Sanitary Sheet Product Dispenser

Abstract

A dispenser having a base and a main body defining a cavity configured to receive sanitary tissue product sheets therein. The sanitary tissue product sheets may be positioned within the cavity and may be configured to be dispensed through an aperture formed through a top face and a front side face of the main body. The sanitary tissue product sheets may include at least a leading sheet and a second sheet. The second sheet may be configured to follow the leading sheet when the leading sheet is dispensed, such that the second sheet is partially parked through the aperture and has a non-uniform top edge and is deformed out of plane.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to dispensers and more specifically to dispensers for sanitary tissue products.

BACKGROUND

The discussion of shortcomings and needs existing in the field prior to the present disclosure is in no way an admission that such shortcomings and needs were recognized by those skilled in the art prior to the present disclosure.

A 7-fold increase in hand washing and drying has been reported since 2013, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most consumers use cloth towels to dry their hands after washing. Cloth towels are dampened when people continually use the same towel to dry their hands, leading to the growth of fungi and bacteria as well as the spreading of germs between users, unless consumers wash their towel frequently, which is an inconvenience.

Single-use paper towels are much more sanitary than using cloth towels. Nevertheless, paper towel use in the bathroom is low. Many consumers reject current paper towel rolls for use in the bathroom. Some consumers state that a roll of paper towels doesn't aesthetically fit with the décor of a bathroom. Other consumers indicate that paper towel rolls do not physical fit in the bathroom, because a roll holder is needed, and many bathrooms do either do not have room or a convenient place to place or to install a roller. A whole roll of paper towels may become wet when sitting next to the bathroom sink, which can result in waste and dissatisfaction. A certain amount of wetting and contamination may be inevitable because a user must touch the roll or the dispenser to help dispense the product thereby contaminating the roll and/or the dispenser. Overconsumption is also a problem, because it is too easy for people, especially children, to use an excessive amount of paper towels, which may exceed the amount needed to dry their hands. Finally, some types of paper towels may be intended to handle more difficult clean-up tasks and may, therefore, be over-designed for the task of simply drying hands or cleaning around the bathroom sink.

A long-felt need exists for a new option beyond a cloth hand towel. Consumers desire a way to use paper towels in the bathroom but need a way to position the towels on a bathroom counter surface, within easy reach, and in a dispenser that protects the towels from water damage. Disposable paper towels would result in improved convenience that would enables children to wash and dry their hands more reliably. Some children also have a tendency not to rehang a cloth towel after use, opting to leave the towel on the counter or the floor. Failure to rehang a cloth towel may hinder drying of the towel and encourage additional fungal and bacterial growth. Even if cloth towels are rehung, it takes time for the towel to dry. Large families may, therefore, rarely enjoy a clean, fresh towel. Cloth towels hung in high-traffic bathrooms may be constantly wet, and dirty, with dirt, toothpaste, or food residue. Such towels need to be laundered more frequently and may need to be replaced more frequently. Such towels are also highly undesirable for presentation to quests. A further need exists to improves hygiene for guests that would elevates bathroom experience for them. A party or gathering in which multiple people use the bathroom to wash their hands inevitably leads to wet, dirty towels that may spread germs from guest to guest.

Consumers like the hygienic benefits of disposable hand towels, but a further hinderance to widespread adoption of disposable hand towels exists because consumers want to minimize the amount of paper they waste and only want to use the exact amount of paper needed. In most dispensers it is difficult to grab the first sheet and only dispense one sheet. The need to dispense one sheet at a time must be balanced by the consumer's desire for the towels to be within arm's reach of the sink after they wash their hands as well as the need to keep the disposable towels dry. Many of today's in home disposable hand towel solutions come in a cardboard box that too often gets wet and falls apart.

Finally, consumers consistently report limited counter space and desire a practical solution that fits their limited space. This consumer demand creates multiple technical problems. For example, when space is saved by folding towels with a C fold parallel to the base of the dispenser, one towel can be dispensed, but subsequent towels do not “pop” up for the next usage Additionally, hand towel dispensers are typically so flimsy that the consumer must hold it down with a wet or dirty hand while dispensing or the dispenser is so big that it can't fit on a typical bathroom counter.

A need, therefore, exists for a dispenser of sanitary tissue product sheets.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments solve one or more of the above-mentioned needs and provide a dispenser of sanitary tissue product sheets.

Various embodiments relate to a dispenser comprising a base having a length and a main body defining a cavity configured to receive sanitary tissue product sheets therein. The sanitary tissue product sheets may be positioned within the cavity and may be configured to be dispensed through an aperture formed through a top face and a front side face of the main body. The sanitary tissue product sheets may have a longitudinal axis. The sanitary tissue product sheets may be oriented vertically within the cavity such that the longitudinal axis of the sanitary tissue product sheets is generally oriented perpendicular to the length of the base. The sanitary tissue product sheets may comprise a leading sheet and a second sheet. The second sheet may be configured to follow the leading sheet when the leading sheet is dispensed, such that the second sheet is partially parked through the aperture and has a non-uniform top edge and is deformed out of plane.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description, figures, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic front view of a dispenser presenting a sanitary tissue product sheet.

FIG. 2 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic side view of a dispenser presenting a sanitary tissue product sheet as a column.

FIG. 3 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating an isometric, side view of a dispenser showing a leading sheet being dispensed and deforming a second sheet into a column.

FIG. 4 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating an isometric, side view of a dispenser having a main body defining a cavity and an aperture defined in a top face and front side face of the main body.

FIG. 5 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic top view of the main body of a dispenser.

FIG. 6 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic bottom view of the main body of a dispenser containing a stack of sanitary tissue product sheets.

FIG. 7 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic bottom view of the main body of a dispenser.

FIG. 8 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic bottom view of the base of a dispenser.

FIG. 9 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating an isometric bottom view of a dispenser with the base installed.

FIG. 10 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating an isometric view of the base of a dispenser.

FIG. 11 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating the interleaving of C-folded sanitary tissue product sheets.

FIG. 12 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a refill of sanitary tissue product sheets.

FIG. 13 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a first type of multi-folded sanitary tissue product sheets.

FIG. 14 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a second type of multi-folded sanitary tissue product sheets.

It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the examples illustrated in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction and Definitions

This disclosure is written to describe the present disclosure to a person having ordinary skill in the art, who will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the specific examples or embodiments described. The examples and embodiments are single instances of the present disclosure which will make a much larger scope apparent to the person having ordinary skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by the person having ordinary skill in the art. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing examples and embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to the person having ordinary skill in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. Many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. For example, unless otherwise indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to particular materials, manufacturing processes, or the like, as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the present disclosure that steps can be executed in different sequence where this is logically possible.

In everyday usage, indefinite articles (like “a” or “an”) precede countable nouns and noncountable nouns almost never take indefinite articles. It must be noted, therefore, that, as used in this specification and in the claims that follow, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a support” includes a plurality of supports. Particularly when a single countable noun is listed as an element in a claim, this specification will generally use a phrase such as “a single.” For example, “a single support.”

“Fiber” as used herein means an elongate physical structure having an apparent length greatly exceeding its apparent diameter, i.e., a length to diameter ratio of at least about 10. Fibers having a non-circular cross-section and/or tubular shape are common. The “diameter” in this case may be considered to be the diameter of a circle having a cross-sectional area equal to the cross-sectional area of the fiber. More specifically, as used herein, “fiber” refers to fibrous structure-making fibers. The present disclosure contemplates the use of a variety of fibrous structure-making fibers, such as, for example, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, other suitable fibers, or any combination thereof.

“Fibrous structure” as used herein means a structure that comprises one or more fibers. Nonlimiting examples of processes for making fibrous structures include known wet-laid papermaking processes and air-laid papermaking processes. Such processes typically include steps of preparing a fiber composition in the form of a suspension in a medium, either wet, more specifically aqueous medium, or dry, more specifically gaseous, i.e., with air as the medium. The aqueous medium used for wet-laid processes is oftentimes referred to as a fiber slurry. The fibrous suspension is then used to deposit a plurality of fibers onto a forming wire or belt such that an embryonic fibrous structure is formed, after which drying and/or bonding the fibers together results in a fibrous structure. Further processing the fibrous structure may be carried out such that a finished fibrous structure is formed. For example, in typical papermaking processes, the finished fibrous structure is the fibrous structure that is wound on the reel at the end of papermaking, and may subsequently be converted into a finished product, e.g., a sanitary tissue product.

“Sanitary tissue product” as used herein means one or more finished fibrous structures, converted or not, that is useful as a wiping implement for post-urinary and post-bowel movement to cleaning (e.g., toilet tissue and wet or dry wipes), for otorhinolaryngological discharges (e.g., facial tissue and wet or dry wipes), and multi-functional absorbent and cleaning uses (e.g., paper towels, shop towels, and hand towels). The sanitary tissue products may be embossed or not embossed, creped or uncreped, and may be single-ply or multi-ply.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit (unless the context clearly dictates otherwise), between the upper and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

As used herein, the term “disposed on” refers to a positional state indicating that one object or material is arranged in a position adjacent to the position of another object or material. The term does not require or exclude the presence of intervening objects, materials, or layers.

General Discussion

The most desired location for a dispenser of sanitary tissue product sheets is the main/hallway bathroom, because such a bathroom has the most foot traffic, including guests, and would benefit the most from disposable paper towels. This main/hallway bathroom is usually the smallest bathroom in a home, often employing a pedestal sink with very limited counterspace. Various embodiments, therefore, provide a compact and aesthetically pleasing dispenser, suitable for presentation to guests.

With reference to FIGS. 1-12, various embodiments relate to a dispenser 100 comprising a base 200 having a length L₂₀₀ and a main body 300 defining a cavity 301 configured to receive sanitary tissue product sheets 400 (such as the sanitary tissue product sheets and refills disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 63/404,319, filed Sep. 7, 2022, which are suitable for use with the dispenser of the present disclosure) therein. Further, the sanitary tissue product sheets may comprise non-wood fibers (e.g., bamboo). Suitable sanitary tissue product sheets of the present disclosure comprising non-wood fibers are those disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 63/353,183, filed on Jun. 17, 2022. The sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may be positioned within the cavity 301 and may be configured to be dispensed through an aperture 302 formed through a top face 303 and a front side face 304 of the main body 300. The sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may have a longitudinal axis A₄₀₀. The sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may be oriented vertically within the cavity 301 such that the longitudinal axis A₄₀₀ of the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 are generally oriented perpendicular to the length L₂₀₀ of the base 200. The sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may be dispensed in a direction that is generally along the longitudinal axis A₄₀₀. The sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may comprise a leading sheet 401 and a second sheet 402.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the second sheet 402 may be configured to follow the leading sheet 401 when the leading sheet 401 is dispensed, such that the second sheet 402 is partially parked through the aperture 302 and has a non-uniform top edge 403 and is deformed out of plane. In this context, “partially parked” means that the second sheet 402 is in a stable configuration in which a portion of the second sheet 402 is presented to a user for easy access. In this context, “deformed” means that the second sheet 402 is bent, twisted, rolled, or deflected. In this context, “out of plane” means in a different plane than the plane encompassing either the front face 407 or the back face 408 of a stack or refill 406 of sanitary tissue product sheets 400.

The dispenser 100 may include an aperture 302 configured to keep subsequent sheets presented up and ready to be grabbed, making it easy to grab the first sheet and control how many sheets are dispensed. More specifically, FIG. 1 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic front view of a dispenser 100 presenting one of a plurality of sanitary tissue product sheets 400, particularly a second sheet 402 as a column 405. FIG. 2 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic side view of a dispenser 100 presenting the second sheet 402 as a column as a column 405. FIG. 3 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating an isometric, side view of a dispenser 100 showing a leading sheet 401 being dispensed and deforming a second sheet 402 into a column 405. As the leading sheet 401 is pulled out of the dispenser 100 through the aperture 302 in the main body 300, sheet rolling ears 309 may contact and deflect the leading sheet 401. The sheet rolling ears 309 may define an outer edge of the aperture 302 in the front side face 304 and the top face 303 of the main body 300. The sheet rolling ears 309 may have a curved contour configured to deflect the leading sheet 401 and thereby the second sheet 402. Deformations 404 in the second sheet 402 may be formed as the leading sheet 401 is dispensed. The deformations 404 may assist in holding the second sheet 402 in place above the aperture 302. The aperture may be configured to deform the second sheet 402 such that a column 405 is formed when the second sheet 402 is partially parked through the aperture 302. The aperture 302 may be configured to deform the second sheet 402 by rolling at least a portion of the second sheet 402 as the second sheet 402 follows the leading sheet 401 when the leading sheet 401 is dispensed. The column 405 may extend through the aperture 302 beyond the front side face 304 of the main body 300 and may be inclined at an angle A₄₀₅ relative to the front side face 304.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the dispenser 100 may include one or more textured, patterned, or colored zones on the surfaces thereof. For example, the dispenser 100 may comprise a front zone 311, as well as a first side patterned zone 312 and a second patterned zone 313. These zones may comprise one or more characteristics different from other surfaces of the main body 300. For example, while the front side face 304 of the main body 300 may be smooth, the front zone 311 may be textured. In general, the zones 311, 312, 313 may have a texture, a color, and/or a material that makes them visually and/or texturally distinct. The different characteristics of the zones 311, 312, 313 may be accomplished in any desirable manner, including but not limited to by forming the zone from a different material, by roughening the zone, by smoothening the zone, by painting the zone, or by applying a decal to the zone. The various combinations of the zones 311, 312, and 313 may cooperate to provide a slenderized appearance to the dispenser. For example, the first side zone 312 and the second side zone 313 may cooperate to provide a curvaceous, sleek, hour-glass appearance, giving the impression that the dispenser 100 takes up less space on a bathroom countertop—for example, the first and second side zones 312 and 313 may be darker than the other portions of the front side face 304 (including the front zone 311)—for example, side zones 312 and 313 may be black and the other portions of the front face 304 may be white. It may also be desirable for the first and second side zones 312 and 313 to be the same color as each other, as well as the base 200. It may also be desirable for side zones 312 and 313 to be the same shape, and it may also be desirable where side zone 313 is the mirrored shape, inverse shape, or a 180 degree rotation of the shape of side zone 312. It is to be understood that the zones 311, 312, and 313 indicate generalized, conceptual regions and may have any desired size or shape and are not intended to be limited to the exemplary shapes illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the zones may have a rectangular shape and may extend over more (including, for instance, the full height H₁₀₀ or H₃₀₀) or less of the surface of the main body 304 than is illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating an isometric, side view of the dispenser 100 having a main body 300 defining a cavity 301 and an aperture 302 defined in a top face 303 and front side face 304 of the main body 300. As shown in FIG. 4, the sheet rolling ears 309 may have a smooth contour extending from the front side face 304 to the top face 303. FIG. 5 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic top view of the main body of a dispenser 100. It is beneficial that the top face of the main body 303 covers a majority of the total depth D₃₀₃ of the top face 303 and a majority of the overall depth D₁₀₀ of the dispenser 100. Such a configuration may help to keep the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 within the cavity 301 dry in the event that water drips from a user's hands while obtaining a sheet. As shown in FIG. 5, the total depth D₃₀₃ of the top face 303 corresponds to the overall depth D₁₀₀ of the dispenser 100. It is to be appreciated, however, that these depths need not be the same and may differ according to various embodiments, such that the top face 303 is larger or smaller than the overall depth of the dispenser. The aperture 302 may comprise a single opening. According to various embodiments, the aperture 302 need not be gasketed. A back side 305 of the aperture 302 may be disposed on the top face 304 of the main body 300 and may arc backward toward a back side face 306 of the main body 300.

The aperture 302 may have a length L₃₀₂ that is about 80 to about 99%, or greater than about 85%, or greater than about 90% or greater than about 95% of a length L₃₀₃ of the top face 303 of the main body 300. The aperture 302 may have a depth or width D₃₀₂ less than about 25%, or less than about 20%, or less than about 15% of a depth or width D₃₀₃ of the top face 303 of the main body 300. The aperture 302 may have a height H₃₀₂ that is at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40% of a height H₁₀₀ of the dispenser 100. The dispenser may have a depth or width D₁₀₀ and a length L₁₀₀, and wherein the depth or width D₁₀₀ is less than the length L₁₀₀.

FIG. 6 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic bottom view of the main body 304 of a dispenser 100 containing a stack of sanitary tissue product sheets. The sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may be C-folded and interleaved. The folding and interleaving of the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may be an aspect of the second sheet 402 being configured to follow the leading sheet 401 when the leading sheet 401 is dispensed, such that the second sheet 402 is partially parked through the aperture 302 and has a non-uniform top edge 403 and is deformed out of plane. FIG. 11 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating the interleaving of C-folded sanitary tissue product sheets 400. The leading sheet 401 may be folded at a longitudinal fold 409 and thereby configured to comprise a first half 413 and a second half 414. Similarly, the second sheet 402 may be folded at a longitudinal fold 410 and thereby configured to comprise a first half 415 and a second half 416. Furthermore, a third sheet 411 may be folded at a longitudinal fold 412 and thereby configured to comprise a first half 417 and a second half 418. This pattern of folding and interleaving may be continued for all subsequent sheets in stack of sanitary tissue product sheets 400. For example, a refill 406 of sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may comprise a stack of C-folded and interleaved sanitary tissue product sheets 400. The sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may be folded in a direction opposite from the direction in which the towels are pulled to be dispensed so that towels come out one at a time and stay up and ready. In other words, the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may be dispensed in a direction that is generally along the longitudinal axis A₄₀₀ and the longitudinal folds 409, 410, 412 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis A₄₀₀. FIG. 12 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a refill or stack 406 of sanitary tissue product sheets. The refill 406 may comprise a front face 407 and back face 408 that are interchangeable. The sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may be wet or dry. It is to be appreciated that the specific orientation of the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 is not to be limited by the exemplary illustration provided by FIG. 6. The stack of sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may have any orientation within the main body 304 of the dispenser, including for example an orientation that is rotated 90° or 180° from the position illustrated in FIG. 6.

In additional to having longitudinal folds, the sanitary tissue product sheets may also be folded one or more times to create folds that are parallel to or aligned with a lateral axis A₄₀₁. The lateral axis A₄₀₁ may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₄₀₀ (See: FIG. 12). FIG. 13 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a first type of multi-folded sanitary tissue product sheets 400. The first leading sheet 401 may comprise a longitudinal fold 409 and a first lateral fold 420. Similarly, the second sheet 402 may comprise a longitudinal fold 410 and a first lateral fold 424.

FIG. 14 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a second type of multi-folded sanitary tissue product sheets 400. The first leading sheet 401 may comprise a longitudinal fold 409, as well as a first lateral fold 420 and a second lateral fold 422. Similarly, the second sheet 402 may comprise a longitudinal fold 410, as well as a first lateral fold 424 and a second lateral fold 426.

Referring again to FIG. 12, according to various embodiments, the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may have an unfolded width and an unfolded length, which may be measured when the sanitary tissue product sheet 400 is completely unfolded and laid flat. Any or all of the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may have an unfolded width of about 10 cm to about 30 cm, for example of about 18 cm, or about 15 to about 20 cm. Similarly, any or all of the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may have an unfolded length of about 20 to about 50 cm, for example of about 28 cm, or about 25 to 30 cm. According to various embodiments, the towel may be 26 lbs./3000 ft{circumflex over ( )}2 (42 g/m{circumflex over ( )}2), 2 ply, 7×11″ sheet size. According to other embodiments, the towel may have a 9″ width, but this sheet width increases the dispenser size. Sanitary tissue product sheets 400 of the present disclosure may be made according to and have the properties as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,238,890.

The sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may also have a folded width W_F and a folded length L_F when folded in any of the ways described herein. Referring to FIG. 12, the folded length L_F may be measured in a direction that is parallel to the lateral axis A₄₀₁ and the folded width W_F may be measured in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis A₄₀₀. The folded length L_F may be about 10 cm to about 30 cm, or about 15 cm to about 25 cm. The folded width W_F may be about 5 cm to about 30 cm, or about 10 to about 25, or about 15 to about 20 cm.

FIG. 7 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic bottom view of the main body 300 of a dispenser 100. The main body 300 may include a plurality of reinforcing ribs 308, which may provide strength and rigidity to the main body 100. The reinforcing ribs 308 may also serve as guides for the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 to ensure that a refill 406 is inserted in the correct orientation. The reinforcing ribs 308 may also serve to reduce friction to allow for easier installation of a refill 406 and for easier dispensing of an individual sheet. For example, the reinforcing ribs 308 may reduce surface-to-surface contact between the front face 407 or the back face 408 of a refill 406 with the inner walls of the main body, thereby reducing friction between those surfaces. According to various embodiments, the dispenser 100 need not comprise a spring to bias the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 either toward the aperture 302 or against an inner wall of the main body 302.

FIG. 8 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating a schematic bottom view of the base 200 of a dispenser 100. FIG. 9 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating an isometric bottom view of a dispenser 100 with the base 200 installed. The base 200 may include one or more grip indents 201 to provide a convenient place for a user to grip the base 200 and to remove it when a refill 406 is needed. The base 200 may include a plurality of feet 204 which may support the base 200 and allow for water to pass under the base 200. The base 200 may include an indentation 208, defining a bottom cusp 209 upon which the feet 204 may be disposed. The plurality of feet 204 and the indentation 208, defining the bottom cusp 209 may help to avid mold growth underneath the dispenser 100. The bottom cusp 209 may define a perimeter P₂₀₀ of the base 200. The base 200 may have a width or a depth D₂₀₀ and a length L₂₀₀. The dispenser 100 may have at least two different perimeters P₂₀₀, P₃₀₃. The base 200 may comprise a first perimeter P₂₀₀. The top face 303 may comprise a second perimeter P₃₀₃. The first perimeter P₂₀₀ may be less than the second perimeter P₃₀₃. The base 200 may be weighted, for example with a weight 211 disposed within the base 200 or may be constructed with a material of sufficient thickness and density to ensure that the sanitary tissue product sheets 400 may be dispensed without requiring a user to tough the dispenser 100 to prevent a dispensed sheet, such as second sheet 402 from lifting or tipping the dispenser 100. The side walls of the main body 300 may be curved, the base 200 may be curved, and the main body 300 and the base 200 may join at an interface 210. Below the interface 210, the base 200 may be inclined at an angle A₂₀₀ to encourage water flow away from the interface 210.

FIG. 10 is an example according to various embodiments, illustrating an isometric view of the base 200 of a dispenser 100. The base 200 may comprise a lip 205 and a ridge 206. The ridge 206 may help to prevent backflow of any water passing over the interface 210 from entering the cavity 301 to dampen or ruin the sanitary tissue products sheets 400. The lip may be configured to fit into the main body 300. The main body 300 may be configured to receive the lip 205 when the base 200 rests on the ridge 206. Referring generally to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, the main body 300 and the base 200 may each comprise complimentary magnets 207, 307 that connect the base 200 to the main body 300. The base 200 may alternatively be connected to the main body 300 via a hinge, including a living hinge; further, the connection may be via friction fit (e.g., a portion of the base 200 may fit into the main body 300).

The base 200 and the main body 300 may comprise any suitable material. For example, the base 100 and the main body 300 may comprise plastic, metal, wood, or a combination thereof. The various components of the dispenser 100 may be manufactured by any suitable manufacturing process. For example, the dispenser may be formed by injection molding; blow molding; extrusion molding; additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing; subtractive manufacturing, such as CNC machining; or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the dispensers of the present disclosure may be reusable or disposable. Disposable dispensers may be comprised of cellulosic fibers, such as paper, paper stock, cardboard, paperboard, other fibers, and/or other suitable or biodegradable materials. In general, disposable dispensers may be purchased with a plurality of sanitary tissue products positioned in a cavity thereof and such dispensers may or may not be refillable. Reusable dispensers may be comprised of paperboard, plastic, metal, wood, anti-microbial materials, anti-bacterial materials, anti-microbial materials, and/or any other suitable materials. In general, reusable dispensers may be purchased with or without sanitary tissue products positioned in a cavity thereof or with or without a refill of sanitary tissue products positioned therein. The reusable dispenses may be multi-use dispensers. When the supply of sanitary tissue products within a reusable dispenser is exhausted, a consumer may insert additional sanitary tissue products or a refill of additional sanitary tissue products into the cavity of the reusable dispenser. The refills may be purchased at the same store or location as the reusable dispenser was purchased. The refills may comprise films, polymeric films, and/or materials comprising cellulosic fibers, nonwoven fibers, or other materials, surrounding a plurality of sanitary tissue products. In one embodiment, a kit comprising a dispenser, one or more refills, and a hanger may be provided.

Further, the base 200 may be a first color, while the main body 300 is a second color, where the first and second colors are different and/or may be contrasting colors or shades of a color (see, for example, U.S. Docket No. D-3110, filed on Sep. 14, 2022, Sarah A. Saville being the first-named inventor). It may be desirable for the base 200 to be a darker shade or a darker color than the color of the main body 300. When a darker color is used for the base 200, it may lessen the appearance of the footprint of the dispenser on the countertop. This can be desirable in a bathroom setting, where counter space (such as the surround of a sink area) is limited. Another desirable effect of a base 200 that is a darker shade or color than the main body 300 is that it can have the effect of making the main body 300 seem like it is floating or hovering over the counter—this may be especially true or effective when the darker color is combined with a tapering base 200 and/or when the height of the base 200 is kept to a minimum (such as less than 1.25 inches, less than 1 inch, less than 0.75 inches, less than 0.5 inches, or less than 0.25 inches, specifically including increments of 0.01 inch increments therebetween). For example, the base 200 may be black, dark gray, dark blue, dark green, and/or dark brown, while the main body 300 may be white, light gray, light blue, light green, light brown, cream, and/or light tan. Further, when the base 200 and main body 300 are contrasting colors, it may signal to the user that the base 200 is removable from the main body 300 at the seam of the contrasting colors or contrasting shades.

The dispenser 100 may be packaged such that the dispenser 100 is viewable through a window or a reveal 501 in the package 500 (such as the reveal(s) disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 62/402,503, filed on Aug. 31, 2022). The reveal 501 may be clear plastic (or like transparent material) or may be a true opening (e.g., through a box) that, for example, exposes the dispenser 100 so that a potential consumer may touch the dispenser. The package 500 may be plastic, cardboard, or any suitable material. The package 500 may comprise non-wood fibers (such as the packages disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 63/353,167, filed on Jun. 17, 2022). When the package 500 does comprise non-wood fibers, said non-wood fibers may be the same fiber type (e.g., bamboo) as are used in the sanitary tissue product sheets 400. Sanitary tissue product sheets 400 (and/or refills of such as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 63/404,319, filed Sep. 7, 2022) may be co-packaged with the dispenser 100 in the package 500. The window or reveal 501 may have the same or similar shape(s) (e.g., arcuate side portions 503 and 503′) as the aperture 302 of the dispenser 100 (or at least the same or similar shape as a portion of the aperture)—see, for example, FIG. 29. Also shown in FIG. 29, the reveal may show the main body 300 and the base 200, and may particularly show a contrasting base 200 and main body 300 to communicate to the potential consumer that the base 200 and main body 300 are separable at the meeting of the contrasting colors or shades for opening the dispenser for refilling it with sanitary tissue product sheets. 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.”

Combinations

Various embodiments relate to:

• 1. A dispenser (100) comprising:
  • a base (200) having a length (L₂₀₀);
  • a main body (300) defining a cavity (301) configured to receive sanitary tissue product sheets (400) therein, the sanitary tissue product sheets (400) having a longitudinal axis (A₄₀₀), the sanitary tissue product sheets (400) comprising a leading sheet (401) and a second sheet (402);
  • wherein the sanitary tissue product sheets (400) are oriented vertically within the cavity (301) such that the longitudinal axis (A₄₀₀) of the sanitary tissue product sheets (400) are generally oriented perpendicular to the length (L₂₀₀) of the base (200);
  • wherein the sanitary tissue product sheets (400) positioned within the cavity (301) are configured to be dispensed through an aperture (302) formed through a top face (303) and a front side face (304) of the main body (300); and
  • wherein the second sheet (402) is configured to follow the leading sheet (401) when the leading sheet (401) is dispensed, such that the second sheet (402) is partially parked through the aperture (302) and has a non-uniform top edge (403) and is deformed out of plane.
• 2. The dispenser of Paragraph 1, wherein a back side (305) of the aperture (302) disposed on the top face (304) of the main body (300) arcs backward toward a back side face (306) of the main body (300).
• 3. The dispenser of Paragraphs 1 or 2, wherein deformations (404) in the second sheet (402) are formed as the leading sheet (401) is dispensed, and wherein the deformations (404) assist in holding the second sheet (402) in place above the aperture (302).
• 4. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the aperture (302) is a single opening.
• 5. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the aperture (302) has a length (L₃₀₂) that is about 80 to about 99% of a length (L₃₀₃) of the top face (303) of the main body (300).
• 6. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the aperture (302) has a depth (or width) (D₃₀₂) of the aperture (302) less than about 25% of a depth (or width) (D₃₀₃) of the top face (303) of the main body (300).
• 7. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the aperture (302) has a height (H₃₀₂) that is at least about 20% of a height (H₁₀₀) of the dispenser (100).
• 8. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the dispenser has a depth (or width) (D₁₀₀) and a length (L₁₀₀), and wherein the depth (or width) (D₁₀₀) is less than the length (L₁₀₀).
• 9. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 8, wherein the main body (300) and the base (200) each comprise complimentary magnets (207, 307) that connect the base (200) to the main body (300).
• 10. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the sanitary tissue product sheets (400) are C-folded and interleaved.
• 11. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the dispenser (100) has at least two different perimeters (P₂₀₀, P₃₀₃).
• 12. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 11, wherein the base (200) comprises a first perimeter (P₂₀₀), wherein the top face (303) comprises a second perimeter (P₃₀₃), and wherein the first perimeter (P₂₀₀) is less than the second perimeter (P₃₀₃).
• 13. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the sanitary tissue product sheets (400) are dry.
• 14. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the aperture is configured to deform the second sheet (402) such that a column (405) is formed when the second sheet (402) is partially parked through the aperture (302).
• 15. The dispenser of Paragraph 14, wherein the aperture is configured to deform the second sheet (402) by rolling at least a portion of the second sheet (402) as the second sheet (402) follows the leading sheet (401) when the leading sheet (401) is dispensed.
• 16. The dispenser of Paragraphs 14 or 15, wherein the column (405) extends through the aperture (302) beyond the front side face (304) of the main body (300) and is inclined at an angle (A₄₀₅) relative to the front side face (304).
• 17. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 16, wherein a refill (406) of sanitary tissue product sheets (400) has a front face (407) and back face (408) that are interchangeable.
• 18. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 17, wherein the base (200) comprises a lip (205) and a ridge (206), wherein the lip (205) is configured to fit into the main body (300), and wherein the main body (300) is configured to receive the lip (205) when the base (200) rests on the ridge (206).
• 19. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 18, wherein the aperture (302) is not gasketed.
• 20. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 19, wherein the dispenser (100) does not comprise a spring.
• 21. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein the base (200) and the main body (300) are contrasting colors.
• 22. The dispenser of Paragraph 21, wherein the base (200) is a darker color or shade than the main body (300).
• 23. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs 1 to 22, wherein the dispenser is in a package comprising a reveal, wherein the reveal (501) and the aperture (302) each comprise arcuate side portions.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, 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 can 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.

Claims

1. A dispenser comprising: a base having a length;a main body defining a cavity configured to receive sanitary tissue product sheets therein, the sanitary tissue product sheets having a longitudinal axis, the sanitary tissue product sheets comprising a leading sheet and a second sheet;wherein the sanitary tissue product sheets are oriented vertically within the cavity such that the longitudinal axis of the sanitary tissue product sheets are generally oriented perpendicular to the length of the base;wherein the sanitary tissue product sheets positioned within the cavity are configured to be dispensed through an aperture formed through a top face and a front side face of the main body; andwherein the second sheet is configured to follow the leading sheet when the leading sheet is dispensed, such that the second sheet is partially parked through the aperture and has a non-uniform top edge and is deformed out of plane.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a back side of the aperture disposed on the top face of the main body arcs backward toward a back side face of the main body.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein deformations in the second sheet are formed as the leading sheet is dispensed, and wherein the deformations assist in holding the second sheet in place above the aperture.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the aperture is a single opening.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the aperture has a length that is about 80 to about 99% of a length of the top face of the main body.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the aperture has a depth of the aperture less than about 25% of a depth of the top face of the main body.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the aperture has a height that is at least about 20% of a height of the dispenser.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser has a depth and a length, and wherein the depth is less than the length.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the main body and the base each comprise complimentary magnets that connect the base to the main body.

10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the sanitary tissue product sheets are C-folded and interleaved.

11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser has at least two different perimeters.

12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a first perimeter, wherein the top face comprises a second perimeter, and wherein the first perimeter is less than the second perimeter.

13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the sanitary tissue product sheets are dry.

14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the aperture is configured to deform the second sheet such that a column is formed when the second sheet is partially parked through the aperture.

15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the aperture is configured to deform the second sheet by rolling at least a portion of the second sheet as the second sheet follows the leading sheet when the leading sheet is dispensed.

16. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the column extends through the aperture beyond the front side face of the main body and is inclined at an angle relative to the front side face.

17. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a refill of sanitary tissue product sheets has a front face and back face that are interchangeable.

18. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a lip and a ridge, wherein the lip is configured to fit into the main body, and wherein the main body is configured to receive the lip when the base rests on the ridge.

19. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the aperture is not gasketed.

20. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser does not comprise a spring.

21. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the base and the main body are contrasting colors.

22. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein the base is a darker color or shade than the main body.

23. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is in a package comprising a reveal, wherein the reveal and the aperture each comprise arcuate side portions.