Index-able container with dispenser receptacle and methods for filling and manufacturing

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A packaging system for dispensing a powder, liquid, or granular substance by a user comprising:
 a container body, a dispenser, and a paired mating arrangement;
 wherein said paired mating arrangement comprises a first mating member and a second mating member, and wherein the paired mating arrangement consists of a hook and a receiver which may be selectively coupled by the user; 
 wherein said container body comprises a walled perimeter, a floor which is universally attached to the bottom of the walled perimeter, an opening positioned near the top of the walled perimeter and allowing access to the interior region of the container body, and a first mating member; wherein the first mating member is positioned within the interior region of the container body, and in close proximity to the opening of the container body; 
 wherein said dispenser comprises a bowl positioned at the distal end of an elongated member, and the second mating member positioned at the proximal end of the elongated member. 
   
     
     
         2 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the container body further comprises a rimmed member, said rimmed member encircling the opening of the container body, and providing structural support for the first mating member. 
     
     
         3 . The packaging system of  claim 2 , wherein floor and walled perimeter of the container body are formed by a formed by a first manufacturing process and the rimmed member is manufactured through a second manufacturing process. 
     
     
         4 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , further comprising a lid, wherein said lid may be selectively configured by the user to either provide access to the interior region or closure of interior region of the container body. 
     
     
         5 . The packaging system of  claim 4 , wherein the lid when configured to providing closure of the interior region restricts the uncoupling of the mating members. 
     
     
         6 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the dispenser further comprises at least one insertion guide used for engagement by an automated equipment to enable the coupling of the paired mating arrangement. 
     
     
         7 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the container body further comprises an indexing feature on the surface of the container body which coincides with the position of the first mating member. 
     
     
         8 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the walled perimeter forms a rectangular surface. 
     
     
         9 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the walled perimeter forms a cylindrical surface. 
     
     
         10 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of first mating members are positioned axially in close proximity to the opening. 
     
     
         11 . The packaging system of  claim 1 , further comprising a closure mechanism, wherein said closure mechanism is adhered onto the opening to restrict access to the interior region of the container body. 
     
     
         12 . The packaging system of  claim 2 , wherein the floor, the walled perimeter, and the rimmed member of the container body are formed as a unified piece through a single manufacturing process. 
     
     
         13 . A method of securing a dispenser within a container body by automated equipment comprising:
 using the automated equipment to engage the dispenser, said dispenser comprising a bowl positioned at the distal end of an elongated member, a hook positioned at the proximal end of the elongated member, and at least one guide member positioned along the elongated member configured to temporarily couple with the automated equipment;   using the automated equipment to engage the container body said container body having an interior region and an opening, said opening providing access to the interior region of the container body, wherein a receptacle configured to receive the hook of the dispenser is positioned in close proximity to the opening of the container body, and wherein an index feature exists on the surface of the container body and is positioned relative to the location of the receptacle;   using the automated equipment to axially align the container body utilizing the indexing feature such that the hook of the dispenser corresponds with the receptacle;   using the automated equipment to place the dispenser within the interior region of the container body such that the hook and receptacle are engaged.