Dispensing system with replaceable, interlocking pods

Abstract

A storage and dispensing system is described. The system includes a durable receptacle having removable annular ring. An interior storage compartment of the receptacle is configured to receive a standardized, refillable pod or cartridge. The pod / cartridge includes a tamper-evident, hinged lid and a body with a shape conforming to the shape of the storage compartment so as to position and secure the pod / cartridge within the receptacle when annular ring is attached.

Description

TITLEDISPENSING SYSTEM WITH REPLACEABLE, INTERLOCKING PODSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Indian provisional patent application 202441032618 filed on April 24, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a storage and dispensing system and, more specifically, to a system having a receptacle with removable annular ring configured to receive a standardized, refillable pod or cartridge. The pod / cartridge includes a tamper-evident, hinged lid and a body with a shape conforming to an interior storage compartment so as to position and secure the pod / cartridge within the receptacle when annular ring is attached.BACKGROUND

[0003] A number of proposals exist for refillable consumer-oriented containers. Generally speaking, these proposals aim to fulfil at least one of three primary goals: 1) to allow easy access and replenishment of a consumable good (e.g., foodstuffs, beauty products, etc.); 2) to provide an indication if the original packaging was tampered with; and / or 3) to impart the desired aesthetic while simultaneously displaying and / or orienting the product for dispensing. Because these systems are intended primarily for use with mass-produced consumer goods, it is important to employ materials that are low cost, easy to manufacture, and possibly even meet specificsustainability requirements (in terms of incorporating post-consumer recyclable materials and / or of being constructed from materials that can be easily recycled).

[0004] Systems that accommodate refillable or replaceable elements are of particular interest. In these systems, the consumable goods are contained in a comparatively low-cost but highly functional packaging, such as a replaceable dispensing box or box that cooperates with a more permanent base. Often, that permanent base has a decorative facade and / or is constructed from materials that are perceived to be of higher quality (e.g., a lustrous or metallic finish, thicker walls, embossed features, etc.).

[0005] United States’ patent publication 2011 / 0062043; United States’ patents 5,197,602 and 6,158,614; and international patent publications 2009 / 0125224 and 2024 / 0398816 all disclose iterations of such systems. Other forms of tamper evident packaging are exemplified in numerous instances, including international patent publications 2020 / 106801, 2023 / 036640, and 2024 / 026136, in which partially or completely removable frangible strip(s) is / are displaced so as to give an indication of initial opening / use.

[0006] All of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated by reference as if fully reproduced herein. These disclosures may inform and supplement this disclosure with respect to materials selection, construction, component design, and various other aspects of this disclosure and any claims based thereon.

[0007] Given the above, there remains a need for a dispensing system in which one from a plurality of standard-sized, low cost refill containers is concealed within a larger dispenser. Specifically, the refill containers should have a tamper-evident feature that indexes and positions that refill within a receptacle so as to allow for easy access to the consumable goods confined within the refill.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The invention includes a system having a receptacle and a plurality of discrete inserts or pods. The pods are configured to contain a consumable product. Each pod includes a hinged lid secured and sealed with a tamper evident mechanism that protrudes from a radial seating flange formed at the top edge of the pod. That mechanism serves as an indexing feature that cooperates with a corresponding gap in the top edge of a portion of the sidewall of the receptacle. The pod and interior of the receptacle have conforming shapes so that the pod remains securely seated and supported when placed in the receptacle. The hinge on the pod is elevated above the seating flange so that, when the pod is seated in the receptacle (and the tamper evident mechanism is broken), the contents of the pod are accessible. The receptacle includes an annular ring that can be selectively detached from the receptacle whenever the pods need to be replaced. The annular ring includes an indexing notch that receives a peripheral edge of the pod, so as to provide a grasping surface by which the lid of the pod can be opened and closed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The appended drawings form part of this specification, and any information on / in the drawings is both literally encompassed (i.e., the actual stated values) and relatively encompassed (e.g., ratios for respective dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the individual figures are drawn toscale, and any printed information on / in the drawings form part of this written disclosure, as well as any comparative dimensions or ratios that can be discerned from the individual figures.

[0010] In the drawings and attachments, all of which are incorporated as part of this disclosure:

[0011] Figure 1 is a three dimensional perspective view of the dispensing system with the pod seated within the receptacle and the annular ring attached to secure and position the pod therein.

[0012] Figure 2 is a three dimensional perspective view of the dispensing system of Fig. 1 with the main components shown in an axially exploded view / arrangement and with the lid of the refill pod open.

[0013] Figure 3 is a cross sectional perspective view of the dispensing system of Fig. 1.

[0014] Figure 4A is a cross sectional perspective view of the refill pod; Figure 4B is a cross sectional perspective view of the annular screw-top ring; and Figure 4C is a cross sectional perspective view of the receptacle / container, all of the dispensing system of Fig. 1.

[0015] Figure 5A is top plan view of the refill pod in isolation in the open position; Figure 5B is a three dimensional perspective partial sectional view of the lid of the refill pod in isolation so as to highlight the tamper evident feature; Figure 5C is a three dimensional perspective partial sectional view of the refill pod in isolation in the closed position so as to highlight the tamper evident and indexing features; and Figure 5D is a three dimensional perspective partial sectional view of the refill pod in isolation in the closed position so as to highlight a second aspect of the tamper evident and indexing features, as well as to illustrate the use of ribbing or corrugations on the sidewalls of the refill pod.

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the underside of the annular screw-top ring of Fig. 4B, highlighting the pitch of the threads, the radial support ribs, and positioning stop formed therein.DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description, drawings, claims, and abstract — all of which form part of this written disclosure. While specific aspects and embodiments are contemplated, it will be understood that persons of skill in this field will be able to adapt and / or substitute certain teachings without departing from the underlying invention. Consequently, this disclosure should not be read as unduly limiting the invention(s).

[0018] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

[0019] Understanding that many of the components described below possess an annular and / or cylindrical, cup-like shape in which a central aperture is surrounded by cylindrical walls, the axis and axial direction of the components align with the top and bottom of the page in the drawings, and the terms axial, vertical, top / bottom, or up / down may be used synonymously. In the same manner, radial or transverse directions or features in the drawings will run orthogonally to the central axis, so that references to radial, transverse, horizontal, or left / right may be used interchangeably. It will also be understood that any cross sectional or regular three dimensional views in the drawings are intended to encompass the comparative order and arrangement of the components depicted, so that the positioning of a portion of one component above or coaxially inside / around a second component should be interpreted as being disclosed and embraced by thiswritten description. In all such instances, the terms and directions should be read in the context of the broader disclosure and with respect to the known and anticipated uses of the components being described.

[0020] With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, the dispensing system includes refill pod 10 seated in a receptacle or container 30 that is specifically manufactured to present a “high end” finish. An annular closing ring or cap 20 couples to the container 30 so as to secure the pod 10, while the opening / aperture in the ring 20 allows access to the pod. This arrangement allows for the exterior surface and materials provided on the visible portions of the ring 20 and receptacle 30 convey quality that can be used for long periods of time, whereas the pod 10 is largely concealed and can be easily replaced by periodically detaching the ring 20. Preferred materials for high end finish typically include polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and other similar polymers that are amenable to injection molding and / or that exhibit compatibility with a wide array of additives during the extrusion or molding process so as to impart the desired color, chemical or environmental resistance (e.g., ultraviolet protection), and finish (e.g., glossy, matte, translucent, etc.).

[0021] In contrast, the refillable pods 10 or cartridges are constructed for low cost and ease of use. They can be formed from common polymers and with thinner walls (reducing materials use and cost), although the hinged lid will remain visible and therefore can be provided with a more sturdy aesthetically pleasing construction. Additionally or alternatively, the selection of materials for construction of the pod 10 can be deliberately chosen for compatibility with the consumable product stored therein. Insofar as it remains visible, the lid 11 of the pod 10 can be designed with a sturdier and / or more aesthetically pleasing shape, and the exposed top surface of the lid (in the closed position) could configured to receive a label or other similar surface treatment / coating.

[0022] Other features of the pod include a living hinge 18 that attaches the lid 11 to the sidewall portion 16 of the pod 10, while a bottom portion 17 encloses and defines the container volume encompassed by the pod 10. A radial flange 12 projects away from the outer surface of the sidewall 16, and capture tab 13 extends upward from the flange 12 at a point that is diametrically opposed to where the living hinge 18 is positioned. The lid 11 includes a sealing skirt 15 that is coaxially received within or around the top edge of the sidewall 16, while a cooperating tab 14 extends radially and axially away from the planar surface of the lid 11. Tab 14 will include a nub or capture projection 141 configured to be received within an aperture 131 formed on the capture tab 13. In some aspects, the positioning of the tabs 13, 14 could be swapped, so that the capture tab 13 is associated with the lid 11 and the cooperating tab 14 is formed on the flange 12.

[0023] In operation (under either arrangement), the tabs 13, 14 will couple together when the lid is initially sealed (i.e., after the pod 10 has been filled) so that, collectively, the tabs 13, 14 form a tamper evident releasable closure. Specifically, aperture 131 is formed on an axial projection 132 that extends from its base position on the lid 11 or flange 12. Aperture 131 receives and couples to the capture projection 141 (which itself may include a ledge and / or ramp for such purposes).

[0024] Similarly, the projection 141 is also disposed an axial projection 142 that extends from a corresponding base position relative to the positioning of the projection 132 (i.e., on an opposing position either the lid 11 or flange 12). In some aspects, the axial projection 142 extends at an angle (preferably orthogonal) to an extension 111 formed along the main panel of the lid. Extension 111 provides a structure for the user to easily lift and separate the lid 11. In aspects where the capture tab 13 is associated with the lid, it will be understood that projection 131 is substituted therein.

[0025] At least one of the projections 132, 142 is attached to its base position by way of frangible elements (shown as 133 in the Figures, although similar elements could be used in projection 141). The tab 13 may include a grasping extension 134 to facilitate opening and breaking the frangible elements 133. In this manner, when the tabs 13, 14 are coupled together after the pod 10 is filled with a consumable product, the frangible elements 133 must be broken in order to initially open and unseal the pod 10. Thus, the system 1 is provided with an inherent tamper evident feature.

[0026] In some aspects, the tabs 13, 14 (and, more specifically the shape of the aperture 131 relative to the capture projection 141, such as through the use of a snap-fitting or flexing mechanism that firmly retains the axial projection 132 around the capture projection 141) can be configured so that, after initially opening the lid 11, the projection 132 remains permanently attached to the projection 141 / tab 14. In this manner, loose plastic waste is eliminated.

[0027] Generally speaking, the pod 10, cap 20, and the receptacle 30 are formed with cooperating shapes. For example, when combined / coupled, the system 1 may present as a spherical or rounded element, with a domed and / or rounded bottom 17 on the pod 10 and a corresponding indent formed on the interior of the receptacle 30. The outer diameter of the straight-walled section 16 on the pod 10 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the neck 31 on the receptacle 30 so as to allow for a snug and secure fit. This fit insures the pod 10 will not move perceptibly once it is installed in the receptacle 30. The profile formed by the sidewall 36, bottom 37, and — when present — curving sections 35 and annular ledge 32 of the receptacle 30 can all be configured to partially or completely conform with the corresponding portions of the pod 10.

[0028] In some aspects, the pod 10 and receptacle 30 have a circular or symmetrical polygonal cross section (e.g., a square, hexagon, etc.) so that the outer surface of the pod 10 contacts the inner surface of the receptacle 30 along several facings and / or along interfacing curved surfaces,although use of an oval shape and / or an elongated or uneven polygon would require alignment and indexing of the cooperating parts to insure the hinge, tamper-evident feature(s), and grasping portion of the pod’s lid are accessible.

[0029] The flange 12 may present as a flat radial ledge around most or all of the circumference of the pod 10 or, as shown, it may include curved or tapering sections 121 that interposed between the points where the tabs 13, 14, the hinge 18, and the landings 122 are provided. The landings 122 are flattened areas configured to interface with corresponding stops 24 on the ring 20 to facilitate positioning / indexing of the components when the system 1 is fully assembled. In some aspects, the flange 12 (including as shown in Fig. 5 A), the flange 12 is discontinued along the arcuate section where the hinge 18 is provided.

[0030] Threads or coupling features 33 on the receptacle 30, preferably on the outer or inner surface of the neck 31, allow for the annular closure ring 20 to be affixed to the receptacle 30 via cooperating threads or coupling features 23. When a pod 10 is seated within the interior volume of the receptacle 30, the ring 20 secures the pod 10 and prevents it from being removed. Thus, another advantage of the system 1 is that the substantial mass / bulk provided by the receptacle 30 and / or ring 20 insure that the comparatively lighter weight pod 10 will not move when a user is accessing the contents of the pod (i.e., when the lid 11 is opened).

[0031] In some aspects, the pitch of the threads 23, 33 is selected to insure that the ring 20 travels a sufficient axial distance to secure the lid in one rotation or less. Further, the start of the threads is configured to insure that the indexing features align properly. That is, the indexing detent 25 formed in the skirt 22 of the ring 20 receives and aligns with the flange 12 in order to make the tabs 13, 14 easily accessible. In the same manner, the positional stops 24 on the concealed inner portion of the ring 20 will interface with the landings 122 provided on the flange. These featuresalso limit or prevent unwanted rotation or movement of the pod relative to the receptacle. The tolerances selected for these features will be such as to insure the system, when assembled with the pod seated and the ring attached, behaves as a unitary element capable of withstanding the forces required to lift and reattach the lid.

[0032] The axial height of the pod 10 will insure that at least a portion of the flange 12 is seated above on a top edge or radial ledge 32 of the receptacle 30. More specifically, the main receptacle 30 will include an annular ring 20 that connects to the main body, possibly by way of a threaded or other twist-to-release connection. The size of the ledge 32 is configured to conform with the ring 20 to provide a smooth and seamless exterior finish, while the axial height of the neck 31 and the ring 20 is selected to conform with an conceal the pod 10 (excepting for the exposed tabs 13, 14 and lid 11). That annular retention ring 20 will include a notch 25 on which the portion of the lid 11 is received and seated, providing a further indexed orientation. Equally important, that portion of the lid 11 will allow the user to grasp and pivot the lid of the pod open without removing or displacing the pod from the receptacle.

[0033] Thus, the pods 10 have a hinged lid (preferably formed as a living hinge). On the periphery of the lid opposite the hinge, a frangible feature must be broken before the hinge can be opened. The frangible feature could be formed on, under, or with a tab that protrudes away from the general contour of the lid. Thus, the tab on the pod is seated in the notch of the annular retention ring so as to insure consistent orientation of the pod relative to the receptacle.

[0034] An additional tamper- evident seal, such as a foil or plastic overwrap, liner, or peel-off cover, could also be disposed across the mouth of the pod 10 so that it must also be removed even after the lid and frangible element near the notch have been broken. In this manner, the pod 10 can contain perishable or non-perishable consumables, such as foodstuffs, nutritional supplements,cosmetics, personal care products, beauty products, cleaners / soaps, and a host of other common similar products. Both the tamper evident features (as described above) and any overwrap can be removed before or after the pod 10 is seated in the receptacle 30.

[0035] The pod 10 can also include a segmented sequence of circumferential flanges (rather than a single flange as shown). As above, the sequence will circumscribe a larger diameter than the main body portion of the pod, but it will be partially or completely concealed by the retention ring when the ring is attached to the receptacle after the pod is disposed inside.

[0036] In some aspects, the ring and the main body of the receptacle 30 possess a smooth finish when assembled so as to make it difficult to detect any portion of the detachable ring 20. Similarly, the finish of the lid on the pod, when the pod is captured within the receptacle, should evoke this same aesthetic. While the interior volume of the receptacle is expected to have a domed, curving, or other shape that receives and cooperates with the bottom surfaces 17 of the pod 10, it will be understood that the bottom exterior of the receptacle will present a substantial flat surface, in the horizontal direction, so as to insure the jar rests and remains in an upright position.

[0037] In some aspects, the annular retention ring 20 may include skirt 21 whose contour creates a smooth transition from the sidewalls 36 of the receptacle to the top exposed portion of the lid. This skirt may be supported by interior ribs 22.

[0038] The ornamental and design features contemplated by the receptacle, retention ring, and / or pod in Figs. 1 to 6 are included as part of the invention herein. While complimentary, matte finishes are shown, any color and / or finish could be employed. Metallized, embossed, etched, over-molded, and / or other features can be imparted on any portion of the system that is expected to be visible when the system is assembled and in its dispensing-ready condition. Artwork, labels, and other common decorative features can also be used to this effect.

[0039] All components of the dispenser should be made of materials having sufficient flexibility and structural integrity, as well as a chemically inert nature. Certain grades of polypropylene and polyethylene could be particularly advantageous, especially for the refill pods and especially in view of the absence of any thermosetting resins, elastomeric polymer blends, and other chemically distinct polymers or copolymers. Notably, high density polyethylene (i.e., having a density of greater than 0.940 g / cm3) may be distinguished from lower density polyethylene types (e.g., medium density at 0.925 to 0.940 g / cm3and / or lower density at 0.880 to 0.925 g / cm3) for certain uses;, particularly when the resilience / rigidity of the material is at issue. More generally, the invention may be implemented relying on injection mouldable polyolefins, with particular utility in polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0040] The use of the same grade of polymer across all components (or at least within the pods 10) provide for a system that will be easy to recycle, as it avoids mixing incompatible materials such as elastomers, polymers, and / or metals / metallic foils. Integration of tamper evident features within the pod itself also eliminates the need for shrink wraps or other externally applied forms of tamper evidence, including those that would create unwanted, detachable plastic parts.

[0041] References to coupling in this disclosure are to be understood as encompassing any of the conventional means used in this field. This may take the form of snap- or force fitting of components, although threaded connections, bead-and-groove, and bayonet-style / slot-and-flange assemblies could be employed. Adhesive and fasteners could also be used, although such components must be judiciously selected so as to retain the recyclable nature of the assembly.

[0042] In the same manner, engagement may involve coupling or an abutting relationship. These terms, as well as any implicit or explicit reference to coupling, will should be considered in thecontext in which it is used, and any perceived ambiguity can potentially be resolved by referring to the drawings.

[0043] Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass the preceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A dispensing system (1) comprising: at least one pod (10) having a lid (11) connected to a body (16) by a hinge (18), wherein a cooperating tamper evident tabs (13, 14) are provided at a diametrically opposed position relative to the hinge; a receptacle (30) including a neck (31) that is configured to coaxially receive the pod; and an annular closure ring (20) that couples to the neck and restrains the pod within the receptacle, wherein the ring includes at least one indexing feature (24, 25) that facilitates alignment with the pod so that the lid can be opened and closed.

2. The dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the cooperating tamper evident tabs include a capture projection (132) and a cooperating projection (142), both of which are aligned axially.

3. The dispensing system of claim 2 wherein the capture tab includes frangible elements (133).

4. The dispensing system of claim 2 wherein the capture tab includes an aperture (131).

5. The dispensing system of claim 3 or 4 wherein the cooperating tab includes a capture projection (141).

6. The dispensing system of claim 5 wherein the capture projection remains permanently attached to the pod after the frangible elements are broken.

7. The dispensing system claim 1 or 3 wherein the pod includes a flange (12).

8. The dispensing system of claim 7 wherein the indexing feature intefaces with the flange to maintain alignment of the pod relative to the receptacle.

9. The dispensing system of claim 8 wherein the indexing feature is at least one stop (24) positioned along an inner facing of the ring and wherein the stop rests on a landing (122) formedon the flange when the ring is coupled to the receptacle after the pod is received within the receptacle.

10. The dispensing system of claim 9 wherein threads (23, 33) are provided on interfacing surfaces of the ring and the receptacle and wherein a pitch of the threads is configured to facilitate operation of the indexing feature(s).

11. The dispensing system of claim 8 wherein the indexing feature is a detent (25) formed within a skirt (21) on the ring and wherein the detent aligned to leave the cooperating tabs exposed when the ring is coupled to the receptacle after the pod is received within the receptacle.

12. The dispensing system of claim 11 wherein threads (23, 33) are provided on interfacing surfaces of the ring and the receptacle and wherein a pitch of the threads is configured to facilitate operation of the indexing feature(s).

13. The dispensing system of claim 7 wherein the receptacle includes an annular ledge (32).

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