Dispensers for holding sachets

Abstract

Dispenser cases usable for holding objects such as sachets are provided. Dispenser cases may be formed of thermoformed material, and may further include dispenser inserts and dispenser frame. Dispenser cases may include a lock and a hinge.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dispenser case for holding objects, comprising
 a thermoformed pulp body having one or more sections capable of being closed in a clamshell configuration;   a hinge about which the one or more sections are closed into the clamshell configuration;   a locking mechanism configured to selectively keep the one or more sections closed in the clamshell configuration; and   one or more inserts having mechanical features configured to attach said one or more inserts to the thermoformed pulp body.   
     
     
         2 . The dispenser case of  claim 1 , wherein the inserts create compartments for separating the objects within the dispenser case. 
     
     
         3 . The dispenser case of  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism is formed from thermoformed pulp. 
     
     
         4 . The dispenser case of  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism is formed from the same material as the inserts. 
     
     
         5 . The dispenser case of  claim 1 , wherein the objects are sachets. 
     
     
         6 . The dispenser case of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoformed pulp body further includes grooves, ribs, and/or ridges. 
     
     
         7 . The dispenser case of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoformed pulp body has integrally thermoformed ribs configured to separate the objects from one another. 
     
     
         8 . The dispenser case of  claim 1 , where the inserts are formed from a different material than the thermoformed pulp body. 
     
     
         9 . The dispenser case of  claim 1 , where the hinge is formed of thermoformed pulp and is integral to the one or more sections 
     
     
         10 . The dispenser case of  claim 1 , where the hinge is attached to the one or more sections. 
     
     
         11 . A method for containing and holding objects, comprising:
 providing a thermoformed pulp body having one or more sections capable of being closed in a clamshell configuration;   attaching one or more inserts, using mechanical features, to the thermoformed pulp body;   providing a hinge about which the one or more sections are closed into the clamshell configuration; and   providing a locking mechanism configured to selectively keep the one or more sections closed in the clamshell configuration.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the one or more inserts are formed from a different material as the thermoformed pulp body. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the locking mechanism is provided as part of the one or more inserts. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising inserting one or more objects into one or more compartment formed by the inserts, wherein the objects are sachets. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the one or more inserts extend beyond a parting line plane between one or more sections of the thermoformed pulp body when the thermoformed pulp body is folded. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising providing a thermoformed pulp tear-away feature on the thermoformed pulp body, wherein the tear-away feature prevents the thermoformed pulp body from being opened until the tear-away feature has been torn away. 
     
     
         17 . A dispenser case for holding objects, comprising:
 a thermoformed pulp body having one or more sections capable of being closed in a clamshell configuration;   a plurality of sachets connected to one another and contained within the thermoformed pulp body when closed in the clamshell configuration; and   a dispensing opening in the thermoformed pulp body when in the closed clamshell configuration configured to permit passage of an individual sachet of the plurality of sachets at a time.   
     
     
         18 . The dispenser case of  claim 17  wherein the plurality of sachets form a coil or an accordion within the thermoformed pulp body. 
     
     
         19 . The dispenser case of  claim 17  wherein the plurality of sachets are connected at their long edges by perforated edges. 
     
     
         20 . The dispenser case of  claim 17  further comprising inserts or dividers within the thermoformed pulp body when in the closed clamshell configuration that guide the plurality of sachets to the dispensing opening.