1) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to packaged food product storage, preservation and dispensing.
2) Discussion of the Related Art
Storage of large bulk food items for animals has always been inconvenient, especially for those with limited space. Pet owners have little option, given the available products, to effectively use their limited space. Furthermore, for those with no space, find that outside storage is the only alternative. Because a majority of food buying is now in bulk, food storage can span from weeks to months, before it is depleted. The long length of time consistently exposes the food to oxygen, microbes, fungus, and in the case of outdoor storage, rain, wind, snow and sunlight.
The disadvantages of current pet food dispensers are that, many are too small to accommodate large bulk bags. They must then be refilled every few days of use. Those that have the space to store the bulk bags, generally lack the preservation means for the bag contents. Many simply crumble up the ends of the bag. This action does nothing to preserve the contents, exposing the food to oxygen, microbes and fungus. This situation becomes dire for those who are relegated to outdoor storage. There the bulk bag is also subject to extreme elements such as wind, sun, rain and snow.
The invention is described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
The second adjuster is comprised of a second securing recess 80, a first upper plurality of sizing members 82, a lower plurality of sizing members 84, a second upper plurality of sizing members 82A, a lower plurality of sizing members 84A.
In use, the product delivery system provides an effective means to store, preserve and dispense packaged food products. The eyelet clip 36 is connected to the packaged product by depressing said clip, disengaging the first and second parallel eyelet members 38 and 40, and then releasing said clip to connect with the packaged product The adjustable body 60 is then inserted into the open packaged product. The adjustable body 60 provides the initial stability and function by adjusting to the maximum diameter of a packaged food product. Upon insertion of the second adjuster 78 into the first housing 64 and second housing 64A of the first adjuster 62, the first and second upper 82 and 82A, and lower 84 and 84A, plurality of sizing members make contact with the upper sizing clips 72 and 72A and lower sizing clips 74 and 74A of the first retainer component 68 and second retainer component 68A.
The adjusting levers 70 and 70A are depressed, the upper 72 and 72A, and lower 74 and 74A, sizing clips disengage, and allow for further insertion of the second adjuster 78 to fit the diameter of the packaged product, once released, the spring-loaded retainers 76 and 76A spring forward, engaging the plurality of sizing members, resulting in a stable system and creating an open portion for dispensing the product.
Once the adjustable body is within the packaged product, the zipper bag 50 is placed over the opened portion of the packaged product, created by the adjustable body 60, enveloping the packaged product, thus placing a lining of the packaged product in between said adjustable body 60 and zipper bag 50. In one embodiment, the zipper bag can be adjustable to fit over any sized packaged product.
The securing strap 42 is placed around the zipper bag 50, the packaged product, and rests inside the connected first securing recess 66 and second securing recess 80 of the adjustable body 60. In one embodiment, the securing strap is elastic. The handle 46 is opened and strap 44 is then pulled, creating an airtight pocket over the open portion of the packaged product, allowing for maximum protection from oxidation, microbes and fungus. The locking mechanism 48 then aids in maintaining the security once the handle 46 is closed.
The interconnected eyelet member 32 of the protective cover 28 slides between the first and second parallel eyelet members 38 and 40 of the eyelet clip 36. The first and second hooks 34 and 34A of the protective cover 28 connect with the first and second zipper eyelet 54 and 54A in order to maintain the stability of the system. In one embodiment, said first hook 34 and second hook 34A, are adjustable, and can be connected to any size zipper bag 50 with respective zipper eyelets 54 and 54A. Upon vertical hanging, a hook, will pierce the first parallel eyelet member, the interconnected eyelet member 38 and the second parallel eyelet member 40, connecting and holding the packaged product, vertically, and within the protective cover 28.
The number of pet owners is consistently increasing. Many owners try and save money by buying food in bulk. Most often, pet owners find storage space limited due to the large quantity of food in bulk bags, and in some cases, they find that outside storage is the only option. Food bags can also be cumbersome and heavy to move around. Today, the quantities of pet food range from 6-50 lbs. The product delivery system provides for efficient use of limited storage space, preservation and ease of dispensing large bulk food items.
An advantage of the product delivery system is its vertical positioning. In an embodiment of the invention, a hook can hang the product delivery system vertically. The hook pierces the respective eyelets of, the first and second parallel eyelet members of the eyelet clip, as well as the interconnected eyelet member of the protective cover. This allows storage of a bulk-packaged product in a variety of areas that would ordinarily not be used. Moreover, because some owners are faced with limited space and must store food outdoors, the protective cover provides the necessary protection from the outdoor elements, effectively increasing the lifespan of the packaged product.
Another advantage of the product delivery system is its unique ability to preserve the contents of the bulk-packaged items. Using large quantities of food increases the amount of time spent exposed to the environment. Because animals eat such small portions the food containers can spend weeks, even months, exposed to oxygen, microbes and fungus. The product delivery system is equipped with a zipper bag that effectively reduces this exposure by employing very unique elements.
Paramount to these elements is the securing strap and recess. The securing strap is comprised of a strap, handle and locking mechanism. The strap can be effectively pulled to its maximum tension strength by use of the handle and locked into position by the locking mechanism. A securing recess, which is comprised of a first securing recess on the first adjuster and a second recess on the second adjuster, once connected, allows for the securing strap to rest within. This securing recess is another barrier to the introduction of oxygen into the packaged product, thus increasing its longevity.
The second element is the clear through plastic flexible cover. This cover is impermeable to the elements, providing safe storage of food for a prolonged period of time. As an added safeguard, the clear plastic allows an end user to primarily survey the contents of the bag, to ensure quality. Fungus is easy to spot and is indicative of contamination of the food source.
Generally, pet owners resort to using a cup or other utensil to reach in and pull out portions of food. An advantage of the product delivery system is its unique dispensing method. The zipper bag is comprised of a flexible clear body, a first and second zipper eyelet and a fastener. While the respective eyelets are connected to the protective cover hooks, the fastener can be moved with one hand, providing ease of dispensing product.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the current invention, and that this invention is not restricted to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described since modification may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
This application is a Continuation-In-Part of prior application Ser. No. 10/794,597 filed Mar. 8, 2004.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10794597 | Mar 2004 | US |
Child | 11370067 | Mar 2006 | US |