U.S. patent application number 12/026700 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for wipes canister.
Invention is credited to Russell E. Bell, Chia-Hen Chiang, Rebecca Hoefing, Alan John Morris, Kon Euan Gerard Wong.
Application Number | 20090194555 12/026700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40930673 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090194555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoefing; Rebecca ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
Wipes Canister
Abstract
A packaging container for dispensing wipes, which includes a lid
and a base for storing a roll of wipes that is dispensed through an
aperture on the lid side surface from the outside of the roll
inward.
Inventors: |
Hoefing; Rebecca; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Bell; Russell E.; (Pleasanton,
CA) ; Morris; Alan John; (Blackburn, AU) ;
Wong; Kon Euan Gerard; (Glen Waverly, AU) ; Chiang;
Chia-Hen; (Collingwood, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE CLOROX COMPANY
P.O. BOX 24305
OAKLAND
CA
94623-1305
US
|
Family ID: |
40930673 |
Appl. No.: |
12/026700 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/3827 20130101;
A47K 10/3836 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/63 |
International
Class: |
B65H 1/00 20060101
B65H001/00 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for cleaning wipes, comprising: a container base
comprising a solid bottom surface and a side surface, the base
defining an interior compartment; a lid attached to the container
base, wherein the lid comprises a body, the body having a top
surface and side surface; an aperture entirely within the side
surface of the of the body of the lid; and a roll of wet wipes in
the compartment positioned to dispense wipes through the aperture
from the outside of the roll as the roll unwinds; and a post
attached a surface from the group consisting of the base bottom
surface, the lid top surface, and the combination and the post
supporting the roll.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a cover and
an indentation extending over the side surface, wherein the cover
secures over at least a portion of the indention.
3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the cover extends entirely
within the lid side surface.
4. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the cover extends over at
least a portion of the lid top surface and at least a portion of
the lid side surface.
5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the aperture includes a first
portion and second portion that are in communication via a channel
defined by a retention tab.
6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the first portion is larger
than the second portion.
7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the second portion comprises a
central part with several projections.
8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the post is attached to the
base bottom surface.
9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is cylindrical
and the lid is attached to the container based such that the lid
can be rotated to align the aperture with a first wipe from the
outside of the roll.
10. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising at least two
adjacent substantially flat surfaces wherein one surface supports
the dispenser and aperture in a vertical dispensing position and
the other surface supports the dispenser and aperture in a
horizontal dispensing position relative to a supporting
surface.
11. A dispenser for cleaning wipes, comprising: a container base
comprising a solid bottom surface and a side surface, the base
defining an interior compartment; a lid attached to the container
base and defining one end of the dispenser, wherein the lid
includes a body having a top surface, side surface, and back
surface; an aperture entirely within the side surface of the lid
positioned beneath a cover; and a roll of wet wipes in the
compartment positioned to dispense wipes through the aperture from
the outside of the roll as the roll unwinds.
12. The dispenser of claim 11, further comprising at least two
adjacent substantially flat surfaces wherein one surface supports
the dispenser and aperture in a vertical dispensing position and
the other surface supports the aperture and dispenser in a
horizontal dispensing position relative to a supporting
surface.
13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the adjacent flat surfaces
meet at a rounded edge.
14. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the container is
rectangular.
15. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the lid comprises an
indentation extending over the side surface and the cover secures
over at least a portion of the indention.
16. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the aperture includes a
first portion and second portion that are in communication via a
channel defined by a retention tab.
17. A dispenser for cleaning wipes, comprising: a container base
comprising a solid bottom surface and a side surface, the base
defining an interior compartment for storing a roll of wet wipes; a
lid attached to the container base, wherein the lid includes a
cover and a body having a top surface and a side surface; an
aperture entirely within the side surface and having a first
portion and second portion that are in communication via a channel
defined by a retention tab; the cover fitting into an indentation
around the aperture, connecting to the side surface of the lid with
a living hinge, and shaped consistently with the side surface that
when closed forms a flat and continuous surface with the side
surface of the lid and entirely within the lid side surface; and a
the roll of wet wipes positioned in the compartment to dispense
wipes through the aperture from the outside of the roll as the roll
unwinds; wherein the container has a shape selected from the group
consisting of cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, and oval.
18. The dispenser of claim 17, further comprising a cover pivotally
attached to the body of the lid to cover the aperture and an
indentation adapted to receive the cover located in the side
surface of the body of the lid; wherein the indentation is
substantially the same shape as the cover, and wherein the
indentation comprises a recessed well.
19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein the recessed well is located
on a different surface of the dispenser than a pivoting attachment
point of the cover to the body.
20. The dispenser of claim 17, further comprising a cover pivotally
attached to the body of the lid wherein the cover has a top face
for covering a major opening in the lid and a side face of covering
a side aperture in the lid.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present invention relates to packaging containers for
dispensing wet wipes. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a packaging container designed to store and dispense a
roll of wet wipes.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Containers that dispense moist wipes are well known in the
art. Current packaging containers are widely available in different
sizes, shapes, and designs. But many of these packaging containers
either have complicated dispensing mechanisms, or no dispensing
mechanisms at all. Moreover, the packing containers are not
easy-to-open, nor easy-to-use.
[0005] Most packaging containers are designed to store a
center-dispensing roll of wipes or a vertical stack of interfolded
wipes out of the top of the container. Packing containers that
store a center dispensing roll of wipes are typically designed to
dispense wipes from inside of the roll. When wipes are dispensed
from the inside, a user must apply greater force to remove a single
wipe. This design also frequently causes the second wipe, which is
simultaneously being drawn with the first wipe being pulled, to
become disconnected before it is pulled through the opening. Put
differently, because a user must apply greater force to remove a
wipe from center-dispensing rolls, the perforation that connects
consecutive wipes is often broken prematurely.
[0006] In addition to the dispensing problems, current packaging
containers have covers that are difficult to reclose after use. The
location and design of the apertures, and poorly engineered covers
require users to manipulate the protruding portion of a wipe in
order to close the cover. Accordingly, there is a need for a more
user-friendly container.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] To answer this need, the present invention provides in one
embodiment a dispenser for cleaning wipes, comprising a container
base comprising a bottom surface and a side surface, the base
defining an interior compartment; a lid attached to the container
base, wherein the lid comprises a body, the body having a top
surface and side surface; an aperture entirely within the side
surface of the of the body of the lid; and a roll of wet wipes in
the compartment positioned to dispense wipes through the aperture
from the outside of the roll as the roll unwinds.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
dispenser for cleaning wipes, comprising a container base
comprising a bottom surface and a side surface, the base defining
an interior compartment; a lid attached to the container base and
defining one end of the dispenser, wherein the lid includes a body
having a top surface, side surface, and back surface; an aperture
entirely within the side surface of the lid positioned beneath a
cover; and a roll of wet wipes in the compartment positioned to
dispense wipes through the aperture from the outside of the roll as
the roll unwinds.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
dispenser for cleaning wipes, comprising a container base
comprising a bottom surface and a side surface, the base defining
an interior compartment for storing a roll of wet wipes; a lid
attached to the container base, wherein the lid includes a body
having a top surface and a side surface; an aperture entirely
within the side surface and having a first portion and second
portion that are in communication via a channel defined by a
retention tab; and a the roll of wet wipes positioned in the
compartment to dispense wipes through the aperture from the outside
of the roll; wherein the container has a shape selected from the
group consisting of cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, and oval.
[0010] As used herein, the term "wet wipe" refers to a fibrous
sheet that has a liquid applied to the entire roll of wipes thereto
during manufacture or prior to dispensing. The amount of liquid or
solution contained within each wet wipe can vary depending upon the
type of material being used to provide the wet wipe, the type of
liquid being used, the type of container being used to store the
roll of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe.
Generally, each wet wipe can contain from about 25 to about 600
weight percent or from about 200 to about 400 weight percent liquid
based on the dry weight of the wipe, for improved wiping in certain
situations. The liquid can include a fragrance, cleaning agents,
sanitizing agents, and/or an emollient and can serve to aid the
fibrous sheet in retention of materials, which are to be wiped up
during its utilization. Rolls of wet wipes useful with the
invention can contain from as little as a few linear inches (or cm)
to more than 450 linear inches (11.43 m), to more than linear 600
inches (15.24 m) to more than a thousand linear inches (25.40 m) of
wet wipes. The rolls can have a web of material that can have any
number of sheets. Usually, the sheets are separated by perforations
that enable the sheet to be easily torn from the web but are strong
enough that they will not separate while the web is being pulled
from the dispenser.
[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention
claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate
and provide a further understanding of the invention. Together with
the description, the drawings serve to explain various aspects of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the
following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an upright and closed
container for dispensing wipes, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an upright and open
container for dispensing wipes, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an upright and open
container with wipes being dispensed, according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a horizontal and open a
container with wipes being dispensed, according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container having a roll of
wipes supported by a post, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an upright and open
container for dispensing wipes, according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an upright and open
container for dispensing wipes, according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an upright and closed
container for dispensing wipes, according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an upright and open
container for dispensing wipes, according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an upright and open
container for dispensing wipes, according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side view of an upright and closed container
for dispensing wipes, according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Representative embodiments of the present invention and
their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-11,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0025] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides
a packaging container for dispensing a roll of pre-moistened wet
wipes. The packaging containers of the present invention are not
suitable for stack of wipes for dry paper towels. The wipes may
also be woven or nonwoven. And, although the containers may
generally be made of plastic material, e.g. polyethylene or
polypropylene, it will be understood that the container may be made
of any suitable material, such as wood products. Suitable materials
may include rigid materials or flexible materials or both. The
containers shown in the figures and described the embodiments are
not limited to any particular size or shape.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, a container 100 is shown according
to one embodiment of the present invention. The container 100 may
generally be comprised of two parts: a base 110 and a lid 130.
Together, the base 110 and lid 130 may define a hollow compartment
for receiving and storing a roll of wipes. The base 110 may have an
open-end 112 for receiving the lid 130. The lid 130 may be
permanently or removably attached to the open-end 112 of the base
110. In one embodiment, the lid 130 may be removable. This allows
for the container 100 to be refilled with wipes, thereby extending
its use. To attach the lid 130 to the base 110, one or both parts
may be threaded. As one example, the lid 130 may have a series of
threads located along its inner wall, with the base 110 having
receiving threads located along its inner wall, in order to screw
the lid 130 onto the base 110.
[0027] There are many alternative means for attaching the lid 130
to the base 110. For example, the lid 130 may be manufactured with
one or more ridges that can be snap-fitted into the receiving
grooves in the base 110. Or, the lid 130 may be designed so that it
can be friction-fitted to the base 110. In still another
embodiment, the lid 130 may be hinged to the base 110 using a
living hinge. It will be appreciated that the lid 130 may be
attached to the base 110 using any means. The lid 130 also may be
formed integral with the base 110. In one embodiment, the lid 130
is attached to the base 110 with a moisture retention seal, such as
spaced micro-bead elements as described in U.S. Pat. App.
2007/0045315 to Evans et al., which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety. The micro-bead element moisture
retention seal allows the lid 130 to be rotated relative to the
base 110 in order to line up the first wipe from the outside of the
roll. Once the first wipe is aligned, the wipes can be dispensed
from the aperture, as described below.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the container 100 may be generally
upright and semi-cylindrical. In one embodiment, the base 110 may
have two surfaces that are flat or substantially flat, a bottom
surface 114 and a back surface 116. The bottom surface 114 may
provide support for the container 100 when it is in an upright
position. The back surface 116 may provide support for the
container when it is in a horizontal position, as will be shown and
described later. The back surface may be defined in part by a first
edge 118, second edge 119, and a third edge 120. The first, second,
and third edge 118, 119, 120 may generally be rounded. The base may
also have a front surface 122 that connects the first edge 118,
second edge 119, and third edge 120. The front surface 122 may be
curved and generally semi-circular. The container 100, however, is
not limited to a semi-cylindrical shape. Instead, the container may
be any suitable shape, including. but not limited to, cubic,
rectangular, pyramidal, cylindrical, conical, spherical, or any
other shape that allows for a roll of wipes to stored. In an
embodiment where the container is cylindrical with a flat bottom
surface 114, as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, the lid 130 can be rotated
relative to the base 110, which allows the first wipe on the roll
to be located and dispensed, as described above.
[0029] Still referring to FIG. 1, the lid 130 may generally have
the same shape as the base 110. The lid 130 may generally comprise
two parts: a body 132 and a cover 134. The body 132 may have a top
surface 136, a side surface 138, and a back surface 144.
Alternately, the body may have a top surface 136 and a side surface
138 and no back surface as in FIG. 6. The top surface 136 may be
flat or substantially flat. Further, the top surface 136 may slope
from back to front as in FIG. 8. The back surface 144 may also be
flat or substantially flat. Further, the back surface 144 may also
provide support for the container 100 when it is in a horizontal
position. The side surface 138 may be shaped to match and align
with the front surface 122 of the base 110.
[0030] In one embodiment, the cover 134 may be connected to the
side surface 138. The cover 134 may be attached to the side surface
138 opposite from the back surface 144. The cover 134 may be
centered on the side surface 138, or it might be off-centered to
either the right or left of the center of the side surface 138. The
cover 134 may be connected to the body 132 in a manner that allows
the cover 134 to pivot between an opened and closed position. The
cover 134 may be permanently attached to the body 132 by a hinge,
e.g. a living hinge. Any suitable hinge or connecting means that
enables the cover 134 to pivot between an opened and closed
position may be used to attach the cover 134 to the body 132. The
cover 134 may even snap off entirely. The cover 134 may be attached
to the body 132 so that it opens from right-to-left or from
left-to-right. The cover 134 may be shaped consistently with the
side surface 138, thereby the cover 134 when closed, may form a
flat and continuous surface with the side surface 138, as best
shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] Still referring to FIG. 1, the body 132 may have an
indentation 140 formed in the side surface 138. The indentation 140
may be adapted to receive the cover 134. For example, the cover 134
may frictionally engage the side surface 138 by fitting into the
indentation 140. The indentation 140 may be any suitable size and
shape; though, in one non-limiting embodiment it is generally
consistent in size and shape to that of the cover 134. Although,
the indention 140 is shown as being formed in the side surface 138,
it may also be partly or fully formed in the back surface 144 or
top surface 136. Further, the indentation 140 may be of such depth
that it defines a recessed well 142. The recessed well 142 may be
accessible when the cover 134 is closed. In other words, the cover
134, when closed, may not cover the entire indentation 140, and a
portion of the recessed well 142 may be accessible to a user so
that the user can easily and comfortably open the cover 134.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the container 100, with the cover 134
being open, is shown according to one embodiment of the present
invention. As previously described, the indentation 140 may be
adapted to receive the cover 134. To do so, the indentation 140 may
extend over a substantial portion of the side surface 138 from the
point at which the cover 134 is attached, to a point beyond the
terminating edge of the cover 134. In one embodiment, the
indentation 140 may have one continuous depth. In another
embodiment, the indentation 140 may have an increasing depth, from
its pivot point to the recessed well 142. Because the recessed well
142 may create a substantial space beneath the cover 134 when
closed, the cover 134 may have a tab 202 protruding from its
underside as a means for closing the cover 134. A detent 204 may be
located in the indentation 140 and positioned to receive the cover
tab 202. It will be understood that the tab 202 and detent 204 are
optional. Any other suitable connecting means for securely closing
the cover 134 may be used.
[0033] Located inside of the indentation 140 may be an aperture
206. The aperture 206 may provide a user with access, through the
body 132 of the lid 130, to a roll of wipes 210 stored inside of
the container 100. The aperture 206 may comprise a first portion
212 and a second portion 214. The first portion 212 may be in
communication with the second portion 214 via a channel 216. The
channel 216 may generally be a narrow passageway for a user to move
a wipe drawn initially through the first portion 212 into the
second portion 214. In one embodiment, a retention tab 218 may
define the channel 216, and substantially separate the first
portion 212 from the second portion 214. The retention tab 218 may
prevent a threaded wipe from retreating back though the aperture
206. Further the retention tab 218 may facilitate separating
individual wipes. Either the first portion 212 or the second
portion 214 may be adapted to allow a user to access the roll of
wipes 210. In one embodiment, the first portion 214 may be large
enough that an average adult may comfortably and easily access the
roll of wipes 210 to initially thread a wipe through the first
portion 212. The aperture 206 may be located anywhere along the
side surface 138. The first portion 212 and second portion 214 may
be of different sizes and shapes. In one embodiment, first portion
212 may be substantially larger than the second portion 214. In
this embodiment, the second portion 214 may be sized to prevent a
threaded wipe from falling back inside the container 100.
[0034] It will be understood that the aperture 206 may be located
anywhere on the container 100. For example, the aperture 206 may be
located in the base 110, rather than in the lid 130. In that
embodiment, the removable lid 130 may be used to refill the
container 100, and the dispensing aperture 206 may be located in
the base 110, for example. In addition, if the aperture 206 were in
the container base 110, the cover 134 may also be connected or
attached to the container base 110 and be adapted to secure over
the aperture 206.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, when a user opens the cover 134, the
aperture 206 (FIG. 2) may allow for a user to reach in the
container 100 and thread a first wipe through the first portion
212. The first wipe from the roll of wet wipes 210 located in the
container 100 may be pulled from the outside of the roll. In other
words, the roll of wipes 210 may unwind from the outside of the
roll to the inside of the roll. The roll of wipes 210 may unwind in
either a clockwise or counterclockwise manner. The roll of wipes
210 may comprise individual sheets that are perforated in a
direction transverse to the length of the roll 210 so that
individual wipes can be detached. After a first wipe is threaded
through the first portion 212, it may then be moved through the
channel 216 into the second portion 214 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). The
first wipe may then be fully removed. When the first wipe is
removed, the tail of the next wipe may then be simultaneously drawn
through the second portion 214. The tail of the next wipe then
protrudes from the container 100 for later use.
[0036] The recessed well 142 may be formed at the end opposite of
where the cover 134 may be connected to the body 132. The depth of
the recessed well 142 may be changed as necessary or desired. The
recessed well 142 may be of any suitable shape so as to allow the
tail of a wipe to reside in the well 142 when the cover 134 is
closed. In one embodiment, the recessed well 142 may be
substantially semicircular, as best shown in FIG. 3. The recessed
well 142 may be formed in any manner so as to define a space for
the tail of a wipe.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, the container 100 is shown in a
horizontal position. The shape of the container 100 allows it to be
used in a horizontal position, in addition to an upright position.
Both back surfaces 144 and 116 may support the container 100 when
it is in a horizontal position.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, the container 100 is shown according to
one embodiment of the present invention. As stated before, the roll
of wipes 210 may be a continuous sheet of woven or nonwoven,
fibrous material that is perforated between individual sheets. The
roll 210 may be of any width suitable for fitting inside the
container 100. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the roll of
wipes 210 may have a core 502. The core 502 may be any diameter.
The container 100 may further comprise a post 500. The post 500 may
be attached to either the lid 130 or the base 110 to provide
support for the roll of wipes 502. The post 500 may be removable or
formed integrally with the lid 130 or the base 110 or both. The
post 500 may be of any suitable length to provide adequate support
and stability for the roll 210. Further, the post 500 may be of any
suitable length to provide an axis for the roll 210 to rotate. In
one embodiment, the post may extend throughout the entire length of
the container 100, thereby extending through the entire core 502 of
the roll of wipes 210. When inserted into the container 100, the
roll of wipes 210 may be inserted so that the hollow core 502 is
inserted over the post 500. The post 500 may facilitate the ease
with which a user can unwind the roll of wipes 210, especially when
the wipes count gets low. Further, the post 500 may prevent the
roll of wipes 210 from moving laterally, or even coming out of the
container 100, when a user applies force to dispense a wipe.
[0039] In another embodiment, the roll of wipes 210 may be
coreless, as is well known in the art, thereby obviating the need
for the post 500.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 6, the container 100 is shown
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The container
100 may be cylindrical, semi-cylindrical or oval as described
above. The cover 134 may still be connected to the body 132 in a
manner that allows the cover 134 to pivot. In this embodiment, the
cover 134 may be connected at the back of the top surface 136 of
the body 132. The cover 134 may also be connected to the back
surface 144, and extend over and onto the top surface 136. The
cover 134, when closed, may lie flush with the top surface 136 of
the body 132. The indentation 140 may be formed in the top surface
136 and the side surface 138. The recessed well 142 may also be
formed in the indentation 140 to receive the tail of a wipe. The
cover 134 may not cover the entire top surface 136 or the entire
side surface 138. The aperture 206 may be as described above, and
located entirely within the side surface 138. In this embodiment,
the roll of wipes 210 may still be pulled from its outside, with an
optional post (not shown) connected to the bottom surface 114 of
the base 110.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, the container 100 is shown according to
one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
container 100 may be rectangular. The base 110 and lid 130 may have
the same features as described previously according to embodiments
of the invention.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 8, the container 100 is shown with the
cover 134 in a closed position, according to another embodiment of
the present invention. The container 100 may be substantially
cylindrical. In this embodiment, the lid 130 may comprise a
substantial portion, or more than half, of the container 100. In
other words, the lid 130 and base 110 together may define the
hollow compartment to store wipes. The bottom surface 114 of the
base 110 may be flat or substantially flat to support the container
100 in an upright position. The top surface 136 of the lid may be
rounded, or sloped from back to front, or both. In this embodiment,
the cover 134 may be attached at the bottom of the lid 130, at the
point just above where the lid 130 may be attached to the base 110.
The cover 134 may be connected to the lid 130 using a hinge, for
example a modified tee hinge. It will be understood, however, that
any suitable hinge or means to connect the lid 130 to the base 110
may be used. The cover 134 may generally be said to have a side
face 802 and a top face 804. The side face 802 may communicate with
the side surface 138 of the body 132, whereas the top face 804 may
extend over the side surface 138 and communicate with the top
surface 136 of the body 132.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 9, the indentation 140 may extend
vertically from the side surface 138 over a portion of the top
surface 136. A portion 902 of the indentation 140 may be accessible
to a user in order for the user to open the cover 134. The cover
134 may be a front opening cover. The portion 902 of the
indentation 140 may be sized and shaped to accommodate a user's
finger or thumb for opening the cover 134. In this embodiment, the
post 500 may be connected to the lid 130.
[0044] The aperture 206 may be located within the indentation 140.
The first portion 212 of the aperture 206 may be substantially
larger in size than the second portion 214. The first portion 212
and the second portion 214 may still be in communication with each
other via a channel 216 for moving a wipe that has been threaded
through the first portion 212 to the second portion 214. In this
embodiment, the first portion 212 may be large enough so that a
user can access the roll of wipes, not shown, and thread a wipe
through the first portion 212. The first portion 212 may extend
over a substantial part of the indentation 140. In this embodiment,
the indentation 140 may still comprise the recessed well 142 to
allow for the tail of wipe to reside when the cover 134 is closed.
The second portion 214 may comprise a central part with several
projections. The second portion 214, however, may be of any shape
that allows for wipes to be dispensed.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, one embodiment of the
container 100 is shown according to another embodiment of the
present invention. The container 100 may be upright and
cylindrical. The post 500 may be connected to the base 110. In this
embodiment, the cover 134 may comprise two faces, a top face 1002
and a side face 1004. The top face 1002 may cover a major opening
1006 in the lid 130. The side face 1004 may cover the indentation
140 and aperture 206, as previously described. The top face 1002
may be equal to the diameter of the container 100, or it may have a
smaller diameter. In this embodiment, the major opening 1006 may
not be in communication with the indentation 140 or the aperture
206. The major opening 1006 may be used to provide access for
replacing or refilling the container 100 with a roll of wipes; it
may also be used to access the inside of the container 100 when
necessary. Like the embodiments described above, the side face 1004
of the cover may fit into the indentation 140 located on the side
surface 138 of the lid 130, and cover the aperture 206.
[0046] The cover 134, in this embodiment, may have a first pivot
1008 and a second pivot 1010. A living hinge may be used for each
pivot. The top face 1002 may open via the first pivot 1008. The
first pivot 1008 may be located anywhere along the periphery of the
top of the lid 130. The first pivot 1008 may be located opposite
from the second pivot 1010, which connects the side face 1004 to
the side surface 138 of the lid 130. The second pivot 1010 may also
be located on the periphery of the container 100. The pivots 1008
and 1010 may be located along any edge of container 100. Further,
the top face 1002 and side face 1004 of the cover 100 may open in
any direction, i.e. the pivots 1008 and 1010 need not be opposite
from one another. This embodiment allows for the side face 1004 to
be open, which exposes the aperture 206, without opening the top
face 1002, or vice versa. It will be understood that only one pivot
point may be used to achieve the same function.
[0047] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
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