METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE

Abstract

A canister and replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material and method of producing the replaceable and disposable cartridge is disclosed. The dispenser comprises a canister body, a replaceable and disposable cartridge having flexible membrane seal received within the canister body, a pouring spout cap attached to an open end of the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the pouring spout cap seals the open end of the canister body, a pouring spout, and a pierce pin depending from a lower surface of the pouring spout cap providing communication between the replaceable and disposable cartridge and the pouring spout via a discharge chamber. The replaceable and disposable cartridge is prefilled with a predetermined quantity of the dry, pourable material and is fabricated and sealed with biodegradable materials.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a rigid dispenser for dispensing a granular material from a replaceable and disposable cartridge contained therein. More particularly, the present disclosure teaches a rigid canister for sanitarily dispensing sugar and powdered creamer prepackaged within a replaceable and disposable cartridge and method and apparatus for the production of the replaceable and disposable cartridge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dry powder dispensing canisters for office or general public use, e.g., office sugar canisters, are typically made of cardboard cylinders with a cardboard or metal base and a plastic or metal cap, often with product trade dress features on the outer cylindrical portion of the canister. Such products are considered throwaway products, in that once the contents are used and the canister is empty, the canister is thrown away and ultimately added to a land-fill. Other dry powder condiment personal use dispensers are made of glass or plastic and require frequent cleaning and refilling, i.e., such as a glass diner sugar canister or glass salt and pepper shaker. The first solution creates a throwaway item, is relatively costly and is not environment friendly. The second solution requires the processing of a bulk product by the user and requires relatively frequent cleaning and refilling. Hence, solutions for eliminating the waste and expense of prior dispensers while providing the convenience and sanitation of a replaceable and disposable dispenser would be advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material, the dispenser comprise a canister body having a closed end, an open end and a cavity of a predetermined volume and shape. The canister body having a replaceable and disposable cartridge prefilled with a predetermined quantity of the dry, pourable material received within the cavity, the replaceable and disposable cartridge having a predetermined volume and shape corresponding to the that of the canister body, the replaceable and disposable cartridge including a dispensing end sealed with flexible membrane, where the entire replaceable and disposable cartridge, including the flexible membrane, is fabricated from a biodegradable material. A pouring spout cap is attached proximate the open end of the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and closed position, wherein the pouring spout cap sealingly engages the open end of the canister body and encloses the replaceable and disposable cartridge within the cavity when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position, the pouring spout cap further comprising an upper surface defining a first lower portion of a dispensing chamber and a spout. A pierce pin forming a conduit in communication with the dispensing chamber and the replaceable and disposable cartridge depending from the lower surface of the pouring spout cap and disposed to pierce the flexible membrane of the replaceable and disposable cartridge when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position. A cap lid is attached to the upper surface of the pouring spout cap, the cap lid defining a second upper portion of the dispensing chamber, wherein the first lower portion of the dispensing chamber and the second upper portion of the dispensing chamber define the dispensing chamber from which the dry, pourable material is dispensed from the replaceable and disposable cartridge through the pierce pin and the dispensing chamber, and out of the dispensing chamber through the spout for dispensing the dry, pourable material from the dispenser.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, wherein the flexible membrane is a formed from a continuous membrane.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, wherein the flexible membrane is fabricated from cellulose acetate.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, comprising a spring loaded lock having a locked position and a released position for retaining the pouring spout cap in the closed position and releasing the pouring cap spout when the lock is in the released position.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, further comprising a ridge on the spout pouring cap, the lock further having a notch engaging the ridge when the lock is in the locked position and the pouring cap spout is in the closed position to restrain the pouring cap spout in the closed position.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, further comprising a resilient spring mounted on an outer wall of the canister body proximate a first portion of the lock and the notch formed on a second portion of the lock, wherein the lock is pivotably mounted between the first portion and the second portion to the outer wall of the canister body proximate the open end of the canister body.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, further comprising an opening in the outer wall of the canister body within which the resilient spring is mounted.

Yet a further aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, further comprising a ring topper mounted about the open end of the canister body, the ring topper having a first hinge member and the pouring spout cop having a second hinge member rotatably coupled with the first hinge member for rotating the pouring spout cap between the open position and the closed position.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, further comprising a door hingedly attached to an upper portion of the cap lid attached to the upper surface of the pouring spout cap proximate the spout, the door rotating between a closed position when the dispenser is upright and an open position when the dispenser is tilted relative a horizontal ground for dispensing the dry, pourable material from the dispenser.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, further comprising a cap liner attached to and substantially covering the lower surface of the pouring spout cap, the cap liner having an opening through which the pierce pin depends and disposed to otherwise seal the cavity of the canister body when the pourable spout cap is in the closed position.

A yet additional aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, wherein the lower surface of the pouring spout cap further comprises a depending lip forming an opening within which the pierce pin is attached and through which the pierce pin depends.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, wherein the lower surface of the pouring spout cap further comprises a recess into which an anchor extending upwardly from the cap liner is received to attach the cap liner to the pouring spout cap.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, wherein the replaceable and disposable cartridge is a tube having a first and a second sealed end, and wherein at least the first sealed end comprises an open rim on the tube and the flexible membrane disposed over and around the open rim, the flexible membrane having an exposed surface and a surface adjacent to and in contact with the open rim.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, wherein the flexible membrane is sealingly attached to the open rim of the tube by an adhesive disposed on the surface adjacent to and in contact with the open rim.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, wherein the open rim has a first diameter and the flexible membrane has a central portion having a second diameter, the second diameter exceeding the first diameter, and a plurality of radially extending legs extending outwardly from the central portion and along a longitudinal axis of the replaceable and disposable cartridge when disposed over and around the open rim.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is a dispenser, wherein the flexible membrane has twelve radially extending legs.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material, the dispenser comprises a canister body having a closed end, an open end and a cavity. The dispenser having a replaceable and disposable cartridge prefilled with a predetermined quantity of the dry, pourable material received within the cavity, the replaceable and disposable cartridge fabricated from a biodegradable material and having a dispensing end sealed with a flexible membrane, the flexible membrane having a central portion sealing the dispensing end of the replaceable and disposable cartridge and plurality of radially extending legs extending outwardly from the central portion and along a longitudinal axis of the replaceable and disposable cartridge, a pouring spout cap attached to the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and closed position, wherein the pouring spout cap sealingly engages the open end of the canister body and encloses the replaceable and disposable cartridge within the cavity when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position, the pouring spout cap further comprising an upper surface defining a first lower portion of a dispensing chamber and a spout; a pierce pin forming a conduit in communication with the dispensing chamber and the replaceable and disposable cartridge depending from a lower surface of the pouring spout cap and disposed to pierce the flexible membrane of the replaceable and disposable cartridge when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position; and a cap lid attached to the upper surface of the pouring spout cap, the cap lid defining a second upper portion of the dispensing chamber, wherein the first lower portion of the dispensing chamber and the second upper portion of the dispensing chamber define the dispensing chamber from which the dry, pourable material is dispensed from the replaceable and disposable cartridge, through the pierce pin, into the dispensing chamber and out of the dispensing chamber through the spout for dispensing the dry, pourable material from the dispenser.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material, the dispenser comprising a canister body, a pouring spout cap attached to an open end of the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pouring spout cap sealingly engages the open end of the canister body when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position, a pouring spout, and a pierce pin depending from a lower surface of the pouring spout cap in communication with the pouring spout, the replaceable and disposable cartridge comprising: a tube adapted for insertion within a cavity in the canister body having an interior and a first sealed end comprising an opening at a first end of the tube and a flexible membrane disposed over and around the opening to seal the opening, wherein the flexible membrane is pierced by the pierce pin when the pouring spout cap is moved to the closed position to provide communication between the interior of the tube and the pouring spout, wherein both the tube and the flexible membrane are fabricated from a biodegradable material; and a predetermined quantity of the dry, pourable material prefilled into the tube for dispensing from the interior of the tube, through the piecing pin and out of the dispenser through the pouring spout.

A yet further aspect of the present disclosure is a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the flexible membrane is fabricated from cellulose acetate.

A still yet further aspect of the present disclosure is a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the flexible membrane has an exposed surface and a surface adjacent to the opening, and wherein the flexible membrane is sealingly attached to the opening of the tube by an adhesive disposed on the surface adjacent to the opening.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure is a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the tube further comprises a second sealed end, the second sealed end comprising an opening at the second end of the tube and a flexible membrane disposed over and around the second opening to seal the second opening.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the canister body has a cavity of a predetermined volume and shape and the replaceable and disposable cartridge has a predetermined volume and shape corresponding to the volume and shape of the canister body and is received within the cavity.

A yet further aspect of the present disclosure is a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the pouring spout cap encloses the replaceable and disposable cartridge within the cavity when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the pouring spout cap further comprises an upper surface defining a first lower portion of a dispensing chamber and a spout, a cap lid attached to the upper surface of the pouring spout cap defining a second upper portion of the dispensing chamber, wherein the first lower portion of the dispensing chamber and the second upper portion of the dispensing chamber define the dispensing chamber from which the dry, pourable material is dispensed from the replaceable and disposable cartridge, through the pierce pin into the dispensing chamber, and out of the dispensing chamber through the spout for dispensing the dry, pourable material from the dispenser.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material, the dispenser comprising a canister body, a pouring spout cap attached to an open end of the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pouring spout cap sealingly engages the open end of the canister body when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position, a pouring spout, and a pierce pin depending from a lower surface of the pouring spout cap in communication with the pouring spout, the method comprising: forming a tube adapted for insertion within a cavity in the canister body, the tube having an interior and a first end and a second end, wherein each end comprises an opening; sealing the first opening; filling the second end of the tube with a predetermined quantity of the dry, pourable material; and disposing a flexible membrane over and around the second opening to seal the second opening, wherein the flexible membrane is pierced by the pierce pin when the pouring spout cap is moved to the closed position to provide communication between the interior of the tube and the pouring spout, and wherein both the tube and the flexible membrane are fabricated from a biodegradable material.

A still further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, further comprising the step of inverting the tube between the step of sealing the first opening and the step of filling the second end of the tube.

A yet further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the flexible member is disposed on a feed tape having a first layer comprising the flexible member and a second layer comprising a peelable backing paper, wherein a first surface of the flexible membrane is coated with an adhesive in removable contact with the second layer.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the first layer of the feed tape is perforated into a plurality of flexible membranes having a starburst shape comprising a plurality of radially extending legs.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the second layer has a split seam along either side of the feed tape to form a central portion and two side edges of the second layer of the feed tape, wherein the method further comprises the step of peeling the central portion of the second layer of the feed tape to expose the adhesive coated on the first surface of the flexible membrane prior to disposing the flexible membrane over and around the second opening to seal the second opening.

A yet further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the starburst shape comprises twelve radially extending legs.

A still further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the flexible membrane is formed from a cellulose acetate membrane

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, further comprising the step of moving a punch collar comprising an upper disk, an intermediate disk, and a lower disk over the second opening to form and affix the flexible membrane about the second opening to seal the second opening.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the first layer of the feed tape is perforated into a plurality of flexible membranes having a starburst shape comprising a plurality of radially extending legs.

Still yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the lower disk of the punch collar has a lower face comprising a plurality of downwardly depending and inclined fingers, each finger corresponding to a leg of the flexible membrane.

Yet a further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein an inner diameter of the intermediate disk of the punch collar is provided with a plurality of corresponding raised steps, each step corresponding to a leg of the flexible membrane and a finger of the lower face of the lower disk.

Still a further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the upper disk is provided with an inner diameter which, when brought about the tube of the replaceable and disposable cartridge, urges the flexible membrane into contact with an outer surface of the tube.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the feed tape is indexed to bring one of the plurality of flexible membranes into registration with second opening to seal the second opening.

A still further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the peelable backing paper is removed by a take-off roller prior to disposing the flexible membrane over and around the second opening to seal the second opening.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein a punch collar is forced downwardly over and around the second opening of the tube after the flexible membrane is disposed over the second opening to seal the second opening.

Yet a further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the flexible member has a plurality of outwardly extending legs and a lower face of the punch collar has a corresponding plurality of downwardly extending fingers that engage the outwardly extending legs of the flexible membrane and brings the legs of the flexible membrane into close proximity with an outer wall of the tube.

Still yet a further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein an inner diameter of the punch collar has a plurality of raised steps that correspond with the plurality of legs of the flexible membrane that further push the legs of the flexible membrane into contact with the outer wall of the tube.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the inner diameter of the punch collar further presses the plurality of legs of the flexible membrane into contact with the outer wall of the tube.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the punch collar further comprises a vent intermediate an upper and a lower surface of the punch collar to allow the escape of air to provide flat and smooth application of the legs of the flexible membrane to the sidewalls of the tube.

A still further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the punch collar is retracted upwardly for positioning above a second tube and the next flexible membrane of the plurality of sealing membranes.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material, the dispenser comprising a canister body, a pouring spout cap attached to an open end of the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pouring spout cap sealingly engages the open end of the canister body when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position, a pouring spout, and a pierce pin depending from a lower surface of the pouring spout cap in communication with the pouring spout, the method comprising: forming a first of a series of tubes adapted for insertion within a cavity in the canister body, the first tube having an interior and a first end and a second end, wherein each end comprises an opening; transporting the first tube to a first sealing station; disposing a first flexible membrane over and around the first opening to seal the first opening of the first tube; transporting the first tube to a filling station; filling the second end of the first tube with a predetermined quantity of the dry, pourable material; transporting the first tube to a second station; and disposing a second flexible membrane over and around the second opening of the first tube to seal the second opening, wherein one of either the first flexible membrane or the second flexible membrane is pierced by the pierce pin when the pouring spout cap is moved to the closed position to provide communication between the interior of the tube and the pouring spout, and wherein both the tube and the flexible membrane are fabricated from a biodegradable material.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge fabricated from a biodegradable material for use in a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material, the dispenser comprising a canister body, a pouring spout cap attached to an open end of the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pouring spout cap sealingly engages the open end of the canister body when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position, a pouring spout, and a pierce pin depending from a lower surface of the pouring spout cap in communication with the pouring spout, the apparatus comprising: a roller for dispensing a feed tape having a first layer comprising a flexible member and a second layer comprising a peelable backing paper, wherein a first surface of the flexible membrane is coated with an adhesive in removable contact with the second layer, the first layer of the feed tape is perforated into a plurality of flexible membranes and the second layer has a split seam along either side of the feed tape to form a central portion and two side edges of the second layer of the feed tape; a take-off roll for peeling away the central portion of the second layer of the feed tape to expose the adhesive coated on the first surface of the flexible membrane prior to disposing the flexible membrane over and around the second opening to seal the second opening; a sealing station comprising a base portion which receives a tube having an open upper end in a fixed position and an upper head further comprising a punch collar attached to a platen vertically displaceable in an upwardly and downwardly direction to affix the flexible membrane over and around the second opening to seal the second opening; and a take-up roller for rolling up the feed tape after the flexible membrane has been affixed over and around the second opening to seal the second opening

A further aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the platen is displaced by actuation of an air cylinder.

A still further aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the first layer of the feed tape is perforated into a plurality of flexible membranes having a starburst shape comprising a plurality of radially extending legs.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the starburst shape comprises twelve radially extending legs.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the flexible membrane is formed from a cellulose acetate membrane.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein the punch collar further comprises an upper disk, an intermediate disk, and a lower disk over the second opening to form the flexible membrane about the second opening to seal the second opening,

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein a lower surface of the punch collar has a plurality of downwardly depending and inclined fingers, each finger corresponding to a leg of the flexible membrane.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein an inner diameter of the punch collar is provided with a plurality of corresponding raised steps, each step corresponding to a leg of the flexible membrane and a finger of the lower surface of the lower disk.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein a portion of the inner diameter of the punch collar, when brought about the tube, urges the flexible membrane into contact with an outer surface of the tube.

A still further aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge, wherein a vent is provided intermediate the lower surface and an upper surface of the punch collar to allow air to escape and to promote the flat and smooth application of the legs of the flexible membrane to the sidewalls of the tube.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure with the pouring spout cap in the closed position;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the pouring spout cap and door of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure with the pouring spout cap in the open position;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the bottom of the pouring spout cap of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure with the pouring spout cap in the open position and the replaceable and disposable cartridge installed;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the components of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the pierce pin of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the lock and locking tab of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure in the locked position;

FIG. 7B shows a partial cross-sectional view of the lock and locking tab of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure in the closed position;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure in the closed position and the replaceable and disposable cartridge installed;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing canister in the open position receiving the replaceable and disposable cartridge in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective top view of the cap lid of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows a bottom plan view of the cap lid of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective top view of the upper surface of the pouring spout cap of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled pouring spout cap, cap lid, door, pierce pin, and cap liner of the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for the assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic layout of the sealing station for the assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the sealing station for the assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a top plan view of the upper layer of the feed tape of flexible membranes for sealing the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 17A shows a perspective view of the bottom of the feed tape of flexible membranes for sealing the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure before the backing paper is removed from the central portion of the tape;

FIG. 17B shows a perspective view of the bottom of the feed tape of flexible membranes for sealing the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure after the backing paper is removed from the central portion of the tape;

FIG. 18 shows a front view of the sealing station for the assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a cross-section view taken along the line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18 of the sealing station for the assembly of the cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective bottom view of the punch collar of the sealing station for the assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective disassembly bottom view of the punch collar of the sealing station for the assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective bottom view of the intermediate and upper disks of the punch collar of the sealing station for the assembly of the cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 shows a bottom plan view of the intermediate and upper disks of the punch collar of the sealing station for the assembly of the cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 shows a top perspective view of the intermediate and upper disks of the punch collar of the sealing station for the assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 shows a plan view of the flexible membrane for the assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of the flexible membrane above the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the flexible membrane in contact with the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the flexible membrane sealed to the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 29 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the punch collar of the sealing station for the assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in the dispensing canister in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 discloses the assembled dispenser 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. The dispenser 10 includes a canister 12 generally comprised of a canister body 14 and a hinged cap assembly 16, which, in turn, comprises a base or ring topper 18 hingedly connected to a pouring spout cap 20. The ring topper 18 is received about a lip 22 and bevel 24 provided on an upper portion 26 of the canister body 14. Preferably, the ring topper 18 is glued in place and becomes integral with the canister body 14. Both the canister body 14 and ring topper 18 are preferably fabricated from ABS plastic and can be fabricated in any color as desired.

Attached to the bottom surface 28 of the pouring spout cap 20 is a cap liner 30, preferably comprised of a sanoprene, semi-soft seal material that effectively covers the bottom surface 28 of the pouring spout cap 20. The pouring spout cap 20 is provided with a lower portion 32 of a dispensing chamber 34 which is in fluid communication with an opening 36 having a lower lip 38, about which an opening 40 in the cap liner 30 is disposed, in order to provide a sealing arrangement. The cap liner 30 also provides a seal around the outer periphery of the pouring spout cap 20 as it sits within the ring topper 18 and engages the upper lip 93 of the canister body 14. A pierce pin 42 is disposed within the opening 36 in the pouring spout cap 20 and has an outer diameter 44 which corresponds to an inner diameter 46 of the opening 36 for a tight fit and is glued in place with an adhesive. The pouring spout cap 20 is preferably fabricated from ABS plastic as well. The pierce pin 42, however, is preferably fabricated from a hard plastic, such as polycarbonate plastic, and is rigid in its construction. The pierce pin 42 can be of the same material and formed as part of or separate to the pouring spout cap 20. Where the pierce pin 42 is a separate component, multiple material selections and pierce pin geometry are available. The pierce pin 42 can also be fabricated from stainless steel to ensure a sanitary component.

A cap lid 48 having an upper portion 50 of the dispensing chamber 34 is fixed, preferably via an adhesive, to an upper sloped surface 52 of the pouring spout cap 20, as shown in FIG. 12. The cap lid 48 is preferably provided with vertically depending bosses 53 that are received within holes 55 on the upper sloped surface 52 of the pouring spout cap 20 to align the pouring spout cap 20 and cap lid 48. As shown best in FIG. 13, the resulting configuration of the cap lid 48 and the pouring spout cap 20 form an integrated dispensing chamber 34 and pouring spout 54 from which the dry, powdered material 56 within a replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 situated within the canister body 14 can be dispensed in a controlled manner. A door 60 is attached to a tongue 62 extending from an upper surface 64 of the cap lid 48 and is hingedly attached via ears 66 proximate either side of the tongue 62 via, preferably, a 0.040″×0.5″ stainless steel dowel pin 68. The pouring spout cap 20 is provided with a center boss 70 that is received within a pair of opposing ears 72 set on a rear side 74 of the ring topper 18. The resulting arrangement creates a hinge 76, with the addition of preferably a 0.094″×1.5″ stainless steel dowel pin 78. This arrangement allows the pouring spout cap 20 to pivot and open to expose an upper opening 80 of the canister body 14 relative the ring topper 18. The door 60 so hinged to the cap lid 48 allows the door 60 to pivot in a depending manner relative to ground when the canister 12 is tilted to allow the dry, powdered material 56 to flow through the spout 54.

An opposite side 82 of the ring topper 18 is provided with an outwardly extending pair of opposing ears 84 within which a lock 86 is received. The lock 86 is preferably attached via an 0.030″×0.75″ stainless steel dowel pin 88 to allow limited rotation of the lock 86 within the ears 84. A spring 90 is positioned within an opening 92 disposed just below the outwardly extending ears 84 on the upper portion 26 of the canister body 14, where the spring 90 is preferably manufactured from a soft silicon, such as sanoprene, and has an abutting portion 94 and a mounting plug 96. The mounting plug 96 is preferably provided within an enlarged end 98. The mounting plug 96 has an outer diameter 100 that closely matches an inner diameter 102 of the opening 92 in the upper portion 26 of the canister body 14. The mounting plug 96 of the spring 90 is inserted into the opening 92, whereby the enlarged end 98 of the mounting plug 96 is compressed during assembly and is released upon final assembly to restrain the spring 90 within the opening 92.

On a forward portion 104 of the pouring spout cap 20 is a outwardly extending ridge or locking tab 106 which extends horizontally. An upper portion 108 of the lock 86 is provided with a corresponding notch 110 that, likewise, extends horizontally. As the pouring spout cap 20 is moved to the closed position, the ridge 106, which is provided with a slight incline on either side, is brought into engagement with the notch 110 on the upper portion 108 of the lock 86. The spring 90, however, urging against a lower portion 112 of the lock 86, pushes the notch 110 on the lock 86 into engagement with the ridge 106 to secure the pouring spout cap 20 in place upon the canister body 14.

As shown in FIG. 6, the pierce pin 42 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 114 having an upper ring portion 116 and an inclined lower ring portion 118. The upper and lower ring portions 116, 118 are connected to each other by a plurality of legs 120 to form an essentially cage-like structure. The forward edge 122 of the lower ring 118 portion of the pierce pin 42 essentially creates a point that is particularly adapted to pierce a top flexible membrane 124 of a cartridge 58, as described below.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the canister 12 is adapted to receive the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 within a cavity 126. The replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 is preferably formed from a biodegradable cardboard tube 128 of roughly 2.625″ in diameter, which is cut to approximately 8″ in overall height. The tubes 128 are preferably obtained from Nigel Paper in Saginaw, Mich., and/ore Paper Tube and Sales out of Texas. As will be discussed below, a first end 130 and a second end 132 of the tube 128 is enclosed with the flexible membrane 124 that allows for the sanitary enclosure of the dry, powdered material 56 contained within the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58. The flexible membrane 124 is preferably fabricated from cellulose acetate of approximately 0.030″ in thickness, as will be described below. It is readily pierceable by the pierce pin 42.

The replaceable and disposable cartridge 58, shown in FIGS. 8 and 28, fabricated from completely recyclable and biodegradable materials, is inserted into the cavity 126 within the canister body 14 until it reaches the bottom. The pouring spout cap 20 is then rotated from an open position to a closed position, at which time the forward edge 122 of the pierce pin 42 causes the cellulose acetate flexible membrane 124 to be pierced, thus allowing access to the dry, powdered material 56 contained within the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58. The replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 preferably extends upwardly within the canister 12, so that the pierce pin 42 will push through the flexible membrane 124 with the full angle below the horizontal plane in which it pierces. When thus brought into the closed position, the notch 110 in the lock 86 is brought into engagement with the ridge 106 on the pouring spout cap 20. The cap liner 30 is also brought into juxtaposed position relative the upper flexible membrane 124 of the cartridge 58.

In order to dispense the dry, powdered material 56 within the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58, the canister 14 is simply inclined to allow the dry, powdered material 56 inside the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 to flow through the resulting opening 134 in the flexible membrane 124, through the pierce pin 42, and through the dispensing chamber 34 created by the upper portion 50 of the pouring spout cap 20 and the lower portion 32 of the cap lid 48. From there, the dry, powdered material 56 flows through the spout 54 and under the door 60 into the item desired, such as, for example, granulated sugar poured into a cup of coffee. When returned to the upright position, the door 60 on the cap lid 48 swings to the closed position, thereby preventing debris and other contaminants from entering into the canister body 14 and preserving and safeguarding the dry, powdered material 56 within the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 for further sanitary use.

The combination of the cap lid 48 and the pouring spout cap 20, as shown in FIG. 13, results in a unique configuration for the dispensing chamber 34, which heretofore had been unable to be obtained via other processes. That is, by molding the dispensing chamber 34 from two separate components, a somewhat complicated but ultimately smooth and unrestricted configuration for facilitating ready flow of the dry, powdered material 56 can be obtained without the use of complicated dies and injection molding techniques. The bottom surface 28 of the pouring spout cap 20 is preferably provided with a recess 136 within which an anchor plug 138 extending upwardly from the cap liner 30 is received and by which the cap liner 30 may be retained in position against the pouring spout cap 20.

As a further feature of the present disclosure, the replaceable and disposable cartridge is manufactured with the unique flexible membrane 124 and method of installing the flexible membrane 124. Whereas prior art systems required a plug to be installed on cardboard tubes for sealing the upper and lower end, the same typically required the plug to be pressed into place in a wet configuration, where heat subsequently was applied to cause the plug to adhere to the tubular container. This resulted in a significant consumption of energy.

The replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 according to the present disclosure is assembled in four essential steps. The first step is that the first end 130 of the tube 128 is sealed with a flexible membrane 124, the second step is where the tube 128 is inverted, the third step is where the tube 128 is then filled with the dry, powdered material 58, and fourth, the second end of the tube 128 is then sealed with a second flexible membrane 124.

Preferably, the flexible membrane 124 is formed into a starburst shape 140 having twelve legs 142, as best shown in FIGS. 17 and 25-27. The legs 142 of the starburst pattern of the flexible membrane 124 are also preferably provided with a small radius 144 at the apex 146 of their intersection. That is, at the base 148 of each of the legs 142, a small radius 144 of approximately preferably about 0.030″ is provided to provide relief to the leg 142 as it ultimately comes into substantially vertical relationship with its adjacent leg 142 in the installed position. It has been found that the failure to provide such a radius 144 results in splits or tears at the intersection of the legs 142, which if close to the ends 130, 132 of the tube 128, can result in loss of seal along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 58.

The cellulose acetate flexible membrane 124 covering the tube end 130, 132 can be colored, translucent, or opaque. Preferably, it is colored in order to protect the contents from light. However, a translucent material allows for the ready inspection of the contents of the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 so that it may be apparent to the user what dry, powdered material 56 is being inserted into the canister body 14.

An outer circular periphery 150 of the center portion 152 of the flexible membrane 124, excluding the legs, is preferably about 3.125″. The outer diameter 154, including the legs 142, is roughly 4.635″. Thus, each of the legs 142 is preferably approximately 0.5″ as it extends outwardly.

The flexible membrane 124 is preferably formed from a feed tape 156 obtained from the 3M Company, specially perforated and prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. As specified by the present disclosure, the feed tape 156 has two separate layers: a first upper layer 158 manufactured out of cellulose acetate, and a second lower layer 160 is a backing paper that allows the handling of the cellulose acetate membrane 124. A lower surface 162 of the cellulose acetate first upper layer 158 is provided with a thin layer of clear adhesive 164 that is retained by the backing paper 160. The upper layer 158 of the feed tape 156 is first perforated into a plurality of flexible membranes 124 in the form of a series of starburst shapes 140, as shown in FIGS. 17A-17B. Likewise, an edge 166 along either side 168, 170 of the lower layer 160 of the feed tape 156 is first scored at a seam 172 to separate the lower layer 160 of the backing paper 160 into a central portion 174 and two side portions 176, 178. The resulting feed tape 156, shown in FIG. 17, is then fed into a sealing station 180, best shown in FIG. 16. The flexible membranes 124 are preferably placed approximately 5.5″ center-to-center from each other on the feed tape 156, which is further provided with eye spots or notches 182 along its edge 166 similarly indexed at 5.5″ intervals. Thus, the feed tape 156 provides a signal to a system controller (not shown) to actuate and rotate a take-up roller 184 to advance the next flexible membrane 124 to the sealing station 180 in a repeatable, accurate fashion.

The assembly of the replaceable and disposable cartridge is accomplished through the apparatus 186 shown in FIG. 16. As shown, the apparatus 186 includes the sealing station 180, at which the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 is sealed. The feed tape 156 is mounted on a dispensing roller 188 upstream of the sealing station 180. The take-off roller 184 positioned between the dispensing roller 188 and the sealing station 180 is disposed to peel away the central portion 174 of the lower layer 160 of the feed tape 156 so as to expose the series of starburst shapes 140 in the upper layer 158, with the lower surface 162 bearing thereof the adhesive 164 exposed. After passing by the take-off roller 184 with a diverter 192 to ensure smooth peeling operation of the feed tape 156, the feed tape 156 is advanced in an indexed fashion to the sealing station 180, where it is applied to the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58. Once the flexible membrane 124 is separated from the feed tape 156 and adhered to the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58, as described below, the feed tape 156 is further advanced by the take-up roller 190 to maintain the continuous production as the series of starburst shapes 140 is advanced in an indexed fashion into, through, and out of the sealing station 180 by the system controller (not shown). The sealing station 180 comprises a base section 181 and a head section 193. The tube 128 may be placed in and removed from the base section 181 of the sealing station 180 manually or automatically.

The sealing station 180 is uniquely provided with a punch collar 194, shown in situ within the head section 193 in FIG. 19, comprising an upper disk 196, an intermediate disk 198, and a lower disk 200, as further shown in FIGS. 20-24. The punch collar 194 is mounted to a lower surface 202 of a platen 204. The platen 204 is vertically displaceable in an upwardly and downwardly direction, as discussed below. Preferably, an air cylinder 206 is attached to the platen 204 to displace the punch collar 194 up and down in accordance with the disclosure. The lower disk 200 has a lower face 208 which is provided with a plurality of downwardly depending and inclined fingers 210, each of which corresponds to one leg 142 of the starburst shape 140 of the flexible membrane 124. The intermediate disk 198 of the punch collar 194 is provided with a plurality of raised steps 212 that also correspond to the legs 142 of the flexible membrane 124 and the fingers 210 of the lower face 208 of the lower disk 200. The intermediate disk 198 likewise has a vent 214 on a lower surface 216 thereof to allow air to escape during the assembly process. Finally, the upper disk 196 is provided with a continuous inner diameter 218 which, when brought over the opening of the first end 130 of tube 128 of the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58, the flexible membrane 124 causes a close fit.

In operation, the tube 128, which has been provided with a seal on the lower surface, which is preferably, but not necessarily, the flexible membrane 124, is inverted and then filled with a predetermined amount of dry, powdered material 56. The tube 128 is then transported to the sealing station 180 for sealing the second open end 132 of the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58. However, as described herein, the manner of closing either end 130, 132 of the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 and enclosing it with the flexible membrane 124 is preferably the same. The tube 128 is thus brought into the sealing station 180, wherein the indexed feed tape 156 bearing the flexible membrane 124 is brought into alignment with the open first end 130 of the tube 128. Just prior to entering the sealing station 180, the take-off roller 184 removes the central portion 174 of the backing paper 160 on the feed tape 156 to expose the adhesive 164 on the flexible membrane 124. Thus, when the flexible membrane 124 is brought into alignment with the open end 130 of the tube 128, there is no backing paper 160 to interfere with the flexible membrane 124 being affixed to the tube 128.

The punch collar 194 is then forced downwardly over and around the open end 130 of the tube 128. The downwardly extending fingers 210 of the lower disk 200 of the punch collar 194 thus engage the outwardly extending legs 142 of the flexible membrane 124, pushes the edges of the flexible membrane 124 to break it along the perforations from the first upper layer 158, and brings them into close proximity with the outer wall 220 of the tube 128. The raised steps 212 of the intermediate disk 198 of the punch collar 194 further push the legs 142 of the flexible membrane 124 into contact with the outer wall 220 of the tube 128. Finally, the close proximity and the tight fit of the inner diameter 218 of the upper disk 196 further presses the flexible membrane 124 into contact with the outer wall 220 of the tube 128. The adhesive 164 on the exposed lower surface 162 of the flexible membrane 124 thus causes the flexible membrane 124 to affix itself to the outer wall 220 of the tube 128 without the need for heat or further processing. The punch collar 194 is then retracted upwardly for positioning of the next tube 128 and registration of the next flexible membrane 124, per the indexed feed of the feed tape 156 for the flexible membranes 124 into the sealing station 180. The completely formed and filled replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 is ready for packaging and shipment to the ultimate end user in accordance with the disclosure.

A particularly advantageous feature of the present disclosure is that the resulting replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 can be filled with any granular material desired to be dispensed, such as granulated sugar or powdered creamers, and can then be replaced whenever the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 within the canister 12 is depleted. The discarded cartridge 58, owing to its fabrication from recyclable and biodegradable components, thus poses no concerns with regard to waste and/or landfill. The canister 12, which as noted above, is constructed from rugged and durable plastics, can be re-used a virtually infinite number of times before needing to be replaced. An especially desirable aspect of the canister 12 is that it can be affixed with logos and various trade dress features, such as color, print, or graphics, to provide an aesthetic benefit without having to continually reapply such trade dress elements to products which are presently being used for dispensing such granular materials and which are ultimately discarded.

As described above, the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 and canister assembly 12 disclosed, as well as the machinery and methods for manufacturing the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58, provide a much faster and efficient method of assembling a sealed cartridge 58 for a reusable canister 12. In addition, less energy is consumed by virtue of the simple need for compressed air to run a pneumatic actuator 206 to bring the punch collar 194 into and out of engagement with the outer wall 220 of the upper end 130 of the cartridge 58 to affix the flexible membrane 124 to the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 and thereby antiseptically close the end 130.

The canister 12 which houses the cartridge 58 can be of any shape, e.g., circular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal, so long as it matches the shape of the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58. Each can be attached to the pour spout cap 20 as previously described. Materials suited for the canister 12 containing the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 include plastic, aluminium, stainless steel, plastics, or other materials. That is, while the canister 12 has been described as made from hard, rigid, durable plastic materials, glass or stainless steel may be used as desired. The canister 12 may also be provided with a silicon rubber skin (not shown) for better grasp.

As described herein, a dry powder dispenser 10 has a replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 allows 100% recycling and/or biodegradable disposal of the spent cartridge 58. The canister 12 has a pouring spout cap 20 that allows the use of the cost effective and environmentally friendly replaceable and disposable dry powder cartridge 58. The replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 is fully contained by an outer shell 12 and pouring spout cap 20, ensuring containment of product. Once the cap 20 is closed and pierces the cartridge 58, the dry, powdered material 56 inside the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 may be poured out by tilting the canister 12. When the material 56 inside the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 is emptied, the replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 can be removed and replaced with a full cartridge 58. The canister 12 with the pouring spout cap 20 is re-used. The replaceable and disposable cartridge 58 can be of any geometrical volume and is shaped to conform to the inner volume of and fitted to the canister 12 in order to cooperate with the pierce pin 42 on the pouring spout cap 20.

This design may also be adapted for use applications for dispensing non-food related dry products, i.e., medical, automotive, or sport powders, where contamination and disposal of the cartridge is of relevant concern.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material, the dispenser comprising a canister body, a pouring spout cap attached to an open end of the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pouring spout cap sealingly engages the open end of the canister body when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position, a pouring spout, and a pierce pin depending from a lower surface of the pouring spout cap in communication with the pouring spout, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a tube and inserting the tube within a cavity in the canister body, the tube having an interior and a first end and a second end, wherein each end comprises an opening;

sealing the first end opening;

filling the second end of the tube with a predetermined quantity of the dry, pourable material; and

disposing a flexible membrane over and around the second end opening to seal the second opening, wherein the flexible membrane is pierced by the pierce pin when the pouring spout cap is moved to the closed position to provide communication between the interior of the tube and the pouring spout, and wherein both the tube and the flexible membrane are fabricated from a biodegradable material.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of inverting the tube between the step of sealing the first opening and the step of filling the second end of the tube.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible member is disposed on a feed tape having a first layer comprising the flexible member and a second layer comprising a peelable backing paper, wherein a first surface of the flexible membrane is coated with an adhesive in removable contact with the second layer.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first layer of the feed tape is perforated into a plurality of flexible membranes having a starburst shape comprising a plurality of radially extending legs.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second layer has a split seam along either side of the feed tape to form a central portion and two side edges of the second layer of the feed tape, wherein the method further comprises the step of peeling the central portion of the second layer of the feed tape to expose the adhesive coated on the first surface of the flexible membrane prior to disposing the flexible membrane over and around the second opening to seal the second opening.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the starburst shape comprises twelve radially extending legs.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane is formed from a cellulose acetate membrane.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of moving a punch collar comprising an upper disk, an intermediate disk, and a lower disk over the second opening to form and affix the flexible membrane about the second opening to seal the second opening.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first layer of the feed tape is perforated into a plurality of flexible membranes having a starburst shape comprising a plurality of radially extending legs.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the lower disk of the punch collar has a lower face comprising a plurality of downwardly depending and inclined fingers, each finger corresponding to a leg of the flexible membrane.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein an inner diameter of the intermediate disk of the punch collar is provided with a plurality of corresponding raised steps, each step corresponding to a leg of the flexible membrane and a finger of the lower face of the lower disk.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the upper disk is provided with an inner diameter which, when brought about the tube of the replaceable and disposable cartridge, urges the flexible membrane into contact with an outer surface of the tube.

13. The method of claim 4, wherein the feed tape is indexed to bring one of the plurality of flexible membranes into registration with second opening to seal the second opening.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the peelable backing paper is removed by a take-off roller prior to disposing the flexible membrane over and around the second opening to seal the second opening.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein a punch collar is forced downwardly over and around the second opening of the tube after the flexible membrane is disposed over the second opening to seal the second opening.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the flexible membrane has a plurality of outwardly extending legs and a lower face of the punch collar has a corresponding plurality of downwardly extending fingers that engage the outwardly extending legs of the flexible membrane and brings the legs of the flexible membrane into close proximity with an outer wall of the tube.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein an inner diameter of the punch collar has a plurality of raised steps that correspond with the plurality of legs of the flexible membrane that further push the legs of the flexible membrane into contact with the outer wall of the tube.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the inner diameter of the punch collar further presses the plurality of legs of the flexible membrane into contact with the outer wall of the tube.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the punch collar further comprises a vent intermediate an upper and a lower surface of the punch collar to allow the escape of air to provide flat and smooth application of the legs of the flexible membrane to the sidewalls of the tube.

20. The method of claim 15 where the punch collar is retracted upwardly for positioning above a second tube and a next flexible membrane of the plurality of sealing membranes.

21. A method for producing a replaceable and disposable cartridge for use in a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material, the dispenser comprising a canister body, a pouring spout cap attached to an open end of the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pouring spout cap sealingly engages the open end of the canister body when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position, a pouring spout, and a pierce pin depending from a lower surface of the pouring spout cap in communication with the pouring spout, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a first of a series of tubes adapted for insertion within a cavity in the canister body, the first tube having an interior and a first end and a second end, wherein each end comprises a first and second opening, respectively;

transporting the first tube to a first sealing station;

disposing a first flexible membrane over and around the first opening to seal the first opening of the first tube;

transporting the first tube to a filling station;

filling the second end of the first tube with a predetermined quantity of the dry, pourable material;

transporting the first tube to a second station; and

disposing a second flexible membrane over and around the second opening of the first tube to seal the second opening, wherein one of either the first flexible membrane or the second flexible membrane is pierced by the pierce pin when the pouring spout cap is moved to the closed position to provide communication between the interior of the tube and the pouring spout, and wherein both the tube and the flexible membrane are fabricated from a biodegradable material.

22. An apparatus for the production of a replaceable and disposable cartridge fabricated from a biodegradable material for use in a dispenser for dispensing a dry, pourable material, the dispenser comprising a canister body, a pouring spout cap attached to an open end of the canister body, the pouring spout cap movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pouring spout cap sealingly engages the open end of the canister body when the pouring spout cap is in the closed position, a pouring spout, and a pierce pin depending from a lower surface of the pouring spout cap in communication with the pouring spout, the apparatus comprising:

a roller for dispensing a feed tape having a first layer comprising a flexible member and a second layer comprising a peelable backing paper, wherein a first surface of the flexible membrane is coated with an adhesive in removable contact with the second layer, the first layer of the feed tape is perforated into a plurality of flexible membranes and the second layer has a split seam along either side of the feed tape to form a central portion and two side edges of the second layer of the feed tape;

a take-off roll for peeling away the central portion of the second layer of the feed tape to expose the adhesive coated on the first surface of the flexible membrane prior to disposing the flexible membrane over and around the second opening to seal the second opening;

a sealing station comprising a base portion which receives a tube having an open upper end in a fixed position and an upper head further comprising a punch collar attached to a platen vertically displaceable in an upwardly and downwardly direction to affix the flexible membrane over and around the second opening to seal the second opening; and

a take-up roller for rolling up the feed tape after the flexible membrane has been affixed over and around the second opening to seal the second opening.

23. An apparatus of claim 22, wherein the platen is displaced by actuation of an air cylinder.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first layer of the feed tape is perforated into a plurality of flexible membranes having a starburst shape comprising a plurality of radially extending legs.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the starburst shape comprises twelve radially extending legs.

26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the flexible membrane is formed from a cellulose acetate membrane.

27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the punch collar further comprises an upper disk, an intermediate disk, and a lower disk over the second opening to form the flexible membrane about the second opening to seal the second opening.

28. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein a lower surface of the punch collar has a plurality of downwardly depending and inclined fingers, each finger corresponding to a leg of the flexible membrane.

29. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein an inner diameter of the punch collar is provided with a plurality of corresponding raised steps, each step corresponding to a leg of the flexible membrane and a finger of the lower surface of the lower disk.

30. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein a portion of the inner diameter of the punch collar, when brought about the tube, urges the flexible membrane into contact with an outer surface of the tube.

31. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein a vent is provided intermediate the lower surface and an upper surface of the punch collar to allow air to escape and to promote the flat and smooth application of the legs of the flexible membrane to the sidewalls of the tube.