U.S. patent application number 12/762550 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-21 for soap tape dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to KRANSON INDUSTRIES, INC. D/B/A TRICORBRAUN, KRANSON INDUSTRIES, INC. D/B/A TRICORBRAUN. Invention is credited to Craig R. Sawicki.
Application Number | 20100264249 12/762550 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42980275 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100264249 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sawicki; Craig R. |
October 21, 2010 |
SOAP TAPE DISPENSER
Abstract
An improved soap film dispensing system includes a dispenser
having a dispenser body and a top cover pivotally connected with
the dispenser body and at least a first roll suitable for insertion
into said dispenser and carrying a length of water soluble soap
film having a series of tabbed sections to enhance dispensing of
the appropriate amount of soap film to the user.
Inventors: |
Sawicki; Craig R.; (Roselle,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUSCH BLACKWELL SANDERS LLP
190 Carondelet Plaza, Suite 600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105
US
|
Assignee: |
KRANSON INDUSTRIES, INC. D/B/A
TRICORBRAUN
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
42980275 |
Appl. No.: |
12/762550 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61170986 |
Apr 20, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/588.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/266 20130101;
B65D 85/672 20130101; A47K 5/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/588.3 |
International
Class: |
A47K 5/08 20060101
A47K005/08; B65D 85/672 20060101 B65D085/672; A47K 5/06 20060101
A47K005/06 |
Claims
1. An improved soap film dispensing system, comprising: a dispenser
comprising: a dispenser body; a top cover removably connected with
said dispenser body; and at least a first roll suitable for
insertion into said dispenser and carrying a length of water
soluble soap film thereon, said soap film comprising a plurality of
tabbed sections.
2. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
1, wherein each of said plurality of tabbed sections are separated
by a perforation having a rounded V-shape.
3. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
1, further comprising a desiccant disposed within said
dispenser.
4. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
3, wherein said desiccant is incorporated into at least one of said
dispenser body and top cover.
5. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
3, wherein said desiccant is in the form of a separate desiccant
body removably placed within said dispenser.
6. An improved soap film dispensing system, comprising: a dispenser
comprising: a dispenser body; a top cover removably connected with
said dispenser body; and a roll suitable for insertion into said
dispenser and carrying a length of water soluble soap film thereon,
said soap tape film being perforated at regular intervals along a
length thereof.
7. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
6, wherein said soap film comprises a plurality of tabbed
sections.
8. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
7, wherein each of said plurality of tabbed sections are separated
by a perforation having a rounded V-shape.
9. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
6, further comprising a desiccant disposed within said
dispenser.
10. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
9, wherein said desiccant is incorporated into at least one of said
dispenser body and top cover.
11. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
9, wherein said desiccant is in the form of a separate desiccant
body removably placed within said dispenser.
12. An improved soap film dispensing system, comprising: a
dispenser comprising: a dispenser body; a top cover removably
connected with said dispenser body; a roll suitable for insertion
into said dispenser and carrying a length of water soluble soap
film thereon, said length of soap film comprising a plurality of
tabbed sections; and a desiccant disposed within said
dispenser.
13. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
12, wherein said desiccant is incorporated into at least one of
said dispenser body and top cover.
14. The improved soap film dispensing system as set forth in claim
12, wherein said desiccant is in the form of a separate desiccant
body removably placed within said dispenser.
15. An improved method of dispensing a soap film, comprising the
steps of: providing a length of water soluble soap film comprising
a series of tabbed sections; inserting said length of water soluble
soap film into a dispenser body and closing said dispenser body
with a top cover; and separating one of said tabbed sections of
said water soluble soap film at a time from said length of water
soluble soap film.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims the priority of co-pending
provisional application Ser. No. 61/170,986, filed Apr. 20,
2009.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of molded
packaging and, more particularly, to an improved dispenser for
water soluble soap film.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] Water soluble films used as a carrier for personal care
products such as soap or shampoo have been produced in the form of
individual sheets, for example as generally described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,800,295 and 7,387,787. While these products provide a
beneficial basic means for convenient storage and transportation of
such personal care products, significant room for improvement
remains.
[0004] For example, the production of these films in individual
sheets requires an inefficient and more costly production process.
Further, utilizing individual sheets limits the manner in which the
film may be dispensed. While individual sheets may be suitable for
sales of product to individual consumers, they are less practical
for commercial or institutional use.
[0005] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an enhanced
means of producing and dispensing water soluble films for personal
care products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One aspect of the invention generally pertains to an
improved system for dispensing a water soluble soap film
material.
[0007] Another aspect of the invention pertains to means for
dispensing an appropriate amount of water soluble soap film
material to a user.
[0008] Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to an improved
system for dispensing a water soluble soap film material that
minimizes premature activation and dissolution of the soap tape
material due to excess moisture within the dispenser.
[0009] In accordance with the above aspects of the invention, there
is provided an improved soap film dispensing system that includes a
dispenser having a dispenser body and a top cover connected with
the dispenser body and at least a first roll suitable for insertion
into said dispenser and carrying a length of water soluble soap
film. The length of soap film is preferably pre-perforated to
enhance dispensing of the appropriate amount of soap film to the
user. A desiccant material may be incorporated into the dispenser,
either molded into the structure of the dispenser or in the form of
a separate desiccant body, to prevent premature activation and
dissolution of the soap film material due to excess moisture within
the dispenser.
[0010] These aspects are merely illustrative of the innumerable
aspects associated with the present invention and should not be
deemed as limiting in any manner. These and other aspects, features
and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with
the referenced drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Reference is now made more particularly to the drawings,
which illustrate the best presently known mode of carrying out the
invention and wherein similar reference characters indicate the
same parts throughout the views.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to a
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1
from another perspective.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with
the top cover removed.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with
the dispenser body removed.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the top cover for a
dispenser according to another embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the top cover of FIG.
6.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the top cover of FIG. 6
from a different perspective.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the dispenser body for a
dispenser according to another embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser body of
FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser body of
FIG. 9 from a different perspective.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a tape roll a dispenser
according to another embodiment
[0024] FIG. 13 is a front view of the tape roll of FIG. 12.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a soap tape material having
tabbed sections according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following detailed description numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that the present invention may be practiced without
these specific details. For example, the invention is not limited
in scope to the particular type of industry application depicted in
the figures. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures,
and components have not been described in detail so as not to
obscure the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 1-13 illustrate an embodiment of a soap tap dispenser
system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The dispenser system 100 includes a dispenser body 110 and top
cover 200 that enclose two tape rolls 300. Each of these pieces and
their constituent components can be manufactured using any suitable
production method and raw materials. However, in the preferred
embodiment, the closure is a molded from a material such as high
density polyethylene, polyethylene, or polypropylene.
[0028] The system utilizes a water soluble, solid soap "tape"
material formed into a roll. An example of a basic water soluble
film material suitable for use in producing such a roll is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,800,295, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. For example, as described
therein, a base composition may be utilized that includes from
about 0.75% to about 5% by weight of a water soluble polymer, from
about 6.5% to about 23% by weight of polyvinyl alcohol, and from
about 0.75% to about 12% be weight of a humectant, with the
preferred humectant being propylene glycol. The remainder of the
base composition is water. Up to about 2% by weight of magnesium
aluminum silicate may also be added to the base composition to
enhance its slip characteristics. However, magnesium aluminum
silicate results in a more viscous base composition, which, in
turn, affects the thickness of the resulting soluble sheet
product.
[0029] The preferred water soluble polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone
(PVP), and the most preferred PVP is 2-pyrrolidone,
1-ethenyl-homopolymer having an average molecular weight of about
60,000 Daltons. Such PVP is available as PVP K-30 from
International Speciality Products, in Wayne, N.J. Although it has
been discovered that PVP is the water soluble polymer which works
best in the base composition of the present invention, other water
soluble polymers may be used in place of or in combination with
PVP. These water soluble polymers include polyquaternium 10,
magnesium aluminum silicate, VP/VA copolymer, ethyl ester of PVM/MA
copolymer, and sodium magnesium silicate. A suitable polyquaternium
10 is available as Celquat CS 230M from National Starch in
Bridgewater, N.J. A suitable VP/VA copolymer is available as PVA
735 from International Specialty Products in Wayne, N.J. A suitable
ethyl ester of PVM/MA is available as Omnirez 2000 from
International Specialty Products in Wayne, N.J. An acceptable
sodium magnesium silicate is available as Veegum K from R. T.
Vanderbilt in Norwalk, Conn. The level of water soluble polymer or
combination of water soluble polymers used in the base composition
should range from about 0.75% to about 5% by weight.
[0030] The polyvinyl alcohol functions as a film former, and it is
used in conjunction with the water soluble polymer. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the polyvinyl alcohol used
has a hydrolysis of between about 87% and 90%. A suitable polyvinyl
alcohol having the preferred hydrolysis range is available as
AirVol polyvinyl alcohol supplied by Air Products and Chemicals,
Inc. in Allentown, Pa. Either AirVol 540, having a hydrolysis of
between about 87% and 89%, or AirVol 523S, having a hydrolysis of
between about 87% and 90% is preferred. In the most preferred
embodiment of the invention, AirVol 523 S is used because it best
enhances the solubility of the soluble sheet product. It has been
found that a polyvinyl alcohol having a hydrolysis below 87%
results in a sheet which is less soluble. Above 90%, the sheet
again loses some solubility.
[0031] The preferred humectant is propylene glycol, which serves to
aid the sheet product to absorb water. In addition to propylene
glycol, other humectants which can be used as the humectant in the
base composition of the present invention include: (1) glycerin;
(2) dipropylene glycol; (3) glyceryl polymethracrylate; and (4)
glyceryl polymethracrylate in combination with propylene glycol.
The level of humectant used in the base composition is normally
from about 0.75% to about 12% by weight. However, additional
humectant can be added depending upon the end use and desired
characteristics of the soluble sheet. However, the amount of
humectant added should not adversely effect the formation of the
soluble sheet product.
[0032] In the preferred embodiment of the base composition, from
about 1.5% to about 2.5% by weight of PVP, from about 13.5% to
about 14.5% by weight of polyvinyl alcohol, and from about 2.5% to
about 3.5% of propylene glycol are used. In the most preferred
embodiment, about 1.75% of a PVP having an average molecular weight
of about 60,000 Daltons, about 13.91% of polyvinyl alcohol having a
hydrolysis between about 89% and 90%, and about 2.94% of propylene
glycol are used. The balance of the base composition is water.
[0033] In preparing the base composition of this invention, the
water soluble polymer and water are placed into a heatable
container. With constant agitation, polyvinyl alcohol is then
slowly added to the water and water soluble polymer mixture. When
the polyvinyl alcohol has become saturated (starts to swell), heat
is applied until the mixture reaches about 180.degree. F. The
mixture is agitated throughout the heating process. Once the
mixture has reached 180.degree. F., heating is discontinued. At
this point, the humectant is added. Preferably, agitation is
continued until the mixture has cooled to about 120.degree. F.,
although additives and water may be added to the base composition
while it is still hot. The base composition can be stored in a
tightly covered container. If it is to be stored for a long period
of time prior to its use for formation of the sheet product, a
preservative such as DMDM hydantion may be added. A suitable DMDM
hydantion is available as Mackstat DM from McIntyre in University
Park, Ill.
[0034] Various ingredients may be combined with the base
composition depending upon the intended use of the final product.
The base composition is compatible with a rather wide variety of
surfactants, emollients, humectants, beads, exfoliating agents,
colorants and fragrance additives. Once the desired ingredients
have been combined with such the base composition, the resulting
liquid product composition is then dried to form the water soluble
sheet product. When the base composition is combined with such
other ingredients, the level of PVP, polyvinyl alcohol, and
propylene glycol in the liquid product composition should be as
follows: about 0.15% to about 0.35% by weight of PVP; about 1.3% to
about 2.78% by weight of polyvinyl alcohol; and about 0.15% to
about 0.59% by weight of propylene glycol. In general, a liquid
product composition useful for skin conditioning can include up to
about 50% by weight of skin feel ingredients, about 15% to about
90% by weight of the base composition, with the balance of the
liquid product composition being water. Although up to about 50% by
weight of the liquid product composition may be skin feel
ingredients, depending upon the chosen skin feel ingredient, less
than 50% by weight of the liquid product composition should be used
if formation of the soluble sheet product is adversely
effected.
[0035] In general, when surfactant is added to the base
composition, a composition useful for personal cleansing should
include about 15% to about 90% by weight of the base composition,
and to up to about 65% by weight of surfactant. As is discussed in
more detail below, water soluble soaps, anionic surfactants,
nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and surfactant blends
may all be added to the base composition. The combined weight of
surfactant should not exceed about 65% by weight of the liquid
product composition; however, the amount of surfactant which can be
added without adversely effecting the formation of the soluble
sheet product depends upon the chosen surfactant.
[0036] When the base composition is blended with selected
ingredients, it is preferred that the combination of the base
composition and such ingredients include about 20% by weight of
base composition. However, the amount of base composition used will
vary depending upon the desired viscosity of the liquid product
composition and the corresponding desired thickness of the soluble
sheet product. In general, the more viscous the liquid product
composition is, the thicker the soluble sheet product formed from
the liquid product composition will be. The amount of surfactant
added will vary depending upon the particular surfactant chosen and
the effect desired by the user. The addition of water is not
required for blending the base composition with a surfactant, but
the change in the viscosity of the base composition and surfactant
mixture caused by the addition of water will assist in the
dispersal of additive components. Dilution with water will also
reduce product cost and produce thinner sheets.
[0037] Anionic surfactants are the preferred surfactants for use
with the base composition of the present invention. Anionic
surfactants which are compatible with the base composition include
ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and TEA-cocoyl
glutamate. A suitable ammonium laureth sulfate is available as
Standapol A from Cognis in Ambler, Pa. Sodium laureth sulfate is
also available from Cognis as Standapol ES-2. A suitable TEA-cocoyl
glutamate is available as Amisoft CT-125 from Ajinomoto USA, Inc.
in Teaneck, N.J. When used as the surfactant in the making of the
flexible sheet product of the present invention, anionic
surfactants produce a quick and long lasting lather. Up to about
47% by weight of anionic surfactant can be added to the base
composition of the present invention. Antibacterial agents such as
triclosan, benzethonium chloride, chlorohexidine gluconate (CHG)
and triclocarban may also be incorporated into the liquid product
composition. Surfactants may be used which are typically used in a
variety of personal care cleansing products. However, surfactants
which are usually employed in household cleaning products such as
laundry detergents may also be used in the soluble sheet
product.
[0038] Volatile ingredients such as ethanol, petroleum ether, or
isopentane can be incorporated into the liquid product composition
to help enhance the drying of the soluble film product. These
volatile materials serve to expand the liquid product, and, at room
temperature, cause a skin to form over the inflated surface of the
product. In the dried soluble film product, the skin remains
semi-inflated, creating air pockets, or cells, in the soluble film
product. Air pockets may also be created in the soluble film
product by aerosolizing the liquid product composition.
Alternatively, air pockets may be created in the soluble film
product by incorporating surfactant and certain oils into the
liquid product composition. For example, an addition of about 11%
of sunflower oil to the base composition and about 10-12% ammonium
laureth sulfate results in a soluble film product with air pockets
or cells.
[0039] Once the desired ingredients have been incorporated into the
base composition, the liquid product composition is preferably is
spread onto a relatively flat surface to dry at room temperature.
Alternatively, the liquid may be more rapidly dried by subjecting
it to a heat, such as an oven. It has been found that drying the
liquid product composition in about a 140.degree. F. oven works
well. However, higher temperature can be used for faster drying.
Enhanced drying can also be accomplished through a heated spray
system, vacuum, or other known drying methods.
[0040] While soap films have been previously used, the preferred
embodiment of the disclosed system 100 utilizes a novel form of
soap "tape" 350 that is perforated 352 at regular intervals along
the length of the roll of material. Perforation of the material at
these regular intervals enhances a user's ability to quickly and
accurately obtain the proper amount of soap.
[0041] In a particularly advantageous embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 13, the soap tape 360 is provided in "tabbed" sections 362.
Each tabbed section 362 is separated by a perforation 364 in the
form of a rounded V-shape with lateral extensions at the top
thereof that extend to the sides of the soap tape 360. The form of
these perforations provides a V-shaped tab at the free end of each
tabbed section 362 that eases grasping of the tabbed section 362.
The repeating nature of the perforations 364 result in each tabbed
section 362 having such a tab. As with the standard perforation
version of the soap tape 350. The tabbed section version 362
pre-divides the soap tape into sections of appropriate size for a
single use.
[0042] The soap tape 350 is carried on tape rolls 300, as shown
most clearly in FIGS. 12 and 13. Each dispenser system 100 can
carry two such rolls 300. In the disclosed embodiment, each tape
roll includes a central tube 302 around which the soap tape 350 is
wrapped. End walls 304 at each end of the central tube 302 prevent
the soap tape 350 from slipping off of the central tube 302 and
keeps the tape 350 properly positioned for dispensing. The outside
surface of each end wall 304 is provided with an end opening 306.
These end openings 306 cooperate with the portions of the dispenser
to help secure the tape roll 300 within the dispenser, as will be
described in more detail below.
[0043] The dispenser body 110, illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 9-11,
includes side walls 112, front wall 118, and rear wall 120. The
bottom of the dispenser body 110 includes a floor 114 and a bottom
skirt 116 extending below the floor. The bottom skirt 116 is
essentially formed by extensions of the side walls 112 and front
118 and rear 120 walls. The bottom skirt 116 provides an
aesthetically pleasing lower portion to the dispenser body 110. The
dispenser body 110 is provided with an open top 122.
[0044] At the top of the rear wall 120 of the dispenser body 110
there are two female hinge portions 130 separated by an open space.
Each of the hinge portions 130 contains a recess in its inner
surface that faces the recess of the other female hinge
portion.
[0045] Each side wall 112 of the dispenser body also includes small
locking recess 132 along the top edge thereof, generally adjacent
the front wall 118. Extending below and slightly outside of (i.e.,
closer to the inside of the side wall 112) each locking recess 132
is a locking tab 134. Each locking tab includes an extension 140
extending downwardly from the locking recess 132 and a locking tab
lip 142 that extends slightly inwardly toward the middle of the
dispensing body 110. These structures cooperate with mating
structures on the top cover 200 as will be explained in more detail
below.
[0046] Each side wall 112 of the dispenser body 110 is provided
with a roll axle 126 that cooperate with one another to support one
of the tape rolls 300 within the dispenser system 100. These roll
axles 126 are in the form of a spherical indentation in the side
walls 112. These spherical indentations extend inwardly into the
interior of the dispenser body 110 in order to engage the end
openings 306 of the tape roll 300. The tape roll 300 is also
supported by a series of roll supporting extensions 124 that
cooperate with the roll axles 126 to maintain the tape roll within
its intended position in the dispenser body 110.
[0047] Each side wall 112 may also be provided with a viewing port
128 to enable a user to see the end wall of the tape roll 300 as it
turns during dispenser. While primarily aesthetic in nature, the
viewing port can serve a purpose of allowing a user to monitor the
amount of soap tape remaining on the tape roll 300.
[0048] It should be noted that the dispenser body may be formed
from two pieces, right half 136 and left half 138, to ease the
molding process. In those embodiments utilizing a two piece
dispenser body 110, each half 136, 138 of the dispenser body 110
will include one side wall 112 and half of each of the front wall
118, rear wall 120, floor 114, and bottom skirt 116.
[0049] The top cover 200, shown most clearly in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-8,
is composed of two side walls 202 connected by a curved top 204. At
the rear end of the curved top 204 is a male hinge that cooperates
with the female hinge portions 130 to pivotally join the top cover
200 and dispenser body 110. At the opposite, front, end of the
curved top 206 are a set of downwardly extending cutting teeth 212.
These teeth 212 assist in the dispensing of discrete pieces of the
soap tape 350. A bottom surface 208 lays between the two side walls
302 adjacent the cutting teeth 212. However, the bottom surface 208
does not extend all the way to the front wall 118 of the dispenser
body 110 but rather leaves an open dispensing outlet 210 through
which the soap tape 350 is drawn from the dispenser.
[0050] Similarly to the dispenser body 110, each side wall 202 of
the top cover 200 is provided with a roll axle 216 that cooperate
with one another to support one of the tape rolls 300 within the
top cover 200. These roll axles 216 are in the form of a spherical
indentation in the side walls 202. These spherical indentations
extend inwardly into the interior of the top cover 200 in order to
engage the end openings 306 of the tape roll 300. The tape roll 300
is also supported by a series of roll supporting extensions 214
that cooperate with the roll axles 216 to maintain the tape roll
within its intended position in the top cover 200.
[0051] Along the bottom edge of each side wall 202 of the top cover
200 is a locking tab 218. The locking tabs 218 preferably extend
downwardly to the inside of the side walls 202. Each locking tab is
provided with a tapered lip 220. The locking tabs 218 are
advantageously arranged to cooperate with the locking recess 132
and locking tab 134 of the dispenser body 110 to secure the top
cover 200 in a closed position relative to the dispenser body 110.
In particular, the locking tabs 218 of the top cover 200 are
inserted into and through the locking recesses 132 of the dispenser
body 110 when the top cover 200 is rotated into a closed position.
As the locking tabs 218 of the top cover 200 are moved downward,
they engage the respective locking tabs 134 of the dispenser body
110 until the tapered lips 220 of the top cover locking tabs 218
engage and are forced past the locking tab lips 142 of the
dispenser body 110 by a slight temporary inward deflection of the
top cover locking tabs 218. The engagement of the top cover locking
tabs 218 and the dispenser body locking tabs 134 prevent the top
cover 200 from being readily lifted upward away from the closed
position. However, the top cover 200 may be released for movement
into its open position by pressing on each side wall 202 of the top
cover adjacent the top cover locking tabs 218. This action again
temporarily deforms the side wall 202 in order to deflect the top
cover locking tabs 218 slightly inwardly relative to the locking
tabs 134 of the dispenser body 110. This action provides sufficient
clearance between the tapered lips 220 of the top cover locking
tabs 218 and the locking tab lips 142 of the dispenser body 110 to
allow the top cover locking tabs 218 to pass by without
interference.
[0052] In the preferred embodiment of the system 100, a desiccant
400 is utilized to control the presence of moisture within the
system 100. The use of a desiccant 400 helps prevent the water
soluble soap tape from prematurely dissolving prior to dispensing
and intended use as a result of excess moisture building up within
the dispenser. In one embodiment of the system 100, the desiccant
is a separate body that is placed inside of the dispenser. In
another embodiment, the desiccant is incorporated into the
structure of the dispenser, namely the dispenser body 110, top
cover 200, and/or tape rolls 300, itself. Incorporation of a
desiccant material in a molded plastic container is described in
detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,909, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. Examples of suitable separate
desiccant bodies are generally known to those of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0053] In operation, one or two tape rolls 300 are inserted into
the dispenser to prepare it for use. To do so, the top cover 200 is
released from its closed position relative to the dispenser body
110 in the manner described herein. A first tape roll 300 that has
been loaded with soap tape 350 is inserted into the dispenser body
110 through the open top 122 such that the end openings 306 of the
tape roll 300 are positioned between the roll axles 126 of the
dispenser body 110 to secure it in position. A second tape roll 300
is then inserted into the top cover 200 through its open bottom in
a similar manner such that the end openings 306 of the second tape
roll are positioned between the roll axles 216 of the top cover. At
that point, the user guides the free end of the soap tape 350 from
the roll 300 and to the dispensing outlet 210 so that a portion of
the soap tape 350 extends therethrough. Finally, the top cover 200
is pivoted from the open position to the closed position and locked
in place by engaging the top cover locking tabs 218 and dispenser
body locking tabs 134.
[0054] The user can then grasp the free end of the soap tape 350
extending from the dispensing outlet 210, pulling gently to remove
additional soap tape from the tape roll 300 and draw it toward the
user. In doing so, the user will generally be pulling the soap tape
350 forward toward the user and along the bottom surface 208 and
against the cutting teeth 212. As the soap tape 350 is pulled
forward a perforation 352 in the soap tape 350 will encounter the
cutting teeth 212, thereby facilitating a clean separation of the
desired piece of soap tape from the remainder of the roll. As will
be readily seen, once a user has dispensed the entirety of the soap
tape 350 from the tape roll 300 in the top cover 200, the empty
tape roll may be removed and replaced with the tape roll stored in
the dispenser body 110.
[0055] While the embodiment described herein makes reference to
"soap" tape, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art
that the system 100 of the present invention is suitable for use
with water soluble bases carrying a variety of substances, such as
shampoo, conditioner, shave cream, skin lotion, laundry soap, or
other cosmetic, personal care, or cleaning items.
[0056] The preferred embodiment of the invention has been described
above to explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the invention in the best mode known to the inventors. However, as
various modifications could be made in the constructions and
methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the
scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in
the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings
shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus,
the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by the above-described exemplary embodiment, but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims appended
hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *