Container With Dispenser Features, Related Systems And Methods

Abstract

A container for holding at least one article, the container includes a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container, a closed bottom engaged with the body, at least one barrier member positioned in the interior of the container and having an access opening, and a dispenser member rotatably positioned in the interior of the container, the dispenser member includes a dispenser opening such that the dispenser opening can be selectively rotationally aligned with the access opening in the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/438,928, filed on Jan. 13, 2023, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to containers for holding one or more articles. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a container with access and dispensing features for at least one article in the interior of the container.

SUMMARY

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

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a combination of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one article, the combination comprising a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container, a bottom blank for forming a closed bottom engaged with the body when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, at least one barrier blank comprising an access opening and for forming at least one barrier member positioned in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, and a dispenser blank comprising a dispenser opening, the dispenser blank for forming a dispenser member rotatably positioned in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks such that the dispenser opening can be selectively rotationally aligned with the access opening in the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a container for holding at least one article, the method comprising obtaining a body blank, obtaining a bottom blank, obtaining at least one barrier blank comprising an access opening, obtaining a dispenser blank comprising a dispenser opening, positioning the body blank extending at least partially around an interior of the container, positioning the bottom blank to form a closed bottom of the container engaged with the body, positioning the at least one barrier blank in the interior of the container, and positioning the dispenser blank to form a dispenser member rotatably positioned in the interior of the container such that the dispenser opening can be selectively rotationally aligned with the access opening in the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a body blank used to form a body of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of an exterior surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a plan view of an exterior surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to another alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a dispenser blank for forming a dispenser member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of an exterior surface of a dispenser blank for forming a dispenser member of a container according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a plan view of an exterior surface of a dispenser blank for forming a dispenser member of a container according to another alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a bottom blank for forming a bottom of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a container formed from the blanks of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 5 taken along the line VI-VI.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a dispenser member of the container of FIG. 5 and formed from the blank of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 5 with the dispenser member in a first rotational position.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 5 with the dispenser member in a second rotational position.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 5 with the dispenser member in a third rotational position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blanks of FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A and 4 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of container of FIG. 8 with a dispenser member thereof in a rotated position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blanks of FIGS. 1, 2B, 3B and 4 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of container of FIG. 10 with a dispenser member thereof in a rotated position.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Containers according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles such as flowable products or materials, e.g., granular materials/materials with a relatively small particle size, such as flowable food products. In one embodiment, articles described herein can be flowable products such as, e.g., granulated sugar, powdered drink mix (e.g., iced tea mix, sport drink mix, instant coffee, etc.), spices or seasoning, cereal, granola, trail mix, candy, pasta, or any other food product such as liquid or powdered food or beverage products. In other embodiments, the flowable products could be nonfood productions (e.g., detergent, cat litter, etc.) without departing from the disclosure.

In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright containers. As described herein, containers can be formed from blanks by overlapping multiple panels, portions, and/or end flaps. Such panels, portions and/or end flaps may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of a body blank 203 for forming a body 205 of the container 105 is illustrated. As described herein, the body 205 is arranged to extend at least partially around an interior 107 of the container 105.

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

The body blank 203 and body 205 formed therefrom can also include a central portion 215, an upper marginal portion 217, and lower marginal portion 219.

In some embodiments, the body blank 203 can be comprised of one or more paperboard materials made predominantly from cellulose fibers or paper fibers. The material may be provided in the form of a continuous web or may be provided as individual sheets of material. The paperboard material may be a single ply or multi ply material and may be a laminate comprising one or more reinforcing, moisture resistant non-cellulosic layers of materials such as films and coatings, metal foil, etc. The paperboard material may be coated, printed, embossed, etc. and may comprise fillers, pigments, binders and other additives as known in the art. In some embodiments, the paperboard material can be devoid of polymeric and/or metallic materials.

Turning to FIG. 2A, the exterior surface 301 of a barrier blank 303 for forming a barrier member 305 of the construct 105 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the barrier blank 303 and barrier member 305 formed therefrom can be formed from one or more materials that can include aluminum foil, silicon-coated paper, plastic film, or laminates thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the barrier blank 303 can include at least a layer of paperboard material laminated with a layer of foil. In some embodiments, the barrier blank 303 and barrier member 305 formed therefrom can be formed of a paperboard material that is devoid of polymeric and/or metallic materials.

The barrier blank 303 and the barrier member 305 formed therefrom can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, and can include a central portion 307 and a marginal portion 309 extending to the peripheral edges of the barrier blank 303. In some embodiments, the marginal portion 309 of the barrier blank 303 can be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 307 at one or more lines of weakening, e.g., fold lines. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the marginal portion 309 of the blank 303 and the central portion 307 of the blank 303 can be formed upon formation of the barrier member 305.

In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier blank 303 and barrier member 305 formed therefrom can include access features for facilitating access to one or more features of the interior 107 of the container 105 and that include at least an access panel 311 at least partially defined by a generally continuous edge 313 of the central portion 307 of the blank 303/member 305.

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

In the illustrated embodiment, the access panel 311 can have a configuration that is complementary to that of the edge 313 having a generally triangular configuration with rounded corners.

It will be understood that the barrier blank 303/barrier member 305 and associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

For example, FIG. 2A illustrates an alternative configuration of the barrier blank 303 that is generally designated 303A, and that can be used for forming a barrier member 305A (FIG. 8). As shown, the barrier blank 303A can have a configuration similar to that of the blank 303, i.e., so as to have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, the central portion 307, and the marginal portion 309.

The blank 303A and barrier member 305A can also have an access panel 311A that is separably connected to the remainder of the blank 303A/barrier member 305A to expose an access opening 315A (FIG. 9) at least partially defined by a generally continuous edge 313A having a generally longitudinal segment 313a, a pair of generally curved segments 313b, 313c extending inwardly from respective endpoints of the segment 313a, and generally longitudinal segment 313d extending from an endpoint of the segment 313b to an endpoint of the segment 313c.

Turning to FIG. 2B, another alternative configuration of the barrier blank 303 is generally designated 303B, and can be used for forming a barrier member 305B (FIG. 10). As shown, the barrier blank 303B can have a configuration similar to that of the blank 303, i.e., so as to have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, the central portion 307, and the marginal portion 309.

The blank 303B and barrier member 305B can also have an access panel 311B that is separably connected to the remainder of the blank 303B/barrier member 305B to expose an access opening 315B at least partially defined by a generally continuous edge 313B having a generally curved segment 313e, a pair of generally oblique segments 313f, 313g extending inwardly from respective endpoints of the segment 313e, and generally longitudinal segment 313h extending from an endpoint of the segment 313f to an endpoint of the segment 313g.

Turning to FIG. 3, the exterior surface 401 of a dispenser blank 403 for at least partially forming a dispenser member 405 of the container 105 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the dispenser member 405 can at least partially close the interior 107 of the container 105 at an upper portion thereof so as to form a recloseable top end 109 (FIG. 5) of the container 105.

As shown, the dispenser blank 403 and the dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, and can include a central portion 407 and a marginal portion 409 extending to the peripheral edges of the dispenser blank 403. The blank 403 can have a generally circular configuration, though can have a different profile without departing from the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the marginal portion 409 of the dispenser blank 403 can be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 407 at a generally rounded rectangular/elliptical fold line. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the marginal portion 409 of the dispenser blank 403 and the central portion 407 of the dispenser blank 403 can be formed upon formation of the dispenser member 405, as described further herein.

The dispenser blank 403 and dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can also include dispenser features for facilitating controlled or metered egress of one or more articles from the interior 107 of the container 105 to an external environment, as described further herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser features can include a first dispenser opening 411 at least partially defined by a generally continuous edge 413 having a configuration generally similar to the generally continuous edge 313 of the barrier blank 303/barrier member 305, e.g., a rounded triangular configuration, though the dispenser opening can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

As shown, the dispenser features of the dispenser blank 403/dispenser member 405 can also include a plurality of openings 415 arranged, in aggregate, in a generally rounded rectangular configuration to form a second dispenser opening 417. In this regard, each individual opening 415 can be generally smaller than the aggregate dispenser opening 407 to provide finer control over egress of one or more articles from the interior 107 of the container 105, as described further herein.

The dispenser blank 403 and dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can also include engagement features for facilitating movement of the dispenser member 405 relative to the remainder of the container 105. In this regard, the engagement features can be portions of the dispenser member 405 that are capable of being grasped, pinched, otherwise contacted, etc. by a user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement features can include a pair of protrusions 419 (broadly, respective “first protrusion” and “second protrusion”) spaced apart from one another and extending upwardly from the central portion 407 of the dispenser blank 403/dispenser member 405. Though the protrusions 419 may be formed upon formation of the dispenser member 405 from the dispenser blank 403, they are illustrated schematically on the blank 403 in dashed lines which, in some embodiments, can correspond to lines of weakening to facilitate formation of the protrusions 419. While the protrusions 419 are illustrated as having generally rounded rectangular profile, it will be understood that the engagement features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the dispenser blank 403 and dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can be formed from a composite material, e.g., a material comprised of cellulosic fibers that can be molded into a desired configuration. In some embodiments, the dispenser blank 403 and dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can incorporate one or more polymeric materials, such as plastic. In some embodiments, the dispenser blank 403 and dispenser member 405 formed therefrom can be devoid of polymeric materials.

It will be understood that the dispenser blank 403/dispenser member 405 and associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

For example, FIG. 3A illustrates an alternative configuration of the dispenser blank 403 that is generally designated 403A, and that can be used for forming a dispenser member 405A (FIG. 8). As shown, the dispenser blank 403A can have a configuration similar to that of the dispenser blank 403, i.e., so as to have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, the central portion 407, the marginal portion 409, and the protrusions 419.

The blank 403A and dispenser member 405A can also have a dispenser opening 411A formed by a generally continuous edge 413A that has a configuration generally complementary to that of the generally continuous edge 313A of the barrier blank 303A/barrier member 305A, e.g., so as to have a generally longitudinal segment 413a, a pair of generally curved segments 413b, 413c extending inwardly from respective endpoints of the segment 413a, and a generally longitudinal segment 413d extending from an endpoint of the segment 413b to an endpoint of the segment 413c.

Turning to FIG. 3B, another alternative configuration of the dispenser blank 403 is generally designated 403B, and can be used for forming a dispenser member 405B (FIG. 10). As shown, the dispenser blank 403B can have a configuration similar to that of the blank 403, i.e., so as to have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, the central portion 407, and the marginal portion 409.

The blank 403B and dispenser member 405B can also have a dispenser opening 411B formed by a generally continuous edge 413B that has a configuration generally complementary to that of the generally continuous edge 313B of the barrier blank 303B/barrier member 305B, e.g., having a generally curved segment 413e, a pair of generally oblique segments 413f, 413g extending inwardly from respective endpoints of the segment 413e, and generally longitudinal segment 413h extending from an endpoint of the segment 413f to an endpoint of the segment 413g.

In addition, the engagement features of the dispenser blank 403A and dispenser member 405B formed therefrom can include a single protrusion 419B having an elongate and generally rounded rectangular profile. As shown, the protrusion 419B can have a length in the longitudinal direction L1 that is generally longer than that of the protrusions 419 described above.

Turning to FIG. 4, the exterior surface 501 of a bottom blank 503 for at least partially forming a closed bottom or closed end 111 of the container 105 (FIG. 5) is illustrated.

As shown, the bottom blank 503 can the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, a central portion 507, and a marginal portion 509 extending to the peripheral edges of the bottom blank 503. In the illustrated embodiment, the marginal portion 509 can be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 507 at a generally rounded rectangular/elliptical fold line, though the blank 503 can be devoid of such fold line without departing from the disclosure.

Turning to FIGS. 5-7C, formation of the container 105 from the blanks 203, 303 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

The body blank 203 can be positioned to extend at least partially around an interior 107 of the container 105. In one embodiment, the body blank 203 can be at least partially bent, curved, folded, etc., into a generally circular cross-section, with portions of the body blank 203 proximate the free edges 207, 209 at least partially overlapped to form a seam arrangement, which can be maintained with a strip of adhesive tape or other closure feature. In some embodiments, the free edges 207, 209 of the blank 203 can be brought into generally edge-to-edge contact.

In some embodiments, the overlapping/meeting portions of the body blank 203 can be joined, for example, with an adhesive such as glue, with an adhesive coated tape or substrate, and/or through another method of joining such as ultrasonic welding, RF welding, interfering locking arrangements, etc.

As described above, in some embodiments, the body 205 of the container 105 can be formed into a different cross-sectional configuration, e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc., including rounded or curved corner variations thereof.

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

The marginal portion 509 of the bottom blank 503/bottom panel 511 can be bent or folded downwardly relative to the central portion 507 of the blank 503/bottom panel 511 and attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the interior surface of the container body 205.

Articles A can be inserted into the interior 107 of the container 105 upon formation of the bottom 111 thereof. As described herein, articles A can be flowable products or materials, e.g., granular materials/materials with a relatively small particle size, such as flowable food products, though the articles A can be other products without departing from the disclosure.

It will be understood that, in some embodiments, one or more top portions of the container 105 can be closed prior to formation of the closed bottom 111 of the container 105 such that the interior 107 of the container 105 can be filled with the container 105 in an inverted orientation, e.g., prior to formation of the closed bottom 111.

In some embodiments, following loading of articles A into the interior 107 of the container 105, the marginal portion 309 of the barrier blank 303 can be folded or bent at least partially upwardly or downwardly relative to the central portion 307 of the barrier blank 303 to form the barrier member 305, with the marginal portion 309 positioned for attachment to one or more interior surfaces of the container body 205.

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

With continued reference to FIGS. 5-7C, the dispenser member 405 can be formed from the blank 403, in some embodiments, by a suitable molding process, e.g., transfer molding or thermoformed molding (cure-in-the mold). In this regard, a reinforcement member 505 can be molded so as to have desirable structural properties, e.g., density, resistance to bending, resistance to compression, tear resistance, etc.

The marginal portion 409 of the dispenser blank 403 can be positioned in at least partial upright relation to the central portion 407 of the dispenser blank 403 to form the dispenser member 405 of the container 105.

The formed dispenser member 405 can be inserted into the interior 107 of the container 105 a selected distance below the top edge of the container 105 so as to be positioned for engagement with the top marginal portion 217 of the body 205 of the container 105 that has been curled inwardly toward the interior 107 of the container 105.

In this regard, the marginal portion 409 of the dispenser member 405 can be positioned between the top marginal portion 217 of the body 205 of the container 105 and the central portion 215 of the body 205 of the container 105.

Accordingly, the dispenser member 405 can be generally free to rotate within the interior 107 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the central portion 407 of the dispenser member 405 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the central portion 307 of the barrier member 305, and can at least partially slide therealong upon rotation of the dispenser member 405. In other embodiments, the dispenser member 405 can be arranged at least partially suspended above the central portion 307 of the barrier member 305.

Upon obtaining the formed container 105, a user can grasp or pinch, e.g., between one or more of his or her fingers, the protrusions 419 and apply a rotational force to the dispenser member 405 causing the dispenser member 405 to rotate in a first rotational direction R1 (e.g., clockwise) or a second rotational direction R2 (e.g., counterclockwise) about a vertical axis that is perpendicular to each of the axes L1, L2 and extending along the height of the container 105.

As described above, such rotation of the dispenser member 405 can include sliding the central portion 407 of the dispenser member 405 at least partially along the central portion 307 of the barrier member 305 and/or sliding the marginal portion 409 of the dispenser member 405 at least partially along the central portion 215 and/or top marginal portion 217 of the body 205 of the container 105.

The dispenser member 405 is thus rotationally positionable at a user at a plurality of rotational positions relative to the remainder of the container 105.

In one arrangement, as shown in FIG. 7A, a user can rotate the dispenser member 405 such that the dispenser opening 411 is generally aligned with the access panel 311 of the barrier member 305 below (broadly, “first rotational position” or “second rotational position” or “third rotational position” relative to the barrier member 305). In such an arrangement, the access panel 311 can be at least partially separated from the remainder of the barrier member 305 by the user, e.g., by at least partially pressing the access panel 311 further into the interior 107 of the container 105 or by at least partially pulling the access panel 311 away from the remainder of the barrier member 305, to at least partially expose the access opening 315. It will be understood that, in some embodiments, the access panel 311 can be removed from the remainder of the barrier member 305 prior to such alignment of the dispenser opening 411.

In such an arrangement, with the dispenser opening 411 at least partially aligned with the access opening 315 therebelow, the container can be at least partially tilted or inverted to allow article(s) A from the interior 107 of the container to flow out of the aligned openings 411, 315.

In another arrangement, as shown in FIG. 7B, the user can rotate the dispenser member 405 such that the dispenser opening 417 is generally aligned with the access panel 311 of the barrier member 305 below (broadly, “first rotational position” or “second rotational position” or “third rotational position” relative to the barrier member 305). In such an arrangement, the access panel 311 can be at least partially separated from the remainder of the barrier member 305 as described above, and the container 105 can be at least partially tilted or inverted to allow article(s) A from the interior 107 of the container to flow out of the aligned openings 417, 315. In some embodiments, the opening 417 can cause a lower rate of flow of article(s) A from the interior 107 of the container 105 as compared to the opening 411.

In still other arrangements, as shown in FIG. 7C, the user can rotate the dispenser member 405 such that neither dispenser opening 411, 417 is aligned with the access panel 311/access opening 315 of the barrier member 305 (broadly, “first rotational position” or “second rotational position” or “third rotational position” relative to the barrier member 305). In such arrangements, the portions of the barrier member 305 spaced away from the access panel 311/access opening 315 formed therefrom can minimize, inhibit, and/or prevent article(s) A from exiting the container 105 through the dispenser openings 411, 417.

Such selective rotation of the dispenser member 405 of the container 105 by a user provides the container 105 with a selectively openable and selectively closeable configuration in which access to article(s) A in the interior 107 of the container 105 can be conveniently provided by a selective partial turn of the dispenser member 405, and such that closure of the container 105 can be provided by an additional partial turn of the dispenser member 405.

The aforementioned arrangement provides both ease of access and closure, e.g., to maintain freshness, to avoid spillage or spoilage, etc. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the container 105 can be provided with further features to facilitate convenient opening and closure of the container 105. For example, in some embodiments, visual indicia, e.g., lettering, words, numbers, colors, etc., can be provided on different portions of the barrier member 305, e.g., the access panel 311 and the remainder thereof, to allow ready visual inspection of the open or closed state of the container 105 through one or both of the dispenser openings 411, 417.

With additional reference to FIGS. 8-9, a container 105A according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The container 105A is generally similar to the container 105 described above, except that a barrier member 305A formed from the barrier blank 303A is provided in place of the barrier member 305, and a dispenser member 405A formed from the dispenser blank 403A is provided in place of the barrier member 405.

In this regard, the container 105A provides similar functionality and advantages to those described above with regard to the container 105, e.g., such that a user can engage the protrusions 419 of the dispenser member 405A to rotate the dispenser member 405A to selected rotational positions that either align the dispenser opening 411A (broadly, “first rotational position” relative to the barrier member 305A) with the access panel 311A/access opening 315A to allow articles in the interior of the container 105A to flow through the aligned openings 411A/315A, or selected rotational positions in which the dispenser opening 411A is not aligned with or offset from the access panel 311A/access opening 315A (broadly, “second rotational position” relative to the barrier member 305A) to provide a closed top configuration of the container 105A.

With additional reference to FIGS. 10-11, a container 105B according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The container 105B is generally similar to the containers 105, 105A described above, except that a barrier member 305B formed from the barrier blank 303B is provided in place of the barrier members 305, 305A, and a dispenser member 405B formed from the dispenser blank 403B is provided in place of the barrier members 405, 405A.

In this regard, the container 105B provides similar functionality and advantages to those described above with regard to the containers 105, 105A, e.g., such that a user can engage the protrusion 419B of the dispenser member 405B to rotate the dispenser member 405B to selected rotational positions that either align the dispenser opening 411B with the access panel 311B/access opening 315B to allow articles in the interior of the container 105B to flow through the aligned openings 411B/315B, or selected rotational positions in which the dispenser opening 411B is not aligned with or offset from the access panel 311B/access opening 315B (broadly, “second rotational position” relative to the barrier member 305B) to provide a closed top configuration of the container 105B.

In some embodiments, one or both portions of the containers 105, 105A, 105B (e.g., respective bodies, dispenser members, and/or bottom panels thereof) can be formed of a pulp fiber material. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the containers 105, 105A, 105B can be free from plastic materials. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the containers 105, 105A, 105B can be formed of a material that includes from about 95% to about 100% of pulp fibers, such as softwood pulp fibers, optionally virgin softwood pulp fibers. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the containers 105, 105A, 105B can be formed of a material that includes about 98% to about 100% of pulp fibers. Examples of such pulp fiber materials which have been developed for molding applications such as molded trays and blisters, shaped or embossed boxes, etc. are produced e.g. at Billerud Gruvon of Gums, Sweden and sold as Billerud FibreForm® contact formable paper. A similar formable paper material is sold as Advantage Formable by Mondi of Surrey, United Kingdom.

The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the containers to function at least generally as described above. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the spaced apart slits to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure. Also, a tear line can be a series of cut scores passing completely, or partially, through the material, that are separated by nicks.

The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure container panels or portions in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A container for holding at least one article, the container comprising: a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container;a closed bottom engaged with the body;at least one barrier member positioned in the interior of the container and comprising an access opening; anda dispenser member rotatably positioned in the interior of the container, the dispenser member comprising a dispenser opening such that the dispenser opening can be selectively rotationally aligned with the access opening in the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. A combination of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one article, the combination comprising: a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container;a bottom blank for forming a closed bottom engaged with the body when the container is formed from the combination of blanks;at least one barrier blank comprising an access opening and for forming at least one barrier member positioned in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks; anda dispenser blank comprising a dispenser opening, the dispenser blank for forming a dispenser member rotatably positioned in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks such that the dispenser opening can be selectively rotationally aligned with the access opening in the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. A method of forming a container for holding at least one article, the method comprising: obtaining a body blank;obtaining a bottom blank;obtaining at least one barrier blank comprising an access opening;obtaining a dispenser blank comprising a dispenser opening;positioning the body blank extending at least partially around an interior of the container;positioning the bottom blank to form a closed bottom of the container engaged with the body;positioning the at least one barrier blank in the interior of the container; andpositioning the dispenser blank to form a dispenser member rotatably positioned in the interior of the container such that the dispenser opening can be selectively rotationally aligned with the access opening in the at least one barrier member to provide access to the interior of the container.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the dispenser blank comprises a central portion and a marginal portion, and positioning the dispenser blank to form the dispenser member comprises positioning the marginal portion extending upwardly from the central portion and arranging at least one protrusion extending upwardly from the central portion of the dispenser member to facilitate engagement by a user.

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

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