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 or flexible packages. These containers or packages 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 apparatuses for dispensing one or more paper products, such as toilet tissue, 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, to various dispensers for one or more paper products and one or more items. One dispenser comprises a body comprising a first side, a second side, and a receiving cavity defined within the body. The dispenser also comprises a door movable between a first position and a second position. When the door is in the first position, access to at least a portion of the cavity is provided, and when the door is in the second position, access to the portion of the cavity is not provided. The dispenser also comprises an aperture extending through the body from the first side to the second side. The aperture is configured to receive a portion of a first paper product bar therethrough. The dispenser also comprises a second paper product bar engaged with the body. A portion of the second paper product bar is positioned generally above or below the body.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a container for dispensing one or more paper products and one or more items. The container comprises a body comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a receiving cavity defined within the body. The container also comprises a door configured to permit access to a portion of the cavity and an aperture extending through the body from the first wall to the second wall. The aperture is configured to receive a portion of a first paper product bar therethrough. The container also comprises a second paper product bar extending from the body. The second paper product bar is configured to rotatably retain a rolled paper product thereon.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a combination paper product and other item dispenser. The dispenser comprises a body comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a receiving cavity defined within the body. The dispenser also comprises a movable door configured to provide access to the cavity, a first projection extending from the first wall, and a second projection extending from the second wall. The first projection and the second projection are configured to engage an existing paper product holder. The dispenser also comprises a paper product bar engaged with the body. The paper product bar is configured to retain a rolled paper product thereon.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a dispenser for a paper product and another item. The dispenser comprises a body defining a cavity therein, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the item. The dispenser further comprises a first door configured to provide access to the cavity in its open position and a second door configured to provide access to the cavity in its open position. The first door is situated on the second door and is movably engaged with the second door. The dispenser further comprises a paper product bar extending from the body. The paper product bar is configured to retain the paper product thereon.

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 one or more paper products and one or more other items 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;

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

FIGS. 4A-4D are perspective and side views of the dispenser of FIG. 1 mounted to two different types of existing paper product holders in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a dispenser of the present disclosure with a door in a closed position (5A) and in an open position (5B) in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments;

FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of a dispenser of the present disclosure with both doors in a closed position (6A), with one door in an open position (6B), and with both doors in an open position (6C) in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments;

FIGS. 7A-7C are perspective views of a dispenser of the present disclosure with both doors in a closed position (7A), with a first door in an open position (7B), and with a second door in an open position and the first door in a closed position (7C) in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments;

FIGS. 8A-8C are perspective views of a dispenser of the present disclosure with a door in a closed position (8A), with the door in an open position and a retaining arm in a retaining position (8B), and with the door in the open position and a retaining arm in a non-retaining position (8C) in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a container of items packaged as a kit that is configurable into a dispenser in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a rear view of the container of FIG. 9A in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a front view of a dispenser or a container having projections (shown in cut-away) extending therefrom in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment; and

FIG. 10B is a side view of the dispenser or container of FIG. 10A 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 dispensers and containers for one or more paper products and one or more other items 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 and containers 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, containers, and combination paper product and other item dispensers configured to engage existing paper product holders in a bathroom setting, a kitchen setting, a garage setting, a workshop setting, and/or another setting. The existing paper product holders can optionally be used with a paper product bar that extends between two posts or portions of the paper product holder, wherein the paper product bars can rotatably retain one or more rolls of a paper product thereon. In one embodiment, the existing paper product holders can be toilet tissue holders comprising a toilet tissue bar or paper towel holders comprising a paper towel bar. The paper product bars can be spring loaded in that they can apply a force to each post of the paper product holders 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 the posts or portions of existing paper product holders. In still other embodiments, the paper product holders may comprise a single paper product bar extending from a mount attached to a wall or other surface, wherein the single bar is configured to rotatably retain a roll of a paper product thereon. In yet other embodiments, the paper product holders may comprise a single paper product bar extending from one post. Existing paper product holders can extend from a wall or can be recessed within the wall, for example. In any event, the paper product bars can engage or be positioned at least partially through voids or cores in rolls of a paper product to rotatably retain the rolls thereon. The embodiments of the present disclosure can universally adapt to and/or fit almost all types of paper product holders and/or paper product bars.

In various embodiments, the dispensers and containers of the present disclosure can comprise a paper product bar, such as a toilet tissue bar or a paper towel bar, in addition to an existing paper product bar on an existing paper product holder. The dispensers and containers can also comprise a receiving cavity configured to receive one or more items. In one embodiment, the paper product bar can extend from the dispensers and containers of the present disclosure such that a portion of the paper product bar is generally above or below the dispensers and containers when the dispensers and containers are mounted on an existing paper product bar. In various embodiments, the paper product when situated on the paper product bar can be moveable relative to the dispensers and containers, based on a user's preference, between a first position, such as a position generally below the dispensers and containers, and a second position, such as a position generally above the dispensers and containers. The receiving cavity can be sealed with one or more flexible or rigid doors to prevent, or at least inhibit, items, such as wet wipes or cleaning wipes, for example, positioned within the cavity from drying out, losing significant moisture, and/or becoming contaminated (e.g., with dirt or bacteria) prior to use. In various embodiments, the dispensers and containers of the present disclosure can be reusable by refilling the receiving cavity with additional items, or can be for a single use. The single use dispensers and containers can be disposable after use of all of the items within the dispensers and containers or when the shelf-life of the items has expired.

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 or containers 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, the items can be provided within a cavity of the dispensers or containers 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 dispenser or a container. When one item is dispensed, another item can move into a partially dispensed position. One or more items can be dispensed at a time using the dispensers and/or the containers of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, one hand or two hand dispensing can be accomplished.

Although the present disclosure discusses wet wipe and toilet tissue dispensing, as an example, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to dispense lotions, medicinal agents, cleaning agents, wetting agents, fragrancing agents, paper towels, cleaning substrates, and/or facial tissues from the dispensers or containers or from within cavities of the dispensers or containers either in addition to wet wipes and toilet tissue or instead of wet wipes and toilet tissue. In other various embodiments, cavities of the dispensers or containers can comprise fragrancing materials. In one embodiment, fragrancing materials, such as hot melt adhesives comprising perfumes, can be positioned within the cavities of the dispensers or containers for diffusion into the items 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 is provided. The dispenser 10 can comprise a body 12 comprising a first side or wall 14, a second side or wall 16, a top side or wall 18, a bottom side or wall 20, a front side or wall 22, and a back side or wall 24. The dispenser 10 can have any suitable shape and dimensions. The body 12 can comprise any suitable shapes 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 an item-receiving cavity (not illustrated in FIGS. 1-3) therein. In one embodiment, the arcuate surface 26 can define an opening 27 defined therein for dispensing items from the cavity therethrough. The opening 27 can comprise one or more slits 29 defined in a flexible membrane (e.g., film) positioned intermediate the slits 29 and the opening 27 for dispensing items therethrough. The one or more slits 29 can be resealable, or substantially resealable (e.g., 50 to 95 percent resealing), after dispensing of one or more items therethrough. In such an embodiment, the dispenser 10 would generally 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) that can be peeled back to expose the opening 27, or a portion thereof. In such an embodiment, the one or more slits 29 may not be provided.

In one embodiment, the cavities of the dispensers and containers can be configured to receive items, such as wet wipes, and maintain the items in a substantially wet condition (i.e., at least about 10% by weight moisture, but likely a greater percent of moisture by weight) and/or an uncontaminated condition. In other embodiments, the cavities of the dispensers and containers can be configured to receive and maintain the items in a substantially dry condition and/or an uncontaminated condition. 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 and containers of the present disclosure can have one or more compartments to hold one or more extra package of items, such as a refill package of wet wipes, for example. The extra package of items can be used to refill items within the cavity when the items within the cavity are all used. The one or more compartments can be formed in or on the arcuate portion 26, or on other portions of the dispensers and containers, such as within the cavity, for example. In one embodiment, a flexible band or tether can retain the one or more extra packages of items to the dispensers and containers. In various embodiments, the one or more compartments can be situated inside the bodies of the dispensers and containers.

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 clear window, for example, can be provided in the body 12, such as on a side wall of the body 12, for example, so that a user can determine the amount of items or condition of the items within the cavity without having to open a door of the dispenser 10. This feature can reduce exposure of the items 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 body 12 can have an aperture 28 defined therethrough, wherein the aperture 28 can extend from the first side 14 of the body 12 to the second side 16 of the body 12. In other various embodiments, the aperture 28 can extend from the first side 14 to the top side 18, from the first side 14 to the bottom side 18, from the first side 14 to the front side 22, from the first side 14 to the back side 24, and/or can extend from the second side 16 in a similar manner. In still other various embodiments, an aperture can extend from any side of the body 12 any other side of the body 12. In one embodiment, the aperture 28 or the portion of the body 12 defining the aperture 28 can extend through the cavity in the body 12, but usually does not allow atmospheric air to flow into the cavity (i.e., the aperture 28 does not create an opening into the cavity through which a fluid can flow into the cavity). In any event, the aperture 28 can be configured to receive at least a portion of a paper product bar therethrough for engagement of the dispenser to an existing paper product holder in a bathroom setting. In one embodiment, the aperture 28 can be circular in cross-section and can have a diameter in the range of about 1-10 cm, specifically reciting all 0.1 cm increments of diameters within that range. In other embodiments, the aperture 28 may not be circular in cross-section and can have a cross-sectional dimension in the range of about 1 cm to about 10 cm, specifically reciting all 0.1 cm increments of dimensions within that range.

In one embodiment, for mounting of the dispenser 10, a user can simply remove an existing paper product bar from an existing paper product holder, place the existing paper product bar through the aperture 28 in the dispenser 10, and then reposition the existing paper product bar on the existing paper product holder. Such mounting is quite simple and allows for easy installation of the dispenser 10 by consumers without the use of tools. In other embodiments, the dispenser 10 can be slid over a portion of an existing paper product bar (e.g., an existing paper product bar extending on one end from a post, a mount, and/or a wall) using the aperture 28 in the dispenser 10. In other embodiments, as discussed herein, the aperture 28 may be eliminated and projections extending from walls of the dispenser 10 (e.g., FIGS. 10A and 10B) can be used in its place to engage the dispenser 10 with an existing paper product holder. In such an embodiment, an existing paper product bar would not need to be used.

In various embodiments, the aperture 28 can be round or at least can have arcuate portions or semi-circular portions, such that a cylindrical, or a generally cylindrical, paper product bar can fit therethrough. The aperture 28 can also comprise any other suitable shape configured to receive a cylindrical, or a generally cylindrical, paper product bar or other shaped paper product bar. In other embodiments, the aperture 28 can comprise a slot (not illustrated) extending in a generally horizontal direction between the front side 22 and the back side 24 of the dispenser 10. In one embodiment, the slot can extend in a horizontal direction but can have an arcuate profile on at least one side. The slot can allow the dispenser 10 to be mounted to a multitude of existing paper product holders by allowing more adjustment or better spacing between the dispenser 10 and a wall on which the existing paper product holder is mounted. Stated another way, by providing the slot, the dispenser 10 can be more universally mounted to various existing paper product holders because of the adjustability of the position of an existing paper product bar within the slot relative to the wall or the existing paper product holder. The slot can have a biasing member positioned at least partially therein, such as a spring, for example, to allow for an improved mounting of the dispenser 10 with different existing paper product bars.

In various embodiments, still referring to FIGS. 1-3, a paper product bar 30 can extend from the first side 14, or from any other suitable side of the dispenser 10, such as from the top side 18, for example. The paper product bar 30 can be used to rotatably retain a roll of a paper product thereon, such as a roll of toilet tissue or paper towels, for example. Sheets of the paper product can then be dispensed from the roll. In essence, the paper product bar 30 replaces the existing paper product bar as the paper product roll holder, when the existing paper product bar is used to hold the dispenser 10 to the existing paper product holder. The paper product bar 30 can be rigidly attached to, movably engaged with, rotatably engaged with, or removably engaged with, the first side 14, or any other suitable side of the dispenser 10, for example. In another embodiment, a paper product bar can be attached to or hung from the bottom side 20 of the dispenser 10. In various other embodiments, a portion of the paper product bar 30, or a portion of other paper product bars, can be positioned generally over (i.e., generally above vs. below as illustrated in the figures) the dispenser 10 or beside the dispenser 10 on either side. In one embodiment, the paper product bar 30 can be rotatably or pivotably engaged with the body 12 of the dispenser 10 so that it can be moved into and/or locked into a suitable position relative to the body 12 of the dispenser 10 (e.g., above the dispenser 10) for a particular bathroom, kitchen, or other setting. This feature can help the dispenser 10 be more universal to more existing paper product holders. The paper product bar 30 can comprise an arcuate portion 31, or a portion that is positioned generally perpendicular or transverse to an axis of the paper product bar 30 where a roll of paper product would rest thereon, on an end thereof to prevent, or at least inhibit, a roll of paper product from sliding off of the paper product bar 30 while sheets are pulled from the roll. A core of a roll of a paper product can be positioned over a portion of the paper product bar 30. In various embodiments, the paper product bar 30 can be round in cross-section and can have a diameter less than a diameter of a core of a roll or a void formed in a roll. In other various embodiments, the paper product bar 30 can have a cross-section having a semi-circular portion, an arcuate portion, a square or rectangular portion, an ovate portion, and/or any other suitably shaped portion or cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, the paper product bar 30 can have a rotatable and/or low coefficient of friction material sleeve positioned over at least a portion thereof on a section of the paper product bar that a core or void of a roll would rest, to allow for easier rotation of the roll during dispensing of the paper product. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the paper product bar may be comprised of or coated with low coefficient of friction materials. In still other embodiments, the paper product bar may comprise a high coefficient of friction material sleeve or a high coefficient of friction outer surface to reduce over feeding of the roll of paper product.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, from the point of attachment “X” of the paper product bar 30 to the arcuate surface 26, one or more radiuses R, R1, R2, can be defined. The area between radius R and radius R1 can form a quarter of a circle from the perspective of FIG. 3. Stated another way, the angle between the radius R and the radius R1 can be 90 degrees, or about 90 degrees. The length of the radius R2 can be the same as or different than the length of the radius R and the length of the radius R1. In various embodiments, all of the radiuses R, R1, and R2 can have the same lengths or different lengths.

In one embodiment, the paper product bar 30 may not be provided and instead two arms or portions (not illustrated) can extend from the body 12. The arms or portions can extend outwardly in any suitable direction from the body 12, such as generally upwardly or downwardly from the body 12, for example. The arms or portions can be configured to either hold an existing paper product bar therebetween (e.g., a spring loaded toilet tissue bar) or directly engage portions of a core of a roll of paper product. In an embodiment where the arms or portions directly engage portions of a core or a void of a roll of paper product, the arms can comprise arcuate, semi-circular, or conical protrusions extending towards each other. Each protrusion can engage one side of a core or a void of a roll of paper product. In various embodiments, the arms and/or the protrusions can be biased towards each other to better retain the roll of paper product therebetween.

In one embodiment, a support 32 can be attached to the body 12, can extend from the body 12, can be movably engaged with the body 12, or can be removably engaged with the body 12, for example. In various embodiments, the support 32 can extend from a back side 24 or any other suitable side of the body 12. The support 32 can be configured to engage a portion of an existing paper product holder or a wall surface proximate to an existing paper product holder. The support 32 can essentially provide structural support and rigidity to the dispenser 10 at least during dispensing of items and/or paper products therefrom. In various embodiments, the support 32 can be movable or adjustable with respect to the body 12. In one embodiment, the support 32 can be movable in a direction generally towards and away from the body 12 or the back side 24 of the body 12. Such movement of the support 32 can allow the dispenser 10 to adapt to existing paper product holders, regardless of whether such holders are recessed into a wall or extend from the wall. In an embodiment where the aperture 28 is a slot, the support 32 may not be adjustable, but instead may be set in place and not movable with respect to the back side 24 of the body 12. The support 32 can comprise a base 34 configured to engage a wall or a portion of an existing paper product holder. In general, the support 32 can help the dispenser 10 rest against or be supported by a wall or a portion of an existing paper product holder to prevent, or at least inhibit, the dispenser 10 from rocking or moving during dispensing of paper product or other items therefrom.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 3A, the dispenser 10 can open in the manner shown to dispense one or more items 33, such as wet wipes or facial tissues, for example. In such an embodiment, the dispenser 10 can remain in this open position during use or be opened only when the items 33 are desired. In one embodiment, a stack of the items 33 or a package 31 of the items 33 can be positioned in or on the underside of the arcuate surface 26. The items 33 or the package 31 of the items 33 can be attached to the underside of the arcuate surface 26, such that they remain attached thereto during rotation of a portion of the dispenser 10 from a closed position into the illustrated open position. In other embodiments, the items 33 or the package 31 of the items 33 can be positioned at least partially under a retaining arm, such as retaining arm 72 discussed herein (FIG. 8B), again to maintain the items 33 in position during rotation of the portion of the dispenser 10 from a closed position into the illustrated open position. The items 33 can then be dispensed from the package 31 or the stack of the items 33 in the manner illustrated. In such an embodiment, the dispenser 10 can be sealed when in the closed position. In one embodiment, the package 31 can be a permanent portion of the dispenser 10 and items 33 can be refilled into the package 31.

In general, the items 33 can have a moisture content. Within the stack or package 31 of the items 33, 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 31 of the items 33 downwardly, creating a top of the stack or package 31 that has a lower moisture content in its items 33 and a bottom of the stack or package 31 that has a higher moisture content in its items 33. Stated another way, the items 33 toward or at the bottom of the stack or package 31 can be wetter or have a higher moisture content than the items 33 toward or at the top of the stack or package 31. As items, such as wet wipes, are usually dispensed from the top of the stack or package, the consumer is typically dispensed a wet wipe that is dryer than other wet wipes in the stack. By inverting the stack or package 31 into the configuration shown in FIG. 3A, however, the items 33 at or toward the top of the stack or package 31 can regain moisture content when the dispenser is in the closed position. In this embodiment, each time a wet wipe is dispensed, it can have a sufficient moisture content therein owing to the fact that it was the bottom wet wipe prior to the dispenser 10 being moved into the open position.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, the dispenser 10 is illustrated engaged with existing paper product holders and with a roll of paper product positioned on the paper product bar 30. In FIGS. 4A and 4C, the dispenser 10 is engaged with an existing paper product holder that extends from the wall, and in FIGS. 4B and 4D, the dispenser 10 is illustrated engaged with an existing paper product holder that is recessed within a wall. By providing the adjustable or movable support 32 or a fixed support 32 and an aperture 28 forming a slot, the dispenser 10 is easily able to be adaptable to suitably fit almost all existing paper product holders. The support 32, whether fixed or movable, can also be used to maintain the dispenser 10 in a dispensing position, as the dispensing position is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D, for example.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 10 can comprise one or more doors (although not illustrated in FIGS. 1-4D) that permit or provide access to the receiving cavity. The doors can be located on the top side 18 and/or the front side 22 of the dispenser 10, for example. The one or more doors, or an opening in the body 12 surrounding a portion of the receiving cavity, can comprise sealing members, such that the doors can sealably engage, or substantially sealably engage, a portion of the body 12 of the dispenser 10 to maintain moisture on or within the items and/or to prevent, or at least inhibit, the items from becoming contaminated within the dispenser 10. The one or more doors can open in any suitable direction relative to the body 12 or relative to other doors. In one embodiment, two or more doors can be provided on the dispenser 10. A is first door, when opened, can provide access to items within the receiving cavity for removal of one or more items, and a second door, when opened, can provide access to the receiving cavity for loading or refilling of the items into the receiving cavity. In such an instance, the first door can be known as the “minor door,” while the second door can be known as the “major door.” In any event, one or more of the doors can be movable, rotatable, or pivotable between a first, open position and a second, closed position. In one embodiment, when each door is in the first, open position, access to the receiving cavity is provided and when each door is in the second, closed position, access to the receiving cavity is not provided. Various example configurations for the one or more doors are described in greater detail below.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a dispenser 10′ comprising a body 12′ comprising a door 36 is illustrated. The door 36 is configured to move, pivot, or rotate between a first, open position (FIG. 5B), wherein access to a receiving cavity 38 is provided, and a second, closed position (FIG. 5A), wherein access to the receiving cavity 38 is not provided. The door 36 can be moved, pivoted, or rotated between the second, closed position into the first, open position after a release button 40 is depressed. Depression of the release button 40 can cause a member, such as a latch, for example, engaging a portion of the door 36 to disengage the portion of the door 36 and allow the door 36 to be moved into the first, open position. In one embodiment, the door 36, and other doors of the present disclosure, can be spring-loaded, such that when the release button 40 is depressed, the door 36 can spring or move into the first, open position. The release button 40 and the member can be normally-biased into the engaged position with the portion of the door 36 (i.e., the release button 40 is normally not depressed and is biased into the non-depressed position). In one embodiment, the release button 40, other release buttons of the present disclosure, or other portions of the dispensers of the present disclosure, can comprise, be formed of, and/or be coated with anti-microbial materials or anti-bacterial materials that can resist or prevent contamination during use. Those of skill in the art will recognize that other types of release buttons, members, handles, knobs, and/or mechanisms can be used with the dispensers and/or doors of the present disclosure.

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, and/or other light sources 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 one, two, or 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, still referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the body 12′ can define an opening 42 surrounding a portion of the receiving cavity 38. The opening 42 can comprise a sealing member 44, such as a seal, a gasket, a sealing surface, or a sealing means, for example. In place of the sealing member 44, or in addition to the sealing member 44, a sealing member can be positioned about at least a portion of the perimeter of the door 36. In other various embodiments, a first sealing member can be positioned about a portion of the perimeter of the opening 42 and a second sealing member can be positioned about a portion of the perimeter of the door 36. In such an embodiment, when the door 36 is in the second, closed position (FIG. 5A), a seal can be created between the door 36 and the portion of the body 12′ defining the opening 42. In any event, the sealing members can be provided to prevent, or at least inhibit, air flow from outside the body 12′ into the cavity 38, or visa versa, to maintain the items, such as wet wipes, in a wet, moist, and/or sanitary condition. 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. In other embodiments, sealing members can be used to signal or indicate sealing to a consumer. The materials chosen for the sealing members can have a low air permeability to prevent, or at least inhibit, air from the environment in which the dispenser 10′ is situated from entering and/or exiting the receiving cavity 38 and drying out the items therein and/or contaminating the items therein.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, a dispenser 10″ comprising a body 12″ can comprise a first door 46 and a second door 48. The first door 46 can be movable, pivotable, or rotatable between a first, open position (FIGS. 6B and 6C) and a second, closed position (FIG. 6A). When the first door 46 is in the first, open position access to items (not illustrated) with a receiving cavity 50 is provided, such that one or more of the items can be dispensed or refilled. After dispensing, the first door 46 can be moved into the second, closed position (FIG. 6A) to maintain the items remaining in the receiving cavity 50 moist, wet, and/or in a sanitary condition. The first door 46 can comprise one or more sealing members 52 positioned about at least a portion of the first door's perimeter and/or positioned about at least a portion of an opening 54 in the body 12″ into which the first door 46 fits can comprise one or more sealing members (not illustrated). The second door 48 can be movable, pivotable, or rotatable between a first, open position (FIG. 6C) and a second, closed position (FIGS. 6A and 6B) to allow access to at least a portion of the receiving cavity 50, such that a user can dispense a item or can load or refill the receiving cavity 50 with items. In one embodiment, both the first door 46 and the second door 48 can be opened to dispense an item. The second door 48 can comprise one or more sealing members 56 positioned about at least a portion of its perimeter and/or positioned about at least a portion of an opening 58 in the body 12″ into which the second door 48 fits can comprise one or more sealing members (not illustrated). In various embodiments, a portion of the first door 46 can abut or be positioned proximate to a portion of the second door 48 when both the first door 46 and the second door 48 are in the second, closed position (FIG. 6A). In such an embodiment, a sealing member (not illustrated) can be positioned intermediate the portion of the first door 46 and the portion of the second door 48 when the first door 46 and the second door 48 are in the closed position. Such a sealing member can be positioned on the portion of the first door 46, on the portion of the second door 48, or on both of the portion of the first door 46 and the portion of the second door 48, for example. This sealing member, like the other sealing members, can prevent, or at least inhibit, air from the environment in which the dispenser 10″ is situated from penetrating or flowing into and/or out of the receiving cavity 50. If air flows out of the receiving cavity 50, the moisture from the items, such as wet wipes, can evaporate into the environment surrounding the dispenser 10″. In one embodiment, the first door 46 and the second door 48 can pivot, rotate, or move towards each other when moving from the first, open position into the second, closed position. When both of the first and second doors 46 and 48 are in the second, closed position, they can effectively seal, or substantially seal, the receiving cavity 50 from an external environment to maintain the items in a wet, moist, and/or sanitary condition.

In one embodiment, the receiving cavity 50 can have an arcuate or curved bottom surface 51 (i.e., the surface can be concave toward the first door 46). In various embodiments, the curved bottom surface 51 can mimic, or substantially mimic, the arcuate nature of the first door 46. Such a feature can allows the items, such as wet wipes, within the receiving cavity 50, to lie within the receiving cavity 50 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 30′, such as a portion of a roll of toilet paper or a roll of paper towels. Stated another way, the curved bottom surface 51 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 51 can force a central portion of a stack of items upward toward the first door 46 or an opening into the receiving cavity 50. Such a feature can allow easier access to a top item in the stack when a consumer reaches into the receiving cavity 50 to retrieve an item, owing to the top item's proximity to the first door 46. Furthermore, by allowing the top item in the stack to remain within the receiving cavity 50, instead of having a portion of the top item extending partially from the receiving cavity 50, 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 various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, a dispenser 11 can comprise a body 13 comprising a first door 60 and a second door 62. The first door 60 can be pivotably situated on and movably attached to the second door 62, such that relative movement can occur between the first door 60 and the second door 62, and such that when the second door 62 is opened, the first door 60 can remain closed, but can move with the second door 60. The first door 60 can be movable between a first, open position (FIG. 7B) where access to a receiving cavity 64 is provided and a second, closed position (FIG. 7A) where access to the receiving cavity 64 is not provided. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7B, access to a portion of the receiving cavity 64 is provided to allow removal of one or more items when the first door 60 is in the first, open position. The second door 62 can be movable between a first, open position (FIG. 7C) and a second, closed position (FIGS. 7A and 7B). When the second door 62 is in the first, open position, items can be loaded or refilled in the receiving cavity 64 and the first door 60 can be in the closed position. The first door 60 can open in a first direction. The second door 62 can open in a second direction. The first direction can be different than or opposite to the second direction.

In one embodiment, the second door 62 can comprise a barrier 66 comprising a pliant or rubber-like material (FIG. 7B) in an area at least partially covered by the first door 60, when the first door 60 is in the second, closed position. In other embodiments, the barrier 66 can comprise a portion of rigid, or substantially rigid material, and another portion of pliant or rubber-like material, for example. In still other embodiments, the barrier 66 can comprise a rigid portion surrounding the pliant or rubber-like material. The barrier 66 can be attached to, adhered to, and/or held in place by a portion of the second door 64. The barrier 66 can have limited or no air permeability. Such a barrier 66 can help maintain the items in a wet, moist, and/or sanitary condition even when the first door 62 is the first, open position. The barrier 66 can have any suitably shaped opening 68 therein that permits dispensing of items therethrough. In one embodiment, the opening 68 can be tear-shaped and can comprise an opening dimension of greater than about 0.25 inches, alternatively greater than about 0.5 inches, and alternatively greater than about 0.75 inches, for example. The area of the barrier 66 surrounding the opening 68 can generally comprise the pliant material, if the entire barrier 66 is not comprised of the pliant material. The opening 68 in the barrier 66 can be configured to maintain an item in a partially dispensed position for easy grasping by a user. When the first door 60 is in the first, open position, the barrier 66 can be exposed to the external environment of the dispenser 11.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, a dispenser 11′ can comprise a body 13′ comprising a door 70 and a retaining arm or member 72. The door 70 can be movable, rotatable, and/or pivotable between a first, open position (FIGS. 8B and 8C) and a second, closed position (FIG. 8A). When the door 70 is in the first, open position, access to a receiving cavity 74 is provided and, when the door 70 is in the second, closed position, access to the receiving cavity 74 is not provided. The retaining arm 72 can be pivotably, rotatably, or movably attached to the body 13′ of the dispenser 11′ proximate to a pivotal connection between the body 13′ and the door 70, for example. In other embodiments, the retaining arm 72 can be pivotably, rotatably, or movably attached to a wall of the receiving cavity 74. At least a portion of the retaining arm 72 can extend into the receiving cavity 74 and the retaining arm 72 can be normally-biased or spring loaded towards a bottom side 20′ of the dispenser 11′ using any methods of biasing or spring loading known to those of skill in the art. In such a configuration, the retaining arm 72 can be used to retain items, such as wet wipes, positioned intermediate itself and the bottom side 20′ of the dispenser 11′ within the receiving cavity 74. Such a feature can prevent, or at least inhibit stacks, for example, of items from falling out of the receiving cavity 74 when the door 70 is opened. The retaining arm 72 can also help maintain the items in an orderly fashion in the receiving cavity 74 when the dispenser 11′ is being positioned on an existing paper product or otherwise being rotated or moved.

The various doors described above can be formed with the bodies or can be joined to the bodies of the dispensers using hinge-like connections or other pivotable connections. In various embodiments, although not illustrated, the doors can slide relative to the bodies to provide access to the receiving cavities or open in other directions.

In various embodiments, the sealing members discussed herein can be eliminated, or used in addition to, packaging surrounding the items. Such packaging of the items can help maintain the items in a wet, moist, and/or sanitary state prior to use. In one embodiment, refills of packaged items 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 items in a wet, moist, and/or sanitary state. Even when these refills are opened for use, having the film around a substantial portion (e.g., 60-95%) of the items can aid in maintaining the moisture content of the items. If the sealing members are provided on the dispensers and the items are positioned within a film packaging, there is even a better chance of maintaining the items in a wet, moist state and/or sanitary state, while the items are positioned within the receiving cavities of the various dispensers.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a container 76 of items, such as wet wipes, for example, is provided. The container 76 can comprise a body 78 comprising a first side or wall 80, a second side or wall 82, a back side or wall 81, a front side or wall 83, and any number of other sides or walls. The container 76 can have any suitable shape, including arcuate surfaces. The body 78 can define a cavity, such as a wet wipe-receiving cavity, therein. An aperture 84, such as a slot, for example, can extend through the body 78 from the first side 80 to the second side 82 or through any other portions or sides of the body 78. A portion of the body 78 that forms the aperture 84 can extend through the cavity. The body 78 can comprise a door 85 movable between a first, open position and a second, closed position. The door 85, when in the first, open position, can allow access to the cavity and items positioned therein. The door 85 can also allow for refilling or loading of the cavity with items when in the first, open position. Although not illustrated, the door 85 can have a release button configured to open the door when depressed. In one embodiment, the body 78 can comprise a first recess 86 on a first side 80 configured to receive a paper product bar 88 and a second recess 90 on the back side 81 configured to receive a support 92. The first and second recesses 86 and 90 can also be positioned on other suitable portions of the container 76. The paper product bar 88 and the support 92 can be generally the same as the paper product bar 30 and the support 32 described above, however, in this embodiment, the paper product bar 88 and the support 92 can be packaged with the container 76, but not engaged with the first and second recesses 86 and 90 upon sale to a consumer.

In various embodiments, the container 76, the paper product bar 88, and the support 92 can be wrapped in a flexible film 94, paperboard material, and/or other material and packaged together as a kit 100. After a consumer purchases the kit 100, the consumer can remove the film 94 and either use the container 76 as a stand alone item dispenser or can attach the paper product bar 88 to the first recess 86 and attach the support 92 to the second recess 90 to form a dispenser similar to the dispenser 10 described above, for example. In other embodiments, the film 94, paperboard material, and/or other material may not be required and the paper product bar 88 and the support 92 can be otherwise attached to or engaged with the container 76, such as through the use of a releasable or breakable adhesive, for example. Such dispensers, when assembled, can have elements and features similar to that described herein with respect to various other dispensers. Any of the dispensers described herein can be packaged like the container 76, thereby providing the consumer with the opportunity to use the container as a stand alone item dispenser or to use the container as the dispensers described above, such as dispenser 10, for example.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a body 102 of a dispenser or a container 104 of the present disclosure may not include an aperture extending therethrough, but instead may comprise two projections 105 extending outwardly from first and second sides 106 and 108 of the dispenser or container 104 at or near locations where the aperture would have been positioned (see e.g., FIG. 1, aperture 28) in the first and second sides 106 and 108. In various embodiments, the projections 105 can each be biased away from the body 102, such as through the use of springs 110, for example, and can be configured to engage an existing paper product holder without the need for an existing paper product bar. Stated another way, the projections 105 extending from the body 102 can take the place of an existing paper product bar and function in the same manner. In one embodiment, only one projection 105 may be biased away from the body 102. The dispenser or container 104 can also comprise, although not illustrated, a paper product bar, a support, and any other features of the various dispensers and containers described herein. Any dispensers described herein can comprise the projections 105, or similar projections, instead of apertures positioned through the body. In other various embodiments, projections or a paper product bar can extend from or be attached to the back of the body 102. In one embodiment, from a rear view of the container 104, the projections and/or the paper product bar can extend in a generally horizontal direction further than the first and second sides of the body 102 or less than the first and second sides of the body 102.

In other various embodiments, although not illustrated, an aperture, like aperture 28, for example, can extend through a container or a dispenser and a paper product bar can be provided at least partially within the aperture. The paper product bar can extend from both sides of the aperture to form projections, like the projections 105 described above. The paper product bar can then be used to connect the container or dispenser to an existing paper product holder.

Containers capable of being used in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to provide or dispense warmed or heated items, such as wet wipes. Such 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 disclosure 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 disclosure.

DISPENSERS FOR A PAPER PRODUCT AND ANOTHER ITEM

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

CPC

US Classifications

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Provisional Applications (1)