Field of the invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to packages for such products as strip bandages, adhesive strip bandages, fabric adhesive bandages, plastic adhesive bandages and similar materials, such as gauze dressings etc., which are each aseptically wrapped or individually packaged in a sterile condition, for single use.

Background of the invention

[002] Strip bandages can be an awkward product to remove from a package, and even more so, in the urgency of an emergency, such as cuts or damage that needs to be repaired.

[003] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Summary of the invention

[004] The present invention provides a package for dispensing individually packaged products, said package including a container having a base and sides which receives said products, said container including a spring means to push said products from a rear location of said container to a front location thereof, as one or more of said products are dispensed form said package, wherein said container is closed off at an upper end thereof by a lid which opens in an upward direction relative to said container.

[005] The container and said lid can be such that said lid is separable from said container.

[006] The lid and said container can have a line or lines of weakness between them, which allows said lid to be frangibly connected to said container.

[007] The lid includes a push in tab to begin separation of said lid from said container.

[008] The container can have a first end, from which first end said spring means pushes said products, said first end being of a height which is equal to or marginally greater than the height of said products.

[009] The container can have a second end, towards which second end said spring means pushes said products, said second end being of a height which is less than the height of said products, preferably of the order of 25% less than the height of said individually packaged strip bandages. [010] The container, once said lid is removed, can have a height which tapers downwardly from a first end, from which first end said spring means pushes said products, to a second end, to which second end said products are urged by said spring means.

[01 1 ] The spring means can be formed from one of the following: a concertina shaped sheet material member; a zig zag shaped sheet material member; a metal spring member; two generally planar ends with a metal spring there between; two generally planar ends with a conical compression spring there between; a spring as described below in paragraphs 13 to 30.. The sheet material can be selected from one of the following: a cardboard; a 200 to 300 GSM cardboard; polymeric sheet; composite paper and or cardboard and or polymeric sheet; polycarbonate sheet; polyurethane sheet; polypropylene sheet; polyethylene sheet.

[012] The individually packaged products are individually packages of strip bandages.

[013] The present invention also provides a sheet material spring for a package to assist in dispensing of product, the spring being formed from a plurality of generally rectangular panels which are joined together and have a fold line between them so that they form a concertina or zig zag shape, wherein on an edge, which is generally perpendicular to said fold line of at least one of the plurality of panels, there is positioned a shaped tab which is connected to the panel by a second fold line.

[014] The shaped tab can be generally trapezoidal.

[015] The tab can be generally symmetrical around an axis of the panel.

[016] The tab can be generally asymmetrical.

[017] At the fold line between the tab and the panel, one edge of the tab can make an angle of approx. 60 degrees to the fold line.

[018] At the fold line between the tab and the panel, one edge of the tab can make an angle of approx. 75 degrees to the fold line.

[019] An angle between the fold line and a forward edge of the tab can be approx. 75 degrees and an angle between the fold line and a rearward edge of the tab can be approx. 60 degrees.

[020] The tab can be shaped such that it has relatively sharp corners on its free edges.

[021 ] The tab can act to provide additional bias or forces to the spring.

[022] The tab can act to provide a resistance to the spring being recompressed, after a predetermined amount of extension.

[023] The tab can act to provide a non-return feature preventing the collapse of the spring after it has expanded past a predetermined amount of extension. [024] There can be tabs located on multiple panels.

[025] The tabs can be located on the at least one of the plurality of panels at two opposed edges.

[026] The sheet material spring can be manufactured from one of the following: a cardboard; a 200 to 300 GSM cardboard; polymeric sheet; composite paper and or cardboard and or polymeric sheet; polycarbonate sheet; polyurethane sheet; polypropylene sheet; polyethylene sheet.

[027] The present invention also provides a dispensing package spring for inserting into a package to assist in the dispensing of a product, the spring having a first portion to push against a generally planar surface of the package and second portion to push against a product, whereby between the first and second portions is a compression spring member which provides a bias to push the first and second portions apart.

[028] The compression spring can have one or more of the following properties: a conical compression spring; a metal compression spring; a polymeric compression spring; a compression spring with a compressed dimension of approx. 10mm; a compression spring with a relaxed or extended dimension of approx. 120mm; a spiral wound spring.

[029] The first portion and or the second portion can be one or more than one of the following: one or more of them can include or be encapsulated in a planar element; can be a wire or flat spring portion; can be attached to or formed in a card of a cardboard material; can be attached to or formed in a card of a polymeric material.

Brief description of the drawings

[030] A detailed description of a preferred embodiment will follow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which:

[031 ] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic plan view of a spring means for use with the package of figure 2;

[032] Figure 2 an upper perspective view of a package, after the lid has been removed also showing a perspective view of the spring means of figure 1 ;

[033] Figure 3 illustrates a removable lid and the package of figure 1 ;

[034] Figure 4 illustrates a hinged lid and package of figure 1 ;

[035] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a package and lid in the closed condition, with the image representing the lid being fully removable or hinged;

[036] Figure 6 illustrates another package with the lid having a closable top; [037] Figure 7 illustrates the package of figure 6 with the lid removed from the lower box;

[038] Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the package and lid and represents both the lid before removal from the package 10 in that arrangement, or the opening/closing of the lid when the lid is hinged to the box at the rear side;

[039] Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with multiple panels some of which have upper located tabs, for folding into a spring;

[040] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the panels and tabs of figure 9 folded into a spring;

[041 ] Figure 1 1 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with multiple panels some of which have upper located tabs, for folding into a spring;

[042] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the panels and tabs of figure 1 1 folded into a spring;

[043] Figure 13 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with multiple panels some of which have upper located tabs, and other lower located tabs for folding into a spring;

[044] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of the panels and tabs of figure 13 folded into a spring;

[045] Figure 15 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with multiple panels some of which have lower located tabs, for folding into a spring;

[046] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of the panels and tabs of figure 15 folded into a spring;

[047] Figure 17 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with the first four panels each having upper and lower located tabs, which are folded to make the spring of figure 17A;

[048] Figure 17A illustrates a right side perspective view of the panels and tabs of figure 17 A folded into a spring;

[049] Figure 18 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with multiple panels, the second and fourth of which have upper and lower located tabs, which are folded to make the spring of figure 19;

[050] Figure 19 illustrates a right side perspective view of the panels and tabs of figure

18 folded into a spring; [051] Figure 20 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with multiple panels some of which have lower and upper located tabs, for folding into a spring;

[052] Figure 21 illustrates a perspective view of the panels and tabs of figure 20 folded into a spring;

[053] Figure 22 illustrates a sheet material blank showing the different configurations of tabs;

[054] Figure 22.1 illustrates an asymmetrical tab with rounded end that can be used with embodiments of the spring;

[055] Figure 23 illustrates an asymmetrical tab with rounded corners that can be used with embodiments of the spring;

[056] Figure 24 illustrates a symmetrical tab with sharp end that can be used with embodiments of the spring;

[057] Figure 25 illustrates a symmetrical tab with rounded corners that can be used with embodiments of the spring;

[058] Figure 26 illustrates a symmetrical tab with rounded end that can be used with embodiments of the spring;

[059] Figure 27 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with multiple panels of which only the front two do not have lower located tabs, for folding into a spring;

[060] Figure 28 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with multiple panels of which only the front two do not have upper located tabs, for folding into a spring;

[061] Figure 29 illustrates a plan view of a sheet material blank with multiple panels of which only one rear located panel, in this instance the rear most, has an upper located tab, for folding into a spring;

[062] Figure 30 illustrates a side elevation view of an alternative spring embodiment having a conical compression spring with front and rear planar ends;

[063] Figure 31 illustrates a front view of the spring of figure 30, showing the front planar end with card attached and the location and arrangement of the conical spring outer diameter;

[064] Figure 32 illustrates a schematic perspective view similar to Figure 2, where the spring of figures 30 and 31 is utilised.

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU) Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

[065] Illustrated in figure 2 is a package 10, which is basically an open top box having a rear end or side 10.1 and a front end or side 10.2. The height of the side 10.1 is greater than the height of the front side 10.2.

[066] The front side 10.2 has a cutaway portion 10.3, which can be handy if the product were of a height of the full side 10.2, as it gives a user a portion of the product 12 to allow them to grab the top of the packaged product 12.

[067] The packaged product 12 is preferably a strip bandage, such as those used to be placed over cuts etc.

[068] Inside the box 10, a concertina or zig zag spring mechanism 20 (the plan view of which is illustrated in figure 1 ) is located so as to push product 12 away from the rear wall 10.1 towards the wall 10.2. Preferably the spring mechanism 20 is manufactured from a piece of 200 to 300 GSM cardboard, where at the interface or apex 20.3 between each zig 20.1 and zag 20.2, there is formed a score line to instil or transfer compressive force to the cardboard at the score line, whereby the zig zag cardboard will act as a spring. If needed a second closely positioned score line could also be used.

[069] Such a spring 20 is cheap to make, light weight and generally highly conducive to an in expensive cardboard package. However, if desired other spring mechanisms such as a lightweight steel or polymeric compression spring could also be used. Further, other springs such as those described below, can also be used.

[070] It is expected that the spring mechanism 20, when in a fully compressed state will not occupy more than 5 to 10 mm of depth of the box leaving a considerable remaining space for receiving the product to be dispensed. However, this is a function of the number of leaves or zigs and zags in the spring, or its fully compressed thickness dimension fi not made the way spring 20 is made.

[071] To close off the box 10, an open top cardboard box, inverted to act as a lid, can simply be placed over the box 10, whereby the lid can be readily slid off the box for a user to access the product 12.

[072] Illustrated in figure 3 is another lid alternative. In figure 3 a lid 40 is provided which is integrally formed with the box 10, with a line of weakness 100 being formed in a line or lines around the perimeter and sides of the box 10 and lid 40. The lid 40 has a front tab 42, which allows that tab portion 42 to be pushed in by a user- when the box is first formed and the lid and box are in an integral condition. This gives the user a point of leverage, and then allows the user to lever off the lid 40, breaking the connection of the lid 40 to the box 10, along the

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU) lines of weakness, to completely separate the lid 40 from the box 10. If desired, no frangible line 100 on the side 10.1 need be provided in which case the lid 40 will remain connected and the box corner at the top of side 10.1 will act as a hinge and keep the lid an40 and box 10 connected. This is an environmentally friendly option and also allows the contents to remain protected by the lid when not in use.

[073] By virtue of the height of the side 10.2 being less than the height of the side 10.1 which will be marginally greater than the height of the package of the product 12, then no matter the lid arrangement, the box 10, will allow a user to readily engage and grab a single package 12 and remove it easily form the box 10. As the spring 20 is only a light weight and low force spring, the relatively light products 12 will be pushed from the back to the front of the box 10, as product 12 is taken, but as the force is relatively low, taking a product does not "entrain" the next adjacent product and only a single product is dispensed.

[074] Illustrated in figure 4 is a box 10 and lid 40, which is similar in construction and operation to that of the box and lid of figure 3, except that the embodiment of figure 4 has the lid 40 hinged at its rear end 40.1 to the upper rear edge 10.1 of the box 10. The box 10 of figure 4 is opened the same way as that of figure 3, but as the rear edge 40.1 does not have perforations 100 it will not separate unless forcibly ripped off the box 10.

[075] Figure 5 illustrates the appearance of the box 3 or the box 4 when it is in the integral or just manufactured condition. Whereas illustrated in figure 8 is the box and lid of figure 3 or 4 showing the lid hinged at its rear end to the upper edge of the box 10. In the case of the box of figure 3, the illustration is just before the lid 10 is ripped along the perforations 100 intervening between the top of the rear side 10.1 and at the rear edge 40.1 of the lid.

[076] Illustrated in figure 6 and 7 is a box 10 and lid 40 which is constructed differently to the previous embodiments, in that the box 10 is an openable box, which gives the user the option to simply raise the upper lid panel 40.5 to gain access to the packages 12, or like in previous embodiments, a line of perforation 100 is provided to allow the lid 40 to be ripped off the box 10.

[077] To manufacture the combined lid 40 and box 10 of the figures, the cardboard blank will have the lines of weakness 100 formed in the planar state, by perforations or other means, and then the box folded, lid and all, with the bottom left open so that an almost completed box can be filled with product and the spring 20 installed. Once product and spring are installed the base flaps of the box can be glued or otherwise adhered, so as to seal the box ready delivery and then for a user to open.

[078] In the case of the product being adhesive strip bandages which are sealed in individual packages, the spring 20 in the compressed state will preferably only occupy

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU) approximately thickness of some 5 packaged strip bandages, that is, about 5 to 10 mm in thickness.

[079] Illustrated in figures 9 and 10 is another spring 20A, which can be used instead of the spring 20 described above. The spring 20A can be manufactured from the same material as that of spring 20 above, and by the same method. However, it will be understood that other sheet materials, such as polycarbonate sheeting or similar polymeric materials can be used to manufacture the sheet material springs described in this text.

[080] The spring 20A and its generally planar blank as illustrated in figure 9, is made up of zig-zag panels 20.1 and 20.2 with a fold line 20.3 between them. In the embodiment of figures 9 and 10, the rearmost panel 20.1 has a tab 20.4 located on what will be the upper edge of the spring 20A, as best illustrated in figure 10. The third panel 20..1 and fourth panel 20.2, counted from the rear panel as first panel, also have an upper edge tab 20.4.

[081] The tabs 20.4 are generally trapezoidal in shape and have a base width which is the same as that of the panel to which they are attached or formed. A fold line 20.5 is formed between each tab 20.4 and the panel it extends from. The panel 20.4 is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis through the panel to which it is attached. The asymmetry is the result of the rearward base angle 20.6 being of the order of 60 degrees the upper edge of the panel to which it is attached, while the forward base angle 20.7 is of the order of 75 degrees to the upper edge. The tab 20.4 extends away from the panel of the order of one quarter to one third of the length of the panel 20.1 or 20.2, or approximately the same length as the tab is wide, which most cases is the length of the fold line 20.5 or the width of the panel 20.1 or 20.2. The length of extension of the tab 20.4 away from the panel to which it is attached is somewhat dependent upon the product being dispensed, the size and shape of the panels 20.1 and 20.2, the package material, the blank material and the amount of spring force to be developed, and thus a degree of trial and error is required to identify the appropriate length of extension of the tab 20.4 (or for that matter 20.44 discussed later) away from the fold line 20.5 for various products, packages and applications.

[082] When the blank 20A is folded into the spring 20A, it will be noted that the tabs

20.4 on the third and fourth panels are rotated in opposite directions, that is in as seen in figure 10, the third panel is rotated to the right of the spring, while the fourth panel is rotated to the left of the spring, in each case, so that the engaging face 20.1 1 , will push against the rear face of the adjacent and closer to the front panel. In the case of the third panel 20.1 , it will push against the rear face of the fourth panel 20.2, while the tab 20.4 on the fourth panel, will push against the rear face of the fifth panel 20.1 . This construction can also be seen in figures 14 and 17A.

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU) [083] When the panels 20.1 and 20.2 and their tabs 20.4 are folded along their fold lines into the spring 20A shaped and oriented as in figure 10, then the spring 20A will perform better than the spring 20 of the previous embodiment, as the zig-panels 20.1 and zag-panels 20.2 will firstly act like a spring due to the apexes or folds 20.3 between the panels as described with respect to spring 20. Additionally this spring 20A will have added force from the three tabs 20.4, whereby initially the engaging face 20.1 1 of the tab 20.4 will push against the adjacent panel when the spring 20A is first folded and compressed for insertion into the package, and then as product is dispensed from the package, the forward corner 20.8 and or edge 20.9 of the tab 20.4 will continue to engage the adjacent panel (when the originally engaging face 20.1 1 is no longer doing so) which because of their fold line 20.5 with the panel they are attached to. This applies and continues to apply additional biasing forces between adjacent panels, thereby increasing the total spring force available to push product to the front of the package.

[084] The tabs 20.4 have an additional function, in that once the tab 20.4 has rotated about the fold line 20.5 by a predetermined amount, they also provide a resistance to compression for the spring 20A, helping to prevent it being "recom pressed" as product is being dispensed from the package. This means that after a predetermined amount of rotation the tabs 20.4 will act like a non-return formation assisting in preventing against the collapse of the spring 20A in use in a package.

[085] For the sake of ease of illustration the following description of the various embodiments of the springs 20B to 20K in the following passages will not refer to all the features and item numbers marked in figures 9 and 10, even though such features are present and the construction and form of the springs 20B to 20K is fundamentally the same as that of spring and blank 20A.

[086] Illustrated in figures 1 1 and 12 is a spring and blank 20B which is similar in construction and functioning to that of spring 20A. The difference being that only the upper edges of the first and second panels have tabs 20.4. While less total spring force may be exerted by the arrangement of spring 20B, such a spring 20B will work more effectively than spring 20. It will be noted that the tabs 20.4 have their forward edges 20.9 being at 75 degrees while the rearward edges are at 60 degrees to the panels upper edge.

[087] Illustrated in figures 13 and 14 is a spring and blank 20C which is similar in construction and functioning to that of spring 20A. The difference being that only the lower edges of the first, second and third panels have tabs 20.4, while the upper edge of the fourth panel has a tab 20.4. The total spring force which may be exerted by the arrangement of spring 20C, will effectively be greater than that of spring 20A, and will work more effectively than spring 20. It will be noted that all the tabs 20.4 have their forward edges 20.9 being at 75 degrees while the rearward edges are at 60 degrees to the panels upper edge. By providing tabs 20.4 on

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU) both the upper and lower edges of the panels, the spring 20C will provide a more "balanced" spring force to the front face of the front panel which will engage the product to be dispensed form the package.

[088] It will be noted in figure 13, that the tab 20.44 located on the upper edge of the fourth panel is not of the same width as the tabs 20.4 on the lower edges of the spring. The tabs on the lower edges are like previous springs where the tabs 20.4 are the same width as the panel 20.1 or 20.2 that it is attached to. This shows that tab 20.4 or 20.44 need not be the same base width as that of the panel to which it is attached. While it is believed that such a tab 20.44 may not be as effective as the tab 20.4, in one or more of the functions it is meant to provide, the resultant spring will still be better than the spring 20 of figure 1.

[089] Illustrated in figures 15 and 16 is a spring and blank 20D which is similar in construction and functioning to that of spring 20A. The difference being that only the lower edges of the first and third panels have tabs 20.4. While less total spring force may be exerted by the arrangement of spring 20, such a spring 20D will work more effectively than spring 20. It will be noted that the tabs 20.4 have their forward edges 20.9 being at 75 degrees while the rearward edges are at 60 degrees to the panels upper edge.

[090] Illustrated in figures 17 and 17A is the preferred spring 20E which is similar in construction and functioning to that of spring 20A. The difference being that the lower edge and upper edge of the first four panels have tabs 20.4. The total spring force which may be exerted by the arrangement of spring 20E, will effectively be greater than that of springs 20A to 20D previously described, and will work more effectively than spring 20. It will be noted that all the tabs 20.4 have their forward edges 20.9 being at 75 degrees while the rearward edges are at 60 degrees to the panels upper edge. By providing tabs 20.4 on both the upper and lower edges of the panels, the spring 20E will provide a more "balanced" spring force to the front face of the front panel which will engage the product to be dispensed from the package.

[091] Another important difference to note between the spring 20E of figures 17 and

17A, by comparison to that of springs 20A to 20D, is that the two forward most panels 20.1 and 20.2 are not coextensive with the first four panels 20.1 and 20.2. That is the first four panels 20.1 and 20.2 are of a height W1 which is greater than the height of the fifth and sixth panels which have a height of W2. By the front two panels not being of diminished height, say of the order of some 6 to 10 mm, and having their centre axis collinear with the centre axis of the four rearward panels, this means that the front two panels will not make contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the package, ensuring that there is no jamming or friction generated from them prior to the package being opened, and once the package is opened, the lower edges of the first two panels will not engage the bottom of the package, thus assisting in reducing friction

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU) in use. If desired, each second panel 20.2 may have a lesser dimension than the adjacent panel, so as to reduce friction from every second panel once the package has been opened.

[092] In figures 17A, and for that matter figure 19, the fold lines 20.3 between adjacent panels 20.1 and 20.2 are shown with the twin or double score lines as described above with respect to spring 20. The fold 20.5 5 can also be formed from a single or double score line also, as required for the purpose or use of the spring and the desired magnitude of spring force.

[093] Illustrated in figures 18 and 19 is a spring and blank 20F, which is similar in construction and function to that of spring 20E. The difference being that the second and fourth panels have upper and lower edge tabs 20.4. The number of tabs 20.4 provided will be somewhat dependent upon the amount of product dispensed from the package. Thus the spring 20E may be used with the larger packages, or those that hold a greater amount of product, while the smaller packages may utilise the spring 20F, as less spring force may be required.

[094] Illustrated in Figures 20 and 21 is a spring and blank 20G, where all panels have the same length or co-extensiveness, but only the first and fourth panels each have upper and lower tabs 20.4. Such a spring 20G may also be utilised in those packages where lesser spring force is an advantage.

[095] Figures 22, and 22.1 to 26 show different tab shapes or forms that can be used with the spring embodiments described above. Thus, Figure 22.1 illustrates an asymmetrical tab with a rounded outside edge, with the forward edge at 75 degrees and the rearward edge of the tab at 60 degrees both to the upper edge of the panel. Figure 23 illustrates an asymmetrical tab, but instead of sharp corners between the free sides of the tab, there are radiused corners. Figure 24 illustrates a tab which is symmetrical but the free sides have sharp corners between them. Figure 25 illustrates a symmetrical tab, but instead of sharp corners between the free sides of the tab, there are radiused corners. Figure 26 illustrates a symmetrical tab, a rounded outside edge.

[096] The tabs of figures 22.1 , 23, 25 and 26 due to the presence of curved ends or radiused corners, may not work as effectively in the locking function previously described. Further, the rounded outer edges of figures 22.1 and 26, may not result in the same level of spring force being available due to modified geometry, by comparison to the embodiments of the spring 20A to 20G where sharp corners are present on the tabs 20.4.

[097] Illustrated in figures 27 to 29 are additional embodiments of springs and blanks

20H, 20J and 20K.

[098] In the case of figure 27 and spring/blank 20H, there are tabs 20.4 located on the first four panels at the top edges, while in figure 28 spring/blank 20J has them located only on the bottom. In figure 29 the spring/blank 20K has only one tab 20.4, which is on the bottom

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU) edge of any one panel, in the case illustrated the first panel. However, as indicated by the broken line-work tab 20.4, the tab can be present only on the bottom edge of any one panel, and in the case illustrated, is on the second panel, but could be located on any panel.

[099] The embodiments of spring/blank 20H, 20J, 20K while these may not be as effective as previously discussed springs/blanks 20A to 20G, they will be more effective than spring 20 of figures 1 and 2, at least in part.

[0100] The springs 20 are not meant to be reusable as springs, but are preferably made of recyclable material such as cardboard or recyclable polymeric material. The preferred material is 200 to 300 GSM cardboard or a functionally similar equivalent in a paper/polymer composite, or a polymer such as polyethylene sheet, polycarbonate sheet, polypropylene sheet or polyurethane sheet, depending upon the strength and material characteristics required, the end use, and amount of spring force to be obtained.

[0101 ] Although the above description indicates that the springs 20, and springs 20A to

20K are manufactured from a single piece blank, it will be readily understood that a spring can be fabricated from two or more parts or blanks which are adhered, welded or otherwise joined together to produce a spring as described above, which functions in the same manner and offers the same or similar advantages to the springs discussed above.

[0102] Although the above springs 20A to 20K all show the presence of some three panels 20.1 and three panels 20.2, it will be readily understood that the numbers of panels 20.1 or 20.2 will be selected according to need, product to be packaged and dispensed, length extension required, width of package etc.

[0103] The springs illustrated in figures 10, 12, 14, 16 and 21 are all represented such that the rear of the spring, and designated first panel is at the top of the page while the front and designated 6 ^th panel is at the bottom of the page. Whereas in figure 17A the rear of the spring, and designated first panel is at the right of the page while the front and designated sixth panel is at the left of the page. Further in figures 19 the rear of the spring, and designated first panel is at the left of the page while the front and designated sixth panel is at the right of the page.

[0104] The above described embodiments of springs 20A to 20K all show the tabs 20.4 or 20.44 preferably engaging the rear face of the adjacent and more forward panel (that is: closer to the front of the spring). It will be readily understood that if desired the springs 20A to 20K could be constructed whereby the tabs 20.4 and or 20.44 and the panels folded so that the tabs bear against the forward face of the adjacent and more rearward panel (that is: closer to the rear of the spring).

[0105] It will also be readily understood also that the first panel 20.1 which would otherwise be adjacent the internal face of the rear wall of the package, can also have rearwardly

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU) directed tabs 20.4 or 20.44 so that the first panel does not remain stationary relative to the rear wall of the package, as currently happens with the embodiment 20A to 20K described above.

[0106] While the above description describes embodiments where the perforations result in two tapered and opposed upper box sides , it will be understood that the perforations be formed so that the resultant box upper edges all have generally the same height so that a regular box shape is produced. Or, as illustrated in figure 6, such a box having regular lidding (i.e. without perforations 100) can be used with a spring 20, to provide a new and better functioning dispenser of adhesive bandage strips and like packaged products.

[0107] As illustrated in figures 30 to 32, the dispensing package can utilise another spring construction. The dispensing package 10 has a spring 200.20 for inserting into the package 10 to assist in the dispensing of the product. The spring 200.20 has a first portion 200.21 which is a closed end being generally planar, to push against a generally planar rear surface, such as wall 10.2 of the package 10 and second portion 200.22, which is also a closed end which is generally planar, to push against the product 12. Between the first portion 200.21 and second portion 200.22 is a compression spring member 200.23 which provides a bias to push the first portion 200.21 and second portion 200.22 apart. The first portion 200.21 , second portion 200.22 and compression spring member 200.23 are integrally formed, and as schematically illustrated in figure 32, such a spring could be used on its own, as it has generally planar closed ends

[0108] The compression spring 200.23 is preferably a conical compression spring having two closed ends and being of a like construction to that of a bed spring, as this construction will allow the spring to compress to a relatively small thickness. The spring 200.23 can be made of any appropriate material such as metal or a polymeric material. To assist in the dispensing of the product, the spring 200.23 will preferably in the compressed state have a dimension of no more than approx. 10mm, whereas the same spring should be able to expand to push the portions 200.21 and 200.22 apart to the order of 100 to 120 mm. As an alternative, a spiral wound spring could provide a similar result.

[0109] The first portion 200.21 and or the second portion 200.22 are the closed ends of the compression spring and are formed from the wire or flat element of the actual spring material. However, one of, or both of, the first portion 200.21 and the second portion 200.22, and in the case of figures 30 to 32 both, can be included in or are encapsulated in a planar element, such as a card of a cardboard or polymeric material. The respective closed ends of the spring can be sandwiched between two cards or planar members to form a respective unitary end.

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU) [01 10] Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 30 and 31 , a card 200.21 1 of cardboard or polymeric material, is held by or attached to the first portion 200.21 and the second portion 200.22, or to just one of these if desired. The card 200.21 1 is sized and shaped so as to match the interior of the package 10 with which it is to work, so that the spring 200.23 can readily expand as the product 12 is removed from the package 10, as well as appropriately shaped to engage both the product 12 and the rear surface 10.1 of the package if both ends of the spring have such a card. Illustrated in Figures 30 to 31 the card is generally rectangular to accord with the shape, and specifically the width and height, of the package 10.

[01 1 1 ] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[01 12] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[01 13] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 (ISA/AU)