DISPENSERS FOR A PAPER PRODUCT AND ANOTHER ITEM

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to dispensers and, more particularly, relates to dispensers for a paper product and another item.

BACKGROUND

Disposable paper products or other items in the form of paper towels, toilet tissue, wipes, and table napkins find great utility among users who value affordability, ease of use, and disposability. Such paper products or other items are used in virtually every household, including in kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms, and garages, for example. Other items, such as adult wet wipes, baby wet wipes, and cleaning wet wipes, for example, are commonly sold in containers. These containers function to maintain the wipes “wet” or sufficiently saturated before use and generally have some type of seals or closures thereon. If the containers are left open to the environment for any significant period of time, the moisture within or on the wipes can evaporate, thereby leaving at least the exposed wipes dry or mostly dry. Some consumers place current containers of wipes in bathrooms, such as on the back of a toilet, on a vanity, or in a bathroom cabinet, for example. When the wipes are used as sanitary tissues for users sitting on a toilet, this placement of the wipes may be inconvenient or cumbersome. It would be desirable to provide dispensers for one or more paper products, such as toilet tissue or paper towels, and one or more other items, such as wet wipes, that would allow more convenient dispensing.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, a dispenser for a paper product and another item, wherein the dispenser is configured to be engaged with a paper product roll holder. The dispenser comprises an arcuate body defining a generally semi-circular recess therein. The body comprises a front side, a back side, a first end, a second end configured to engage a wall, a first side comprising a first paper product bar receiving member, and a second side comprising a second paper product bar receiving member. The dispenser also comprises a paper product bar extending at least between the first side and the second side and engaged with the first paper product bar receiving member and the second paper product bar receiving member and a retention assembly slidably engaged with the back side of the body and movable between a first position and a second position. The retention assembly is configured to engage the paper product roll holder. The dispenser also comprises cavity defined in the body that is configured to receive the other item.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, a dispenser for a paper product and another item, wherein the dispenser is configured to be engaged with a paper product roll holder. The dispenser comprises a body comprising a front side, a back side, a first end, a second end configured to engage a wall, a first side defining a first slot therein, and a second side defining a second slot therein. The dispenser also comprises a paper product bar extending at least between the first side and the second side and engaged with the first slot and the second slot and a retention assembly slidably engaged with the back side of the body and movable between a first position and a second position. The retention assembly is configured to engage the paper product roll holder. The dispenser also comprises a door forming a portion of the front side and a cavity defined in the body. The door is pivotable between a closed position and an open position and covers a portion of the cavity when in the closed position. The cavity is configured to receive the other item.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, a dispenser for a paper product and another item, wherein the dispenser is configured to be engaged with a paper product roll holder. The dispenser comprises a body comprising a front side, a back side, a first end, a second end configured to engage a wall, a first side, and a second side. The dispenser also comprises a paper product bar extending between the first side and the second side, a first projection extending from the body, and a second projection extending from the body. The first projection and the second projection are configured to engage the paper product roll holder. The dispenser also comprises a door forming a portion of the front side and a cavity defined in the body. The door is pivotable between a closed position and an open position and the door covers a portion of the cavity when in the closed position. The cavity is configured to receive the other item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser for a paper product and another item in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are partially rear perspective views of the dispenser of FIG. 1 engaged with a paper product roll holder in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 3C is an illustration of projections engaging slots in a back side of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 3D is an illustration of a cross-sectional view taken about line 3D-3D of FIG. 3C in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4C are perspective and side views, respectively, of a dispenser for a paper product and another item engaged with an existing paper product roll holder extending from a wall in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIGS. 4B and 4D are perspective and side views, respectively, of the dispensers of FIGS. 4A and 4C engaged with an existing paper product roll holder that is at least partially recessed within a wall in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a dispenser for a paper product and another item in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the dispenser of FIG. 5 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 5 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8C are perspective and side views, respectively, of a dispenser for a paper product and another item engaged with an existing paper product roll holder extending from a wall in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIGS. 8B and 8D are perspective and side views, respectively, of the dispenser of FIGS. 8A and 8C engaged with an existing paper product roll holder that is at least partially recessed within a wall in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dispenser for a paper product and another item with a first and a second door in a closed position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 9 with the first door in an open position and the second door in a closed position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 9 with the first door in a closed position and the second door in an open position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a dispenser for a paper product and another item with a first and a second door in a closed position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 12 with the first door in an open position and the second door in a closed position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 12 with the first door in a closed position and the second door in an open position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a dispenser for a paper product and another item with a first and a second door in a closed position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 15 with the first door in an open position and the second door in a closed position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 15 with the first door in a closed position and the second door in an open position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a dispenser for a paper product and another item with a first and a second door in a closed position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 18 with the first door in an open position and the second door in a closed position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 18 with the first door in an open position and the second door in an open position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the dispenser for a paper product and another item disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the dispensers specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example embodiments and that the scope of the various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides dispensers for one or more paper products and one or more other items that are configured to engage an existing paper product roll holder, such as existing toilet tissue roll holder or an existing paper towel roll holder, for example. The existing toilet tissue roll holders or paper towel roll holders can optionally comprise a paper product bar that extends between two posts of the toilet tissue roll holder or the paper towel roll holder, wherein the paper product bars can rotatably hold or retain a roll of toilet tissue, a roll of paper towels, and/or another paper product thereon. These paper product bars can be spring loaded in that they can apply a force to each post when positioned intermediate the two posts. In other embodiments, the paper product bars can be rigid and can be configured to fit within slots or apertures in posts of the existing paper product roll holders. In other embodiments, the paper product roll holders can comprise a paper product bar extending from a single mount or a single projection attached to a wall or other surface, wherein the paper product bar is configured to rotatably hold a paper product, such as a roll of paper towels or toilet paper, for example, thereon. Existing paper product roll holders can extend from a wall or can be at least partially recessed within the wall, for example. In any event, the paper product roll holders can engage or can be positioned at least partially through voids or cores formed in rolls of paper products to rotatably hold the rolls thereon. The dispensers of the present disclosure are configured to universally adapt to and/or fit almost all types of paper product roll holders.

In various embodiments, the dispensers of the present disclosure can comprise a paper product bar, in addition to an existing paper product bar on an existing paper product roll holder, and can define a cavity in a body thereof which can be configured to receive another item. In one embodiment, the dispensers of the present disclosure can comprise a toilet tissue bar or a paper towel bar, in addition to an existing toilet tissue bar or paper towel bar on an existing toilet tissue holder or existing paper towel holder, and can define a cavity in a body thereof which can be configured to receive one or more other items, such as one or more wet wipes, for example. In one embodiment, the paper product bar of the dispenser can extend from a portion of the dispensers such that a portion of the paper product bar is above or below a body of the dispensers when the dispensers are mounted on an existing paper product roll holder. In various embodiments, the paper product bar can be moveable relative to the body of the dispensers between a first position, such as a position below the body, and a second position, such as a position above the body. The cavity defined in the body can be sealed, or at least partially sealed, to prevent, or at least inhibit, the other item (or an exposed portion thereof), such as wet wipes, positioned within the cavity from drying out, losing significant moisture prior to use, or becoming at least partially contaminated. In various embodiments, the dispensers can be reusable by refilling the cavity with additional items and replacing a paper product on the paper product bar. In other embodiments, the dispensers can be configured for only a single use. The single use dispensers can be disposable after use of all of the items within the cavities.

The term “item” as used herein means one or more fibrous substrates, including nonwoven and woven fibrous substrates comprised of cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, other fibers, mixtures thereof, and/or other materials. The items can comprise paper towels, toilet tissue, wipes, such as cleaning, scrubbing, dry, and/or wet wipes, disposable hand towels, sanitary napkins, diapers, table napkins, cleaning products, and/or make-up removal products. If more than one fibrous substrate is provided, the items can be in stacks or rolls. Various items can be single-ply structures or multi-ply structures.

The dispensers of the present disclosure can also be configured to dispense lotions, soaps, liquids, antimicrobial materials, antibacterial materials, medicinal agents, and/or medications. The term “wet wipes” as used herein means any fibrous substrate, whether woven or nonwoven, having a percent of moisture by weight in the range of about 10 percent to about 1,000 percent and, specifically reciting all 1 percents within that range. The wet wipes can be adult wet wipes, such as CHARMIN® FRESHMATES® manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company, that can be used as sanitary tissues, baby or child wet wipes, such as PAMPERS® wipes or PAMPERS® KANDOO® wipes, and/or other wet wipes, such as wet wipes for cleaning or scrubbing, for example. The wet wipes can be comprised of cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, mixtures thereof, and/or other materials or fibers. The wet wipes can be single-ply structures or multi-ply structures. In one embodiment, the wet wipes can be flushable down a toilet. In various embodiments, a composition or a component can be provided to or formed with the wet wipes during or after manufacturing to make the wipes moist or wet. Such compositions or components can be water, lotions, cleaning products, medicinal agents, antimicrobial agents, antibacterial agents, soaps, and/or mixtures thereof, for example.

The term “paper product” as used herein means one or more fibrous substrates, including nonwoven and woven fibrous substrates, comprised of cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, other fibers, and/or mixtures thereof. The paper products may comprise paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, wipes, and/or disposable hand towels. The paper products may form a roll and be disposed on or wrapped about a core. In various embodiments, the paper products can be coreless. The paper products can be single-ply structures or multi-ply structures.

In various embodiments, one or more of the items, such as wet wipes, for example, can be provided within cavities of the bodies of the dispensers in rolls, stacks, or folded sheets, such as C-folded sheets, L-folded sheets, Z-folded sheets, or W-folded sheets, for example. In one embodiment, the items can be interfolded or semi-folded with each other. Any suitable number of items can be provided within the cavity of a body of a dispenser. When one item is dispensed from the cavity, another similar item can move into a partially dispensed position. One or more of the items can be dispensed at a time using the dispensers of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, one hand or two hand dispensing can be accomplished.

Although the present disclosure references toilet tissue and wet wipe dispensing, as an example, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to dispense any suitable paper product and any suitable item from the dispensers or from within cavities of the dispensers. In various embodiments, the cavities of the dispensers can comprise fragrancing materials. In one embodiment, fragrancing materials, such as hot melt adhesives comprising perfumes, may be positioned within the cavities for diffusion into the items positioned therein. Such hot melt adhesives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,038, issued on Dec. 14, 2010. In other embodiments, scented polymer beads or gels can be used.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1-3, a dispenser 10 can be configured to dispense a paper product, such as toilet tissue or paper towels, and another item, such as one or more wet wipes, cleaning wipes, or facial tissues, for example. The dispenser 10 can comprise a body 12, such as an arcuate body or a body comprising an arcuate portion. The body 12 can comprise a front side 14, a back side 16, a first end 18, a second end 20, a first side 22, and a second side 24. A recess 11, such as a generally semi-circular-shaped recess can be defined in the body 12 (see e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3). The second end 20 can be configured to engage a wall or other surface on which the dispenser 10 is positioned to provide stability and support to the dispenser 10. Stated another way, the second end 20 can engage a wall to inhibit movement of the dispenser 10 relative to the wall during dispensing of the paper product or the other item. Referring to FIG. 3, the first side 22 and the second side 24 can have a first width, W1, at the first end 18 and a second width, W2, at the second end 20. The first width, W1, can be the same as, greater than, or less than the second width, W2. In one embodiment, the body 12 can be tapered from the first end 18 to the second end 20. Stated another way, the body 12 can reduce in thickness from the first end 18 to the second end 20. The dispenser 10 can have any suitable shape and dimensions for various dispensing purposes. The body 12 can comprise any suitable shapes and dimensions and, in some embodiments, can comprise at least one arcuate surface 26 or other shaped surface. The body 12 can define a cavity, such as a wet wipe-receiving cavity (not illustrated in FIGS. 1-3), therein. In one embodiment, the arcuate surface 26 can define an opening 27 (shown in dash in FIG. 1) defined therein for dispensing items from the cavity through the surface 26. The opening 27 can comprise one or more slits 29 or apertures formed in a flexible membrane or film 31 formed over at least a portion of the opening 27 for dispensing one or more items therethrough. The flexible membrane or film 31 can be resealable, or substantially resealable (e.g., 70 to 100 percent resealing) about the slit 29, after dispensing of one or more items therethrough. In such an embodiment, the dispenser 10 may only need to be opened for refilling of the items within the cavity. In other embodiments, the opening 27 can comprise one or more flaps (not illustrated) attached to one side of the opening that can be peeled back to expose the opening 27, or a portion thereof, to allow access to the cavity. In such an embodiment, the one or more slits 29 and the flexible membrane or film 31 may not be provided. In other embodiments, the one or more flaps may be completely removable from the arcuate surface 26 to provide access to the cavity.

In one embodiment, the cavity of the dispenser 10 can be configured to receive wet wipes and maintain the wet wipes in a substantially wet condition (i.e., at least about 10% by weight moisture, but likely a greater percent of moisture by weight). In various embodiments, the cavity can be sealed using sealing members, such as seals, sealing surfaces, and/or sealing materials, as discussed in greater detail herein. Other sealing members can be provided that do not actually have a sealing function, but that signal sealing to a consumer or provide other aesthetic benefits.

In various embodiments, the dispensers of the present disclosure can have one or more compartments to hold one or more extra packages of items, such as a refill package of wet wipes, for example. The one or more compartments can be situated inside or outside of the bodies of the dispensers. The extra packages can be used to refill the cavity when the items within the cavity are all used or no longer suitable for use. The one or more compartments can be formed in or on the arcuate portion 26, or on other portions of the dispensers, such as within the cavity, for example. In one embodiment, a flexible band or tether can retain the one or more extra packages to the dispensers.

In one embodiment, a portion of the body 12, such as the arcuate surface 26, for example, can comprise indicia, such as designs, logos, art work, instructions and/or branding information, thereon. In various embodiments, the indicia can be stamped into, molded with, formed with, engraved into, printed on, painted on, and/or stickered on the body 12. In one embodiment, the indicia can comprise the same color as the body 12 or a different color than the body 12.

In various embodiments, the body 12, or a portion thereof, can be formed of a transparent material, a translucent material, and/or a material having a reduced opacity. Such a feature can allow a user of the dispenser 10 to view the items within the cavity and determine if they need to be refilled, replaced, and/or are almost used up. In other embodiments, a “window”, such as a film or plastic window, for example, can be provided in the body 12, such as on the first side 22 of the body 12, for example, so that a user can determine the amount of items remaining in the cavity, or the status of such items, without having to open a door of the dispenser 10. This feature can reduce exposure of the items in the cavity to the environment surrounding the dispenser 10 because of the reduced number of times a user will have to open a door of the dispenser 10.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 10 can comprise a paper product bar 28, such as a toilet tissue bar or a paper towel bar, extending at least between the first side 22 and the second side 24. The first side 22 can comprise a first receiving member 30 and the second side 24 can comprise a second receiving member 32. In various embodiments, the first receiving member 30 and the second receiving member 32 can be a recess defined in the first and second sides 22 and 24. In other embodiments, the first receiving member 30 can be a projection extending from the first side 22 toward the second side 24 having a recess defined therein. Likewise, the second receiving member 32 can be a projection extending from the second side 24 toward the first side 22 having a recess defined therein. In any event, the paper product bar 28 can be engaged with the first and second receiving members 30 and 32 to attach the paper product bar 28 to the first and second sides 22 and 24 of the dispenser 10. In one embodiment, the paper product bar 28 can be pivotably attached to the first side 22 and can rest on or be engaged with the second receiving member 32 on the second side 24 or vice versa. The paper product bar 28 can be configured to rotatably retain a roll of a paper product, such as toilet tissue and/or paper towels, for example, thereon. In one embodiment, a portion of the second side 24 proximate to the second end 20 may not be provided and a bar can extend from the first side 22. Such a bar can be configured to rotatably retain a roll of paper product thereon. Of course, in other embodiments, a portion of the first side 22 may not be provided and the bar can extend from the second side 24. In various embodiments, the paper product bar 28 can be rigid in a longitudinal direction or can be compressible and expandable in a longitudinal direction. In one embodiment, the paper product bar 28 can comprise a biasing member, such as a spring, therein. The biasing member can allow the paper product bar 28 to be compressed and expanded in the longitudinal direction.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 3-3D, a retention assembly 33 can be engaged with the body 12. In one embodiment, the retention assembly 33 can be slidably engaged with the back side 16 of the body 12 and can be movable between at least a first position and a second position relative to the first end 18 or in a direction toward and away from the first end 18. In other embodiments, the retention assembly 33 can be movable relative to the first end 18 among a plurality of different positions, wherein the retention assembly 33 can be locked into place in any of the various positions (see e.g. FIG. 3D). The retention assembly 33 can be configured to engage an existing paper product bar of an existing paper product roll holder, such as a toilet tissue bar of an existing toilet tissue holder or a paper towel bar of an existing paper towel holder, for example. The retention assembly 33 can comprise a hook portion 35. The hook portion 35 can be arcuate, semi-circular, circular, or otherwise shaped to engage the paper product bar of an existing paper product roll holder.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, the retention assembly 33 is illustrated in greater detail. The hook portion 35 is engaged with the paper product bar “B” of an existing paper product roll holder. The retention assembly 33 can comprise one or more projections 37 extending from the hook portion 35. A portion of the projections 37 can be positioned within slots 39 in the back side 16 of the dispenser 10 to retain the hook portion 35 to the body 12. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3D, the projections 37 can be movable in the directions indicated by arrow A within grooves 41 formed by a plurality of fingers 43. In such an embodiment, the projections 37 can be moved within the various grooves 41 into a groove that is right for the spacing of a particular existing paper product roll holder. The spacing can be adjusted based on how far from a wall or other surface the paper product bar “B” of the existing paper product roll holder extends. Once a projection 37 is engaged with a groove 41, the projections movement in the directions indicated by arrow A are limited or prevented. To move the projection 37 from one groove to another, the hook portion 35 can be pushed toward the back side 16 and then the projection 37 can be slid or moved into the appropriate groove 41. In other embodiments, the projections 37 can be biased toward one end of the slot 39, the other end of the slot 39, or another portion of the slot 39 and the projections 37 can slid or move relative to the slot 39 into an appropriate position when the hook portion 35 is hung from the paper product bar “B” under the weight of the dispenser 10. Other suitable ways of adjusting the projections 37 within the slots 39 known to those of skill in the art are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the retention assembly 33 may not be provided and instead two projections “P” (illustrated in dash in FIG. 2) can extend from the body 12. The projections can extend in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the paper product bar 28 and can engage portions of an existing paper product roll holder to retain the dispenser 10 thereto. In various embodiments, at least one of the projections can be biased away from the body 12, such that they can be compressed towards the body 12 and then expand outwardly away from the body 12 to engage an existing paper product roll holder. In various embodiments, the projections can be provided on any of the dispensers discussed herein in place of or instead of the retention assembly 33.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 1, a portion of the front side 14 of the body 12 can pivotally open away from the back side 16 about line X of FIG. 1, for example. In such an embodiment, the first side 22 and the second side 24 can be attached to the front side 14 such that, when opened, the front side 14, the first side 22, and the second side 24 can essentially form a tray therein. Any items within the cavity can be within the tray upon opening of the front side 14. Such items can essentially be flipped about 75 degrees to about 200 degrees during the opening of the front side 14. In such an embodiment, the dispenser 10 can remain in this open position during use or can be opened only when the items from the cavity are desired. In one embodiment, a stack of the wet wipes or a package of the wet wipes, for example, can be positioned in the tray. The wet wipes or the package of the wet wipes can be attached to the cavity-facing side of the front side 14, such that they remain attached thereto during rotation into the open position. In other embodiments, the wet wipes or the package of the wet wipes can be positioned at least partially under a retaining arm, again to maintain the wet wipes in position during moving of the front side 14 into the open position. In general, the wet wipes can have a moisture content. Within a stack or package of the wet wipes, the initial moisture content from the top to the middle to the bottom can be evenly distributed. Over time, gravity can pull the moisture content (or liquid) within the stack or package of the wet wipes downwardly (in the direction of a gravitational force), creating a top of the stack or package that has a lower moisture content in its wet wipes and a bottom of the stack or package that has a higher moisture content in its wet wipes. Stated another way, the wet wipes toward or at bottom of the stack or package can be wetter than the wet wipes toward or at the top of the stack or package. By inverting the stack or package, resulting from the opening of the front side 14, the wet wipes at or toward the top of the stack or package can regain moisture content prior to dispensing of the wet wipes. Furthermore, the wettest wet wipes can be dispensed from the top of the stack one the wet wipes are inverted through the opening of the front side 14 away from the back side 16.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, the dispenser 10, using the retention assembly 33, can be engaged with existing paper product roll holders 34 (FIGS. 4A and 4C) and 34′ (FIGS. 4B and 4D), such as toilet tissue roll holders or paper towel roll holders, for example. The paper product roll holders 34 and 34′ can comprise a paper product bar, which can generally be configured to rotatably retain a roll of one or more paper products thereon. The paper product roll holder 34 can extend from a wall, while the paper product roll holder 34′ can be at least partially recessed within the wall. Owing to the fact that the retention assembly 33 is movable or slidable relative to the back side 16 of the body 12, in a direction toward and away from the first end 18, the dispenser 10 can be engaged with a paper product bar of the paper product roll holder 34 or the paper product roll holder 34′ without tools being used. Of course, the retention assembly 33 can be engaged with portions of other paper product roll holders, such as other paper product roll holders that comprise a horizontal bar component.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5-8D, a dispenser 10′ for dispensing a paper product and another item can comprise similar or at least some of the same features or components as the dispenser 10 described herein. Such features and components are not discussed again here for brevity. In such an embodiment, however, a first side 22′ can comprise a first receiving member 30′ and a second side 24′ can comprise a second receiving member 32′. The first receiving member 30′ can comprise a first slot 36 defined in the first side 22′ and the second receiving member 32′ can comprise a second slot 36′ defined in the second side 24′. The first slot 36 and the second slot 36′ can each comprise a notch 37 configured to at least partially maintain a paper product bar 28′ at least partially within the slots 36 and 36′ once the paper product bar 28′ is positioned therein. In one embodiment, the first slot 36 and the second slot 36′ can have a similar or the same size and shape. In such an embodiment, the paper product bar 28′ can be rigid and can comprise two reduced diameter sections 38 on its ends. The reduced diameter sections 38 can have a diameter smaller than the diameter of a portion of the paper product bar 28′ intermediate the reduced diameter sections 38, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In other embodiments, the paper product bar 28′ can have a constant diameter about its length and the first and second slots 36 and 36′ can be configured to accept end portions of the paper product bar 28′.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9-11, a dispenser 10″ for a paper product and another item can comprise at least some similar or the same features and components as the dispensers 10 discussed herein. Such features and components will not be discussed again here for brevity. The dispenser 10″ can comprise a first door 40 and a second door 42. The first door 40 can be movably, slidably, or pivotably attached to the second door 42. The first door 40 can be positioned on the second door 42 and form a portion of the second door 42. In one embodiment, the first door 40 can be removably engaged with the second door 42. The first door 40 can pivot, slide, or move relative to the second door 42 between an open position (FIG. 10) and a closed position (FIGS. 9 and 11). The first door 40 can be normally-biased into the open position such that when a release button 44 is depressed, the first door 40 can automatically move into the open position. The biasing of the first door 40 into the open position can be through the use of a biasing member, such as a spring, for example, engaged with a portion of the first door 40, a portion of the second door 42, and/or a portion of a hinge connecting the first door 40 to the second door 42. The first door 40 and the second door 42 can form all of or a portion of the front side 14 of the dispenser 10″. In one embodiment, the first door 40 and the second door 42 can pivot from a closed position toward a second end 20″ of the dispenser 10″ into the open position. In other embodiments, the first door 40 and the second door 42 can pivot in other directions. The first door 40 or the second door 42 may have a handle or knob thereon to aid in opening the doors. If a handle or knob is provided, the release button 44 may not be provided.

In one embodiment, the second door 42 can have a recessed portion 46 defined therein. The recessed portion 46 can be configured to receive, or at least partially receive, the first door 42 therein. The recessed portion 46 can have an aperture 47 defined therein, optionally at a central location in the recessed portion 46. The aperture 47 can have any suitable shape or dimensions. The items in a cavity 48 of the dispenser 10″ can be dispensed through the aperture 47 when the first door 40 is in the open position. The aperture 47 can be at least partially surrounded by a seal or a sealing member 50 and the first door 40 can have a projection 52 extending therefrom configured to be engaged with and/or extend into the aperture 47 and contact the sealing member 50. The projection 52 can have the same, or substantially the same, shape as the aperture 47 and can be configured to fit within the aperture 47 or engage a perimeter of the sealing member 50. Such engagement between the first door 40 and the second door 42 can create an air-tight, or substantially air-tight, seal between the first door 40 and the second door 42 when the first door 40 is in the closed position. In other embodiments, a sealing member can be positioned at least partially about the perimeter of the projection 52 either in addition to or in place of the sealing member 50, thereby providing the same or similar benefits. A second seal or sealing member 50′ can be positioned on the second door 42 at least partially about the perimeter of the recessed portion 46. The sealing member 50′ can also help create a seal between the first door 40 and the second door 42 when the first door 40 is in the closed position. A sealing member can also be positioned at least partially about the perimeter of the first door 40 either in addition to or in place of the sealing member 50′. In one embodiment, one of the sealing members 50 or 50′ can be eliminated and only one sealing member may provide sufficient sealing between the first door 40 and the second door 42. In other embodiments, the materials that comprise the first door 40 and the second door 42 can be configured to sealably engage each other without the need for the sealing members 50 and 50′. In any event, the items within the cavity 48 can be protected from contamination, maintained in a wet state, and/or maintained in a dry state by the various sealing members and doors. In one embodiment, the sealing members can comprise any suitable sealing materials, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a rubber, and/or other suitable sealing materials, for example. Such materials can have low air permeability to prevent, or at least inhibit, air from the environment in which the dispenser 10″ is situated from entering or exiting the cavity 48.

In one embodiment, a film or a flexible membrane (not illustrated) can form at least a portion of the recessed portion 46 and/or can extend into and cover at least a portion of the aperture 47. The film or flexible membrane can have an aperture or slit defined therein such that the items within the cavity 48 can be dispensed through the aperture or slit. In various embodiments, the film or flexible membrane, can aid in maintaining items, such as wet wipes, for example, wet, or substantially wet, within the cavity 48 prior to use. In other embodiments, the film or flexible membrane can aid in maintaining items, such as facial tissues, within the cavity 48 in a dry and/or uncontaminated state prior to use.

In one embodiment, still referring to FIGS. 9-11, the second door 42 can be movably, slidably, or pivotably attached to a body of the dispenser 10″. The second door 42 can be normally-biased into the open position (FIG. 11) similar to that described above with respect to the first door 40. In other embodiments, the second door 42 may not be biased in any direction. A second release button (not illustrated) can be depressed to release the second door 42 from the remainder of the body of the dispenser. In other embodiments, the second door 42 can be released by pulling the second door 42 away from a portion of the body of the dispenser 10″. When the second door 42 is the open position, items can be positioned within or removed from the cavity 48. The first door 40 can be in the closed position even when the second door 42 is in the open position. In one embodiment, a sealing member can be positioned at least partially about a perimeter of the second door 42 and/or at least partially about a portion of the body of the dispenser 10″ at a location where the second door 42 engages the body when the second door 42 is in the closed position to sealably engage the second door 42 to the body.

In various embodiments, the sealing members discussed herein may not be provided, or can be used in addition to, packaging surrounding items in the cavity 48, such as wet wipes, for example. Such packaging of the wet wipes can help maintain the wet wipes in a wet, moist, and/or uncontaminated state. In one embodiment, refills of packaged wet wipes can be sold for use in the dispensers of the present disclosure. The packaging material of the refills can be a film, such as a polymeric film, for example, that is substantially air impermeable to maintain the wet wipes in a wet or moist state. Even when these refills are opened for use, having the film around a substantial portion (e.g., 60-95%) of the wet wipes can aid in maintaining the moisture content of the wet wipes. If the sealing members are provided on the dispensers and the wet wipes are positioned within a film packaging, there is even a better chance of maintaining the wet wipes in a wet, moist, and/or uncontaminated state, while the wet wipes are positioned within the cavities of the various dispensers of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, referring again to FIGS. 9-11, the cavity 48 can have an arcuate or curved bottom surface 49 (i.e., the surface can be concave toward the first door 40). In various embodiments, the curved bottom surface 49 can mimic, or substantially mimic, the arcuate nature of the first door 40 or the arcuate surface 26 (see e.g., FIG. 1) of the dispenser 10″. Such a feature can allows the items, such as wet wipes, within the cavity 48, to lie within the cavity 48 in a fashion that is similar to the curvature of a portion of a roll of a paper product positioned on a paper product bar 51, such as a portion of a roll of toilet paper or a roll of paper towels. Stated another way, the curved bottom surface 49 can allow a stack of items to have an arcuate profile in a cross-sectional direction between a front side and a back side and/or a first side and a second side of the dispenser 10″. By providing the items with an arcuate profile, the dispenser 10″ can be more aesthetically pleasing and can take up less space over a roll of a paper product. In one embodiment, the curved bottom surface 49 can force a central portion of a stack of items upward toward the first door 40 or an opening into the cavity 48. Such a feature can allow easier access to a top item in the stack when a consumer reaches into the cavity 48 to retrieve an item, owing to the top item's proximity to the first door 40. Furthermore, by allowing the top item in the stack to remain within the cavity 48, instead of having a portion of the top item extending partially from the cavity 48, the top item can remain wetter and/or in a sanitary condition. All of the embodiments of the present disclosure can have a curved bottom surface that provides the same advantages as described above or other advantages.

In one embodiment, a portion of the dispensers of the present disclosure, such as a release button, for example, can comprise a light source (not illustrated). In various embodiments, the light source can be positioned behind a transparent or translucent portion of the dispensers and can comprise a light bulb, a light emitting diode, or other light source known to those of skill in the art. In various embodiments, the light source can act as a night light and can be constantly on. In other embodiments, the light source can be activated selectively, such as by flipping a switch on the dispensers, or by pressing a button or the release button on the dispensers, for example. In still other embodiments, the light source can be in electrical communication with a motion sensor configured to detect motion in the environment in which the dispensers are positioned. When the motion sensor detects movement (e.g., by a person), it can activate or energize the light source for a predetermined period of time, such as three minutes, for example. The light source and/or the motion sensor can be powered by any suitable power source, such as a battery, for example. In one embodiment, the light source can be activated when one of the doors of the dispensers is opened or closed.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 12-14, a dispenser 10′″ for dispensing a paper product and another item can comprise some similar features and components as the dispensers 10 and 10″ discussed herein. Such features and components will not be discussed again here for brevity. The dispenser 10′ can comprise a first door 40′ and a second door 42′. Both of the first and second doors 40′ and 42′ can form a portion of a front side 14″ of the dispenser 10′″. The first door 40′ can be movably, slidably, or pivotably attached to the second door 42′ and can move relative to the second door 42′. In various embodiments, the first door 40′ can be removed from the second door 42′. In one embodiment, the first door 42′ can pivot from a closed position (FIGS. 12 and 14) toward to a first end 18″ of the dispenser 10′ into an open position (FIG. 13). The second door 42′ can pivot from a closed position (FIGS. 12 and 13) toward a second end 20″ of the dispenser 10′″ into an open position (FIG. 14). The first and second doors 40′ and 42′ can also open in other directions. The first and second doors 40′ and 42′ can be normally-biased into the open position similar to that discussed above with respect to the first and second doors 40 and 42. Various release buttons for the doors 40′ and 42′ can also be provided. In one embodiment, the first door 40′ can be opened to provide access to a recessed portion 46′ formed in the second door 42′. The recessed portion 46′ can define an aperture 47′ therein. The aperture 47′ can allow for removal of items positioned within a cavity 48′ of the dispenser 10′″. A seal or sealing member 50″ can be positioned at least partially about a perimeter of the first door 40′ and/or the recessed portion 46′ to maintain the items within the cavity 48′ in a wet, dry, and/or uncontaminated state. Other seals or sealing members can be positioned on the second door 42′ or on a portion of the body that the second door 42′ engages when the second door 42′ is in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the first door 40′ can comprise a handle portion. The handle portion can comprise a recessed area 54 and a grip 56. A user can extend a portion of her fingers into the recessed area 54 and engage a back side of the grip 56. A pulling force can then be exerted on the back side of the grip 56 to move the first door 40′ from the closed position (FIGS. 12 and 14) into the open position (FIG. 13). A similar handle portion can also be provided on the second door 42′ or may only be provided on the second door 42′. Other suitable handle portions or knobs can also be provided on the first door 40′ or the second door 42′. Such various handle portions can be provided on any of the dispensers and doors disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 15-17, a dispenser 13 for dispensing a paper product and another item comprises some of the same or similar features and components as the dispensers 10 and 10″ discussed herein. Such features and components will not be discussed again here for brevity. A first door 40″ and a second door and 42″ can be similar to doors 40 and 42 described above, and can open in a similar fashion or in other fashions. In this embodiment, however, aperture 47″ can be formed in the second door 42″. A flexible membrane or film 58 can extend into the aperture 47″ and cover at least a portion of the aperture 47″. A dispensing opening 60 can be defined in the flexible membrane or film 58. In one embodiment, the flexible membrane or film 58 can comprise a pliant or rubber-like material. In other embodiments, a rigid portion, such as a portion of the recessed portion 46 described above can extend into the aperture 47″ and the flexible membrane or film 58 can extend into the aperture 47″ from the flexible membrane or film 58. The flexible membrane or film 58 can be attached to, adhered to, and/or held in place by a portion of the second door 42″. The material of the flexible membrane or film 58 can have limited or no air permeability. Such a flexible membrane or film 58 can help maintain items, such as wet wipes, for example, positioned within a cavity 48″ in a wet or uncontaminated condition even when the first door 40″ is the open position. The dispensing opening 60 can have any suitable shape that permits dispensing of items, such as wet wipes, therethrough. In one embodiment, the dispensing opening 60 can be tear-shaped, or otherwise shaped, and can comprise an opening dimension of greater than about 0.2 inches to about 1.3 inches, and specifically reciting all 0.05 inch increments within that range. In one embodiment, the dispensing opening 60, together with the flexible membrane or film 58, can be configured to maintain an item, such as a paper product, in a partially dispensed position for easy grasping by a user. When the first door 40″ is in the open position, the flexible membrane or film 58 can be exposed to the external environment of the dispenser 13.

In various embodiments, the flexible membrane or film 58 can comprise ridges 62 and/or slots 64 formed therein. The ridges 62 and/or the slots 64 can help the flexible membrane or film 58 maintain a paper product in a partially dispensed position. Stated another way, the ridges 62 and/or the slots 64 can help maintain a paper product in a position in which a portion of the paper product is on a first side of the flexible membrane or film 58 and a second portion of the paper product is on a second side of the flexible membrane or film 58. In other embodiments, the ridges 62 and/or the slots 64 can provide easier access to items within the cavity owing to the flexibility they provide to the flexible membrane or film. Other suitable flexible membranes or films known to those of skill in the art can be used with the dispensers of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 18-20, a dispenser 13′ for dispensing a paper product and another item can comprise a first door 40′″ and a second door 42′. The first door 40′ can pivot toward the second end 20′″ of the dispenser 13′ to move from a closed position (FIG. 18) into an open position (FIGS. 19 and 20). The second door 42′″ can pivot toward a first end 18′″ of the dispenser 13′ to move from a closed position (FIGS. 18 and 19) into an open position (FIG. 20). The doors 40′″ and 42′″ can also pivot, move, or slide in other directions. Both of the first and second doors 40′ and 42″ can form a portion of or all of a front side 14′″ of the dispenser 13′. The first door 40′″ can pivot toward the second door 42′ when both of the doors 40′″ and 42″ are being moved from the open position into the closed position or when the second door 42′ is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the first door 40′″ can cover a portion of the second door 42″ when both doors 40′″ and 42″ are in the closed position. Both doors 40″ and 42′ can be configured to cover a portion of a cavity 48′ when they are in the closed position. In various embodiments, the second door 42″ can comprise a retaining arm 66. The retaining arm 66 can extend from a base portion 68 of the second door 42″. The retaining arm 66 can be configured to extend at least partially into or at least partially over a portion of the cavity 48′″ when the second door 42′″ is in the closed position to retain an item within the cavity 48″. In one embodiment, the retaining arm 66 can be configured to retain a stack of paper products, such as wet wipes, for example, within the cavity 48′. Such a feature can prevent, or at least inhibit items from falling out of the cavity 48″ when the first door 40′″ is in the open position. The retaining arm 66 can have any suitable shape and dimensions based on the item or items that it is retaining within the cavity 48′. In one embodiment, the retaining arm 66 can have an aperture 72 defined therein. The aperture 68 can be used to dispense an item therethrough when the second door 42″ is in the closed position and the first door 40′ is in the open position. In other embodiments, the aperture 68 may be purely decorative. In various embodiments, the retaining arm 66 can be pivotably, rotatably, or movably attached to the base 68 of the second door 42′. In other embodiments, either an additional or another retaining arm (not illustrated) can extend from a portion of the cavity 48″ or one of the doors 40′″ or 42″ to retain items within the cavity 48′. The retaining arm 66 or other retaining arms can be normally-biased or spring loaded towards a bottom side 70 of the cavity 48′ using any methods of biasing or spring loading known to those of skill in the art. In such a configuration, the retaining arm 66 can be used to retain items positioned intermediate itself and the bottom side 70 of the cavity 48′. Such a feature can prevent, or at least inhibit stacks of wet wipes, for example, from falling out of the cavity 48″ when the first door 40′ is opened or in the open position. The retaining arm 66 can also help maintain the wet wipes in an orderly fashion in the cavity 48″ when the dispenser 13′ is being positioned on an existing paper product roll holder or otherwise being rotated or moved.

Cavities capable of being used in the dispensers of the present disclosure can be configured to provide or dispense warmed or heated wet wipes. Such cavities inside containers are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0032443, filed on Aug. 6, 2009, entitled “Dispenser for Providing Warm Wipes.”

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

DISPENSERS FOR A PAPER PRODUCT AND ANOTHER ITEM

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