[0001] The present invention relates to an improved box with four (4) stacks of articles with dual openings on the top and bottom of the box. Each opening provides access to a separate stack of articles separated by a fixed or movable divider. Thus, when the top stack of articles is emptied, the box can be flipped over so as to easily access the second stack of articles in the once bottom stack.
[0002] Dispensing boxes or containers are often the simplest means to store and access various articles ranging from candies to pills, etc. However, tall dispensing box openings often provide limited access to articles resting on the bottom. Moreover, it is cumbersome or awkward to reach down an often tiny opening to grab an article all the way at the bottom of such a box. In addition, replacing such dispensing boxes when the contents are emptied is inconvenient. There is a need for a dispensing box that provides for easy access to the bottom of a tall dispensing box without sacrificing the amount of articles that may be stored or dispensed.
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide for a dispensing box with up to four (4) or more short stacks of articles with most openings being exposed on the top and bottom of the box. Each opening provides access to a separate stack of articles separated by a divider(s). Thus, when the top stack of articles is emptied, the box can simply be flipped over so as to easily access the second stack of articles in the (once) bottom stack.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,249 discloses a sanitary paper dispenser which is open at both ends. Thus, the sanitary paper may be accessed from the top or bottom of the dispenser.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,849 discloses a tissue dispenser box with atop wall and a front wall having a first slot and second slots respectively. The slots are rectangular and parallel to each other. The slots are non-intersecting and each allow access to tissues in the box.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,354 discloses a plastic container for facial tissues where the tissues will be removed vertically from the top opening. An internal control plate controls the subsequent removal of tissues from the packet inside the container one tissue at a time and also assists in holding the tissues vertically for ease of removal.
[0007] The present invention provides a container for dispensing articles from first and second stacks within the container. The container has an upper panel with a first dispensing opening formed therein for dispensing articles and a lower panel with a second dispensing opening formed therein for dispensing articles. A panel for separating the first and second stacks of articles is provided within the container. The first stack of articles may be dispensed through the first dispensing opening so that the container may be turned over and the second stack of articles may be dispensed through the second dispensing opening.
[0008] In alternate embodiments, the container may have four (4) or more adjacent stacks of articles in which the first and second stacks can be equally accessed at a time through the first and second dispensing openings. When those two (2) stacks are depleted, the container can be flipped over, revealing a third and fourth opening which permit access to a third and fourth stack of articles respectively.
[0009] In another alternate embodiment, the container can be turned on its side so as to expose the first and second openings which are horizontally opposed. Thus, there can be equal access to the first and second stacks of articles at the same time.
[0010] In another alternate embodiment, the container may contain a grouping of randomly arranged articles and may be made to form to various sizes.
[0011] In another alternate embodiment the container may include two containers separably attached by a perforation.
[0012] In another alternate embodiment, the container may contain a grouping of randomly arranged articles instead of stacked articles.
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[0024] Containers
[0025] Operation
[0026] Container
[0027] An alternate embodiment, container
[0028] An alternate embodiment, container
[0029] An alternate embodiment, container
[0030] It is an advantage of the present invention to provide for a dispensing box with up to four (4) short stacks of articles with at most openings being exposed on the top and bottom of the box. Each opening provides access to a separate stack of articles separated by a divider. Thus, when the top stack of articles is emptied, the box can simply be flipped over so as to easily access the second stack of articles in the (once) bottom stack.
[0031] A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.