US20040222232A1 - Method and apparatus for distributing and dispensing items - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for distributing and dispensing items Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040222232A1 US20040222232A1 US10/449,876 US44987603A US2004222232A1 US 20040222232 A1 US20040222232 A1 US 20040222232A1 US 44987603 A US44987603 A US 44987603A US 2004222232 A1 US2004222232 A1 US 2004222232A1
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- Prior art keywords
- unit
- dispensing
- packaging
- dispensing unit
- packaging unit
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- Abandoned
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 169
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 claims description 45
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 30
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 16
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 abstract description 13
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 abstract description 12
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003908 quality control method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F1/00—Racks for dispensing merchandise; Containers for dispensing merchandise
- A47F1/02—Racks for dispensing merchandise; Containers for dispensing merchandise for granulated or powdered materials, i.e. bulk materials
- A47F1/03—Dispensing means, e.g. with buttons or handles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/44—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
- G07F13/02—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
- G07F13/025—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume wherein the volume is determined during delivery
Definitions
- the instant invention relates to the distribution and dispensing of items, and preferably to the distribution of bulk dry food in a sealed packaging unit, and the dispensing thereof.
- manufacturers are concerned with the following aspects of bulk dry food distribution: first, to ensure product quality and freshness; second, to ensure that only their products are used in bins; and third, the efficient utilization of space.
- Retailers are generally concerned with the following aspects of bulk dry food distribution: first, to ensure product quality and freshness; second, to offer a large variety of products; and third, the efficient utilization of space.
- Consumers are generally concerned with the following aspects of bulk dry food products; and third, ease of dispenser use.
- Prior art gravity bins cannot ensure the manufacturers product quality and freshness.
- the manufacturers package their products in large bags and send them to the retailers.
- the retailers take these large bags and fill the gravity bins, but there is a significant amount of contact with the product, therefore, product quality and freshness is compromised.
- the refilling process is therefore, complicated and inefficient.
- prior art dispensers are not capable of dispensing sticky/difficult food products.
- Prior art dispensing units lack the ability to move products forward because these dispensers rely only on gravity to move the product forward. Therefore, the variety of dry food products that can be dispensed from prior art dispensers is limited because it is not possible for the units to dispense, for example, Gummi BearsTM, and other sticky food products.
- Some aspects of the present invention provide the ability to contain a wide variety of products in a reduced space, and others enhance product quality and freshness control, and/or efficient refill capability, and/or automatic product rotation, and/or the ability to dispense sticky food products, for example, Matt BearsTM, efficiently.
- the dispenser is a two-part system, comprising a dispensing unit and a disposable packaging unit.
- the packaging unit is filled and sealed at the production point, therefore assuring product quality and freshness, and shipped directly to the retailer. Moreover, an individual may easily replace the packaging unit when emptied with a filled one without direct contact with the product until the contents are ready for final consumption. Further, the packaging unit allows individual ordering thereof by the retailer, thereby eliminating previously required inventory space.
- the dispensing unit and packaging unit form an air and moisture tight seal when assembled, maintaining the dryness and freshness of the product.
- the product is dispensed when a handle on the dispensing unit is pulled in a downward motion. This action activates a scoop function.
- the product is dispensed in a first-in, first-out manner.
- the dispensing unit agitates the product by means of its scoop and moves it forward through a discharge opening.
- a flow control device may be attached to the inside of the dispensing unit spout in order to avoid product overflow.
- the amount of product being dispensed is not predetermined, but is dependent on the product and its flow rate and the amount of time the user holds the handle down.
- the present invention provides a manufacturer with the ability to package and ship their products in individual sealed packaging units. This ability enhances quality control.
- the packaging unit preferably comprises a rigid body container initially open at one end. At the filling location, the packaging unit is oriented with its open end at the top thereof so the product to be packaged is dropped into this open end to fill the container. This initially open end of the container has a slot slidably to receive a packaging unit-closing slide element, which covers over the open end of the container. After filling, this element is slid into place and a piece of sealing paper is then applied over this now closed end of the container to seal the packaging unit-forming container.
- the filled packaging unit Upon arrival at the retailer, the filled packaging unit is then attached to the dispensing unit without the need to handle the product.
- Another one of the features of the invention involves the manner in which a filled packaging unit is attached to the dispensing unit.
- the dispensing unit preferably has an open packaging unit-receiving upper end and a normally closed bottom discharge end.
- a holder for the dispensing unit is provided which could be in a pullout drawer of a display rack unit forming another aspect of the invention.
- the initially open end of the packaging unit covered by the slide element is preferably dropped into the open upper end of the dispensing unit that snap fits with the packaging unit.
- the interfitted assembly of the packaging and dispensing unit is then placed onto a display and product dispensing rack, the slide element is then pulled from the then bottom end of the dispensing unit so that the contents of the packaging unit drop into the dispensing unit and the unit is ready to dispense its contents.
- the dispensing unit is situated at the bottom of the assembly so that the operation of the handle will cause a desired quantity of the product involved to drop into a bag held under the dispensing unit by the purchaser.
- the refilling process is simple and more efficient than those of the prior art, and provides the manufacturer the product quality and freshness control they desire during shipment and after arrival at the retailer.
- the dispensing and packaging unit assemblies can be arranged on said display rack in a 360-degree circle. This gives the ability to display product on a freestanding, walk around display. Additionally, product can be exhibited on two other displays that are free standing and make the most efficient use of existing space while still offering a wide variety of products to the final customer.
- These additional display units include an end-cap display and in-line display. The end-cap display and in-line displays can be combined to create a display that meets the individual needs of the retailer.
- the dispensing unit has the ability to move products forward into the dispenser opening by means of the specially equipped scoop.
- the dispenser handle is attached to the scoop, which agitates and moves the product forward when the handle is pulled down, thereby increasing the amount of products that can be offered to the final consumer.
- Manufacturers have a great variety of products, including hard to dispense goods such as Gummi BearsTM, and the dispensing unit is the only existing dispensing unit that is equipped to dispense gummy or sticky food products efficiently.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view which shows the assembly of the dispensing and packaging units in condition to be placed upon the display rack.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of all of the parts of the dispensing and packaging units.
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, broken-away perspective view, in partial section, of the dispensing unit.
- FIG. 4 is another fragmentary broken-away perspective view, in partial section, of the dispensing unit viewed from a different angle from that shown in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 4A is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view in partial section showing the attachment of a spring to the dispensing unit which holds parts of the dispensing unit together.
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-section view of the assembly of the dispensing and packaging units after the packaging unit closing slide element has been removed from the packaging unit.
- FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the dispensing unit shown in FIG. 5 as the handle thereof is pulled down to discharge the contents in the previously closed bottom of the dispensing unit through the discharge spout thereof; the drawing further showing the scoop rotating and pushing particulate forward through the spout.
- FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the packaging unit showing the slot therein which slidably receives the slide element.
- FIG. 8A is a fragmentary cross-section through the packaging unit with the slide element in place thereon.
- FIG. 8B is another fragmentary sectional view through the packaging unit showing the end of the slide element folded over adjacent to the side of the packaging.
- FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate the process of attaching a dispensing unit to a packaging unit in one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the relationship between the various entities in the dry food packaging and distribution supply chain.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a circular walk-around display rack unit with an assembled ready-to-dispense dispensing and packaging unit mounted thereon.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an elongated walk-around display rack unit with one such assembly mounted thereon.
- FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of an in-line display rack unit with one such assembly mounted thereon.
- FIG. 14 is an elevational view of an assembly of a dispensing and packaging unit in its orientation when mounted on a circular display rack.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-section of the packaging unit of FIG. 14, as seen in section plane 15 - 15 .
- FIG. 16 is an elevational view of an assembly of a dispensing and packaging unit in its orientation when mounted either in an in-line display rack unit or along a straight section of an island display rack unit.
- FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of the packaging unit of FIG. 16, taken along section plane 17 - 17 thereof.
- FIG. 18 shows an empty, fully used assembly of a dispensing and packaging unit being removed from a display rack unit.
- FIG. 19 illustrates the empty assembly shown in FIG. 18 being placed into a receptacle of an assembly drawer of a display rack unit base.
- FIG. 19A is a sectional view through the receptacle assembly drawer shown in FIG. 19 after the empty assembly there shown has been fully inserted into said assembly drawer receptacle.
- FIG. 20 shows the empty packaging unit being removed from the dispensing unit supported in the assembly drawer of the display rack unit shown in FIG. 19A.
- FIG. 21 shows the first step in the process of assembling a new filled packaging unit with an empty dispensing unit placed in this assembly drawer.
- FIG. 22 shows the thus assembled packaging and dispensing units being placed into a row of a display rack unit.
- FIG. 23 shows the material-retaining slide element being removed from the full packaging unit just placed onto the display rack unit.
- FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of packaging and distributing particulate materials of the present invention.
- FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating in greater detail one embodiment of the step of attaching a dispensing unit to the packaging unit.
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a packaging unit in which a material-retaining slide element has been inserted.
- FIG. 27 is an enlarged fragmentary view which illustrates in detail the connection of the pull-down handle of the dispensing unit to the scoop.
- FIGS. 1-4 and 26 illustrate an embodiment of a particulate material dispenser in accordance with the invention.
- the dispenser 100 is a two-part system, comprising a dispensing unit 200 and a packaging unit 300 .
- the packaging unit 300 comprises a blow molded plastic shell 310 forming a rigid container body having an open end 350 , a closed end 360 , and four walls 370 a , 370 b , 370 c and 370 d adjoining the open end 350 and extending to the closed end 360 .
- the packaging unit 300 has a plurality of ribs 320 formed in the walls 370 a , 370 b , 370 c and 370 d .
- the plurality of ribs 320 strengthens the packaging unit 300 for shipping purposes.
- wall 370 a of the packaging unit 300 has a slot 330 proximal to the open end 350 thereof and through which a material-retaining slide element 400 is slidably received.
- FIG. 26 shows the slide element 400 inserted into the packaging unit 300 to close and seal the packaging unit to protect the packaging unit 300 for shipping to a retailer and storage before use.
- the slide element 400 is a thin, rigid, plate-like structure which fits and slides into the slot 330 . It has a bendable rigid handle 420 projecting from an edge of the slide element.
- the rigid handle 420 joins the rest of the slide element at a groove 430 shown in FIG. 2, permitting the handle to be folded away from the rest of the slide element.
- the handle 420 contains two holes 440 through which the handle may be grasped for removal of the slide element from the packaging unit 300 .
- FIG. 8A is an illustration of a cross-section of a material-retaining element emplaced into a packaging unit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- the packaging unit 300 has a slide element receiving area 320 , which receives the slide element 400 as it is slidably inserted into the packaging unit 300 .
- the packaging unit 300 expands as the slide element 400 is inserted. This action secures the slide element in place and forms an airtight seal in the packaging unit.
- FIG. 8B is a cross-section including that of the slide element 400 and its handle 420 and the packaging unit.
- the slide element 400 is shown inserted into the slot 330 of the packaging unit.
- the rigid handle 420 of the slide element is shown bent so that the rigid handle 420 is flush with a wall of the packaging unit 300 . This configuration enables the packaging unit 300 in combination with the slide element 400 and its handle 420 to occupy a minimum of space when transported with other packaging units in an exterior container.
- the dispensing unit 200 is constructed of an injection molded plastic shell 270 integrated with a spout 240 .
- the spout 240 ends at a bottom opening 242 through which particulate items are dispensed.
- the dispensing unit 200 also has an open assembly end 295 at which the dispensing unit 200 is attached to the packaging unit 300 .
- Opposing holes 290 , 292 and 294 are located on the shell 270 distal to the spout 240 .
- a plurality of fasteners 280 are located in the interior of the shell 270 proximate to the open assembly end 295 .
- fourteen fasteners 280 are located directly inside the distal end of the dispensing unit 200 .
- the injection mold process effectively increases the clarity and durability of the dispensing unit 200 .
- This production method also improves the precision fit and interaction between the various parts of the dispensing unit 200 .
- the injection mold process also eliminates secondary operations, e.g., manually drilled holes, which in turn eliminate structural inconsistencies in the dispensing unit 200 .
- the dispensing unit also comprises an optional flow control device 250 shown in FIG. 3.
- the flow control device 250 is a plastic plate having a central hole 252 surrounded by one or more perforated concentric rings 254 .
- the manufacturer or retailer may adjust the size of the hole in the flow control device 250 by removing material between the perforations 256 of the one or more perforated concentric rings 254 .
- the flow control device 250 is shown in FIG. 3 covering the inlet to the spout 240 in the interior of the shell 270 .
- the flow control device 250 limits the flow of particulate items through the spout 240 , significantly reducing the amount of spillage. Therefore, the flow rate of particulate items out of the dispensing unit 200 increases with the overall area occupied by the holes 252 , 254 , and 256 in the flow control device.
- the flow control device also allows for the dispensing of slow flowing particulate materials, eliminating the need to replace the entire dispensing unit.
- the dispensing unit 200 further comprises a handle 210 , a plurality of springs 230 , and a scoop 220 .
- the dispensing unit also comprises a label cover 260 best shown in FIG. 6.
- the handle 210 comprises a base 216 , and two arms 218 projecting from the base 216 .
- the handle 210 further comprises a mounting element 212 on each of the two arms 218 .
- Each mounting element 212 is located adjacent to the ends of the two arms 218 .
- Each mounting element 212 comprises a pin 214 projecting from an abutment 213 best shown in FIG. 27.
- the scoop 220 comprises a plate 226 connected to an agitator 222 by a first wall 227 and a second wall 228 .
- the plate is molded to follow the contours of the shell 270 .
- the agitator 222 is a connecting rod running along the back end of the scoop 220 .
- the agitator 222 has a triangular cross-section.
- the scoop further comprises a brace 224 on the exterior of each of the first wall 227 and the second wall 228 . Interior to each brace 224 is a receiving hole 225 .
- the handle 210 is mounted to the scoop 220 through the hole 290 in the shell 270 .
- the pin 214 and abutment 213 of each mounting element 212 are engaged with each brace 224 and receiving hole 225 , respectively, of the scoop 220 .
- each of the plurality of springs 230 is substantially C-shaped and has a first end 236 for attachment to the shell 270 . Projecting from a first edge 237 of the first end 236 is a first pin 232 and a second pin 234 . Each of the plurality of springs 230 also has a second end 237 . A notch 238 is embedded in a second edge 238 of the second end 237 .
- Each of the plurality of springs 230 is attached to the shell 270 by mounting pin 232 into hole 292 and mounting pin 234 into hole 294 .
- the plurality of springs engage the arms 218 of the handle 210 at the notch 238 .
- the label cover 260 is attached to the base 216 of the handle.
- the plate 226 moves adjacent to the shell 270 and optionally the flow control device 250 as the handle 210 is moved.
- the movement of the plate 226 opens and closes the dispensing unit 200 at the spout 240 .
- the plate 226 rotates and pushes the particulate items forward through the spout 240 .
- the agitator 222 moves particulate items forward to the spout 240 . Further,the agitator 222 helps prevent products from becoming stuck in the dispensing unit 200 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate how the addition of a scoop 220 operated by the dispensing unit pull-down handle 210 aids in the discharge of the particulate material from the dispensing unit.
- FIG. 5 shows the scoop 220 covering the inlet of the discharge spout 240 of the dispensing unit. As is shown in FIG. 5, the scoop 220 closes the spout 240 when the handle 210 is in its raised position.
- FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispensing unit 200 showing the scoop position when the handle 210 is pulled down to rotate the scoop 220 to uncover the inlet to the discharge spout 240 . In so doing, it also pushes the particulate material forward through the spout 240 .
- FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate the process of attaching a dispensing unit to a packaging unit in one embodiment of the invention.
- the packaging unit 300 has a first stop 940 and a second stop 980 .
- the first stop 940 is a slot formed between a first rib 960 and a slide element receiving area 970 of the packaging unit 300 .
- the second stop 980 is a slot formed between the slide element receiving area 970 and a second rib 990 of the packaging unit 300 .
- the dispensing unit attaches to the first stop 940 and the second stop 980 of the packaging unit 920 by one or more fasteners 910 .
- a dispensing unit 200 is attached to a packaging unit 300 at the first stop 940 in the packaging unit 300 .
- a slide element is in place in the slide element receiving area 970 of the packaging unit 300 . The presence of the slide element prevents the dispensing unit 900 from engaging the packaging unit at the second stop 980 .
- FIG. 9B illustrates the second step of the attachment process.
- the slide element 400 has been removed from the packaging unit 300 .
- the dispensing unit 200 is free to attach to the packaging unit 300 at the second stop 980 by the one or more of the fasteners 910 .
- FIGS. 9A-9B ensures that an airtight seal is created when the dispensing unit 200 is attached to the packaging unit 300 after removal of the slide element and the further insertion of the packaging unit into the dispensing unit occurring when the second stop is reached as just described.
- the initial assembly of the of the packaging and display units and the removal of the slide element from the packaging unit takes place in a pull-out drawer 1170 in the base of display rack units 1170 or 1270 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a circular walk-around display unit in accordance with the invention.
- the walk-around display unit 1100 has a plurality of vertically spaced circular rows 1110 of packaging and dispensing unit support sections each including an upper holding ring 1120 and a lower holding ring 1130 .
- the walk-around display unit 1100 has a circular base 1160 comprising at least one assembly drawer 1170 and an open top circular spill tray 1140 .
- the spill tray 1140 has a curved cross-section and comprises a plurality of subtrays 1150 .
- the walk-around display unit 1100 has a central support member 1180 .
- the central support member 1180 is mounted to the circular base 1160 and supports each of the plurality of the referred to support sections. Further, the plurality of subtrays 1150 fit into and are held in place by the circular base 1160 .
- Each of these support sections holds one or more assembled pairs of dispensing and packaging units arranged in a circle about the support post. Each of these pairs of assembled packaging and dispensing units is held in place on the rack with the spout of the dispensing unit facing outward and downward from the central support member 1180 . A user holds the open top of the bag to be filled around the open bottom of a selected dispensing unit. The spill tray 1140 catches extraneous particulate material which does not fall into the bag held by the user around the discharge spout involved.
- FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of an assembly drawer in accordance with the invention.
- the assembly drawer 1910 slidably interacts with a circular base 1900 .
- the assembly drawer 1910 comprises an upper surface 1940 into which a dispensing unit receptacle 1920 and a trash receptacle 1930 are emplaced.
- FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of an island display rack unit in accordance with the invention.
- the island display rack unit 1200 has a plurality of oblong rows 1210 of support racks. Each of the plurality of oblong rows 1210 of support racks comprises an upper holding structure 1220 and a lower holding structure 1230 .
- the island display unit 1200 has an oblong base 1260 comprising one or more assembly drawers 1270 .
- the island display unit 1200 has an oblong spill tray 1240 .
- the spill tray 1240 has a curved cross-section.
- the spill tray 1240 comprises a plurality of subtrays 1250 .
- the island display unit 1200 further comprises two or more support members 1280 , 1290 .
- the two or more support members 1280 , 1290 are mounted to the oblong base 1260 . Moreover, the two or more support members 1280 , 1290 support each of the plurality of oblong rows 1210 . Further, the plurality of subtrays 1250 fit into and are held in place by the oblong base 1260 . As is shown in FIG. 12, one subtray is shown in a second position where it may be removed from the island display unit 1200 .
- Each of the plurality of oblong rows 1210 of support racks holds one or more assembled pairs of assembled dispensing and packaging units 1295 in a position so that the spout of the dispensing unit faces outward and downward from the interior of the island display unit 1200 . Further, each particulate item dispenser 1295 is held in each row 1210 at an angle sufficient for the force of gravity to enhance the flow of particulate material from the spout of the dispensing unit involved when its handle 210 is pulled down.
- the spill tray 1240 catches extraneous particulate material as the material falls from the spout.
- FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a support rack for an in-line display rack unit.
- the support rack 1300 has a plurality of straight rows 1310 of rack slots for holding assembled pairs of dispensing and packaging units.
- Each of the plurality of straight rows 1310 of rack slots contains an upper holding structure 1320 and a lower holding structure 1330 .
- Each of the plurality of straight rows 1310 of rack slots holds one or more assembled pairs of assembled dispensing and packaging units 1340 .
- Each assembled pair of these units is held in place so that the spout of the dispensing unit faces outward and downward at an angle sufficient for the force of gravity to enhance the flow of particulate items from the spout of the assembled particulate item dispenser 1340 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates a first embodiment of such an assembly 1410 a dispenser emplaced in a circular display unit with its slide element removed.
- the assembly includes a tapered packaging unit 300 and a dispensing unit 200 attached to the open bottom end of the packaging unit 300 .
- the packaging unit rests on an upper ring 1430 and the dispensing unit 200 rests on a lower ring 1440 .
- the spout 240 of the dispensing unit 200 is positioned so that particulate material may be dispensed outside the lower ring 1440 .
- FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-section of the tapered packaging unit 300 of FIG. 14.
- the packaging unit is trapezoidal in cross-section. More specifically, the packaging unit is wider at the top of the unit, W, than the bottom, X. This trapezoidal configuration maximizes spatial efficiency for the emplacement of a plurality of the assemblies in a walk-around display unit.
- FIG. 16 illustrates a second embodiment where the packaging unit 300 ′ is not tapered so that it is more suitable for support on either a display rack of an in-line display unit or along a straight section of an oblong row of an island display rack unit.
- the assembly there shown comprises a packaging unit 300 ′ and a dispensing unit 200 ′.
- the packaging unit 300 ′ rests on an upper holding structure 1630 and a lower holding structure 1640 .
- the spout 240 dispensing unit 200 ′ of the dispensing unit 200 ′ is positioned so that particulate material may be dispensed outside the lower holding structure 1640 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of the packaging unit 300 ′ of FIG. 16.
- the packaging unit is rectangular in cross-section. More specifically, the dimensions of the packaging unit are similar at the top of the unit at Y, and at the bottom of the unit at Z. This rectangular configuration maximizes spatial efficiency for the emplacement of a plurality of assemblies 1410 ′ in either a rack of an in-line display rack unit or along a straight section of a row of an island display rack unit.
- FIGS. 18-23 illustrate the process of replacing a used packaging unit 300 still attached to a dispensing unit 200 with a new full packaging unit.
- FIG. 18 illustrates a used packaging unit 200 still attached to a dispensing unit 200 as it is being removed from a display rack unit. The dispensing unit is shown containing some particulate material 1810 .
- FIG. 19 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 18 being placed into a dispensing unit receptacle 1920 of display rack drawer 1910 . Placement of the used assembly into the receptacle 1920 enhances the efficient replacement of the empty packaging unit. Moreover, placement of an initially unattached dispensing unit into the receptacle 1920 enables the efficient assembly of the dispensing unit to a packaging unit.
- FIG. 19A shows the used dispensing unit 200 attached to the used packaging unit 300 of FIG. 18 in the receptacle 1920 of the assembly drawer 1910 of the display rack unit base 1900 of FIG. 19.
- FIG. 20 shows removal of the used packaging unit 300 from the dispensing unit 200 by pulling it from the dispensing unit. Any remaining particulate material 1810 should remain within the dispensing unit 200 .
- FIG. 21 shows the first step in the process of assembling a dispensing unit 200 to an unused packaging unit 300 .
- an unused packaging unit contains a seal 2110 .
- the seal 2110 is paper.
- the seal 2110 is constructed of a plastic material. The seal 2110 protects the packaging unit from damage during transport and storage.
- the seal 2110 is removed from the packaging unit before it is assembled to the dispensing unit.
- the packaging unit also contains a material-retaining slide element 400 .
- the packaging unit 300 is placed into the dispensing unit 200 , and attaches to the dispensing unit 200 by the force of gravity. In doing so, it snaps the previously mentioned first stop position.
- FIG. 22 shows the assembled dispensing and new packaging unit being placed into a row of a display rack unit. At this step, the material-retaining slide element 400 remains in the packaging unit 300 .
- FIG. 23 shows the material-retaining slide element 400 being removed from the packaging unit.
- the dispensing unit 200 becomes attached to the packaging unit 300 by snapping into the said second stop position.
- FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of packaging and distributing particulate materials of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 24, the method begins at step 2400 , and continues to step 2410 , in which a packaging unit is received at a packaging location.
- a packaging location may be a warehouse or factory at which a particulate material manufacturer or subcontractor fills, seals and ships a packaging unit to a distribution location.
- the packaging unit is filled with particulate material.
- the packaging unit is sealed with a material-retaining slide element.
- the material-retaining slide element forms an integral seal with the packaging unit.
- the packaging unit may be sealed with a second protective seal before being prepared for shipping.
- step 2440 the packaging unit is shipped to a dispensing location.
- a dispensing location may be a supermarket, or any location where the particulate material is distributed.
- the method continues at step 2450 , where a dispensing unit is attached to the packaging unit at the dispensing location.
- step 2460 the particulate material is dispensed.
- step 2470 the method ends.
- FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating in greater detail one embodiment of the step of attaching a dispensing unit to the packaging unit.
- the method begins at step 2500 , where it continues from step 2440 of FIG. 24.
- a dispensing unit is attached to a first position on the packaging unit.
- the method continues at step 2554 , where the material-retaining slide element is removed from the packaging unit.
- the dispensing unit is finally attached to the packaging unit at a second position on the dispensing unit.
- the method continues at step 2460 of FIG. 24.
- FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the relationship between entities in the particulate material packaging and distribution supply chain.
- a material-retaining slide element manufacturer 1000 distributes material-retaining slide elements to a manufacturer of packaging units 1010 .
- the packaging unit manufacturer 1010 distributes both packaging units and retaining elements to a particulate material packager.
- a manufacturer of particulate material products 1020 is also involved in the supply chain.
- the particulate material manufacturer also distributes particulate items to a particulate material packager.
- the particulate item packager loads the particulate material into the packaging units 1030 .
- the particulate material packager distributes sealed packaging units to a distribution center 1040 , where the sealed packaging units are next distributed to one or more retail centers 1050 .
Abstract
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/468,872, entitled “Packaging, Dispensing and Display Rack System”, filed May 8, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
- The instant invention relates to the distribution and dispensing of items, and preferably to the distribution of bulk dry food in a sealed packaging unit, and the dispensing thereof.
- An increasingly popular method for distributing and selling food has been through the use of bulk dry food dispensers. Purchasing food in bulk allows the consumer to determine the exact amount they would like to purchase instead of having it dictated to them by the major companies. Initially, retailers and manufacturers used open bins to distribute bulk food. However, health regulations and laws have made the use of open bins problematic. The retailer is worried about the hygienic aspect of the open bins and liability. Moreover, the use of open bins is prohibited in some countries.
- There are essentially three entities comprising the distribution chain for bulk dry food: manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Generally, manufacturers are concerned with the following aspects of bulk dry food distribution: first, to ensure product quality and freshness; second, to ensure that only their products are used in bins; and third, the efficient utilization of space. Retailers are generally concerned with the following aspects of bulk dry food distribution: first, to ensure product quality and freshness; second, to offer a large variety of products; and third, the efficient utilization of space. Consumers are generally concerned with the following aspects of bulk dry food products; and third, ease of dispenser use.
- Prior art gravity bins cannot ensure the manufacturers product quality and freshness. The manufacturers package their products in large bags and send them to the retailers. The retailers take these large bags and fill the gravity bins, but there is a significant amount of contact with the product, therefore, product quality and freshness is compromised. The refilling process is therefore, complicated and inefficient.
- Moreover, both manufacturers and retailers have a need for an efficient use of available retail space. Prior art dispensing units are cumbersome. Prior art displays take up a great deal of retail space. As a result, space that could be used to display products is wasted. Further, many prior art displays take up existing shelf space in the retail store.
- Finally, prior art dispensers are not capable of dispensing sticky/difficult food products. Prior art dispensing units lack the ability to move products forward because these dispensers rely only on gravity to move the product forward. Therefore, the variety of dry food products that can be dispensed from prior art dispensers is limited because it is not possible for the units to dispense, for example, Gummi Bears™, and other sticky food products.
- Some aspects of the present invention provide the ability to contain a wide variety of products in a reduced space, and others enhance product quality and freshness control, and/or efficient refill capability, and/or automatic product rotation, and/or the ability to dispense sticky food products, for example, Gummi Bears™, efficiently.
- The dispenser is a two-part system, comprising a dispensing unit and a disposable packaging unit. The packaging unit is filled and sealed at the production point, therefore assuring product quality and freshness, and shipped directly to the retailer. Moreover, an individual may easily replace the packaging unit when emptied with a filled one without direct contact with the product until the contents are ready for final consumption. Further, the packaging unit allows individual ordering thereof by the retailer, thereby eliminating previously required inventory space.
- In one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing unit and packaging unit form an air and moisture tight seal when assembled, maintaining the dryness and freshness of the product. In one embodiment of the invention, the product is dispensed when a handle on the dispensing unit is pulled in a downward motion. This action activates a scoop function. The product is dispensed in a first-in, first-out manner. The dispensing unit agitates the product by means of its scoop and moves it forward through a discharge opening. In one embodiment of the invention, a flow control device may be attached to the inside of the dispensing unit spout in order to avoid product overflow. The amount of product being dispensed is not predetermined, but is dependent on the product and its flow rate and the amount of time the user holds the handle down.
- The present invention provides a manufacturer with the ability to package and ship their products in individual sealed packaging units. This ability enhances quality control. The packaging unit preferably comprises a rigid body container initially open at one end. At the filling location, the packaging unit is oriented with its open end at the top thereof so the product to be packaged is dropped into this open end to fill the container. This initially open end of the container has a slot slidably to receive a packaging unit-closing slide element, which covers over the open end of the container. After filling, this element is slid into place and a piece of sealing paper is then applied over this now closed end of the container to seal the packaging unit-forming container.
- Upon arrival at the retailer, the filled packaging unit is then attached to the dispensing unit without the need to handle the product. Another one of the features of the invention involves the manner in which a filled packaging unit is attached to the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit preferably has an open packaging unit-receiving upper end and a normally closed bottom discharge end. A holder for the dispensing unit is provided which could be in a pullout drawer of a display rack unit forming another aspect of the invention. The initially open end of the packaging unit covered by the slide element is preferably dropped into the open upper end of the dispensing unit that snap fits with the packaging unit. The interfitted assembly of the packaging and dispensing unit is then placed onto a display and product dispensing rack, the slide element is then pulled from the then bottom end of the dispensing unit so that the contents of the packaging unit drop into the dispensing unit and the unit is ready to dispense its contents. The dispensing unit is situated at the bottom of the assembly so that the operation of the handle will cause a desired quantity of the product involved to drop into a bag held under the dispensing unit by the purchaser.
- The refilling process is simple and more efficient than those of the prior art, and provides the manufacturer the product quality and freshness control they desire during shipment and after arrival at the retailer. The dispensing and packaging unit assemblies can be arranged on said display rack in a 360-degree circle. This gives the ability to display product on a freestanding, walk around display. Additionally, product can be exhibited on two other displays that are free standing and make the most efficient use of existing space while still offering a wide variety of products to the final customer. These additional display units include an end-cap display and in-line display. The end-cap display and in-line displays can be combined to create a display that meets the individual needs of the retailer. Displays do not take up existing retail shelf space, and can fit in areas of the store that could not normally have a display because of their various designs and flexibility in the display combinations to meet specific retailer needs. In one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing unit has the ability to move products forward into the dispenser opening by means of the specially equipped scoop. In this embodiment, the dispenser handle is attached to the scoop, which agitates and moves the product forward when the handle is pulled down, thereby increasing the amount of products that can be offered to the final consumer. Manufacturers have a great variety of products, including hard to dispense goods such as Gummi Bears™, and the dispensing unit is the only existing dispensing unit that is equipped to dispense gummy or sticky food products efficiently.
- Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view which shows the assembly of the dispensing and packaging units in condition to be placed upon the display rack.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of all of the parts of the dispensing and packaging units.
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, broken-away perspective view, in partial section, of the dispensing unit.
- FIG. 4 is another fragmentary broken-away perspective view, in partial section, of the dispensing unit viewed from a different angle from that shown in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 4A is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view in partial section showing the attachment of a spring to the dispensing unit which holds parts of the dispensing unit together.
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-section view of the assembly of the dispensing and packaging units after the packaging unit closing slide element has been removed from the packaging unit.
- FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the dispensing unit shown in FIG. 5 as the handle thereof is pulled down to discharge the contents in the previously closed bottom of the dispensing unit through the discharge spout thereof; the drawing further showing the scoop rotating and pushing particulate forward through the spout.
- FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the packaging unit showing the slot therein which slidably receives the slide element.
- FIG. 8A is a fragmentary cross-section through the packaging unit with the slide element in place thereon.
- FIG. 8B is another fragmentary sectional view through the packaging unit showing the end of the slide element folded over adjacent to the side of the packaging.
- FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate the process of attaching a dispensing unit to a packaging unit in one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the relationship between the various entities in the dry food packaging and distribution supply chain.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a circular walk-around display rack unit with an assembled ready-to-dispense dispensing and packaging unit mounted thereon.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an elongated walk-around display rack unit with one such assembly mounted thereon.
- FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of an in-line display rack unit with one such assembly mounted thereon.
- FIG. 14 is an elevational view of an assembly of a dispensing and packaging unit in its orientation when mounted on a circular display rack.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-section of the packaging unit of FIG. 14, as seen in section plane15-15.
- FIG. 16 is an elevational view of an assembly of a dispensing and packaging unit in its orientation when mounted either in an in-line display rack unit or along a straight section of an island display rack unit.
- FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of the packaging unit of FIG. 16, taken along section plane17-17 thereof.
- FIG. 18 shows an empty, fully used assembly of a dispensing and packaging unit being removed from a display rack unit.
- FIG. 19 illustrates the empty assembly shown in FIG. 18 being placed into a receptacle of an assembly drawer of a display rack unit base.
- FIG. 19A is a sectional view through the receptacle assembly drawer shown in FIG. 19 after the empty assembly there shown has been fully inserted into said assembly drawer receptacle.
- FIG. 20 shows the empty packaging unit being removed from the dispensing unit supported in the assembly drawer of the display rack unit shown in FIG. 19A.
- FIG. 21 shows the first step in the process of assembling a new filled packaging unit with an empty dispensing unit placed in this assembly drawer.
- FIG. 22 shows the thus assembled packaging and dispensing units being placed into a row of a display rack unit.
- FIG. 23 shows the material-retaining slide element being removed from the full packaging unit just placed onto the display rack unit.
- FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of packaging and distributing particulate materials of the present invention.
- FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating in greater detail one embodiment of the step of attaching a dispensing unit to the packaging unit.
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a packaging unit in which a material-retaining slide element has been inserted.
- FIG. 27 is an enlarged fragmentary view which illustrates in detail the connection of the pull-down handle of the dispensing unit to the scoop.
- While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
- FIGS. 1-4 and26 illustrate an embodiment of a particulate material dispenser in accordance with the invention. As shown in FIG. 1-2, the
dispenser 100 is a two-part system, comprising adispensing unit 200 and apackaging unit 300. As best shown in FIG. 2, thepackaging unit 300 comprises a blow moldedplastic shell 310 forming a rigid container body having anopen end 350, aclosed end 360, and fourwalls open end 350 and extending to theclosed end 360. In one embodiment, thepackaging unit 300 has a plurality ofribs 320 formed in thewalls ribs 320 strengthens thepackaging unit 300 for shipping purposes. Further,wall 370 a of thepackaging unit 300 has aslot 330 proximal to theopen end 350 thereof and through which a material-retainingslide element 400 is slidably received. - FIG. 26 shows the
slide element 400 inserted into thepackaging unit 300 to close and seal the packaging unit to protect thepackaging unit 300 for shipping to a retailer and storage before use. - As best shown in FIG.2, the
slide element 400 is a thin, rigid, plate-like structure which fits and slides into theslot 330. It has a bendablerigid handle 420 projecting from an edge of the slide element. Therigid handle 420 joins the rest of the slide element at agroove 430 shown in FIG. 2, permitting the handle to be folded away from the rest of the slide element. Thehandle 420 contains twoholes 440 through which the handle may be grasped for removal of the slide element from thepackaging unit 300. - FIG. 8A is an illustration of a cross-section of a material-retaining element emplaced into a packaging unit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 8A, the
packaging unit 300 has a slideelement receiving area 320, which receives theslide element 400 as it is slidably inserted into thepackaging unit 300. Thepackaging unit 300 expands as theslide element 400 is inserted. This action secures the slide element in place and forms an airtight seal in the packaging unit. - FIG. 8B is a cross-section including that of the
slide element 400 and itshandle 420 and the packaging unit. Theslide element 400 is shown inserted into theslot 330 of the packaging unit. Therigid handle 420 of the slide element is shown bent so that therigid handle 420 is flush with a wall of thepackaging unit 300. This configuration enables thepackaging unit 300 in combination with theslide element 400 and itshandle 420 to occupy a minimum of space when transported with other packaging units in an exterior container. - Returning to FIGS. 1-4, in one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing
unit 200 is constructed of an injection moldedplastic shell 270 integrated with aspout 240. Thespout 240 ends at abottom opening 242 through which particulate items are dispensed. The dispensingunit 200 also has anopen assembly end 295 at which thedispensing unit 200 is attached to thepackaging unit 300. Opposingholes shell 270 distal to thespout 240. Additionally, a plurality offasteners 280 are located in the interior of theshell 270 proximate to theopen assembly end 295. In one embodiment of the invention, fourteenfasteners 280, five to each side of thedispensing unit 200, and two each to the top and bottom of thedispensing unit 200, are located directly inside the distal end of thedispensing unit 200. The injection mold process effectively increases the clarity and durability of thedispensing unit 200. This production method also improves the precision fit and interaction between the various parts of thedispensing unit 200. The injection mold process also eliminates secondary operations, e.g., manually drilled holes, which in turn eliminate structural inconsistencies in thedispensing unit 200. - The dispensing unit also comprises an optional
flow control device 250 shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment of the invention, theflow control device 250 is a plastic plate having acentral hole 252 surrounded by one or more perforatedconcentric rings 254. In practice, the manufacturer or retailer may adjust the size of the hole in theflow control device 250 by removing material between theperforations 256 of the one or more perforatedconcentric rings 254. - The
flow control device 250 is shown in FIG. 3 covering the inlet to thespout 240 in the interior of theshell 270. Thus theflow control device 250 limits the flow of particulate items through thespout 240, significantly reducing the amount of spillage. Therefore, the flow rate of particulate items out of thedispensing unit 200 increases with the overall area occupied by theholes - The
dispensing unit 200 further comprises ahandle 210, a plurality ofsprings 230, and ascoop 220. In one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing unit also comprises alabel cover 260 best shown in FIG. 6. - As is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 27, the
handle 210 comprises abase 216, and twoarms 218 projecting from thebase 216. Thehandle 210 further comprises a mountingelement 212 on each of the twoarms 218. Each mountingelement 212 is located adjacent to the ends of the twoarms 218. Each mountingelement 212 comprises apin 214 projecting from anabutment 213 best shown in FIG. 27. - As best shown in FIG. 2, the
scoop 220 comprises aplate 226 connected to anagitator 222 by afirst wall 227 and asecond wall 228. The plate is molded to follow the contours of theshell 270. Theagitator 222 is a connecting rod running along the back end of thescoop 220. In one embodiment of the invention, theagitator 222 has a triangular cross-section. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 27, the scoop further comprises abrace 224 on the exterior of each of thefirst wall 227 and thesecond wall 228. Interior to eachbrace 224 is a receivinghole 225. - The
handle 210 is mounted to thescoop 220 through thehole 290 in theshell 270. Thepin 214 andabutment 213 of each mountingelement 212 are engaged with eachbrace 224 and receivinghole 225, respectively, of thescoop 220. - As is illustrated in FIGS.4 and/or 4A, each of the plurality of
springs 230 is substantially C-shaped and has afirst end 236 for attachment to theshell 270. Projecting from afirst edge 237 of thefirst end 236 is afirst pin 232 and asecond pin 234. Each of the plurality ofsprings 230 also has asecond end 237. Anotch 238 is embedded in asecond edge 238 of thesecond end 237. - Each of the plurality of
springs 230 is attached to theshell 270 by mountingpin 232 intohole 292 and mountingpin 234 intohole 294. The plurality of springs engage thearms 218 of thehandle 210 at thenotch 238. - As best shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the invention, the
label cover 260 is attached to thebase 216 of the handle. - In operation, the
plate 226 moves adjacent to theshell 270 and optionally theflow control device 250 as thehandle 210 is moved. The movement of theplate 226 opens and closes thedispensing unit 200 at thespout 240. Moreover, theplate 226 rotates and pushes the particulate items forward through thespout 240. Theagitator 222 moves particulate items forward to thespout 240. Further,theagitator 222 helps prevent products from becoming stuck in thedispensing unit 200. - FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate how the addition of a
scoop 220 operated by the dispensing unit pull-down handle 210 aids in the discharge of the particulate material from the dispensing unit. FIG. 5 shows thescoop 220 covering the inlet of thedischarge spout 240 of the dispensing unit. As is shown in FIG. 5, thescoop 220 closes thespout 240 when thehandle 210 is in its raised position. - FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
dispensing unit 200 showing the scoop position when thehandle 210 is pulled down to rotate thescoop 220 to uncover the inlet to thedischarge spout 240. In so doing, it also pushes the particulate material forward through thespout 240. - FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate the process of attaching a dispensing unit to a packaging unit in one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the
packaging unit 300 has afirst stop 940 and asecond stop 980. Thefirst stop 940 is a slot formed between afirst rib 960 and a slideelement receiving area 970 of thepackaging unit 300. Thesecond stop 980 is a slot formed between the slideelement receiving area 970 and a second rib 990 of thepackaging unit 300. The dispensing unit attaches to thefirst stop 940 and thesecond stop 980 of thepackaging unit 920 by one ormore fasteners 910. - As is illustrated in FIG. 9A, in the first step of the process, a
dispensing unit 200 is attached to apackaging unit 300 at thefirst stop 940 in thepackaging unit 300. As is further illustrated in FIG. 9A, a slide element is in place in the slideelement receiving area 970 of thepackaging unit 300. The presence of the slide element prevents the dispensing unit 900 from engaging the packaging unit at thesecond stop 980. - FIG. 9B illustrates the second step of the attachment process. As shown in FIG. 9B, the
slide element 400 has been removed from thepackaging unit 300. At this point, the dispensingunit 200 is free to attach to thepackaging unit 300 at thesecond stop 980 by the one or more of thefasteners 910. - The process illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B ensures that an airtight seal is created when the
dispensing unit 200 is attached to thepackaging unit 300 after removal of the slide element and the further insertion of the packaging unit into the dispensing unit occurring when the second stop is reached as just described. In accordance with another aspect of the invention the initial assembly of the of the packaging and display units and the removal of the slide element from the packaging unit takes place in a pull-out drawer 1170 in the base ofdisplay rack units - FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a circular walk-around display unit in accordance with the invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the walk-around
display unit 1100 has a plurality of vertically spacedcircular rows 1110 of packaging and dispensing unit support sections each including anupper holding ring 1120 and alower holding ring 1130. The walk-arounddisplay unit 1100 has acircular base 1160 comprising at least oneassembly drawer 1170 and an open top circular spill tray 1140. The spill tray 1140 has a curved cross-section and comprises a plurality ofsubtrays 1150. The walk-arounddisplay unit 1100 has acentral support member 1180. - The
central support member 1180 is mounted to thecircular base 1160 and supports each of the plurality of the referred to support sections. Further, the plurality ofsubtrays 1150 fit into and are held in place by thecircular base 1160. - Each of these support sections holds one or more assembled pairs of dispensing and packaging units arranged in a circle about the support post. Each of these pairs of assembled packaging and dispensing units is held in place on the rack with the spout of the dispensing unit facing outward and downward from the
central support member 1180. A user holds the open top of the bag to be filled around the open bottom of a selected dispensing unit. The spill tray 1140 catches extraneous particulate material which does not fall into the bag held by the user around the discharge spout involved. - FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of an assembly drawer in accordance with the invention. As shown in FIG. 19, the
assembly drawer 1910 slidably interacts with acircular base 1900. Theassembly drawer 1910 comprises anupper surface 1940 into which adispensing unit receptacle 1920 and atrash receptacle 1930 are emplaced. - FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of an island display rack unit in accordance with the invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the island
display rack unit 1200 has a plurality ofoblong rows 1210 of support racks. Each of the plurality ofoblong rows 1210 of support racks comprises anupper holding structure 1220 and alower holding structure 1230. In one embodiment of the invention, theisland display unit 1200 has anoblong base 1260 comprising one ormore assembly drawers 1270. Theisland display unit 1200 has anoblong spill tray 1240. Thespill tray 1240 has a curved cross-section. Thespill tray 1240 comprises a plurality ofsubtrays 1250. Theisland display unit 1200 further comprises two ormore support members - The two or
more support members oblong base 1260. Moreover, the two ormore support members oblong rows 1210. Further, the plurality ofsubtrays 1250 fit into and are held in place by theoblong base 1260. As is shown in FIG. 12, one subtray is shown in a second position where it may be removed from theisland display unit 1200. - Each of the plurality of
oblong rows 1210 of support racks holds one or more assembled pairs of assembled dispensing andpackaging units 1295 in a position so that the spout of the dispensing unit faces outward and downward from the interior of theisland display unit 1200. Further, eachparticulate item dispenser 1295 is held in eachrow 1210 at an angle sufficient for the force of gravity to enhance the flow of particulate material from the spout of the dispensing unit involved when itshandle 210 is pulled down. Thespill tray 1240 catches extraneous particulate material as the material falls from the spout. - FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a support rack for an in-line display rack unit. As shown in FIG. 13, the
support rack 1300 has a plurality ofstraight rows 1310 of rack slots for holding assembled pairs of dispensing and packaging units. Each of the plurality ofstraight rows 1310 of rack slots contains anupper holding structure 1320 and alower holding structure 1330. Each of the plurality ofstraight rows 1310 of rack slots holds one or more assembled pairs of assembled dispensing andpackaging units 1340. Each assembled pair of these units is held in place so that the spout of the dispensing unit faces outward and downward at an angle sufficient for the force of gravity to enhance the flow of particulate items from the spout of the assembledparticulate item dispenser 1340. - FIGS. 14 and 16 illustrate two embodiments of an assembled dispensing and packaging unit respectively used in circular and straight line or elongated racks in accordance with the invention. FIG. 14 illustrates a first embodiment of such an assembly1410 a dispenser emplaced in a circular display unit with its slide element removed. As shown in FIG. 14, the assembly includes a tapered
packaging unit 300 and adispensing unit 200 attached to the open bottom end of thepackaging unit 300. The packaging unit rests on anupper ring 1430 and thedispensing unit 200 rests on alower ring 1440. Thespout 240 of thedispensing unit 200 is positioned so that particulate material may be dispensed outside thelower ring 1440. - FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-section of the tapered
packaging unit 300 of FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 15, the packaging unit is trapezoidal in cross-section. More specifically, the packaging unit is wider at the top of the unit, W, than the bottom, X. This trapezoidal configuration maximizes spatial efficiency for the emplacement of a plurality of the assemblies in a walk-around display unit. - FIG. 16 illustrates a second embodiment where the
packaging unit 300′ is not tapered so that it is more suitable for support on either a display rack of an in-line display unit or along a straight section of an oblong row of an island display rack unit. As shown in FIG. 16, the assembly there shown comprises apackaging unit 300′ and adispensing unit 200′. Thepackaging unit 300′ rests on anupper holding structure 1630 and alower holding structure 1640. Thespout 240dispensing unit 200′ of thedispensing unit 200′ is positioned so that particulate material may be dispensed outside thelower holding structure 1640. - FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of the
packaging unit 300′ of FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the packaging unit is rectangular in cross-section. More specifically, the dimensions of the packaging unit are similar at the top of the unit at Y, and at the bottom of the unit at Z. This rectangular configuration maximizes spatial efficiency for the emplacement of a plurality ofassemblies 1410′ in either a rack of an in-line display rack unit or along a straight section of a row of an island display rack unit. - FIGS. 18-23 illustrate the process of replacing a used
packaging unit 300 still attached to adispensing unit 200 with a new full packaging unit. FIG. 18 illustrates a usedpackaging unit 200 still attached to adispensing unit 200 as it is being removed from a display rack unit. The dispensing unit is shown containing someparticulate material 1810. FIG. 19 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 18 being placed into a dispensingunit receptacle 1920 ofdisplay rack drawer 1910. Placement of the used assembly into thereceptacle 1920 enhances the efficient replacement of the empty packaging unit. Moreover, placement of an initially unattached dispensing unit into thereceptacle 1920 enables the efficient assembly of the dispensing unit to a packaging unit. FIG. 19A shows the used dispensingunit 200 attached to the usedpackaging unit 300 of FIG. 18 in thereceptacle 1920 of theassembly drawer 1910 of the displayrack unit base 1900 of FIG. 19. - FIG. 20 shows removal of the used
packaging unit 300 from the dispensingunit 200 by pulling it from the dispensing unit. Any remainingparticulate material 1810 should remain within the dispensingunit 200. - FIG. 21 shows the first step in the process of assembling a
dispensing unit 200 to anunused packaging unit 300. As shown in FIG. 21, in one embodiment of the invention, an unused packaging unit contains aseal 2110. In one embodiment, theseal 2110 is paper. In a second embodiment, theseal 2110 is constructed of a plastic material. Theseal 2110 protects the packaging unit from damage during transport and storage. As is shown in FIG. 21, theseal 2110 is removed from the packaging unit before it is assembled to the dispensing unit. As is further shown in FIG. 21, the packaging unit also contains a material-retainingslide element 400. - The
packaging unit 300 is placed into the dispensingunit 200, and attaches to thedispensing unit 200 by the force of gravity. In doing so, it snaps the previously mentioned first stop position. - FIG. 22 shows the assembled dispensing and new packaging unit being placed into a row of a display rack unit. At this step, the material-retaining
slide element 400 remains in thepackaging unit 300. - FIG. 23 shows the material-retaining
slide element 400 being removed from the packaging unit. At this step, the dispensingunit 200 becomes attached to thepackaging unit 300 by snapping into the said second stop position. - FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of packaging and distributing particulate materials of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 24, the method begins at
step 2400, and continues to step 2410, in which a packaging unit is received at a packaging location. A packaging location may be a warehouse or factory at which a particulate material manufacturer or subcontractor fills, seals and ships a packaging unit to a distribution location. - Next, at
step 2420, the packaging unit is filled with particulate material. Next, atstep 2430, the packaging unit is sealed with a material-retaining slide element. In one embodiment, the material-retaining slide element forms an integral seal with the packaging unit. Additionally, the packaging unit may be sealed with a second protective seal before being prepared for shipping. - Next, at
step 2440, the packaging unit is shipped to a dispensing location. A dispensing location may be a supermarket, or any location where the particulate material is distributed. The method continues atstep 2450, where a dispensing unit is attached to the packaging unit at the dispensing location. Next, atstep 2460, the particulate material is dispensed. Finally, atstep 2470, the method ends. - FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating in greater detail one embodiment of the step of attaching a dispensing unit to the packaging unit. As shown in FIG. 25, the method begins at
step 2500, where it continues fromstep 2440 of FIG. 24. Next, atstep 2552, a dispensing unit is attached to a first position on the packaging unit. The method continues atstep 2554, where the material-retaining slide element is removed from the packaging unit. Next, atstep 2556, the dispensing unit is finally attached to the packaging unit at a second position on the dispensing unit. Finally, atstep 2510, the method continues atstep 2460 of FIG. 24. - FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the relationship between entities in the particulate material packaging and distribution supply chain. As shown in FIG. 10, a material-retaining
slide element manufacturer 1000 distributes material-retaining slide elements to a manufacturer ofpackaging units 1010. Thepackaging unit manufacturer 1010 distributes both packaging units and retaining elements to a particulate material packager. A manufacturer ofparticulate material products 1020 is also involved in the supply chain. The particulate material manufacturer also distributes particulate items to a particulate material packager. The particulate item packager loads the particulate material into thepackaging units 1030. - Next, the particulate material packager distributes sealed packaging units to a
distribution center 1040, where the sealed packaging units are next distributed to one or moreretail centers 1050. - While the specific embodiment has been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.
Claims (34)
Priority Applications (1)
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US10/449,876 US20040222232A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 | 2003-05-30 | Method and apparatus for distributing and dispensing items |
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US46887203P | 2003-05-08 | 2003-05-08 | |
US10/449,876 US20040222232A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 | 2003-05-30 | Method and apparatus for distributing and dispensing items |
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US20040222232A1 true US20040222232A1 (en) | 2004-11-11 |
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ITMC20130088A1 (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2015-06-28 | Andrea Moschini | REFINED CONTAINER. |
WO2018130255A1 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2018-07-19 | Nordic Bulk Solutions Aps | Dispensing device for a two-part dispensing unit |
FR3074409A1 (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2019-06-07 | Vracoop | DEVICE FOR STORING AND DISPENSING AT LEAST ONE BULK PRODUCT |
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WO2021255709A1 (en) * | 2020-06-19 | 2021-12-23 | Prana Biovegan Inc. | Bulk dispenser and refill container |
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-
2003
- 2003-05-30 CA CA002431511A patent/CA2431511A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-05-30 US US10/449,876 patent/US20040222232A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090039097A1 (en) * | 2007-08-10 | 2009-02-12 | Bryan Patrick Farnsworth | Device for Staging and Dispensing Tablets Useful in System and Method for Dispensing Prescriptions |
US8714405B2 (en) * | 2007-08-10 | 2014-05-06 | Parata Systems, Llc | Device for staging and dispensing tablets useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions |
ITMC20130088A1 (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2015-06-28 | Andrea Moschini | REFINED CONTAINER. |
WO2018130255A1 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2018-07-19 | Nordic Bulk Solutions Aps | Dispensing device for a two-part dispensing unit |
FR3074409A1 (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2019-06-07 | Vracoop | DEVICE FOR STORING AND DISPENSING AT LEAST ONE BULK PRODUCT |
WO2019110532A1 (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2019-06-13 | Vracoop | Device for storing and dispensing at least one bulk product |
US11427395B2 (en) | 2017-12-05 | 2022-08-30 | Vracoop | Device for storing and dispensing at least one bulk product |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CA2431511A1 (en) | 2004-11-08 |
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