Patent Application
20110084089
This invention relates to containers, more particularly, a container having multiple compartments, which are separated by a bladder and/or a partition, for holding and dispensing of new items, such as tissues, moist towelettes, wrapped candy, and disposing of trash, such as used tissues, used moist towelettes, candy wrappers ans so forth.
Most containers for items, such as tissues, moist towelettes, wrapped candy, etc., are commonly cardboard boxes having an opening on the top for dispensing the items that are contained therein. A problem with current containers is that they do not provide a means for disposing of trash, such as used tissues, used moist towelettes, candy wrappers, etc. This poses a problem especially in places where a thrash can is not easily accessible, such as in a car, airplane, movie theater, classroom, etc. Furthermore, this especially poses a problem with personal hygiene items, such as tissues and wet wipes, because the germs, bacteria and/or viruses contained in used personal hygiene items can pose a health risk to others if the these items are not disposed of properly.
Therefore, a need exists for a container having multiple compartments, which are separated by a bladder and/or a partition, for holding new items, such as tissues, moist towelettes, wrapped candy, etc., and disposing of trash, such as used tissues, used moist towelettes, candy wrappers, etc.
The relevant prior art includes the following references:
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a combination dispensing and disposal container that stores both new and used items.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination dispensing and disposal container that prevents the spread of germs, bacteria and/or viruses contained in used personal hygiene items.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a combination dispensing and disposal container that is easy to carry.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination dispensing and disposal container that will fit into a cup holder.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a combination dispensing and disposal container that can be personalized in order to easily identify the owner of the combination dispensing and disposal container.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a combination dispensing and disposal container that is preferably substantially tubular in shape so that it will fit into a cup holder in an automobile, theater seat, etc. On one end of the combination dispensing and disposal container is a dispensing end having an opening for dispensing new items, such as facial tissue, wet wipes, candy, etc. On the opposite end of the combination dispensing and disposal container is a disposal end having, an opening for accepting trash, such as used tissues, used moist towelettes, candy wrappers, etc. A plastic bladder located inside of the container separates a storage compartment, where the new items are held, from a disposal compartment, where trash is held. Alternatively, a rigid partition may be used to separate the storage compartment from the disposal compartment. The rigid partition ensures that the items stored in the storage compartment rise evenly towards the dispensing end of the container when used items and/or trash are placed in the disposal compartment. The dispensing end of the combination dispensing and disposal container may be recessed so that when the dispensing end is placed on a table there is a space separating the dispensing end from the surface of the table, thereby reducing the chance of germs being spread onto the surface of the table. One or more lids are provided to keep the dispensing end and the disposal end sealed when not in use. An additional feature is an adjustable strap or band that allows a user to attach the combination dispensing and disposal container to his or her wrist.
The combination dispensing and disposal container may be used with a variety of items. For example, new tissues may be stored in the storage compartment and used tissue may be place in the disposal compartment. Alternatively, items such as wrapped candies may be stored in the storage compartment and the wrappers from the candies may be placed in the disposal compartment.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:
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It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
