Patent Application
20230218126
The technology described herein relates generally to a device for dispensing clean tissues and discarding used tissues.
Tissue holders (e.g., tissue boxes or pocket tissue packs) dispense clean tissues, but it is often inconvenient to find a place to dispose of used tissues, as trash cans or bags are separate from, and often in a different location than, the tissue holder. Further, when tissues are discarded into trash cans or bags, they can miss the trash can or bag and end up dispersed on the floor, which is unsanitary. Tissue box covers are often used for decorative purposes to hide the cardboard box; however, such tissue box covers also do not offer a disposal area for used tissues. Once a tissue holder is empty it is either recycled or discarded in the trash, providing a single time use.
The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.
The disclosed technology includes a tissue dispenser and disposal device. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a tissue dispenser and disposal device. The tissue dispenser and disposal device may include a housing including a plurality of walls. The housing may define a housing receptacle that is sized to fit at least two tissue holders such that the at least two tissue holders are positioned relative to one another and to the plurality of walls to limit movement of the at least two tissue holders when the at least two tissue holders are positioned inside the housing receptacle. At least two openings may be defined in the plurality of walls. A first opening of the at least two openings may be defined in a first wall of the plurality of walls and the at least two openings may be sized to allow a tissue to pass therethrough.
Other examples or embodiments of the present disclosure may include a tissue dispenser and disposal device. The tissue dispenser and disposal device may include a housing defining a receptacle and a receptacle opening. The housing may include a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall that define a length of the housing, and a side wall that defines a width of the housing. The length of the housing may be greater than the width of the housing. The tissue dispenser and disposal device may include a lid coupled to the rear wall and positioned over the opening and a storage compartment defined by a portion of the front wall, a portion of the rear wall, a portion of the bottom wall, the side wall, and a divider wall. The lid may define a first lid opening and a second lid opening. The divider wall may separate the storage compartment from the receptacle. The receptacle may be sized to fit a first tissue holder positioned adjacent to a second tissue holder. The first tissue holder may include a first tissue holder opening and the second tissue holder may include a second tissue holder opening. The first lid opening and the second lid opening may be positioned on the lid to correspond to positions of the first tissue holder opening and the second tissue holder opening when the first tissue holder and the second tissue holder are positioned inside the receptacle.
Additional examples or embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of using a tissue dispenser and disposal device. The method may include positioning a lid of the tissue dispenser and disposal device in an open configuration, wherein the lid is hingedly coupled to a housing and the housing defines a receptacle that is sized to fit two tissue boxes; removing a tissue box containing used tissues from a first position in the receptacle; moving an empty tissue box from a second position in the receptacle to the first position; placing a clean tissue box in the second position; and positioning the lid in a closed configuration.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments and implementations and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
This disclosure is related to a tissue dispenser and disposal device for dispensing and disposing of tissues, improving the convenience and sanitation of tissue use and disposal. In several embodiments, the tissue dispenser and disposal device includes a tissue device housing and a receptacle formed by the housing and configured to receive at least two tissue holders. A lid or cover may be coupled to the tissue device housing and may include two openings, including a dispenser opening for dispensing clean tissues and a disposal opening for discarding used tissues. Tissue holders described herein may be any conventional tissue holders that dispense clean tissues, including, for example, a conventional square/cubed or rectangular tissue box, a portable tissue packet (often referred to as a “pocket tissue pack”), or the like.
A conventional tissue box is typically rectangular or square/cubed in shape. A conventional tissue box typically has top and bottom walls, front and rear walls, and left and right side walls. The walls define a tissue receptacle that contains clean tissues. The top wall defines a main or central opening to the tissue receptacle that allows access to the clean tissues. The main opening often has a piece of plastic positioned partially over the main opening. The piece of plastic may have a slit or secondary opening to guide the tissues out of the main opening. A conventional pocket tissue packet is typically rectangular in shape. A conventional pocket tissue packet often includes a plastic housing that defines a tissue receptacle where clean tissues are positioned. The plastic housing defines an opening to the tissue receptacle that allows access to the clean tissues.
In several embodiments, the tissue dispenser and disposal device has a shape and size to fit at least two conventional tissue boxes or at least two pocket tissue packets. The tissue dispenser and disposal device may include a tissue device housing formed by a plurality of housing walls and at least two openings defined in the plurality of walls. The plurality of walls may include a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and right and left side walls. The front wall, rear wall, top wall, and bottom wall may define a length of the housing and the right and left side walls may define a width of the housing. In some embodiments, the front wall, rear wall, and the right and left side walls define a length of the housing and the bottom wall and top wall define a width of the housing. The length may be greater than the width, such that the housing has a rectangular shape. The housing may define a receptacle that is sized to fit at least two tissue holders such that the at least two tissue holders are positioned relative to one another and to the plurality of walls to limit movement of the at least two tissue holders when the at least two tissue holders are positioned inside the housing receptacle.
The at least two openings may be positioned on the housing to correspond to positions of the tissue holder openings of the at least two tissue holders when they are positioned inside the receptacle. The at least two openings may be defined in the top wall. For example, two conventional tissue boxes may be positioned adjacent to one another inside the housing receptacle such that their tissue box openings are both facing the top wall. The top wall may be formed by a lid hingedly coupled to the rear wall, for example, to exchange tissue holders inside the housing receptacle. The at least two openings may be defined in the front and rear walls or the left and right side walls. For example, two conventional tissue boxes or two conventional pocket tissue packets may be positioned adjacent to one another inside the housing receptacle such that their tissue box or packet openings, respectively, are facing opposing directions (e.g., one towards the front wall and one facing towards the rear wall).
The tissue dispenser and disposal device may also include a storage compartment. The storage compartment may be formed by a portion of the front wall, a portion of the rear wall, a portion of the bottom wall, a side wall (the right side wall or the left side wall), and a divider wall. The divider wall may be positioned apart from and parallel to the side wall and separates the storage compartment from the housing receptacle. The storage compartment may have a storage compartment opening that is unobstructed to facilitate access to one or more sanitation products when the one or more sanitation products are stored inside the storage compartment.
In some embodiments, the storage compartment may be a pocket coupled to a side wall of the housing (the left or right side walls). The pocket may define an opening and may include a closing mechanism to expand the pocket opening to fit one or more sanitation products inside the pocket and/or to prevent the one or more sanitation products from falling out of the pocket. As described herein, a tissue dispenser and disposal device may include more than one storage compartment.
A tissue dispenser and disposal device receptacle described herein may be configured to receive a tissue holder containing clean tissues. The clean tissue holder may be positioned below or adjacent to the dispenser opening such that the clean tissues may be accessed through the dispenser opening. The receptacle may be configured to receive an empty tissue holder. The empty tissue holder may be empty or partially empty. The empty tissue holder may be positioned below or adjacent to the disposal opening such that used tissues may be discarded into the empty tissue holder. When no clean tissues remain in a clean tissue holder and the tissue holder is empty, the empty tissue holder may be moved from the position of the clean tissue holder below or adjacent to the dispenser opening to the position of the empty tissue holder below or adjacent to the disposal opening. If another empty tissue holder is positioned below or adjacent to the disposal opening, it may be discarded with the used tissues contained therein and replaced by the next empty tissue holder. In this manner, a tissue holder has more than a single use or purpose and is not simply discarded after a single use. By using an empty tissue holder, dirty tissues can be kept separate from clean tissues without any additional divider wall, thereby improving sanitation and reducing the complexity of the device.
Turning to the figures, tissue dispenser and disposal device embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed in more detail.
The device housing 102 may include a top wall 109, a front wall 110, a rear wall 112, a right side wall 114, a left side wall 116, and a bottom wall 117. The device housing 102 may have a shape that is compatible with a shape of two or more tissue boxes. In the depicted embodiment, the device housing 102 has a shape that is compatible with two conventional square shaped or cubed tissue boxes (e.g., as shown in
The receptacle 104 may be formed by the device housing 102 and a divider wall 118. Specifically, the receptacle 104 may be formed by a portion of the front wall 110, a portion of the rear wall 112, a portion of the bottom wall 117, the left side wall 116, and the divider wall 118. The receptacle 104 may be sized to fit at least two tissue boxes such that the tissue boxes are positioned relative to one another and to the walls of the device housing 102 to limit and restrict movement of the tissue boxes. For example, two tissue boxes may be touching or there may be a small space between the tissue boxes. In the depicted embodiment, the receptacle 104 is sized to fit two conventional sized tissue boxes positioned horizontally adjacent to one another, e.g., two conventional square shaped tissue boxes. As shown, the receptacle 104 has a rectangular shape. The receptacle 104 has a receptacle opening 120 to access the receptacle 104.
In the depicted embodiment, a storage compartment 106 is formed by the device housing 102 and the divider wall 118. Specifically, the storage compartment 106 may be formed by a portion of the front wall 110, a portion of the rear wall 112, a portion of the bottom wall 117, the right side wall 114, and the divider wall 118. The divider wall 118 may separate the receptacle 104 from the storage compartment 106. It is contemplated that the divider wall 118 may be omitted. The storage compartment 106 may be sized to fit sanitation products, including one or more sanitizer dispensers, sanitation wipes, sanitation chemical spray bottles, and the like. As shown, the storage compartment 106 has a rectangular shape; however, other shapes are contemplated such as, for example, a partial circle (e.g., semicircle) or partial oval shape (e.g., semioval) or square shape. While a lid may cover the storage compartment 106, the depicted embodiment excludes a lid to improve sanitation by limiting the need to touch additional surfaces of the tissue dispenser and disposal device 100 prior to sanitation. In some embodiments, the right side wall 114 includes an opening for dispensing cleaning wipes. In some embodiments, the right side wall 114 and left side wall 116 may include openings to assist a user in carrying the tissue dispenser and disposal device 100. It is contemplated that the storage compartment 106 may be a separate component from the device housing 102 and coupled to the device housing 102 (e.g., by adhesives, Velcro, by welding, molding, stitching, etc.); however, integrating the storage compartment 106 into the device housing 102 may reduce complexity, materials, and manufacturing costs. While one storage compartment 106 is shown, it is contemplated that additional storage compartments 106 may be included, for example, positioned adjacent to the opposing left side wall 116 or other wall (e.g., front wall 110 or rear wall 112). In some embodiments, the storage compartment 106 may be omitted.
The cover or lid 108 may be positioned over the receptacle opening 120. In the closed position, the lid 108 may form the top wall 109 of the housing 102. The lid 108 may be shaped and sized to correspond to the shape and size of the receptacle opening 120. As shown, the lid 108 has a rectangular shape. The lid 108 may include a plurality of openings. As shown, the lid 108 includes a dispenser opening 122 and a disposal opening 124. The dispenser opening 122 and disposal opening 124 may have a circular or oval shape; however, other shapes are contemplated (e.g., a square or rectangular shape). The dispenser opening 122 and disposal opening 124 may have the same size and shape. The dispenser opening 122 and disposal opening 124 are spaced apart a distance D. The distance D may correspond to conventional dimensions of a tissue box. For example, the distance between a tissue box opening and an edge of the tissue box may have a standard distance X. The distance D may be double the standard distance X (D=2X). For example, the distance D may be 1″, 1.5″, 2″, 3″ or the like, depending on the size of the tissue boxes. The dispenser opening 122 and disposal opening 124 may be spaced apart from the short side edges of the receptacle 104 (e.g., in the depicted embodiment, dispenser opening 122 from the left side wall 116 and disposal opening 124 from the divider wall 118) by the standard distance X. For example, the dispenser and disposal openings 122, 124 may be spaced apart from the left side wall 116 and divider wall 118, respectively, by 0.5″, 1″, 1.5″, 2″, or the like, depending on the size of the tissue boxes.
The lid 108 may be coupled to the device housing 102. As shown, the lid 108 is hingedly coupled to the rear wall 112 by hinges 126a,b. While two hinges 126a,b are depicted, more or less hinges are contemplated. It is also contemplated that the hinges 126a,b may be coupled to a different wall of the device housing 102, such as, for example, to the front wall 110, the left side wall 116, or the divider wall 118. In the depicted embodiment, the lid 108 is biased against the front wall 110. It is contemplated that the lid 108 may be securable to one or more of the front wall 110, left side wall 116, and divider wall 118, e.g., by a latch, Velcro, snaps, buttons, buckles, magnets, and the like. The lid 108 may further include a means to facilitate opening the lid 108, including, for example, a handle, loop, hook, notch, knob, raised portion, and the like. In some embodiments, the lid 108 extends over the storage compartment 106. In some embodiments, the lid 108 is omitted. In some embodiments, the hinges 126a,b are omitted and the lid 108 is coupled to the device housing 102 by alternate fastening means (e.g., latches, Velcro, snaps, buttons, buckles, etc.) and may be removable from the device housing 102. In some embodiments, the hinges 126a,b are omitted and the lid 108 is a non-removable top wall 109 of the device housing 102. In these embodiments, the top wall 109 may have opening mechanisms (e.g., zippers, Velcro, buttons, snaps, etc.) to expand the dispenser and disposal openings 122, 124 to add and remove tissue boxes to and from the receptacle 104 (e.g., where the top wall 109 is made of a soft material such as a knit material).
In operation, the lid 108 may be positioned in an open configuration. A clean tissue box 150 may be positioned inside the receptacle 104 in a first position, e.g., adjacent to the left side wall 116, and an empty tissue box 160 (that is empty or partially empty) may be positioned inside the receptacle 104 in a second position, e.g., adjacent to the divider wall 118. Accordingly, the clean tissue box 150 and empty tissue box 160 are positioned next to one another inside the receptacle 104. The tissue boxes 150, 160 may be touching or have a small space between them. The lid 108 may be positioned in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the dispenser opening 122 is positioned above the clean tissue box 150 such that a clean tissue or tissues 154 may be accessed through the dispenser opening 122 and the disposal opening 124 is positioned above the empty tissue box 160 such that used tissues or used sanitation wipes may be discarded into the empty tissue box through the disposal opening 124. When no clean tissues 154 remain in the clean tissue box 150, the lid 108 may be opened and the empty tissue box 160 containing used or dirty tissues may be removed from the receptacle 104 and discarded. The original clean tissue box 150 (that is now empty) may be moved from the first position to the second position, e.g., to the position of the old empty tissue box 160, i.e., adjacent the divider wall 118, and a new clean tissue box may be placed in the first position, e.g., the position of the original clean tissue box 150 (e.g., adjacent the left side wall 116), and the lid 108 may be closed.
One or more sanitation products (e.g., a hand sanitizer bottle, sanitizing wipes, etc.) may be placed inside the storage compartment 106. After a user removes or pulls a clean tissue or tissues 154 from the clean tissue box 150 through the dispenser opening 122, and then disposes of a used or dirty tissue or tissues in the empty tissue box 160 through the disposal opening 124, the user may easily access the one or more sanitation products in the storage compartment 106 to sanitize after handling the dirty tissue or tissues. In this manner, the tissue dispenser and disposal device 100 facilitates and improves sanitation associated with tissue use and disposal by providing a single location for access to tissues, disposal of dirty tissues, and cleaning or sanitation.
The embodiment of the tissue dispenser and disposal device 100 depicted in
In the vehicle embodiments, the handle 130 may be removable at one or both ends or at a center portion of the handle, e.g., to facilitate strapping the handle 130 around a seat of the vehicle. For example, the handle 130 may be coupled to the device housing 102 at one or both ends by Velcro, one or more snaps, one or more buttons, one or more buckles (e.g., a pinch release buckle), one or more latches, and the like. It is also contemplated that such fasteners may be positioned on a center portion of the handle 130 such that the handle 130 may be separated at the center portion and reattached (e.g., once around the seat or head rest).
The device housing 202 may include a front wall 210, a rear wall 212, a right side wall 214, a left side wall 216, and a bottom wall 217. As shown, the front wall 210 defines a dispenser opening 222 and the rear wall 212 defines a disposal opening 224. In the depicted embodiment, the dispenser opening 222 and disposal opening 224 have an oval shape; however, other shapes are contemplated (e.g., a square or rectangular shape). The oval shape may correspond to an oval shape of conventional rectangular tissue box openings.
The device housing 202 may have a shape that is compatible with a shape of one or more tissue boxes. In the depicted embodiment, the device housing 202 has a shape that is compatible with two conventional rectangular shaped tissue boxes; however, the device housing 202 may be shaped to fit two conventional square shaped or cubed tissue boxes (e.g., with the front wall 210 and rear wall 212 having a shorter length and the right side wall 214 and left side wall 216 having a longer length). In the depicted embodiment, the device housing 202 has a rectangular shape, with the front wall 210 and rear wall 212 forming the longer sides of the rectangle (e.g., defining the length of the device housing 202) and the right side wall 214 and left side wall 216 forming the shorter sides of the rectangle (e.g., defining the width of the device housing 202). Based on current conventional sizes of rectangular tissue boxes, as described above, the device housing 202 may have a length (L) between 8″ to 9″ (e.g., a length of a conventional rectangular tissue box), a width (W) between 4″ to 8″ (e.g., double a height of a conventional rectangular tissue box), and a height (H) between 4″ and 5″ (e.g., a width of a conventional rectangular tissue box). As one example, the device housing 202 may have a size of 9″L×8″W×4.5″H. The device housing 202 may be made of similar material as discussed with respect to the device housing 102.
The receptacle 204 may be formed by the device housing 202 and a divider wall 218. Specifically, the receptacle 204 may be formed by a portion of the front wall 210, a portion of the rear wall 212, a portion of the bottom wall 217, the left side wall 216, and the divider wall 218. The receptacle 204 may be sized to fit a plurality of tissue boxes. In the depicted embodiment, the receptacle 204 is sized to fit two conventional rectangular tissue boxes positioned adjacent to one another such that their openings (e.g., where tissues are dispensed) are facing away from one another. As shown, the receptacle 204 has a rectangular shape. The receptacle 204 has a receptacle opening 220 to access the receptacle 204. It is contemplated that the receptacle 204 may be shaped to fit two conventional square shaped tissue boxes.
In the depicted embodiment, a storage compartment 206 is formed by the device housing 202 and the divider wall 218. Specifically, the storage compartment 206 may be formed by a portion of the front wall 210, a portion of the rear wall 212, a portion of the bottom wall 217, the right side wall 214, and the divider wall 218. The divider wall 218 may separate the receptacle 204 from the storage compartment 206. It is contemplated that the divider wall 218 may be omitted. The storage compartment 206 may be sized to fit sanitation products, including one or more sanitizer dispensers, sanitation wipes, sanitation chemical spray bottles, and the like. As shown, the storage compartment 206 has a rectangular shape. It is contemplated that the storage compartment 206 may be a separate component from the device housing 202 and coupled to the device housing 202 (e.g., by adhesives, Velcro, by welding, molding, etc.). It is contemplated that more storage compartments may be included or the storage compartment 206 may be omitted.
The cover or lid 208 may be positioned over the receptacle opening 220. The lid 208 may be shaped and sized to correspond to the shape and size of the receptacle opening 220. As shown, the lid 208 has a rectangular shape. The lid 208 may be coupled to the device housing 202. As shown, the lid 208 is hingedly coupled to the rear wall 212; however, other coupling means are contemplated, e.g., latches, Velcro, snaps, buttons, buckles, etc., and the lid 208 may be removable from the device housing 202. It is also contemplated that the lid 208 may be coupled to a different wall of the device housing 202, such as, for example, to the front wall 210, the left side wall 216, or the divider wall 218.
In the depicted embodiment, the lid 208 is biased against the front wall 210. It is contemplated that the lid 208 may be securable to one or more of the front wall 210, the left side wall 216, and the divider wall 218, e.g., by a latch, Velcro, snaps, buttons, buckles, and the like. The lid 208 may further include a means to facilitate opening as discussed above with respect to the lid 108. In some embodiments, the lid 208 extends over the storage compartment 206. In some embodiments, the lid 208 is omitted. It is contemplated that the tissue dispenser and disposal device 200 of
The device housing 302 may include a top wall 308, a front wall 310, a rear wall 312, a right side wall 314, a left side wall 316, and a bottom wall 317. As shown, the front wall 310 defines a dispenser opening 322 and the rear wall 312 defines a disposal opening 324. In the depicted embodiment, the dispenser opening 322 and disposal opening 324 have an oval shape; however, other shapes are contemplated (e.g., a square or rectangular shape). The material or edges around the dispenser opening 322 and disposal opening 324 may be flexible to insert or remove a pocket tissue packet. For example, the edges around the openings 322, 324 may include elastic. It is contemplated that the material or edges around the openings 322, 324 may include one or more fasteners (e.g., Velcro, snaps, buttons, zippers, magnets, draw strings, etc.), e.g., to expand the openings 322, 324 to insert or remove a pocket tissue packet and/or to close or partially close the openings 322, 324, for example, to prevent dirty tissues from spilling out. In some embodiments, the dispenser opening 322 and the disposal opening 324 may have extra material around their edges forming one or more flaps over the openings 322, 324 to form a partial or full seal over the openings.
The device housing 302 may have a shape that is compatible with a shape of one or more pocket tissue packets or similar portable tissue packets. In the depicted embodiment, the device housing 302 has a shape that is compatible with two conventional rectangular shaped pocket tissue packets. In the depicted embodiment, the device housing 302 has a rectangular shape, with the front wall 310, rear wall 312, right side wall 314, and left side wall 316 forming the longer sides of the rectangle (e.g., the length of the device housing 302) and the top wall 308 and bottom wall 317 forming the shorter sides of the rectangle (e.g., the width of the device housing 302). The front wall 310 and rear wall 312 may be spaced apart a distance that is at least double a thickness or depth of a conventional pocket tissue packet. The device housing 302 may be made of knit, soft, or flexible material, such as, for example, nylon, canvas, denim, tweed, suede, jersey, spandex, neoprene, elastane, other fabric or knit material, and the like. As shown, the device housing 302 may include rounded corners. The soft or flexible material and/or rounded corners may provide a more ergonomic design that may improve comfort in carrying the tissue dispenser and disposal device 300.
The receptacle 304 may be formed by the device housing 302. Specifically, the receptacle 304 may be formed by the top wall 308, the front wall 310, the rear wall 312, the right side wall 314, the left side wall 316, and the bottom wall 317. The receptacle 304 may be sized to fit a plurality of portable or pocket tissue packets. In the depicted embodiment, the receptacle 304 is sized to fit two conventional pocket tissue packets positioned adjacent to one another such that their openings (e.g., where tissues are dispensed) are facing away from one another. It is contemplated that more than two pocket tissue packets may fit inside the receptacle. For example, one or more additional new pocket tissue packets may be stored behind a first tissue packet that is nearest the dispenser opening 322. The one or more additional new pocket tissue packets may be back-up tissue packets to replace the first tissue packet when it is out of clean tissues. As shown, the receptacle 304 has a rectangular shape.
In the depicted embodiment, two storage compartments, a right storage compartment 306 and a left storage compartment 307, are positioned on the right side wall 314 and the left side wall 316, respectively. As shown, the right storage compartment 306 and left storage compartment 307 form pockets on the respective sides of the device housing 302. The right storage compartment 306 is formed by an outer right storage surface 350 coupled to the right side wall 314, which forms a right storage opening 352. An outer right storage surface edge 354 may be adjacent the right storage opening 352. The outer right storage surface edge 354 may include a right closing or tightening mechanism 356 to partially or to fully open and/or close the right storage opening 352 (e.g., to allow one or more sanitation products to fit therein and/or to avoid contents stored therein from falling out).
The left storage compartment 307 is formed by an outer left storage surface 358 coupled to the left side wall 316, which forms a left storage opening 360. An outer left storage surface edge 362 may be adjacent the left storage opening 360. The outer left storage surface edge 362 may include a left closing or tightening mechanism 364 to partially or to fully open and/or close the left storage opening 360 (e.g., to allow one or more sanitation products to fit therein and/or to avoid contents stored therein from falling out).
The outer right storage surface 350 and outer left storage surface 358 may be made of a flexible or soft material to allow the right and left storage openings 352, 360 to expand when items are stored therein. For example, the outer right storage surface 350 and outer left storage surface 358 may be made of a similar or the same material as the device housing 302, including, for example, nylon, canvas, denim, tweed, suede, jersey, spandex, neoprene, elastane, other fabric or knit material, and the like. The right and left closing mechanisms 356, 364 may be a draw string, elastic, or other similar closing device. It is contemplated that the right and left closing mechanisms 356, 364 may be omitted and the right and left storage openings 352, 360 closed by other fasteners, such as, for example, Velcro, one or more buttons, snaps, latches, buckles, and the like.
While two storage compartments 306, 307 are shown, it is contemplated that more or less storage compartments may be included. For example, a single storage compartment may be positioned on the left or right side wall 314, 316. It is contemplated that the storage compartments 306, 307 may be omitted. The storage compartments 306, 307 may be sized to fit sanitation products, including one or more sanitizer dispensers (e.g., portable or travel sized hand sanitizer), sanitation wipes, sanitation chemical spray bottles, and the like. It is contemplated that the outer right storage surface 350 and/or the outer left storage surface 358 may include an opening for dispensing cleaning wipes. This opening may further improve sanitation by avoiding a user touching additional surfaces of the tissue dispenser and disposal device 300 after discarding a dirty tissue.
A loop 309 may be positioned on the top wall 308 of the device housing 302. In the depicted embodiment, the loop 309 has a circular shape; however, other shapes are contemplated, including, for example, an oval or rectangular loop shape. While a loop 309 is depicted, other fasteners are contemplated, including, for example, one or more hooks, one or more handles, one or more straps (e.g., that can loop around another fastener, strap, or loop (e.g., a pants belt loop) and tie or otherwise fasten together (e.g., by Velcro, snaps, buttons, etc.)), and the like. The loop 309 may allow the tissue dispenser and disposal device 300 to hang from an article of clothing (e.g., belt loop), backpack, or the like, such that the tissue dispenser and disposal device 300 can be easily carried. For example, the loop 309 may receive a clip (e.g., a carabiner) to attach to another object. It is contemplated that the loop 309 may be omitted.
In operation, a clean pocket tissue packet may be positioned vertically inside the receptacle 304 adjacent to the dispenser opening 322 such that clean tissues may be accessed therethrough. An empty pocket tissue packet (that is empty or partially empty) may be positioned inside the receptacle 304 adjacent to the disposal opening 324 such that used tissues may be discarded into the empty tissue packet through the disposal opening 324. Accordingly, the clean tissue packet and empty tissue packet are positioned next to one another inside the receptacle 304. The tissue packets may be touching or have a small space between them. When no clean tissues remain in the clean tissue packet, the empty tissue packet containing dirty tissues may be discarded. The original clean tissue packet (that is now empty) may be moved to the position of the old empty tissue packet, i.e., adjacent the disposal opening 324, and a new clean tissue packet may be placed in the position of the original clean tissue packet, i.e., adjacent the dispenser opening 322. In embodiments where one or more additional clean tissue packets are positioned behind the original clean tissue packet, the next clean tissue packet behind the original clean tissue packet may be moved forward closer to the dispenser opening 322. One or more sanitation products (e.g., a hand sanitizer bottle, sanitizing wipes, etc.) may be placed inside one or more of the storage compartments 306, 307.
The tissue dispenser and disposal device 400 may have the same or similar features as those described with respect to the tissue dispenser and disposal device 300, with some variations based on the orientation of the device. For example, the device housing 402 may include a top wall 408, a front wall 410, a rear wall (mirror image of the front wall 410), a right side wall 414, a left side wall (mirror image of the right side wall 414), and a bottom wall (not shown). As shown, the front wall 410 defines a dispenser opening 422. The rear wall, which mirrors the front wall 410, may define a disposal opening. In the depicted embodiment, the dispenser opening 422 and disposal opening have an oval shape; however, other shapes are contemplated (e.g., a square or rectangular shape). As shown, the dispenser opening 422 and disposal opening may be positioned horizontally (e.g., having a longer edge that is partially parallel to the top wall 408 and bottom wall). The material or edges around the dispenser opening 422 and disposal opening may be flexible, may include one or more fasteners, and/or may include extra material or flaps, as described in more detail above with respect to
The device housing 402 may have a shape that is compatible with a shape of one or more pocket tissue packets or similar portable tissue packets. In the depicted embodiment, the device housing 402 has a shape that is compatible with two conventional rectangular shaped pocket tissue packets. In the depicted embodiment, the device housing 402 has a rectangular shape, with the front wall 410, rear wall, top wall 408 and bottom wall forming the longer sides of the rectangle (e.g., the length of the device housing 402) and the right side wall 414 and left side wall forming the shorter sides of the rectangle (e.g., the width of the device housing 402). The front wall 410 and rear wall may be spaced apart a distance that is at least double a thickness or depth of a conventional pocket tissue packet. The device housing 402 may be made of soft or flexible material and/or may include rounded corners, as described above with respect to the device housing 302 of the tissue dispenser and disposal device 300.
The receptacle 404 may be formed by the device housing 402. In the depicted embodiment, the receptacle 404 is sized to fit two conventional pocket tissue packets positioned adjacent to one another such that their openings (e.g., where tissues are dispensed) are facing away from one another. It is contemplated that more than two pocket tissue packets may fit inside the receptacle. For example, one or more additional new pocket tissue packets may be stored behind a first tissue packet that is nearest the dispenser opening 422.
In the depicted embodiment, the right storage compartment 406 and left storage compartment form pockets on the respective sides of the device housing 402. The right storage compartment 406 and left storage compartment may include similar features as described with respect to the right storage compartment 306 and left storage compartment 307 of the tissue dispenser and disposal device 300 depicted in
While the dispenser openings and disposal openings are depicted in the figures in certain locations, it is contemplated that the dispenser and disposal openings may be interchangeable and determined by a user. The dispenser and disposal openings may be determined based on the tissue holder that is positioned adjacent to the respective opening. For example, the dispenser opening may be defined by a clean tissue holder being positioned adjacent to the opening and the disposal opening may be defined by an empty tissue holder being positioned adjacent to the opening. While an empty tissue holder provides a convenient location for used tissues and has a supportive structure to hold the used tissues in the receptacle without collapsing, it is contemplated that the empty tissue holder may be omitted. For example, used tissues may be discarded through the disposal opening into the receptacle and separated from the clean tissues by the clean tissue holder to avoid contaminating the clean tissues. As another example, a plastic bag may be positioned adjacent to the disposal opening (in place of the empty tissue holder) to receive used tissues.
A tissue dispenser and disposal device described herein may be manufactured by various means. The manufacturing process may be simplified by minimizing or limiting the materials used for the receptacle and/or storage compartment. For example, the receptacle and storage compartment may share outer walls and the bottom wall. By including at least two tissue holders in the receptacle, a divider between the dispenser and disposal areas of the receptacle can be omitted, thereby reducing materials and simplifying the manufacturing process. The divider can be omitted since the clean tissues and dirty tissues are separated by the at least two tissue holders, preventing contamination of the clean tissues.
In some embodiments, the manufacturing process may include assembling the outer walls of the tissue dispenser and disposal device to form the device housing (e.g., walls 110, 112, 114, 116 of the tissue dispenser and disposal device 100, walls 210, 212, 214, 216 of the tissue dispenser and disposal device 200, etc.). The device housing may be manufactured using a 3D printer, mold, laser cutter, injection mold, or the like. A divider wall may be placed proximate to, apart from, and parallel to a the right side wall of the tissue dispenser and disposal device. The divider may be positioned a distance from the left side wall that is large enough to fit the width of two conventional tissue holders. It is contemplated that the divider wall may be placed proximate to the left side wall and distanced from the right side wall in a similar manner. The divider wall may be coupled to the housing by adhesive, welding, stitching, or the like, or it may be formed with the device housing (e.g., via 3D printing or mold). The lid may be formed by a 3D printer, mold, laser cutter, injection mold, or the like. Two openings may be formed in the lid a distance D apart. The openings may be formed by a 3D printer, mold, laser cutter, injection mold, or the like. The lid may be attached to the housing of the tissue dispenser and disposal device (e.g., to the rear wall). For example, the lid may be attached by two hinges.
In some embodiments, the lid may exclude the two openings (e.g., as shown in the embodiment depicted in
In some embodiments a handle may be attached to one or more walls of the device housing (e.g., the handle 130 attached to rear wall 112 in
In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a tissue dispenser and disposal device may include forming a device housing with a plurality of walls and defining a first opening and a second opening in at least one wall of the plurality of walls. The device housing may define a receptacle that is sized to fit a first tissue holder positioned adjacent to a second tissue holder. The first tissue holder may include a first tissue holder opening and the second tissue holder may include a second tissue holder opening. The plurality of walls may include a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The front wall, rear wall, and bottom wall may define a length of the device housing and the side wall may define a width of the device housing. The length may be greater than the width. The first opening may be positioned on the housing to correspond to a position of the first tissue holder opening and the second opening may be positioned on the housing to correspond to a position of the second tissue holder opening when the first tissue holder and the second tissue holder are positioned inside the receptacle.
Forming the device housing with the plurality of walls may include coupling a lid to the rear wall with a plurality of hinges. The lid may form a top wall of the device housing. Defining the first opening and the second opening in the at least one wall of the plurality of walls may include defining the first opening and the second opening in the lid. Defining the first opening and the second opening in the at least one wall of the plurality of walls may include defining the first opening in the front wall and the second opening in the rear wall. The receptacle may be sized to fit the first tissue holder positioned adjacent to the second tissue holder such that the first tissue holder opening and the second tissue holder opening are facing opposing directions.
The manufacturing method may further include forming a divider wall. The divider wall may be positioned between the front wall and the rear wall and spaced apart from and parallel to the side wall. The divider wall may separate the receptacle from a storage compartment.
In embodiments with a portable tissue dispenser and disposal device and/or tissue dispenser and disposal device configured for hanging in a vehicle (e.g.,
All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the structures disclosed herein, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of such structures. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.
The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/298,811, entitled “Tissue box cover to contain clean and used tissues, and includes side storage,” filed Jan. 12, 2022, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63298811 | Jan 2022 | US |
