DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STORING AND DISPENSING A PRODUCT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to product containers, and more particularly to, storage containers that allow for hygienic consumption or dispensing of the product contained therein, and still more particularly to containers for storing a product that have a plurality of individualized hygienic dispensers.

2. Background of the Related Art

[0002] The field of containers that facilitate convenient dispensing and consuming of products is growing. Consumable products like candies, mints, chewing gum, confections, and smokeless tobacco are some of the products that are typically distributed in reclosable containers or packaging.

[0003] As just one example of such products, smokeless tobacco products have become prevalent around the world. Most smokeless tobacco products are sold in circular cardboard and metal or molded plastic cans having a paper seal enclosing them. One particular form of tobacco sold in cans is snuff or finecut moist smokeless tobacco. Another form of tobacco sold in cans is snus, which is essentially snuff contained in individual packets. The packets are made of materials not unlike those used in tea bags. When a user desires to use the product in a can, the paper seal is broken, the lid is removed, and the desired amount of smokeless tobacco is removed from the can for enjoyment. The Hd is then replaced until further use is desired.

[0004] Almost all commercially available smokeless tobacco cans, however, make using smokeless tobacco a cumbersome experience. The two-piece

construction of traditional cans make opening of the lid, removal of a serving of chewing tobacco, and reclosing of the lid a two-handed proposition. Holding a conventional can and lid in one hand while trying to remove a serving of tobacco with the other can be awkward and lead to spilling of the product.

[0005] Furthermore, traditional packaging for smokeless tobacco simply stores the product, including snus packets, in a haphazard fashion within the container. Users typically remove the product directly with the fingers and place it in the desired location in the mouth. Thus, consumption of smokeless tobacco can be unhygienic. It is possible for bacteria, contagions, and other pathogens to communicate from the fingers to the membranes of the mouth either directly or via the product. Further, smokeless tobacco in traditional packaging can also be unhygienic because the color, chemicals, and moisture from the product can soak into the skin of the fingers, making smokeless tobacco consumption a messy undertaking.

[0006] What is needed is an improved container for smokeless tobacco and other products that minimizes the above-mentioned shortcomings associated with conventional product containers. More specifically, there is a need for an improved container that is easier to use and allows for more hygienic dispensing or consumption of the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The subject invention is directed to a container for storing a product, such as smokeless tobacco, which includes a main body portion and a plurality of product holders. The main body portion of the container defines a product storage compartment. The product holders are placed in the product storage compartment.

Each of the product holders has a handle and a mechanism for supporting the product with the holder. The product holders are configured and adapted to allow dispensing and/or consumption of the product without the need to touch the product directly.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the product storage compartment can have a plurality of slots in the product storage compartment where the product holders can be removably attached. There can be matching, opposing slots on opposite sides of the product storage compartment, each pair of which can receive a product holder.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a cover can be slidably connected to the main body portion of the container. The cover can be adapted for movement between a closed position, wherein the cover overlies the product storage compartment, and an open position wherein at least a portion of the storage compartment is exposed and the product contained within the storage compartment can be accessed.

[00010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, each product holder can have a handle adjacent to at least one of its ends, where the handle is configured for a user's fingers to grip and remove the product holder from the product storage compartment. In certain preferred embodiments, each holder has a pocket configured to hold a pouch containing a product, such as snus. It is also possible for the product holders to be pocketless, in which case products or product pouches can be attached to a side of the holders with an edible adhesive. Preferably the product holders are made of paper or wood, but those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other materials can be used including but not limited to plastic and

metal. The product holders can be infused with a liquid to provide humidity control, aroma, and flavor.

[00011] In certain preferred embodiments, the cover can include a thin wall folded around four faces of the main body portion of the container including the base, the storage compartment, and two other opposing faces. This leaves two opposing faces uncovered. The cover can slide toward one or the other of the uncovered faces to expose the product storage compartment of the container. It is envisioned that the cover can also include gripping features cut out of the ends of the cover near the uncovered faces when in the closed configuration. The gripping features facilitate sliding the cover with respect to the main body portion of the container.

[00012] In certain other embodiments, the cover includes a top section having opposed lateral flanges extending therefrom. Each flange is adapted for engaging the main body portion of the container, allowing the cover to slide with respect thereto. It is envisioned that the flanges can include gripping mechanisms that facilitate sliding the cover with respect to the main body portion of the container. The cover can also include a finger recess, well, or texture that can also facilitate sliding the cover with respect to the main body portion of the container.

[00013] The invention also provides a container for storing a product having a main body portion, a cover, and a plurality of holders. The main body portion has a base and a rim disposed about the base perimeter to form a generally rectangular storage compartment, wherein two opposing sides of the rim have a plurality of matching slots. The cover is slidably connected to the main body portion and can slide from a closed position, in which the cover overlies the storage compartment, to

an open position in which at least a portion of the storage compartment is exposed. Each of the holders is removably placed in a pair of the matching slots.

[00014] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each holder can have a pocket configured to hold a portion of a product. The product can be a snus pouch or any other suitable product or portion thereof. In the alternative, the product can be bonded to a side of each holder with an edible adhesive. The holders can be paper, wood, metal, plastic, or any other substantially rigid material suitable for food or beverage applications. The holders can also be infused with a liquid to provide humidity control, aroma, and flavor.

[00015] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.

[00016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the system of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00017] So that those having ordinary skill in the art will better understand how to make and use the container of the subject invention, embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the drawings wherein:

[00018] Fig. 1 is a photograph of the main body portion of a container that is constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[00019] Fig. 2 is a close up photograph of the main body portion of the container of Fig. 1, wherein the cover has been placed on the main body portion and moved to a partially open position;

[00020] Fig. 3 is a photograph of the container of Fig. 1, wherein the cover is in the closed position;

[00021] Fig. 4 is a photograph of the container of Fig. 1, wherein the cover is in a partially open position;

[00022] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the main body portion of the container of Fig.

1, showing an exemplary pattern of fold and score lines;

[00023] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the cover of the container shown in Fig. 3, showing the fold lines and the gripping features;

[00024] Fig. 7 is a photograph of the container of Fig. 1, showing one of the holders completely removed from its matching slots;

[00025] Fig. 8 a plan view of the holder of Fig. 11, showing the score and fold lines; and

[00026] Fig. 9 is a photograph of an alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention wherein the snus packet is attached to the holder using an adhesive;

[00027] These and other aspects of the subject invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00028] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures for the purpose of describing, in detail, preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures and detailed description are provided to describe and illustrate examples in which the disclosed container may be made and used, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosed containers can be used to store a variety of products. More specifically, the disclosed containers can be used for the storage of products, such as for example, smokeless tobacco, confectionary, candy, cigarettes, and mints without departing from the inventive aspects of the present disclosure.

[00029] Referring now to Figs. 1 through 5, there is illustrated a container for storing a product, such as smokeless tobacco, which has been constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and designated generally by reference numeral 100. Container 100 includes a main body portion 110 and a plurality of product holders 180.

[00030] The main body portion 110 of container 100 has a generally rectangular base 130 and a rim 140, which in combination define an internal product storage compartment 150 (shown in Fig. 4). The rim 140 further defines an opening through which the internal product storage compartment 150 can be accessed. The general outer dimensions (length L, width W, and height H) of the main body portion 110 are shown in Figs. 5 and 6. A plan view that illustrates the location and arrangement of a plurality of matching slots 170 disposed in opposite sides of the rim 140 is shown in Fig. 5 (also seen in Fig. 1).

[00031] The main body portion 110 is formed from a card that is cut, scored, folded, and glued, by processes well known in the art, according to the plan shown in Fig. 5. As shown herein, the main body portion 110 of container 100 is folded and glued as a unitary piece. However, it will be readily appreciated that main body portion 1 10 of container 100 can be formed as a monolithic structure or can be formed using two or more parts/elements without departing from the inventive aspects of the present disclosure. In such cases, the main body 110 of container 100 would typically be made from a polymeric material, such as plastic, and can be formed using a process, such as injection molding. Various other materials can be used to construct the main body portion 110 including, for example, wood, plastic, and metal. Additionally, the methods used to join the parts of the main body portion of the container, such as base 130 and rim 140, can vary and include, for example, fasteners, interlocking structures, welding and/or adhesives.

[00032] The cover 120, shown in Figs. 3 and 4, is slidably connected to the main body portion 1 10 of container 100. Cover 120 is formed of a single card or blank (see Fig. 6) of material that is cut, scored, folded, and glued by processes well known in the art. When in use, the cover 120 folds around four sides of the main body portion, leaving two opposing sides exposed, as shown in Fig. 3. The dimensions W and H of the main body portion 110 determine the dimensions W and H' of the cover 120. The width W and height H' of the cover 120 are slightly greater than the width W and height H of the main body portion 1 10, respectively. These slightly larger dimensions allow for the cover 120 to slide frictionally along the main body portion 1 10 when deliberately opening and closing the container 100 and yet be tight enough to prevent inadvertent opening and closing. As shown in Figs. 3 and 7, the length L of the cover 120 is be approximately equal to the length L of the

main body portion 110, however it is also possible for the cover to be longer or shorter.

[00033] Fig. 3 shows the cover 120 in the closed configuration, in which the cover 120 overlies the product storage compartment 150. Figs. 2 and 4 show the cover 120 in a partially opened position, wherein a portion of the product storage compartment 150 is exposed. Gripping features 160 facilitate opening the container 100 when in the closed configuration. Using the fingers of one hand, a person can grip the exposed portion of the base 130 and rim 140 through the gripping features 160 in the cover 120. Using the other hand, a person can then slide the cover 120 relative to the main body portion 110 to partially open the container 100, exposing a portion of the storage compartment 150.

[00034] In another embodiment, the cover 120 can have a single flat surface with opposed lateral flanges projecting therefrom rather than wrapping all the way around four sides of the main body portion 110. Each of the flanges need extend along only a portion of the lateral edge of the cover 120. In such embodiments the flanges can have inwardly projecting ribs formed on their free end. The inwardly projecting ribs can be configured for receipt within corresponding longitudinal recesses formed in the main body portion 1 10 and thereby slidably secure the cover 120 to the main body portion 1 10 of container 100.

[00035] The container 100 also includes a plurality of holders 180. Each holder 180 holds a portion of a product, for example the snus pouch 190 shown in Fig. 8. The holder 180 generally defines a pocket 182 and has a handle 184 disposed at one end. The pocket 182 is dimensioned to hold a pouch 190 until consumed as will be described below. As shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the holders 180 are also dimensioned

to be removably received in the slots 170, where the holders 180 are stored in the storage compartment 150.

[00036] Various other ways of storing the holders 180 in the storage compartment 150 are also within the scope of the invention. For example, the holders 180 can be removably attached on one end within the storage compartment 150 with the handles 184 projecting from an opening where they can be grabbed for use. In such an embodiment, the cover 120 can be a flip top that opens to expose the handles 180 the way a crayon box exposes the end of the crayons. The holders 180 can also be held in the compartment 150 simply by squeezing them from each end, in lieu of holding them in slots 170. In another alternative, the slots 170 can be single slots that extend the entire breadth of the compartment 150, rather than being matching slots on either side. Or a weak adhesive can attach the holders 180 removably within the compartment. These examples in combination with each other, as well as various other embodiments readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, are all within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00037] The holders 180 are each made from a single card that is cut, scored, folded, and glued by processes that are well known in the art, according to the plan shown in Fig. 8. However, it is also contemplated that the holders 180 can be made without a pocket 182. Fig. 9 shows holders 180 that support pouches on one surface with an edible adhesive, rather than in pockets 182. The pockets 182 or adhesives can be configured to be in different locations on the holders 180 including on the ends. These and other embodiments will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and can be made from paper, wood, plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. One advantage of constructing holders 180 out of wood or other porous

materials is that the wood can help provide humidity control for the product and can even be infused with liquids for providing flavors, aromas, and humidity control.

[00038] Container 100 allows for hygienic consumption of the contained product. A person can carry the container 100 in a pants pocket until ready to remove for use. Then, a person can slide the cover 120 into a partially open position exposing the storage compartment 150 enough to allow access to the holders 180. Next, the person grips handle 184 of the holder 180 with his/her fingers in order to remove the holder 180 without ever directly touching the pouch 190. Lastly, a person can place the pouch 190 into the desired location in the mouth without touching the pouch 190 or putting the fingers in the mouth. Thus, the container 100 is configured and adapted to allow for the product in the pouch 190 to be consumed very hygienically. Bacteria, viruses, and other antigens that may be present on the fingers cannot communicate into the mouth during proper use of the container 100 because the fingers do not contact the mouth. Further, the fingers do not become messy during proper use of the container 100 because they never contact the product, which may be moist or sticky. Other embodiments contemplated herein can also be used in this hygienic manner.

[00039] It addition to the advantages noted above, the disclosed containers provide a novel experience for users when consuming products such as, for example, smokeless tobacco like snus. Moreover, the construction and operation of the cover 120 allows a graphic present on the top surface to be visible at all times during opening and closing of container.

[00040] While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that no limitations are intended thereby to

the details of construction or design, the present invention contemplating and including any novel feature or novel combination of features which are herein disclosed.