Shipping And Dispensing Construct For Selective Container Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shipping and dispensing systems for containers lack efficient and versatile mechanisms for bulk and selective dispensing of product holding containers, particularly in retail settings, with limited consumer visibility and inadequate advertising capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A shipping and dispensing construct comprising multiple panels with dispensing features, including separable portions of the top and bottom panels, allowing for bulk and selective dispensing of product holding containers, along with features for secure attachment and modular access, and a surface for advertising.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional shipping and dispensing systems are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but dispensing efficiency and consumer visibility are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidconstruct structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The construct is divided into multiple panels (front, back, top, bottom, side panels) that can be independently configured and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex dispensing functionality while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The construct integrates multiple functions into a single system: shipping/transport, retail display, advertising (through indicia on panels), and selective dispensing. The panels serve both structural and informational purposes, eliminating the need for separate display and advertising components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If bulk dispensing is enabled, then consumer access is improved, but selective dispensing capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer accessVSAvoidselective dispensing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The construct provides dynamic dispensing options where consumers can remove containers individually or in groups based on their needs. The panel structure allows flexible access patterns - consumers can access single containers from the front or dispense multiple containers by opening different panel sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The separable panel design creates distinct access zones that enable both individual container removal and bulk dispensing. Each panel can be independently opened or removed, allowing consumers to choose their preferred dispensing quantity without affecting the entire construct.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If advertising surfaces are added, then marketing capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadvertising capabilityVSAvoidconstruct structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The panels serve dual purposes as both structural components of the construct and as advertising surfaces. Indicia, branding, and promotional content are integrated directly onto the panel surfaces, eliminating the need for separate advertising materials or attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The advertising function is merged with the structural panel elements. The same surfaces that provide structural integrity and container support also serve as the advertising medium, combining form and function in a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If secure attachment features are implemented, then container stability is improved, but dispensing ease is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoiddispensing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment features are designed to be dynamically releasable - providing strong holding force during shipping and display, but allowing easy release during dispensing. The separable panel connections and container attachment mechanisms transition from a secured state to an easily opened state with minimal consumer effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The construct features self-releasing attachment mechanisms that automatically disengage or become easily accessible when panels are opened. The design eliminates the need for tools or complex manipulation - consumers simply open the panel and containers are readily accessible or can be easily removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4172064B1Shipping & dispensing construct
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • EP4172064B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4172064B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4172064B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A shipping and dispensing construct for engaging a plurality of product holding containers includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the shipping and dispensing construct and comprising a front panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel, and at least one back panel. The shipping and dispensing construct further includes dispensing features for removal of a group of the plurality of the product holding containers, the dispensing features including a plurality of dispensing portions comprising at least a portion of at least one of the top panel and the bottom panel, the dispensing portions being separable from a remainder of the shipping and dispensing construct for allowing access to a group of the plurality of product holding containers.