Article and method for dispensing toner and the like
First Claim
1. An article for dispensing toner and the like to an electrophotographic copier, the article comprising a generally cylindrical housing with an open end and a closed end, the open end having a flanged collar adjacent thereto, the collar having outwardly extending teeth for enabling the article'"'"'s rotation upon driving engagement with a dispensing device of the copier, the article open end further comprising a lip and flange portions which loosely secure a ring thereto, the ring having edges configured for engaging a receptacle of the dispensing device so as to limit ring movement relative to the receptacle, while allowing rotation of the article, the ring also having lip portions configured for minimizing spillage of toner upon removal of the article from the receptacle.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An article for dispensing toner and the like to an electrophotographic copier. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the article has a generally cylindrical housing with an open end and a closed end, the open end having a flanged collar adjacent thereto. The collar is provided with outwardly extending teeth for enabling the article'"'"'s rotation upon driving engagement with a dispensing device of the copier. The article open end further comprises a lip and flange portions which loosely secure a ring thereto. Upon mounting the article to the dispensing device, serrated edges about the ring engage a receptacle of the device so as to limit ring movement relative to the receptacle, while allowing rotation of the canister. The ring also has lip portions configured for minimizing spillage of toner, upon removal of the canister from the receptacle.
80 Citations
14 Claims
- 1. An article for dispensing toner and the like to an electrophotographic copier, the article comprising a generally cylindrical housing with an open end and a closed end, the open end having a flanged collar adjacent thereto, the collar having outwardly extending teeth for enabling the article'"'"'s rotation upon driving engagement with a dispensing device of the copier, the article open end further comprising a lip and flange portions which loosely secure a ring thereto, the ring having edges configured for engaging a receptacle of the dispensing device so as to limit ring movement relative to the receptacle, while allowing rotation of the article, the ring also having lip portions configured for minimizing spillage of toner upon removal of the article from the receptacle.
-
7. A method of dispensing toner and the like to an electrophotographic copier, the method comprising the steps of:
-
providing an article having a generally cylindrical housing with an open end and a closed end, the open end having a flanged collar adjacent thereto, the collar including outwardly extending teeth for enabling rotation of the article upon driving engagement with a dispensing device of the copier, the housing containing a selected volume of toner; providing a ring in engagement with the open end of the housing, the article open end further comprising a lip and flange portions configured for loosely securing the ring thereto, the ring having serrated edges in engagement with a receptacle of the dispensing device and limiting movement of the ring relative to the receptacle, while allowing rotation of the article, the ring also having lip portions configured for minimizing spillage of toner upon removal of the canister from the receptacle; rotating the housing so as to dispense the selected volume of toner; and upon delivering substantially the selected volume of toner to the copier, removing the housing from the receptacle. - View Dependent Claims (8)
-
- 9. In combination, a toner dispensing device and article for dispensing toner to an electrophotographic copier, the article comprising a generally cylindrical housing with an open end and a closed end, the open end having a flanged collar adjacent thereto, the collar having outwardly extending teeth for enabling the article'"'"'s rotation upon driving engagement with a dispensing device of the copier, the article open end further comprising a lip and flange portions which loosely secure a ring thereto, the ring having edges configured for engaging a receptacle of the dispensing device so as to limit ring movement relative to the receptacle, while allowing rotation of the article, the ring also having lip portions configured for minimizing spillage of toner upon removal of the canister from the receptacle.
Specification