Twist-Tie Dispenser

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/608,473, filed Mar. 18, 2024; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/146,564, filed Dec. 27, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,930,941; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/333,884, filed May 28, 2021, now abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/751,697, filed Jan. 24, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,033,123; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/299,586, filed Oct. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,542,830; which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/245,655, filed Oct. 23, 2015, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The present disclosure relates generally to twist-tie dispensers and methods of use.

There are many uses for twist-ties. In a grocery store, for example, consumers commonly place produce items, bakery items, bulk food items, and the like in bags and use twist-ties to temporarily close the bags. In such uses, sanitary conditions are very important and, therefore, consideration should be given to the manner in which the twist-ties are dispensed. Further, spillage of twist-ties is a concern for safety reasons among others. Quick and cost-effective refill or replacement of the twist-ties or the dispensers thereof is also advantageous.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for an improved twist-tie dispenser.

The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressed by embodiments of the present invention and will be understood by reading and understanding the present specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding some of the aspects of the invention.

In one embodiment, the twist-tie dispenser is configured as a disposable product, wherein the dispenser can be thrown away or disposed of once the twist-tie cluster is spent. The twist-tie dispenser comprises a base and a twist-tie cluster attached to the base. The base includes a top portion, which may be generally U-shaped and form a pocket that is for receiving the twist-tie cluster. The base also includes a rear portion or wall that defines mounting members used for mounting the base to a fixture.

According to one example embodiment, the mounting members may be defined by hook-like extensions that protrude from the rear wall of the base, wherein the hook-like extensions are configured to receive elongate, rod-like mounting structures of a fixture to which the disposable twist-tie dispenser is to be mounted. According to one example, the hook-like extensions may fit over the elongate, rod-like mounting structures of the fixture. In addition to the hook-like extensions, the rear wall of the base may define a flexible portion that is used for latching and unlatching the dispenser to the fixture.

The flexible portion acts as a cantilever. In some embodiments, the flexible portion defines ramped tabs with latching surfaces that oppose and cooperate with upper stop surfaces formed by the hook-like extensions for latching the dispenser to the fixture. When the twist-tie cluster is spent and the dispenser needs to be removed and replaced, the flexible portion may be elastically flexed toward the front of the dispenser to clear the latching surfaces from the rod-like mounting structures of the fixture. In this manner, the dispenser can be lifted off the fixture.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a twist-tie dispenser comprises a base including a top portion defining a twist-tie cluster mounting surface, a rear wall extending downward from the top portion, and an open front. A latching structure configured for removably mounting the base to a fixture including at least one rod-like mounting structure is defined at least in part by a first hook-like extension protruding from the rear wall of the base, the first hook-like extension defining a pocket formed by an upper stop surface and a vertical retention surface, the latching structure also defined at least in part by a flexible portion of the rear wall that is configured to elastically deflect through a cut-out provided on the rear wall in a direction from the rear wall toward the open front when the rod-like mounting structure of the fixture is inserted into the pocket of the first hook-like extension, the flexible portion also defining a lower stop surface that opposes the upper stop surface of the first hook-like extension when the rod-like mounting structure is within the pocket of the first hook-like extension and is captured between the lower stop surface and the upper stop surface. As seen in, the cutout extends, vertically, past the center point of the rear wall and to a point that is positioned above the hook-like extensions (). The cutout, shown in, defined the flexible portion () of the rear wall, where the flexible portion can elastically deflect through the cutout in a direction from the rear wall toward the open front defined by the base of the twist-tie dispenser. The cutout is shown as or is represented by slots that are positioned at both sides of the flexible portion () of the real wall as shown in.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the twist-tie dispenser includes the twist-tie cluster integrally mounted to the top portion of the base, and the dispenser including the twist-tie cluster is mounted and removed from the fixture as an integral disposable unit.

According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of using a twist-tie dispenser, the method comprising providing a twist-tie dispenser comprising a base including a top portion defining a twist-tie cluster mounting surface, a rear wall extending downward from the top portion, and an open front, the dispenser further comprising a latching structure configured for removably mounting the base to a fixture including at least one rod-like mounting structure, the latching structure defined at least in part by a first hook-like extension protruding from the rear wall of the base, the first hook-like extension defining a pocket formed by an upper stop surface and a vertical retention surface, the latching structure also defined at least in part by a flexible portion of the rear wall that is configured to elastically deflect through a cut-out provided on the rear wall in a direction from the rear wall toward the open front when the rod-like mounting structure of the fixture is inserted into the pocket of the first hook-like extension, the flexible portion also defining a lower stop surface that opposes the upper stop surface of the first hook-like extension when the rod-like mounting structure is within the pocket and is captured between the lower stop surface and the upper stop surface, slidably inserting the rod-like structure of the fixture into the pocket of the first hook-like extension until abutting the upper stop surface, and while slidably inserting the rod-like structure of the fixture into the pocket of the first hook-like extension, deflecting the flexible portion of the rear wall through the cut-out provided on the rear wall until the rod-like structure is captured between the upper stop surface of the first hook-like extension and the lower stop surface defined by the flexible portion.

The method may further comprise removing the twist-tie dispenser from the fixture by re-deflecting the flexible portion toward the open front through the cut-out provided on the rear wall until the rod-like structure clears the lower stop surface and slidably lifting the base upward relative to the fixture.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific inventive features relevant to the present disclosure. Reference characters denote like elements throughout the Figures and the text.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive features, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventive features are defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved twist-tie dispensers.

According to one embodiment, the twist-tie dispenseris configured as a disposable device, wherein the entire dispensercan be removed from a fixtureat a customer location such as a grocery store and thrown away or disposed of once a twist-tie clusteris spent. In such an embodiment, the twist-tie clustermay be provided with/attached to the dispenseras an integral unit. The twist-tie clustermay be attached to the dispenserin a variety of ways known in the art including via adhesives. Once the twist-ties of the clusterare used and the entire clusteris spent, the entire dispenser, along with the portion of the clusterthat has adhesively been attached to the dispenser, can be disposed. An example of a twist-tie clusterthat can be fixed to any of the dispensers discussed in the present application is shown in.

Referring to, one embodiment of the twist-tie dispenserincludes a basethat is used for mounting the dispenserto a fixtureat, for example, a grocery store. In, the dispenseris shown separately from the fixture, and in, the dispenseris shown mounted on the fixture.

As shown in, the basemay include a generally U-shaped top portionand a rear portion or wall. The rear wallextends downward from the top portion. As will be discussed in further detail below, the U-shaped top portionis configured for receiving a twist-tie cluster, while the rear wallis configured for removably attaching the baseto a fixture.

The basecould be made of extruded plastic and optionally be at least partially covered with paper, which could include graphics such as logos, trademarks, advertising, and the like.

The twist-tie clusterthat is provided as part of the dispensermay include a plurality of twist-ties that are attached to a mounting surfacedefined by the top portionof the basevia, for example, adhesive. Other methods of attaching the twist-tie clusterto the baseare also contemplated. For example, the baseand the twist-tie clustermay be secured with a securing member selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, at least one staple, and at least one rivet.

In assembling the dispenser, a top portion of the twist-tie clusteris received by a pocketformed by the U-shaped top portionof the base. The top portion of the clusteris adhered to an inside mounting surfaceof a top wallof the U-shaped top portionof the base. A bottom portion of the twist-tie cluster, which is formed from a plurality of separated twist-ties, hangs down from the U-shaped top portionof the baseand is exposed to the users from an open frontof the base. A user can tear off one of the twist-ties by accessing it from the open front.

As noted above, rather than simply refilling the twist-tie cluster, the dispenserof the present disclosure includes a basethat is in effect integral with a twist-tie cluster. This has numerous benefits including provision of biodegradable components, lower cost by elimination of a heavy plastic receiver, cleaner appearance of the basedue to periodic disposal and replacement with a new base, the ability to match advertising on the basewith advertising on the twist-ties, etc.

Now referring to, the rear portion or wallof the basethat includes mounting featuresfor removably mounting the baseto a fixtureis described. It should be noted, as will be described, that the mounting featuresare configured for mounting and unmounting the baseto and from a specific fixturethat is generally provided at the user venues, such as grocery stores. As noted above, such a fixtureis illustrated in. The example fixtureshown inincludes two parallel rod-like mounting structures. As will be discussed, the mounting featuresof the basemay be configured and arranged to cooperate with and match the spacing of the rod-like structures. Even though shown as including two parallel rod-like mounting structures, more or fewer rod-like mounting structuresmay be provided on the fixture, and the dispenserof the present disclosure may be used with more or fewer rod-like mounting structures. According to one example embodiment, the rod-like structuresmay be 3/16″ in diameter and the spacing between the two rows of the rod-like mounting structuresmay be 1 1/4″.

As shown in, the fixturemay also define an inset dispenser mounting area(across which the rod-like structuresextend) that is bordered by sidewalls. The sidewallsare configured to limit sideways movement of the dispenseronce the dispenserhas been mounted.

Still referring to, the mounting featureof the basethat cooperates with the rod-like structuresof the fixturedefines at least one extension. The extensionprotrudes outwardly from the rear wallof the base. The extensiondefines a hook-like configuration and is configured to receive the elongate, rod-like mounting structuresof the fixtureto which the twist-tie dispenseris to be mounted.

The at least one extensioncan include a plurality of extensionsas shown in the depicted version of the base. In certain embodiments, the at least one extensioncan include multiple rows of extensions(as in the version shown) such that the twist-tie dispensercan be mounted to a fixturethat has multiple parallel elongate rod-like mounting structures.

In the embodiment depicted in, two extensionsare provided in an aligned but spaced-apart relationship defining a lower row, and a single extensionis provided thereabove defining an upper row.

According to the depicted embodiment, the hook-like configuration defined by each extensiondefines a pocketformed by an upper stop surfaceand a vertical retention surface.

Still referring to, in addition to the hook-like extensions, the mounting featuresdefined at the rear wallof the basemay include a flexible portionthat is used for latching and unlatching the dispenserto the fixture.

The flexible portionacts as a cantilever. The flexible portionmay define at least one ramped tab. The ramped configuration of the tabprovides deflection to the flexible portionas a rod-like structureof the fixturecontacts the tab. The ramped tabdefines a latching surface(also called a lower stop surface) that opposes and cooperates with the upper stop surfaceformed by one of the hook-like extensionsfor latching the dispenserto the fixture. In the depicted version of the dispenser, the flexible portionis provided at the center of the two extensionsof the lower row, and two ramped tabsare provided on the flexible portionof the base, each one configured to cooperate with a corresponding extensionon the lower row. As noted above, the ramps facilitate slidable latching of the dispenserto the fixture. The rod-like mounting structuresof the fixturecan ride along the ramped tabsand elastically deflect the flexible portionas the rod-like mounting structuresenter the pocketsof the hook-like extensions.

When mounting the dispenserto the fixture, the cantilevered flexible portionis contacted and elastically flexed out of the way when receiving the elongate rod-like mounting structureinto the pocketsof the hook-like extensions. Once the rodis passed over the ramped tabof the cantileverand enters the pocketto abut the upper stop surface, the cantileverflexes back to its original position. The latching or lower stop surfacesof the ramped tabsare configured to cooperate with the upper stop surfacesof the extensionsto capture and prevent or limit removal of the rodfrom the baseof the twist-tie dispenser.

When the twist-tie clusteris spent and the dispenserneeds to be removed and replaced, the flexible portionmay be elastically flexed toward the open frontof the dispenser baseto clear the latching surfacesfrom the rod-like mounting structuresof the fixture. In this manner, the dispensercan be lifted off the fixture.

The extensionprovided at the upper rowprovides stability to the basewhen mounted on the fixtureby cooperating with the other rod-like mounting structureof the fixturethat is parallel to the lower rod-like mounting structure. In certain embodiment, the upper extensionmay not be needed.

illustrates a basedefining an alternative mounting arrangement at the rear wallof the base. The mounting featuresof the baseare similar to those of the baseof, except that the upper hook-like extensiondefines a pocketthat opens upwardly rather than downwardly. This configuration necessitates a mounting method where the dispenseris initially lifted upwardly, inserting or hooking the upper rodwithin the pocketof the upper extension. The dispenseris then pivoted toward the fixture. After the pivoting motion, the dispenseris moved downwardly to insert the lower rodinto the pocketsof the lower extensionsby deflecting the flexible portionout of the way (similar to that of the baseof).

illustrate yet another version of a basehaving an alternative mounting arrangement at the rear portionof the base. The mounting arrangement of the baseis similar to those shown for bases,in that hook-like extensionsand a center flexible portionis used. In the version of, two rows of two extensionseach are used. The upper extensions, again, are for support and rigidity and the lower extensionsare used for latching. The flexible portion, in the shown embodiment, defines a single tabthat spans the entire width defined between the two lower extensions. The center flexible portion, as shown in, may be accessed both from the rearof the dispenserand the frontof the dispenserwhen the twist-tie clusteris spent. The flexible portionextends through an openingprovided at the rear wallof the baseand defines a handlethat can be grasped and pulled from the open frontof the dispenserfor elastically deflecting the flexible portion. Upon pulling the handleand deflecting the flexible portion, the rodcan be cleared from the latching surfaceof the taband the dispenserlifted upwardly to remove it from the fixture. The flexible portionalso defines a stop tabat a lower end thereof to limit opposite rearward deflection of the flexible portionto provide strength to the mounting arrangement.

It should be noted that the mounting arrangement shown inmay be used as a retro-fit measure for dispensers that are not initially provided with the latching structures that have been discussed above. As long as an openingis molded through the rear wallof the base, the hook-like extensionsand the central flexible portionmay be mounted to the rear wallof the baseto convert the dispenser to a latching type dispenser. The hook-like extensionsand the flexible portionsmay be provided as separate pieces that are ultra-sonically welded (or attached in other ways) to the base. Piece partsfor the extensionsand a piece partfor the flexible portionare shown separately from the base(prior to welding) in.

Thus, the hook-like extensionsand the flexible portionmay provide a conversion structure for converting preexisting non-disposable dispensers to disposable dispenserswith minor modification.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of embodiments of the inventive aspects. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the disclosure. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that the inventive features be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.