072] In this regard, the container 105B provides similar functionality and advantages as those described above with respect to the containers 105, 105A, i.e., a user can engage the protrusion 419B of the dispenser member 405B to rotate the dispenser member 405B to a selected rotational position that aligns the dispenser opening 411B with the access panel 311B / access opening 315B to allow articles within the container 105B to flow through the aligned opening 411B / 315B, or rotate the dispenser member 405B to a selected rotational position where the dispenser opening 411B is not aligned with or offset from the access panel 311B / access opening 315B (broadly, a "second rotational position" relative to the barrier member 305B) to provide a closed-top configuration for the container 105B.

[0073] In some embodiments, one or both portions of the container 105, 105A, 105B (e.g., the respective body, dispenser member, and / or its bottom panel) can be formed from a pulp fiber material. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the container 105, 105A, 105B can be free of plastic materials. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the container 105, 105A, 105B can be formed from a material that includes about 95% to about 100% pulp fibers, such as softwood pulp fibers, optionally virgin softwood pulp fibers. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the container 105, 105A, 105B can be formed from a material that includes about 98% to about 100% pulp fibers. An example of such a pulp fiber material developed for forming applications such as formed trays and blisters, molded or embossed boxes, etc. is manufactured by Billerud Gruvon of Gams, Sweden, and sold as Billerud FibreForm® contact formable paper. A similar formable paper material is sold as Advantage Formable by Mondi Ltd. of Surrey, UK.

[0074] Blanks according to the present disclosure can be formed, for example, from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the inside and / or outside of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated on one or both sides with, for example, a moisture barrier layer. According to the above-described embodiment, the blank can be constructed from caliper paperboard so that it is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blank can also be constructed from other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the container to function at least generally as described above. The blank can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0075] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, the fold lines need not necessarily be straight, but may be substantially linear in shape and of any form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, without intending to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that create a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakening, cuts that extend partially into the material along the desired line of weakening, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakening, and various combinations of these features.

[0076] By way of example, the tear line may include a slit extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or completely through the material, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits extending completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart, typically defining nicks (e.g., somewhat bridge-like pieces of material) between adjacent slits to temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. Nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, nicks may be omitted or cut from the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each spaced slit to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, or the like. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than the slit without departing from the present disclosure. The tear line may also be a series of score lines that pass completely or partially through the material, the score lines being separated by nicks.

[0077] The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure container panels or sections in place.

[0078] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, alterations, and the like can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In addition, while the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and changes or modifications can be made consistent with the above teachings and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, within the scope of the inventive concept expressed herein. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A container for holding at least one item, comprising: a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a closure bottom engaging the body; at least one barrier member disposed within the container and having an access opening; a dispenser member rotatably disposed within the container; The dispenser member includes a dispenser opening, the dispenser opening being selectively rotatably alignable with an access opening in the at least one barrier member to provide access to an interior of the container.

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the dispenser member is positionable in a first rotational position relative to the at least one barrier member in which the dispenser opening is generally aligned with the access opening.

3. The container of claim 2 , wherein the dispenser member is positionable in a second rotational position relative to the at least one barrier member in which the dispenser opening is at least partially offset relative to the access opening.

4. The container of claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of the dispenser member is disposed below an upper edge of the body of the container.

5. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the dispenser opening is at least partially defined by an edge of the dispenser member having a configuration complementary to an edge of the at least one barrier member that at least partially defines the access opening.

6. 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the dispenser opening is a first dispenser opening and the dispenser member further comprises a second dispenser opening comprising a collection of openings at least partially defined by the dispenser member.

7. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein each opening of the set of openings of the second dispenser openings is smaller than the first dispenser openings.

8. 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the dispenser member comprises a central portion, a peripheral portion extending upwardly from the central portion, and at least one protrusion extending upwardly from the central portion of the dispenser member to facilitate engagement by a user.

9. 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the at least one protrusion is a first protrusion, and the dispenser member further comprises a second protrusion extending upwardly from a central portion to facilitate engagement by a user.

10. 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the first protrusion is spaced apart from the second protrusion.

11. 1. An assembly of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one item, comprising: a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a bottom blank for forming a closed bottom that engages with the body when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks; at least one barrier blank for forming at least one barrier member having an access opening and disposed within the container formed from the combination of said blanks; a dispenser crank for forming a dispenser member having a dispenser opening that is rotatably positioned within the container formed from the combination of blanks, the dispenser opening being selectively rotatably aligned with the access opening of the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks.

12. 12. The combination of claim 11, wherein the dispenser blank is for forming the dispenser member positionable in a first rotational position relative to the at least one barrier member formed from the at least one barrier member, and when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks, the dispenser opening is generally aligned with the access opening.

13. 13. The combination of claim 12, wherein the dispenser blank is for forming the dispenser member positionable in a second rotational position relative to the at least one barrier member formed from the at least one barrier blank, and when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks, the dispenser opening is at least partially offset relative to the access opening.

14. 14. The combination of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the dispenser member formed from the dispenser blank is intended to be positioned below an upper edge of the body of the container formed from the combination of the blanks.

15. 15. The combination of claim 14, wherein the dispenser opening is at least partially defined by an edge of the dispenser blank having a configuration complementary to an edge of the at least one barrier blank that at least partially defines the access opening.

16. 14. The combination of claim 13, wherein the dispenser opening is a first dispenser opening and the dispenser member further comprises a second dispenser opening comprising a collection of openings at least partially defined by the dispenser block.

17. 16. The combination of claim 15, wherein each opening of the set of openings of the second dispenser opening is smaller than the first dispenser opening.

18. 15. The combination of claim 14, wherein the dispenser crank comprises a central portion and a peripheral portion extending upwardly from the central portion when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks, and the dispenser crank forms at least one protrusion extending upwardly from the central portion of the dispenser member to facilitate engagement by a user when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks.

19. 20. The combination of claim 18, wherein the at least one protrusion of the dispenser member formed from the dispenser blank is a first protrusion, and the dispenser blank is for forming the dispenser member with a second protrusion extending upwardly from the central portion to facilitate engagement by a user when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks.

20. 20. The combination of claim 19, wherein the first projection is spaced from the second projection when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks.

21. 1. A method of forming a container for holding at least one item, comprising: Obtaining a body blank; Obtaining a bottom blank; obtaining at least one barrier blank including an access opening; obtaining a dispenser block including a dispenser opening; positioning the body blank extending at least partially around an interior of the container; positioning the bottom blank to form a closed bottom of the container engaged with a body; positioning the at least one barrier blank within the container; and positioning the dispenser crank to form a dispenser member that is rotatably positioned within the container such that the dispenser opening is selectively rotationally aligned with the access opening of the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the dispenser member is positionable in a first rotational position relative to the at least one barrier member in which the dispenser opening is generally aligned with the access opening.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising positioning the dispenser member in the first rotational position.

24. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the dispenser member is positionable in a second rotational position relative to the at least one barrier member, wherein the dispenser opening is at least partially offset relative to the access opening.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising positioning the dispenser member in the second rotational position.

26. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein positioning the dispenser crank includes positioning the dispenser crank to form the dispenser member such that at least a portion of the dispenser member is positioned below an upper edge of the body of the container.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the dispenser opening is at least partially defined by an edge of the dispenser blank having a configuration complementary to an edge of the at least one barrier blank that at least partially defines the access opening.

28. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the dispenser opening is a first dispenser opening and the dispenser batch further comprises a second dispenser opening comprising a collection of openings at least partially defined by the dispenser batch.

29. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein each opening of the set of openings of the second dispenser openings is smaller than the first dispenser openings.

30. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the dispenser crank includes a central portion and a peripheral portion, and positioning the dispenser crank to form the dispenser member includes positioning the peripheral portion extending upward from the central portion, and disposing at least one protrusion extending upward from the central portion of the dispenser member to facilitate engagement by a user.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one protrusion is a first protrusion, and the dispenser member further comprises a second protrusion extending upwardly from the central portion to facilitate engagement by a user.

32. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the first protrusion is spaced apart from the second protrusion.

Images