U.S. patent application number 11/213243 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for dispensing and disposal container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Joseph Mitchell, Debra N. Welchel.
Application Number | 20070045333 11/213243 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37214313 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mitchell; Joseph ; et
al. |
March 1, 2007 |
Dispensing and disposal container
Abstract
A disposable, non-refillable container for holding, dispensing
and disposing of articles is disclosed. The container has an
interior space that includes dispensing space, from which articles
may be dispensed, and a waste receptacle space, into which articles
may be disposed. The container is non-permanently affixed to a
surface with a mount. A method for using such a container is also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Mitchell; Joseph;
(Alpharetta, GA) ; Welchel; Debra N.; (Woodstock,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
401 NORTH LAKE STREET
NEENAH
WI
54956
US
|
Assignee: |
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37214313 |
Appl. No.: |
11/213243 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/0888 20130101;
A47K 10/424 20130101; A47K 10/426 20130101; A47K 10/46
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/034 |
International
Class: |
B65H 1/00 20060101
B65H001/00 |
Claims
1. A disposable, non-refillable container for dispensing and
disposing of articles, comprising: a plurality of panels that
cooperate to enclose an interior space, where the interior space
has a dispensing space which may contain a stack of articles and a
waste receptacle space; a dispensing opening in at least one panel
through which articles may be dispensed from the dispensing space;
a waste receptacle opening in at least one panel through which the
articles may be disposed of in the waste receptacle space; and a
mount which non-permanently affixes the container to a support
surface.
2. The container of claim 1, where the dispensing space has a
dispensing volume and the waste receptacle space has a waste
receptacle volume, and where the waste receptacle volume is greater
than the dispensing volume.
3. The container of claim 2, where the waste receptacle volume is
about 1.5 to about 3 times greater than the dispensing volume.
4. The container of claim 1, further comprising a partition within
the interior space that separates the dispensing space from the
waste receptacle space.
5. The container of claim 4, where the partition is an interior
panel.
6. The container of claim 5, where the partition is affixed to an
interior surface of at least one panel of the container.
7. The container of claim 5, where the partition may freely move
within the interior space of the container.
8. The container of claim 4, where the partition is a flexible
material.
9. The container of claim 8, where the partition is a flexible
package encasing the stack of articles and having a package opening
that is proximate to, and cooperates with, the dispensing opening
to dispense the articles.
10. The container of claim 1, where the waste receptacle opening
comprises a moveable waste chute within at least a portion of one
panel.
11. The container of claim 10, where the waste chute further
comprises a closing tab which can engage the container when the
waste chute and container are in a closed configuration.
12. The container of claim 1, further comprising a removable
portion defined by a line of weakness in at least one panel, where
the receptacle opening is formed by the removal of the removable
portion.
13. The container of claim 1, further comprising a removable
portion defined by a line of weakness in at least one panel, where
the dispensing opening is formed by the removal of the removable
portion.
14. The container of claim 1, where the waste receptacle opening
comprises at least a portion of two adjoining panels.
15. The container of claim 1, where the dispensing opening
comprises at least a portion of two adjoining panels.
16. The container of claim 1, further comprising an outer shell and
an inner shell, where the outer and inner shells are telescopically
engaged such that the inner shell may slide within the outer
shell.
17. The container of claim 16, where the inner shell contains the
dispensing space.
18. The container of claim 16, further comprising a stop which
prevents the inner shell from being removed from the outer shell
when the inner shell is telescopically extended from the outer
shell.
19. The container of claim 1, where the plurality of panels that
enclose the waste receptacle space have a moisture-resistant or
moisture-impermeable treatment.
20. The container of claim 1, further comprising instruction
indicia providing instruction as to use of the container.
21. A system for holding, dispensing and disposing of articles
comprising: a stack of articles; a container having a plurality of
panels which cooperate to enclose an interior space in which the
stack of articles is held, and where the container has a dispensing
opening through which the articles are dispensed from the interior
space and a waste receptacle opening into which the used articles
may be disposed of in the interior space of the container; a
partition in the interior space which separates the undispensed
stack of articles from the disposed, used articles; and a mount
which non-permanently affixes the container to a support
surface.
22. The system of claim 21, where the partition is affixed to an
interior surface of at least one panel of the container.
23. The system of claim 21, where the partition is a flexible
material.
24. The system of claim 21, where the waste receptacle opening
comprises a moveable waste chute within at least a portion of one
panel of the container.
25. The system of claim 21, further comprising instruction indicia
indicating how to dispense and dispose of the articles.
26. The system of claim 21, further comprising instruction indicia
indicating how to dispose of the container.
27. A method of providing a disposable, non-refillable container
for dispensing and disposal of articles, comprising the steps: a)
providing a disposable, non-refillable container having a plurality
of panels that cooperate to enclose an interior space, where the
interior space has a dispensing space containing a stack of
articles and a waste receptacle space; a dispensing opening in at
least one panel through which articles may be dispensed from the
dispensing space; a waste receptacle opening in at least one panel
through which the articles may be disposed of in the waste
receptacle space; and a mount which non-permanently affixes the
container to a support surface; b) affixing the container to a
support surface; c) dispensing the articles; d) removing the
container from the support surface after the articles have been
dispensed from the container; and e) disposing of the
container.
28. The method of claim 27, where the container further comprises a
waste chute comprising a portion of at least one panel and
pivotally associated with said panel; where the waste chute has a
closed configuration relative to the container where said portion
is within the same plane as said panel and has an open
configuration relative to the container where the portion pivotally
extends out of the plane of said panel to a substantially
cantilevered position; and where the open configuration of the
waste chute forms the waste receptacle opening; and where the
method further comprises the steps of pulling the waste chute to
the open configuration prior to dispensing the articles, and
returning the waste chute to the closed configuration after the
articles have been dispensed.
29. The method of claim 27, where the container further comprises
an outer shell and an inner shell, where the outer and inner shells
are telescopically engaged such that the inner shell may slide
within the outer shell, and where the outer shell contains the
dispensing space; and where the method further comprises the steps
of telescopically extending the inner shell from the outer shell
prior to dispensing the articles, and telescopically compacting the
inner shell into the outer shell after the dispensing the
articles.
30. A method of providing a system for holding, dispensing and
disposing of articles to a consumer, comprising the steps:
providing a disposable, non-refillable container having a plurality
of panels that cooperate to enclose an interior space, where the
interior space has a dispensing space containing a stack of
articles and a waste receptacle space; a dispensing opening in at
least one panel through which articles may be dispensed from the
dispensing space; a waste receptacle opening in at least one panel
through which the articles may be disposed of in the waste
receptacle space; and a mount which non-permanently affixes the
container to a support surface; and providing the consumer with
instructions regarding the use of the container.
31. The method of claim 30, where the container further comprises a
waste chute comprising a portion of at least one panel and
pivotally associated with said panel; where the waste chute has a
closed configuration relative to the container where said portion
is within the same plane as said panel and has an open
configuration relative to the container where the portion pivotally
extends out of the plane of said panel to a substantially
cantilevered position; and where the open configuration of the
waste chute forms the waste receptacle opening; and where the
method further comprises the step of providing instructions
regarding pulling the waste chute into an open configuration prior
to dispensing the articles and returning the waste chute to a
closed configuration after the articles are dispensed and prior to
disposal of the container.
32. The method of claim 30, where the container further comprises
an outer shell and an inner shell, where the outer and inner shells
are telescopically engaged such that the inner shell may slide
within the outer shell, and where the outer shell contains the
dispensing space; and where the method further comprises the step
of providing instructions regarding telescopically extending the
inner shell from the outer shell prior to dispensing the articles
and telescopically compacting the inner shell into the outer shell
after the dispensing the articles.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Various types of dispensers and dispensing containers have
been developed to provide ready availability of articles to users.
Such dispensers are common for dispensing paper products such as
facial tissues, napkins, paper towels and the like. 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.
[0002] One drawback of such dispensers is that they require
maintenance and refilling on a regular basis. The attendant usually
must open up the dispenser and refill the dispenser and perform any
routine maintenance that is required. The dispenser itself must be
cleaned and the waste receptacles must be emptied by the attendant.
In emptying the waste receptacles, the attendant is exposed to the
contaminated and often unpleasant waste products.
[0003] Another issue with dispensers of all types is that they are
usually found in fixed locations. For example, the towel dispensers
in a public restroom are generally fixed to the wall. A person who
is looking to provide such paper products has to generally install
a dispenser, but is then stuck with the location of that dispenser.
It is difficult for those who want to provide products in a
temporary location, or who wish to frequently change the dispenser
location, to do so with traditional mounted dispensers.
Additionally, where there is a fixed dispenser there is often a
fixed waste receptacle. Such a fixed waste receptacle presents the
same type of fixed location concerns as with the fixed
dispenser.
[0004] One particular problem based on the fixed location of
dispensers and waste receptacles concerns the use of paper hand
towels or tissues to open a restroom door. Doors and door handles
are of particular concern because they are frequently used by many
different people and can unintentionally become a depository and
exchange point for germs, bacteria and viruses. Many people have
commonly used a paper hand towel to open the door when exiting a
restroom for these very reasons.
[0005] Such facilities often do not have a dispenser or waste
receptacle in close proximity to such doors. Generally a person
will either have to remember to take a towel with them to the door
or will fail to remember to take a towel and will open the door
with their naked hand. The person that uses a towel to open the
door will then often find that there is no waste receptacle in
proximity to the door they have just opened and will have to carry
the towel with them until they can reach a place where the towel
can be properly disposed. Often, rather than properly disposing
such towels used to open the door, people will leave the paper
towel on the floor behind the door, in the corner near the door, or
will have missed the receptacle as they have tossed the towel
toward the receptacle through the closing door. Such trash on the
floor is unsanitary, unsightly, and unsafe.
[0006] Additionally, there are generally no such towel/tissue
dispensers for sanitary door handling in proximity to other doors
within a facility (e.g., entrance and exit doors, interior hallway
doors, office doorways, and the like).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In light of the problems and issues discussed above, it is
desired to have a dispensing container that is disposable and
non-refillable and that can be located in any location that the one
providing such a container and/or the user of such a container
finds appropriate.
[0008] The present invention is directed to a disposable,
non-refillable container for dispensing and disposing of articles.
The container includes a plurality of panels that cooperate to
enclose an interior space. The interior space has a dispensing
space which may contain a stack of folded articles and a waste
receptacle space. The container has a dispensing opening in at
least one panel through which articles may be dispensed from the
dispensing space and a waste receptacle opening in at least one
panel through which the articles may be disposed of in the waste
receptacle space. Finally, the container has a mount which
non-permanently affixes the container to a support surface.
[0009] In particular embodiments of the invention, the volume of
the waste receptacle space is greater than the volume of the
dispensing space of the container. In more particular embodiments,
the volume of the waste receptacle space is about 1.5 to about 3
times greater than the volume of the dispensing space.
[0010] In some embodiments, the container has a partition within
the interior space that separates the dispensing space from the
waste receptacle space. Such a partition may be an interior panel.
In some embodiments, the interior panel is affixed to an interior
surface of at least one panel of the container. Alternatively, the
partition may freely move within the interior space of the
container. In other embodiments, the partition is a flexible
material. Such a flexible material may be a flexible package
encasing the stack of articles and having a package opening that is
proximate to, and cooperates with, the dispensing opening to
dispense the articles.
[0011] In some embodiments, the waste receptacle opening may be
formed from a moveable waste chute within at least a portion of one
panel of the container. In a further embodiment the waste chute may
have a closing tab which can engage the container when the waste
chute and container are in a closed configuration.
[0012] In various embodiments, the waste receptacle opening may be
formed by the removal of the removable portion defined by a line of
weakness in at least one panel. Likewise, in various embodiments,
the dispensing opening may be formed by the removal of the
removable portion defined by a line of weakness in at least one
panel.
[0013] In some embodiments, the waste receptacle opening may
include a portion of two adjoining panels. Likewise, in some
embodiments, the dispensing opening may include a portion of two
adjoining panels.
[0014] In one embodiment, the container has an outer shell and an
inner shell, where the outer and inner shells are telescopically
engaged such that the inner shell may slide within the outer shell.
In a further embodiment, the outer shell contains the dispensing
space. The container may also have a stop which prevents the inner
shell from being removed from the outer shell when the inner shell
is telescopically extended from the outer shell.
[0015] In some embodiments the panels that enclose the waste
receptacle space may have a moisture-resistant or
moisture-impermeable treatment. In other embodiments, the container
may have instruction indicia providing instruction as to the proper
use of the container.
[0016] The present invention is also directed to a system for
holding, dispensing and disposing of articles. The system is made
up of a stack of articles; a container having a plurality of panels
which cooperate to enclose an interior space in which the stack of
articles is held, and a dispensing opening through which the
articles are dispensed from the interior space and a waste
receptacle opening into which the used articles may be disposed; a
partition in the interior space which separates the undispensed
stack of articles from the disposed, used articles; and a mount
which non-permanently affixes the container to a support
surface.
[0017] In further embodiments, the system may include instruction
indicia indicating how to dispense and dispose of the articles. In
other embodiments the system may include instruction indicia
indicating how to dispose of the container.
[0018] The invention is also directed to a method of providing a
disposable, non-refillable container for dispensing and disposal of
articles. The method includes the steps of providing a disposable,
non-refillable container; affixing the container to a support
surface; dispensing the articles; removing the container from the
support surface after the articles have been dispensed from the
container; and disposing of the container. The container of the
method has a plurality of panels that cooperate to enclose an
interior space, where the interior space has a dispensing space
containing a stack of articles and a waste receptacle space; a
dispensing opening in at least one panel through which articles may
be dispensed from the dispensing space; a waste receptacle opening
in at least one panel through which the articles may be disposed of
in the waste receptacle space; and a mount which non-permanently
affixes the container to a support surface.
[0019] In some embodiments, the container may further have a waste
chute made from a portion of at least one panel and pivotally
associated with said panel and the method may have the further
steps of pulling the waste chute to the open configuration prior to
dispensing the articles, and returning the waste chute to the
closed configuration after the articles have been dispensed.
[0020] In other embodiments, the container may further have an
outer shell and an inner shell, such that the inner shell may slide
within the outer shell and the method may have the further steps of
telescopically extending the inner shell from the outer shell prior
to dispensing the articles, and telescopically compacting the inner
shell into the outer shell after the dispensing the articles.
[0021] The invention is also directed to a method of providing a
system for holding, dispensing and disposing of articles to a
consumer. The method having the steps of providing a disposable,
non-refillable container having a plurality of panels that
cooperate to enclose an interior space, where the interior space
has a dispensing space containing a stack of articles and a waste
receptacle space; a dispensing opening in at least one panel
through which articles may be dispensed from the dispensing space;
a waste receptacle opening in at least one panel through which the
articles may be disposed; and a mount which non-permanently affixes
the container to a support surface; and providing instructions
regarding the operation of the container.
[0022] In some embodiments, the container may have a waste chute
made of a portion of at least one panel, where the method further
includes the step of providing instructions regarding pulling the
waste chute into an open configuration prior to dispensing the
articles and returning the waste chute to a closed configuration
after the articles are dispensed and prior to disposal of the
container.
[0023] In other embodiments, the container may have an outer shell
and an inner shell, telescopically engaged such that the inner
shell may slide within the outer shell, where the method further
comprises the step of providing instructions regarding
telescopically extending the inner shell from the outer shell prior
to dispensing the articles and telescopically compacting the inner
shell into the outer shell after the dispensing the articles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
container of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of
FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
container of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of
FIG. 3.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
container of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
container of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of
FIG. 6.
[0031] FIG. 8A is a back view of an embodiment of the container of
the present invention with a mounting means.
[0032] FIG. 8B is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A attached
to a substantially vertical support surface.
[0033] FIG. 9A is a back view of another embodiment of the
container of the present invention with a mounting means.
[0034] FIG. 9B is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 9A attached
to a substantially vertical support surface.
[0035] FIG. 10A is a back view of another embodiment of the
container of the present invention with a mounting means.
[0036] FIG. 10B is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 10A
attached to a substantially vertical support surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The present invention is a disposable, non-refillable
container capable of both dispensing and disposing of articles. The
articles dispensed by the container of the invention are any
articles capable of being dispensed. Such articles may include, but
are not limited to, facial tissue, toilet tissue, napkins, wipers,
towels, and the like. Such articles may be simply piled into a
stack, individually folded and stacked on top of each other, or may
be interfolded such that the folds of each individual folded
article partially overlaps the folds of the folded article that is
adjacent in the stack.
[0038] The container of the present invention is intended to be a
disposable, non-refillable dispenser of articles. The articles are
loaded into the container during manufacture and delivered to the
consumer as a single dispensing system. As used herein "disposable"
refers to the characteristic of the container that it is used up
(i.e., not reusable) once the articles contained therein are
dispensed from the container and subsequently disposed of therein.
Similarly, as used herein, "non-refillable" refers to the
characteristic of the container that it is not designed for
receiving additional articles after the original articles of the
container have been dispensed. Additionally, as used herein,
"consumer" generally refers to those persons responsible for
providing such articles and containers to end users; this may
include facilities management, custodial staff, or the like.
Finally, as used herein, "end user" or "user" generally refers to
those persons that self-dispense the articles from the container of
the present invention.
[0039] The consumer may use the dispenser on any support surface
they desire and dispose of the entire container when the articles
have been dispensed; consumers need only replace the
fully-dispensed container with a new container rather than refill
the empty container. This reduces the amount of costly attention
and maintenance the consumer has to give the container and prevents
problems with container overstuffing. The inclusion of a waste
receptacle in the container ensures that a receptacle is available
for any article dispensed from the container and may eliminate the
need for a separate waste receptacle. This type of container would
also reduce the amount of clean-up that is required by custodial
staff, thereby further reducing costs. Additionally, the custodial
staff that disposes of a depleted container and replaces it with a
new container does not have to handle a separate waste receptacle;
the custodial staff can avoid contact with soiled articles by not
having to empty a traditionally installed waste receptacle.
[0040] The disposable nature of the container also decreases the
need for, and the associated costs with, regular cleaning and/or
sanitizing of the container, as is necessary for installed
dispensers. Such a disposable container also would eliminate the
issue of dispenser malfunction or failure, along with removing the
need for regular maintenance and repair, as generally required for
traditionally installed dispensers.
[0041] The disposable container of the present invention is
intended for use wherever the consumer wishes to dispense the
articles of the container; the user is not limited to dispensing
locations where traditional dispensers have been installed (e.g.,
in or on a wall in a public restroom). As such, the container of
the present invention can be used to dispense articles in areas
that such articles have not been able to be dispensed conveniently.
The container of the present invention allows the consumer to
easily place such containers in locations that may be temporary
(i.e., only for a short or limited time) or may be seasonal. For
example, such a container could be located on or near any
frequently used door during the cold and influenza season (i.e.,
generally the months of November through March); such a container
could dispense tissues to use while handling such a door and thus
help reduce the person-to-person transmission of viruses and
germs.
[0042] The container may be made of any material that can contain
and dispense the articles of the present invention. Preferably, the
container may be made of heavy paper, cardboard or plastic, but it
may be made of any other suitable material within the scope of the
invention.
[0043] The containers of the present invention are made up of a
plurality of panels that cooperate to enclose an interior space in
which the articles are contained, from which the articles are
dispensed, and in which used articles may be disposed. An
embodiment of the container of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. The container 10 is illustrated as generally
polygonally-shaped and having six distinct panels, however, it is
contemplated that the containers of the present invention may be
more complex in shape and design, or may have a greater number of
panels than illustrated. Regardless of the number of panels that
comprise the container, the panels work together toward the common
result of enclosing, or surrounding, an interior space 29 from
which articles may be dispensed from and into which articles may be
disposed.
[0044] The container 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a front panel
15, an upper panel 16, a lower panel 14 opposite the upper panel
16, side panels 17, and a back panel 18 opposite the front panel
15. It should be understood that the terms "front", "back",
"upper", "lower", and "side" are used only to describe the relative
positions of each panel. All the panels 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18
cooperate to provide the generally polygonally-shaped container 10
with an interior space 29 configured to hold a stack of articles
and contain the disposed articles 19. Additionally, each panel has
an exterior surface which faces outward and is exposed to the
external environment in which the container 10 is placed. The
panels also have an interior surface which faces and bounds the
interior space 29 of the container 10.
[0045] The interior space 29 of the container 10 is divided, in
part, into a dispensing space 22 and a waste receptacle space 24.
The dispensing space 22 of the container 10 is the portion of the
interior space 29 in which the undispensed articles are contained
and from which the articles are dispensed. As shown in FIG. 2, a
stack of articles 13 is held in the dispensing space 22. The
articles 12 are then dispensed from the dispensing space 22 through
a dispensing opening 21.
[0046] The dispensing opening 21 is an opening in at least one of
the panels of the container 10 and provides the user access to the
articles 12 stored within the dispensing space 22. The dispensing
opening 21 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as present in the lower panel
14 of the container and is illustrated as substantially rectangular
in shape. Alternatively, the dispensing opening 21 may be present
on other panels of the container 10 depending on the placement of
the dispensing space 22 within the interior space 29 of the
container 10 and preference as to the overall design of the
container 10. For example, the dispensing space 22 may be in the
lower portions of the interior space 29 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
but the dispensing opening 21 may be present on the front panel 15,
may be on one of the side panels 17, or multiple dispensing
openings 21 may be present, one on each of the side panels 17
and/or the front panel 15.
[0047] The dispensing opening 21 may be present solely in one
panel, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or may extend across two or more
adjoining panels. For example, the dispensing opening 21 may
encompass portions of the front panel 15 and the lower panel 14 by
extending across the corner formed where the lower edge of the
front panel 15 meets the front edge of the lower panel 14.
Alternatively, the dispensing opening 21 may extend across more
than two panels. For example, the dispensing opening 21 may contain
portions of two opposite facing side panels 17, the front panel 15
and the lower panel 14 by extending across the entire edge formed
where the lower edge of the front panel 15 meets the front edge of
the lower panel 14 and the corners formed where the side panel 17
meets both the front panel 15 and lower panel 14.
[0048] The shape of the dispensing opening 21 may be any shape and
size as to regularly dispense the articles 12 of the container.
Although the dispensing opening 21 is shown in FIG. 1 to be
generally rectangular in shape, it may be any closed-loop shape
that allows for regular dispensing of the articles 12.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the dispensing opening 21 may be
formed by the removal of a removable portion 64 of a panel defined
by a line of weakness 65, or it may be present on the container 10
as it is delivered to the consumer. The line of weakness 65 may be
perforations, scoring or other similar method of providing weakness
in the material of the panel. Generally speaking, removable portion
64 may either be removed or simply not formed in the container
panels during manufacture of the container 10. If the removable
portion 64 is to be removed (or simply not formed) as part of the
manufacturing process, the container 10 may be shipped to the
consumer wrapped, for example in a polyethylene bag, to prevent
contamination and/or to preserve the sterility of the articles in
the container 10.
[0049] Additionally, the dispensing opening 21 may include a finger
slot 25, as shown in FIG. 1, or may include a thumb slot 31 (see
FIG. 3) to provide the user with increased ease of access to the
stack of articles 13 within the dispensing space 22. Such a finger
slot 25 or thumb slot 31 may be within the same panel as the
majority of the dispensing opening 21 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2)
or may be a part of a panel adjoining the panel which contains the
majority of the dispensing opening 21 (see FIG. 5).
[0050] The waste receptacle space 24 of the container 10 is the
portion of the interior space 29 in which the used, dispensed
articles may be disposed and collected. As shown in FIG. 2, the
disposed, used articles 19, or any other waste or debris, is
deposited and held in the waste receptacle space 24 and is disposed
along with the container 10 after all of the articles 12 have been
dispensed from the dispensing space 22.
[0051] The waste receptacle opening 23 is an opening in at least
one of the panels of the container 10 and provides the user access
to the waste receptacle space 24 to deposit a used article or other
waste they wish to dispose. The waste receptacle opening 23 is
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as present in a portion of both the front
panel 15 and the upper panel 16 of the container and is illustrated
as substantially rectangular in shape. Alternatively, the waste
receptacle opening 23 may be present on other panels of the
container 10 depending on the placement of the waste receptacle
space 24 within the interior space 29 of the container 10 and
preference as to the overall design of the container 10.
[0052] The waste receptacle opening 23 may be present in only one
panel or may extend across two or more adjoining panels, as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2. Instead of extending across two adjoining panels,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waste receptacle opening 23 may be
an opening in the front panel 15 that allows access to the waste
receptacle space 24. Alternatively, the waste receptacle opening 23
may extend across more than two panels. For example, the waste
receptacle opening 23 may contain portions of two opposite facing
side panels 17, the front panel 15 and the upper panel 16 by
extending across the entire edge formed where the upper edge of the
front panel 15 meets the front edge of the upper panel 16 and the
corners formed by where the side panel 17 meets both the front
panel 15 and upper panel 16.
[0053] Although the waste receptacle opening 23 is shown in FIG. 1
to be generally rectangular in shape, it may be any shape (regular
or irregular; symmetrical or asymmetrical) and size that allows for
regular disposing of the used articles 19. Generally, the waste
receptacle opening 23 will need to be larger than the dispensing
opening 21 to accommodate the size of the used articles 19 and
allow the user to dispose of the used articles 19 with minimal
contact with the container 10.
[0054] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the waste receptacle
opening 23 may be formed by the removal of a removable portion 66
of a panel defined by a line of weakness 67, or it may be present
on the container 10 as it is delivered to the user. The line of
weakness 67 may be perforations, scoring or other similar method of
providing weakness in the material of the panel. Generally
speaking, the removable portion 66 may either be removed or simply
not formed in the container panels during manufacture of the
container 10.
[0055] As some of the disposed, used articles 19 or other waste may
be wet, have an odor, and/or may be harboring transmittable germs,
bacteria and/or viruses, it may be desired to provide the interior
surfaces of the waste receptacle space 24 with additional
functionality. The interior surfaces of the waste receptacle space
24 may be coated with a moisture-resistant or moisture-impermeable
treatment. This treatment may include the use of a
moisture-impermeable film lining, a plastic bag, a wax coating, or
the like. The waste receptacle space 24 may include
odor-neutralizing or odor-masking agents. Finally, the waste
receptacle space 24 may include treatments that neutralizes or
destroys germs, viruses and/or bacteria that the space is exposed
to and with which it comes in contact.
[0056] The dispensing space 22 and the waste receptacle space 24
are separated from each other by a partition 27. The partition 27
sets the spaces apart to keep them substantially distinct from each
other. The partition 27 may be an internal panel that is affixed to
the interior surface of one or more panels of the container 10. For
example, the partition 27 may be made of the same material as the
panels of the container 10 and attached to the interior surfaces of
the panels of the container 10 to form an interior wall that
separates the dispensing space 22 from the waste receptacle space
24.
[0057] Alternatively, the partition 27 may be an internal panel
that is slightly smaller in area than the inside perimeter of the
container 10 such that the partition 27 would be moveable within
the interior space 29. Such and interior panel may be made of the
same material as the panels of the container 10 or may be made of a
different material than can substantially separate the undispensed
articles 13 from the used articles 19. If used in the embodiment of
FIG. 2, such a partition 27 would thus be able to descend as the
stack of articles 13 is depleted and waste receptacle space 24 is
filled; as the articles 12 are depleted the dispensing space 22
would decrease while the waste receptacle space 24 would
increase.
[0058] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the partition is a
flexible partition 47. Such a flexible partition 47 may be made of
a flexible film, bag, or any other flexible material that is
affixed to one or more interior surfaces of the container 10 to
separate the dispensing space 22 from the waste receptacle space
24. The flexible partition 47 would insulate a stack of undispensed
articles 13 from water, germs, debris and other such things that
may be contained within the disposed articles 19 that occupy the
waste receptacle space 24. The flexible partition 47 would be
moveable in that it would collapse with the dispensing of the
articles 12. Again, as the articles 12 are depleted the dispensing
space 22 would decrease while the waste receptacle space 24 would
increase.
[0059] In a similar embodiment, the flexible partition may be the
flexible packaging 77 encasing a stack of articles 13 (see FIG. 7).
Such flexible packaging 77 is often used to completely enclose a
stack of folded articles such as tissues, paper towels or wipers.
The opening of such flexible packaging 77 would be placed proximate
to, and aligned with, the dispensing opening 21 such that the
flexible packaging 77 and dispensing opening 21 cooperate so that
the articles 12 within the dispensing space 22 of the interior of
the flexible packaging 77 may be accessed and removed through the
dispensing opening 21. The flexible packaging 77 may further
cooperate with the dispensing opening 21 by attaching to the
interior surfaces of the container 10 around the periphery of the
dispensing opening 21.
[0060] The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 all
illustrate containers 10 with configurations where the dispensing
space 22 is below the waste receptacle space 24 and the
corresponding waste receptacle opening 23 is above the dispensing
opening 21. This is the preferred configuration for those
containers 10 using a moveable or flexible partition. In such
embodiments, the partition can then descend, under gravity and the
weight of the used articles 19 with each article 12 that is
dispensed. However, it is also contemplated that the container 10
may be configured such that the waste receptacle opening and space
21, 23 are located below the dispensing opening and space 22, 24,
as shown in FIG. 5. It is also contemplated that the container 10
may be configured to have multiple waste receptacle spaces 24 and
multiple dispensing spaces 22 arranged to the preference and needs
of the consumers and users.
[0061] The articles 12 that are dispensed by the container 10 of
the present invention are generally efficiently sized when part of
a stack of such articles 13. In a flat or folded configuration when
dispensed, the articles 12 take up a minimal amount of space.
However, after such articles are dispensed and used, they take up
more space when disposed. Typically, after an article 12 such as a
paper towel is used, the user will crumple the used article 19 into
a shape that will not pack into a space as efficiently as when that
same article 12 was a part of its original stack of articles 13.
Thus, the space needed for the disposal of used articles 19, will
be greater than the space that was required to dispense such
articles 12. In the embodiments of the present invention, it is
desired that the waste receptacle space 24 be larger than the
dispensing space 22, prior to dispensing any articles 12.
[0062] The interior space 29 of the container 10 will have an
interior volume that is defined by the plurality of panels that
make up the container 10. As discussed, the interior space 29 has a
dispensing space 22 and a waste receptacle space 24 that are
separated by a partition 27, 47, 77. The dispensing space 22 will
have a dispensing volume that is defined as the volume of the
portion of the interior space 29 in which the stack of undispensed
articles 13 are held and dispensed from. The waste receptacle space
24 will have a waste receptacle volume that is defined as the
volume of the portion of the interior space 29 in which the used
articles 19 may be disposed. The relative volumes of both the
dispensing volume and the waste receptacle volume are defined by
the plurality of panels that make up the container and the
partition 27, 47, 77 that separate the dispensing space 22 and the
waste receptacle space 24.
[0063] To accommodate the increased volume that a used article 19
has compared to that same article prior to it being dispensed. It
is desired that the waste receptacle volume be greater than the
dispensing volume. The waste receptacle volume may be up to five
times greater than the dispensing volume, prior to any of the
articles being dispensed from the container. It is preferred that
the waste receptacle volume be 1.5 to 3 times larger than the
dispensing volume, prior to any articles being dispensed from the
container.
[0064] To provide a container 10, such as in FIG. 1, with a waste
receptacle volume greater than dispensing volume, the container 10
must be constructed with more empty space than space that is taken
up by a stack of articles 13. While a larger waste receptacle space
24 accommodates a greater volume of waste that may be contained, it
also results in a container 10 that has to be shipped and stored
having a large portion of its volume comprised mostly of air. Thus,
a balance needs to be met in providing a container 10 with
effective and efficient volumes of waste receptacle and dispensing
space.
[0065] One embodiment that works at striking a balance for
efficient use of container space incorporates a waste chute 33, as
shown in FIG. 3. The waste chute 33 is integrated part of the
container 10 that is "moveable" in that its position, or location,
is capable of being changed in a way that increases the waste
receptacle volume. As shown in FIG. 3, the waste chute 33 may
incorporate a portion of the front panel 15 that may be pulled out
of the plane of the front panel 15 to form a waste receptacle
opening 23 with access to the waste receptacle space 24. The waste
chute 33 illustrated in FIG. 3 is shown to tilt out of the plane of
the front panel 15, but the waste chute 33 could alternatively be
more like a drawer that is pulled out of the plane of the front
panel 15 or other configurations in which a portion of the
container may be moved in such a way to increase the waste
receptacle volume.
[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the waste chute 33
is an integral part of the front panel 15. The waste chute 33 is
pivotally associated with the container 10 along a pivot fold 39
such that the chute 33 may be pivotally extended out from the
container 10 into an open configuration, relative to the container
10, and returned to its original closed configuration, relative to
the container 10. The "closed configuration" of the container 10 is
the relative arrangement of the waste chute 33 and container 10
where the waste chute 33 is in such position to substantially
prevent access to the waste receptacle space 24. The waste chute 33
in a closed configuration will substantially close off access to
the waste receptacle opening 23. The front face of the waste chute
33 will be substantially in the same plane as the front panel 15
when in the closed configuration.
[0067] The chute 33 of FIG. 3 is shown as part of front panel 15
and having chute side panels 35. The chute side panels 35 help
ensure that the used articles 19 are contained within the waste
receptacle space 24 of the container 10. The chute side panels 35
may be formed from portions of the side panels 17 that are
separable from the rest of the side panel 17 or they may be
separate portions of material that have been attached to the front
face of the chute 33. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the
chute side panels 35 may be an accordion-folded panel 55 that
compresses when the chute 33 is in a closed configuration and
extends when the chute 33 is in an open configuration, rather than
a panel that slides out from the container 10, as in FIG. 3.
[0068] Additionally, the chute side panels 35 may include chute
stops 45 which prevent the chute 33 from pulling out of the
container 10 by arresting the pivotal extension of the chute by
coming to rest against the inner surface of the front panel 15 when
the chute 33 is pivotally pulled into an open configuration.
[0069] The container 10 is prepared to receive used articles 19, by
pulling the waste chute 33 into the open configuration. By pulling
out the top edge 34 of the chute 33, the chute 33 will pivot along
the pivot fold 39 to extend the chute out from the body of the
container 10. In the open configuration the waste chute 33 is in a
substantially cantilevered position in that the chute 33 is
supported at the pivot fold 39 while the top edge 34 of the chute
is extended out from the body of the container 10. With the chute
33 in the open configuration the waste receptacle opening 23 is
opened and the waste receptacle space 24 becomes accessible.
[0070] Alternatively to the waste chute 33 being an integral part
of the container, the waste chute 33 may be a separate member that
is attached with a hinge along where the pivot fold 39 is present
in FIG. 3. Such a chute 33 would operate in the same manner as
described above.
[0071] The addition of a chute 33 to the container 10 effectively
increases the waste receptacle space 24. When in an open
configuration, the waste receptacle space 24 is increased by the
additional volume supplied by the opened chute 33. This allows for
the container 10 to be delivered to the consumer in a closed
configuration with a waste receptacle volume that is the same or
possibly smaller than the dispensing volume. When the consumer
places the container in its desired location and pulls open the
waste chute 33 into an open configuration, prior to dispensing the
articles, an adequate waste receptacle volume can be achieved.
[0072] An additional benefit that may be realized with the use of a
waste chute 33 is the capability of compressing the waste materials
within the waste receptacle space 24 prior to disposal of the
container 10. As discussed earlier, a plurality of used articles 19
will take up a greater amount of volume than the same articles 12
had when stacked together prior to being dispensed. However, such
used articles 19 can be compressed together into a smaller volume
by closing the waste chute 33 into a closed configuration and thus
reducing the waste receptacle volume.
[0073] The closing of the waste chute 33 also encloses the used
articles 19, keeping them away from the consumer or custodial staff
that is disposing the used container 10. The used container 10 can
be assisted in maintaining a closed configuration by including a
closing tab 37 on the waste chute 33 that can engage a closing slot
38 on the container 10 to keep the waste chute 33 in a closed
configuration. The closing tab 37 may instead be located on body of
the container with the closing slot 38 on the waste chute 33. Other
similar methods could be used to engage the waste chute 33 with the
container 10 to keep the container in a closed configuration 10.
One skilled in the art would understand how adhesive, tape,
buttons, snaps, hook and loop, and other closure means could be
used to close the container 10.
[0074] Another embodiment that addresses the efficient use of the
interior space 39 prior to dispensing the articles is shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment the container 10 is made up of a
hollow outer shell 63 and a hollow inner shell 61 that is
telescopically engaged with the outer shell 63. As used herein, the
term "telescopically engaged" refers to the fact that the inner and
outer shells 61, 63 slide past each other similar to a collapsible
telescope. With such a design the container 10 can be shipped to
the consumer in a telescopically compact configuration with the
inner shell 61 fully inside the outer shell 63. When the consumer
is ready to mount the container 10 where it is desired to dispense
the articles 12, the inner shell 61 is pulled out from the outer
shell 63 into a telescopically extended configuration. In the
telescopically compact configuration the waste receptacle space 24
may be the same or smaller than the dispensing space 22, but then
the waste receptacle space 24 is increased to an adequate volume by
pulling the inner shell 61 into a telescopically extended
configuration.
[0075] To keep the inner shell 61 from being completely removed
from the outer shell 63, a pair of inner shell stops 71 and outer
shell stops 73 can be located proximate the open ends of the inner
and outer shells 61, 63. Such stops 71, 73 can be designed to work
together to prevent the shells 61, 63 from being completely pulled
apart from each other. One skilled in the art would see that there
are other possible designs that could be used on one or both of the
shells to prevent the shells from being pulled apart.
[0076] Additionally, as with the embodiments of the container 10
with a waste chute 33, the telescopically engaged inner and outer
shells 61, 63 also allow for compacting of the used articles 19
within the waste receptacle space 24. Once all the articles 12 have
been dispensed, the outer shell 63 may be pressed down on the inner
shell 61, thus compressing the waste materials contained within the
container 10. Again, this allows for a smaller container 10 to be
disposed.
[0077] Other containers 10 with different configurations of
relative positions of waste receptacle space 24 and dispensing
space 22 are contemplated as within the scope of this invention and
are a matter of design preference. Additionally, containers 10
having both telescopically engaged inner and outer shells 61, 63
and a waste chute 33 are also contemplated as within the scope of
the invention.
[0078] The container 10 is additionally designed to non-permanently
attach to a support surface. As used here, the term
"non-permanently" refers to the characteristic that the container
may be quickly attached to a substantially vertical support
surface, easily detached, and quickly reattached to the same
surface or a different surface, repeatedly, during the limited,
single-use life of the container 10.
[0079] The non-permanent nature of the attachment of the present
container 10 is in contrast to the permanent or semi-permanent
nature of traditionally installed dispensers. Traditional
dispensers are often bolted, or otherwise secured, to the wall in
such a way that relocation of such a dispenser takes time,
modification of the wall that one wishes to attach the dispenser,
and repair to the wall from which such a dispenser has been
removed. Such traditional dispenser are intended to remain where
installed for a long period of time (i.e., until the dispenser is
non-functional or otherwise needs to be replaced with another
traditional dispenser). It is intended that with such permanent or
semi-permanent installation a traditional dispenser cannot be
removed from the wall without significant effort. The intention of
the non-permanent nature of the attachment of the container 10 of
the invention is that the container 10 be easily and quickly
attached and removed from support surfaces with minimal, if any,
damage or alteration to such a surface.
[0080] The support surface may be any surface that when a container
10 is affixed to it will allow the articles to be dispensed close
to the site the user wishes to use the article. Such a support
surface in most cases will be a door or a wall adjacent to a door.
However, other non-limiting examples of such a support surface may
be a post, a pole, a dispenser affixed to a wall or embedded into a
wall, or the like.
[0081] The manner in which the container 10 is affixed to the
vertical support surface must be non-permanent in nature. However,
the means for attachment must also be strong enough and configured
in such way that the container 10 is secured to the surface while
articles are dispensed from the container 10.
[0082] In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the container 10 is
non-permanently affixed to a surface 135 by multiple attachment
strips 130 on the back panel 18 of the container 10. The attachment
strip 130 may be any type of material that will affix the container
10 to the surface 135, but will allow the container 10 to be
removed from the surface 135, repositioned, and reaffixed to the
surface 135.
[0083] For example, the attachment strip 130 may be a
pressure-sensitive adhesive or any other type of adhesive, as are
well known, that would work for such purposes. Such an adhesive
strip may be protected by a peel strip that covers the adhesive
until the user wishes to affix the container 10 to a surface 135.
Such an adhesive may be applied directly to the back panel 18 of
the container 10 or may be in the form of two-sided adhesive tape.
In another example, the attachment strip may be a hook or a loop
material that affixes to corresponding loop/hook material on the
surface 135 the container 10 is to be affixed.
[0084] The attachment strips 130 are illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B
as two strips located on the back panel 18; one near the lower
panel 14 and one near the upper panel 16. The attachment strips 130
may be of any shape, any dimension and in any position, relative to
each other and to the back panel 18, that would securely affix the
container 10 to the surface 135 during dispensing. For example, the
attachment strips may be larger, smaller, vertically aligned, or
otherwise configured on the back panel 18. Instead of two
attachment strips 130 there may be more than two strips or there
may be just one attachment strip.
[0085] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a back tab 141 for affixing the
container 10 to a surface 135. As shown, a portion of the back
panel 18 may be adapted to be released from the back panel 18 along
a line of weakness 143 in the back panel 18. Such a line of
weakness 143 may be perforations, scoring or other similar method
of providing weakness in the material. The back tab 141 may then be
folded out of the plane of the back panel 18 and used to affix the
container to the surface 135. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A
and 9B, the back tab 141 has multiple receiving openings 145 which
may be holes present in the back tab 141 or may be perforations in
the back tab 141 where the back tab material may be removed. Such a
receiving opening 145 may be attached to a mounting bracket 147
that is present on the surface 135. Instead of utilizing receiving
openings 145, the back tab 145 may utilize an attachment strip.
Such an attachment strip may be located on the interior of the
container 10 until the back tab 145 is folded out of the plane of
the back panel 18, to affix the container 10 to the surface 135.
Alternatively, a combination of the back tabs 141, attachment
strips 130, receiving openings 145, and mounting brackets 147 may
be used.
[0086] The back tabs 141 in FIGS. 9A and 9B are shown to be
portions of the back panel 18 that are folded out of the plane of
the back panel 18 and support the container 10 from above.
Alternatively, the back tabs 141 may be formed out of one or more
portions side panels 17 that is folded back out of the plane of the
side panel 17 and affixes the container 10 to the surface 135. The
back tabs 141 may also be formed out of a combination one or more
portions of the back panels 18 and the side panels 17.
[0087] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the
container 10 is affixed to the surface 135 by a mounting connector
157 that connects with a receptor 155 on the back panel 18 of the
container 10. The receptor 155, may be holes in the back panel 18,
holes that may be made in the back panel 18 by removing portions of
the back panel 18 defined by perforations (as shown in FIG. 10A),
or other means that will work in concert with the mounting
connector 157 to affix the container 10 to the surface 135. For
example, the back panel 18 may include a receptor 155 that will
affix to mounting connector 157 that is recessed in the surface
135. In another example, the receptor 155 may be a magnetic
material that will affix to a surface 135 made of metal or to a
magnetic mounting connector 157.
[0088] Finally, the mounting connector 157 may be a bracket
attached to the surface 135 designed such that the entire container
10 slips inside of or is otherwise wholly supported by the
bracket.
[0089] As an added feature, the container may also include
instruction indicia to instruct as to how the container should be
used. The term "instruction indicia", as used herein, means any
word(s), numeral(s), line(s), symbol(s), picture(s), and/or
combination(s) thereof, and so forth, which indicate the manner in
which the container 10 is to be properly used. Such instruction
indicia may be located at the appropriate locations on the
container 10 itself or may be included along with the container 10.
Non-limiting examples of such instruction indicia may include
symbols printed on the front panel 15 of the container 10 or may be
pictures and words printed on a card that is packaged and shipped
with the container 10.
[0090] Instruction indicia could be used to instruct a consumer or
custodial staff the proper manner to affix the container 10 to a
support surface, to configure the container 10 prior to dispensing,
to configure the container 10 for disposal, to properly dispose of
the container 10, and/or to replace a used container 10 with a new
container 10. Alternatively, or additionally, the instruction
indicia could include instructions to users regarding the manner to
dispense articles 12 from the container 10 and dispose of the used
articles 19 back into the container 10.
[0091] Instruction indicia may also be included to encourage use of
the dispenser. For example, in the case of a container 10 used to
dispense tissue for use in opening door handles, instruction
indicia could include instruction as to the proper use of the
container and the tissues along with information regarding
preventing contact transmission of germs and viruses. These
examples are not intended to be limiting, other types of
instruction as to the use of the container 10 may be indicated by
the instruction indicia.
EXAMPLE
[0092] In one exemplary embodiment, the container may dispense
folded tissues for use in opening of doors. The container would be
of particular use in areas where it is undesirable to handle a door
handle, door knob or door push plate with bare hands. The container
10 may be located on the door or on a wall next to the door. In
either case the container 10 would be proximate to the part of the
door that needs to be manipulated. The person wishing to pass
through the door without handling the door with a bare hand can
remove a tissue from the container 10 and use the tissue as a
barrier between the door and their hand while manipulating the door
open. Once the door has been opened the user can dispense of the
tissue through the waste receptacle opening 23 of the container
10.
[0093] Such a container for door handling could be as shown in FIG.
1. The container 10, as shown, may have a back panel 18 that is
approximately 5.5 inches (140 mm) wide and approximately 15 inches
(381 mm) tall. A front panel 15 may be approximately 5.5 inches
(140 mm) wide and approximately 13.5 inches (343 mm) tall. The
container 10 may be approximately 5.5 inches (140 mm) deep. The
tissues enclosed in such a container 10 could be 4.5 inches (114
mm) by 4.5 inches (114 mm) and stacked into a stack approximately 4
inches (102 mm) tall. The remainder of the interior of the space of
the container 10 would comprise the waste receptacle space 24 of
the container 10.
[0094] The dispensing opening 21 may be located and centered on the
lower panel 14, as shown in FIG. 1, and be approximately 3.5 inches
(89 mm) by approximately 1 inch (25 mm) in size. The waste
receptacle opening 23 may include a portion of both the upper panel
16 and the front panel 15. Such a waste receptacle opening 23 may
occupy approximately 3 inches (76 mm) by 3 inches (76 mm) of space
on the upper panel 16 and approximately 4 inches (102 mm) by 3
inches (76 mm) of space on the front panel 15.
* * * * *