U.S. patent application number 10/854941 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for container for dispensing plural wet wipe sheets or dry sanitary tissue sheets.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tyco Healthcare Retail Services AG. Invention is credited to Bell, Tyanisa A., Levy, Ruth L., Wu, Lanying.
Application Number | 20050263534 10/854941 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35424060 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050263534 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wu, Lanying ; et
al. |
December 1, 2005 |
Container for dispensing plural wet wipe sheets or dry sanitary
tissue sheets
Abstract
A container for one-handed pop-up dispensing plural wiping
sheets. The container comprises a housing having a hollow interior
in which an array of wiping sheets is disposed. The housing
includes an aesthetically pleasing opening whose perimeter defines
a non-regular shaped icon representing a realistic, fanciful or
otherwise ornamental object. The opening has a first portion and a
second portion. The first portion is of sufficient size and shape
to enable an adult to extend his/her fingers therethrough to grasp
one sheet of the array to pull the sheet into it and then slide the
sheet into the second portion. The second portion frictionally
engage the sheet slid into it to cause that sheet to be separated
from the remaining sheets in the array to remove that sheet from
the container.
Inventors: |
Wu, Lanying; (Paoli, PA)
; Bell, Tyanisa A.; (Philadelphia, PA) ; Levy,
Ruth L.; (Collegeville, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CAESAR, RIVISE, BERNSTEIN,
COHEN & POKOTILOW, LTD.
11TH FLOOR, SEVEN PENN CENTER
1635 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-2212
US
|
Assignee: |
Tyco Healthcare Retail Services
AG
Schaffhausen
CH
|
Family ID: |
35424060 |
Appl. No.: |
10/854941 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/421 20130101;
B65H 45/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/063 |
International
Class: |
B65H 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dispensing container for plural wiping sheets to enable the
sequential dispensing of the sheets from said container, said
container comprising a housing having a hollow interior arranged
for holding the plural wiping sheets therein in an array wherein
the sheets are disposed with respect to one another sequentially so
that removal of one sheet from the array renders the next
successive sheet suitable for removal from the array, said housing
including an aesthetically pleasing opening whose perimeter defines
a non-regular shaped icon representing a realistic, fanciful or
otherwise ornamental object, said opening having a first portion
and a second portion, said first portion of said opening being of
sufficient size and shape to enable an adult to extend his/her
fingers therethrough to grasp one sheet of the array to pull the
sheet into said first portion of said opening, said second portion
of said opening being contiguous with said first portion of said
opening to enable the sheet of the array that is pulled into said
first portion of said opening to be slid into said second portion
of said opening, said second portion of said opening being sized
and shaped to frictionally engage the sheet slid into it to cause
that sheet to be separated from the remaining sheets in the array
to remove that sheet from said container and to render the next
sheet ready for removal.
2. The dispensing container of claim 1 wherein said housing
additionally comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect
to said housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to
enable the array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
3. The dispensing container of claim 1 wherein the wiping sheets
include a wetting agent and wherein said container is constructed
to deter the drying of the wetting agent while the wiping sheets
are located within the hollow interior.
4. The dispensing container of claim 3 wherein said housing
additionally comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect
to said housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to
enable the array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
5. The dispensing container of claim 3 wherein said housing
additionally comprises an outer lid and an inner lid, said opening
being located in said inner lid, said outer lid being movable with
respect to inner lid to cover said opening.
6. The dispensing container of claim 5 wherein said outer and inner
lids are movable with respect to said housing to expose said hollow
interior of said housing to enable the array of wiping sheets to be
located therein.
7. The dispensing container of claim 5 wherein said outer lid
defines an icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise
ornamental object.
8. The dispensing container of claim 7 wherein said object defined
by said outer lid corresponds to or is related to the object
defined by said opening.
9. The dispensing container of claim 6 wherein said outer lid
defines an icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise
ornamental object.
10. The dispensing container of claim 9 wherein said object defined
by said outer lid corresponds to or is related to the object
defined by said opening.
11. A dispensing container for plural wiping sheets to enable the
sequential dispensing thereof from said container by a person using
only one hand, said container comprising a housing having a hollow
interior arranged for holding the plural wiping sheets therein in
an array wherein the sheets are disposed with respect to one
another sequentially so that removal of one sheet from the array
renders the next successive sheet suitable for removal from the
array, said housing including an opening having a first portion and
a second portion, both of which are exposed together, said first
portion of said opening being of a sufficient shape and cross
sectional area to enable an adult person to extend at least two of
his/her fingers therethrough to grasp one sheet of the array
located as far away as approximately 10 centimeters, said cross
sectional area being approximately 8 square centimeters for a sheet
of the array located up to 2 centimeters away, or being
approximately 12.5 square centimeters for a sheet of the array
located from 3 to 4 centimeters away, or being approximately 18
square centimeters for a sheet of the array located from 5 to 6
centimeters away, or being approximately 21 square centimeters for
a sheet of the array located from 7 to 8 centimeters away, or being
approximately 24 square centimeters for a sheet of the array
located from 9 to 10 centimeters away, whereupon the person can
pull the sheet into said first portion of said opening, said second
portion of said opening being contiguous with said first portion of
said opening to enable a sheet of the array that is pulled by the
fingers of the person into said first portion of said opening to
slide into said second portion of said opening, said second portion
of said opening being sized and shaped to frictionally engage the
sheet slid into it to cause that sheet to be separated from the
remaining sheets in the array to remove that sheet from said
container, said first portion of said opening remaining exposed to
enable the fingers of the person to be extended therein to grasp
the next successive sheet of the array to pull it into said first
portion of said opening should such action be desired.
12. The dispensing container of claim 11 wherein said housing
additionally comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect
to said housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to
enable the array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
13. The dispensing container of claim 11 wherein the wiping sheets
include a wetting agent and wherein said container is constructed
to deter the drying of the wetting agent while the wiping sheets
are located within said hollow interior of said housing.
14. The dispensing container of claim 13 wherein said housing
additionally comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect
to said housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to
enable the array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
15. The dispensing container of claim 13 wherein said housing
additionally comprises an outer lid and an inner lid, said opening
being located in said inner lid, said outer lid being movable with
respect to said inner lid to cover said opening.
16. The dispensing container of claim 15 wherein said outer and
inner lids are movable with respect to said housing to expose said
hollow interior of said housing to enable the array of wiping
sheets to be located therein.
17. The dispensing container of claim 15 wherein said outer lid
defines an icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise
ornamental object.
18. The dispensing container of claim 17 wherein said object
defined by said outer lid corresponds to or is related to the
object defined by said opening.
19. The dispensing container of claim 16 wherein said outer lid
defines an icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise
ornamental object.
20. The dispensing container of claim 19 wherein said object
defined by said outer lid corresponds to or is related to the
object defined by said opening.
21. A universal dispensing container for plural wiping sheets to
enable the sequential dispensing thereof from said container by a
person using only one hand, said container comprising a housing
having a hollow interior arranged for selective use with two types
of wiping sheets, the first type of wiping sheets being an array
wherein the sheets are disposed with respect to one another
sequentially so that removal of one sheet from the array exposes
the next successive sheet of the array so that it can be removed
from the array, the second type of wiping sheets being an array
wherein the sheets are disposed with respect to one another
sequentially so that removal of one sheet from the array carries
the next successive sheet of the array into position whereupon it
can be removed from the array, said housing including an opening
having a first portion and a second portion, said first portion of
said opening being of a sufficient shape and cross sectional area
to enable an adult person to extend at least two of his/her fingers
therethrough to grasp one sheet of the array located as far away as
approximately 10 centimeters, said cross sectional area being
approximately 8 square centimeters for a sheet of the array located
up to 2 centimeters away, or being approximately 12.5 square
centimeters for a sheet of the array located from 3 to 4
centimeters away, or being approximately 18 square centimeters for
a sheet of the array located from 5 to 6 centimeters away, or being
approximately 21 square centimeters for a sheet of the array
located from 7 to 8 centimeters away, or being approximately 24
square centimeters for a sheet of the array located from 9 to 10
centimeters away, whereupon the person can pull the sheet into said
first portion of said opening, said second portion of said opening
being contiguous with said first portion of said opening to enable
a sheet of the array that is pulled into said first portion of said
opening to slide into said second portion of said opening, said
second portion of said opening being sized and shaped to
frictionally engage the sheet slid into it to cause that sheet to
be separated from the remaining sheets in the array to remove that
sheet from said container and to render the next sheet ready for
removal.
22. The universal dispensing container of claim 21 wherein said
housing additionally comprises a lid, said lid being movable with
respect to said housing to expose said hollow interior of said
housing to enable the array of wiping sheets to be located
therein.
23. The universal dispensing container of claim 21 wherein the
wiping sheets include a wetting agent and wherein said container is
constructed to deter the drying of the wetting agent while the
wiping sheets are located within said hollow interior of said
housing.
24. The universal dispensing container of claim 23 wherein said
housing additionally comprises a lid, said lid being movable with
respect to said housing to expose said hollow interior of said
housing to enable the array of wiping sheets to be located
therein.
25. The universal dispensing container of claim 23 wherein said
housing additionally comprises an outer lid and an inner lid, said
opening being located in said inner lid, said outer lid being
movable with respect to said inner lid to cover said opening.
26. The universal dispensing container of claim 25 wherein said
outer and inner lids are movable with respect to said housing to
expose said hollow interior of said housing to enable the array of
wiping sheets to be located therein.
27. The universal dispensing container of claim 25 wherein said
outer lid defines an icon representing a realistic, fanciful or
otherwise ornamental object.
28. The universal dispensing container of claim 27 wherein said
object defined by said outer lid corresponds to or is related to
the object defined by said opening.
29. The universal dispensing container of claim 26 wherein said
outer lid defines an icon representing a realistic, fanciful or
otherwise ornamental object.
30. The universal dispensing container of claim 29 wherein said
object defined by said outer lid corresponds to or is related to
the object defined by said opening.
31. A dispensing container for plural wiping sheets to enable the
sequential dispensing of the sheets from said container, said
container comprising a housing having a hollow interior arranged
for holding the plural wiping sheets therein in an array wherein
the sheets are disposed with respect to one another sequentially so
that removal of one sheet from the array renders the next
successive sheet suitable for removal from the array, said housing
including an aesthetically pleasing opening whose perimeter defines
a non-regular shaped icon representing a realistic, fanciful or
otherwise ornamental object, said opening being sized and shaped to
frictionally engage a sheet extended into it to cause that sheet to
be separated from the remaining sheets in the array to remove that
sheet from said container, while bringing the next sheet of the
array into said opening.
32. The dispensing container of claim 31 wherein said housing
additionally comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect
to said housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to
enable the array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
33. The dispensing container of claim 31 wherein the wiping sheets
include a wetting agent and wherein said container is constructed
to deter the drying of the wetting agent while the wiping sheets
are located within the hollow interior of said housing.
34. The dispensing container of claim 33 wherein said housing
additionally comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect
to said housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to
enable the array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
35. The dispensing container of claim 33 wherein said housing
additionally comprises an outer lid and an inner lid, said opening
being located in said inner lid, said outer lid being movable with
respect to inner lid to cover said opening.
36. The dispensing container of claim 35 wherein said outer and
inner lids are movable with respect to said housing to expose said
hollow interior of said housing to enable the array of wiping
sheets to be located therein.
37. The dispensing container of claim 35 wherein said outer lid
defines an icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise
ornamental object.
38. The dispensing container of claim 37 wherein said object
defined by said outer lid corresponds to or is related to the
object defined by said opening.
39. The dispensing container of claim 36 wherein said outer lid
defines an icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise
ornamental object.
40. The dispensing container of claim 39 wherein said object
defined by said outer lid corresponds to or is related to the
object defined by said opening.
41. In combination a dispensing container and plural wiping sheets,
said container comprising a housing having a hollow interior, said
plural wiping sheets being located within said interior of said
housing in an array wherein said sheets are disposed with respect
to one another sequentially so that removal of one sheet from said
array renders the next successive sheet suitable for removal from
said array, said housing being adapted to enable the sequential
dispensing of said sheets therefrom and including an aesthetically
pleasing opening whose perimeter defines a non-regular shaped icon
representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise ornamental object,
said opening having a first portion and a second portion, said
first portion of said opening being of sufficient size and shape to
enable an adult to extend his/her fingers therethrough to grasp one
sheet of said array to pull said sheet into said first portion of
said opening, said second portion of said opening being contiguous
with said first portion of said opening to enable said sheet of
said array that is pulled into said first portion of said opening
to be slid into said second portion of said opening, said second
portion of said opening being sized and shaped to frictionally
engage said sheet slid into it to cause said sheet to be separated
from the remaining sheets in the array to remove said sheet from
said container, while bringing the next sheet of said array into
said second portion of said opening.
42. The combination of claim 41 wherein said housing additionally
comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect to said
housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to enable
the array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
43. The combination of claim 41 wherein said wiping sheets include
a wetting agent and wherein said container is constructed to deter
the drying of said wetting agent while said wiping sheets are
located within said hollow interior of said housing.
44. The combination of claim 43 wherein said housing additionally
comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect to said
housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to enable
said array of said wiping sheets to be located therein.
45. The combination of claim 43 wherein said housing additionally
comprises an outer lid and an inner lid, said opening being located
in said inner lid, said outer lid being movable with respect to
said inner lid to cover said opening.
46. The combination of claim 45 wherein said outer and inner lids
are movable with respect to said housing to expose said hollow
interior of said housing to enable said array of wiping sheets to
be located therein.
47. The combination of claim 45 wherein said outer lid defines an
icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise ornamental
object.
48. The combination of claim 47 wherein said object defined by said
outer lid corresponds to or is related to the object defined by
said opening.
49. The combination of claim 46 wherein said outer lid defines an
icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise ornamental
object.
50. The combination of claim 49 wherein said object defined by said
outer lid corresponds to or is related to the object defined by
said opening.
51. The combination of claim 41 wherein said sheets of said array
are in the form of a stack of sheets.
52. The combination of claim 51 wherein said sheets of said stack
of sheets are interleaved.
53. The combination of claim 51 wherein said sheets of said stack
of sheets are interconnected to one another by respective frangible
lines.
54. The combination of claim 41 wherein said sheets of said array
are in a roll.
55. The combination of claim 54 wherein said sheets of said roll
are interconnected to one another by respective frangible
lines.
56. In combination a container and a plurality of wiping sheets to
enable the sequential dispensing thereof from said container by a
person using only one hand, said container comprising a housing
having a hollow interior, said plural wiping sheets being located
within said interior of said housing in an array wherein said
sheets are disposed with respect to one another sequentially so
that removal of one sheet from said array renders the next
successive sheet suitable for removal from said array, said housing
being adapted to enable the sequential dispensing of said sheets
therefrom and including an opening having a first portion and a
second portion, both of which are exposed together, said first
portion of said opening being of sufficient shape and cross
sectional area to enable an adult person to extend at least two of
his/her fingers therethrough to grasp one sheet of the array
located as far away as approximately 10 centimeters, said cross
sectional area being approximately 8 square centimeters for a sheet
of the array located up to 2 centimeters away, or being
approximately 12.5 square centimeters for a sheet of the array
located from 3 to 4 centimeters away, or being approximately 18
square centimeters for a sheet of the array located from 5 to 6
centimeters away, or being approximately 21 square centimeters for
a sheet of the array located from 7 to 8 centimeters away, or being
approximately 24 square centimeters for a sheet of the array
located from 9 to 10 centimeters away, whereupon the person can
pull said sheet into said first portion of said opening, said
second portion of said opening being contiguous with said first
portion of said opening to enable said sheet of said array that is
pulled into said first portion of said opening to slide into said
second portion of said opening, said second portion of said opening
being sized and shaped to frictionally engage said sheet to cause
said sheet to be separated from the remaining sheets in said array
to remove said sheet from said container, said first portion of
said opening remaining exposed to enable the fingers of the person
to be extended therein to grasp said next sheet of the array to
pull it into said first portion of said opening should such action
be desired.
57. The combination of claim 56 wherein said housing additionally
comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect to said
housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to enable
the array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
58. The combination of claim 56 wherein said wiping sheets include
a wetting agent and wherein said container is constructed to deter
the drying of said wetting agent while the wiping sheets are
located within the hollow interior of said housing.
59. The combination of claim 58 wherein said housing additionally
comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect to said
housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to enable
the array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
60. The combination of claim 58 wherein said housing additionally
comprises an outer lid and an inner lid, said opening being located
in said inner lid, said outer lid being movable with respect to
inner lid to cover said opening.
61. The combination of claim 60 wherein said outer and inner lids
are movable with respect to said housing to expose said hollow
interior of said housing to enable the array of wiping sheets to be
located therein.
62. The combination of claim 60 wherein said outer lid defines an
icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise ornamental
object.
63. The combination of claim 62 wherein said object defined by said
outer lid corresponds to or is related to the object defined by
said opening.
64. The combination of claim 61 wherein said outer lid defines an
icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise ornamental
object.
65. The combination of claim 64 wherein said object defined by said
outer lid corresponds to or is related to the object defined by
said opening.
66. The combination of claim 56 wherein said sheets of said array
are in the form of a stack of sheets.
67. The combination of claim 66 wherein said sheets of said stack
of sheets are interleaved.
68. The combination of claim 66 wherein said sheets of said stack
of sheets are interconnected to one another by respective frangible
lines.
69. The combination of claim 56 wherein said sheets of said array
are in a roll.
70. The combination of claim 69 wherein said sheets of said roll
are interconnected to one another by respective frangible
lines.
71. In combination a container and a plurality of wiping sheets to
enable the sequential dispensing of said sheets from said
container, said container comprising a housing having a hollow
interior arranged for holding said plural wiping sheets therein in
an array wherein said sheets are disposed with respect to one
another sequentially so that removal of one sheet from said array
renders the next successive sheet suitable for removal from said
array, said housing including an aesthetically pleasing opening
whose perimeter defines a non-regular shaped icon representing a
realistic, fanciful or otherwise ornamental object, said opening
being sized and shaped to frictionally engage a sheet extended into
it to cause said sheet to be separated from the remaining sheets in
said array to remove said sheet from said container, while bringing
the next sheet of said array into said opening.
72. The combination of claim 71 wherein said housing additionally
comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect to said
housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to enable
said array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
73. The combination of claim 71 wherein said wiping sheets include
a wetting agent and wherein said container is constructed to deter
the drying of said wetting agent while said wiping sheets are
located within the hollow interior of said housing.
74. The combination of claim 73 wherein said housing additionally
comprises a lid, said lid being movable with respect to said
housing to expose said hollow interior of said housing to enable
said array of wiping sheets to be located therein.
75. The combination of claim 73 wherein said housing additionally
comprises an outer lid and an inner lid, said opening being located
in said inner lid, said outer lid being movable with respect to
inner lid to cover said opening.
76. The combination of claim 75 wherein said outer and inner lids
are movable with respect to said housing to expose said hollow
interior of said housing to enable the array of wiping sheets to be
located therein.
77. The combination of claim 75 wherein said outer lid defines an
icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise ornamental
object.
78. The combination of claim 77 wherein said object defined by said
outer lid corresponds to or is related to the object defined by
said opening.
79. The combination of claim 76 wherein said outer lid defines an
icon representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise ornamental
object.
80. The combination of claim 79 wherein said object defined by said
outer lid corresponds to or is related to the object defined by
said opening.
81. The combination of claim 71 wherein said sheets of said array
are in the form of a stack of sheets.
82. The combination of claim 81 wherein said sheets of said stack
of sheets are interleaved.
83. The combination of claim 81 wherein said sheets of said stack
of sheets are interconnected to one another by respective frangible
lines.
84. The combination of claim 71 wherein said sheets of said array
are in a roll.
85. The combination of claim 84 wherein said sheets of said roll
are interconnected to one another by respective frangible lines.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] "Not Applicable"
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] "Not Applicable"
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISK
[0003] "Not Applicable"
SPECIFICATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of Invention
[0005] This invention relates generally to dispensing of sanitary
tissue products, and more particularly, to a dispenser for
dispensing wet wipes or dry sanitary tissue wipes for personal
hygiene.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] Numerous tissue dispensers are known in the prior art for
selectively dispensing baby wipes, hand wipes, household cleaning
wipes, industrial wipes, etc. For example, personal hygiene wet
wipes are commonly packaged in molded or vacuum formed disposable
plastic containers or tubs which are also intended to serve as the
dispenser for the wet wipes until the container is empty. Typically
the wet wipes are in the form of a stack in the container, with the
wet wipes being either in a folded or unfolded configuration. In
many cases the wet wipes are coupled together so that the removal
of one wet wipe automatically brings the next successive wet wipe
into position for dispensation. This is frequently referred to as a
"pop-up" arrangement and can be accomplished by interfolding or
interleaving the wipes with one another. A pop-up arrangement can
also be accomplished by use of a continuous web, e.g., roll, of
sequentially connected wipes making use of perforations to separate
the individual wipes from one another.
[0008] The conventional packages which contain wet wipes, such as
those described above, are designed to provide a relatively sealed
environment to deter the wet wipes from drying out. To that end the
packages are typically wrapped with a plastic film or some other
material to isolate the contents of the container from the ambient
atmosphere. Those packages also typically make use of an aperture
through which the wet wipe to be removed is drawn by the user after
the film wrapping has been removed. Those containers require that
the user insert his/her fingers through the aperture to grasp the
topmost wet wipe to pull it into and through the aperture for
removal. In some cases the topmost or endmost wet wipe of the
supply of wipes is pre-positioned by the manufacturer to be located
within the aperture.
[0009] If the wet wipes are coupled together in a pop-up
arrangement, e.g., are either interfolded or connected by
perforated lines, the pulling of the one wet wipe through the
aperture to dispense it automatically draws the next successive wet
wipe into the aperture. Thereby, theoretically removing the need
for the user to insert his/her fingers through the aperture to get
and remove the next successive wet wipe. Notwithstanding that
design, in practice, sometimes the removal of one wet wipe fails to
bring the next successive wet wipe into the desired position,
thereby necessitating the user to insert his/her fingers back into
the aperture to remove the next wet wipe. In order to ensure that
the user can insert his/her fingers deep enough into the container
to reach the then topmost wet wipe, the aperture has to be
sufficiently large. Obviously, the larger the aperture, the more
likely that content of the container will be exposed to the ambient
atmosphere and hence could dry out quicker. Openable/closable lids
or slitted flexible membrane windows are sometimes provided over
the aperture to close it off when the container is not in use.
[0010] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is
frequently desirable that the wet wipe container be arranged to be
opened and its wet wipes removed with only one hand of the user,
e.g., a mother cleaning up a baby in the process of changing its
diaper would like to have one of her hands free to hold the baby,
while the other hand removes the wet wipe.
[0011] While the prior art containers for wet wipes are generally
suitable for their intended purposes they nevertheless leave
something to be desired from one or more of the following
standpoints; ease and efficiency of removal of the wet wipes,
resistance of the container to the drying out of its contents,
aesthetics, etc.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This invention relates dispensing container for plural
wiping sheets to enable the sequential dispensing of the sheets
from the container. The container comprises a housing having a
hollow interior arranged for holding the plural wiping sheets in an
array.
[0013] In accordance with one aspect of this invention the array of
sheets are disposed with respect to one another sequentially so
that removal of one sheet from the array renders the next
successive sheet suitable for removal from the array. The housing
includes an aesthetically pleasing opening whose perimeter defines
a non-regular shaped icon representing a realistic, fanciful or
otherwise ornamental object. By non-regular opening it is meant an
opening that is not of a recognized geometric shape. Examples of
recognized geometric shapes are squares, rectangles, circles,
triangles, rhombi, trapezoids, pentagons, hexagons, etc. The
opening has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion
of the opening is of sufficient size and shape to enable an adult
to extend his/her fingers therethrough to grasp one sheet of the
array to pull the sheet into the first portion of the opening. The
second portion of the opening is contiguous with the first portion
of the opening to enable the sheet of the array that is pulled into
the first portion of the opening to be slid into the second portion
of the opening. The second portion of the opening is sized and
shaped to frictionally engage the sheet slid into it to cause that
sheet to be separated from the remaining sheets in the array to
remove that sheet from the container, and to render the next sheet
ready for removal, e.g., to bring the next sheet of the array into
the second portion of the opening.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, the
array of sheets are also disposed with respect to one another
sequentially so that removal of one sheet from the array renders
the next successive sheet suitable for removal from the array. The
housing in accordance with this aspect of the invention includes an
opening having a first portion and a second portion, both of which
are exposed together. The first portion of the opening is of a
sufficient shape and cross sectional area to enable an adult person
to extend at least two of his/her fingers therethrough to grasp one
sheet of the array located as far away as approximately 10
centimeters, with the cross sectional area being approximately 8
square centimeters for a sheet of the array located up to 2
centimeters away, or being approximately 12.5 square centimeters
for a sheet of the array located from 3 to 4 centimeters away, or
being approximately 18 square centimeters for a sheet of the array
located from 5 to 6 centimeters away, or being approximately 21
square centimeters for a sheet of the array located from 7 to 8
centimeters away, or being approximately 24 square centimeters for
a sheet of the array located from 9 to 10 centimeters away. With
such an arrangement the person can pull the sheet into the first
portion of the opening. The second portion of the opening is
contiguous with the first portion of the opening to enable a sheet
of the array that is pulled by the fingers of the person into the
first portion of the opening to slide into the second portion of
the opening. The second portion of the opening is sized and shaped
to frictionally engage the sheet slid into it to cause that sheet
to be separated from the remaining sheets in the array to remove
that sheet from the container. The first portion of the opening
remains exposed to enable the fingers of the person to be extended
therein to grasp the next successive sheet of the array to pull it
into the first portion of the opening should such action be
desired.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of this invention the
housing is a universal dispensing container for plural wiping
sheets to enable the sequential dispensing thereof from the
container by a person using only one hand. The container comprises
a housing having a hollow interior arranged for selective use with
two types of wiping sheets. The first type of wiping sheets being
an array wherein the sheets are disposed with respect to one
another sequentially so that removal of one sheet from the array
exposes the next successive sheet of the array so that it can be
removed from the array. The second type of wiping sheets is an
array wherein the sheets are disposed with respect to one another
sequentially so that removal of one sheet from the array carries
the next successive sheet of the array into position whereupon it
can be removed from the array. The housing includes an opening
having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of
the opening is of a sufficient shape and cross sectional area to
enable an adult person to extend at least two of his/her fingers
therethrough to grasp one sheet of the array located as far away as
approximately 10 centimeters, with the cross sectional area being
approximately 8 square centimeters for a sheet of the array located
up to 2 centimeters away, or being approximately 12.5 square
centimeters for a sheet of the array located from 3 to 4
centimeters away, or being approximately 18 square centimeters for
a sheet of the array located from 5 to 6 centimeters away, or being
approximately 21 square centimeters for a sheet of the array
located from 7 to 8 centimeters away, or being approximately 24
square centimeters for a sheet of the array located from 9 to 10
centimeters away. With such an arrangement the person can pull the
sheet into the first portion of the opening. The second portion of
the opening is contiguous with the first portion of the opening to
enable a sheet of the array that is pulled into the first portion
of the opening to slide into the second portion of said opening.
The second portion of the opening being sized and shaped to
frictionally engage the sheet slid into it to cause that sheet to
be separated from the remaining sheets in the array to remove that
sheet from the container. The second portion of the opening enables
the bringing of the next sheet of the second type of array into the
second portion of the opening by the removal of the first sheet of
that array.
[0016] In accordance with yet another aspect of this invention the
dispensing container for plural wiping sheets is arranged to enable
the sequential dispensing of the sheets from it. The container
comprises a housing having a hollow interior arranged for holding
the plural wiping sheets therein in an array wherein the sheets are
disposed with respect to one another sequentially so that removal
of one sheet from the array renders the next successive sheet
suitable for removal from the array. The housing includes an
aesthetically pleasing opening whose perimeter defines a
non-regular shaped icon representing a realistic, fanciful or
otherwise ornamental object. The opening is sized and shaped to
frictionally engage a sheet extended into it to cause that sheet to
be separated from the remaining sheets in the array to remove that
sheet from the container, while bringing the next sheet of the
array into said opening.
[0017] Other aspects of this invention entail the combination of
the above described containers and the plural wiping sheets located
therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention will be described in conjunction with the
following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like
elements and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one exemplary preferred
embodiment of a container for dispensing plural wet wipe sheets or
dry sanitary tissue sheets constructed in accordance with one
aspect of this invention to enable a user to insert his/her fingers
into the container to retract a wipe therefrom;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1,
showing an exemplary stack of Z shaped interfolded wet wipes for
dispensing from the container;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a reduced size top plan view of the container of
FIG. 1, with its outer lid shown in its normally closed
condition;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a reduced size top plan view of the container of
FIG. 1, with its outer lid shown in its open condition;
[0023] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram representing an array of
non-interfolded z shaped wet wipes for use in various containers of
this invention, e.g., those not making use of small iconic openings
(like FIGS. 7, 9 and 11);
[0024] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram representing an array of
interfolded Z-V shaped wet wipes for use in any of the containers
of this invention;
[0025] FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram representing an array of
non-interfolded C shaped wet wipes for use in any of the containers
of this invention;
[0026] FIG. 5D is a schematic diagram representing a roll
constituting a sequential array of wet wipes for use in any of the
containers of this invention;
[0027] FIG. 5E is a schematic diagram representing a stack of wipes
which are connected to one another by frangible (e.g., perforated)
lines for use in any of the containers of this invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a
container constructed in accordance with this invention which is
constructed to enable a user to insert his/her fingers into the
container to retract a wipe therefrom;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a another alternative
embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with this
invention, with the container of this embodiment being arranged to
have a wipe initially disposed within an opening for removal
therefrom;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of still another alternative
embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with this
invention which is constructed to enable a user to insert his/her
fingers into the container to retract a wipe therefrom;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of still another alternative
embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with this
invention, with the container of this embodiment being arranged to
have a wipe initially disposed within an opening for removal
therefrom;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of still another alternative
embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with this
invention which is constructed to enable a user to insert his/her
fingers into the container to retract a wipe therefrom; and
[0033] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of yet another alternative
embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with this
invention, with the container of this embodiment being arranged to
have a wipe initially disposed within an opening for removal
therefrom.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown at 20 in FIG. 1 a
dispensing container constructed in accordance with this invention.
The container 20 basically comprises a hollow vessel or tub 22 and
a cover 24, which together form a housing containing the plural
wipes. The wipes are of conventional construction, e.g., each
comprises a sheet of tissue-like material that is either wetted
with a wetting agent or unwetted. The sheets are provided in an
array, i.e., in the form of a stack, like shown in FIGS. 2, 5A, 5B
and 5C, or a roll R, like shown in FIG. 5D, for disposition within
the tub. The sheets of the stack S may be interfolded or otherwise
coupled together such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5B. The sheets of the
roll R are connected to one another by plural perforated or
frangible lines 34A (FIG. 5D), so that they can be separated from
one another.
[0035] The cover 24 includes an orifice or opening 26, to be
described in detail later, through which individual wipes of the
stack S or roll R are withdrawn one at a time. In particular, in
this embodiment (and in other embodiments to be described later)
the opening is of an iconic shape (to be described later) and of a
desired cross sectional area to enable a user to insert his/her
fingers into the container to grasp a wet wipe and to pull it into
the opening to be either left in the opening for subsequent removal
or to remove it in one step and with a single hand. In other
embodiments the opening is of an iconic shape, but is smaller so
that the user cannot insert his/her fingers therethrough. In such a
case the wipe is pre-positioned within the container by the
manufacturer.
[0036] The tub itself includes a base wall 28 (FIG. 2) from which
plural sidewalls 30 project upward to form a hollow interior space
32. The stack S of plural of individual wet wipes (or dry tissue
wipes) 34 is disposed within the interior space 32 of the tub on
the base wall 28. The number of wipes 34 in the stack S and/or the
height of the sidewalls 30 are such that the top-most wipe 34 of
the stack S is preferably located closely adjacent the top edge of
the sidewalls 30 and the opening 26 in the cover 24. If the supply
of wipes is in the form of a roll R, like that shown in FIG. 5D,
the roll R is mounted within the interior of the tub by means (not
shown) so that the roll may be rotated about its axis X to enable
the endmost sheet of it to be drawn into the opening 26 by the user
inserting his/her fingers through the opening to grasp that endmost
wipe.
[0037] The cover 24 is preferably releasably secured to the tub 22
at the top marginal edges of the sidewalls 30, as shown in FIG. 2,
but may, if desired, be fixedly secured to the tub after the tub
has been filled with the stack S or roll R of wipes 34. In the
former arrangement, the tub can be refilled with a new stack S or
roll R of wipes once all of the wipes originally located within the
tub have been dispensed, thereby permitting reuse of the
container.
[0038] As will be seen in the discussion to follow, the container
20 of the subject invention is arranged to enable a user to insert
his/her fingers through the opening 26 to withdraw the topmost wipe
34 of the stack S or the endmost wipe 34 of the roll R into,
through and out of the opening so that the wipe can be used for its
desired purpose. If the wipes are arranged in a pop-up arrangement,
e.g., the wipes of the stack S are interfolded or otherwise coupled
together, or if a roll R of wipes is used, the removal of the
topmost wipe of the stack S or the endmost wipe of the roll R from
the container brings the next successive wipe into the opening 26
to be available for removal when desired. If the wipes are not in a
pop-up arrangement, the removal of the topmost wipe from the stack
S or the endmost wipe of the roll R leaves the next successive wipe
of the stack or the endmost wipe of the roll in position located
below and not extending into the opening. Hence to remove that wipe
from the stack or roll the user will have to reinsert his/her
fingers through the opening to grasp that wipe to pull it into,
through and out the opening.
[0039] Irrespective of whether or not the container will dispense
the wipes in a pop-up manner or will require the user to insert
his/her fingers to grasp each wipe to remove it from the container,
in order to maintain the sanitariness and freshness of the wipes,
the container 20 preferably includes an openable/closable lid 38.
The lid 38 can be a part of the container or be separate member. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lid 38 is a generally planar
member having a peripheral sidewall 38A projecting downward
therefrom and forms an integral part of the container. The lid 38
is pivotably connected to the cover 24 by a hinge, e.g., a living
hinge, 40 disposed at the sidewall 38A.
[0040] In the embodiment shown herein the tub's cover 24 includes a
recess 42 (FIG. 2) of the same peripheral shape as the periphery of
the lid 38, so that the lid can be pivoted downward about the hinge
40 to be disposed within the recess 42, thereby closing off the
opening 26, as shown in FIG. 3. The lid can be pivoted upward about
hinge 40 from the closed position shown in FIG. 3 to the open
position shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, wherein the opening 26 is
exposed so that a wipe 34 can be dispensed from the container 20.
If the lid is a separate component, it can be removed by pulling it
out of the recess 42, to thereby expose the opening 26 so that a
wipe can be withdrawn, and then replaced into the recess to close
the opening.
[0041] It should be pointed out at this juncture that the lid need
not be arranged to fit within a recess within the cover, e.g., the
cover may include a raised wall of the same peripheral shape as the
lid and onto which the lid snap-fits. Other arrangements for the
lid are also contemplated. In fact, the use of a lid for covering
the opening is not mandatory, although it is preferable.
[0042] The cross-sectional area of the opening 26 (or a portion of
it to be described later) is selected so that it is sufficiently
small to deter the ingress of air or contaminants into the interior
of the container when the lid is open (assuming that the container
has a lid), yet sufficiently large that the user can insert two or
more of his/her fingers into it to grasp the topmost or endmost
wipe, irrespective of the distance of that wipe from the opening.
Moreover, the opening 26 is preferably of an aesthetically pleasing
iconic shape representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise
ornamental object, e.g., a fanciful fish as shown in FIGS. 1-4.
Other examples of such shapes are other animals, such as teddy
bears, turtles, pussy cats, elephants, etc., baby nursery items,
such as bottles, rattles, etc., other objects, e.g., hearts, stars,
flowers, pinwheels, etc. Those shapes, in addition to the various
shapes shown specifically herein, are merely exemplary of the
myriad of different iconic shapes that can be accommodated by the
subject invention.
[0043] In the interest of aesthetics, the lid 38 is preferably of a
similar shape to the opening 26, albeit of a greater area to fully
cover the opening. Moreover, portions of the lid 38 may be
texturized, e.g., roughened, as shown by the cross-hatched portions
44 of the lid in FIG. 3, to facilitate the grasping of the lid to
pivot it upward or downward to open or close the lid as the case
may be. The cross-hatching also enhances the aesthetics of the
container. Portions of the recess 42 adjacent the opening 26 may
also be texturized in the interest of aesthetics.
[0044] Turning now to the exemplary embodiment of the opening 26
shown in FIGS. 1-4, it can be seen that the fish shaped opening
includes has a larger cross-sectional area first portion 26A and a
smaller cross-sectional area second portion 26B. In this particular
embodiment the first portion 26A of the opening 26 defines the body
of the fish, while the second portion 26B defines the tail of the
fish. The interface 26C between the first and second portions, 26A
and 26B, respectively, is necked down. The first portion 26A of the
opening 26 is of a sufficient size and shape to enable an adult to
extend his/her fingers therethrough to grasp one wipe of the array
to pull it into the first portion of the opening. The second
portion 26B of the opening is contiguous with the first portion of
the opening to enable the wipe of the array that is pulled into the
first portion of the opening to be slid through the necked down
portion 26C into the second portion of the opening as shown in FIG.
2. The second portion 26B of the opening is considerably smaller
than the first portion 26A so that at least portions of its
periphery frictionally engage the wipe slid into it. If the wipes
are interfolded or otherwise coupled together, e.g., are secured to
each other by perforated or otherwise frangible lines 34A, the
drawing of the topmost (or endmost) wipe out of the opening portion
26B carries the next successive wipe therein and separates the
topmost (or endmost) wipe from the next successive wipe, so that it
can be used. This entire operation can be readily carried out by
the user with a single hand.
[0045] If the sheets are not arranged in a pop-up fashion, e.g.,
are not interfolded or otherwise coupled together, the removal of
the topmost or endmost wipe does not carry the next successive wipe
into the opening. With such an arrangement the user will have to
insert his/her fingers through the larger, first portion 26A of the
opening 26 to grasp the now topmost or endmost wipe 34 to pull it
into that opening. If the user wishes to use the wipe immediately
it can be removed by merely pulling it all the way out of the
opening. If however, the user merely wants to set up the container
20 so that a fresh wipe is readily available at some future time
without necessitating insertion of his/her fingers into the opening
portion 26A to remove it (i.e., to pre-position the wipe for
subsequent removal) all the user has to do is slide the wipe that
is to be pre-positioned through the necked down portion 26C into
the second portion 26B of the opening. Also, sometimes
non-interfolded wipes stick together unintentionally. In those
cases the user can pull the topmost wipe through 26C, 26B to
separate the top wipe from the next wipe. The frictional engagement
will tend to hold the wipe in that position until it is to be
removed. If the container includes a lid 38, the lid can be pivoted
down to cover the pre-positioned wipe in the opening portion 26B to
maintain its moistness and freshness.
[0046] In FIGS. 6, 8 and 10 there are shown three alternative
embodiments, 120, 220 and 320 of the container 20 described above.
Each of the containers 120, 220 and 320 is of the same basic
construction as the container 20 except for the shape of its
opening and lid and the omission of a lid 38 (e.g., the container
may not include a lid or includes a removable lid that has been
removed). If desired, the containers can include pivotably hinged
lids 38 like those described earlier. In the interest of brevity
the common components of the embodiments 20, 120, 220 and 320 will
be given the same reference numbers and the details of their
construction and operation will not be reiterated. The container
120 includes an opening 126 in the shape of a baby buggy having a
first portion 126A making up the basket of the buggy, and second
portions 126B making up the handle and wheels of the buggy with
necked down portions 126C serving as the interface between the
first and second portions. The container 220 includes an opening
226 in the shape of a pussy cat having a first portion 226A making
up the body and head of the pussy cat, a second portion 226B making
up the tail of the pussy cat and a necked down portion 226C serving
as the interface between the first and second portions. The
container 320 includes an opening 326 in the shape of a turtle
having a first portion 326A making up the body of the turtle, and
second portions 326B making up the head, legs and tail of the
turtle the necked down portions 326C serve as the interface between
the first and the various second portions.
[0047] In all of the container embodiments 20, 120, 220 and 320 the
first portion 26A, 126A, 226A and 326A of the openings 26, 126, 226
and 326, respectively, is of a sufficient shape and cross sectional
area to enable an adult person to extend at least two of his/her
fingers therethrough to grasp one wipe of the array located therein
as far away as approximately 10 centimeters. In particular, if the
container is constructed or the stack/roll is configured so that
the topmost or endmost of the sheets of the array is located up to
2 centimeters away from the opening, the cross sectional area of
the first portion of the opening can be approximately 8 square
centimeters (e.g., 4 centimeters by 2 centimeters). This
arrangement will allow the user to insert his/her thumb and index
finger or his/her index and middle finger therethrough. If the
container is constructed or the stack/roll is configured so that
the topmost or endmost of the sheets of the array is located 3-4
centimeters away from the opening, the cross sectional area of the
first portion of the opening can be approximately 12.5 square
centimeters (e.g., 5 centimeters by 2.5 centimeters). This
arrangement will allow the user to insert his/her index and middle
finger therethrough. If the container is constructed or the
stack/roll is configured so that the topmost or endmost of the
sheets of the array is located 5-6 centimeters away from the
opening, the cross sectional area of the first portion of the
opening can be approximately 18 square centimeters (e.g., 6
centimeters by 3 centimeters). This arrangement will allow the user
to insert three fingers, except for his/her thumb and pinky
therethrough. If the container is constructed or the stack/roll is
configured so that the topmost or endmost of the sheets of the
array is located 7-8 centimeters away from the opening, the cross
sectional area of the first portion of the opening can be
approximately 21 square centimeters (e.g., 7 centimeters by 3
centimeters). This arrangement will allow the user to insert three
fingers, except for his/her thumb and pinky therethrough. If the
container is constructed or the stack/roll is configured so that
the topmost or endmost of the sheets of the array is located 9-10
centimeters away from the opening, the cross sectional area of the
first portion of the opening can be approximately 24 square
centimeters (e.g., 8 centimeters by 3 centimeters). This
arrangement will allow the user to insert four fingers, except for
his/her thumb therethrough. If the container is constructed or the
stack/roll is configured so that the topmost or endmost of the
sheets of the array is located greater than 10 centimeters away
from the opening, the cross sectional area of the first portion of
the opening can be approximately 27 square centimeters (e.g., 9
centimeters by 3 centimeters). This arrangement will allow the user
to insert his/her entire hand therethrough.
[0048] In FIGS. 7, 9 and 11 there are shown three alternative
embodiments of containers 420, 520 and 620, respectively,
constructed in accordance with this invention. Those containers are
of identical construction to the container 20, except for the size
and shape of their openings. These containers are shown without
lids and can be so constructed, or can be constructed to have
removable lids or integral pivotably hinged lids, if desired. Like
the embodiments 20, 120, 220 and 320, each opening of the
embodiments 420, 520 and 620 is of an aesthetically pleasing iconic
shape representing a realistic, fanciful or otherwise ornamental
object. In the interest of brevity the common components of the
embodiments 20, 420, 520 and 620 will be given the same reference
numbers and the details of their construction and operation will
not be reiterated. As can be seen container 420 includes a fanciful
duck shaped opening 426 as shown in FIG. 7. The opening 426 is
located within a recess 42 to receive a lid (not shown). The lid in
this embodiment is of an oval shape. Container 520 includes a
fanciful teddy bear shaped opening 526 located within an oval
recess 42 as shown in FIG. 9. Container 620 includes a fanciful
heart shaped opening 626 located within an oval recess 42 as shown
in FIG. 11. Each of the openings 426, 526 and 626 is too small to
enable the user to insert his/her fingers therethrough to grasp and
retract a wipe 34 located within the container. Thus, in the
embodiments of FIGS. 7, 9 and 11, the wipe 34 is pre-positioned in
the opening by the manufacturer or by the user upon first use of
the product or in a setup step by the user. The wipes are
interfolded or otherwise coupled together so that the removal of
the topmost or endmost wipe of the array automatically brings the
next successive wipe of the array into the opening.
[0049] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof.
* * * * *