Packet dispenser
First Claim
1. A packet dispenser, comprising:
- a plurality of panels and tabs operatively connected to each other to form a container, wherein the plurality of panels and tabs include an inner panel and an outer panel positioned over an outer surface of a first portion of the inner panel to form a channel between the outer panel and the first portion of the inner panel, the channel having an outlet at an exit end of the outer panel, the outer panel including an outer access notch along the exit end of the outer panel; and
a length of attached packets, each of the packets having a blister containing at least one item, wherein said packets are housed within said container, wherein at least one of the attached packets is received in the channel for sliding movement toward the outlet, the at least one of the attached packets being exposed at least in part through the outer access notch to facilitate access to the attached packets, wherein the inner panel includes a second portion connected to the first portion by a first fold line, the second portion extending away from the channel, wherein the inner panel further includes a third portion connected to the first portion by a second fold line that is disposed opposite to the first fold line, the third portion being disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first portion, the third portion comprising a removable thumb notch element that defines at least in part an inner access notch in the first portion of the inner panel, the inner access notch being disposed in substantial alignment with the outer access notch.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A dispensing container (12, 212) for housing and sequentially dispensing packets (124) is taught. Also taught are the carton blanks (10, 210) for erecting the respective containers. A length of packets created by severably attaching sequential packets (124) along respective tear lines (129) is rolled or folded then positioned within the container for later dispensing. Child-resistance features that impede removal of each packet (124) include routing the length of packets between opposing panels (16, 24) or between opposing panels and an edge of folded panels (224, 239) that exert a lateral pressure on the packets (124). In some embodiments the panels (16, 24) include apertures (64, 92) that catch or otherwise engage a feature of a packet, such as a blister, to further impede removal of each packet (124). To further impede removal of a packet (124), access notches (56, 256, 290) that allow the user to grasp the packet are narrowly constructed.
21 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A packet dispenser, comprising:
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a plurality of panels and tabs operatively connected to each other to form a container, wherein the plurality of panels and tabs include an inner panel and an outer panel positioned over an outer surface of a first portion of the inner panel to form a channel between the outer panel and the first portion of the inner panel, the channel having an outlet at an exit end of the outer panel, the outer panel including an outer access notch along the exit end of the outer panel; and a length of attached packets, each of the packets having a blister containing at least one item, wherein said packets are housed within said container, wherein at least one of the attached packets is received in the channel for sliding movement toward the outlet, the at least one of the attached packets being exposed at least in part through the outer access notch to facilitate access to the attached packets, wherein the inner panel includes a second portion connected to the first portion by a first fold line, the second portion extending away from the channel, wherein the inner panel further includes a third portion connected to the first portion by a second fold line that is disposed opposite to the first fold line, the third portion being disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first portion, the third portion comprising a removable thumb notch element that defines at least in part an inner access notch in the first portion of the inner panel, the inner access notch being disposed in substantial alignment with the outer access notch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A packet dispenser, comprising:
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a plurality of panels and tabs operatively connected to each other to form a container, wherein the plurality of panels and tabs include an inner panel and an outer panel positioned over an outer surface of a portion of the inner panel to form a channel between the outer panel and the first portion of the inner panel, the channel having an outlet at an exit end of the outer panel, the outer panel including an outer access notch along the exit end of the outer panel; and a length of attached packets, each of the packets having a blister containing at least one item, wherein said packets are housed within said container, wherein at least one of the attached packets is received in the channel for sliding movement toward the outlet, the at least one of the attached packets being exposed at least in part through the outer access notch to facilitate access to the attached packets, wherein the inner panel further includes a second portion connected to the first portion by a fold line, the second portion being disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first portion, the second portion comprising a removable thumb notch element that defines at least in part an inner access notch in the first portion of the inner panel, the inner access notch being disposed in substantial alignment with the outer access notch, wherein the inner access notch extends into the second portion of the inner panel, the plurality of panels and tabs further include at least one dust cover that is disposed under the second portion of the inner panel, the at least one dust cover including a recess that is positioned in substantial alignment with part of the inner access notch that extends into the second portion of the inner panel. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification