U.S. patent application number 12/487230 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-24 for sheet product dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP. Invention is credited to Jason W. Cardani, Scott M. Collins, Luc Chuong Lam, Ryan C. Paul, Michael Reedy.
Application Number | 20090314793 12/487230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41430182 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090314793 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reedy; Michael ; et
al. |
December 24, 2009 |
SHEET PRODUCT DISPENSER
Abstract
A sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product
dispenser includes an enclosure having a hollow interior sized to
receive sheet product. A cover having a dispensing opening encloses
the hollow interior. A lid having a cavity encloses the dispensing
opening. The dispenser has a bottom portion that is sized to fit in
a vehicle cup-holder receptacle. In one embodiment, the dispenser
includes an enclosure coupled for rotation to a container. The
container includes a hollow interior for receiving discarded sheet
product.
Inventors: |
Reedy; Michael; (Chicago,
IL) ; Lam; Luc Chuong; (Chicago, IL) ;
Collins; Scott M.; (Chicago, IL) ; Paul; Ryan C.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Cardani; Jason W.; (Grand Blanc,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Georgia-Pacific LLC
133 Peachtree Street NE - GA030-41
ATLANTA
GA
30303
US
|
Assignee: |
Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products
LP
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
41430182 |
Appl. No.: |
12/487230 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61075041 |
Jun 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/45 ;
221/282 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 7/084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/45 ;
221/282 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/08 20060101
B65D083/08 |
Claims
1. A dispenser comprising: a sheet product enclosure, said
enclosure having a generally hollow interior portion and an open
end; a cover removably coupled to said sheet product enclosure open
end, said cover having a dispensing opening formed therein; and, a
lid coupled to said cover and movable between a first position and
a second position, said cover having a cavity formed in one side,
said cavity being positioned adjacent to said dispensing opening
when said lid is in said first position.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said sheet product enclosure
further includes a first portion opposite said open end, said first
portion having a generally cylindrical outer surface.
3. The dispenser of claim 2 wherein said first portion cylindrical
outer surface is sized to fit in a vehicle cup-holder
receptacle.
4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said lid further includes a
slot between an outer surface and said cavity, wherein said slot is
positioned adjacent said cover when said lid is in said first
position.
5. The dispenser of claim 4 further comprising a container
rotatably coupled to said enclosure between a first position and a
second position, said container having a generally hollow interior
portion and an open end, wherein said container open end is
adjacent and centrally aligned with said enclosure when said
container is in said first position.
6. The dispenser of claim 5 further comprising a pin operably
coupled between said enclosure and said container to allow said
enclosure to pivot with respect to said container from said first
position to said second position.
7. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein said container is sized to fit
in a vehicle cup-holder receptacle and receive a beverage
container.
8. A dispenser comprising: an enclosure, said enclosure including a
first portion having a generally hollow interior and an open end,
said enclosure having a second end opposite said open end, wherein
said second end is sized to fit in a cup-holder receptacle; a cover
removably coupled to said enclosure open end, said cover having a
concave surface on one side and a dispensing opening formed in said
concave surface; and, a lid movably coupled to said cover between a
first position in contact with said cover and a second position,
said lid having a concave surface thereon wherein said lid concave
surface is adjacent said dispensing opening when said lid is in
said first position.
9. The dispenser of claim 8 wherein said lid includes a slot formed
between said lid concave surface and a lid outer surface.
10. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein said enclosure includes a
second portion having a generally hollow interior wherein said
second portion is rotatably coupled to said first portion.
11. The dispenser of claim 10 further comprising a hinge coupled
between said first portion and said second portion.
12. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein said enclosure first portion
further includes a surface opposite said open end, said first
portion surface having a hollowed area therein.
13. The dispenser of claim 12 wherein said enclosure second portion
further includes an open end having a rim, said rim having a
projection, wherein said projection is in contact with said first
portion hollowed area when said rim is adjacent said first portion
surface
14. The dispenser of claim 13 wherein said hinge includes a pin
operably coupled to said first portion and said second portion.
15. A dispenser comprising: an enclosure having a first hollow
interior and a first open end; a container having a second hollow
interior and a second open end, said container being rotatably
coupled to said enclosure opposite said first open end; a hinge
coupled between said container and said enclosure; a cover having a
first recessed surface coupled to said enclosure first open end,
said first recessed surface having a dispensing opening formed
therein; and, a lid coupled to said first recessed surface and
arranged to removably cover said dispensing opening.
16. The dispenser of claim 15 wherein said enclosure has a
cylindrical outer surface that is sized to fit in a vehicle
cup-holder receptacle.
17. The dispenser of claim 16 wherein said lid includes a second
recessed surface having an edge, wherein said edge is in contact
with said first recessed surface when said lid covers said
dispensing opening.
18. The dispenser of claim 17 wherein said lid further includes a
slot between said second recessed surface and an outer surface and
intersecting said edge.
19. The dispenser of claim 18 further comprising a seal coupled to
said container adjacent said second open end, wherein said seal is
arranged to engage said enclosure when said container is aligned
with said enclosure.
20. The dispenser of claim 19 wherein said hinge includes a pin
coupled between said enclosure and said container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/075,041 filed Jun. 24, 2008, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a device for
holding and carrying articles and, more specifically, to a device
for holding sheet product and sized to fit in a cup-holder
receptacle.
[0003] Sheet products are often contained in carriers or
containers. The containers provide functionality in keeping the
sheet product clean and dry until needed. In the case of pre-wetted
sheet product, the container also keeps the sheet product from
drying out or the inadvertent spilling of the solution. The
containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the
intended application.
[0004] One common application where sheet products are used is in
the cleaning of automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles and
boats. These types of vehicles often acquire dust and other debris
during normal use. Unfortunately, the cleaning of vehicles is often
awkward as there are few or no flat surfaces in which to place the
cleaning supplies. As such, pre-wetted sheet products that include
various cleaning solutions are commonly utilized in vehicles. The
pre-wetted sheet product allows for the sheet product to be stored
in the vehicle and available to conveniently cleanup spills or
remove dirt from a windshield for example.
[0005] While existing sheet product containers allow for storage in
the vehicle, the containers are often not sized for this use. As a
result the containers are stored on the floor and move during
operation of the vehicle. Almost all vehicles have small
receptacles, commonly referred to as cup holders, that are sized to
receive beverage cans, small soda bottles, disposable coffee cups,
travel mugs, and the like. These receptacles are convenient storage
areas since they are placed in locations that are easily accessed
by the vehicle operator. These receptacles also hold objects that
are in the general size and shape of a coffee cup or beverage can
firmly during operation of the vehicle.
[0006] Several sheet product containers have been proposed that are
sized to fit within the cup holder receptacle. These containers
often have some type of cover for enclosing the sheet product and
an aperture for dispensing. Some containers have further included a
base portion with a space for discarding used sheet product. The
base portion is integrated into the container and opened by
releasing a snap or latch arrangement. The container is then tilted
over allowing access to the disposal area. While these cup holder
sized containers allow the containers to be stored in the vehicle,
most lack a convenient place for storing the used sheet products.
Where a disposal area is provided, the necessary tilting of the
container may result in the spilling of cleaning solution or
intrusion into an adjoining space.
[0007] While existing containers for sheet product are suitable for
their intended purposes, there still remains a need for
improvements particularly regarding the accessing of sheet product
within the container and the disposal of used sheet product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment, a dispenser comprising a sheet product
enclosure, the enclosure having a generally hollow interior portion
and an open end. A cover being removably coupled to the sheet
product enclosure open end, the cover having a dispensing opening
formed therein. A lid is coupled to the cover and is movable
between a first position and a second position. The cover having a
cavity formed in one side, the cavity being positioned adjacent to
the dispensing opening when the lid is in the first position.
[0009] In another embodiment, a dispenser comprising an enclosure,
the enclosure including a first portion having a generally hollow
interior and an open end. The enclosure having a second end
opposite the open end, wherein the second end is sized to fit in a
cup-holder receptacle. A cover is removably coupled to the
enclosure open end, the cover having a concave surface on one side
and a dispensing opening formed in the concave surface. A lid is
movably coupled to the cover between a first position in contact
with the cover and a second position, the lid having a concave
surface thereon wherein the lid concave surface is adjacent the
dispensing opening when the lid is in the first position.
[0010] In another embodiment, a dispenser comprising an enclosure
having a first hollow interior and a first open end and a container
having a second hollow interior and a second open end, the
container being rotatably coupled to the enclosure opposite the
first open end. A hinge is coupled between the container and the
enclosure. A cover having a first recessed surface coupled to the
enclosure first open end, the first recessed surface having a
dispensing opening formed therein. A lid coupled to the first
recessed surface and arranged to removably cover the dispensing
opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Referring now to the drawings, which are meant to be
exemplary and not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered
alike:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustration of a sheet product
dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side plan view illustration of the sheet product
dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a partial side sectional view illustration of the
sheet product dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustration of the lid for the
sheet product dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustration of the lid of FIG.
4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustration of an alternate
embodiment sheet product dispenser;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the sheet product dispenser of
FIG. 6; and,
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustration of the sheet
product dispenser of FIG. 6 with the enclosure rotated to allow
access to a sheet product disposal container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a sheet
dispenser 10. The dispenser 10 includes a generally hollow
enclosure 12 that is arranged to hold and dispense sheet product
14. The term "sheet products" as used herein is inclusive of
natural and/or synthetic cloth or paper sheets. Sheet products may
include both woven and non-woven articles. 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. Further, sheet products may contain
fibrous cellulosic materials that may be derived from natural
sources, such as wood pulp fibers, as well as other fibrous
material characterized by having hydroxyl groups attached to the
polymer backbone. These include glass fibers and synthetic fibers
modified with hydroxyl groups. Examples of sheet products include,
but are not limited to, wipers, napkins, tissues, rolls, towels or
other fibrous, film, polymer, or filamentary products.
[0021] In general sheet products are thin in comparison to their
length and breadth and exhibit a relatively flat planar
configuration and are flexible to permit folding, rolling,
stacking, and the like. The sheet product may have perforations
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.
[0022] In the exemplary embodiment, the enclosure 12 is formed from
a rigid material that provides the durability needed for being
carried during use. Suitable materials may include, but are not
limited to plastics, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate and
polyethylene. Such plastics may be formed using well-known
processes such as blow molding or injection molding for example.
Alternatively, materials such as cardboard, wood or metal may be
used. In the exemplary embodiment, the enclosure 12 has a sidewall
16 that tapers to a lower portion 18. The lower portion 18 may
further include a plurality of scalloped indentations 20.
[0023] The lower portion 18 is generally cylindrical in shape and
sized to fit into a cup holder receptacle in a vehicle, such as an
automobile, a truck, a recreational vehicle (RV), a bus or a boat
for example. These vehicles generally have one or more cup holder
receptacles that are sized to receive a standard range of cups or
other beverage containers. Typically, such receptacles have a
diameter of between 2.5 inches to 3.75 inches and a depth of 2.25
inches to 2.75 inches. The lower portion 18 will generally have a
height "h" that is sufficient to allow the sheet dispenser 10 to be
placed in a cup holder receptacle and remain stable while the
vehicle is in operation. A surface 22 provides a transition between
the sidewall 16 and the lower portion 18.
[0024] The enclosure 12 has an open end 24 opposite the lower
portion 18. The open end 24 is configured to receive a cover 26.
The cover 26 is arranged to firmly and securely attach to the
enclosure 12, such as by a snap-fit, an interference fit, or a
threaded-connection for example. The cover 26 may further have a
seal, such as an o-ring 28 for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
The o-ring 28 maintains a liquid tight seal and also provides an
interference fit for maintaining the cover 26 on the enclosure 12.
The cover 26 may further include a lip 30 around the outer
circumference of the cover 26. The lip 30 assists the user in
removing the cover 26 from the enclosure 12 to allow refilling of
the sheet product 14.
[0025] The cover 26 further includes a recessed area 32 having an
upper surface 34. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper surface 34
has a concave profile that curves downward from the outer edge near
the lip 30 toward the center of the cover 26. The upper surface 34
includes an opening 36 to allow dispensing of sheet product 14 from
the hollow interior of the enclosure 12. In the exemplary
embodiment, the opening 36 is positioned in the center of upper
surface 34. The opening 36 may be a simple hole in the cover 26, or
may include a plurality of slots 38 arranged about the
circumference of the opening 36. The slots 38 provide a degree of
flexibility to the opening 36 allowing the effective area of the
opening 36 to expand while the sheet product 14 is being removed
and then retracting back to the original position after the sheet
has been dispensed. This provides advantages in allowing a smaller
opening 36 to aid in preventing pre-wetted sheet product from
drying out. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that the slots
and opening may be formed by an insert (not shown) that
incorporates these features.
[0026] A lid 40 sized to extend over the opening 36 and any slots
38 covers the opening 36. In the exemplary embodiment, the lid 40
has a recessed area or cavity 42 that provides a space under the
lid 40 above the opening 36. The cavity 42 provides advantages in
allowing a small amount of the sheet product 14 to remain above the
upper surface 34 after the previous sheet had been dispensed. This
assists the user in grasping the sheet product 14 and facilitating
dispensing of the sheet. The lid 40 is attached to the upper
surface 34 by a hinge 44. In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge 44
is integrally formed in the lid 40 and attached to the upper
surface 34 by a suitable means, such as a snap fit. Alternatively,
the lid 40 and hinge 44 may be integrally molded as part of the
cover 26. The lid 40 may be retained against the upper surface 34
by a friction fit or a snap fit provided by a projection 46 in the
upper surface 34 for example.
[0027] The lid 40 may optionally include a slot 48 formed along one
edge. In the exemplary embodiment, this slot 48 is positioned
opposite the hinge 44. The slot 48 is sized to allow a small
portion of the sheet product 14 to remain exposed outside the lid
40 after the previous sheet has been dispensed. The slot 48
provides further advantages in allowing the user to grasp the sheet
product 14 prior to opening the lid 40 enabling faster access to
the sheet product 14. The slot 48 further assists in preventing the
sheet product 14 from sliding back into the interior of enclosure
12.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment sheet product
dispenser 50 will be described. In this embodiment, an enclosure 52
is arranged with a generally hollow interior 54. The interior 54
has a bottom surface 56 against which the sheet product 14 rests
when the dispenser 50 is in the upright position. Opposite the
bottom surface 56, the enclosure 52 has an opening 58 sized to
receive a cover 60. The cover 60 includes a dispensing opening 62
covered by a lid 64. The arrangement of the cover 60, the opening
62 and the lid 64 are substantially similar to that described above
with reference to FIGS. 1-5, including the positioning of a cavity
in the lid 64 above the opening 62.
[0029] The enclosure 52 also includes a projection 66 along one
side of sidewall 68. The sidewall 68 may be tapered as discussed
herein above, or may provide a substantially cylindrical surface.
The projection 66 is large enough to support and retain a hinge
member 70. The hinge member 70 couples the enclosure 52 to a
container 72. In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge member 70 is a
pin, however, the hinge member 70 may be any suitable arrangement
that allows the enclosure 52 to be coupled to the container 72
while allowing the enclosure 52 and container 72 to rotate relative
to each other. It should be appreciated that the enclosure 52 may
also be arranged with a sufficient wall thickness to incorporate
the hinge member 70 without the use of projection 66.
[0030] The container 72 includes a generally hollow portion 74. The
hollow portion 74 is bounded by a bottom surface 76 on one end and
an opening 78 on the opposite end. The opening 78 is arranged
adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure 52 when the enclosure 52
and container 72 are coaxially aligned. The container 72 also
includes a projection 80 that couples to the hinge member 70.
Similar to that discussed above, the container 72 has a diameter
sized to fit in a vehicle cup-holder receptacle. The height of the
container 72 is sufficient to allow the container 72 to rest
securely and stably in a cup-holder receptacle. The container 72 or
the enclosure 52 may include one or more features, such as a
projection 86 on the surface 84 for example, to aid in retaining
the enclosure 52 and container 72 coaxially aligned in the closed
position. A seal 82, such as an o-ring for example, may also be
arranged on the surface 84.
[0031] The container 72 is arranged to provide a user with a
location for discarded sheet product 14. To accomplish this, the
user removes the sheet product 14 from the enclosure 52 as
discussed above. Once the task is completed, the user rotates the
enclosure 52 exposing the opening 78 of the container 72. The hinge
member 70 allows the enclosure 52 to rotate in a plane generally
parallel to the bottom surface of the enclosure 52 and the top
surface of the container 72. Once the sheet product 14 has been
inserted, the enclosure 52 may be rotated back into the closed
position and preventing the discarded sheet product 14 from falling
out of the container 72. Since the rotation maintains the enclosure
52 in an upright position, there is no potential for spilling of
solution in the event the sheet product 14 is pre-wetted. This also
provides advantages for dry-sheet product since the rotation and
opening of the container 72 can be accomplished without intruding
into any adjoining seats in the vehicle in which the container 72
is stored.
[0032] In another embodiment, the opening 78 is sized to receive a
beverage container, such as beverage cans, small soda bottles,
disposable coffee cups, travel mugs for example. When the enclosure
52 is rotated about hinge member 70 to expose the opening 78, the
user may then use the container 72 has a holder for a beverage
container. Thus, this embodiment provides additional advantages in
providing the user with a sheet product dispenser that may be
securely and conveniently positioned within a cup holder receptacle
without losing access to a space for storing their beverage
container.
[0033] The embodiments described herein provide for a sheet product
dispenser that provides an improved solution for the storage and
portability of sheet product. The sheet product dispenser provides
a single holder that contains the sheet product and may be
positioned within a vehicle cup-holder. The sheet product dispenser
is then conveniently available for use during cleaning tasks, or if
an urgent cleaning need arises. Further, the sheet product
dispenser provides additional advantages. The sheet product is
protected from contamination and kept clean and dry during use, for
example. The dispenser may also incorporate a container allowing
for both dispensing and disposal of sheet product. Further, the
embodiments allow for compact storage, which provides advantages in
the packaging of dispensers for sale or during transportation by
the manufacturer. This also allows for more compact storage by the
end user. Other possible embodiments may include different tasks.
Such tasks and activities include, but are not limited to, use in a
restaurant for holding pre-wetted napkins. The sheet product
dispenser may also be used by the user in a picnic setting as a
means for easily transporting, dispensing and disposing of sheet
product.
[0034] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the 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, front, rear, top, bottom etc. do not denote any
orientation, 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.
* * * * *