U.S. patent application number 11/612825 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for personal care product dispenser.
Invention is credited to Ari Tao Adler, Jonathan Belfort, Jared Alden Judson.
Application Number | 20080142539 11/612825 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39202996 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080142539 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adler; Ari Tao ; et
al. |
June 19, 2008 |
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT DISPENSER
Abstract
The present invention is directed to devices suitable for
storing an assembly of multiple personal care products and
individually dispensing the personal care products from the
assembly, where the devices include a compartment for storing the
assembly of personal care products, a mechanism for dispensing the
personal care products slidingly engaged with the compartment
between a storage position and a dispensing position, and a member
for applying pressure to a bottom surface of the assembly of
products.
Inventors: |
Adler; Ari Tao; (Cambridge,
MA) ; Belfort; Jonathan; (Cambridge, MA) ;
Judson; Jared Alden; (Topsfield, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIP S. JOHNSON;JOHNSON & JOHNSON
ONE JOHNSON & JOHNSON PLAZA
NEW BRUNSWICK
NJ
08933-7003
US
|
Family ID: |
39202996 |
Appl. No.: |
11/612825 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/0817 20130101;
A61F 15/002 20130101; A61F 15/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/239 |
International
Class: |
B65H 15/02 20060101
B65H015/02 |
Claims
1. A device suitable for storing and dispensing personal care
products, each personal care product of which is placed one upon
the other so as to provide an assembly comprising a plurality of
said personal care products, said plurality of personal care
products comprising a first personal care product, a second
personal care product and multiple other personal care products
disposed between said first and second personal care products, said
device comprising: a compartment for storing said assembly, means
for dispensing said personal care products; and means for applying
pressure to a bottom surface of said assembly for advancing said
plurality of personal care products in a vertical direction towards
said dispensing means after said first personal care product has
been dispensed, said means for applying pressure disposed proximate
said bottom surface of said assembly.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising means for distributing
said pressure substantially equally across said bottom surface of
said assembly.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said distributing means is
disposed between said assembly and said means for applying
pressure.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said compartment comprises a
cartridge having a first side wall disposed parallel to a
longitudenal axis of said cartridge and a second side wall disposed
parallel to and spaced apart from said first side wall, a third
wall disposed parallel to a horizontal axis of said cartridge
transverse to and between said first and second side walls, and a
fourth wall disposed parallel to and spaced apart from said third
wall and between said first and second side walls, each of said
walls comprising an internal surface proximate said assembly once
disposed within said cartridge, and an external surface opposite
said first surface, said first and second side walls further
comprising a projection disposed on said internal surfaces thereof
for maintaining said assembly in a first horizontal position, and
said third and fourth walls disposed along said longitudinal axis
so as to maintain said assembly in a second longitudinal position,
whereby said assembly is maintained in a third position within said
cartridge for dispensing said first personal care product.
5. The device of claim 2 further comprising a floor removably
attached to said cartridge, said means for applying pressure
disposed between said distributing means and said floor.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for applying pressure
comprises at least one spring member.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for applying pressure
comprises a mid-point and first and second end-points, where the
distance between said base and said mid-point is less than the
distance between said base and said first and second end-points,
respectively.
8. The device of claim 3 wherein said means for applying pressure
comprises a spring and said distributing means comprises a
platform.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said compartment comprises a
cartridge having a first side wall disposed parallel to a
longitudenal axis of said cartridge and a second side wall disposed
parallel to and spaced apart from said first side wall, a third
wall disposed parallel to a horizontal axis of said cartridge
transverse to and between said first and second side walls, and a
fourth wall disposed parallel to and spaced apart from said third
wall and between said first and second side walls, each of said
walls comprising an internal surface proximate said assembly once
disposed within said cartridge, and an external surface opposite
said first surface, said first and second side walls further
comprising a projection disposed on said internal surfaces thereof
for maintaining said assembly in a first horizontal position, and
said third and fourth walls disposed along said longitudinal axis
so as to maintain said assembly in a second longitudinal position,
whereby said assembly is maintained in a third position within said
cartridge for dispensing said first personal care product.
10. The device of claim 9 further comprising a floor removabley
attached to said cartridge, said spring disposed between said
distributing means and said floor.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for applying pressure
comprises a base, a first spring member, a second spring member,
and a third spring member, wherein the distance between said base
and a point on said first spring member fartherst from said base is
less than the distance between said base and a point on said second
and third spring members farthest from said base, respectively
12. The device of claim 1 further comprising said assembly disposed
within said compartment.
13. The device of claim 2 further comprising said assembly disposed
within said cartridge.
14. The device of claim 7 further comprising said assembly disposed
within said cartridge, said assembly comprising a mid-portion and
an end-portion, wherein the height of said mid-portion is greater
than the height of said end-portion.
15. The device of claim 11 further comprising said assembly
disposed within said cartridge, said assembly comprising a
mid-portion, a first end-portion and a second end-portion, wherein
the height of said mid-portion is greater than the height of said
first and second end-portions, respectively.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to devices suitable for
storing an assembly of multiple personal care products and
individually dispensing the personal care products from the
assembly contained within the device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Personal care products such as adhesive bandages and
patches, sanitary pads, panty liners, cleansing and cosmetic wipes
and the like, may be packaged in bulk within boxes or plastic bags.
In some cases, individual products contained within the packaging
are contained within their own envelope, or cover, so as to require
removal of the envelope prior to use by the consumer. Such bulk
packaging may become damaged during storage by the consumer, in
which case the individual products may become disorganized or
damaged, such that they are lost or discarded prior to being used.
Additionally, in order to carry multiple products in, for instance,
a vehicle or personal handbag, or to maintain a supply of products
in, for instance, ones office or place of employment, one either
must carry the entire package of products, or carry and store
multiple products loosely and unprotected. This again may lead to
loss or damage of product prior to use.
[0003] U.S. patent application Publication No. U.S. 2005/0133524 A1
describes a device for packaging and dispensing stacked items, e.g.
cosmetic wipes, which device includes a box that contains a first
portion, e.g. a cover, and a second portion, e.g. a drawer, that is
movable relative to the first portion between a retracted position
and an extended position, and a stack of items disposed in the
second portion. The first portion includes a drive member
configured to press against the stack of items while the second
portion is being moved toward the retracted position and to entrain
an item in contact with the drive member to a remainder of the
stack in order to enable the item to be grasped by a user.
[0004] In devices disclosed in U.S. 2005/0133524 A1, the drawer
comprises first and second hinged portions interconnected by a
hinge. The drawer thus may be in an opened position for loading the
products into the drawer, and a closed position when placed in the
cover for use. The first portion includes a bottom wall and a front
wall that slopes upwards and forwards to form a ramp. The second
portion comprises a frame and a rear wall which, when the drawer is
in the closed position inside the cover, extends rearwards and
downwards, at an angle of inclination relative to the bottom wall
which is substantially the same as the angle of inclination of the
ramp.
[0005] When in the closed position inside the cover, the relative
position of the first and second portions form an opening in the
second portion through which the products may be directed by the
drive member of the cover.
[0006] While such devices permit storage and dispensing of such
products, the construction, operation and methods of making such
devices are complex. In addition, once driven through the slot in
the second portion by the drive member for access by the user,
there is no apparent way that the devices would permit a product to
be returned to the drawer for subsequent use in the event the user
elects not to use the product at that time, thus resulting in
wasted product. There thus is a need for improved packaging devices
suitable for storing and dispensing personal care products that
provide not only more convenient and efficient storage of the
products, but also that aid in dispensing the personal care
products contained within the improved packaging. There also is a
need for improved products that are suitable for use in such
devices. Devices of the present invention provide such advantages
by providing improved compartments for storage of multiple personal
care products, improved, convenient and efficient means for
dispensing individual products from the storage compartments and
improved products suitable for use in such devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to devices suitable for
storing and dispensing personal care products, each personal care
product of which is placed directly upon the other so as to provide
an assembly comprising a plurality of personal care products. The
devices include a compartment for storing the assembly of the
plurality of personal care products and means for dispensing the
personal care products. The plurality of personal care products
includes a first personal care product, a second personal care
product and multiple other personal care products disposed between
the first and second personal care products. The device includes
means for applying pressure to a bottom surface of the assembly and
is proximate the bottom surface. The applied pressure advances the
plurality of products in a vertical direction towards the
dispensing means after the first personal care product has been
dispensed. The first personal care product is proximate the
dispensing means, such that it may be contacted and dispensed by
the dispensing means upon operation of the device.
[0008] The storage compartment and the means for dispensing are
slidingly engaged between a first storage position and a second
dispensing position. When the assembly is disposed within the
compartment and upon movement of the device from the first storage
position to the second dispensing position, a first portion of the
first personal care product is contacted by the dispensing member
and directed to the opening of the dispensing means, such that the
product may be accessed and easily removed from the device by the
consumer. In certain embodiments, one may return the device to the
storage position without having removed the exposed first personal
care product, thus leaving the first personal care product in place
for removal at a later time. This is an advantage in avoiding
wasted product where the consumer may unintentionally expose the
first product, or it is determined after exposing the first product
that it is not needed at the time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a device according to the
present invention in a closed position.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device in FIG. 1 shown
in an open position and depicting an assembly of personal care
products in phantom disposed within the device.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device of
FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of advancing means 30 of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the advancing means in FIG. 3 shown
in a compressed position.
[0014] FIG. 5A is a top view of a cartridge used in devices
according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the cartridge of FIG. 5A.
[0016] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a floor as seen in FIG.
2.
[0017] FIG. 6A is a top view of a male connector used in devices of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the male connector of FIG.
6A.
[0019] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a personal care product
utilized in assemblies and devices of the present inventions.
[0020] FIG. 7B is a side view of the personal care product shown in
FIG. 7A.
[0021] FIG. 7C is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a
personal care product utilized in assemblies and devices of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7D is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a
personal care product utilized in assemblies and devices of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7E is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a
personal care product utilized in assemblies and devices of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8A is a side view of personal care products of the
present invention having overlapping release liners.
[0025] FIG. 8B is a side view of alternate embodiments of personal
care products of the present invention having abutting release
liners.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a side view of the personal care product of 7B in
cooperation with the dispensing means of FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an alternate device
according to the present invention in a closed position.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an unassembled device
depicted in FIG. 10.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective bottom view of the dispensing means
of the device of FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Devices according to the present invention are suitable for
both storing and dispensing personal care products from an assembly
of such products disposed within the device. Each individual
personal care product may be placed one upon the other so as to
provide the assembly comprising a plurality of the personal care
products, e.g. a stack of products. Once having considered the
contents hereof, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the
first personal care product may be considered as either the top or
the bottom of the assembly, depending on the orientation of the
assembly with respect to the storage compartment and the dispensing
means.
[0032] In certain embodiments, the plurality of personal care
products comprises a top personal care product located at the top
of the assembly of products, a bottom personal care product located
at the bottom of the assembly of products, and multiple personal
care products disposed between the top and bottom personal care
products. In such cases, the bottom surface of the bottom personal
care product may provide a bottom surface of the assembly. Upon
operation of the device by sliding, or extending, the storage
compartment and the dispensing means longitudinally away from each
other from the storage position, where the device is closed, to the
dispensing position, where the device is opened, the top personal
care product is conveniently exposed through an opening in the
dispensing means such that the consumer may easily take hold of and
remove the personal care product from the device. The device is
then returned to the closed storage position, whereby it is ready
to dispense the next personal care product that has advanced to the
top of the assembly.
[0033] Personal care products useful in the present invention are
substantially planar in construction. As used herein, substantially
planar means that, while the products are three-dimensional, the
length and width are substantially greater than the thickness of
the personal care product, such that the product is relatively
thin. The product is relatively flexible to the point that it may
be manipulated or bent by the dispensing means to expose the top
product upon operation of the device, but is relatively rigid as
well to prevent the product from binding or sticking within the
device. The actual dimensions of the personal care product will
vary depending on the particular type of product and the dimensions
of the device used to store and dispense the products. Personal
care products may have a length of from about 40 to about 60
millimeters, a width of from about 20 to about 30 millimeters, and
a thickness of from about 0.2 to about 2 millimeters.
[0034] Certain types of personal care products mentioned herein,
for example bandages, patches, sanitary napkins, panty liners, or
wipes may be contained within individual envelopes, or wrappers,
and thus may be isolated one from the other within the bulk
packaging of the products. In other embodiments of the present
invention, individual personal care products used to form the
assemblies utilized in the present invention are free of such
individual wrapping in order to take advantage of the improved
convenience and efficiencies of such devices. In such embodiments,
personal care products used according to the present invention are
in direct contact with one another once assembled for placement
within the storage compartment and thus are not isolated one from
the other by individual wrapping. In certain embodiments, the
personal care product is selected from the group consisting of an
adhesive bandage, a transdermal patch, a sanitary pad, a
pantyliner, and personal wipes, such as cleansing and/or cosmetic
wipes. The personal wipes may include and deliver to the skin
additives commonly used for cleansing, disinfecting, or providing
general cosmetic benefits, for example, soaps, lotions, fragrances,
and antibacterial or antimicrobial agents. Transdermal patches may
include active agents commonly used and delivered by such patches.
The products may be used with or without release liners and may be
folded onto themselves where appropriate. Adhesive bandages may
include a hydrocolloid bandage comprising a backing layer and an
absorbent hydrocolloid layer, with or without an additional
absorbent fibrous pad, or bandages having a backing layer and an
absorbent pad layer, such as a woven or nonwoven fibrous or
non-fibrous pad. The personal care products may be made from
conventional materials, including backing materials, adhesives,
woven or non-woven substrates or fabrics, and absorbent pads.
Conventional release liners, for example, silicone coated kraft
paper, polystyrene coated paper, polyethylene sheet release liners
and the like, may be utilized where appropriate.
[0035] The personal care products suitable for use in the present
inventions comprise a first portion extending between a fold line
and the distal end of the personal care product, and a second
portion extending between the fold line and the proximate end of
the personal care product. As used herein the fold line of the
personal care product is that point, or area, along the
longitudinal axis of the personal care product where the first
portion of the product will bend, or fold, in a direction towards
the dispensing means when it is contacted thereby. The fold line
need not be a physical element of the product itself, such as a
pre-formed crease or indentation, although such physical elements
are contemplated by the present invention. In certain embodiments
the first portion is shorter than the second portion in order to
provide more efficient interaction of the product with the
dispensing means and thus more efficient dispensing of products
from the device. The ratio of the length of the first portion to
the second portion may range from about 1:1 to about 1:5, or from
about 1:1.1 to about 1:3, or from about 1:1.2 to about 1:2, or from
about 1:1.2 to about 1:1.6, or about 1:1.4.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the personal care products will
comprise at least one release liner adjacent the bottom surface of
the product. The release liner is sized and configured such that it
may be folded over onto itself at a fold line so as to create a
first section extending between the fold line of the liner and the
proximal end of the liner and a second section extending between
the fold line of the liner and the distal end of the liner. The
first section of the liner may extend beyond the edges of the
personal care product to which the liner has been applied. The
first section will be in contact with the bottom surface of the
personal care product. The second section will be folded back upon
the first section of the release liner and may extend beyond the
end of the first section of the release liner. In certain
embodiments the second section of the liner is longer than the
first section of the liner. The difference in lengths of the first
and second sections provides for more efficient interaction of the
product with the dispensing means and thus more efficient
dispensing of products from the device. When the personal care
product includes such liner, the ratio of the length of the first
section to the second section may range from about 1:1 to about
1:5, or from about 1:1.1 to about 1:3, or from about 1:1.2 to about
1:2, or from about 1:1.2 to about 1:1.6, or about 1:1.4.
[0037] In other embodiments of the present invention as illustrated
herein, two liners may be applied to the bottom surface of, for
example, an adhesive bandage or patch. The respective liners are
folded onto themselves to form respective first and second
sections. The two liners are positioned on the bottom surface of
the bandage or patch such that there is an interface area where the
respective liners interface one with the other at or about their
respective fold lines on the bottom surface of the product. Where
the personal care product includes an adhesive layer applied to its
bottom surface, the respective liners should be positioned to avoid
significant space between the liners at the interface area in order
to prevent sticking of the product within the product assembly.
Gaps of from about 0.04 inches or greater between the respective
liners may cause such sticking. Preferably, the respective liners
abut or overlap one another at the interface area. An overlap
reduces the likelihood that the products stacked upon each other
will stick together and/or bind in the device at the time the
products are to be dispensed.
[0038] In certain embodiments as illustrated herein the personal
care products comprise a backing layer having a top layer and a
bottom surface, an absorbent layer affixed and adjacent to at least
a first portion of the bottom surface thereof, and two release
liners applied adjacent at least a portion of the bottom surface of
the backing layer and absorbent layer. The release liners may be
positioned such that the liner disposed under the first portion of
the backing layer overlaps the liner disposed under the second
portion of the backing layer at the interface area of the two
liners, as may be seen from a view taken from the side and/or
bottom surface of the respective liners. This overlap provides more
efficient dispensing of product from the device compared to a
product where the liner disposed under the second portion of the
backing layer overlaps the liner disposed under the first portion
of the backing layer at the interface area. A product using liners
constructed to create such an overlap, in combination with an
appropriate ratio of the length of the first portion of the product
to the second product, is particularly advantageous for use in
devices of the present invention.
[0039] The thickness of the personal care product at the
mid-portion and/or center of the products may be greater than the
thickness at the respective end-portions. In one case this may be
due to the presence of an absorbable layer or pad located at the
mid-portion of the product, for example a bandage. This also may be
due to the differences between the respective lengths of the first
and second portions of the products themselves, or to the
differences in the respective lengths of the first and second
sections of the liners. It also may be due to the presence of an
overlap of liners about the interface area of the respective
liners, as described and illustrated herein. The combination of an
absorbable layer or pad and an overlap of liners may provide an
even greater difference in the relative thickness of the products
at the mid- and end-portions. In certain embodiments, the products
may have a thickness of about 1.5 millimeters at the center, about
1.1 millimeters at a mid-portion between the center and end, and a
thickness of about 0.05 millimeters at the end.
[0040] Other embodiments may have consistent thickness across the
center and mid-portions of about 0.2 to about 0.3 millimeters, and
a thickness of about 0.05 at the end.
[0041] Other personal products, such as wipes, etc. may be folded
upon themselves to create a short portion and a long portion which
would interact with the dispenser as indicated above. There may be
multiple folds to obtain the desirable length ratio of first to
second portions of personal products to be dispensed. Suitable
types of folds include, but are not limited to, c-folds, z-folds
and the like.
[0042] Assemblies of personal care products according to the
present invention may be prepared by arranging the individual
products one upon the other so as to provide a vertical assembly of
the individual products, e.g. a stack of products, comprising a
first product, a second product and multiple other products
disposed between the first and second products. The first product
will be located proximate the dispensing means so that it may be
dispensed thereby when the assembly is disposed in the storage
compartment. Where the dispensing means is located at the top of
the device, the first product will be the top product. The second
product, or bottom product in this case, is located at the bottom
of and forms the bottom surface of the assembly. The number of
personal care products in such assemblies is not critical and may
range from about 5 to about 50, or from about 10 to about 25. Such
an assembly permits dispensing of individual products from devices
of the present invention.
[0043] Due to differences in the construct of certain personal care
products as described and illustrated herein, certain assemblies
will have a greater thickness at the mid-portion and/or center
point than at the end-portions of the assemblies. The difference in
height will be multiplied by the total number of products in the
assembly. The cumulative effect may be relatively substantial with
respect to the scale of the devices used to contain such assemblies
and dispense such products.
[0044] Assuming an orientation where the dispensing means is
located at the top of the device, the devices of the present
invention include a compartment for storing the assembly of
products slidingly engaged with means for dispensing the top
personal care product from the assembly contained within the
storage compartment. The storage compartment may comprise a
cartridge having distal and proximate ends, a first side wall
disposed parallel a longitudenal axis of the cartridge and a second
side wall disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the first side
wall. A third wall is disposed parallel to a horizontal axis of the
cartridge and is disposed transverse to and between the first and
second side walls, and a fourth wall is disposed parallel to and
spaced apart from the third wall and between the first and second
side walls. The configuration and size of the compartment may be
determined by the particular product being utilized within the
device of the compartment. For instance, the compartment may be in
the shape of a parallelogram, e.g. a rectangle or square.
[0045] Each of the walls of the cartridge comprise an internal
surface proximate the assembly disposed within the cartridge, and
an external surface opposite the first surface. The first and
second side walls may further comprise at least one projection
located on the internal surfaces for maintaining the assembly in a
first horizontal position along the horizontal axis. The sidewalls
may comprise a single projection of size and configuration
effective to maintain the assembly in the proper horizontal
position, or may comprise a plurality of projections spaced apart
along the longitudinal axis of the compartment.
[0046] The third and fourth walls are disposed so as to maintain
the assembly in a second longitudinal position along the
longitudinal axis. One of the walls may be located at the distal
end of the cartridge to form an end piece between the two
sidewalls. The other wall may be located near or at the proximate
end of the cartridge. The wall located near the proximate end of
the cartridge may be adjustable, for example slidable along the
longitudinal axis, so as to adapt to different lengths of personal
care products utilized in the devices. The distance between the
third and fourth walls is effective to maintain the assembly in a
proper longitudinal position. The combination of the sidewalls and
third and fourth walls serve to maintain the assembly in a third
position within the cartridge to effectively and conveniently
dispense the top personal care product.
[0047] Certain embodiments of devices according to the present
invention further comprise means for advancing the plurality of
personal care products within the compartment in a vertical
direction towards the dispensing means after the first personal
care product has been dispensed. Assuming an orientation where the
dispensing means is located at the top of the device, the means for
advancing may be disposed proximate a bottom surface of the
assembly, typically the bottom surface of the bottom personal care
product. While the means for advancing may include any mechanism
for indexing the products upwards into a position proximate the
dispensing means, certain embodiments utilize means for applying
pressure to the bottom surface of said assembly. A spring may be
used in such embodiments. The spring may be of any design suitable
for providing pressure effective to advance the products, for
instance coiled springs may be used, or a spring as illustrated in
the figures may be used. The spring may be made of plastics or
metals, such as stainless steel and the like.
[0048] Certain embodiments of devices according to the present
invention may comprise means for distributing the pressure
substantially equally across the bottom surface of the assembly of
personal care products. Equalization of pressure ensures that the
products are advanced evenly towards the dispensing means and the
assembly is maintained in proper position for dispensing. As a
result, the products do not bind when the device is operated to
dispense subsequent products.
[0049] In certain embodiments, the advancing means itself may be
constructed so as to distribute pressure across the assembly as it
advances the products towards the dispensing means. The advancing
means may comprise a spring member having a mid-point and
end-points, where the distance between the base and the mid-point
of the advancing member is less than the distance between the base
and the end points of the advancing member. In the case where the
height at the mid-portion of the product assembly is greater than
the height at the end-portion of the product assembly,
substantially equal pressure may be applied at the mid and
end-portions of the product assembly due to the construct of the
advancing member, even though the relative heights of the assembly
at the mid and end-portions may be substantially different. The
exact difference between the height at the mid and end-portions of
the advancing member will depend upon the relative difference
between the height at the mid and end-portions of the product
assembly. In certain embodiments a semi-rigid or flexible platform
may be employed. When employed, the platform is designed to flex
and conform to the varying thickness of the stack as the product is
dispensed. The platform is thin enough so that the spring causes it
to become flat and to prevent it from taking a `set` into a concave
shape when it is stored for along period of time. This allows the
last product to be kept `flat` by the platform.]
[0050] In certain embodiments a relatively rigid platform may be
employed. As used herein, relatively rigid means that the platform
has sufficient structural strength so as not to be deformed by
application of pressure by the advancing means. Such platforms may
be disposed between the assembly of products and the means for
advancing the products, thus providing substantially equal transfer
of pressure from the advancing means across the bottom surface of
the assembly. The platform is of a size and configuration that fits
within the cartridge walls. It may be of the same size and
configuration as the assembly, but it is not necessary for the
platform to mirror the assembly, i.e. it may be larger or smaller
than the assembly so long as it provides substantially equal
distribution of pressure.
[0051] The devices may further comprise a floor removably attached
to the cartridge where the means for advancing is disposed between
the assembly of products and the floor. Removal of the floor, the
advancing means and the distribution means allows replacement
assemblies to be inserted into the device. Thus, the device may be
reused once the entire assembly of products has been dispensed.
[0052] The device further comprises a male connector for
interacting with the assembly, once it is disposed within the
compartment, upon movement from the first closed position to the
second open position. The connector comprising a proximate end, a
distal end, a protrusion located towards the distal end of the
connector for lifting the first portion of the top personal care
product, and an opening located proximate and in cooperation with
the protrusion for receiving the lifted first portion of the top
personal care product upon movement from the first closed position
to the second opened position. The protrusion extends downwards
from the surface of the male connector at an angle effective to
lift the top personal care product from the assembly. The angle may
be between about 15 to 70 degrees, or from about 25 to about 60
degrees, or from about 35 to about 50 degrees. The protrusion may
be in the shape of a wedge, or any other shape effective to lift
the first portion of the top layer product. It may be molded into
the body of the male connector, or may be fixedly attached to the
bottom surface of the male connector. The first portion of the top
layer product is lifted by the protrusion and directed to the
opening, for example a slot, thus allowing the first portion of the
top product layer to be accessed by the consumer. The opening may
be in the shape of a parallelogram, a half-circle or an ovoid,
depending on the personal care product being dispensed.
[0053] The components of the device of the present invention may be
made of any suitable material known in the art and by methods known
in the art. For example, the components may be made from
polyolefins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene; polyesters,
such as polycaprolactone; polyamides, such as nylon;
[0054] polyvinyl chloride and combinations thereof. The components
may be made by injection molding or any other suitable process. The
components may be made in unitary construction, or they may be made
separately and joined through the use of adhesives, ultrasonic
welding, snap fits and the like.
[0055] Referring to the Figures, there is shown one device of the
present invention for storing and dispensing personal care
products. As seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, device 50 includes
cartridge 1 for storing a plurality of personal care products, each
placed directly one upon another to form personal care product
assembly, e.g. stack, 40, and dispensing means 20, having male
connector 22 partially disposed in shell 21. Cartridge 1 is sized
and shaped accordingly to hold assembly 40.
[0056] As seen in FIGS. 2, 5A, 5B, and 5C, cartridge 1 comprises
distal end 80 and proximal end 82, a storage compartment defined by
side walls 2a and 2b, wall 2c located at distal end 80, and wall 3
located towards proximal end 82, each wall comprising an internal
surface proximate assembly 40 when disposed within the storage
compartment, and an external surface opposite the internal surface.
Sidewalls 2a and 2b may have dovetailed cutouts 13a and 13b. The
external surface of side walls 2a and 2b may have detent bumps 11a
and 11b (not shown) to create a snap-fit between cartridge 1 and
dispensing means 20 when device 50 is in the closed, storage
position, and triangular protrusions 10a and 10b to provide a
stopping feature at the end of a dispensing motion.
[0057] The internal surface of side walls 2a and 2b may include
ribs 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d disposed at spaced-apart intervals
along the longitudinal axis of cartridge 1 to maintain assembly 40
in a first substantially centered position with respect to the
horizontal axis of cartridge 1 to provide proper alignment of
assembly 40 for dispensing top personal care product 42. Wall 3 is
positioned at a point along the longitudinal axis of cartridge 1 to
maintain assembly 40 in a second position along the longitudinal
axis of cartridge 1 to provide proper alignment of assembly 40 for
dispensing top personal care product 42. The combination of ribs
12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d and wall 3 provide alignment of the stack 40
in a third position to facilitate dispensing of top personal care
product 42.
[0058] Tabs 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, and 9f may be utilized to retain
assembly 40 in cartridge 1 until each product is individually
dispensed. Door snap cutouts 18a and 18b help to attach floor 4 to
cartridge 1 in a releasable fit. Floor 4 allows for loading and
unloading of assembly 40 in cartridge 1. Floor 4 may have door
snaps 5a and 5b which mate with door snap cut-outs 18a and 18b, and
dovetailed forks 6a and 6b, which enable the floor to be attached
to the walls at dovetailed cut outs 13a and 13b. Floor 4 may have a
spring lip 7 to keep advancing means 30 from sliding out of
cartridge 1. Floor 4 may also have centering slot 8 to mate with
centering tongue 14 to keep the parts properly aligned.
[0059] As seen in FIG. 2, platform 31 may be disposed between
assembly 40 and advancing means 30 to distribute the force applied
by advancing means 30 evenly across the bottom surface of assembly
40. Platform 31 may be made of any suitable material, such as
plastic or cardboard, and is sized appropriately to contact the
advancing means and to support assembly 40. Cartridge 1 may have
alignment ribs 15a, 15b, and 15c and a glue pad 16 for aligning
cartridge 1 with cartridge shell 17 and securing cartridge 1 in
shell 17. Cartridge shell 17 may function as a handle or grip for
sliding cartridge 1 from the closed storage position to the open
dispensing position.
[0060] As seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, advancing means 30 is disposed
between platform 31 and floor 4 and includes base 30a, spring
members 30b, 30c and 30d. Means 30 applies pressure to the bottom
surface of assembly 40 via spring members 30b, 30c and 30d, thereby
advancing the personal care products in a vertical direction
towards dispensing means 20 within cartridge 1, such that top
product 42 in assembly 40 is in a position to be contacted and
lifted by dispensing wedge 26 and directed into slot 25 of male
connector 22. The product advancing means may be any suitable
material that applies force in the vertical direction. FIG. 3
represents advancing means 30 in a fully expanded state, as would
be the case in a device prior to loading with assembly 40. FIG. 4
represents advancing means 30 in a compressed state, as would be
the case in a device having assembly 40 disposed therein.
[0061] As shown, distance d.sub.1 between base 30a and the point of
spring member 30b farthest from base 30a is less than distance
d.sub.2 between base 30a and the points of spring members 30c and
30d farthest from base 30a, respectively. This construct is
particularly advantageous where the thickness, or height, of the
product assembly at its mid-point is greater than the thickness, or
height, of the product assembly at its respective end-points. As
products are dispensed, advancing means 30 expands, resulting in an
increase of d.sub.1 and d.sub.2, to maintain substantially equal
pressure at the mid and end-points of the assembly and advancing
the next product in the assembly into a position to be
dispensed.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6A and 6B, means for dispensing the
personal care products is described. Product-dispensing means 20
contains male connector 22 having proximate end 22a disposed within
dispensing-shell 21. Male connector 22 includes wedge 26 located
adjacent distal end 22a thereof for separating and lifting first
portion 41 of top personal care product 42 from assembly 40 and
directing it into dispensing slot 25, located adjacent protrusion
26. Slot 25 provides an opening for the consumer to access first
portion 41 of the personal care product and pull it out of the
cartridge. Cap 24 is adjacent proximate end 22b of male connector
22. Cap 24 may have detent arms 27a and 27b to engage with detent
bumps 11a and 11b of the product-containing cartridge.
Dispensing-shell 21 may function as a handle or grip for sliding
dispensing means 20 during operation of the device. Alignment ribs
28a, 28b, and 28c and glue pads 29a and 29b may be utilized to
align and secure male connector 22 within dispensing-shell 21.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, where like numerals refer to like
features of the drawings, bandages that may be utilized in personal
care product assemblies of the present invention are described.
Bandage 60 includes adhesive bandage 70 having release liners 62
and 64 affixed to the bottom surface thereof. Adhesive bandage 70
comprises an absorbent layer (not shown) and an adhesive layer (not
shown) disposed on its bottom surface. Bandage 70 includes first
portion 72, second portion 74, fold line 70c, proximal end 70b and
distal end 70a. As seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, release liner 64 is
placed under second portion 74 and folded back onto itself at fold
line 64c and creates first liner section 64a and second liner
section 64b. Release liner 62 is placed under first portion 72 and
folded back onto itself at fold line 62c to create first liner
section 62a and second liner section 62b. Release liner 62 overlaps
release liner 64 at interface area 66. As seen in FIG. 7C, release
liners 92 and 94 are folded at fold lines 92c and 94c and
positioned such that there is no overlap of the liners 92 and 94 at
interface area 98.
[0064] Alternate embodiments of personal care products of the
present invention are seen in FIGS. 7D and 7E. In FIG. 7D, personal
care product 100 is folded onto itself at fold line 102 to provide
first portion 104 and second portion 106. In FIG. 7E, personal care
product 110 includes bandage 112 folded onto itself at fold line
114 to provide first portion 116 and second portion 118 and liner
120 folder onto itself at fold line 122 to provide first liner
section 124 and second liner section 126.
[0065] In FIG. 8, dispensing means 20 is shown in a dispensing
position with a personal care product as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.
Bandage 60 includes adhesive bandage 70 having first and second
portions 72 and 74 respectively, liner 62 having first and second
sections 62a and 62b, respectively, and liner 64 having first and
second sections 64a and 64b, respectively. Liner 62 overlaps liner
64 at interface area 66. Upon operation of the device, wedge 26 of
dispensing means 20 contacts liner 62 and lifts liner section 62a,
and thus first portion 72 of adhesive bandage 70 affixed thereto,
and directs liner section 62a and first portion 72 into slot 25,
thus providing access of bandage 60 by the consumer. The
combination of features of liner section 62a being longer than 62b
and the overlap of liner 62 over liner 64 at interface area 66
serve to provide improved dispensing of products from the
device.
[0066] Personal care products of the present invention are
illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In FIG. 8A, bandage 400 includes
backing layer 402, non-woven absorbent layer 404, and release
liners 406 and 408. Release liners 406 and 408 overlap at interface
area 410. Bandage 500 includes backing layer 502, hydrocolloid
absorbent layer 504, and release liners 506 and 508. Release liners
506 and 508 overlap at interface area 510. In FIG. 8B, bandage 600
includes backing layer 602, non-woven absorbent layer 604, and
release liners 606 and 608. Release liners 606 and 608 overlap at
interface area 610. Bandage 700 includes backing layer 702,
hydrocolloid absorbent layer 704, and release liners 706 and 708.
Release liners 706 and 708 overlap at interface area 710.
[0067] An alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
10-13, where like numerals refer to like elements. Device 200
includes storage compartment 202, dispensing means 210 and
advancing means 220. Storage compartment 202 includes end-stop 204
and recessed track 206 for receiving dispensing means 210 in
sliding engagement. Dispensing means 210 includes contact member
212 for contacting and directing the personal care product and slot
214 for receiving the personal care product. Dispensing means 210
also may include stopping member 215 to contact end-stop 204,
thereby limiting the travel of dispensing means 210. Advancing
means 220 includes spring members 222, 224 and 226, respectively.
FIG. 10 shows product 240 and device 200. FIG. 13 illustrates the
operation of device 200 with product assembly 230 disposed therein.
As dispensing means 210 is moved in the direction of the arrow,
contact member 212 contacts and lifts a portion of personal care
product 232 and directs product 232 into slot 214. After removal of
product 232 and upon returning advancing means 210 to the closed
storage position, advancing member 220 advances assembly 230 in a
vertical direction towards dispensing means 220 for subsequent
dispensing of the next personal care product 234, and so on, until
all product has been dispensed.
EXAMPLE 1
[0068] The following example is illustrative of devices according
to the present invention. The claims should not be construed to be
limited to the details thereof.
[0069] The device depicted in the Figures was made by a
streolithography additive process. Adhesive bandages according to
FIGS. 7A and 7B were hand made utilizing conventional adhesive
bandage backing materials, adhesives, wound contacting pads, and
release liners. The bandages were stacked one upon the other to
form an assembly of the bandages as represented in FIGS. 1B and 2
and then placed in the cartridge with the first short portions
adjacent the distal end of the cartridge. The platform was placed
on the spring. The spring and the platform were placed on the floor
and the three parts attached to the cartridge via a snap fit
between the floor and the cartridge. The proximate end of the
cartridge was placed within the shell and the two were glued
together. The distal end of the connector was placed within the
product dispensing shell and the two were glued together. The
distal end of the cartridge was then placed into the
product-dispensing shell and advanced forward in a sliding motion
to a first closed position. The cartridge and dispensing means were
then pulled apart in a sliding motion to a second open position, at
which time the first portion of the adhesive bandage was directed
into the dispensing slot by the dispensing wedge. The bandage was
then removed from the device and the cartridge and dispensing means
were pushed back together in a sliding motion to return to the
first closed position.
* * * * *