U.S. patent application number 11/490631 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for open top dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to James E. Nash, Craig Thompson.
Application Number | 20080017659 11/490631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38957096 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080017659 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nash; James E. ; et
al. |
January 24, 2008 |
Open top dispenser
Abstract
A dispenser has a primary cavity having first and second sides
and an open end and a closed end, the open end allowing for the
insertion and the removal of a pad of notes. The dispenser also
includes a base defining the closed end of the dispenser; front and
rear portions, each portion having first and second ends and
opposing inside and outside surfaces, the front and rear portions
disposed on the base such that the second end of each portion is
proximate to the base, the front portion comprises a slot extending
from the first end to the second end; and a biasing mechanism
disposed proximate the rear portion.
Inventors: |
Nash; James E.;
(Bloomington, MN) ; Thompson; Craig; (Inver Grove
Heights, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
38957096 |
Appl. No.: |
11/490631 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/0817 20130101;
B42D 5/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/59 |
International
Class: |
B65H 1/08 20060101
B65H001/08 |
Claims
1. A dispenser having a primary cavity having first and second
sides and an open end and a closed end, the open end allowing for
the insertion and the removal of a pad of notes, the dispenser
further comprising: a base defining the closed end of the
dispenser; front and rear portions, each portion having first and
second ends and opposing inside and outside surfaces, the front and
rear portions disposed on the base such that the second end of each
portion is proximate to the base, the front portion comprises a
slot extending from the first end to the second end; and a biasing
mechanism disposed proximate the rear portion.
2. The dispenser of claims 1 wherein the biasing mechanism lies
between the inside surfaces of the front and rear portions.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising first an internal
wall proximate to the first side of the primary cavity forming a
secondary cavity and a second internal wall proximate to the second
side of the primary cavity extending from the inside surface of the
rear portion.
4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the front and rear portions
are joined at side seams proximate to first and second sides of the
primary cavity.
5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the front and rear portions
are formed integrally.
6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the front portion, rear
portion, and base are formed integrally.
7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the slot in the front portion
is wider near the first end than near the second end.
8. The dispenser of claim 1 made from materials selected from the
group consisting of wood, plastic, and metal.
9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the plastic is selected from
the group consisting of ABS and polystyrene.
10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism
comprises: an arm having means for attaching the mechanism; a plate
extending from the arm, the plate having opposing side edges and
opposing mounting and supporting surfaces; a spring disposed on the
inside surface of the rear portion, the spring in contact with the
supporting surface of the plate and biasing the plate towards the
inside surface of the front portion.
11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plate further comprises a
pair ribs extending from the side edges.
12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism
comprises a plate having opposing side edges, a top edge, and
opposing mounting surface and support surfaces; a hinge extending
from the interior surface of the rear portion; a pin extending from
the side edges of the plate proximate to its top edge, the pin in
communication with the hinge; a torsion spring mounted on an
extension disposed proximate to the hinge, the torsion spring
having two arms, the first arm contacting the interior surface of
the rear portion, the second arm contacting the support surface of
the plate.
13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the rear portion comprises
means for attaching the dispenser to a surface.
14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the means for attaching the
dispenser to a substrate is releasable adhesive strips.
15. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the first portion further
comprises a pair of guides extending of its internal surface, the
distance between the guides being smaller than the distance between
first and second internal walls.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the primary cavity holds 4
inch by 4 inch or 3 inch by 3 inch pad of repositionable notes.
17. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a pad of
repositionable notes, the notes stacked in a z-stacked
configuration.
18. The dispenser of claim 1 having a length of about 5.5 inch,
height of about 3.63 inch, and a depth of about 1 inch.
19. The dispenser of claim 18 wherein the primary cavity has a
length of about 4.25 inch and the secondary cavity has a length of
about 1 inch.
20. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the front
portion and back portion is translucent.
Description
FILED OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an open top dispenser. In
particular, the present invention relates to a dispenser that
allows for easy loading and reloading of pads of repositionable
notes of different sizes. The dispenser is particularly suited for
dispensing repositionable notes in a z-stacked configuration.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Repositionable paper notes are used widely today. Some notes
are assembled in a z-stacked (also referred to as "fan fold")
construction. In such a construction, the note, typically square,
but can also be rectangular, or special die cut shaped, has
opposing front and back surfaces. On the back surface, along an
edge or region of the note is a stripe of repositionable adhesive.
The front of the note may contain a release coating. The notes are
stacked so that the adhesive stripe of each note is positioned on
alternating ends of the pad of notes. Commercially available pads
of repositionable notes are available from 3M Company under the
Post-it.RTM. brand.
[0003] There are a wide variety of dispensers for pads of
repositionable notes. Examples of commercially available dispensers
include those from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn., such as the
Designer Series Pop-Up Notes Dispenser, DS440-VP or DS330-VA for 4
by 4 inch or 3 by 3 inch notes respectively, the Professional
Design Pop-Up Notes Dispenser, PRO440-VP or PRO330 for 4 by 4 inch
or 3 by 3 inch notes respectively. 3M also offers a Professional
Design Pop-Up Dispenser PRO331-RB for 3 by 3 inch note with a pen
holder where the dispenser is mountable on a vertical surface.
These dispensers offer attractive designs and are functional.
[0004] There is a continuing need for different dispensers for the
market place.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect, the invention pertains to a dispenser having
a primary cavity having first and second sides and an open end and
a closed end, the open end allowing for the insertion and the
removal of a pad of notes. The dispenser further comprises a base
defining the closed end of the dispenser; front and rear portions,
each portion having first and second ends and opposing inside and
outside surfaces, the front and rear portions disposed on the base
such that the second end of each portion is proximate to the base,
the front portion comprises a slot extending from the first end to
the second end; and a biasing mechanism disposed proximate the rear
portion.
[0006] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides
the user with the versatility of using differently sized pads of
repositionable notes. In one exemplary application, the dispenser
is mounted on a vertical surface and has a cavity for holding
writing instruments providing the user with added convenience.
[0007] Most commercially available dispensers require two motions
or steps to load a pad of repositionable notes, such as, e.g., one
motion to open a cover and a second motion to load the pad.
Alternatively, one motion is used to depress a plunger in the
dispenser and another motion is used to slide in the pad. One
advantage of present invention is that it allows the loading of the
pad in one motion, simply by sliding the pad into the opening of
the dispenser. The sliding action simultaneously depresses a plate
on the biasing mechanism and loads the pad, as further explained in
detail below.
[0008] In this document, the term "about" is presumed to modify all
numerical values.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention can be better described with reference to the
following drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a partial fragmented view of an exemplary biasing
mechanism for use with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6a is a side cross sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 2 taken along line 6a-6a;
[0016] FIG. 6b is a side cross sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 6a loaded with a pad of notes;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
loaded with a pad of notes and utensils; and
[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial fragmented view of another exemplary
biasing mechanism for use with an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0019] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
[0020] These figures are idealized, are not drawn to scale, and are
intended merely for illustrative purposes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary dispenser 1
having base 10, front portion 20 and rear portion 30 together
forming primary cavity 12 having first side 50a and second side
50b. The front portion has first edge 23 defining the open end of
the dispenser, second edge 24 and opposing inside surface (not
shown) and outside surface 21. Similarly, the rear portion has
first edge 33 defining the open end of the dispenser, second edge
34, and opposing inside surface 32 and outside surface 31. The
front portion includes first front portion 20a and second front
portion 20b divided by slot 28. Optionally, the first and second
front portion includes aperture 28a and 28b respectively. The slot
extends from first edge 23 to second edge 24. The front and rear
portions are disposed on the base such that the second edge of each
portion 24, 34 respectively lie proximate to the base thereby
defining the closed end of the dispenser. Proximate to the first
side of the dispenser lies internal wall 13 extending from rear
portion. The presence of the internal wall forms secondary cavity
14.
[0022] In this particular embodiment, the front and rear portions
are separate components joined together at side seams 50a and 50b.
In another exemplary embodiment, the front and rear portions are
formed as an integral unit. In yet another exemplary embodiment,
the front and rear portions and the base are formed as an integral
unit. Optionally, the front and or back portion can be made with
translucent materials and can further include indicia and or
graphics. FIG. 1 also shows exemplary biasing mechanism 40 that can
be used in the present invention. As further described below, the
biasing mechanism biases a pad of notes (not shown) against the
inner surface of front portion 20.
[0023] FIGS. 2, 5, 6a and 6b show various views of the dispenser of
FIG. 1 and particularly to biasing mechanism 40. The dispenser has
a length dimension L and a depth dimension D. As can be seen in
FIG. 6a, when the dispenser is not loaded with a pad of
repositionable notes, biasing mechanism extends from inside surface
32 of rear portion 30 to inside surface 22 of front portion 20 to
bias a pad of repositionable notes against the inside surface of
the front portion. FIG. 5 better shows the biasing mechanism, which
includes arms 42 having means for attaching the mechanism to the
rear portion. One exemplary means for attaching the mechanism
include pins 44 adapted for engagement with opening 35 in the rear
portion. Extending from the arm is plate 46 having opposing
mounting surface 46a and support surface 46b. Optionally, ribs 49
extend from the edge of plate 46. In one embodiment, the ribs are
spaced to accommodate a specific size pad of repositionable notes,
such as a pad of 3 inch by 3 inch notes. The ribs help control the
shuttling of the pad during dispensing. In another embodiment to
control the shuttling of the pad, in place of or in addition to
ribs 49, the dispenser may further include a pair of guides
disposed in the interior surface of the front portion spaced to
accommodate a specific size pad of repositionable notes. Spring 48,
disposed on inside surface 32 of the rear portion, supports and
biases the plate towards the front portion. When pad 70 of
repositionable notes is inserted into the dispenser, the plate
moves from its first position of less compression (shown in FIG.
6a) to its second position of more compression (shown in FIG.
6b).
[0024] Disposed on outside surface 31 of the rear portion is means
for attaching the dispenser to a surface, such as work surfaces,
walls, refrigerator doors, and the like. This particular embodiment
shows that one exemplary means for attaching the dispenser is a
composite 60 having releasable adhesive strip 62 and hooking
devices 64 that would mate with complementary hooking devices
pre-attached to the surface. Exemplary releasable adhesive strip
products are available from 3M Company under the Command.TM. brand
of product lines.
[0025] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of another exemplary biasing
mechanism that can be used for the dispenser of the present
invention. The biasing mechanism includes plate 146 having mounting
surface 146a and opposing support surface (not shown). A pair of
pins 144 extend from opposing side edges 146c and 146d near top
edge 146b of the plate. The pins are adapted for engagement with a
pair of hooks 135 extending from the interior surface of the rear
portion in the primary cavity. The pins and hooks together create a
hinge. Torsion spring 148, having a central coil mounted on
extension 149, has two arms, the first arm contacting inside
surface 132 of rear portion 130 and a second arm contacting the
support surface of the plate. The extension upon which the torsion
spring is lies mounted between the hooks.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows a front plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 1
having a height dimension H. Aperture 28a in first front panel 20a
and aperture 28b in second front panel 20b provides decorative
features to the dispenser, especially where a multicolored pad of
notes is used. For example, a pad of notes may contain alternating
blue color and green color notes, so that as a blue note is being
dispensed a green note can be seen. In this way, the dispenser
provides a decorative design element to its environment. Slot 28,
rounded at first edge 23, has a spacing dimension S.sub.1 at the
first edge. Away from first edge 23, the walls of the slot become
substantially straight and have a spacing dimension S.sub.2
approaching second end 24 of the front portion. As shown, S.sub.1
is greater than S.sub.2. The wider width of the slot near the first
edge of the dispenser aids loading the pad of notes as the first
note can be funneled into the slot at the wider radius opening. In
yet another embodiment, the slot has a dimension where the spacing
S.sub.1 is smaller than the spacing S.sub.2 so that there slot has
a necked down region near top edge 23 of the front portion.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 1
showing an exposed surface of the base 10 having an oblong shape
with rounded sides. Other shapes can be used, such as, but not
limited to, rectangles.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
loaded with pad of repositionable notes 70 where first note 71
extends through the slot. Writing utensils 80 have been inserted
into the secondary cavity. The pad of repositionable note has two
opposing edges that contain stripes of repositionable adhesive on a
backside of each note. The pad is loaded into the dispenser such
that the stripes of repositionable adhesive is substantially
parallel to the slot.
[0029] FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of another embodiment of the
invention. For ease of understanding, the dispenser is shown
without a biasing mechanism and without a means for attaching the
dispenser to a surface. First internal wall 113 lies proximate to
first side 150a to form secondary cavity 114. The internal wall
extends from the inside surface of the rear portion towards the
front portion. In another embodiment, the internal wall extends
from the inside surface of the rear portion to the inside surface
of the front portion. In one application, the secondary cavity can
be used to hold writing instruments, such as pens, markers, and the
like. Optionally, second internal wall 115 can be added proximate
second side 150b. Optionally, a pair of guides 125 extend from
internal surface 122 of front portion 120. In one embodiment, the
distance between the first and second internal walls accommodates a
specific pad size, such as, e.g., a pad of 4 inch by 4 inch
repositionable notes. In one embodiment, the front portions are
translucent. In such a case, it may be desirable not to have
internal walls 113 and 115 that extend from the rear portion to be
in contact with front portions.
[0030] The dispenser can be made of a variety of materials
including, plastics, metals, and woods. Suitable plastic materials
include, but not limited to, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
polymer) and polystyrene.
[0031] In one embodiment, the dispenser has a length L of 51/2
inch, a height H of 3.63 inch, and a depth D of 1 inch. The
dispenser has a first internal wall disposed 1 inch from its first
side (depicted schematically as L.sub.2 in FIG. 9) such that the
primary cavity is 41/2 inches. The dispenser has a second internal
wall disposed 1/4 inch from its second side (depicted schematically
as L.sub.3 in FIG. 9). The distance between the first and second
internal walls is 4.125 inch. The dispenser also has a pair of
guides, extending from the interior surface of the front portion,
spaced 3.125 inches apart. In this way, this particular dispenser
is capable of holding two sizes of pads of repositionable notes, a
4 inch by 4 inch pad and a 3 inch by 3 inch pad.
[0032] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it is understood that these embodiments
are merely illustrative of the many possible specific arrangements
that can be devised in application of the principles of the
invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be devised in
accordance with these principles by those of ordinary skill in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to
the structures described in this application, but only by the
structures described by the language of the claims and the
equivalents of those structures.
* * * * *