INDEX-ABLE CONTAINER WITH DISPENSER RECEPTACLE AND METHODS FOR FILLING AND MANUFACTURING

The present invention is a container system comprised of a ridged container, a dispenser that can be secured to a receptacle that is integral to the container and a closure, various methods of manufacturing the container and automated means of placing the dispenser on the receptacle. The container system is generally intended to store dry or granulated substances. The container has an integral receptacle to stow the dispenser. The receptacle has indexing features to aid automation. The dispenser has a coupling feature that engages the receptacle of the container as well guiding features to direct its travel during automation. The dispenser becomes trapped on the receptacle when the closure is in place. The means of automation uses the indexing features on the receptacle to orient the container and the guiding features on the dispenser to direct the dispenser onto the receptacle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to rigid packaging. More specifically, it relates to rigid packaging with a dispenser and a receptacle that secures the dispenser. Furthermore, it relates to automated methods for placing the dispenser on the receptacle, manufacturing the rigid packaging and manufacturing the dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Powdered or granulated substances such as but not limited to nutritional supplements, baby formulas, ground coffee, dry soaps and other substances are often sold and thereby stored in a rigid package. It is common place for a manufacturer or distributer of such substances to specify an amount of the substance to be used per serving or per application. Furthermore, it is common place for these substances to be measured by volume. As a result, these substances are often sold with a measuring scoop or dispenser.

Typically, suppliers of granulated substances who also supply a dispenser, place the dispenser in the container along with the substance. This is problematic for a number of reasons. First, the dispenser may become covered by the substance hindering retrieval of the dispenser. Second, retrieval of the dispenser often results in the user getting the substance on their hands. Third, retrieval of the dispenser often results in contaminating the substance via the user's hands which may result in spoilage or degradation of the substance.

Currently there are a few solutions for dispenser storage on the market that seek to secure the dispenser above the substance. The current dispenser storage solutions fail to meet all of the needs of the market and the filling operations that support that market. Some of these solutions greatly increase the size of the container. Other solutions do not prevent the dispenser from disengaging the receptacle during transportation and handling. Other solutions store the dispenser outside the safety seal leaving the dispenser vulnerable to tampering. Still other solutions are not user friendly in approach. Furthermore, current solutions do not allow for easy implementation of automated filling utilizing existing equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention consists of a container system with a dispenser for powdered or granulated substances, the methods for inserting the dispenser during filling operations and the methods for manufacturing the container and dispenser.

The container system is comprised of a rigid container with a receptacle for a dispenser, a dispenser with a coupling feature that couples to the container's receptacle and a closure. These items work as a system such that the dispenser becomes trapped on the receptacle when the closure is in place.

The container system is further presented with features to enable automated placement of the dispenser within the interior of the container. During the filling process additional machine or machines may index the container's receptacle and guide the dispenser such that the dispenser is coupled to the receptacle.

Other aspects of the present invention shall be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the following detailed description, neither of which should be considered limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a rigid packaging system incorporating a container, a dispenser and a closure where the dispenser can be stowed in the container above the container's contents such that the dispenser cannot be removed from the stowed location when the closure is in place. Additionally, the present invention is directed to the means of manufacturing components of the container system. Finally, the present invention is directed to the means of orienting the container and inserting the dispenser as the container is filled by automated equipment. The inventive concept is presented herein across multiple embodiments.

Referring now toFIG.1, which is the preferred embodiment of the packaging system consisting of the generally cylindrical polymer container30, a scoop like polymer dispenser20and polymer closure10. The dispenser20is stowed near the opening of the container30. The dispenser20is in close proximity to the closure10when the closure10is secured to the container30.

In the container's preferred embodiment, the container is constructed of a rigid polymer material which forms a cylindrical body with a single opening and formed threads near the opening for securing a closure. The container may comprise a single wall in the case of a cylindrical container or a number of walls to form a polygon. The walls are connected to form a closed object having a perimeter. At the bottom of the walled perimeter, the container bottom where a floor is attached to the walls to form a seal (i.e., universally attached). Near the top of the walled perimeter is an opening wherein the container may be filled and users may access substances residing in the interior of the container. A rim may be created around the opening encircling the walled surfaces which make up the container or may exist on an intermediary piece (i.e., top of the cylinder) which makes up the top of the container.

Adjacent and concentric to the opening is a lip in which a receptacle for a dispenser is formed. The receptacle contains an indexing surface that can be used with automated filling equipment to position the receptacle such that the dispenser can be coupled to the receptacle. The receptacle is positioned close enough to the container's opening such that the receptacle may be formed during the same blow molding and trimming operations used to form the container body. Furthermore, the receptacle sits far enough below the lip such that when the dispenser is hanging on the receptacle it does not interfere with common safety seal materials and technologies. Additional embodiments of the container will be discussed.

Referring to the dispenser, the dispenser handle contains a hook like coupling feature that engages the receptacle on the container. Additionally, the dispenser contains an insertion guide or guides within its handle. In the dispenser's preferred embodiment, the dispenser has a pair of insertion guides in the coupling feature of the handle. The insertion guides may be used with automated filling equipment to couple the dispenser to the container's receptacle. The dispenser is typically formed out of a polymer material using an injection molding process. Additional embodiments of the dispenser will be discussed.

Throughout this specification the dispenser is shown as having a hook and the container having a receptacle for attachment of the hook. While this configuration is presented as a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the hook and receiver are provided as an example of a paired mating arrangement. Alternative embodiments could include positioning the hook within the interior of the container and a receptacle (also referred to as a receiver) positioned on the proximal end of the handle opposite the scoop. In other arrangements, the paired mating connectors could include snaps, hook and loop textiles, post and holes, etc.

Referring now toFIG.2, which is a section view of the preferred embodiment of the packaging system. In this view the dispenser20has been coupled to the receptacle301which is an integral part of container30. There is a space321in between dispenser20and closure10when the dispenser20is coupled to the receptacle301and container30is in an upright orientation. The space321ensures that the dispenser20does not interfere with the interaction of the closure10and container30and such that a seal between the closure10and container30can be achieved. Also, the space321is less than the space required to decouple the dispenser20from the receptacle310. As a result, with the closure10secured to the container30it is not possible to decouple the dispenser20for the receptacle301.

Referring now toFIG.3, which is a section view of the preferred embodiment of the packaging system which includes a safety seal40. A safety seal is common means of ensuring the contents of the container are not tampered with in between the time that the container is filled and time the container is first opened by the consumer. Furthermore, a typical safety seal is fused to a container creating a more complete seal than a closure alone can achieve. As a result, the use of a safety seal is common practice for many of the products sold in rigid packaging. With regard to the subject rigid packaging system, when the dispenser20is coupled to the receptacle310and the container30is in the upright orientation there is a space322in between the dispenser20and safety seal40. The space322is adequate to ensure the methods used create a seal between the container30and safety seal40do not cause the safety seal40to fuse to dispenser20or otherwise cause damage to the dispenser20.

It should be understood that in some embodiments the closure may be a type of lid, such as a screw top or friction fit, or other type of closure mechanism for selectively sealing the container.

Referring now toFIG.4, which is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the dispenser20. The dispenser20is comprised of a bowl204and a handle201. At the end of the handle201is a hook like coupling feature202. The coupling feature202extends past the handle201by a distance203. This distance203is adequate to ensure the side of the handle201does not interfere with coupling to a receptacle while using automated means to insert the dispenser20into the container30.

Referring now toFIG.5, an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the dispenser20. At the end of the coupling feature202are two insertion guides205which protrude past the top surface209and bottom surface210of the handle201. The insertion guides205can be used to engage track like or guiding features incorporated in automated means of inserting the dispenser20.

Referring now toFIG.6, an isometric view of the first alternate embodiment of the dispenser21. The coupling feature202has two insertion guides206consisting of a depression that protrudes inward from the top surface209and bottom surface210of the handle201. The insertion guides206can be used to engage track like guiding features incorporated in automated means of inserting the first alternate embodiment of the dispenser21.

Referring now toFIG.7, an isometric view of the second alternate embodiment of the dispenser22with additional features to aide in filling the dispenser when the container is nearly empty of its contents. The bowl204contains a flat surface207that enhances the user's ability to fill the dispenser's bowl204while the second alternate embodiment of the dispenser22is in contact with the bottom surface of the container. The bowl radius208that is adjacent to the flat surface207of the bowl204is similar or equal to the radius in the bottom corner of the container. The similar or equal nature of the two radii further aides in the user's ability to fill the bowl204with material from the bottom corner of the container.

Referring now toFIG.8, which illustrates a third alternate embodiment of the dispenser23and a fourth alternate embodiment of the dispenser24. These alternate embodiments illustrate how the coupling feature may be oriented differently or that multiple coupling features may be present. Furthermore, these alternate embodiments illustrate that the shape and size of the bowl may vary including a bowl with a rounded or contoured bottom.

Additional embodiments of the dispenser may include various alternate locations of the handle, the addition of markings or graduations or the incorporation of esthetic designs. In general the dispenser is constructed of a polymer material and is formed using an injection molding process with a single parting die. Alternative materials including but not limited to paper like materials and metals may be used.

Referring now toFIG.9, which is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the container30. The preferred embodiment of the container30is constructed of polymer material and is generally cylindrical in shape with an opening at one end. The lip302of the opening is generally flat and circular in shape. The receptacle301is set below the lip and protrudes into the opening of the container30.

Referring now toFIG.10, which is a detailed view of the lip302and receptacle on the preferred embodiment of the container30. The distance323in which the receptacle301sits below the lip302is adequate such that the dispenser is not able to decouple from the receptacle301and does not interfere with the closure or safety seal when in place.

Still referring toFIG.10, the receptacle is formed from a section of the container's30material. The material has a void304which is an adequate size and shape for the coupling feature of the dispenser to pass through.

Still referring toFIG.10, the receptacle301has one or more indexing features303. To index the container30, the container30is rotated. The indexing feature303is a feature that may be used to prevent rotation when it comes in contact with a mechanism or device or feature intended to stop the rotation of the container30. When the indexing feature303makes contact with the mechanism or device or feature the location of the receptacle is known which facilitates automated insertion of the dispenser.

Still referring toFIG.10, the receptacle301has a surface305with adequate length, straightness and location to perform the function of leveling the contents of the dispenser. Once the dispenser has been filled, the contents of the dispenser may protrude past the top of its bowl. The user may slide the dispenser across the surface305removing the excess contents from the dispenser and allowing those contents to fall into the container30.

Cylindrical polymer containers are generally manufactured via blow molding process. In this process a plastic parison is extruded through an open die, the die is closed around the parison, the parison is pressurized with compressed air and expands to take the form of the die, the die is opened and the molded component is trimmed. The preferred method of manufacturing the container30is to form all features using the blow molding process.

Referring now toFIG.11, which is a detailed view of the preferred embodiment of the container30illustrating the container's30shape during the blow molding process after the die has opened and before the container30has been trimmed. At this point in the blow molding process there is no opening in the top surface324. In the center of the top surface324is the typical flash307created by the parison. To form the receptacle, there is a recess308in the top surface324. In the center of the recess308is a blister309. The material in the recess308will form the receptacle and the blister309will be trimmed off creating the void in the receptacle. Additionally, there is a recess306in the top surface324to allow a knife to begin trimming at a depth adequately below the material forming blister309and above the material forming the recess308.

Referring now toFIG.12, which is an illustration of how the preferred embodiment of the container is trimmed. Knife310is lowered into the recess306such that the blade is at a level below the material creating the blister309and above the material creating the recess308. The knife follows the illustrated path311creating an opening in the container30and a receptacle for the dispenser.

Referring now toFIG.13, an exploded view of the container30, the scrap material312from the opening and the scrap material313from the blister. These are the resulting pieces after the top of the container is trimmed.

Referring now toFIG.14, an exploded view of an alternative method for trimming container30such that there is a single piece of scrap material314. A single piece of scrap material314is achieved by adding a piece of connecting material315to join the scrap material from the opening and the scrap material from the blister.

Referring now toFIG.15, which is an illustration of an alternative means for adding the receptacle to the container. Here the body325of the container30is formed by the blow molding process and the top is trimmed off leaving a raw edge317. The rim316is formed by injection molding and contains the receptacle301. The rim316is then joined to the body325by spin welding, ultrasonic welding or other joining technology.

In addition to the preferred embodiment of the container there are alternative embodiments that should be considered as the invention. A few examples are described as follows. These examples are to be considered illustrative and not limiting.

Referring now toFIG.16, a detail view of an alternative embodiment of the container30which has two or more receptacles301. The presence of multiple receptacles301requires less rotation of the container30before an indexing surface comes in contact with a mechanism or device or feature intended to stop the rotation of the container30.

Referring now toFIG.17, a detail view of an alternative embodiment of the container30which has a series of receptacles301that encircle the entire circumference of the container's30lip302. The receptacles are form by a series of voids304in the container's30material. In automated filling operations the location of the axis of a cylindrical container is typically known. Having a continuous series of receptacles301encircling the lip302and knowing the location of the axis of the container30negates the need to rotate the container30to facilitate automated insertion of the dispenser.

Referring now toFIG.18, which is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the container31constructed of multiple materials and parts. The body319is a hollow cylinder or tube generally constructed of a paper, cardboard, polymer or other material. The bottom320and top318are affixed to opposite ends of the body319. The bottom320and top318are generally made of metal or polymer. There is a receptacle formed301into the top318and recessed adequately such that the dispenser is not able to decouple from the receptacle301and does not interfere with the closure or safety seal when in place.

Referring now toFIG.19, which is a section view of an alternative embodiment of the container31illustrating the use of a typical closure and safety seal. Here the dispenser20is coupled to the receptacle310. A safety seal50and the closure11are both in place.

Referring now toFIG.20, which is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the container32. In place of the generally cylindrical shape of the preferred embodiment, this container32has relatively flat sides creating a square or rectangular shape to the body. There may also be additional features such as grab handles, graduated markings or decorative embellishments. The flat surfaces of the body may be used to index the receptacle301in place of indexing features that are integral to the receptacle301. Multiple receptacles301may be present and the locations of the receptacles may correlate to the flat surfaces of the body.

Rigid packaging is generally filled through automated means. The process involves loading the containers onto a conveying system with the containers spaced at a regular interval. Once on the conveying system the containers pass through a number of machines that clean, fill, insert dispensers, label, and seal the containers. The present invention includes the addition of a machine or machines to the current process. The additional machine or machines index the container's receptacle and guides the dispensers such that the dispensers are coupled to the receptacle.

Referring to the automation of coupling the dispenser to the receptacle on the container, the preferred embodiment is a mechanism that can be used with a variety of filling systems including rotary fillers and augur fillers. Common to filling machinery is a conveying system, or conveyor, that moves the container through a series of operations. The conveyor passes through or under the mechanism which positions the container on the fill line conveyor such that it is in a consistent and desired orientation and then couples the dispenser onto the receptacle before the container passes through the filler.

To reposition the container, the container passes in between an indexing chain assembly positioned alongside the conveyor and a friction generating feature positioned on the opposite side of the conveyor.

The indexing chain assembly travels in the same direction of the conveyor and at the same speed as the conveyor. The fiction generating feature is situated parallel to the conveyor and is stationary or traveling at a speed that is different than the indexing chain assembly. Engaging opposite sides of the container with elements that are moving different speeds creates a rotational force and causes the container to rotate. The distance the container travels while in between the indexing chain assembly and the friction generating feature is sufficient for the container to complete one or more rotations.

The indexing chain assembly is comprised of a series of links. The shape of the links includes a spacing feature which engages the container and allows it to rotate while maintaining each container's position on the conveyor relative to the other containers.

There is an indexing arm installed on each link of the indexing chain assembly. The indexing arm can be lowered into the opening of the container where it engages with the lip of the container's opening.

In the preferred embodiment, the means of raising the indexing arm is a pivot incorporated into the indexing arm and a surface that engages the indexing arm causing it to rotate about the pivot. As the indexing arm rotates the portion of the indexing arm engages the container raises. Conversely, the indexing arm is lowered as it passes from underneath the surface.

In operation, as the container travels on the conveyor it encounters the indexing chain and friction generating feature. As the container passes in between the indexing chain and friction generating feature, the indexing chain links engages the outer surface of the container and the indexing arm is lowered to engage the lip of the opening of the container. Concurrently, the friction generating feature engages the outer surface of the container causing the container to rotate as it passes in between the indexing chain and friction generating feature. Once the indexing arm makes contact with the indexing feature of the container the outer surface of the container overcomes the static friction produced by the friction generating feature causing the outer surface of the container to slide on the friction generating surface. This stops rotation of the container. Before the container disengages the indexing chain, the container disengages from the friction generating feature such that the rotational force on the container is no longer produced. The indexing arm then disengages from the container. The container is now oriented on the conveyor with the receptacle in a repeatable and desired position.

In the case where the indexing arm engages the container such that the indexing arm is contacting the top surface of the receptacle, the rotation of the container will cause the receptacle to pass from underneath the indexing arm. Once the indexing arm is clear of the receptacle, the indexing arm is free to lower and fully engages the container.

With respect to coupling the dispenser on the receptacle, after passing through the indexing machine, the fill line conveyor passes under a dispenser insertion guide.

In its preferred embodiment, the dispenser insertion guide consists of a bowl channel and handle channel that maintain a handle down orientation of the dispenser. Adjacent to the bowl channel is a slide surface under which a deep channel transitions into a shallow channel. The deep channel and shallow channel are open to the slide. The slide surface protrudes into the deep channel and shallow channel creating a lip at the top edge of the deep channel and shallow channel on both sides of the deep channel and shallow channel.

In operation, dispensers are sorted using conventional sorting machinery and then feed into the dispenser inserting guide such that the dispenser's handle is oriented below the dispenser's bowl and the coupling feature's opening faces the direction of dispenser movement. The dispenser is moved through the dispenser inserting guide using conventional means similar to other dispenser inserting equipment. As the dispenser's bowl moves from the bowl channel onto the slide surface, the bowl channel ends before the bottom of the handle channel. This causes rotation of the dispenser so that the handle is oriented above the bowl. The dispenser is now falling with the bowl contacting the sliding surface and the handle is pulled into the wide channel. As the dispenser continues to fall, the insertion guides on the handle's coupling feature come in contact with the lips on the deep channel. The deep channel transitions into the shallow channel to ensure the location of the coupling feature as the coupling feature leaves the dispenser inserting guide and engages the receptacle on the container.

Referring now toFIG.21, which is an illustration of the preferred embodiment of the indexing machine50. This embodiment is suitable for intermittent or continuous movement of the conveying system making this embodiment compatible with multiple types of filling systems such as auger fillers and rotary fillers.

Still referring toFIG.21, conveyor501passes through the indexing machine50. On one side of the conveyor501is an indexing chain assembly508consisting of a series of links505on which an indexing arm506is affixed. The series of links505ride on track frame527. The links505are constructed such that there are spacing features507. The spacing features507of adjacent links505form a shape that interacts with the container30maintaining the spaced relation between consecutive containers30. There is an indexing arm lifting surface504affixed above the indexing chain assembly where the indexing chain assembly508is not adjacent to the conveyor501and as the indexing arm assembly508is transitioning to and from travel that is adjacent to the conveyor501. Alongside the conveyor opposite the indexing chain assembly508is a friction producing surface503which is affixed to a friction producing support502.

Still referring toFIG.21, in operation, containers30are equally spaced and traveling on a conveyor501. When adjacent to the conveyor, the direction of indexing chain assembly travel510and the direction of conveyor travel509are the same. Furthermore, the speeds, accelerations, starts and stops of the indexing chain assembly508and conveyor501are synchronized. As a container30enters the indexing machine50the spacing features507of adjacent links505engage the container. The indexing arm506clears the indexing arm lifting surface504causing the indexing arm506to engage with the container30. As the container passes in between the friction producing surface503and the indexing chain assembly508, the friction producing surface503causes the container30to rotate about its central axis until the indexing arm506contacts the indexing feature of the container30which stops the rotation of the container30with the container's30receptacle in a known orientation. The container30then moves past the friction producing surface. As the indexing chain assemble508transitions away from adjacent travel with the conveyor501the indexing arms506engage the indexing arm lifting surface504and disengage the container30. As the container30exits the indexing machine50it continues to travel on the conveyor501equally spaced and uniformly oriented.

Still referring toFIG.21, in the special case where the indexing arm506is lowered on top of the container's30receptacle301, the rotation of the container30will move receptacle301out from under the indexing arm506so that the indexing arm506can fully engage the container30.

Referring now toFIG.22, which is a detail view of the preferred embodiment of the indexing machine illustrating the produced movement and orientation of the container. The direction of container rotation511results as the conveyor501and indexing chain assembly508move past the stationary friction producing surface503. The container30rotates until the indexing feature303of receptacle301makes contact512with indexing arm506.

Referring now toFIG.23, which is a detail view of the preferred embodiment of the indexing machine illustrating the movement of the indexing arm. As the path of the indexing chain assembly508moves away from the conveyor501, the indexing arm506moves under the indexing arm lifting surface504and rotates about a pivot in the indexing chain link causing it to disengage the container30.

Referring now toFIG.24, which is an illustration of the preferred embodiment of the dispenser insertion guide. Dispensers20are sorted by conventional means and are fed into the dispenser insertion guide60. The dispenser insertion guide extends over the conveyor501. On the conveyor501is a series of containers30that are moving through the filling operation which have been uniformly spaced and oriented prior to the dispenser inserting operation. The containers30pass under the dispenser insertion guide60such that the lips606on the shallow channel605direct the dispenser20onto receptacle301. The insertion process can place dispensers20during intermittent or continuous movement of the conveyor501. For intermittent movement of the conveyor, the locations of the receptacle301and dispenser insertion guide60coincide when the conveyor501is stopped so the dispenser20can be inserted. For continuous movement of the conveyor501, the positioning of the receptacle301is synchronized with the fall of the dispenser20. The length of the receptacle301and the shape of the dispenser20provide tolerance to the synchronized position of the receptacle301and fall of the dispenser20.

Referring now toFIG.25, which is a section view of the preferred embodiment of the dispenser insertion guide. As the dispensers20are fed into the dispenser insertion guide60they are oriented with the handle201below the bowl204and the coupling feature202opening toward the container30. The dispensers20enter into a queueing area comprised of bowl channel607and a handle channel608which maintain proper orientation of the dispenser20. As the dispenser is pushed out of the queueing area, the bowl channel607transitions into the sliding surface611before the handle channel608transitions into the deep channel604. This causes the bowl204to rotate in the direction602around the end of the handle201. After the bowl204rotates past the end of the handle201, the handle moves in the direction603down the deep channel604. As the bowl204slides down the sliding surface611the insertion guides205on the dispenser20engage the lips606of the sliding surface611the protrude into the deep channel604and shallow channel605. The interaction of the lips606to the insertion guides205and the bowl204to the sliding surface guide the dispenser onto the receptacle. As the dispenser20moves down in the shown direction603the insertion guides move from the deep channel604into the shallow channel605further refining the location of the coupling feature202. As the coupling feature202exits the dispenser insertion guide60it passes through the receptacle creating a union between the coupling feature202and receptacle301.

Referring now toFIG.26, which is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of an indexing machine51that incorporates the dispenser insertion guide60. The fill line conveyor501passes through the alternative embodiment of an indexing machine51. To one side of the conveyor501is a container holding block514which is affixed to an actuator515such that the holding block travel517extends over and retracts from the conveyor501. On the side of the conveyor opposite the container holding block514and actuator515is a means of container rotation518. The dispenser insertion guide60extends over means of container rotation518and overhangs the conveyor60. The indexing arm506is affixed to a pivot527and actuator513. The actuator513causes indexing arm travel516.

Referring now toFIG.27, which is a detail view of an alternative embodiment of an indexing machine51that incorporates the dispenser insertion guide60. During operation of the alternative embodiment of an indexing machine51, the conveyor501runs intermittently advancing the containers30a distance equal to the interval in between containers30in the direction of conveyor travel509per period of motion. During periods when the conveyor501stops moving, there is a container30under the dispenser insertion guide60and in front of the container holding block514. The actuator515then extends over the conveyor501in the direction of the holding block travel517so that the container holding block514is holding the container30against the means of container rotation518. Next the actuator513moves the indexing arm506such that it engages the container30.

Referring now toFIG.28, which is another detail view of an alternative embodiment of an indexing machine51that incorporates the dispenser insertion guide60and continuing to discuss the operation of the alternative embodiment of an indexing machine51. With the container holding block514holding the container30against the means of container rotation518and the indexing arm506has engaging the container30the means of container rotation518is activated. The container30rotates in the direction of container rotation511. Once the indexing feature303on the receptacle301contacts the indexing arm506the container30stops rotating with the receptacle301properly located under the dispenser insertion guide60. Once contact between the indexing arm506and the indexing feature303are made, the means of container rotation will slip on the surface of the container30without causing the container30to rotate. Next the means of container rotation518is deactivated and the dispenser is coupled to the receptacle. Finally, the actuator515retracts the container holding block514, the actuator513disengages the indexing arm506from the container30and the conveyor301advances the next container30into the alternative embodiment of an indexing machine51.

Still referring toFIG.28, in the special case where the indexing arm506is lowered on top of the container's30receptacle301, the rotation of the container30will move receptacle301out from under the indexing arm506so that the indexing arm506can fully engage the container30.

Referring now toFIG.29, which is an illustration of an alternative embodiment an indexing machine52that has been incorporated into a rotary filling system. In brief, a rotatory filling system pulls the containers off the fill line conveyor and onto a carousel. The containers are filled as the carousel rotates and then returned to the conveyor. A rotary filling system allows for continuous high speed movement of the fill line while providing settling time for the product into the containers.

Still referring toFIG.29, the alternative embodiment an indexing machine52is comprised of a carousel519with multiple container locations528and an equal number of filling funnels520. Attached to the bottom of each filling funnel520is a rotary indexer521that serves to index the container30and create a seal with the container30. Additionally, there is a means of container rotation518that is tangent or concentric to the carousel519and near the location where the containers leave the conveyor501to enter the carousel519.

Still referring toFIG.29, in operation the fill line conveyor501travels into the alternative embodiment an indexing machine52. The containers30are transferred onto the carousel519and travel in the direction of carousel travel522. Once the containers30are transferred onto the carousel the rotary indexer520is lowered onto the opening of container30such that it is seated on top of the container's receptacle. As the container30passes the means of container rotation, the container rotates under the rotary indexer521until the rotary indexer521aligns with the receptacle on container30which causes the rotary indexer521to drop past the receptacle, stopping rotation of the container30and forming a seal with the container30. The dispenser is inserted into the container30while the container30is filled. The dispensers are guided onto the receptacle using the insertion guides that are integrated into the filling funnel520. The rotary indexer521is lifted off the container30as the container30is directed back onto the conveyor501.

Referring now toFIG.30, which is an isometric view of a rotary indexer521. There is a sealing surface529toward the bottom of the rotary indexer521that is sized appropriately for the container being filled. There is a protrusion523that extends below the sealing surface529which has a void524. The void524is sized appropriately so the protrusion523can travel past the container's receptacle when aligned with the void524.

Referring now toFIG.31, which is a detail view of an alternative embodiment an indexing machine52that has been incorporated into a rotary filling system showing the interaction of the rotary filling funnel, rotary indexer and container. The rotary indexer521is formed such that the rotary indexer521is able to move vertically on the filling funnel while not allowing for rotation of the rotary indexer521. When the rotary indexer521is lowered onto the container's30opening the protrusion523is seated on the receptacle301. As the container30rotates the receptacle301aligns with the void524and the rotary indexer521lowers onto the container30creating a seal with sealing surface529. When the container's receptacle is located in the void524the container is unable to rotate.

Referring now toFIG.32, which is a detail view of an alternative embodiment an indexing machine52which shows the interaction of the dispenser20and integrated guide525of the filling funnel520. When the container's receptacle301is located in the void524the receptacle301is located directly below the insertion guide525. The handle of dispenser20engages the insertion guide525with the guides that are integrated into the coupling feature of the dispenser20and travels to the receptacle301.

Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by both this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.