WEAKENING FEATURE

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of United States application serial number 13/972,999 filed on August 22, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to dispensing products from packaging containers and, more particularly, to product dispensers configured to cooperate with packaging containers having reinforced weakening features to dispense products.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Products are typically shipped to retailers in bulk by enclosing multiple individual product units in a container, such as a carton or box. For example, canned foods may be shipped to a retailer in a box containing a number of individual cans. Then, it is typically the retailer's obligation to remove the individual product units from the container and present them to consumers.

[0004] Alternatives to the traditional package-ship-unpack-display model are being developed in an effort to improve operating efficiency. For example, U.S. Patent No.

7,922,437 to Loftin et al. discloses a system for dispensing and displaying products packaged in a container. Specifically, the system includes a frame having a support structure, a product display area and an opening tool. The frame may be positioned on a retailer's shelf and loaded with product simply by placing a container comprising multiple units of product onto the support structure of the frame. As the container is being placed onto the support structure, the opening tool of the frame opens the container in such a manner that products roll from the container and down to the product display area of the frame under the force of gravity.

[0005] As another example, U. S. Pat. Pub. No. 2012/0211522 filed by Gelardi et al.

discloses a product dispensing system that utilizes an opening tool having a catch element that engages and opens a container as the container is loaded onto the dispenser, and then guides the container to avoid interference between the dispensing products and the open container.

[0006] Despite advances already made in the field, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts directed to systems and methods for dispensing products from packaging containers.

SUMMARY

[0007] In one embodiment, the disclosed product dispensing system may include a container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, wherein the container defines a plurality of first perforations and at least one first reinforcing feature arranged in a first row extending from the opening and a plurality of second perforations and at least one second reinforcing feature arranged in a second row extending from the opening.

[0008] In another embodiment, the disclosed product dispensing system may include a container including at least a base wall and a rear wall that define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, and wherein the base wall defines a plurality of first perforations and a plurality of first reinforcing features arranged in a first row extending from the opening, and a plurality of second perforations and a plurality of second reinforcing feature arranged in a second row extending from the opening, a plurality of products received in the internal volume of the container, and a dispenser including a frame including a front end and a rear end, the frame including a support deck configured to support the container, and a catch element connected to the support deck, the catch element being positioned to extend through the opening when the container is loaded onto the support deck.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, also disclosed is a method for dispensing, the method may include the steps of: (1) providing a container housing a plurality of products, the container including a plurality of first perforations and at least one first reinforcing feature arranged in a first row, and a plurality of second perforations and at least one second reinforcing feature arranged in a second row, wherein the first row and the second row define an access panel, (2) providing a dispenser including a frame configured to support the container and a catch element connected to the frame, and (3) urging the container along the frame such that the catch element separates the access panel about the first row and the second row and allows at least one product of the plurality of products to be dispensed from the container.

[0010] Other embodiments of the disclosed product dispensing system will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front and side perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed product dispensing system;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a bottom and side perspective view of one embodiment of the container of the disclosed product dispensing system of FIG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom and side perspective view of another embodiment of the container of FIG. 1 ;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom and side perspective view of the container of FIG. 2, shown in an opened configuration;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a container blank that may be used to form the container of FIG. 2;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a detailed top plan view of a portion of the container blank of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 7 is rear and side perspective view of the container of FIG. 2;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial side elevational view of the container of FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a detailed top plan view of a portion of the weakening feature shown in FIG. 6;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, in section, of one embodiment of the dispenser of the disclosed product dispensing system of FIG. 1 ;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view, in section, of the dispenser of FIG. 10, shown with the container in a first, partially loaded configuration; [0022] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view, in section, of the dispenser of FIG. 10, shown with the container in a second, fully loaded configuration; and

[0023] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view, in section, of the dispenser of FIG. 10, shown with the container in a third, dispensing configuration.

DETAILED DES CRIPTION

[0024] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the disclosure. Other embodiments having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same element or component in the different drawings.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the disclosed product dispensing system, generally designated 10, may include a dispenser 12 and a container 14. The container 14 may house multiple units of product 16. The container 14 may be loaded onto the dispenser 12 by urging the container 14 generally horizontally along the dispenser 12. As the container 14 is urged along the dispenser 12, the dispenser 12 may engage and open the container 14, thereby releasing the products 16 from the container 14 to the dispenser 12.

[0026] The container 14 may be any container capable of housing products 16 and beneficially interacting with the disclosed dispenser 12. For example, the container 14 may be a paperboard carton or a corrugated box.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, the container 14 may be a generally rectilinear container having six walls 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 that define an internal volume 30 for receiving the products 16 (FIG. 1). Opposed walls may define a front wall 18 and a rear wall 20 of the container 14. Opposed walls may define a first (e.g., left) sidewall 22 and second (e.g., right) sidewall 24 of the container 14. Opposed walls may define an upper wall 26 and a base wall 28 of the container 14.

[0028] In an example embodiment, the container 14 may include a pre- formed initiation opening 36 (FIG. 2) that opens into the internal volume 30 of the container 14. The initiation opening 36 may extend generally laterally between the sidewalls 22, 24 of the container 14. For example, the initiation opening 36 may extend from proximate the left sidewall 22 to proximate the right sidewall 24. As another example, the initiation opening 36 may be spaced away from both the left sidewall 22 and the right sidewall 24.

[0029] In an example construction, the rear wall 20 of the container 14 may include the initiation opening 36. The initiation opening 36 may be formed in the rear wall 20 proximate (e.g., at or near) the base wall 28 of the container 14. For example, the initiation opening 34 may be formed along an edge 38 of the container 14 between the base wall 28 and the rear wall 20. For example, the initiation opening 34 may be located substantially in the middle of the rear wall 20 and extend from the edge 38 toward the upper wall 26.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the initiation opening 36 may be positioned at various alternative locations and may have various alternative configurations, provided that the initiation opening 36 is capable of being engaged by the dispenser 12 when the container 14 is being loaded onto the dispenser 12, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0031] As an alternative example construction, the base wall 28 of the container 14 may include the initiation opening 36. The initiation opening 36 may be formed in the base wall 28 proximate the rear wall 20 of the container 14. For example, the initiation opening 34 may be formed along the edge 38 between the base wall 28 and the rear wall 20. For example, the initiation opening 34 may be located substantially in the middle of the base wall 28 and extend from the edge 38 toward the front wall 18.

[0032] As another alternative example construction, the initiation opening 36 may be formed in the base wall 28 proximate, but spaced away from, the rear wall 20 of the container 14. As yet another alternative example construction, the initiation opening 36 may be formed in the base wall 28 between the front wall 18 and the rear 20 wall of the container 14. Other constructions are also contemplated.

[0033] Optionally, a peelable label or the like (not shown) may be applied to the container 14 over the pre-formed initiation opening 36. Therefore, the initiation opening 36 may be revealed by peeling away the optional peelable label from the container 14.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, in another example embodiment, the container 14 may include a removable priming feature 32 (FIG. 3). The priming feature 32 may be defined by a plurality of weakening features 40 defining an outline of the initiation opening 36. The priming feature 32 may be removed from the container 14 to reveal the initiation opening 36.

[0035] In an example construction, the rear wall 20 of the container may include the removable priming feature 32. The priming feature 32 may be positioned such that the initiation opening 36 is formed in the rear wall 20 proximate the base wall 28 of the container 14. In another example construction, the base wall 26 of the container 14 may include the removable priming feature 32. The priming feature 32 may be positioned such that the initiation opening 36 is formed in the base wall 28 proximate the rear wall 20 of the container 14.

[0036] Thus, prior to loading the container 14 onto the dispenser 12, a user may remove the priming feature 32 from the container 14, such as by tearing or punching-out the removable priming feature 32 from the container 14 along the weakening features 40 thereby forming the initiation opening 34 (FIG. 2).

[0037] In an example implementation, the priming feature 32 may be a zipper strip or punch-out defined by a plurality of intersecting rows of perforations or cuts allowing the priming feature 32 to be completely removed from the container. For example, the priming feature 32 may be defined by two parallel rows of perforations or cuts extending substantially perpendicularly from the edge 38 and two parallel rows of perforations or cuts substantially parallel to the edge 38.

[0038] As another example implementation, the priming feature 32 may be a flap defined by a plurality of intersecting perforations or cuts allowing the priming feature 32 to be pivo tally attached to the container 14 (e.g., a foldable flap). For example, the priming feature 32 may be defined by two parallel rows of perforations or cuts extending substantially perpendicularly from the edge 38 and one row of perforations or cuts spaced away from and substantially parallel to the edge 38 such that at least a portion of the priming feature 32 remains connected to the container 14 proximate the edge 38.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that weakening features 40 other than perforations and cuts may also be used.

[0040] Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first weakening feature 46 may generally longitudinally extend from the initiation opening 36 toward the front wall 18 of the container 14. The first weakening feature 46 may be formed in the base wall 28 proximate an edge 48 between the base wall 28 and the left sidewall 22.

[0041] A second weakening feature 50 may generally longitudinally extend from the initiation opening 36 toward the front wall 18 of the container 14. The second weakening feature 50 may be formed in the base wall 28 proximate an edge 52 between the base wall 28 and the right sidewall 24. The second weakening feature 50 may be substantially parallel to the first weakening feature 46.

[0042] Depending upon the size of the initiation opening 36, additional weakening features (e.g., a third weakening feature 54 and a fourth weakening feature 56) may extend from the first weakening feature 46 and the second weakening feature 50 to the initiation opening 36.

[0043] The third weakening feature 54 may extend generally laterally from the first weakening feature 46 to the initiation opening 36 (e.g., from proximate the edge 48 to the initiation opening 36). The third weakening feature 54 may be formed in the base wall 28 proximate the edge 38 between the base wall 28 and the rear wall 20.

[0044] The fourth weakening feature 56 may extend generally laterally from the second weakening feature 50 to the initiation opening 36 (e.g., from proximate the edge 52 to the initiation opening 36). The fourth weakening feature 56 may be formed in the base wall 28 proximate the edge 38 between the base wall 28 and the rear wall 20.

[0045] The longitudinal length of the first and second weakening features 46, 50 may be dictated by the size (e.g., the diameter) of the products 16 housed in the container 14. As one example, the first and second weakening features 46, 50 may extend along at least 5 percent of the length of the edges 48, 52. As another example, the first and second weakening features 46, 50 may extend along at least 10 percent of the length of the edges 48, 52. As another example, the first and second weakening features 46, 50 may extend along at least 20 percent of the length of the edges 48, 52. As another example, the first and second weakening features 46, 50 may extend along at least 30 percent of the length of the edges 48, 52. As yet another example, the first and second weakening features 46, 50 may extend along at least 50 percent of the length of the edges 48, 52.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, the first and second weakening features46, 50 (and optionally the third and fourth weakening features 54, 56) may facilitate the separation (e.g., tearing) of a portion of the base wall 28 from the rest of the container 14. In an example implementation, the first weakening feature 46 may be formed by a plurality of first perforations 58 and one or more first reinforcing features 92 (FIG. 2) arranged in a first row 60. The second weakening feature 50 may be formed by a plurality of second perforations 62 and one or more second reinforcing features 94 (FIG. 2) arranged in a second row 64. The third and fourth weakening features 54, 56 may be formed as rows of perforations.

[0047] As used herein, "perforation" broadly refers to any structure (or absence of structure) that may be used to form the first and second weakening features 46, 50 (and the third and fourth weakening features 54, 56), and includes traditional, generally circular (in plan view) perforations, as well as elongated punctures or cuts. For example, the first and second weakening features 46, 50 may be formed as rows of standard perforations, as rows of micro perforations or as rows of cuts, such as zipper-like cuts. Other techniques useful for forming the first and second weakening features 46, 50 will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Thus, a force Γ (FIG. 2) applied to the base wall 28 at the initiation opening 36 may partially separate a portion of the base wall 28 from the container 14 along the first and second weakening features 46, 50 (and the third and fourth weakening features 54, 56) to form an access panel 66. As the access panel 66 is separated from the remainder of the container 14, the size of the initiation opening 36 may be significantly increased, thereby forming an access opening 68 in the container 14. The access opening 68 may allow the products 16 housed in the container 14 to be dispensed from the container 14 and, ultimately, into the dispenser 12 when the container 14 is loaded on the dispenser 12, as will be discussed in greater detail herein.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, the container 14 may be formed from a paperboard container blank 70. The container 14 may be assembled on a container machine using the container blank 70 that has been pre-cut from a sheet of stock material.

[0050] The container blank 70 may include a plurality of pre-formed fold lines 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82 that define the front wall 18 (comprised of front wall panels 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D), the rear wall 20 (comprised of rear wall panels 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D), the left sidewall 22, the right side wall 24, the upper wall 26, the base wall 28 and sealing panel 84. [0051] The container 14 may be assembled by folding the container blank 70 along the longitudinal fold lines 72, 74, 76, 78 and connecting the upper wall 26 to the sealing panel 84 to form the three-dimensional body of the container 14. Then, the front wall panels 18 A, 18B, 18C, 18D may be assembled to form the front wall 18 of the container 14. Finally, the rear wall panels 20A, 20B, 20D, 20D may be assembled to form the rear wall 20 of the container 14.

[0052] The container blank 70 may be formed from a paperboard-based material, such as CI S paperboard, which may have a coating (e.g., clay) on a first major surface thereof, which may form the outer surface of the container 14, and an uncoated second major surface. As another example, the stock material may be C2S paperboard, which may have a coating (e.g., clay) on both major surfaces thereof. Optionally, the outer surface 42 of the container 14 may be marked with various container indicia 44, such as printed text and graphics, for example to identify the type of product 16 or the manufacturer of the product 16.

[0053] While a specific paperboard container blank 70 is shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various techniques and materials may be used to form the container 14. Folded paperboard containers are only one specific and non-limiting example of the disclosed container 14.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and second weakening features 46, 50 may contain rows 60, 64 of generally longitudinally aligned perforations 58, 62 and reinforcing features 92, 94. Laterally opposed individual perforations 58, 62 of each row 60, 64 may be aligned or offset (e.g., staggered). For example, the first perforations 58 in the first row 60 of the first weakening feature 46 may be aligned with the second perforations 62 in the second row 64 of the second weakening feature 50. As another example, the first perforations 58 in the first row 60 of the first weakening feature 46 may be offset in relation to the second perforations 62 in the second row 64 of the second weakening feature 50.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7, the container 14 may be a generally rectilinear container having a longitudinal axis L. Products 16 having various shapes and configurations may be housed in the internal volume 30 of the container 14 and dispensed by the disclosed product dispensing system 10 (FIG. 1). Suitable products 16 may include cans (e.g., canned soup, canned drinks, or pet food), jars (e.g., jarred sauce), or bottles (e.g., bottled soft drinks). The products 16 may be capable of rolling about a rolling axis R. For example, the products 16 may be substantially cylindrical in shape (e.g., canned soup, canned drinks, or pet food).

[0056] The products 16 may be arranged in various ways within the container 14. As one example, the products 16 may be arranged in a single longitudinal row, with one row of products 16 between opposing walls of the container 14 (e.g., between the sidewalls 22, 24). As another example, the products 16 may be arranged in two stacked longitudinal rows, with only one row of products 16 between opposing walls of the container 14 (e.g., between the sidewalls 22, 24), as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Other configurations and arrangements of the products 16 within the container 14 are also contemplated.

[0057] When the container 14 contains a full complement of product 16 (e.g., prior to removal of the access panel 66 and the products 16 being dispensed by the disclosed product dispensing system 10), at least a portion of the products 16 positioned adjacent to the rear wall 20 and longitudinally extending toward the front wall 18 (FIG. 7) may be supported only by the portion of the base wall 28 defining the access panel 66. Thus, at least a portion of the product 16 may be positioned proximate (e.g., at or near) the first and second weakening features 46, 50.

[0058] For example, opposed ends 100 of the product 16 may be proximate the left and right sidewalls 22, 24 and at least a portion of each end 100 of the product 16 may be in contact with the base wall 28 proximate the edges 48, 52 of the container 14. For example, at least a portion of a perimeter edge 102 of each end 100 of the product 16 (e.g., a tangent point 90) may be very near or in direct contact with the first and second weakening features 46, 50, respectively.

[0059] As used herein, "tangent point" broadly refers to a portion of an exterior surface of the product 16 that is in contact with a surface (e.g., interior surface of the base wall 28) of the container 14. For example, the tangent point 90 may be a partial length of a

circumference of the product 16. As a specific, non-limiting example, the tangent point 90 may be a circumferential segment of the perimeter edge 102 of each end 100 of the product 16.

[0060] As such, the tangent point 90 of each product 16 may create a weak point along the perforations 58, 62 of the first and second weakening features 46, 50. Weak points along the first and second weakening features 46, 50 resulting from contact with the products 16 may result in damage and/or failure of the container 14 (e.g., at least a partial unintentional separation of the access panel 66 from the container 14). For example, during distribution of the container 14 or rough handling of the container 14, a portion of the perimeter edges 102 (e.g., at or near the tangent point 90) of the product 16 may burst through the container 14 along the first and second weakening features 46, 50 and/or induce and propagate tearing along the first and second weakening features 46, 50.

[0061] Thus, the first reinforcing features 92 and second reinforcing features 94 may be strategically positioned along the first row 60 forming the first weakening feature 46 and the second row 64 forming the second weakening feature 50, respectively, to prevent weak points along the first and second weakening features 46, 50 (FIG. 5). In an example

implementation, the first weakening feature 46 may be defined by alternating first perforations 58 and first reinforcing features 92 along the first row 60 and the second weakening feature 50 may be defined by alternating second perforations 62 and second reinforcing features 94 along the second row 64.

[0062] The reinforcing features 92, 94 may be configured to reinforce (e.g., strengthen) the first and second weakening features 46, 50 at strategic locations along the length of the first and second rows 60, 64 (e.g., at anticipated weak points caused by the tangent points 90 of the products 16). The reinforcing features 92, 94 may be configured to not interfere with loading (e.g., inserting) of the container 14 onto the dispenser 12 (FIG. 1 1). The reinforcing features 92, 94 may be configured to not interfere with successful engagement between the container 14 and one or more fixtures of the dispenser 12 (e.g., a catch element 133 (FIG. 10)), as will be described in greater detail herein. The reinforcing features 92, 94 may be configured to allow separation (e.g., intentional separation) of the access panel 66 from the container 14 upon the container 14 being loaded onto the dispenser 12 (e.g., upon engagement with the catch element 133).

[0063] In an example construction, each first reinforcing feature 92 may be a portion (e.g., a longitudinal section) of the first weakening feature 46 having an absence of first perforations 58. Each second reinforcing feature 94 may be a portion (e.g., a longitudinal section) of the second weakening feature 50 having an absence of second perforations 62.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 8, each reinforcing feature, identified individually as 96, of the first and second reinforcing features 92, 94 may be sufficiently sized to support the tangent point 90 (e.g., the portion of the perimeter edge 102 of each end 100) of the product 16 that may be in contact with the base wall 28 proximate the edges 48, 52 of the container 14.

[0065] Each reinforcing feature 96 may include a length 198. The length 1 98 of the reinforcing feature 96 may depend on various factors including, but not limited to, the material of the container 14, the size of the container 14, the size of the product 16, and the like. The length 1 98 of the reinforcing feature 96 may be sufficient to encompass the tangent point 90 of the product 16. For example, the length 1 98 of the reinforcing feature 96 may be substantially equal to the arc length of the tangent point 90. As another example, the length 1 98 of the reinforcing feature 96 may be greater than the arc length of the tangent point 90. As a specific non-limiting example, the length 1 98 of the reinforcing feature 96 may be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, greater than or equal to 1 mm, greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to 2 mm, greater than or equal to 3 mm, greater than or equal to 5 mm, greater than or equal to 10 mm, or greater than or equal to 20 mm.

[0066] A plurality of perforations, identified individually as 104, of the first and second perforations 58, 62 (FIG. 5) may be disposed between longitudinally aligned reinforcing features 96. Each reinforcing feature 96 may be spaced apart a longitudinal distance di 106 from a longitudinally adjacent reinforcing feature 96 along the rows 60, 64 (FIG. 5). The distance di 106 between adjacent reinforcing feature 96 may depend on various factors including, but not limited to, the size of the container 14, the size of the product 16, and the like. For example, the distance di 106 may be substantially equal to a longitudinal distance between tangent points 90 of adjacent products 16. As another example, the distance di 106 may be less than the longitudinal distance between tangent points 90 of adjacent products 16. As a specific non-limiting example, the distance di 106 between adjacent reinforcing features 96 may be greater than or equal to 10 mm, greater than or equal to 20 mm, greater than or equal to 30 mm, greater than or equal to 40 mm, greater than or equal to 50 mm, greater than or equal to 70 mm, or greater than or equal to 90 mm.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 9, in one particular construction, each perforation 104 of the first and second perforations 58, 62 (FIG. 5) forming the first and second weakening features 46, 50 may be formed cuts. The cuts may be generally longitudinally extending cuts. Each cut may further include a longitudinal portion 86 and an angled portion 88. [0068] The longitudinal portion 86 may have a length, a first end 108, and a second end 1 10. The length of the longitudinal portion 86 may be defined by the distance between the first end 108 and the second end 1 10. The length of the longitudinal portion 86 may further be any suitable length of a typical zipper-like cut. As an example, the length of the longitudinal portion 86 may be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, greater than or equal to 1 mm, greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to 2 mm, or greater than or equal to 3 mm.

[0069] The angled portion 88 may have a length, a first end 112, and a second end 1 14. The length of the angled portion 88 may be defined by the distance between the first end 1 12 and the second end 1 14. The length of the angled portion 88 may further be any suitable length of a typical perforation or cut in accordance with the present disclosure. As an example, the length of the angled portion 88 may be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, greater than or equal to 1 mm, greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to 2 mm, or greater than or equal to 3 mm.

[0070] The angled portion 88 may extend inward from the second end 110 of the longitudinal portion 86 at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion 86. The angle may be any suitable angle of a typical perforation or cut in accordance with the present disclosure. As an example, the angle may be greater than or equal to 20 degrees, greater than or equal to 30 degrees, greater than or equal to 40 degrees, or greater than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0071] The reinforcing feature 96 of the first and second reinforcing features 92, 94 (FIG. 6) may extend generally longitudinally between a pair of longitudinally adjacent perforations 104 ^' , 104 ^" . For example, the reinforcing feature 96 may extend from proximate (e.g., at or near) the first end 108 of the longitudinal portion 86 of a perforation 104 ' to proximate the second end 110 of the longitudinal portion 86 of a longitudinally adjacent perforation 104 ".

[0072] The reinforcing feature 96 of the first and second reinforcing features 92, 94 (FIG. 5) may be configured to allow for successful separation of the access panel 66 (FIG. 4) from the container 14 along the first and second weakening features 46, 50 upon the container 14 being loaded onto the dispenser 12. In an example construction, the first and second reinforcing features 92, 94 (FIG. 5) may be partially weakened in order to allow for continuous separation (e.g., tearing) of the access panel 66 along the first and second rows 60, 64. For example, the reinforcing features 96 may be sufficiently strong to prevent unintentional separation of the access panel 66 (e.g., during handling of the container 14) while also being sufficiently weak to allow intentional separation of the access panel 66 (e.g., upon the container 14 being loaded onto the dispenser 12).

[0073] In an example implementation, each reinforcing feature 96 of the first and second reinforcing features 92, 94 may be a pre-formed score line 120. The score line 120 may be longitudinally aligned with the perforations 104 (e.g., with the longitudinal portion 86 of the perforations 104) proximate the longitudinal edge of the base wall 28 (e.g., edges 48 and 52). For example, the score line 120 may longitudinally extend from proximate the first end 108 of the longitudinal portion 86 of the perforation 104 ^' to proximate the second end 1 10 of the longitudinal portion 86 of the longitudinally adjacent perforation 104 ".

[0074] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques may be used to sufficiently weaken the reinforcing features 96 other than scoring the base wall 28 of the container 14.

[0075] Referring back to FIG. 5, a first reinforcing feature 92 may be positioned between and separate a plurality of first perforations 58 from a longitudinally adjacent plurality of first perforations 58. A second reinforcing feature 94 may be positioned between and separate a plurality of second perforations 62 from a longitudinally adjacent plurality of second perforations 62.

[0076] In an example construction, the first row 60 may be separated into a plurality of series of first perforations 58 by a plurality of first reinforcing features 92. The second row 64 may be separated into a plurality of series of second perforations 62 by a plurality of second reinforcing features 94.

[0077] Referring again to FIG. 6, in an example implementation, a first series of perforations 116 (e.g., a plurality of longitudinally extending perforations 104) may extend longitudinally from the edge 38 to proximate a first reinforcing feature 96 ^' . A second series of perforations 118 may extend longitudinally from proximate the first reinforcing feature 96 ^' to proximate a second reinforcing feature 96 ^" . A third series of perforations 122 may extend from proximate the second reinforcing feature 96 ^" to proximate a third reinforcing feature 96"'. A fourth series of perforation 124 may extend from proximate the third reinforcing feature 96 ^{" '} toward the front wall 18 (FIG. 2). [0078] The total number of reinforcing features 96 (e.g., of the first and second reinforcing features 92, 94) and the total number of series of perforations 116, 1 18, 122, 124 (e.g., of the first and second perforations 58, 62) may depend upon various factors including, but not limited to, the size of the container 14, the size of the product 16, the size of the access panel 66 (e.g., the size of the access opening 68), and the like.

[0079] Each series of perforations 116, 1 18, 122, 124 may span a longitudinal distance d ₂ 126. The longitudinal distance d ₂ 126 of each series of perforations may depend upon various factors including, but not limited to, the size of the product 16 (e.g., a diameter of the product 16), the location of the series of perforations with respect to the location of the products 16, the location of the reinforcing features 96 with respect to the products 16, and the like. For example, the longitudinal distance d ₂ 126 of each series of perforations may be substantially equal to the longitudinal distance di 106 (FIG. 8) between adjacent reinforcing features 96.

[0080] As a specific, non-limiting example, the longitudinal distance d ₂ 126 of the first series of perforations 1 16 may be approximately equal to or slightly less than one-half of the diameter of the product 16 in order to position the first reinforcing feature 96 ^' beneath the tangent point 90 of the product 16 (FIG. 8). The longitudinal distance d ₂ 126 of the second series of perforations 1 18 and third series of perforations 122 may be approximately equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the product 16 in order to position the second reinforcing feature 96 ^" and third reinforcing feature 96 ^{" '} beneath the tangent point 90 of the products 16 (FIG. 8), respectively.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 10, the dispenser 12 may include a frame 130 and a catch element 133. The frame 130 of the dispenser 12 may support the container 14 in a desired configuration, such as a slightly declined, but generally horizontal configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1, 8, 9 and 10. As the container 14 is generally horizontally urged along the dispenser 12 to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 , 9 and 10, the catch element 133 may engage the initiation opening 36 (FIG. 2) in the container 14 to separate the access panel 66 (FIG. 4) from the container 14, as is described in greater detail herein.

[0082] The frame 130 may include a first (e.g., right) sidewall 132, a second (e.g., left) sidewall 134, an upper support deck 136 and a lower support deck 138. The right sidewall 132 may be laterally spaced from the left sidewall 134, and may be generally parallel with the left sidewall 134. The frame 130 may include a first (e.g., front) end 140 and a second (e.g., rear) end 142 longitudinally opposed from the first end 140.

[0083] The lower support deck 138 may laterally extend between the right 132 and left 134 sidewalls, and may include a front end 144 that longitudinally extends toward the front end 140 of the frame 130 and a rear end 146 that longitudinally extends toward the rear end 142 of the frame 130. Therefore, the lower support deck 138 and the sidewalls 132, 134 may define a lower level 148 of the frame 130.

[0084] The lower support deck 138 may be inclined from the front end 144 to the rear end 146 (i.e., the rear end 146 may be elevated relative to the front end 144) such that products 16 deposited proximate the rear end 146 of the lower support deck 138 roll down to the front end 144 of the lower support deck 138 under the force of gravity. The extent of the incline of the lower support deck 138 may be dictated by, among other things, the coefficient of friction of the material used to form the frame 130 and the shape of the products 16 to be dispensed by the dispenser 12.

[0085] A stop 150 may be positioned proximate the front end 144 of the lower support deck 138 to prevent products 16 from rolling beyond the front end 144 of the lower support deck 138. For example, the stop 150 may be connected to (e.g., integral with) the lower support deck 138, and may form an upward curve at the front end 144 of the lower support deck 138. Therefore, the stop 150 may collect products 16 at the front end 144 of the lower support deck 138, thereby defining a product display area 152 at the front end 144 of the lower support deck 138.

[0086] The upper support deck 136 may laterally extend between the right 132 and left 134 sidewalls, and may include a front end 154 that longitudinally extends toward the front end 140 of the frame 130 and a rear end 156 that longitudinally extends toward, but not to, the rear end 142 of the frame 130. Therefore, the upper support deck 136 and the sidewalls 132, 134 may define an upper level 158 of the frame 130.

[0087] The spacing between the rear end 156 of the upper support deck 136 and the rear end 142 of the frame 130 may define an opening 160, which may function as a chute to allow products 16 to move from the upper level 158 to the lower level 148 of the frame 130. When the container 14 is in the fully loaded configuration on the dispenser 12, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the access opening 68 (FIG. 4) in the container 14 may be aligned with the opening 160 defined by the frame 130.

[0088] The upper support deck 136 may be declined from the front end 154 to the rear end 156 (i.e., the front end 154 may be elevated relative to the rear end 156). Therefore, products 16 supported on the upper support deck 136 may roll under the force of gravity down to the rear end 156 of the upper support deck 136, through the opening 160, to the lower level 148 of the frame 130 and, ultimately, to the product display area 152.

[0089] An optional rear wall 162 may be positioned proximate the rear end 142 of the frame 130 between the right 132 and left 134 sidewalls. The rear wall 162 may serve as a stop that inhibits rearward horizontal movement of the container 14 (FIG. 1) along the upper support deck 136 beyond the rear wall 162.

[0090] Optionally, a container stop 176 may be connected proximate the rear end 162 of the frame 130. The stop 176 may extend into the upper level 158 of the frame 130 to inhibit rearward horizontal movement of the container 14 along the upper support deck 136 beyond the stop 176. Alternatively, the stop 176 may laterally extend between the right sidewall 132 and the left sidewall 134 of the frame 130 proximate the upper level 158 of the frame 130 to inhibit rearward horizontal movement of the container 14 along the upper support deck 136 beyond the stop 176.

[0091] A guide 164 may be connected to the rear wall 162 of the frame 130, and may extend through the opening 160 in the frame 130, from the upper level 158 to the lower level 148. The guide 164 may be a ramp-like structure, and may be positioned to receive products 16 exiting the container 14 and passing through the opening 160 in the frame 130, and may guide the products 16 to the rear end 146 of the lower support deck 138.

[0092] The catch element 133 may be positioned between the front end 154 and the rear end 156 of the upper support deck 136. For example, the catch element 133 may be positioned proximate the rear end 156 of the upper support deck 136.

[0093] The catch element 133 may laterally extend between the sidewalls 132, 134 of the frame 130, and may longitudinally protrude toward the front end 140 of the frame 130. The specific size and shape of the catch element 133 may depend on the size and shape of the initiation opening 36 in the container 14. [0094] In an effort to minimize interference between the catch element 133 and the container 14 during loading, the catch element 133 may be substantially co-planar with the upper surface 166 of the upper support deck 136. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that slight displacement and/or a slight angle of the catch element 133 relative to the upper surface 166 of the upper support deck 136 may encourage engagement of the initiation opening 36 in the container 14 by the catch element 133 during loading of the container 14 onto the dispenser 12.

[0095] While the catch element 133 is shown and described as a generally flat, laterally elongated and forwardly extending protrusion, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various alternative structures may be used as the disclosed catch element 133 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, suitable catch elements may include various hooks, protrusions, flanges, detents and the like sufficient to engage the initiation opening 36 in the container 14 and separate the access panel 66 from the base wall 28 of the container 14.

[0096] The upper support deck 136 may define a channel 168 positioned to guide the access panel 66 below the upper surface 166 of the upper support deck 136 as the access panel 66 is separated from the container 14 by the catch element 133. The channel 168 may extend from an entrance opening 170 proximate the catch element 133, down below the catch element 133 and, ultimately, to an exit opening 172. The channel 168 may laterally extend between the sidewalls 132, 134 of the frame 130, and may have a lateral width sufficient to allow the access panel 66 (FIG. 4) to pass therethrough. The channel 168 may extend longitudinally along the upper support deck 136 from the entrance opening 170 toward the rear end 142 of the frame 130. Alternatively, the channel 168 may extend longitudinally along the upper support deck 136 from the entrance opening 170 toward the front end 140 of the frame 130.

[0097] Thus, the catch element 133 may engage the initiation opening 36 (FIG. 2) in the container 14 and may separate the access panel 66 (FIG. 4) from the container 14 as the container 14 is moved horizontally along the upper support deck 136 toward the rear end 142 of the frame 130. The shape and position of the catch element 133 may be configured such that a portion of the catch element 133 extends through the initiation opening 36 (FIG. 2) in the container 14. Therefore, as the container 14 moves relative to the catch element 132, the catch element 132 may urge the base wall 28 downward through the opening 170 and into the channel 168, thereby causing separating of the access panel 66 (FIG. 4) from the container 14 along the first and second weakening features 46, 50 (FIG. 2) and, ultimately, the formation of the access opening 68 (FIG. 4) in the container 14.

[0098] Optionally, the frame 130 may include one or more intermediate support decks (not shown) positioned between the upper support deck 136 and the lower support deck 138. The intermediate support deck may include a front end that longitudinally extends toward the front end 140 of the frame 130 and a rear end that longitudinally extends toward, but not to, the rear end 142 of the frame 130 defining an intermediate level of the frame 130. The spacing between the rear end of the intermediate support deck and the rear end 142 of the frame 130 may define an intermediate opening, which may function as a chute to allow products 16 to move from the intermediate level down to the lower level 148 of the frame 130 under the force of gravity. The intermediate support deck may be inclined from the front end to the rear end such that products 16 deposited proximate the rear end of the intermediate support deck roll down to the front end of the intermediate support deck under the force of gravity. An intermediate stop may be positioned proximate the front end of the intermediate support deck to prevent products 16 from rolling beyond the front end of the intermediate support deck and collect products 16 at the front end of the intermediate support deck, thereby defining a second product display area (not shown) proximate the front end of the intermediate support deck. The second product display area may be longitudinally displaced (e.g., inwardly) and/or vertically displaced (e.g., upwardly) relative to the product display area 152.

[0099] FIGS. 1 1-13 illustrate the container 14 being loaded onto the dispenser 12 such that the catch element 133 of the dispenser 12 engages and opens the container 14, thereby releasing the products 16 initially housed in the container 14 to the dispenser 12.

Specifically, FIGS. 1 1 and 13 illustrate the container 14 being urged generally horizontally along the upper support deck 136 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis A of the upper support deck 136) toward the rear end 142 of the dispenser frame 130, thereby automatically opening the container 14 and dispensing the products 16 from the container 14 to the dispenser 12.

[00100] As shown in FIG. 1 1, as the initiation opening 36 in the container 14 approximates the catch element 133 of the dispenser 12, the catch element 133 may pass through the initiation opening 36. With the catch element 133 extending through the initiation opening 36, a rear edge 174 of the base wall 28 (e.g., the edge 38) of the container 14 may be directed downward through the entrance opening 170 of the channel 168. [00101] As shown in FIG. 12, as the container 14 continues to longitudinally move along the upper support deck 136 toward the rear end 142 of the dispenser 12, the base wall 28 of the container 14 may pass through the channel 168, thereby separating the access panel 66 from the base wall 28 along the first and second weakening features 46, 50 (FIG. 2).

[00102] As shown in FIG. 13, with the container 14 fully loaded onto the dispenser 12, the access opening 68 formed in the container 14 may be aligned with the opening 160 between the upper level 158 and the lower level 148 of the frame 130. Therefore, the force of gravity may urge the products 16 initially housed in the container 14 through the access opening 68 in the container 14, through the opening 160 in the frame 130, down to the lower support deck 138 and, ultimately, to the product display area 152.

[00103] Accordingly, the use of reinforcing features as described herein may provide one or more advantageous methods of forming the access panel. Such methods may be advantageous because the weakening features may be less likely to separate in response to normal or extreme handling of the container, thus reducing damage to the container. Other advantages may also become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[00104] Although various embodiments of the disclosed product dispensing system have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.