Packet dispenser

Abstract

Dispensing containers are taught which are strengthened by applying tape at certain locations of the containers. A dispensing container for housing and sequentially dispensing packets is taught. Also taught are the carton blanks for erecting the respective containers. A length of packets created by severably attaching sequential packets along respective tear lines is rolled or folded then positioned within the container for later dispensing. Child-resistance features that impede removal of each packet include routing the length of packets between opposing panels or between opposing panels and an edge of folded panels that exert a lateral pressure on the packets. In some embodiments the panels include apertures that catch or otherwise engage a feature of a packet, such as a blister, to further impede removal of each packet. To further impede removal of a packet, access notches that allow the user to grasp the packet are narrowly constructed. Also taught are dispensing containers with sleeves adapted to receive slidable trays therein. Reinforcing tape may be applied to the containers.

1 . A paperboard container comprising:
 an outer sleeve having a plurality of panels operatively connected to each other to form a container having an open end and a closed end and a product cavity,   wherein at least one panel has a locking element and   wherein the container houses a product tray having one or more product units;   further wherein the outer sleeve has one or more unlocking elements that interact with the locking element to release the product tray and allow it to slide outside of the product cavity   and further wherein reinforcing tape is located along at least one of an edge of the sleeve, a corner of the sleeve, an end of the sleeve, an opening in the sleeve, the locking element, and the unlocking element.   
     
     
         2 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing tape is tear-resistant or tear-proof. 
     
     
         3 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing tape is flexible. 
     
     
         4 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing tape is stretchable. 
     
     
         5 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing tape is in the form of a ribbon. 
     
     
         6 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing tape is in the form of a patch. 
     
     
         7 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing tape comprises a plastic or polymer material. 
     
     
         8 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein at least one die cut is made through the reinforcing tape. 
     
     
         9 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the reinforcing tape is located on the exterior of the container. 
     
     
         10 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the reinforcing tape is located on the interior of the container. 
     
     
         11 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a first and second overlapping panel and at least part of the reinforcing tape is located between the first and second overlapping panels. 
     
     
         12 . The paperboard container of  claim 1 , wherein at least part of at least one panel comprises a tear-resistant material. 
     
     
         13 . A container comprising:
 a plurality of panels and tabs operatively connected to each other to form a packet dispenser, wherein a first panel and at least a second panel are positioned to form a channel that restrictively receives a length of attached packets;   wherein at least one packet from said length of attached packets contains at least one item, wherein said packets are housed within said dispenser; and   a reinforcing tape placed along at least one of an edge of the container, a corner of the container, an end of the container, and an opening in the container.   
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the reinforcing tape is tear-resistant or tear-proof. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the reinforcing tape is flexible. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the reinforcing tape is stretchable. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the reinforcing tape is in the form of a ribbon. 
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the reinforcing tape is in the form of a patch. 
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the reinforcing tape comprises a plastic or polymer material. 
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein at least one die cut is made through the reinforcing tape. 
     
     
         21 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein at least part of the reinforcing tape is located on the exterior of the container. 
     
     
         22 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein at least part of the reinforcing tape is located on the interior of the container. 
     
     
         23 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the container comprises a first and second overlapping panel and at least part of the reinforcing tape is located between the first and second overlapping panels. 
     
     
         24 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the panels and tabs comprises a tear-resistant material. 
     
     
         25 . A container comprising:
 a plurality of panels and tabs operatively connected to each other to form a packet dispenser, wherein a first panel and at least a second panel are positioned to form a channel that restrictively receives a length of attached packets;   wherein at least one packet from the length of attached packets contains at least one item, wherein said packets are housed within said dispenser; and   wherein one or more of the plurality of panels is made of a treated paper board.   
     
     
         26 . The container of  claim 25  wherein the treated paper board is tear-resistant.