U.S. patent application number 10/657621 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-21 for container and cartridge for dispensing paper products.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lee, James J., Sanders, Richard Lee.
Application Number | 20040206769 10/657621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33162300 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040206769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sanders, Richard Lee ; et
al. |
October 21, 2004 |
Container and cartridge for dispensing paper products
Abstract
The present invention provides a container for dispensing
individual paper products that includes a housing, a cover hingedly
or removably attached to the housing wherein the cover defines a
dispensing opening, a means for elevating paper products, and a
plunger disposed in the interior area of the housing. The plunger
is urged toward the dispensing opening by the means for elevating
paper products. The container may be included in a system for
dispensing paper products that further includes a cartridge
containing paper products. The cartridge defines a dispensing
opening and a second opening wherein the means for elevating paper
products extends through the second opening into the interior area
of the cartridge to contact the paper products and urge the paper
products toward the dispensing opening.
Inventors: |
Sanders, Richard Lee;
(Hattiesburg, MS) ; Lee, James J.; (Hattiesburg,
MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
401 NORTH LAKE STREET
NEENAH
WI
54956
|
Assignee: |
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
33162300 |
Appl. No.: |
10/657621 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60463212 |
Apr 16, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/59 ; 221/61;
221/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/422
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/059 ;
221/061; 221/063 |
International
Class: |
B65H 001/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A container for dispensing individual paper products, the
container comprising: a housing including side walls and a bottom
wall defining an interior surface and an interior area within the
interior surface; a cover hingedly or removably attached to the
housing wherein the cover defines a dispensing opening; a spring
disposed in the interior area of the housing; and a plunger
disposed in the interior area of the housing wherein the spring is
compressed between the plunger and at least one of the walls, and
further wherein the plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening
by the spring.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the plunger comprises a
truncated cone.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein the truncated cone comprises a
bottom surface having a diameter substantially equivalent to the
diameter of the spring.
4. The container of claim 2 further wherein the plunger comprises
at least one stabilizing wing.
5. The container of claim 4 wherein the at least one stabilizing
wing has an outer edge that contacts the inside surface of the
housing to prevent the plunger from binding in the housing.
6. The container of claim 1 further comprising an internal platform
in contact with the plunger.
7. The container of claim 6 wherein the internal platform comprises
notches to minimize contact of the internal platform with the
internal surface of the housing.
8. The container of claim 6 further comprising paper products
contained within the housing wherein the paper products are urged
toward the dispensing opening by the internal platform.
9. The container of claim 8 wherein the internal platform applies
substantially constant pressure against the paper products.
10. A system for dispensing individual paper products, the system
comprising: the container of claim 1; and a cartridge containing
paper products, the cartridge defining a second opening, the second
opening being adapted for receiving the plunger wherein the plunger
extends through the second opening into the interior area of the
cartridge to contact the paper products and urge the paper products
toward the dispensing opening.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the cartridge comprises
cartridge side walls, a first end wall defining a third opening for
dispensing the paper products, and a second end wall opposing the
first end wall, wherein the second opening is defined by the second
end wall.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the cartridge further comprises
an internal platform that engages the plunger.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the cartridge further comprises
platform supports, wherein the platform supports support the
internal platform within the cartridge when the cartridge is being
inserted in the housing.
14. The system of claim 10 wherein the cartridge further comprises
a removable portion, removal of the removable portion creating the
second opening.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the removable portion comprises
at least one flap.
16. The system of claim 10 wherein the container comprises tabs
positioned on the interior surface of the housing, and further
wherein the cartridge defines slots positioned to engage the tabs
to prevent insertion of the cartridge when the cartridge is
improperly oriented.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the slots are defined within a
side wall of the cartridge.
18. The system of claim 16 wherein the cartridge comprises flaps,
wherein the flaps open to receive the plunger, and further wherein
the flaps define the slots, and even further wherein the slots are
positioned to engage the tabs when the flaps are open to receive
the plunger and when the cartridge is improperly oriented.
19. The system of claim 10 wherein the spring applies substantially
constant pressure against the paper products.
20. The system of claim 10 wherein the container is positioned
within a supporting structure.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein the cover is flush with the
supporting structure.
22. The system of claim 20 wherein the cover extends slightly from
the supporting structure.
23. The system of claim 20 wherein the container is supported
within the supporting structure by flanges intersecting the side
walls at the edges farthest from the bottom wall.
24. The system of claim 20 wherein the paper products are urged
toward the dispensing opening in a substantially vertical
direction.
25. A container for dispensing individual paper products, the
container comprising: a housing including side walls and a bottom
wall defining an interior surface and an interior area within the
interior surface for receiving a plurality of the paper products; a
cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing wherein the
cover defines a dispensing opening; a means for elevating paper
products; and a plunger disposed in the interior area of the
housing wherein the means for elevating paper products is
positioned between the plunger and at least one of the walls, and
further wherein the plunger is urged toward the dispensing
opening.
26. A system for dispensing individual paper products, the system
comprising: the container of claim 25; and a cartridge containing
paper products, the cartridge defining a dispensing opening and a
second opening wherein the means for elevating paper products
extends through the second opening into the interior area of the
cartridge to contact the paper products and urge the paper products
toward the dispensing opening.
27. A container for dispensing individual paper products, the
container comprising: a housing including side walls and a bottom
wall defining an interior surface and an interior area within the
interior surface for receiving a plurality of the paper products,
and a cover defining a dispensing opening for removal of paper
products from the interior area, a spring-loaded plunger disposed
in the interior area of the housing for elevating the paper
products toward the dispensing opening.
28. The container of claim 27, wherein the container contains a
cartridge having an interior area containing paper products, the
cartridge having a first end and a second end, the first end having
a first opening for dispensing of paper products, the second end
having a second opening through which the spring-loaded plunger
extends into the interior area of the cartridge.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/463,209, filed on April. 16, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various types of dispensers for paper products have been
developed to provide ready availability of the paper products to
users. Such dispensers are often provided in public places such as
restaurants or rest rooms where customers remove from the dispenser
a desired amount of paper products for personal use. In some high
traffic areas, such as fast food restaurants, a large number of
customers may use a paper product dispenser such as a napkin
dispenser in a short period of time. Therefore, dispensers have
been developed that hold a large number of paper products for use
by a large number of consumers.
[0003] For many applications, it is desirable to have a large
dispenser that is embedded in a countertop. This is particularly
desirable when open counter space above the countertop is needed
for visibility or other reasons. Unfortunately, large recessed
dispensers are subject to a number of drawbacks. First, because
access to the body of the dispenser is limited by the structure
supporting the countertop, it can be difficult to load large
quantities of napkins into a recessed dispenser. Second, if paper
products are not properly loaded into the dispenser, the paper
products may jam as they are removed thereby preventing further
removal of paper products by users. Third, a person refilling a
large dispenser is more likely, due to the larger number of paper
products involved, to drop some of the paper products onto a floor.
Any dropped paper products are then unsanitary and must be
discarded, thereby creating more waste and defeating certain
benefits of the larger dispenser.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for large inverted and/or
recessed dispensers that reduce the incidence of waste of paper
products due to dropping of the paper products during refilling of
the container. There is likewise a need for such dispensers that
reduce the incidence of jamming of paper products and the resultant
inability to dispense further paper products, and further that
supports the weight of paper products and moves the paper products
toward the dispenser opening so that individual paper products are
readily removed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The aforesaid needs are fulfilled and the problems
experienced by those skilled in the art overcome by the container
for dispensing individual paper products of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the container includes a housing having side
walls and a bottom wall defining an interior surface and an
interior area within the interior surface. The container further
includes a cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing
wherein the cover defines a dispensing opening. Within the interior
area of the housing there is a spring and a plunger. The spring is
compressed between the plunger and at least one of the walls. The
plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the spring.
[0006] In one aspect, the plunger may have the shape of a truncated
cone. Desirably, the truncated cone may include a bottom surface
having a diameter substantially equivalent to the diameter of the
spring.
[0007] In a further aspect, the plunger may include at least one
stabilizing wing. Desirably, the stabilizing wing has an outer edge
that contacts the inside surface of the housing to prevent the
plunger from binding in the housing.
[0008] In one aspect, the container may include an internal
platform in contact with the plunger. The internal platform may be
positioned between the plunger and paper products in the container
and acts to urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening.
Desirably, the internal platform applies substantially constant
pressure against the paper products. In a further aspect, the
internal platform may include notches to minimize contact of the
internal platform with the internal surface of the housing.
[0009] In another embodiment, a system for dispensing individual
paper products includes the container described above and a
cartridge containing paper products within the container. The
cartridge defines a second opening adapted for receiving the
plunger wherein the plunger extends through the second opening into
the interior area of the cartridge to contact the paper products
and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening. The
cartridge may include cartridge side walls, a first end wall
defining a dispensing opening for dispensing the paper products,
and a second end wall opposing the first end wall, wherein the
second opening is defined by the second end wall. In one aspect,
the cartridge may further include a removable portion, removal of
the removable portion creating the second opening. In a further
aspect, the removable portion may include at least one flap.
[0010] In one aspect, the cartridge may further include an internal
platform that engages the plunger. In a further aspect, the
cartridge may further include platform supports that support the
internal platform within the cartridge when the cartridge is being
inserted in the housing.
[0011] In another aspect, the container may include tabs positioned
on the interior surface of the housing. Further, the cartridge may
define slots positioned to engage the tabs to prevent insertion of
the cartridge when the cartridge is improperly oriented. In one
embodiment, the slots are defined within a side wall of the
cartridge. In an alternate embodiment, the slots are defined within
flaps that open to receive the plunger. When the flaps are open,
the slots are positioned to engage the tabs when the cartridge is
improperly oriented.
[0012] In another embodiment, the container described above may be
positioned within a supporting structure. Desirably, the container
may be supported within the supporting structure by flanges
intersecting the side walls at the edges farthest from the bottom
wall. Even more desirably, the container is oriented such that
paper products are urged toward the dispensing opening in a
substantially vertical direction. In one aspect, the cover is flush
with the supporting structure. Alternatively, the cover may extend
slightly from the supporting structure.
[0013] In another embodiment, a container for dispensing individual
paper products includes a housing including side walls and a bottom
wall defining an interior surface and an interior area within the
interior surface for receiving a plurality of the paper products.
The container further includes a cover hingedly or removably
attached to the housing wherein the cover defines a dispensing
opening, a means for elevating paper products, and a plunger
disposed in the interior area of the housing wherein the means for
elevating paper products is positioned between the plunger and at
least one of the walls, and further wherein the plunger is urged
toward the dispensing opening. In one aspect, the container may be
included in a system for dispensing paper products that further
includes a cartridge containing paper products. The cartridge
defines a dispensing opening and a second opening wherein the means
for elevating paper products extends through the second opening
into the interior area of the cartridge to contact the paper
products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing
opening.
[0014] Other features and aspects of the present invention are
discussed in greater detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The present invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings (not to scale), wherein like reference
numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary container for
dispensing paper products;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the open container of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the container and
cartridge of FIG. 2 with the cartridge inserted into the
container;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG.
1 showing the cartridge in the container;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1
taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 1; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the open bottom portion of a
cartridge for use with the container of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in
the drawings (not to scale). Each example is provided by way of
explanation of the invention and not meant as a limitation of the
invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part
of one embodiment or figure can be used on another embodiment or
figure to yield yet another embodiment. It is intended that the
present invention include such modifications and variations.
[0023] The present invention is directed to a container for
dispensing sheet-like materials. Various sheet-like materials can
be dispensed from the container of the present invention such as,
for example, paper, nonwoven, and other products. Exemplary
sheet-like products include, but are not limited to, facial tissue,
towels, bathroom tissue, wipers, napkins, seat covers and so forth.
The specific composition of the sheet materials dispensed can vary
as desired. Exemplary sheet-like materials and methods of making
the same include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,301,746; 3,322,617; 3,650,882; 4,100,324; 4,436,780;
4,659,609; 4,737,393; 5,048,589; 5,284,703; 5,399,412; 5,494,554;
5,607,551; 5,672,248; 5,716,691; 5,772,845; 5,776,306; 6,077,590;
6,273,996; 6,096,152 and so forth. While paper products are
generally discussed with regard to the embodiments described herein
below, it will be understood that various other products could be
substituted therefore.
[0024] The container of the present invention can hold and dispense
significant numbers of individual sheets. Desirably, the container
is sized to hold and dispense at least about 250 sheets. By way of
example, the container can contain between about 400 and about 1000
sheets. In certain embodiments, the container can contain and
dispense between about 700 and about 900 sheets.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a container 10 is disclosed for
dispensing paper products 12. The container 10 includes a housing
14 in which the paper products 12 are placed and from which the
paper products 12 are dispensed. Optionally, the paper products 12
may be contained within a cartridge which is placed within the
housing 14. The container can be positioned in a vertical or
horizontal orientation either alone or within a supporting
structure or surface. In one embodiment, the container is installed
in a countertop 16 or other suitable substantially planar
surface.
[0026] The housing 14 includes a bottom wall 20 and a number of
side walls including a first side wall 22, a second side wall 24, a
third side wall 26, and a fourth side wall 28 for housing the paper
products 12. The side walls 22, 24, 26, 28 intersect the bottom
wall to define an interior surface 30 (see FIG. 2) of housing 14,
within which an interior area 32 (see FIG. 2) is located. The side
walls 22, 24, 26, 28 and the bottom wall 20 may each, if desired,
be made of two or more planar portions. Such construction
strengthens the housing 14 and is useful in locations where the
housing might be vandalized. The outer portions of the side walls
22, 24, 26, 28 help withstand any blow or impact to the housing 14
to prevent destruction of the housing, removal of the housing from
its mounting, or removal of paper products 12 from the housing.
[0027] The container 10 further includes a cover 34 which is
removably or hingedly attached to one of the side walls 22, 24, 26,
28. The cover 34 may be flush with or extend slightly from the
countertop 16 or other surface in which the container 10 is
installed. The cover 34 is openable for insertion of paper products
12 into the interior area of the housing 14 when the supply of
paper products 12 is depleted and/or runs low. Desirably, the cover
34 includes one or more fasteners 36 that hold the cover closed. As
used herein, the term "fasteners" means devices that fasten, join,
connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together. Fasteners
include, but are not limited to, hooks, hook and eye fasteners,
latches, snaps, snap-fits, clips, clasps, loop fasteners,
interlocking male/female connectors, fishhook connectors, and so
forth. The fastener 36 is openable when desired to reopen the cover
34. In one embodiment, the fastener 36 is openable by pressing a
button 38. The cover 34 defines a dispensing opening 40 through
which the paper products 12 pass as they are dispensed.
[0028] Desirably, at least one protrusion extends into the interior
area of the housing. In one embodiment, as partially shown in FIG.
1, the second side wall 24 and the fourth side wall 28 include
protrusions 42 extending into the interior area of the housing 14.
However, the protrusions 42 could be disposed on any of the walls
and one wall can have multiple protrusions. In those embodiments
wherein pairs of protrusions are disposed on opposing walls of the
housing 14, they can be disposed at the same height or different
heights (i.e., staggered). The protrusions 42 desirably comprise a
generally downwardly angled structure and can have a geometric
and/or curvilinear structure. By way of example only, the
protrusions can comprise curved bumpers that may include a
plurality of ridges extending across the curved bumpers
perpendicular to the dispensing direction. The protrusions 42
extend into the interior area 32 to contact paper products 12 and
thereby oppose the movement of paper products 12 in the dispensing
direction. By extending into the interior area 32 to contact paper
products 12, the protrusions 42 impede the movement of paper
products 12 toward the dispensing opening, but do not prohibit such
movement. The use of protrusions to control dispensing is
described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,118 to Tramontina
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,726 to Chan et al., the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, the housing 14 is supported within
the countertop 16 by flanges 44 that extend outwardly from the side
walls 22, 24, 26, 28. When the housing 14 is inserted in an opening
in the countertop 16 slightly larger than the cross-section of the
housing 14, the housing is supported within the countertop by the
flanges 44. Desirably, the flanges 44 intersect the side walls 22,
24, 26, 28 at the edges farthest from the bottom wall 20. This
allows the container 10 to be seated substantially flush with the
surface of the countertop 16. The flanges may be fastened to the
countertop or other surface by suitable fastening devices. Suitable
fastening devices include, but are not limited to, screws, nuts and
bolts, rivets, snap-fits, tacks, nails, adhesives, and so
forth.
[0030] As noted above, the cover 34 may be hingedly attached to one
of the side walls 22, 24, 26, 28 by a hinge 46. As used herein, the
term "hinge" refers to a jointed or flexible device that connects
and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationary
component. Hinges include, but are not limited to, pivotable
connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and
living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and
formed integrally between two members. A living hinge permits
pivotable movement of one member in relation to another connected
member. The cover 34 is openable for insertion of paper products 12
into the interior area 32 of the housing 14 when the supply of
paper products is depleted and/or runs low. The fastener 36 that
holds the cover 34 closed may, for example, include interlocking
tabs 48. At least one of the interlocking tabs 48 is movable when
desired to reopen the cover 34 by pressing the button 38. Any other
type of fastener 36 known to those skilled in the art for
reopenably securing the cover 34 may be used.
[0031] Desirably, the cover 34 further includes a group of control
ribs 52 that extend into the interior area 32 to contact paper
products when the cover is in the closed position. The control ribs
52 space, slow, align, and/or support paper products as the same
are moved toward the cover 34 and through the dispensing opening
40. Size, shape, and spacing of the control ribs can be used to
control dispensing of the paper products. Referring now to FIG. 5,
the control ribs 52 may have different dimensions to properly
support and guide the paper products into the dispensing opening
40. For example, a tall rib member 56 extends into the interior
area 32 by a greater amount than a short rib member 58. The tall
rib members 56 and short rib members 58 are illustrated to show an
exemplary dispensing configuration. Additionally, a side surface 60
of the tall rib member 56 closest to the interior surface 30 may be
configured so there is little or no offset from the interior
surface. A side surface 62 of the short rib member 58 may be offset
from the interior surface 30 by a greater amount.
[0032] As one example, the tall rib member 56 may have a height
ranging from about 1 to about 2 inches at the location where it
intersects with the first side wall 22 and an offset or height
ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.5 inch adjacent the dispensing
opening 40. The short rib member 58 may have a height ranging from
about 0.5 to about 1.5 inch at the location where it intersects
with the third side wall 26 and an offset or height ranging from 0
to about 0.25 inch adjacent the dispensing opening 40. The rib
members may have various widths or thicknesses and the width of a
rib member may vary along any dimension or dimensions. Desirably,
the portion of the rib member contacting the paper product will be
relatively thin and smooth to minimize friction. The use of rib
members is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,118 to
Tramontina and PCT Publication WO 99/30601, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 2, the container 10 further includes
a means for elevating paper products 50 toward the dispensing
opening 40 in the cover 34. Various alternatives are possible
within the scope of the invention to elevate paper products toward
the cover 34. The means for elevating paper products 50 may
comprise any structure that allows paper products to be urged
toward and dispensed from the dispensing opening 40 in the cover
34. The means for elevating paper products 50 is discussed more
fully below in conjunction with FIG. 5.
[0034] The dispensing opening 40 may have many shapes within the
scope of the present invention, as long as the opening provides
easy access for a user. Optionally, the dispensing opening may also
be configured to provide metered delivery of individual paper
products. Desirably, the paper products 12 are interfolded, tabbed,
or tab interfolded to provide metered feeding of individual paper
products one at a time. Folding devices, such as boards or plates,
have long been used to longitudinally fold webs and other
sheet-like materials in order to form a stack of folded sheets. The
sheets are, generally speaking, drawn over the folding device
wherein the shape and configuration of the device causes the sheet
to twist and bend thereby producing the desired fold. Folding
devices have heretofore been provided in a variety of shapes and
configurations in order to achieve the desired fold lines and
folding patterns. Folding devices have been used to form a number
of different folds including, for example, half-folds, quarter
folds, c-folds, v-folds, j-folds, w-folds, z-folds, and so
forth.
[0035] In addition, for more complex folds requiring multiple fold
lines, it is known to form the necessary fold lines using two or
more folding devices in series. In this regard, folding boards have
also been used in series to achieve inter-folded or inter-leafed
sheets, that is to say sheets folded such that they partially
envelope portions of another sheet. Inter-leafed sheets are
commonly employed in stacks as a mechanism to facilitate removal of
the individual sheets from a dispenser. Withdrawal of a first sheet
through a dispenser opening pulls the enveloped portion of a second
sheet through the dispenser opening such that it extends out of the
dispenser opening and is exposed. Having a portion of the
subsequent sheet extending out of the dispenser opening greatly
facilitates removal of the same from the dispenser by the user. By
way of example only, various folding devices, folding patterns and
inter-folding schemes are described in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,401,928; 3,679,094; 3,817,514; 3,841,620; 4,131,271; 4,502,675;
5,868,276; 6,045,002; and 6,168,848. However, the present invention
does not require the use of interfolded paper products.
[0036] Optionally, the housing 14 may include one or more tabs 54
attached to the interior surface 30 near the opening in the housing
14 through which paper products are loaded. The tabs 54 are
dimensioned such that they inhibit a cartridge containing paper
products from being loaded in an improper orientation. The tabs 54
align with slots in a cartridge such that the slots will catch on
the tabs 54 if the cartridge is not oriented properly prior to
loading the cartridge into the housing 14. When the cartridge is
aligned properly, there are no slots to catch on the tabs 54 and
the cartridge will slide into the housing 14 unimpeded.
[0037] The housing 14 may be made from numerous materials and by
numerous methods known to those skilled in the art. The housing 14
may be made of plastic such as polyethylene, nylon, and so forth.
However, other suitable materials, such as other plastics or
metals, may be provided for any or all of the parts of the housing
14. As one example, the housing 14 may be made of an
injection-molded plastic. The protrusions 42, control ribs 52, and
tabs 54 are desirably formed integral with the housing 14. However,
the protrusions 42, control ribs 52, and tabs 54 may be formed
separately from the housing 14 and attached later. Also, the
protrusions 42, control ribs 52, and tabs 54 may be made of 11
different material from the housing 14 if desired. For example, the
protrusions 42, control ribs 52, and tabs 54 may be made of a more
resilient material than the materials described above, such as an
elastomer or rubber.
[0038] Desirably, as mentioned above, a cartridge may be provided
for holding paper products to be dispensed to a user. As shown in
FIG. 3, a cartridge 70 having outside walls 72 is provided for
insertion into the interior area 32 of the housing 14 for
containing paper products 12 to be dispensed. The cartridge has a
bottom end 74 that is adapted to receive the means for elevating
paper products 50 and a top end 76 adapted to dispense paper
products 12. The cartridge 70 is sized to fit within the interior
area 32 of the housing 14. Desirably, the cartridge 70 is sized to
be only slightly smaller than the housing 14 to maximize the number
of paper products 12 contained within the cartridge.
[0039] The cartridge 70 can hold and dispense significant numbers
of individual sheets. Desirably, the cartridge 70 is sized to hold
and dispense at least about 250 sheets. By way of example, the
cartridge 70 can contain between about 400 and about 1000 sheets.
In certain embodiments, the cartridge 70 can contain and dispense
between about 700 and about 900 sheets.
[0040] Desirably, the cartridge includes a plurality of removable
portions, the removal of which creates openings through the
cartridge. One such removable portion may disposed at the bottom
end of the cartridge. Removal of the removable portion at the
bottom end of the cartridge allows the cartridge to receive the
means for elevating paper products when the cartridge is loaded
into the housing. Alternatively, the removable portion may be flaps
which can be folded back to create an opening. As shown in FIG. 3,
the cartridge 70 includes one or more flaps 80 disposed in the
bottom wall of the cartridge 70. The flaps 80 are folded back prior
to loading the cartridge 70 into the housing 14. Folding back the
flaps 80 allows the cartridge 70 to receive the means for elevating
paper products 50.
[0041] Desirably, the cartridge includes at least one removable
portion that can be removed to create a slot 88 that, as discussed
above, will prevent misalignment of the cartridge in the housing.
The slots 88 are positioned such that when the cartridge is
improperly oriented, the slots will catch on tabs 54 positioned on
the interior surface of the housing. The slots 88 may be positioned
in one of the outside walls 72 of the cartridge 70. Alternatively,
the slots 88 may be positioned in the flaps 80 that are opened
prior to insertion of the cartridge 70 in the housing 14. When the
flaps 80 are opened, they fold back against the outside walls 72 of
the cartridge 70 where the slots 88 would be in position to engage
the tabs 54 if the cartridge is not oriented correctly.
[0042] The cartridge 70 may include at least one of another
removable portion at the top end 76 of the cartridge 70 so that
paper products 12 can be supported and aligned by the control ribs
52 for dispensing through the dispensing opening 40. Removal of the
removable portions creates openings 90 through which the control
ribs 52 extend.
[0043] The cartridge 70 may include at least one of another
removable portion that corresponds to the protrusions 42 in the
housing 14. The removable portions are disposed in the outside
walls 72 of the cartridge 70 so that, once the removable portions
are removed, openings 92 can encompass and receive the protrusions
42 extending from the interior surface 30 of the housing 14. Thus,
upon removal of the removable portions and placement of the
cartridge 70 in the housing 14, the protrusions 42 and rib members
58 contact the paper products 12 within the cartridge 70 and act
upon the paper products as described above.
[0044] The top end 76 of the cartridge 70 may be formed having a
removable portion corresponding to the dispensing opening 40.
Removal of this removable portion creates an opening 94 through
which the paper products are dispensed.
[0045] The removable portions may either be removed (or simply not
formed) during manufacture of the cartridge or removed just prior
to installation of the cartridge in the housing. If the removable
portions are to be removed as part of the manufacturing process,
the cartridge should be shipped to the user wrapped, for example in
a polyethylene bag, to preserve the sterility of the paper products
in the cartridge. If the removable portions are to be removed as
part of the installation process, the edges of the removable
portions should be weakened, scored, etc. for easy removal. If a
removable portion is used to provide access for the means for
elevating the paper products, it should not be removed as part of
the manufacturing process to ensure that the paper products remain
properly loaded in the cartridge 70 until the time at which the
cartridge is to be inserted in the housing 14.
[0046] The cartridge 70 is desirably made of heavy paper or
cardboard, but may be made of any other suitable material known to
those skilled in the art.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cartridge 70 fully
inserted into the housing 14 mounted in the countertop 16.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5, a plunger 100 is disposed within
the interior area 32 of the housing 14 along with at least one
spring 102. When the spring 102 is compressed by the plunger 100,
the spring 102 urges the plunger 100 in the dispensing direction
104. Thus, when paper products 12 are placed in the container 10
and the plunger 100 is depressed thereby compressing the spring
102, the plunger 100 and the spring 102 urge the paper products 12
toward the dispensing opening 40. Use of a plunger and spring
mechanism allows the container 10 to be used in situations where
paper products are to be dispensed in a substantially vertical
direction.
[0049] The plunger 100 is shaped to provide support and lift the
paper products 12 through the housing 14 without becoming stuck
such that the paper products would no longer be elevated toward the
dispensing opening 40. The plunger can have any one of various
shapes. In one embodiment, the plunger 100 can take the shape of a
truncated cone having a top surface 108 and a bottom surface 110.
The top surface 108 engages and lifts an internal platform 82
against the paper products 12. The bottom surface 110 is engaged by
the spring 102. The diameter of the bottom surface 110 is desirably
substantially equivalent to the diameter of the spring 102.
Desirably, the bottom surface 110 of the plunger is attached to the
spring 102 to prevent disengagement of the spring from the bottom
surface of the plunger.
[0050] Desirably, one or more stabilizing wings 112 extend from the
plunger 100. The wings 112 act to distribute the force from the
spring 102 to the outer edges of the internal platform 82. As shown
in FIG. 2, the force is applied by the upper edge 114 of the wing
112 that contacts the internal platform 82. The wings 112 also act
to prevent the plunger 100 and spring 102 from tipping over inside
the cartridge. If the plunger 100 and spring 102 begin to tip over,
the outer edge 116 of the wing 112 contacts the inside surface of
the cartridge 70 before the plunger can get stuck. Thus, the
surface area of the outer edge 116 is desirably minimized to
prevent the outer edge from binding against the inside surface of
the cartridge 70. The bevel 118 between the upper edge 114 and the
outer edge 116 is configured to transition between the upper edge
114 and the outer edge 116. The wings 112 may have various
thicknesses and the thickness of the wing may vary along any
dimension or dimensions. Desirably, the outer edge 116 of the wing
112 will be relatively thin and smooth to minimize friction against
the inside surface of the cartridge 70.
[0051] Referring again to FIG. 5, the spring 102 is sized to
provide sufficient force to urge and/or elevate the paper products
12 to the dispensing opening 40. Desirably, the spring applies
substantially constant pressure against the paper products at all
positions of travel. Application of substantially constant pressure
helps to prevent over application of force when the plunger is
toward the bottom of the dispenser and under application of force
when the plunger is toward the top of the dispenser.
[0052] As discussed above, prior to insertion of the cartridge into
the housing, the bottom of the cartridge is opened to enable the
contents of the cartridge to be engaged by the means for elevating
the paper products. To prevent the paper products from falling out
of the opening during the insertion process, the cartridge may
contain an internal platform. The internal platform is prevented
from falling out of the cartridge by platform supports attached to
the internal surface of the cartridge. The platform rests
unattached above the platform supports so that it will move with
the means for urging and/or elevating the paper products as
discussed above. The largest dimensions of the platform are
slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the cartridge so
that the platform can move through the cartridge as paper products
are dispensed without binding against the internal surface of the
cartridge. Desirably, the largest dimensions of the platform are
substantially equal to or slightly larger than the paper products
to provide uniform dispensing of the paper products.
[0053] FIG. 6. depicts a perspective view of the bottom end 74 of
the cartridge 70. The flaps 80 are shown open, exposing the
interior area of the cartridge 70. Platform supports 84 are
depicted in FIG. 6 above the platform 82. Optionally, notches 86
are present in the sides of the platform to reduce contact of the
platform 82 against the inside of the cartridge walls.
[0054] The platform supports may take any form, so long as the
platform supports are large enough and sufficiently well attached
to the interior surface of the cartridge to adequately support the
weight of the paper products as the cartridge is being inserted
into the housing. As one example, the platform supports may be
separate components that are attached to the interior surface of
the cartridge. As another example, the platform supports may be
formed from partially removable portions in the side walls of the
cartridge. At any time after the paper products and internal
platform are loaded into the cartridge and before inserting the
cartridge into the housing, the partially removable portions may be
pressed into the interior of the cartridge to create the platform
supports. At least a portion of the platform supports remain
attached to the cartridge wall, thereby preventing the platform and
paper products from falling from the cartridge when the cartridge
is inverted to be loaded into the housing of the container. It will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications
and variations can be made in the present invention without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is
intended that the present invention include such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *