U.S. patent application number 11/712776 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for aperture for dispensing wipes.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Donna Barker, Stefano Bartolucci, Yarron Bendor, Marcia Cole-Yocom, Rached Menif, Johannes Lambertus Maria Mensink.
Application Number | 20070215632 11/712776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38238184 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070215632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bendor; Yarron ; et
al. |
September 20, 2007 |
Aperture for dispensing wipes
Abstract
The present invention relates to provide a dispensing aperture
for a container comprising vertically stacked wipes, which provides
improved sequential dispensing of the contained wipes while
permitting enhanced accessibility to the wipes within the
container.
Inventors: |
Bendor; Yarron; (Scottsdale,
AZ) ; Cole-Yocom; Marcia; (Scoottsdale, AZ) ;
Barker; Donna; (Mesa, AZ) ; Bartolucci; Stefano;
(London, GB) ; Mensink; Johannes Lambertus Maria;
(Tervuren, BE) ; Menif; Rached; (Longuevill,
BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION - WEST BLDG.
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 412, 6250 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
38238184 |
Appl. No.: |
11/712776 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60783003 |
Mar 16, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/42 20130101;
A47K 10/426 20130101; B65D 83/0894 20130101; A47K 10/421 20130101;
A47K 2010/3266 20130101; B65D 83/0805 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/63 |
International
Class: |
B65H 1/00 20060101
B65H001/00 |
Claims
1. A dispensing aperture (1) for a container (2) comprising
vertically stacked wipes (3), wherein said dispensing aperture (1)
comprises at least three flaps (4) extending substantially towards
the interior of said dispensing aperture (1), and wherein said
dispensing aperture (1) is provided in a plane (5) defined by said
container (2) which forms an angle of at least about 20 degrees
with a virtual vertical plane.
2. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said
plane (5) forms an angle of from about 30 to about 90 degrees with
a virtual vertical plane.
3. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said
plane (5) forms an angle of from about 80 to about 90 degrees with
a virtual vertical plane.
4. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said
plane (5) is substantially orthogonal with a virtual vertical
plane.
5. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1, wherein said
container (2) comprises a body portion (7) and a cover member (8)
attached thereto.
6. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 5, wherein said
body portion (7) has a substantially rectangular shape.
7. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 5, wherein said
cover member (8) is in the form of a substantially rectangular
box-like body comprising a top wall (9), a front wall (10), a back
wall (11), a pair of sidewalls (12) and an open bottom defining a
cavity for receiving edges of the stack of wipes (3).
8. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 7 wherein said
dispensing aperture (1) is provided in said top wall (9), and
wherein the upper edges of said vertically stacked wipes (3) are
placed near or in contact with said top wall (9) and adjacent to
said dispensing aperture (1).
9. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 5, wherein said
cover member (8) is removably mounted in said body portion (7).
10. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said at
least three flaps (4) extend from opposite sides of said dispensing
aperture (1).
11. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 10 wherein said
opposite flaps (4) are tapered.
12. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 10 wherein said
opposite flaps (4) are inclined with an angle of from about -90
degrees to about 90 degrees with respect to said plane (5).
13. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said at
least three flaps (4) are offset and co-planar.
14. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said at
least three flaps (4) are co-linear and non-adjacent to each
other.
15. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein each of
said flaps (4) has a tip (13) terminating the flap before an edge
of an opposing side of said aperture.
16. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said
dispensing aperture (1) is provided with a substantially ovoid
shape having a central longitudinal axis (X-X).
17. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 14 wherein said at
least three flaps (4) are substantially orthogonal to said central
longitudinal axis (X-X).
18. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 10 wherein said
opposite flaps (4) are provided with a length such that said
opposite flaps (4) are not in contact with each other.
19. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said
dispensing aperture is in communication with a secondary aperture
(14).
20. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said
container (2) further comprises a hinged lid (6) intended to
sealingly cover said dispensing aperture (1).
21. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 20 wherein said
lid (6) is provided with a fastening means.
22. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said
container (2) further comprises a spring element.
23. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said
wipes (3) are interleafed.
24. A dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1 wherein said
wipes (3) are pre-moistened with a cleaning lotion.
25. A dispensing container (2) suitable for comprising vertically
stacked wipes (3), wherein said container (2) comprises a
dispensing aperture (1) according to claim 1.
26. A dispensing container (2) according to claim 25 which is a
rigid container (2).
27. A process of manufacturing a container (2) for dispensing
vertically stacked wipes (3), wherein said process comprises the
steps of: (a) providing a container (2) suitable for containing and
dispensing vertically stacked wipes (3), wherein said container (2)
defines a plane (5) which forms an angle of at least about 20
degrees with a virtual vertical plane; (b) providing a dispensing
aperture (1) located in said plane (5), wherein said dispensing
aperture comprises at least three flaps (4) extending substantially
towards the interior of said dispensing aperture (1).
28. A process of dispensing wipes (3) contained within a container
(2), wherein said process comprises the steps of: (a) providing a
container (2) suitable for containing and dispensing vertically
stacked wipes (3), wherein said container (2) defines a plane (5)
which forms an angle of at least about 20 degrees with a virtual
vertical plane; (b) providing a dispensing aperture (1) located in
said plane (5), wherein said dispensing aperture comprises at least
three flaps (4) extending substantially towards the interior of
said dispensing aperture (1); (c) disposing vertically stacked
wipes (3) inside said container (2), each wipe (3) being releasably
attached to an adjacent wipe (3); (d) partially drawing at least
one first wipe (3) through said dispensing aperture (1) by reaching
therethrough; (e) withdrawing said at least one first wipe (3) from
said container (2); (f) separating said at least one first wipe (3)
from said adjacent wipe (3), whereby said adjacent wipe (3) is
prevented from falling back inside said container (2) by said at
least three flaps (4); and (g) repeating steps (e) and (f) until
all the wipes (3) contained within said container (2) are depleted.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/783,003 filed on 16 Mar. 2006.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to containers for dispensing
wipes. More specifically, the invention is directed to a pop-up
dispensing aperture for a container containing vertically stacked
wipes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Containers for dispensing wipes, and in particular
pre-moistened wipes, are well known in the art. Wipes are typically
supplied as a stack in sheet form from a generally
rectangular-shaped box or dispenser. The dispenser has an opening,
typically at the top, through which individual wipes are removed by
the user. Wipes may also be stacked and packaged in a refill
softpack.
[0004] Early wipe dispensers were of the "reach-in type". The user
had to insert his or her fingers through the dispensing opening,
grasp a wipe, and pull it out through the dispensing opening.
[0005] Over time, the desire for increased convenience led to
sequential or pop-up dispensers. In such dispensers, a wipe usually
extends through the dispensing opening to an elevation above that
of the dispenser package. The user simply grasps the exposed
portion of the wipe, without the necessity of inserting fingers
through the dispensing opening. In order to facilitate the removal
of the wipes from the dispenser, the wipes are interfolded, which
means that the wipes are folded into one-another, so that they form
a chain of wipes being interconnected by folded portions. In this
manner, when removing the top wipe from the stack of wipes and
pulling the wipe completely through the dispensing opening in the
dispensing box, the pulled-out wipe will automatically bring a
portion of the next wipe in the stack through the opening thereby
making it readily available for gripping and removing form the
dispenser.
[0006] One problem frequently encountered in the pop-up dispensing
packages of the prior art is the transition from the reach-in
dispensing mode in which the product is shipped to the pop-up
dispensing mode which is preferred by the consumer. The dispensing
opening must be large enough to allow the consumer to reach his or
her fingers therethrough to grasp the wipe and begin the pop-up
dispensing process. On the other hand, the dispensing opening must
be small enough to constrict the wipes dispensed therethrough, so
that a wipe may be separated from the succeeding wipes.
[0007] A partial solution to the above-mentioned drawbacks has been
provided with for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,491, which
discloses a canister-type dispensing device. However, the latter
does not provide satisfactory accessibility to the contained wipes
and the force required for the dispensing operation may be regarded
as excessive by some users.
[0008] Another solution is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,001
which describes a dispensing package for tissues comprising a
dispensing opening having a large aperture in connection with a
arcuate second smaller aperture. Still another solution is
suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,025 disclosing a container for
stacked tissue sheets comprising a dispensing opening provided with
elongated projections. Although these solutions partially alleviate
the above-mentioned drawbacks, the disclosed dispensing openings
are strictly designed to function with horizontally stacked wipes
and the associated dispensing containers tend to occupy excessive
surface on the shelves or on cupboards. This partially explains why
consumers generally prefer vertically standing packages.
[0009] Incidentally, the problem of accessing the initial wipe is
particularly exacerbated in the case of vertically standing
packages as the corresponding vertically stacked wipes typically
provide even less grabbing surface than in the case of horizontally
stacked wipes.
[0010] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to
provide a dispensing aperture for a container comprising vertically
stacked wipes, which provides improved sequential dispensing of the
contained wipes while permitting enhanced accessibility to the
wipes within the container.
[0011] It has now been found that this objective can be met by
providing a dispensing aperture 1 for a container 2 comprising
vertically stacked wipes, wherein the dispensing aperture 1
comprises at least three flaps 4 extending substantially towards
the interior of the dispensing aperture 1, and wherein the
dispensing aperture 1 is provided in a plane 5 defined by the
container 2 which forms an angle of at least about 20 degrees with
a virtual vertical plane.
[0012] Advantageously, the dispensing aperture 1 according to the
present invention provides the user with a completely safe wipe
dispensing experience, without the danger of finger injury. Also,
the dispensing aperture 1 of the present invention allows the user
with a better viewing of the content of the container 2 and permits
quick determination of the number of wipes 3 remaining within the
container 2.
[0013] A further advantage associated with the dispensing aperture
1 according to the present invention is that it is operable with
low dispensing force both with wet and dry wipes 3. Also, the
dispensing aperture 1 of the present invention efficiently prevents
the dispensed wipes 3 from falling back through the dispensing
container 2 during the dispensing process.
[0014] It is still another advantage that, due its particular
configuration and shape, the dispensing container 2 associated with
the dispensing aperture 1 of the present invention is substantially
thin profile, substantially flat, lightweight, easy to stack, and
occupies less space per volume of wipes 3 enabling more effective
storage and transport.
[0015] It is still a further benefit that the dispensing aperture 1
of the present invention performs with low failure rate and
provides in particular reduced "roping", which is a phenomenon
associated with most of the prior art dispensing openings wherein
more than one wipe is dispensed through at a time.
[0016] Other advantages and more specific properties of the
dispensing aperture 1 according to the present invention will be
clear after reading the following description of the invention in
combination with the attached drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention relates to a dispensing aperture 1 for
a container 2 comprising vertically stacked wipes 3, wherein the
dispensing aperture 1 comprises at least three flaps 4 extending
substantially towards the interior of the dispensing aperture 1,
and wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is provided in a plane 5
defined by the container 2 which forms an angle of at least about
20 degrees with a virtual vertical plane.
[0018] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a dispensing container 2 suitable for comprising vertically stacked
wipes 3, wherein the container 2 comprises a dispensing aperture 1
as above-defined.
[0019] In still another embodiment, the present invention
encompasses a process of manufacturing a container 2 for dispensing
vertically stacked wipes 3, wherein the process comprises the steps
of: (a) providing a container 2 suitable for containing and
dispensing vertically stacked wipes 3, wherein the container 2
defines a plane 5 which forms an angle of at least about 20 degrees
with a virtual vertical plane; (b) providing a dispensing aperture
1 located in the plane 5, wherein the dispensing aperture 1
comprises at least three flaps 4 extending substantially towards
the interior of the dispensing aperture 1.
[0020] The present invention is further directed to a process of
dispensing wipes 3 contained within a container 2, wherein the
process comprises the steps of: (a) providing a container 2
suitable for containing and dispensing vertically stacked wipes 3,
wherein the container 2 defines a plane 5 which forms an angle of
at least about 20 degrees with a virtual vertical plane; (b)
providing a dispensing aperture 1 located in the plane 5, wherein
the dispensing aperture 1 comprises at least three flaps 4
extending substantially towards the interior of the dispensing
aperture 1; (c) disposing vertically stacked wipes 3 inside the
container 2, each wipe being releasably attached to an adjacent
wipe; (d) partially drawing at least one first wipe through the
dispensing aperture 1 by reaching therethrough; (e) withdrawing the
at least one first wipe from the container 2; (f) separating the at
least one first wipe from the adjacent wipe, whereby the adjacent
wipe is prevented from falling back inside the container 2 by the
at least three flaps 4; and (g) repeating steps (e) and (f) until
all the wipes 3 contained within the container 2 are depleted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a dispensing container 2
comprising a dispensing aperture 1 according to the invention,
wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is provided with three flaps
4.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a dispensing container 2
comprising a dispensing aperture 1 according to another embodiment
of the invention, wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is provided in
a plane 5 which is substantially orthogonal with a virtual vertical
plane.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a dispensing container 2
comprising a dispensing aperture 1 according to another embodiment
of the invention, wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is provided
with four flaps 4.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a dispensing container 2
comprising a dispensing aperture 1 according to another embodiment
of the invention, wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is provided
with seven flaps 4.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a dispensing container 2
comprising a dispensing aperture 1 according to another embodiment
of the invention, wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is in
communication with a secondary aperture 14.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a dispensing container 2
comprising a dispensing aperture 1 according to another embodiment
of the invention, wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is in
communication with an alternative secondary aperture 14.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of an aperture
according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the flaps
4 are not co-planar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] For the purposes of promoting and understanding the
principles of the present invention, reference will be made to the
embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. While this invention is susceptible
of embodiments in many different forms, this specification and the
accompanying drawings discloses specific forms as examples of the
invention. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to
the embodiment so described.
[0029] In a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a dispensing aperture 1 for a container 2 comprising vertically
stacked wipes 3, wherein the dispensing aperture 1 comprises at
least three flaps 4 extending substantially towards the interior of
the dispensing aperture 1, and wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is
provided in a plane 5 defined by the container 2 which forms an
angle of at least about 20 degrees with a virtual vertical
plane.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a dispensing container 2 comprising a
dispensing aperture 1 according to the invention and provided with
three flaps 4, is represented. The embodied dispensing container 2
is further provided with a lid 6 in an open position to expose the
dispensing aperture 1.
Container 2
[0031] In accordance with the present invention, and as illustrated
in the accompanying drawings, the dispensing container 2 typically
comprises a body portion 7 having a generally upright and
open-ended shape for receiving and holding wipes 3. Preferably,
said body portion 7 comprises a lower closed end for supporting
said body portion 7, and an upper open end delimiting a dispensing
opening.
[0032] Suitable body portions 7 are well known in the art of wipe
packaging. Body portion 7 for use in the present invention are
preferably relatively rigid, such as that described e.g. in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,905,025 or in WO-A-2005/091981. Typically, rigid or
semi-rigid body portions 7 are made from thermoformed material,
molded plastic, polymeric material, metallized or laminate
structures, lined paperboards or cardboard materials.
Alternatively, a suitable body portion 7 for use herein may be made
from flexible material such as a multilayered polymeric film.
[0033] The body portion 7 for use in the present invention being
preferably rigid, the disclosure herein will be primarily directed
towards rigid embodiments of the present invention, but it is not
so limited. Preferably, said body portion 7 is constructed from
lightweight thermoplastic material.
[0034] Rigid body portions 7 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention may have virtually any suitable
configuration, form or dimension for accommodating vertically
stacked wipes 3. Suitable shapes for the body portion 7 of the
present invention include but are not limited to cylindrical or
upright rectangular.
[0035] In a preferred execution of the present invention, the body
portion 7 for use herein is substantially rectangular in shape, and
defines a substantially rectangular profile (see FIG. 1). Preferred
body portion 7 defines an upper open end and has a bottom wall
joined to a front and rear wall, and a pair of sidewalls.
[0036] The body portion 7 forms an internal space or pocket for
housing the vertically stacked wipes 3 contained within the
dispensing container 2. The wipes 3 may be packaged in the
dispensing container 2 in any convenient configuration which allows
easy removal of a single or multiple wipes 3 from the dispensing
container 2.
Cover Member 8
[0037] The dispensing container 2 for use in the present invention
preferably further comprises a cover member 8.
[0038] Cover member 8 for use herein, may virtually have any
suitable configuration, form or dimension for accommodating the
upper open end of the body portion 7. Suitable configuration for
the cover member 8 will be readily recognized by those skilled in
the art. Suitable shapes for cover member 8 for use in the present
invention include, but are not limited to, cylindrical box-like
body or rectangular box-like body.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as
represented in FIG. 1, the cover member 8 is in the form of a
substantially rectangular box-like body comprising a top wall 9, a
front wall 10, a back wall 11, a pair of sidewalls 12 and an open
bottom defining a cavity for receiving edges of the stack of wipes
3.
[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention (not
represented), the cover member 8 is an integral part of the body
portion 7 which permanently covers the upper open end of said body
portion 7. According to this execution of the present invention,
the cover member 8 is totally integrated within the structure of
the body portion 7 such as no delimitation exists between those two
parts. A dispensing container 2 according to this embodiment will
preferably include a separate loading opening (not represented) so
as to permit the dispensing container 2 to be loaded with a set of
vertically stacked wipes 3.
[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover member 8 is a
separate element from the body portion 7, which is preferably
removably mounted in the upper open end of said body portion 7. The
cover member 8 may be easily removed to permit access to the
interior of the body portion 7, and therefore remove any wipe not
drawn through the dispensing container 2 or refill the body portion
7 with a new set of vertically stacked wipes 3. Typically, the
cover member 8 is press fit into the upper open end of the body
portion 7.
Dispensing Aperture 1
[0042] As above-indicated, the dispensing aperture 1 according to
the present invention is provided with at least three flaps 4
extending substantially towards the interior of said dispensing
aperture 1, and wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is provided in a
plane 5 defined by the container 2 which forms an angle of at least
about 20 degrees with a virtual vertical plane.
[0043] The dispensing aperture 1 according to the present invention
may virtually have any suitable configuration, form or dimension
for accommodating the dimension and shape of the cover member 8 as
well as the characteristics of the wipe material. Suitable
configuration for the dispensing aperture 1 for use herein will be
readily recognized by those skilled in the art.
[0044] According to a highly preferred execution, and as
represented in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the dispensing aperture 1
according to the invention is provided with a substantially ovoid
shape having a central longitudinal axis (X-X). While preferred
shapes and sizes of the dispensing apertures 1 are represented in
the accompanying drawings, other configurations may be used within
the confines of the invention.
[0045] As above-mentioned, the dispensing aperture 1 according to
the present invention is provided in a plane 5 defined by the
container 2 which forms an angle of at least about 20 degrees with
a virtual vertical plane. Preferably, the dispensing aperture 1 of
the present invention is provided in a plane 5 defined by the
container 2 which forms an angle of from about 30 to about 90
degrees, more preferably from about 80 to about 90 degrees, with a
virtual vertical plane (see FIG. 1; FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). In a highly
preferred execution of the invention, the dispensing aperture 1 is
provided in a plane 5 which is substantially orthogonal with a
virtual vertical plane. This specific embodiment is represented in
FIG. 2, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispensing aperture
1 according to the present invention is located in said cover
member 8. Even more preferably, but not necessarily, the dispensing
aperture 1 is provided in the top wall 9 of said cover member
8.
[0047] The dispensing aperture 1 according to the present invention
further comprises at least three flaps 4 extending substantially
towards the interior of said dispensing aperture 1.
[0048] Flaps 4 for use herein may virtually have any suitable
configuration, form or dimension for accommodating the dimension
and shape of the dispensing aperture 1 as well as the
characteristics of the wipe material. Suitable configuration for
the flaps 4 for use herein will readily be recognized by those
skilled in the art. However, flaps 4 for use herein shall extend
substantially towards the interior of said dispensing aperture
1.
[0049] By "extending substantially towards the interior of said
dispensing aperture", it is meant herein that the main axis of each
flap points substantially towards the opening created by said
aperture and not towards the direction opposite to the opening
created by said aperture.
[0050] It has been surprisingly discovered that by providing a
dispensing aperture 1 comprising at least three flaps 4 extending
substantially towards the interior of said dispensing aperture 1,
and wherein the dispensing aperture 1 is provided in a plane 5
defined by the container 2 which forms an angle of at least about
20 degrees with a virtual vertical plane, a number of benefits is
obtained, including improved access to the wipe 3, improved reach
into the container 2, improved visibility of the wipes 3 and
reduced failure rate during the dispensing process, and reduced
dispensing force. In particular, the improved access to the
container 2 makes the removal of the first and the last wipe 3 much
easier, particularly in the case of pre-moistened wipes 3.
[0051] Also, the provision of at least three flaps 4 to the
dispensing aperture 1 of the present invention efficiently prevents
the dispensed wipes 3 from falling back through the dispensing
aperture 1 and into the dispensing container 2.
[0052] According to a highly preferred execution, and as
represented in the accompanying drawings, the flaps 4 for use
herein are preferably in the form of elongated protrusions or
fingers. The purpose of said flaps 4 is to provide a gripping
action so as to allow dispensed wipes 3 to be retained in the
normal course of dispensing operation and being prevented from
falling back through the dispensing aperture 1 and into the
dispensing container 2.
[0053] More specifically, when the first wipe is being pulled out
through the aperture, the flaps 4 will be slightly raised upwards
by the wipe. The pulled-out wipe will automatically bring a portion
of the next wipe out through the dispensing aperture 1, where it
will pass between the flaps 4. As the first wipe is removed, the
following wipe will be held in position and prevented from falling
back into the container 2 by the gripping action of the flaps 4.
Therefore, the flaps 4 shall be sufficient flexible to allow a wipe
to be pulled out, while at the same time being sufficiently stiff
to retain the wipe and prevent it from falling back into the
container 2.
[0054] Accordingly, the thickness and stiffness of suitable
material used for making the flaps 4 shall be selected to match the
properties of the dispensed wipes 3. Preferably, the flaps 4 are
tapered to be as less damaging as possible for the wipes 3.
[0055] The at least three flaps 4 or protrusions for use herein may
be attached to the inner or outer surface of the top wall 9 in a
suitable configuration and using suitable means of attachment.
[0056] Suitable configuration and suitable means of attachment will
be readily recognized by those skilled in the art of dispensing
packaging. Alternatively, and according to a preferred execution,
said flaps 4 may be integrated into the top wall 9 itself, by e.g.
making the flaps 4 integrally part of the top wall 9. This may be
realized by having the flaps 4 punched or cut in said to-become top
wall 9.
[0057] According to a preferred execution of the present invention,
the at least three flaps 4 extend from opposite sides of said
dispensing aperture 1. According to this specific execution, the
dispensing aperture 1 of the present invention comprises two sets
of opposing flaps 4, as represented e.g. in FIG. 4.
[0058] Suitable configurations and arrangements of the at least
three flaps 4 comprised in said dispensing aperture 1 may take
various forms depending upon the desired effect, the intensity of
the gripping action and the properties of the wipe material. Those
will be easily recognized by the persons skilled in the art of
dispensing packaging.
[0059] Preferably, the at least three flaps 4 are placed in the
same plane (co-planar). In a preferred execution, flaps 4 for use
herein are disposed in an overlapping arrangement, i.e. the flaps 4
extending form opposite directions are placed in between each other
(see FIG. 4 or FIG. 5). According to this specific embodiment, the
at least three flaps 4 are offset and co-planar.
[0060] In another preferred embodiment, said at least three flaps 4
are inclined with an angle of from about -90 degrees to about 90
degrees with respect to the plane 5 wherein said dispensing
aperture 1 is provided in. According to this execution, the flaps 4
are said non co-planar, as represented in FIG. 7.
[0061] Alternatively, the flaps 4 may be placed in a
non-overlapping configuration such as represented in FIG. 3,
wherein said at least three flaps 4 are facing with each-other.
According to the execution embodied in FIG. 3, at least two flaps 4
from opposite sides of said dispensing apertures 1 are co-linear
and adjacent to each other. In an alternative execution represented
in FIG. 4, said at least three flaps 4 are co-linear and
non-adjacent to each other. Still another alternative execution of
the dispensing aperture 1 according to the invention is represented
in FIG. 6, wherein said at least three flaps 4 are non co-linear
and offset.
[0062] In the specific embodiment wherein the at least three flaps
4 are co-linear, it is preferred that the latter be substantially
orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis (X-X) of said
dispensing aperture 1.
[0063] Although said at least three flaps 4 may be provided with
various shape and size, it is preferred that each of said flaps 4
has a tip 13 terminating the flap before an edge of an opposing
side of said aperture, preferably before the tip 13 of an opposing
flap. According to this preferred execution, said opposite flaps 4
are provided with a length such that said opposite flaps 4 are not
in contact with each other at any moment.
[0064] According to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the dispensing aperture 1 is in communication with a
secondary aperture 14, as represented in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
[0065] The dispensing aperture 1 and the secondary aperture 14 may
be co-planar or non co-planar, preferably non co-planar.
[0066] Preferably, said secondary aperture 14 is larger than said
dispensing aperture 1. More preferably, the dispensing aperture 1
and the secondary aperture 14 are in communication with each other
via a guiding channel 15, preferably a V-shaped guiding channel, as
represented in FIG. 6. According to a preferred execution of this
alternative embodiment of the present invention, the secondary
aperture 14 shall be adapted so as to permit the user to insert a
finger and grab onto the leading edge of a wipe 3 contained within
the dispensing container 2.
[0067] According to a very preferred execution, the secondary
aperture 14, is located in the front wall 10 and partially extends
over the top wall 9 of said cover member 8. As for the dispensing
aperture 1, it is located in the top wall 9 of said cover member 8.
In a highly preferred embodiment, the configuration of the
dispensing aperture 1, the secondary aperture 14 and the guiding
channel 15 is such that part of said at least three flaps 4 are
formed from said guiding channel 15 reaching into said dispensing
aperture 1.
[0068] While preferred shapes and sizes of the dispensing and
secondary apertures 14 are represented in the accompanying
drawings, other configurations may be used within the confines of
the invention.
[0069] In a preferred execution, the edges of the dispensing
aperture 1 and the secondary aperture 14 are provided with a soft
material so that neither the wipe nor the user's finger may be
caught or damaged when drawing the wipe from the dispensing
container 2.
Lid 6
[0070] The container 2 for use herein may optionally, but
preferably, comprise a lid 6 intended to cover the cover-member,
the contained dispensing aperture 1, and if present the secondary
aperture 14 (see e.g. FIG. 1).
[0071] A lid 6 for use herein may virtually have any suitable
configuration, form or dimension for accommodating the dimension
and shape of the cover member 8 as well as the characteristics of
the contained wipes 3. Suitable lid 6 for use herein will easily be
recognized by those skilled in the art of packaging.
[0072] Preferably, the lid 6 for use in the present invention is
capable of providing air-tight sealing with respect to the content
of the dispensing container 2. The lid 6 is typically constructed
from the same material as the body portion 7, preferably of
lightweight molded thermoplastic. The body portion 7 and the lid 6
may be manufactured from a single mold therefore lowering
production costs.
[0073] The lid 6 is preferably attached to the body portion 7 via a
suitable articulation means, which is preferably a hinge or any
hinge-type assembly commonly known in the art. When deployed in the
open position, the cover member 8 is exposed. The lid 6 may
preferably include any fastening means commonly known in the art,
in order to securely close the lid 6 and to keep the wipes 3 from
drying out, when pre-moistened wipes 3 are contained within the
dispensing container 2. According to a preferred aspect of the
invention, the lid 6 is further provided with a gripping means,
which is preferably a finger grip. Any gripping means commonly
known in the art may be used in the context of the present
invention. In a very preferred embodiment, the gripping means is
especially adapted to provide suitable gripping by pinching with
two fingers.
[0074] The exterior configuration of the lid 6 for use herein may
be varied as desired for aesthetic appearance. The latter may be
e.g. provided with incrustations, serrations, grooves, indentations
or any other operation commonly know in the art.
Spring Element
[0075] As another optional, but preferred feature, the container 2
for use herein may further include a spring element (not
represented), preferably in the form of a leaf spring. The leaf
spring is intended to press the wipes 3 toward one wall of the body
portion 7 and toward the upper end of the body portion 7. The leaf
spring substantially retains the vertically stacked wipes 3 in an
upright fixed position to help dispense preferably one wipe at a
time.
Wipe 3
[0076] As used herein, the term wipe refers to e.g. cleaning wipe,
baby wipe, facial wipe, cosmetic and/or hygiene wipe, and the like.
The intended use, however, does not limit the final product. By way
of a non-limiting example, a preferred wipe 3 for dispensing from
the container 2 of the present invention is a surface cleaning
wipe, preferably a hard surface cleaning wipe.
[0077] In a preferred execution of the present invention, the wipes
3 are pre-moistened wipes, sometimes referred to as wet wipes 3, or
towelettes. In that specific preferred embodiment of the present
invention, pre-moistened wipes 3 are impregnated with an
appropriate cleansing or cleaning lotion. In a highly preferred
embodiment, the pre-moistened wipes 3 for use in the present
invention, are impregnated with a hard-surface cleaning lotion.
[0078] Suitable lotions for use in the context of the present
invention as well as optional ingredients which may be incorporated
in said lotion are described for example in WO 03/031557 under the
paragraph entitled "Aqueous Composition" from page 12 to page
36.
[0079] As above-indicated, the body portion 7 for use herein forms
an internal space or pocket for housing the vertically stacked
wipes 3 contained within the dispensing container 2. The wipes 3
may be packaged in the dispensing container 2 in any convenient
configuration which allows easy removal of a single or multiple
wipes 3 from the dispensing container 2. Preferably, the wipes 3
are packaged stacks and are interleafed. According to any of these
configurations, each wipe 3 is releasably attached to an adjacent
wipe 3.
[0080] More preferably, the wipes 3 provided in a stacked
configuration may comprise any number of wipes 3. Typically, the
stack comprises from 2 to 150, more preferably from 5 to 100, most
preferably from 10 to 60 wipes. Moreover, the wipes 3 may be
provided folded or unfolded. Most preferably, the wipes 3 are
stacked in a folded configuration.
[0081] The stack of non-leafed or interleafed wipes 3 may be placed
directly into the body portion 7. The longitudinal axis of the
stack runs parallel to longitudinal axis of the body portion 7. The
wipes 3 can generally be described as having two opposing planar
faces and edges surrounding the perimeter of the faces. The stack
of wipes 3 is loaded vertically into the body portion 7, so that
the wipes 3 are loaded on their edge with the planar faces of the
wipes 3 facing the front and back walls of the body portion 7. The
stack of wipes 3 may be oriented in a direction such that the
planar surface and a leading edge of the wipes 3 faces the front of
the body portion 7.
[0082] When fully loaded with wipes 3, the pressure on the wipes 3
will force the uppermost edge of the wipes 3 at the front of the
container 2 to fan or pivot forward, presenting the leading edge of
the wipe that can be easily reached by the user through the
dispensing aperture 1. The user can then withdraw the wipe through
the dispensing aperture 1. According to the alternative executions
embodied in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, that user will easily reach the wipe
3 through the secondary aperture 14, and then channel the wipe 3
through the guiding channel 15 into the dispensing aperture 1, to
be withdrawn by the user from the dispensing container 2.
[0083] The user can remove the individual wipe 3 from the edge of
the stack by grasping an edge of a wipe 3 rather than grasping the
middle of the planar surface of the wipe 3. Once an interfolded
wipe 3 is dispensed, a second interfolded wipe 3 pops up through
the dispensing aperture 1. In contrast to prior art dispensing
container 2 and methods, the wipe 3 is peeled or slid away from the
rest of the stack of wipes 3, rather than unleaving the wipe 3 as
in other containers and methods. The front wipe 3 is pulled at the
leading edge of the wipe in a direction parallel to the direction
of the wipe 3. This makes it easier to dispense one wipe 3 at a
time. Depending on the fold pattern of the wipes 3, the cover
member 8 permits a single wipe 3 at a time to dispense with the
next wipe's tail trailing or the cover member 8 may be rethreaded
for each use.
[0084] In use, and according to a highly preferred execution of the
present invention, the lid 6 may be flipped open by the user to
expose the wipe drawn through the dispensing aperture 1 in the
cover member 8. If the wipe 3 is not exposed, the user may either
grasp one of the wipes 3 through the dispensing opening of the
cover member 8, or temporarily remove the cover member 8 to gain
access to the interior of the dispensing container 2. Similarly,
when the dispensing container 2 is empty, it may be refilled by
removing the cover member 8, inserting the refill stack of
vertically configured wipes 3, and replacing the cover member 8
followed by drawing of the wipe through the dispensing aperture 1,
respectively.
[0085] According to an alternative execution of the invention,
wherein the cover member 8 is integrally part of the body portion
7, the dispensing container 2 will preferably include a separate
loading opening (not represented), preferably a bottom loading
opening so as to permit the dispensing container 2 to be refilled
with a new set of vertically stacked wipes 3.
[0086] Once the wipe has been removed, the lid 6 may be securely
snapped closed to conveniently store or transport the wipe
dispensing container 2 until next use. The wipe may be dispensed
whether the container 2 is positioned horizontally or vertically on
a surface or within a drawer.
A Process of Manufacturing a Container 2 for Dispensing Vertically
Stacked Wipes 3
[0087] In another embodiment, the present invention encompasses
process of manufacturing a container 2 for dispensing vertically
stacked wipes 3, wherein the process comprises the steps of: [0088]
(a) providing a container 2 suitable for containing and dispensing
vertically stacked wipes 3, wherein the container 2 defines a plane
5 which forms an angle of at least about 20 degrees with a virtual
vertical plane; [0089] (b) providing a dispensing aperture 1
located in the plane 5, wherein the dispensing aperture 1 comprises
at least three flaps 4 extending substantially towards the interior
of the dispensing aperture 1.
A Method of Dispensing Wipes 3 Contained within a Container 2
[0090] The present invention is further directed to process of
dispensing wipes 3 contained within a container 2, wherein the
process comprises the steps of: [0091] (a) providing a container 2
suitable for containing and dispensing vertically stacked wipes 3,
wherein the container 2 defines a plane 5 which forms an angle of
at least about 20 degrees with a virtual vertical plane; [0092] (b)
providing a dispensing aperture 1 located in the plane 5, wherein
the dispensing aperture comprises at least three flaps 4 extending
substantially towards the interior of the dispensing aperture 1;
[0093] (c) disposing vertically stacked wipes 3 inside the
container 2, each wipe 3 being releasably attached to an adjacent
wipe 3; [0094] (d) partially drawing at least one first wipe
through the dispensing aperture 1 by reaching therethrough; [0095]
(e) withdrawing the at least one first wipe from the container 2;
[0096] (f) separating the at least one first wipe 3 from the
adjacent wipe 3, whereby the adjacent wipe 3 is prevented from
falling back inside said container 2 by the at least three flaps 4;
and [0097] (g) repeating steps (e) and (f) until all the wipes 3
contained within the container 2 are depleted.
Dispensing Container 2
[0098] In still a further embodiment, the present invention is
directed to a dispensing container 2 suitable for comprising
vertically stacked wipes 3, wherein the container 2 comprises a
dispensing aperture 1 as herein-described.
[0099] Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been
described in detail for purposes of illustration, various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be
limited, except as by the appended claims.
[0100] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited values and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0101] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
[0102] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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