The present invention relates generally to a dispenser for a paper product. More specifically, the invention is directed to a napkin dispenser having a faceplate including a limited access slot.
Prior napkin dispensers have faceplates including an opening through which napkins are dispensed. These dispensers do not include any effective means to limit access to the napkins by a person using the dispenser. This allows the user to remove many napkins through the opening at one time. Sometimes the user removes more napkins than what is required for use. This results in excess waste, increased material and labor costs for servicing the dispenser and a higher probability of no napkins being available to subsequent users.
It has been found that there is a need for a dispenser for a paper product such as a napkin that limits the number of napkins that can be removed by a user from the dispenser. The present invention satisfies this need.
A dispenser for a paper product having a faceplate defining a slot having a center portion, a first end and a second end. The center portion of the slot being larger than the first and second ends. The faceplate has a plurality of outwardly projecting lips positioned adjacent to the center portion for engaging a person's fingers to limit access to a paper product being dispensed through the slot.
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for a paper product that limits access to the paper product by a user of the dispenser.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
The preferred embodiments and best mode of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the drawings, which form a portion of the disclosure. In the drawings, the dispenser of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference number “10”.
Referring to
Still referring to
As shown in
Still referring to
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The faceplate 12 of the dispenser 10 is sized and adapted to limit access to the slot 22 by the fingers of a user, especially the use of the index finger and the thumb in a pinching motion. In this regard, the slot 22 is sized and adapted so that the center portion 24 is larger than the first and second ends 26 and 28. The center portion 24 is sized to allow only limited space for a person's fingers. Further, the outwardly projecting lips 38, 40 and 42 engage the user's fingers to limit access through the slot 22. The first and second ends 26 and 28 are sized and adapted to limit access while allowing passage of a paper product.
In a preferred embodiment as shown in
As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the faceplate 12 is constructed of metal for durability and strength. In alternative embodiments, the faceplate 12 can be constructed of a plastic material for durability and strength. In addition to the above-described functional features, the dispenser of the present invention has a pleasing appearance.
The above detailed description of the present invention is given for explanatory purposes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the whole of the foregoing description is to be construed in an illustrative and not a limitative sense, the scope of the invention being defined solely by the appended claims.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20050199643 A1 | Sep 2005 | US |