US20130264378A1

US20130264378A1 - Product Dispenser

Info

Publication number: US20130264378A1
Application number: US13/795,354
Authority: US
Inventors: Gerald J. Keberlein; Gregory A. DiLoreto
Original assignee: Trinova Design LLC
Current assignee: Trinova Design LLC
Priority date: 2010-02-24
Filing date: 2013-03-12
Publication date: 2013-10-10
Also published as: US20110204081A1

Abstract

An octahedral product dispenser for dispensing discrete product portions and a corresponding blank for constructing the product dispenser are described. The product dispenser includes two opposing hexagonal end panels, and six integrally connected rectangular side panels extending between the two end panels, wherein a first and a last of these six side panels are not integrally connected to each other but connected to one another with a flap portion. An opening is formed in one of the end or side panels for allowing access to product portions within the product dispenser, and these product portions can be arranged vertically.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/338,829, filed on Feb. 24, 2010, and entitled “Product Dispenser,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to dispensers and more particularly to dispensers for dispensing a product, such as a paper or cloth product.

BACKGROUND

A variety of product dispensers are available for holding and dispensing products, such as stacked paper tissues or other products, to a user. Such dispensers can take a wide variety of forms depending on a variety of factors, such as the product to be dispensed, and the intended consumer segment, among others.
Such dispensers are often configured to have aesthetically appealing outer packaging graphics, so that when placed in use they can blend in with or enhance, by way of example, the decor of the room or surroundings in which they are situated. One such popular product dispenser is a tissue dispenser, which holds and dispenses facial tissues. As a result, the tissue dispenser category is one of a few grocery store consumer product categories where the outer packaging graphics are a primary reason for choosing one dispenser over another. Research shows that the average consumer often first selects the brand of a tissue dispenser (Puffs®, Kleenex®, etc.), and then reviews the various graphics for selection of desired color and design. In consideration of these purchasing points, in the facial tissue category packages are often displayed in the grocery store with the brand name on the shelf facing the consumer based on the first consumer criteria for brand selection. Further, to accommodate visibility of both the packaging graphics and the brand name simultaneously, and to decrease the likelihood of product tampering, it is common to place a film over the top and one side panel for display on the shelf. Such film is often made from polyethylene and thus termed a “poly” overwrap film. Such poly film or wrap can be wrapped around an individual dispenser and/or a plurality of such dispensers for shipment and/or display. The use of a transparent film is common and allows the consumer to see the packaging graphics (including advertising indicia or printing, also referred to as “signage”) as well as the brand identity when the dispenser is stacked on a shelf. Alternatively, the poly film can itself incorporate printed material or other signage, including the brand identity. Although such poly film is abundant, the film is not inexpensive and its incorporation into the packaging scheme increases the carbon footprint of the product dispenser and/or products to be dispensed.
Another problem with packages or dispensers presents itself when dispensing product that includes discrete product portions (e.g., facial tissue). Product portions of this kind are generally positioned in a stacked folded configuration and interfolded or interleaved so that each portion is at least partially folded with or with respect to an adjacent (previous or next) product portion. In one example, as a product portion (e.g., tissue) is pulled outwardly or out of the dispenser, the next product portion, which is interleaved with the prior product portion, will be pulled along to partially extend out of the container to be ultimately dispensed. However, product portions in the dispenser tend to become disconnected from, and no longer interleaved with, one another. When this occurs, the next product portion falls back into the dispenser. Such “fall back” typically occurs as number of discrete product portions (e.g., tissues) within a dispenser decreases, and thus the distance between the top-most discrete product portion (e.g., the top tissue in a stack of tissues) and the dispenser opening increases. At a certain critical distance (e.g., typically when about one third to one quarter of the total discrete product portions remains in the container), the top-most product portion falls back into the dispenser, rather then being retained or supported, usually at or at least in part by the container opening, for easy removal. Thus, the fall back problem increases along with the emptying of the dispenser, and the final tissues following the last one-third to one-quarter tissues can become difficult or inconvenient to remove. For example, a user will typically have to reach into the interior of the dispenser in order to pull the next discrete product portion out of the container. The problem of “fall back” is increased with increased dispenser height, because product portions are typically stacked in a horizontal position from the bottom of the dispenser up.
Finally, product dispensers, such as facial tissue containers, are typically stacked on store shelves. Such dispensers are often rectangular in shape and include a portion that is to be removed (i.e., referred to as a “serf”) to permit access to the contents of the dispenser (i.e., the tissues) and this portion is typically included on a top surface of the container. When a multiplicity of such dispensers are stacked one on top of the other, the serf, which frequently includes product branding information, is hidden from view, thereby reducing the benefits of such branding when presented to a consumer.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide new product dispensers and blanks for constructing the dispensers that address the aforementioned issues in a cost-effective manner.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a blank for making an octahedral product dispenser and which includes a plurality of primary portions that each comprise a generally hexagonal shape, and a plurality of secondary portions that each comprise a generally rectangular shape, the plurality of secondary portions connected at least indirectly to the plurality of primary portions, and a plurality of additional portions connected at least indirectly to one or more of the plurality of primary and/or secondary portions, the additional portions including at least one of a plurality of tertiary portions and a flap portion.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an octahedral product dispenser is disclosed herein, the product dispenser constructed from the blank. Such an octahedral product dispenser can dispense product such as discrete product portions, and can include two hexagonal end panels opposite each other, and six integrally connected rectangular side panels extending between the two end panels, wherein a first and a last of these six side panels are not integrally connected to each other but connected to each other by a flap portion. Further, the end panels can each be integrally connected to one of the side panels, and the remaining side panels can be connected to the end panels by respective flap portions. An opening formed in one of the end or side panels allows for access to product within the product dispenser.
Other embodiments, aspects, features, objectives and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated upon a full reading of the detailed description and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings and are for illustrative purposes only. The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of the components illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure encompasses other embodiments and is capable of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. The drawings illustrate a best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-D are top views of exemplary product dispenser blanks (or dies), for use in constructing exemplary stackable product dispensers, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 1A′ and 1A″, 1B′ and 1B″, 1C′, and 1D′, each illustrate alternative exemplary embodiments of open/cover structures for use in conjunction with the embodiments of the blanks, including the blanks shown in FIGS. 1A-D, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view depicting an exemplary product in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-B are front and rear perspective views of a product dispenser in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the product dispenser of FIGS. 3A-B shown in a dispensing orientation in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a rendering or schematic depiction of a plurality of product dispensers shown in a typical display format;

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate respective views of an exemplary product dispenser constructed from a blank such as illustrated in FIG. 1D, these views including a perspective view, a front (or back) view, a top view, a right (or left) side view, and a bottom view;

FIGS. 11-15 illustrate respective views of an exemplary product dispenser constructed from the blank illustrated in FIG. 1C, these views including a perspective view, a front (or back) view, a top view, a right (or left) side view, and a bottom view;

FIGS. 16-20 illustrate respective views of an exemplary product dispenser constructed from the blank illustrated in FIG. 1B, these views including a perspective view, a front (or back) view, a top view, a right (or left) side view, and a bottom view;

FIGS. 21-25 illustrate respective views of an exemplary product dispenser constructed from the blank illustrated in FIG. 1A, these views including a perspective view, a front (or back) view, a top view, a right (or left) side view, and a bottom view;

FIGS. 26( a)-(b) illustrate respective signage areas for an octahedral product dispenser and a decahedral product dispenser;

FIGS. 27-28 illustrate packaging configurations for an exemplary octahedral product dispenser;

FIGS. 29-30 illustrate packaging configurations for a decahedral product dispenser;

FIG. 31 illustrates a packaging configuration for another exemplary octahedral product dispenser; and

FIG. 32 illustrates a packaging configuration for another exemplary decahedral product dispenser.

Throughout the detailed description, like numerals are used to describe like parts, portions, components, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-D are top views of exemplary product dispenser blanks 2 a-2 d, respectively, for use in constructing exemplary stackable octahedral product dispensers (described further below), in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Stated another way, each blank can be said to be considered to be representative of a stackable octahedral product dispenser, but in an unfolded or unassembled form. For simplicity, the stackable product dispensers described herein are also referred to as “product dispensers” or “dispensers”. As shown, each blank is configured to allow for a product dispenser to be formed from a single piece of material, although it is contemplated that a blank may be comprised of multiple material pieces, or even multiple materials types, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, each blank has a surface 4 a-d, respectively, that is generally or substantially planar and which extends along the length(s) and width(s) of each blank.
Each of the illustrated blanks 2 a-2 d, respectively, is generally further segregated into, and thus comprises, a plurality of portions or sections that are used to form or otherwise facilitate formation and/or construction of a respective dispenser. First, each blank 2 a-2 d comprises a plurality, and as illustrated in the Figures a pair, of hexagonal-shaped portions or end panels. With reference to FIG. 1A, blank 2 a includes hexagonal-shaped portions 6 a and 8 a, respectively and, similarly, with reference to FIGS. 1B-1D, blanks 2 b-2 d, respectively include respective hexagonal-shaped portions 6 b and 8 b, 6 c and 8 c, and 6 d and 8 d. It is understood that these hexagonal-shaped portions need not be precisely shaped as a hexagon. For example, the hexagonal-shaped portions may be at least generally hexagonal-shaped. In addition, the hexagonal-shaped portions need not take any particular type of hexagon or hexagonal shape (e.g., equilateral, etc.). These hexagonal-shaped portions are also termed “primary portions” or “end panels” herein. It is noted that, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the disclosure and as illustrated, respective hexagonal-shaped portions can include opposing sides or edges that are equal, or at least substantially equal, in length. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, sides or edges 10 a and 12 a are at least of substantially equal length, and similarly, 10 b and 12 b, 10 c and 12 c, and 10 d and 12 d in FIGS. 1B-1D, respectively, are at least substantially equal in length. Moreover, with reference to FIG. 1A, it is noted that portions 6 a and 8 a are dimensioned to be the same or substantially the same in overall size and shape and, referencing FIGS. 1B-1D, it is noted that portions 6 b-d and 8 b-d, respectively, are dimensioned to be the same or substantially the same in overall size and shape. Such examples of “symmetry” advantageously afford or facilitate, among other things, packing and/or stacking during, for example, packing, transport, and/or display of packages constructed from a respective blank. Other such symmetries and/or similarities may be included as desired without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Second, and still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, each blank 2 a-2 d comprises a plurality of, and as illustrated six (6), rectangular-shaped portions or side panels. With reference to FIG. 1A, blank 2 a includes rectangular-shaped portions 14 a, 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, 22 a, and 24 a, respectively. Similarly, with reference to FIGS. 1B-1-D and blanks 2 b-2 d, respectively, each blank includes respective rectangular-shaped portions 14 b-d, 16 b-d, 18 b-d, 20 b-d, 22 b-d, and 24 b-d, respectively. Here too, it is understood, that these rectangular-shaped portions need not be precisely shaped as a rectangle. For example, the rectangular-shaped portions may be at least generally rectangular-shaped. In addition, the rectangular-shaped portions need not take any particular type of rectangle, for example, a respective rectangular-shaped portion may be but need not be a square. The rectangular-shaped portions are also termed “secondary portions” or “side panels” herein. It is noted that, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the disclosure and as illustrated, respective rectangular-shaped portions can include opposing sides or edges that are equal, or at least substantially equal, in length. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, sides or edges 26 a and 28 a are at least of substantially equal length, and similarly, 26 b and 28 b, 26 c and 28 c, and 26 d and 28 d in FIGS. 1B-1D, respectively, are at least substantially equal in length. Moreover, with reference to FIG. 1A, it is noted that: i) portions 16 a, 18 a, 22 a, and 24 a are dimensioned to be the same or substantially the same in overall size and shape; ii) portions 14 a and 20 a are dimensioned to be the same or substantially the same in overall size and shape. Further and referencing FIGS. 1B-1D, it is noted that: i) portions 16 b-d, 18 b-d, 22 b-d and 24 b-d, respectively, are dimensioned to be the same or substantially the same in overall size and shape; and ii) portions 14 b-d and 20 b-d, respectively, are dimensioned to be the same or substantially the same in overall size and shape. Here too, such examples of “symmetry” advantageously afford or facilitate, among other things, packing and/or stacking during, for example, packing, transport, and/or display of packages constructed from a respective blank. Other such symmetries and/or similarities may be included as desired without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, blanks 2 a-d each includes a respective tab portion 49 a-d to facilitate construction of a respective dispenser or container.
Each of the blanks 2 a-d shown in the FIGS. further provides for an opening that has a boundary or edge 50 a-d, respectively. As shown, blanks 2 a-2 c provide for openings in secondary or rectangular portions 20 a-c, while blank 2 d provides for an opening in primary or hexagonal-shaped portion 6 d. Cover portions 52 a-d (also referred to as “serfs”), respectively, are included and, as shown, are connected to (e.g., via perforations) to the respective blank primary or secondary portion as appropriate and these respective cover portions, again as shown, provide for a pair of openings (also termed “finger openings”) 54 a-d, respectively to permit removal of the cover portion when the blank is assembled as a dispenser to permit a user to access product within the dispenser. It is understood that the boundaries 50 a-d for the openings and the respective cover portions 52 a-d can be sized and shaped (or otherwise varied) according to convenience. For example, FIGS. 1A′ and 1A″, 1B′ and 1B″, 1C′, and 1D′, each illustrate alternative exemplary embodiments of boundaries 50 a′ and 50 a″, 50 b′ and 50 b″, 50 c′, and 50 d′, respectively, are shown in conjunction with associated cover portions 52 a′ and 52 a″, 52 b′ and 52 b″, 52 c′, and 52 d′, created in respective portions 20 a′ and 20 a″, 20 b′ and 20 b″, 20 c′, and 6 d′. Accordingly, alternative shapes, orientations, geometries and the like for these features are considered as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
Third, and referring again to FIGS. 1A-1D, each blank 2 a-2 d comprises a plurality of, and as illustrated ten (10), flap portions (also referred to as “tertiary portions” herein). With reference to FIG. 1A, blank 2 a includes flap portions 30 a, 32 a, 34 a, 36 a, 38 a, 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46 a, and 48 a, respectively, and these flaps, as shown, are trapezoidal or at least generally trapezoidal in shape. Similarly, with reference to FIGS. 1B and 1D and blanks 2 b-2 c, respectively, each blank includes respective flap portions 30 b-d, 32 b-d, 34 b-d, 36 b-d, 38 b-d, 40 b-d, 42 b-d, 44 b-d, 46 b-d, and 48 b-d, respectively. As with the flap portions of blank 2 a, the flap portions in blanks 2 b-2 c are also trapezoidal, or at least generally trapezoidal, in shape. Here too, it is understood, that these trapezoid-shaped portions need not be precisely shaped as a trapezoid. For example, the trapezoid-shaped portions may be at least generally trapezoid-shaped. In addition, the trapezoid-shaped portions need not take any particularly type of trapezoid. For example and in accordance with at least some embodiments, a respective trapezoid-shaped portion may have opposing edges, for example edges 53 a-d of flap portion 30 a-d, respectively, that are equal or substantially equal in length. As shown, each opposing flap is at least substantially symmetric, except those shown in FIG. 1D. Moreover, it is noted that the flap portions of the blank 2 d are similar in size and shape to the flap portions of the blanks 2 a-c, however, each of these flap portions includes an edge, collectively referred to as edge 54, that is contoured or otherwise shaped to conform with, or at least substantially conform with, the boundary 50 d for the opening to be created in hexagonal portion 6 d. Similarly, where the shape or design of an opening is varied, such as was previously described with respect to FIG. 1D′, it is understood that the edge 54 of each respective flap portion of blank 2 d would vary to appropriately conform, or otherwise maintain appropriate correspondence, with the boundary for creating a hole. And here again with regard to the flap portions, above-referenced examples of symmetry advantageously afford or facilitate, among other things, packing and/or stacking during, for example, packing, transport, and/or display of packages constructed from a respective blank. Other such symmetries and/or similarities may be included as desired without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Although exemplary dimensions are shown in FIGS. 1A-D, one or more of these dimensions can vary to convenience. Further, one skilled in the art will understand that blank thickness can vary to convenience based on factors such as intended use of the dispenser. Additionally, it is noted that the placement or location of the product access holes (and any associated features, such as cover portions) in a respective blank can vary, both within and with respect to a given blank portion. For example, and although not shown, a given hole need not necessarily be centered on a given blank portion, but can be offset or otherwise positioned, and/or a given hole may even be positioned to extend over, or with respect to multiple blank portions. Moreover, a given blank may be designed to a plurality of holes (not shown) It should be understood that one of skill in the art will appreciate adjustments or modifications (e.g., to size and shape) of the respective flaps to accommodate variations such as these.
In accordance with at least some embodiments, blanks or dies 2 a-2 d are cut, stamped or otherwise formed from a substantially planar material, such as a paper-based material, for example, Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) paper-board (e.g. cardstock). The blanks are cut so that the portions previously described are generally connected and contiguous. To create a product from a blank, such as blanks 2 a-2 d, the respective primary, secondary and tertiary portions, as well as the additional tab portion, are folded or otherwise manipulated in one of a number of appropriate manners. Portions are then abuttingly secured to form the product dispenser, for example using an adhesive (which can be applied to one or more surfaces or portions of surfaces of respective portions), with the respective portions typically secured together to contain a product to be dispensed. Various ways in which a dispenser can be constructed from a blank, such as the blanks noted above, would be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, the ordering of respective folding operations can vary, and/or the folding can include simultaneous folding. Moreover, it is understood that folding and other aspects of the construction of a dispenser (e.g., application of adhesive) can be manual or automated.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view depicting an exemplary octahedral product dispenser 60 constructed from blank or die that is similar to or the same as one that has been previously described. More specifically and as shown, the dispenser 60 includes a dispenser body or dispenser body structure 62 that that includes eight (8) sides (six of which are visible in FIG. 2), including six (6) rectangular or at least substantially rectangular sides 66 a-c and two (2) hexagonal or at least substantially hexagonal sides or end panels 68. Each side provides a surface that can be utilized for receiving signage (e.g. letter, decoration, printing, indicia, etc.) and, as such, these surfaces can be referred to as “signage receiving surfaces”.
The dispenser body structure 62 bounds or otherwise provides for an enclosed space or enclosure 69 that can contain or otherwise hold various types of product 70, including but not limited to cloth or paper products, such as disposable facial tissues and moist wipes, among others. As shown, product 70 is illustrated to comprise a plurality of distinct or discrete product portions 72 a, b, c, and so on that are interleaved with one another and, when such is the case, the product can also be termed “interleaved product” (it is understood that the dispenser can contain various product and such product need not necessarily be interleaved). The interleaved product illustrated is created as a stack 71. As shown, a discrete product portion 72 is extending out from an opening 74 in side 66 b. As the product portion 72 is removed by a user, another discrete product portion 72 a which is still in the enclosure 69 remains interleaved and thus in contact with the next discrete tissue product portion 72 b, which in turn is interleaved with discrete product portion 72 c and so on, and in this manner serves to facilitate advancement of this next product portion.
In general, as a product portion is pulled or otherwise removed from the dispenser, an additional product portion is advanced and pulled outwardly from the dispenser due to the interleaving. Advantageously and as illustrated, by providing the dispenser body structure 62 that can be positioned on side 66 e, the product 70 can be positioned substantially parallel with a vertical axis 71. The positioning of the product 70 in this manner serves to diminish “fall back” by maintaining contact between the preceding and subsequent product portions as the product is dispensed through the opening 74. In addition, as the product 70 is positioned substantially parallel with a vertical axis 71, the distance between the opening 74 and the product 70, as the product is consumed, has only a de minimus effect on the dispenser's ability to dispense the product 70 without “fall back”. By reducing “fall back” in this manner, the amount of product 70 provided with each dispenser 60 can be increased without limiting the functionality of the dispenser 60. Also, in at least some embodiments, the product in the dispenser can be dispensed in a generally horizontal direction, or in a direction having both a horizontal and a vertical component.
FIGS. 3A-B are front and rear perspective views of a product dispenser 80 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically and as shown, dispenser 80 includes Panels A-F, with Panels B, A and F being visible in the front view (FIG. 3A) and Panels C, D, and E being visible in the rear view (FIG. 3B). The dispenser 80 is generally constructed from a blank, such as the blanks previously described and thus the rectangular shaped Panels illustrated can generally correspond to the secondary or at least generally rectangular portions of those blanks Also shown are hexagonal shaped sides 82 a-b. These sides can generally correspond to the primary or hexagonal shaped portions of the previously described blanks.
The product dispenser 60 can be designed to dispense product in more than one position. For example, the product dispenser can be designed to sit or otherwise rest on one of its generally rectangular or hexagonal shaped panels or sides. These shapes and positioning variations serve to accommodate specific product access issues that would be not be addressed by less versatile shapes. In addition, to provide even greater versatility, the product dispenser 60 can be secured to a structure as is shown in FIG. 4. Advantageously, when secured to a structure as is shown in FIG. 4, the dispenser can easily dispense a product 88 (e.g., tissue) at a distance above (or below) a typical resting surface, such as a sink or table. In this way, factors that can damage the dispenser or its contents, such as water from the sink, can be avoided. To facilitate the mounting of the product dispenser 60, Panel C, as shown with reference to FIGS. 3B and 4, includes securing mechanisms or portions 84 a-b (e.g., a pair of adhesive strips) that are used, in accordance with at least some embodiments, to fasten or otherwise secure the dispenser to a structure 86 (e.g., a vertical wall). Here again, product can be dispensed from the dispenser in a generally horizontal direction, or one having both horizontal and vertical components.
FIG. 5 is a rendering or schematic depiction of a plurality of product dispensers 90 shown in a typical display format in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, the rendering is intended to illustrate product dispensers generally constructed from blanks, such as the blanks described above with regard to FIGS. 1A-D. More particularly, it is appreciated that the product dispensers 90 a are intended to represent, in a general fashion, exemplary dispensers that can be constructed from blanks in the form of the blank 2 a. Similarly, it is appreciated that the product dispensers 90 b are intended to represent, in a general fashion, exemplary dispensers that can be constructed from blanks in the form of the blank 2 b. Further, it is appreciated that product dispensers 90 c are intended to represent, in a general fashion, exemplary dispensers that can be constructed from blanks in the form of the blank 2 c. And it is appreciated that product dispensers 90 d are intended to represent, in a general fashion, exemplary dispensers that can be constructed from blanks in the form of the blank 2 d. Advantageously and as shown, in addition to the dispensing product (e.g., facial tissues), the product dispensers 90 can be utilized for signage. Various types of signage, such as advertising logos can be printed, embossed or otherwise placed or secured to any surface of the dispenser. Signage can be included on a surface, and more particularly a cover portion or serf, of a respective dispenser. In addition, such signage can be provided with any poly or other over-wrap, while still allowing for appropriate stacking of multiple product dispensers in a format that provides a desirable presentation to a consumer.
FIGS. 6-10 illustrate respective views of an exemplary product dispenser constructed from an exemplary blank such as that illustrated in FIG. 1D. In particular, FIGS. 6-10 respectively show a perspective view, a front (or identical back) view, a top view, a right (or identical left) side view, and a bottom view of an octahedral product dispenser. In a similar fashion, FIGS. 11-15 illustrate respective views of an exemplary octahedral product dispenser constructed from the blank illustrated in FIG. 1C; FIGS. 16-20 illustrate respective views of an exemplary octahedral product dispenser constructed from the blank illustrated in FIG. 1B; and FIGS. 21-25 illustrate respective views of an exemplary octahedral product dispenser constructed from the blank illustrated in FIG. 1A, these views including a perspective view, a front (or back) view, a top view, a right (or left) side view, and a bottom view.
FIGS. 26( a)-(b) illustrate respective signage areas 260, 262 within a field of view of a consumer for an octahedral product dispenser and a decahedral product dispenser which are roughly the same size. Brand information can be placed on these areas so as to be viewable to a consumer even when multiple dispensers are stacked on each other, and the larger area 260 is advantageous from branding and visibility standpoints.
Additional advantages of an octahedral product dispenser over a decahedral product dispenser can be gleaned from FIGS. 27-32, which illustrate packaging configurations for both types in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. An octahedral product dispenser allows for more efficient packaging because of the staggered arrangement that is possible due to the hexagonal end panels. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 27-28, an exemplary octahedral dispenser 270 having outer dimensions of 3.375×5.375×8.375 inches would require a case 280 having dimensions of 15.25×23.00×17.75 inches in order to package forty dispensers. Such a case size allows for twenty-four (24) cases per pallet, which means that 960 filled product dispensers can be transported on a pallet. In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 29-30, an exemplary decahedral product dispenser 290 having outer dimensions of 3.375×5.375×8.375 inches would require a case 300 having 17.00×22.00×17.75 inches in order to package forty dispensers. Such a case size allows for twenty (20) cases per pallet, which means that only 800 filled decahedral product dispensers can be transported on a pallet in roughly the same volume as the 960 filled octahedral product dispensers.
FIG. 31 illustrates a packaging configuration for another exemplary octahedral product dispenser 310, showing that fifteen dispensers having outer dimensions 4.75×5.125×(D) inches can be packaged in a case 312 having dimensions of 16.625×21.5×(D) inches. In other words, a cross sectional area of the case would be 357.4 square inches.
In contrast, FIG. 32 illustrates a packaging configuration for another exemplary decahedral product dispenser 320, showing that sixteen dispensers having outer dimensions 4.75×5.125×(D) inches can be packaged in a case 312 having dimensions of 19.0×20.5×(D) inches. In other words, a cross sectional area of the case would be 389.5 square inches.
Although the product dispensers of the present disclosure have been described herein as being formed or constructed from a blank that is comprised of a single material, it is to be understood that the blank (and a resulting dispenser) can comprise a plurality of discrete pieces and/or sections made of the same or additional (different) materials. In addition, the blanks have been described herein as being generally and/or substantially planar. However, in accordance with other embodiments, such blanks (and corresponding dispensers) can include non-planar surfaces and/or portions of such surface, and/or further including raised and/or recessed features as desired.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A blank for making an octahedral product dispenser, the blank comprising:

two primary portions that are each generally hexagonal;

six secondary portions integrally connected to one another by fold lines, wherein each secondary portion is generally rectangular, and each primary portion is integrally connected to a respective one of the secondary portions;

a plurality of flap portions each connected to a respective one of a primary portion and a secondary portion; and

one of an opening or a removable portion formed in one of the primary portions and secondary portions for allowing access to a product to be contained within an assembled product dispenser.

2. The blank of claim 1, wherein each of the two primary portions are integrally connected to the same one of the secondary portions.

3. The blank of claim 1, wherein the removable portion is generally oval.

4. The blank of claim 1, wherein the secondary portions are all generally the same size.

5. The blank of claim 1, wherein two of the secondary portions are each a first size and four of the secondary portions are each a second size.

6. An octahedral product dispenser comprising:

two opposing hexagonal end panels; and

six integrally connected rectangular side panels with each side panel extending between the two end panels, wherein a first side panel is not integrally connected to a last side panel; and

wherein an opening is formed in one of the end or side panels for allowing access to product within the product dispenser.

7. The product dispenser of claim 6, wherein each end panel is integrally connected to a respective one of the side panels.

8. The product dispenser of claim 6, wherein each end panel is integrally connected to the same one of the side panels.

9. The product dispenser of claim 6, wherein at least some of the side panels are attached to the end panels via respective flap portions.

10. The product dispenser of claim 6, wherein the first side panel is connected to the last side panel via a flap portion.

11. The product dispenser of claim 6, further including discrete product portions that are arranged within the product dispenser and substantially parallel with a vertical axis.

12. The product dispenser of claim 11, wherein the product dispenser has a preferred upright position with the end panels arranged substantially parallel with a vertical axis.

13. The product dispenser of claim 12, wherein the opening is formed in one of the side panels.

14. The product dispenser of claim 12, wherein the opening is formed in a side panel that is not the top panel when the product dispenser is in the preferred upright position.

15. The product dispenser of claim 6, wherein the opening is formed in one of the end panels.

16. An octahedral product dispenser for dispensing discrete product portions, the product dispenser comprising:

two hexagonal end panels opposite each other; and

six integrally connected rectangular side panels extending between the two end panels;

wherein a first and a last of these six side panels are not integrally connected to each other but are connected to each other by a flap portion;

wherein each of the end panels is integrally connected to one of the side panels, and the remaining side panels are connected to the end panels by respective flap portions; and

wherein an opening is formed in one of the end or side panels for allowing access to product portions within the product dispenser.

17. The product dispenser of claim 16, further including discrete product portions that are arranged within the product dispenser substantially parallel to a vertical axis.

18. The product dispenser of claim 17, wherein the product dispenser has a preferred upright position with the end panels arranged vertically.

19. The product dispenser of claim 18, wherein the opening is formed in one of the side panels.

20. The product dispenser of claim 19, wherein the opening is formed in a side panel that is not the top panel when the product dispenser is in the preferred upright position.

21. A packaging configuration comprising:

a plurality of product dispensers stacked in close relation to one another, each of the plurality of product dispensers comprising:

two opposing hexagonal end panels; and

six integrally connected rectangular side panels with each side panel extending between the two end panels, wherein a first side panel is not integrally connected to a last side panel;

22. The configuration of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of product dispensers is configured such that each end panel is integrally connected to a respective one of the side panels.

23. The configuration of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of product dispensers further includes a product that includes discrete product portions that are arranged within the respective product dispenser.

24. The configuration of claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of product dispensers is constructed from a blank for making an octahedral product dispenser, and each of the respective blanks comprises:

two primary portions that are each generally hexagonal;

one of the opening or a removable portion formed in one of the primary portions and secondary portions for allowing access to the product to be contained within an assembled product dispenser.

25. The configuration of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of product dispensers includes outer dimensions comprising at least a length (L) and a width (W), such that a staggered arrangement of the plurality of dispensers is provided.

26. The configuration of claim 25, wherein the staggered arrangement of the plurality of product dispensers has a smaller cross-sectional area than another arrangement of a plurality of decahedral product dispensers, where each of the plurality of decahedral product dispensers includes at least about the same outer dimensions as the outer dimensions of each of the plurality of product dispensers.

27. The configuration of claim 21, wherein the plurality of product dispensers are configured in a staggered arrangement in which each of the rectangular side panels of at least one of the plurality of product dispensers is configured to contact, over all or substantially all of its surface, a rectangular panel of another one of the plurality of dispensers.