U.S. patent application number 12/262344 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for sheet product dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP. Invention is credited to Kip K. Decker, Todd R. Lappi, Alan P. Paal, Matthew T. Wilcox.
Application Number | 20090114669 12/262344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40587083 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090114669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Decker; Kip K. ; et
al. |
May 7, 2009 |
Sheet Product Dispenser
Abstract
A nozzle for dispensing sheet product is disclosed. The nozzle
includes a base portion having an inner periphery and an outer
periphery and oriented substantially perpendicular to a dispense
direction of the sheet product. A sloping portion of the nozzle is
disposed proximate a center of the base portion. The sloping
portion extends from the inner periphery of the base portion toward
the center in the dispense direction and terminates at an edge
defining an opening of the nozzle. The nozzle further includes a
lip portion disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion,
and a retention feature extending from the lip portion.
Inventors: |
Decker; Kip K.; (Neenah,
WI) ; Lappi; Todd R.; (Atlanta, GA) ; Paal;
Alan P.; (New Franken, WI) ; Wilcox; Matthew T.;
(Oshkosh, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT GROUP GA030-43;GEORGIA-PACIFIC LLC
133 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E.
ATLANTA
GA
30303-1847
US
|
Assignee: |
Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products
LP
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
40587083 |
Appl. No.: |
12/262344 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60985366 |
Nov 5, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/46 ; 221/306;
221/309 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/3818
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/46 ; 221/309;
221/306 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/38 20060101
A47K010/38 |
Claims
1. A nozzle for dispensing sheet product therethrough, the nozzle
comprising: a base portion having an inner periphery and an outer
periphery, the base portion oriented substantially perpendicular to
a dispense direction of the sheet product; a sloping portion
disposed proximate a center of the base portion and extending from
the inner periphery of the base portion toward the center in the
dispense direction, the sloping portion terminating at an edge
defining an opening of the nozzle; a lip portion disposed about the
outer periphery of the base portion; a retention feature extending
from the lip portion, the retention feature having a leg portion
and a latch portion, the leg portion oriented substantially
parallel to the dispense direction, the latch portion extending
from a free end of the leg portion substantially perpendicular to
the dispense direction.
2. The nozzle of claim 1, further comprising a wall portion
disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion and
extending from the base portion in the dispense direction, wherein
the lip portion is disposed outboard of the wall portion.
3. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the retention feature comprises
more than one retention feature, each of the more than one
retention features being disposed at a discrete circumferential
position on the lip portion.
4. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the sloping portion comprises a
slit.
5. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the latch portion extends toward
the center of the base portion.
6. The nozzle of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge integrally
arranged with the lip portion; and a cover integrally arranged with
the hinge and in pivotal communication with the nozzle via the
hinge; wherein the cover comprises a cap portion and a wall
portion, the wall portion of the cover disposed proximate an outer
periphery of the cap portion and oriented perpendicular to the cap
portion; wherein in response to the cover being pivotally coupled
with the nozzle via the hinge, the wall portion of the cover
interfaces with the wall portion of the nozzle, thereby sealing the
nozzle.
7. The nozzle of claim 6, wherein material of the nozzle, material
of the hinge, and material of the cover are merged together such
that the hinge is a living hinge.
8. A sheet product dispenser comprising: a main body having a
bottom and side walls that define a top opening and an interior of
the main body; a lid removably disposed upon the top opening, the
lid comprising a nozzle, the nozzle comprising: a base portion
having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the base portion
oriented substantially perpendicular to a dispense direction of the
sheet product; a sloping portion disposed proximate a center of the
base portion and extending from the inner periphery of the base
portion toward the center in the dispense direction, the sloping
portion terminating at an edge defining an opening of the nozzle; a
lip portion disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion;
and a retention feature extending from the lip portion, the
retention feature having a leg portion and a latch portion, the leg
portion oriented substantially parallel to the dispense direction,
the latch portion extending from a free end of the leg portion
substantially perpendicular to the dispense direction.
9. The dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a wall portion
disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion and
extending from the base portion in the dispense direction, wherein
the lip portion is disposed outboard of the wall portion.
10. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the retention feature
comprises more than one retention feature, each of the more than
one retention features being disposed at a discrete circumferential
position on the lip portion.
11. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the sloping portion comprises
a slit.
12. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the latch portion extends
toward the center of the base portion.
13. The dispenser of claim 8, further comprising: a hinge
integrally attached with the lip portion; and a cover integrally
arranged with the hinge and in pivotal communication with the
nozzle via the hinge; wherein the cover comprises a cap portion and
a wall portion, the wall portion of the cover disposed proximate an
outer periphery of the cap portion and oriented perpendicular to
the cap portion; and wherein in response to the cover being
pivotally coupled with the nozzle via the hinge, the wall portion
of the cover interfaces with the wall portion of the nozzle,
thereby sealing the nozzle.
14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein material of the nozzle,
material of the hinge, and material of the cover are merged
together such that the hinge is a living hinge.
15. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein: the nozzle is removably
attachable to the lid via the retention feature.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein: the nozzle is attachable to
an underside of the lid, the underside of the lid disposed
proximate the interior of the main body.
17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the nozzle is removably
attachable to the underside of the lid.
18. The dispenser of claim 8, further comprising: sheet product
disposed within the interior of the main body.
19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein: the sheet product comprises
at least one of double re-creped material, carded material,
hydroentangled material, and paper towel material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/985,366, filed Nov. 5, 2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a sheet product dispenser,
and more particularly to features that provide for the dispensing
of sheet product from the dispenser.
[0003] Sheet products, such as disposable absorbent wipers or
towels for example, have many uses. Disposable wipers are
particularly popular with do-it-yourself homeowners and trades
people who find wipers valuable for cleaning tools, work areas and
their hands. Disposable wipers are also used frequently in
factories, on farms and in the boating industry (both commercial
and recreational). These are just a few of the wide variety of
people and multitude of uses of disposable wipers. Frequently,
disposable wipers are used by people who are on the go, whether it
be trades people moving from job to job, maintenance people moving
from machine to machine within a factory or farmers dealing with
issues wherever they come up. Containers of disposable wipers thus
are often treated as valuable items of one's normal equipment for
performing jobs and are often carried in the back of trucks to job
sites along with other tools or on maintenance carts in factories.
Disposable wiper containers end up in countless types of places,
wherever people do work.
[0004] Often, because these containers may be used and stored
outside, they can become exposed to inclement weather or they can
be indoors in dusty and dirty environments. Mobile and water
resistant sheet product containers include a dispensing nozzle or
orifice that is typically integrated with the supply of sheet
product within the container. Accordingly, such nozzles may only be
used with the associated supply of sheet product, and are replaced
as part of each replacement supply of sheet product for use within
the dispenser. A configuration of the dispensing nozzle is
generally adapted for proper dispensing (such as to result in
tearing at a pre-scored perforation line) of a particular sheet
product media or material. Alternatively, dispensers may utilize
nozzles integrated with a lid of the dispenser and therefore
require a different lid for each different type of sheet product
material for which the nozzle is adapted to dispense. Therefore,
each different type of sheet product material to be dispensed
requires a different lid, each different lid having associated
therewith design and tooling costs. Accordingly, there is a need in
the art for a sheet product dispensing arrangement that overcomes
these drawbacks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An embodiment of the invention includes a nozzle for
dispensing sheet product. The nozzle includes a base portion
oriented substantially perpendicular to a dispense direction of the
sheet product and having an inner periphery and an outer periphery.
A sloping portion is disposed proximate a center of the base
portion and extends from the inner periphery of the base portion
toward the center in the dispense direction to terminate at an edge
defining an opening of the nozzle. The nozzle further includes a
lip portion disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion,
and a retention feature extending from the lip portion. The
retention feature has a leg portion and a latch portion, the leg
portion is oriented substantially parallel to the dispense
direction, and the latch portion extends from a free end of the leg
portion substantially perpendicular to the dispense direction.
[0006] A further embodiment of the invention includes a sheet
product dispenser. The sheet product dispenser has a main body with
a bottom and side walls that define a top opening and an interior
of the main body and a lid removably disposed upon the top opening.
The lid includes a nozzle having a base portion oriented
substantially perpendicular to a dispense direction of the sheet
product with an inner periphery and an outer periphery. A sloping
portion is disposed proximate a center of the base portion and
extends from the inner periphery of the base portion toward the
center in the dispense direction to terminate at an edge defining
an opening of the nozzle. The nozzle further includes a lip portion
disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion. The
retention feature has a leg portion and a latch portion, the leg
portion is oriented substantially parallel to the dispense
direction, and the latch portion extends from a free end of the leg
portion substantially perpendicular to the dispense direction.
[0007] These and other advantages and features will be more readily
understood from the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments of the invention that is provided in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Referring to the exemplary drawings wherein like elements
are numbered alike in the accompanying Figures:
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a sheet product
dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the sheet product dispenser
with a lid removed in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the lid in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of a unitary nozzle
and cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a cross section view of the lid depicted in
FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a cross section view of the lid depicted in
FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged section view of the cross section
depicted in FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 8 depicts a top perspective view of the lid shown in
FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 depicts a top view of the lid in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 10 depicts a top perspective view of a lid and unitary
nozzle and cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 11 depicts a top perspective view of a unitary nozzle
and cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention; and
[0020] FIG. 12 depicts a top perspective view of a lid in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] An embodiment of the invention provides a nozzle for the
dispensing of sheet product. In one embodiment, the nozzle is
removably attached to a lid of the dispenser, thereby allowing the
nozzle to dispense more than one supply (such as a roll for
example) of sheet product, and allowing different nozzles to be
utilized with the same container and lid to dispense different
types or sizes of sheet product. As used herein, the terms "sheet
product" and "sheet products" are inclusive of natural and/or
synthetic cloth or paper sheets. Further, sheet products can
include both woven and non-woven articles. Examples of sheet
products include, but are not limited to wipers, napkins, tissues,
and towels.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a sheet product dispenser
10. The sheet product dispenser 10 includes top, bottom and side
walls 15, 20, 25, respectively, forming a sealable container 30
having a main body 35. A lid 55 is removably attached to the body
35, and provides the top wall 15 of the container 30. The lid 55
may be removably attached to the body 35 in various ways, such as
through the use of a connection 57 disposed at an outer radial
position of the lid 55, such as a threaded connection,
complementary circumferential grooves, or beads enabling the lid 55
to be snapped onto the body 35 for example. Removal of the lid 55
exposes the interior of the container 30 to enable a supply of
sheet product to be inserted. A nozzle 60 or aperture through which
to dispense sheet material is removably attached to the lid 55, as
will be described further below.
[0023] The container 30 is illustrated in the various Figures as
being generally cylindrical in shape, which is a spatially
efficient configuration to house a roll of towels having a vertical
axis, and is an economical configuration with regard to container
material costs. However, the container 30 may have other shapes as
desired.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the dispenser 10 shown with the
lid 55 removed. A continuous roll 65 of sheet product is shown in
an interior 70 of the main body 35 of the container 30. As
described above, the sheet product may be made from either a woven
or nonwoven material. There are a wide variety of nonwoven
processes and they can be either wetlaid or drylaid. Some examples
include hydroentagled (sometimes called spunlace), DRC (double
re-creped), airlaid, spunbond, carded, paper towel, and meltblown
sheet products. The sheet product may have perforations (not shown)
extending in lines across its width to separate individual sheets
and facilitate separation or tearing of individual sheets from the
roll at discrete intervals. Individual sheets may be sized as
desired to accommodate the many uses of the sheet products. For
example, perforation lines may be formed every 13 inches to define
a universally sized sheet. Multiple perforation lines may be
provided to allow the user to select the size of sheet depending on
the particular need.
[0025] The roll 65 of sheet product may be provided without a
central core so that a free end 75 in the center portion of the
roll 65 is accessible. The roll 65 is positioned with its axis
extending vertically, and the roll 65 of sheet product is consumed
from its center to its outside. The roll 65 may be of any size to
fit within the dispenser 10. In one embodiment, the diameter of the
roll 65 ranges from about 6 to about 12 inches. In other
embodiments, a roll may have a diameter of approximately 8 inches
or of approximately 10 inches.
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the lid 55 with the nozzle 60
in place. With reference to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 2, lid
55 substantially covers the opening to the interior 70 of the
container 30. Nozzle 60 defines an opening 110 through which sheet
product is dispensed. In one embodiment, the opening 110 is a
circular opening 110. In use, the free end 75 of the roll 65 is
pulled from the interior 70 of the dispenser 10 through the opening
110.
[0027] To seal the container 30, such as to improve water tightness
for example, opening 110 may be covered with an openable cover 115.
FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of one embodiment in which
the cover 115 and nozzle 60 are formed as a removable, integrated,
unitary nozzle and cover assembly 120, including a living hinge 125
disposed between the nozzle 60 and the cover 115. The cover 115 is
integrally arranged with the hinge 125 and in pivotal communication
with the nozzle 60 via the hinge 125. Material of the nozzle 60,
material of the cover 115, and material of the hinge 125 are merged
together with one another in the integrated, unitary assembly 120,
thereby defining hinge 125 as the living hinge 125.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts a cross section view of the lid 55 and
unitary assembly 120 depicted in FIG. 3. With reference to FIGS. 3
through 5, one embodiment of the nozzle 60 includes a flat base
portion 130, sloping raised portion 135 and a circumferential wall
portion 137. The sloping raised portion 135 is disposed sloping in
an upward direction 140 (also herein referred to as a "dispense
direction of the sheet product") from the base portion 130. The
upward direction 140 represents the direction of withdrawal of
sheet product from the interior 70 of the container 30. The flat
base portion 130 includes an inner periphery 142 and an outer
periphery 143 and is disposed substantially perpendicular to the
upward direction 140 (or is parallel to the top wall 15 and bottom
wall 20). The circumferential wall portion 137 is disposed about
the outer periphery 143 and is oriented substantially parallel with
the upward direction 140 (substantially parallel to side wall 25).
The wall portion 137 extends from the base portion 130 in the
upward direction 140, thereby defining a nozzle chamber 144 having
an inner diameter of dimension x. A height h1 of the raised portion
135 of the nozzle 60 is less than a height h2 of the
circumferential wall portion 137.
[0029] As used herein, the term "substantially" with reference to
relative orientation, shall represent a minimal deviation, such as
resulting from manufacturing, design, and assembly tolerances, for
example.
[0030] The sloping portion 135 is disposed proximate a center 155
of the base portion 130 and extends from the inner periphery 142
toward the center 155 in the upward direction 140. The sloping
portion 135 terminates at an edge that defines the opening 110. In
one embodiment, the sloping portion 135 of the nozzle 60 defines a
continuous conical surface 145 having a straight, sloped surface
that originates from the base portion 130 at a first radial
distance 150 from the center 155 of the nozzle 60 and terminates at
the edge (indicated generally by reference numeral 110) that
defines an opening 110 at a second radial distance 160 from the
center 155. The first radial distance 150 is greater than the
second radial distance 160. The second radial distance 160 defines
the radius of the opening 110.
[0031] The raised portion 135 of the nozzle 60, specifically the
radius of the opening 110 defined by the second radial distance
160, is configured such that the opening 110 provides frictional
resistance to the removal of the sheet product disposed within the
container 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 110 is
configured such that a strength of a portion of the sheet product
absent perforations is greater than the frictional resistance
provided by the opening 110 of the nozzle 60. Further, a strength
of a portion of the sheet product having perforations is less than
the frictional resistance provided by the nozzle 60. Accordingly,
as the portion of the sheet product having the perforations is
withdrawn beyond the opening 110 and in response to a continued
application of force to the sheet product, the frictional
resistance of the opening 110 causes a first individual sheet to
separate from a next individual sheet at the perforations, leaving
a small portion of sheet product disposed beyond the opening 110
for subsequent dispensing (or withdrawal) of the next individual
sheet.
[0032] The cover 115 has a cap portion 165 and a wall portion 167.
The wall portion 167 of the cover 115 is disposed proximate an
outer periphery 168 of the cap portion 165 and is oriented
substantially perpendicular to the cap portion 165. Cover 115
pivots about pivot point 170 of hinge 125. In response to the cover
115 being pivotally coupled with the nozzle 60, the wall portion
167 of cover 115 interfaces with the wall portion 137 of the nozzle
60, which, in conjunction with cap portion 165 thereby seals the
nozzle 60, particularly the opening 110 and the sheet product
within the interior 70 of container 30. In an embodiment, the wall
portion 167 is defined by an outer diameter having a dimension of
approximately x, and the outer diameter of wall portion 167
interfaces with the inner diameter of circumferential wall portion
137 to seal the container 30. As used herein, the term
"approximately" represents deviation resulting from manufacturing
and design tolerances as well as a desired interface fit, such as
one of an interference, slip, or transition fit, for example.
[0033] While an embodiment has been depicted having circumferential
wall portions 137, 167, it will be appreciated that scope of the
invention is not so limited, and is contemplated to include other
wall portion geometry, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal,
octagonal, or any other desired shape for example. Further, while
an embodiment has been described with the outer diameter of the cap
portion 165 of the cover 115 interfacing with an inner diameter of
the circumferential wall portion 137 of the nozzle 60, it will be
appreciated that the scope of the invention is not so limited, and
is contemplated to include other arrangements, such as the inner
diameter of the cap portion 165 of the cover 115 interfacing with
an outer diameter of the circumferential wall portion 137 of the
nozzle, for example.
[0034] FIG. 6 depicts another cross section view of FIG. 3, with
particular attention to an interface between the nozzle 60 and the
lid 55. The nozzle 60 includes retention features 175 disposed at
the outer circumference of the nozzle 60 to retain the nozzle 60
within the lid 55. The retention features 175 extend from a lip
portion 177 disposed outboard of the wall portion 137. The
retention features 175 interface with the lid 55 via openings 180
(best seen with reference to FIG. 7) that have matching, or
complementary geometry to the retention features 175. The lip
portion 177 is disposed surrounding an outer periphery 192 of the
circumferential wall portion 137 and is oriented perpendicular to
the upward direction 140 (parallel to the top wall 15, bottom wall
20, and base portion 130).
[0035] FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged portion of FIG. 6 illustrating
the interface between the nozzle 60 and lid 55. With reference to
FIGS. 4 and 7, an embodiment of the retention feature 175 includes
a leg portion 185 and a latch portion 200. The leg portion 185 is
disposed at an outer periphery 193 of the lip portion 177, extends
from the lip portion 177 in the upward direction 140, and is
oriented substantially parallel with the upward direction 140
(substantially parallel to side wall 25). The latch portion 200
extends from a free end 190 of the leg portion 185 substantially
perpendicular to the upward direction 140. Further, FIG. 4 depicts
the hinge 125 integrally arranged with the lip portion 177. In one
embodiment, the lip portion 177 is disposed surrounding the full
circumference of the circumferential wall portion 137. The
retention feature 175 is disposed at one or more discrete
circumferential positions on the lip portion 177 surrounding the
circumferential wall portion 137, such as at four discrete
circumferential positions as depicted in FIG. 4, for example.
[0036] The unitary assembly 120, including the nozzle 60, is
assembled or attached to the lid 55 via the leg portion 185 and
latch portion 200 of the retention feature 175. In an embodiment,
the unitary assembly 120 is removably assembled with or attached to
the lid 55 from an interior side 195 (also herein referred to as an
"underside") (FIGS. 5 and 6) defined by an orientation of the lid
55 relative to the interior 70 such that the leg portion 185 is
disposed through the opening 180 of the lid 55. In one embodiment,
the latch portion 200 is disposed upon the leg portion 185
extending toward the center 155 of the base portion 130 to retain
the nozzle 60 within the lid 55. The disposition of the leg portion
185 relative to the opening 180 of the lid 55 is such that the
retention feature 175 is biased in a radially inward direction 205
toward the center 155 of the nozzle 60. Accordingly, the latch
portion 200 retains the unitary assembly 120 within the lid 55,
preventing separation of the assembly 120 from lid 55 toward the
interior 70 of the container 30 (opposite to the direction 140).
Additionally, the latch portion 200 may include a lead 207 to
facilitate an ease of installation of the assembly 120 with the lid
55. For example, in response to an application of force in the
upward direction 140 to assemble the assembly 120 with the lid 55,
contact between the lead 207 and the opening 180 results in
generation of a force opposite the radially inward direction 205.
Contact between the lip portion 177 and the lid 55 at a contact
interface 210 retains the assembly 120 within the lid 55 and
prevents separation of the assembly 120 from the lid 55 in the
upwardly direction 140.
[0037] While an embodiment has been described with the leg portion
185 of the retention feature 175 having a radially inward bias and
the latch portion 200 disposed upon the radially inward side of the
leg portion 185, it will be appreciated that the scope of the
invention is not so limited, and may apply to other retention
feature 175 arrangements, such as the leg portion 185 having a
radially outward bias and the latch portion 200 disposed upon the
radially outward side of the leg portion 185 of the retention
feature 175, for example.
[0038] In response to withdrawal or dispensing of sheet product
from the interior 70 in the upward direction 140, interaction
between the sheet product and the opening 110 results in a
frictional force upon the nozzle 60 directed in the upward
direction 140. This frictional force is transferred from the nozzle
60 to the lid 55 via contact interface 210. The frictional force is
further transferred from the lid 55 to the main body 35 via the
connection 57 between the lid 55 and the body 35. Insertion of the
assembly 120 into the lid 55 via the interior side 195, in
conjunction with the retention features 175, and openings 180,
prevents separation of the assembly 120 from the lid 55 in response
to the frictional force that results from withdrawal of the sheet
product.
[0039] With reference back to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 4 and
FIG. 7, a radial distance from the center 155 to the connection 57
between the lid 55 and the body 35 is greater than the radial
distance from the center 155 to a periphery 212 of the nozzle 60.
Therefore, the connection 57 between the lid 55 and the body 35
includes a greater circumference and interface surface area than a
connection between nozzle 60 and the lid 55. The greater
circumference and interface surface area thus results in a lower
stress level for a given applied load (such as the frictional
force). Accordingly, insertion of the assembly 120 into the lid 55
via the interior side 195 to prevent separation of the assembly 120
from the lid 55 results in a transfer of all of the frictional
force to the connection between the lid 55 and the body 35. This
provides an advantage over alternate designs that may include
insertion of the assembly via an exterior side 215 of the lid 55,
in that assembly via the exterior side 215 does not provide the
positive restraint to prevent separation of the nozzle 60 from the
lid 55 in the upward direction 140 as is provided by contact
interface 210 between the lid 55 and the lip portion 177, which
results from insertion of the assembly 120 from the interior side
195 of the lid 55.
[0040] Different sheet product materials may have different
characteristics, such as thickness and perforation strength for
example. Therefore the desired frictional force that results from
withdrawal of different sheet product may vary in order to properly
dispense the sheet product, such as to cause the sheet product to
tear at perforations for example. Accordingly, nozzles 60 having
different opening 110 configurations may be selected for use with
the dispenser 10 in conjunction with different sheet product
materials. Further, selection of appropriate nozzle 60
configuration and material is contemplated to provide useful
function for at least three replacement supplies of sheet
product.
[0041] Insertion of the assembly 120 into the lid 55 further allows
a single design of the lid 55 and main body 35 to be utilized with
more than one configuration of nozzle 60, such as more than one
nozzle opening 110 configuration for example. Flexibility to use
the same main body 35 and lid 55 of the container with different
sheet product materials is contemplated to reduce overall costs
related to dispenser 10 manufacture. It will be appreciated that
costs of tooling are often related to the size of the tools.
Therefore, for example, fixed costs related to tooling of the
container 30 and lid 55, which represent the larger (by size) of
dispenser 10 components may be applied across more units produced,
with any variation required (such as to accommodate different sheet
product materials for example) to be accommodated via different
unitary assemblies 120, having a smaller and less costly tool.
Additionally, it will be appreciated that replacement of the
comparatively smaller assembly 120 following wear of the nozzle 60
is contemplated to be more cost effective than replacement of an
entire lid 55 into which the nozzle 60 has been integrated.
[0042] Insertion of the assembly 120 into the lid 55 such that it
can be subsequently removed also allows for an end user to purchase
one dispenser 10 that can be used with a variety of sheet product
materials by removing and inserting into the lid 55 the appropriate
nozzle and cover assembly 120 for the sheet product to be
dispensed. As such, the end user need not maintain an inventory of
different dispensers 10 that are each suited to dispensing
particular sheet product.
[0043] FIG. 8 depicts a top perspective view of the lid 55 and
unitary assembly 120 shown in FIG. 3.
[0044] FIG. 9 depicts alternate embodiments of the nozzle 60 that
include slits 220, such that a raised portion 225 of the nozzle 60
includes more than one non-continuous segment 230. With reference
to FIG. 9 in conjunction with FIG. 5, one embodiment includes a
slit 235 that is disposed entirely within the raised portion 225,
such that the slit 235 originates at an opening 240 of the nozzle
60 and terminates at a location having a radial distance from the
center 155 that is less than the first radial distance 150. In
another embodiment, the nozzle 60 includes a slit 245 that is
disposed within the raised portion as well as a base portion 250 of
the nozzle. Therefore, slit 245 originates at opening 240 and
terminates at a location having a radial distance from the center
155 that is greater than the first radial distance 150.
[0045] FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of a lid 255 and unitary
assembly 260 that includes a nozzle 265 and cover 270. The nozzle
265 includes two flaps 275. Each flap 275 is configured to be
capable to pivot about its base 280 or point of attachment to the
nozzle 265. Pivot stops 285 disposed behind the flaps 275 limit a
range of motion of the flaps 275. In response to withdrawal of
sheet product from the interior 70, the flaps 275 pivot about their
respective base 280 until they contact pivot stops 285. In response
to contact with pivot stops 285, the pivots 275 are held at angle
such that they contact and interfere with perforations within the
sheet product, resulting in tearing of the sheet product in
response to continued application of withdrawal force following
contact and interference by the flaps 275 with the
perforations.
[0046] FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of the unitary assembly 260
depicted in FIG. 10. Retention tab features 290, as described above
with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 provide retention of the unitary
assembly 260 with the lid 255. It will be appreciated that, as
described above, the unitary assembly 260 is assembled with the lid
255 via an interior side 295 (best seen with reference to FIG. 10)
of the lid 255.
[0047] FIG. 12 depicts another embodiment of a lid 300. The lid 300
includes a recess 305. The recess 305 is configured to include
geometry that is complementary to, or matches geometry of a cover,
such as covers 115, 270 of unitary assemblies 120, 260,
respectively. A retention feature 310, such as a tab for example,
interferes with the cover and thereby retains the covers in an open
position, such as to allow a user to withdraw sheet product from
the dispenser 10.
[0048] Referring back now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an alternate
retention feature 315 to retain the cover (such as cover 115, 270)
in an open position is depicted. The retention feature 315 includes
geometry that is complementary to or matches geometry of an opening
320 within the hinge 125.
[0049] As disclosed, some embodiments of the invention may include
some of the following advantages: a sheet product dispensing nozzle
that may be used with more than one replacement supply of sheet
product, a sheet product dispenser incorporating a nozzle that can
be used with more than one replacement supply of sheet product
material; elimination of dispensing nozzles previously incorporated
within replacement supplies of sheet product; and flexibility to
utilize a sheet product dispenser having a removable nozzle to
accommodate multiple sheet product materials
[0050] While the invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode
contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the
invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description,
there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention
and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are
unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense
only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention
therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms
first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but
rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one
element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc.
do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the
presence of at least one of the referenced item.
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