U.S. patent application number 12/305958 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-07 for dispenser for wipes.
Invention is credited to Michael John Gordon.
Application Number | 20110079603 12/305958 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38833803 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110079603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gordon; Michael John |
April 7, 2011 |
DISPENSER FOR WIPES
Abstract
The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for wipes. A dispenser
(1) comprises a bridging member (10) adapted to be secured to a
support member, a first chamber (20) adapted to receive a container
of wipes (`X`), and first releasable connection means (23,11,12)
adapted to connect the first chamber (20) to the bridging member
(10). Dispenser (1) also comprises a second chamber (30) adapted to
receive a container of wipes (`Y`) or a soiled wipe storage device,
and a second releasable connection means (33,13,14) adapted to
connect the second chamber (30) to the bridging member (10). In use
a dispenser can be created by connecting the first and/or second
chamber to the bridging member.
Inventors: |
Gordon; Michael John;
(Farnham Royal, GB) |
Family ID: |
38833803 |
Appl. No.: |
12/305958 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
August 21, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB07/03189 |
371 Date: |
December 6, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/26 ; 221/102;
221/283; 221/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/46 20130101;
A47K 10/3818 20130101; A47K 2010/3233 20130101; A47K 2010/3266
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/26 ; 221/283;
221/92; 221/102 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/24 20060101
A47K010/24; B65H 1/00 20060101 B65H001/00; B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 21, 2006 |
GB |
0612262.6 |
Aug 29, 2006 |
GB |
0617066.6 |
Sep 12, 2006 |
GB |
061792406 |
Mar 24, 2007 |
GB |
0705703.7 |
Claims
1-40. (canceled)
41. A dispenser for wipes comprising a first chamber adapted to
receive a container of wipes, the first chamber having an internal
shape to accommodate the external shape of the wipe container
wherein the internal shape of the first chamber and the external
shape of the wipe container are shaped are such that the container
of wipes is received in a particular direction or orientation.
42. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 41 wherein the first
chamber is attached to a bridging member adapted to be secured to a
support member, the bridging member, so that a cap of the container
(when removed) automatically aligns with the bridging member.
43. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 42 wherein the first
chamber is attached to a bridging member adapted to be secured to a
support member, the bridging member including a receiving means to
receive a sealing cap from the container of s wipes, so that a cap
of the container (when removed) automatically aligns with the
receiving means on the bridging member.
44. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 41 wherein there is
included a connector to connect the first chamber to a support
member to hold the dispenser at a desired location.
45. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 41 wherein a second
chamber is adapted to receive a container of wipes, the internal
shape of the second chamber and the external shape of the wipe
container are shaped are such that the container of wipes is
received in a particular direction or orientation.
46. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 45 wherein a second
releasable connection means connects the second chamber to the
bridging member.
47. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 41 wherein the first
chamber has a wall section which moves from a first position to
secure the container of wipes in the chamber to a second position
to allow withdrawal and replacement of the container of wipes.
48. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 47 wherein the first
chamber wall section is lockable in the first position.
49. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 45 wherein the
second chamber is adapted to store a soiled wipe storage device
and, alternatively, a second container of wipes.
50. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 45 wherein the
second chamber has a wall section which moves from a first position
to secure the storage device and, alternatively, the second
container of wipes in the chamber to a second position to allow
withdrawal and replacement of the storage device or second
container of wipes.
51. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 50 wherein the
second chamber wall section is lockable in the first position.
52. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 45 wherein the first
and the second chambers can both be adapted to house a container of
wipes having a wipe-extracting aperture, the adapted chamber or
chambers allowing manual access to the wipe-extracting
aperture.
53. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 41 wherein the
bridging member includes a releasable connector formed from first
and second interlocking components whereby, in use, the first
component is secured to the bridging member and the second
component is secured to a support member whereby the dispenser can
be moved from one support member to another.
54. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 41 wherein the
dispenser may be released from one support member and re-allocated
to another, where the support members include a wall mounting, and
clamps for a horizontal and vertical tubular structures.
55. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 41 wherein a
bridging member supports a target at which soiled wipes may be
thrown.
56. The dispenser for wipes according to claim 41 wherein a common
locking device or mechanism is provided to lock the first chamber
wall section in the first position, and to lock the second chamber
wall section in the first position and further operates a connector
releasable connector lock to lock the dispenser on a support
member.
57. The dispenser according to claim 41 wherein the first chamber
has one or more projections adjacent the wipe-extracting aperture
adapted to engage in perforations between wipes whereby to assist
in separating one wipe from another.
58. The dispenser according to claim 41 wherein the second chamber
has a wipe-extracting aperture, the second chamber having one or
more projections adjacent the wipe-extracting aperture adapted to
engage in perforations between wipes whereby to assist in
separating one wipe from another.
59. The dispenser according to claim 45 wherein the first chamber
is located above the second chamber spaced by the bridging member
so as to ensure the wipe is pulled at an angle to the
dispenser.
60. The dispenser according to claim 41 wherein an arm is located
beneath the first chamber so as to ensure the wipe is pulled at an
angle to the dispenser.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for wipes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is common practice to request workers in the health
services to clean their hands after touching contaminated surfaces
or patients in order to prevent the spread of infection. A similar
practice occurs in the food industry where workers are required to
keep their hands clean whilst handling food. This involves frequent
washing of hands with a suitable cleaning agent even for situations
of minor contamination. Because the process of washing hands
requires use of a basin, which is rarely easily accessible, and/or
the use of cleaning gel and cleaning off with a towel, many workers
simply fail to conform to their obligations because this process is
both time consuming and inconvenient.
[0003] The invention seeks to solve this problem by providing an
aesthetically pleasing, secure and location flexible dispenser for
towelettes anti bacterial wet wipes to enable convenient, cleaning
of hands, other parts of the body if required, surfaces or
implements.
PRIOR ART
[0004] There have been a number of dispensers designed to dispense
towelettes or wipes in the past. US Patent Application Number
US-A-2001035416 discloses a receptacle for holding two
dispensers.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,614 (Haines) discloses a dispenser of
towelettes or wet wipes, typically supported on a coreless log or
roll. Towelettes are dispensed through the lid of the container and
housed in a chimney member that assists a user to extract the wipe
correctly.
[0006] Another example of a towelette dispenser is described in US
Patent Application Number US-A1 -2003/0116582 (Tosdale), which
discloses a dispenser for commercial containers of moist
towelettes. In use, the dispenser is secured permanently to a wall
or counter top.
[0007] UK Patent Application Number GB-A-2 394 219 discloses a
towelette dispensing device configured for dispensing at least a
first type and a second type of towelette. Preferably these were a
dry towelette and a wet wipe.
[0008] UK Patent Application Number GB-A-430577 discloses a
container for sanitary paper and has a means for supporting
deodorizing and/or disinfecting "blocks" incorporated therein.
[0009] The prior art thus discloses a variety of containers for
dispensing towelettes or wipes and related support systems.
Typically these containers were either portable or static. When
static they were fixed permanently or temporarily to furniture or
walls. However, a problem in the past has been that these
attachment means did not allow for ease of connection and release
from furniture or walls. Portable containers were easier to move
and use in different environments, however these were prone to
loss, damage or liable to be stolen.
[0010] The present invention aims to solve problems associated with
prior art containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a dispenser for wipes comprising singly or in
combination:
[0012] a) a bridging member adapted to be secured to a support
member,
[0013] b) a first chamber adapted to receive a container of
wipes,
[0014] c) a connector to connect the first chamber to a support
member to hold the dispenser at a desired location.
[0015] Ideally a second chamber is adapted to receive a container
of wipes or a soiled wipe storage device.
[0016] In addition a second releasable connection means is provided
to connect the second chamber to the bridging member.
[0017] Preferably the second chamber is releasable from a first
bridge member. This permits flexibility in design for example to
upgrade to a larger bin or separate deployment of one or other of
the chambers in different locations.
[0018] Nowhere is there disclosed a secure, reliable and easily
releasable system for consumable wipes dispensing which has the
facility to provide optionally a storage container for soiled wipes
or in the alternative a second container of wipes.
[0019] Preferably the second chamber is larger than the first
chamber. Preferably the first chamber can be placed within the
second chamber.
[0020] Preferably the first chamber has a wall section which is
adapted to move from a first position, whereat the container of
wipes is secure in the chamber, to a second position, whereat
withdrawal and replacement of the container of wipes is
permitted.
[0021] Preferably the first chamber wall section is lockable in the
first position and an optional locking device or mechanism is
provided for this purpose. The first chamber wall section may
include a hinged flap.
[0022] Preferably the second chamber is adapted to store a soiled
wipe storage device for receiving used or soiled wipes.
Alternatively a second container of wipes can be located in the
second chamber. The soiled wipe storage device may be a bag or
rigid walled container.
[0023] Advantageously the storage device includes an aperture to
receive soiled wipes. Preferably the second chamber has a wall
section which moves from a first position to secure the storage
device and, alternatively, the second container of wipes in the
chamber to a second position, to allow withdrawal and replacement
of the storage device or second container of wipes.
[0024] Ideally the second chamber wall section is lockable in the
first position. The second chamber wall section may be a hinged
flap.
[0025] Preferably the first and/or second chamber is adapted to
house a container of wipes having a wipe extracting aperture, the
first and/or second chamber allowing manual access to a wipe
extracting aperture.
[0026] Preferably the bridging member includes a releasable
connector whereby the dispenser can be moved from one support
member to another.
[0027] Preferably the releasable connector is formed from first and
second interlocking components. Preferably the first component is
secured to the bridging member and the second component secured to
a support member whereby the dispenser can be moved from one
support member to another.
[0028] Preferably a lock means is provided for releasably locking
the first and second components together.
[0029] Preferably a locking device or mechanism is provided to lock
and/or unlock the chamber wall section from a first position to a
second position Ideally the locking device or mechanism further
operates a releasable connector lock, for locking and/or unlocking
the first components from the second components.
[0030] The dispenser may be generally ellipsoid or half ellipsoid
in shape.
[0031] Preferably the first or second chamber is located above the
second or first chamber spaced by the bridging member.
[0032] Preferably the first and second chambers are connected by a
bridging member.
[0033] Ideally the first and second chambers and the bridging
member form a unitary structure when connected. The bridging member
preferably supports one of the releasable connectors.
[0034] Preferably the first chamber is located above the second
chamber spaced by the bridging member and most preferably the first
and second chambers project forward of the bridging member.
[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment a wipe extracting
aperture of a container in the first chamber is spaced from, and
opposes, an aperture to receive soiled wipes or the wipe extracting
aperture of a second container in the second chamber.
[0036] In one embodiment panels are provided between the first and
second chamber whereby the bridging member is located at one end of
a recess formed by the first and second chamber and said panels.
Preferably the panels are removable. In a preferred embodiment the
bridging member supports a target, at which soiled wipes can be
thrown and which defects them into the second chamber.
[0037] In a further embodiment the bridge member includes receiving
means to receive a sealing cap from the container of wipes. The
receiving means may be formed in a projection extending from the
bridging member.
[0038] The chamber has may have one or more projections adjacent
the wipe extracting aperture adapted to engage with perforations
between wipes thereby to assist in separating one wipe from
another. Preferably the arm dispenser is shaped such that the user
is forced to pull the wipe across the or each projection thereby
ensuring that the projections adjacent the wipe extracting aperture
engage the perforations between wipes whereby to assist in
separating one wipe from another.
[0039] Preferably the first and/or second chamber has an internal
shape to accommodate an external shape of the wipe container
whereby to support the container firmly. In a particularly
advantageous embodiment the, or each, chamber is dimensioned and
shaped to receive a container of wipes in a particularly direction
or orientation, so that a cap of the container (when removed)
reveals a first wipe and/or the container automatically aligns and
engages with the receiving means on the bridging member
automatically aligns and engages is with the receiving means on the
bridging member
[0040] Preferably the first and/or second chamber includes an
aperture through which projects a wipe extracting aperture of the
wipe container, thereby allowing manual access to the wipe
extracting aperture.
[0041] In a yet further embodiment the first or second chamber
includes an aperture to support the storage device aperture. The
storage device aperture may be provided by a bottle neck in the
first or second chamber or a waste bag neck.
[0042] Preferably the bridging member connects to at least two,
preferably three or more, different support members.
[0043] The support member may be a floor or shelf stand, wall
mounting, clamp for a tubular structure (such as a hospital bed or
trolley), clamp for an edge of sheet material, such as a horizontal
shelf or vertical panel, or the like.
[0044] The invention also extends to a dispenser as above defined
in combination with one or more container of wipes and/or a soiled
wipe storage device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] Various examples of preferred embodiments of the invention
will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an example of a
dispenser comprising first and second ellipsoidal chambers facing
one another;
[0047] FIG. 2 shows a side view, revealing in hidden cross
sectional detail, the second chamber in the first chamber, for
example for storage or transport;
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a front side perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the dispenser;
[0049] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 3,
mounted for use, on a stand on a wall;
[0050] FIG. 5A shows a front elevational view of an embodiment
comprising first and second ellipsoidal chambers facing one
another;
[0051] FIG. 5B shows a side view of FIG. 5A, mounted on a support,
such as a frame of a bed;
[0052] FIGS. 6A and 6B show respective views of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B with guide panels;
[0053] FIGS. 7A and 7B show an alternative embodiment to those
shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B with guide panels with interlocking
caps.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a dispenser 1 for wipes.
The dispenser 1 has a bridging member 10 adapted to be secured to a
support member. The support member may be a floor or shelf stand,
wall mounting, clamp for a tubular structure (such as a hospital
bed or trolley), clamp for an edge of sheet material, or the
like.
[0055] A first chamber 20 is adapted to receive a container of
wipes "X". First chamber 20 has a wall section in the form of flap
21 which is hinged about hinge pins 22A, 22B and moves from a first
position to secure the container of wipes in the chamber to a
second position to allow withdrawal and replacement of the
container of wipes "X". The chamber flap 21 may be lockable in the
first position.
[0056] A first releasable connection means is adapted to connect
the first chamber 20 to the bridging member 10. The first
releasable connection means is in the form of a dovetail projection
23 on the back of first chamber 20 which slides into a
corresponding dovetail groove 11 on the bridging member. A
releasable spring finger 12 (or other locking device) temporarily
locks the first chamber to the bridging member 10. If desired a
security locking device or mechanism could be used.
[0057] Second chamber 30 is adapted to receive a container "Y",
which may be the same wipes as in container "X", different wipes,
for example dry towels or alternatively, a soiled wipe storage
device such as a bag or other container (not shown), which has an
aperture to receive soiled wipes.
[0058] The second chamber 30 has a wall section in the form of flap
31 which is hinged about hinge pins 32A, 32B and moves from a first
position to secure the container of wipes "Y" (or a storage device)
in the chamber to a second position to allow withdrawal and
replacement of the container of wipes "Y" (or a storage device).
The second chamber flap 31 is lockable in a first position.
[0059] A second releasable connection means is provided adapted to
connect the second chamber 30 to the bridging member 10. The first
releasable connection means is in the form of a dovetail projection
33 on the back of second chamber 30 which slides into a
corresponding dovetail groove 13 on the bridging member 10. A
releasable spring finger 14 (or other locking device) temporarily
locks the second chamber to the bridging member 10.
[0060] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the first chamber 20 is
smaller than the second chamber 30, thereby permitting the first
chamber 20 to be placed within the second chamber 20. This provides
more economical transportation and storage.
[0061] In use, a dispenser can be created by connecting the first
and/or second chamber(s) to the bridging member 10. The bridging
member 10, first chamber 20, and second chamber 30 may therefore be
supplied and purchased singly or in combination. A consumer is then
able to purchase a bridging member and one chamber and then add
another chamber at a later date.
[0062] Referring again to FIG. 1, the dispenser 1, (with the
bridging member 10 and first chamber 20 and second chamber 30
assembled), is generally ellipsoid in shape. In use, the first
chamber 20 is located above the second chamber 30 spaced by the
bridging member 10, and the first and second chambers project
forward of the bridging member. Containers "X" and "Y" of wipes
each have a wipe extracting aperture, and the spacing of the first
and second chambers by the bridging member 10 allows manual access
to the wipe extracting aperture. The first 20 and second 30
chambers both include an aperture through which projects the wipe
extracting aperture of the wipe container thereby allowing manual
access to the wipe extracting aperture.
[0063] Also as shown, the wipe extracting aperture of container "X"
in the first chamber 20 is spaced from and opposes the wipe
extracting aperture of container "Y"(or the aperture to receive
soiled wipes if the container "Y" is replaced by a storage device)
in the second chamber 30.
[0064] The first and/or second chamber(s) may have an internal
shape to accommodate an external shape of the wipe container
whereby to support the container firmly.
[0065] The first chamber may also be adapted to receive a waste
wipe storage device. The first or second chamber may include an
aperture to support the storage device aperture. The storage device
aperture may be provided by a bottle neck in the first or second
chamber or a waste bag neck.
[0066] The dispenser may be sold in combination with one or more
container of wipes and/or a soiled wipe storage device.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a perspective
view of an alternative embodiment of a dispenser 301 for wipes. The
dispenser 301 may be generally half ellipsoid in shape.
[0068] Dispenser 301 has a chamber 302 to house a container 310 of
wipes 312. Container 310 has a wipe extracting aperture 311.
Dispenser 301 allows manual access to the wipe extracting is
aperture 311.
[0069] Chamber 302 has a wall section in the form of a flap 303
hinged by hinge pins 304A, 304B to the main body 305 of chamber
302. Flap 303 moves from a first position (as shown) to secure the
container 310 of wipes in the chamber 302 to a second position to
allow withdrawal and replacement of the container of wipes. The
chamber wall section is lockable in the first position by use of a
locking device or mechanism (not shown).
[0070] Chamber 302 has an internal shape to accommodate the
external shape of the wipe container 310 whereby to support the
container firmly. For example part of the external shape of
container 310 could be square and part of the internal shape of the
chamber 302 could be square thereby preventing rotation of the
container 310 in the chamber 302. Chamber 302 includes an aperture
302A through which projects the wipe extracting aperture 311 of the
wipe container 310.
[0071] An arm 306 projects below the chamber 302 from the main body
305. Chamber 302 projects forward of the arm 306. Removable side
panels 307A, 307B extend forward from the edges of the arm 306 to
provide a recess below the chamber 302 allowing manual access to
wipes 312. Arm 306 includes receiving means in the form of an
annular projection 308 (or a recess) to receive a sealing cap 313
from the container 310 of wipes. The sealing cap 313 may provide a
"target" which soiled wipes can be thrown at and which deflects
wipes to a soiled wipe container.
[0072] The chamber 302 may have one or more projections adjacent
the wipe extracting aperture 311 adapted to engage in perforations
between wipes hereby to assist in separating one wipe from another.
The arm 306 may be shaped such that the user is forced to pull the
wipe across the or each projection thereby ensuring that the
projections adjacent the wipe extracting aperture, engage the
perforations between wipes whereby to assist in separating one wipe
from another. For example the or each projection could be
horizontally spaced from the aperture 311 and arm 306 may have a
projection extending forward from its lower end to force a user to
extract the wipe in a more horizontal direction from the aperture
311, so as to ensure that the, or each, projection engages the
perforations.
[0073] A releasable connector 320 is provided to releasably connect
the chamber 302 to a support member, such as a post "3X", to hold
the dispenser at a desired location. The releasable connector 320
is formed from first and second interlocking components 321, 322,
e.g. with male and female connecting parts, with the first
component 321 being secured to the dispenser arm 306 and the second
component 322 secured to a support member such as post "3X".
[0074] Dispenser 301 can be moved from one support member to
another carrying an identical second component. Instead of a post
"3X", the support member may be a horizontal surface or a
horizontal surface stand or clamp or a vertical surface like a
wall, window or kitchen cabinet, a clamp for a horizontal or
vertical tubular structure (such as a hospital bed or trolley), a
clamp for an edge of sheet material, or the like. The releasable
connector may be adapted to connect to at least two, e.g. three or
more, different support members.
[0075] As before, a lock may be provided to releasably lock the
first and second components together. A locking device or mechanism
(not shown) may be provided to lock and/or unlock the chamber wall
section 303 in the first position.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B there is shown a dispenser 501
for wipes. Dispenser 501 is generally ellipsoidal in shape and may
be formed from a suitable material such as a molded synthetic
plastics material and as a unitary structure.
[0077] The bridging member may include a releasable connector
whereby the dispenser can be moved from one support member to
another. The releasable connector may be formed from first and
second interlocking components. The first component is secured to
the bridging member and the second component is secured to a
support member, whereby the dispenser can be moved from one support
member to another. Again a lock may be provided to releasably lock
the first and second components together.
[0078] Dispenser 501 has a first chamber 510 to house a container
"5X" of wipes having a wipe extracting aperture "5Y". First chamber
510 has a main body 511 and a wall section in the form of a flap
512 hinged to the first chamber body 511 by a pivot pins 513A1
513B. Flap 512 hinges from a first position to secure the container
"5X" of wipes in the chamber 510 to a second position away from the
body 511 (not shown) to allow withdrawal and replacement of the
container "5X" of wipes. The first chamber flap 512 is lockable in
the first position e.g. with a locking device or mechanism
"5Z".
[0079] The first chamber 510 includes an aperture 514 through which
projects the wipe extracting aperture "5Y" of the wipe container
thereby allowing manual access to the wipe extracting aperture.
[0080] The first chamber may have an internal shape to accommodate
an external shape of the wipe container whereby to support the
container firmly. For example part of the external shape of
container "5X" could be square and part of the internal shape of
the first chamber could be square thereby preventing rotation of
the container in the first chamber.
[0081] Dispenser 501 has a second chamber 520 to house soiled wipes
in a soiled wipe storage device in the form of bag "5A" (or other
suitable waste container). Bag "5A" includes a neck aperture in
form of an annular collar "5B" which may be formed from two
semicircular sections hinged together which can be brought together
to seal the bag "5A" when bag "5A" is discarded.
[0082] Second chamber 520 has a main body 521 and a flap 522 hinged
to the second chamber body 521 by a pivot pins 523A, 523B. Flap 522
hinges from a first position (as shown in the drawing) to secure
the bag "5A" in the chamber 520 to a second position away from the
body 521 (not shown) to allow withdrawal and replacement of the bag
"5A" of wipes. The second chamber flap 522 is lockable in the first
position e.g. with the same locking device or mechanism "5Z".
Second chamber 520 includes an aperture 524 to support the collar
"5B".
[0083] In an alternative embodiment, comprising first and second
ellipsoidal chambers, the chambers may be arranged facing one
another and supported on a guide-rail and arranged to move in a
coaxial manner towards and away from one another so as to open and
close a pod;
[0084] In a yet further variation, instead of a bag "5A", the
second chamber supports a second container "5X" of wipes. The wipe
extracting aperture of a second container for wipes is defined by
aperture 524. In such an arrangement there would be no waste wipe
receptacle so waste wipes would need to be discarded in an
alternative receptacle like a floor bin.
[0085] The first chamber 510 is located above the second chamber
520 and is connected to and spaced by a bridging member 530 which
is formed as a unitary structure with the first and second chamber
bodies 511 , 521. The first and second chambers 510, 520 project
forward of the bridging member. The wipe extracting aperture of
container "5X" in the first chamber 510 is spaced from and opposes
collar "5B" aperture of bag "5A" (or the wipe extracting aperture
of a second container in the second chamber 520 (shown in detail
the embodiment of FIG. 7).
[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B1 panels 631 , 632 are
provided between the first and second chambers and releasably
connect to the bridging member 630. The bridging member 630 is
located at one end of a recess formed by the first and second
chambers 610, 620 and panels 631 , 632. The bridging member
supports a target (e.g. a circle printed thereon) at which soiled
wipes can be aimed. If desired a sealing cap "6W" on container "6X"
may be arranged to engage with a receiving means e.g. a recess 633
in the bridging means or formed by a projection on the bridging
means. The cap "6W" thus creates a target.
[0087] The bridging member 630 supports a connector 640 to connect
the first and second chambers 610, 620 to a support member to hold
the dispenser at a desired location. The support member may be a
floor or shelf stand, wall mounting, clamp for a tubular structure
(such as a hospital bed or trolley), clamp for an edge of sheet
material, or the like. Within a hospital or clinic, the support
member may be a floor stand, wall or bedside cabinet mounting, or
perhaps a clamp for a tubular structure (such as a hospital bed or
medicine trolley). For food handlers, the support member may be a
clamp for a point of sale counter, a mounting for a vertical
structure (wall or kitchen equipment for example), or the like.
[0088] In use, it is envisaged that numerous dispensers of the type
described and defined above would be used in, for example, health
locations such as emergency medical, hospitals or in food handling
locations. Within both it is necessary to be able to expediently
re-allocate dispensers as the need changes. For example a dispenser
will be required to be attached to a medicine is trolley while
medicines are being dispensed by the nurse to enable easy access to
a cleansing wipe. After the medicines have been dispensed, the
dispenser can be easily released from its medicine trolley clamp
and re-allocated back to a wall, bed or bedside cabinet mounting,
drip feed stand etc.
[0089] Similarly a dispenser can be re-allocated from food
handler's `point of sale` counter positions as they close to
perhaps other `point of sale` positions, or to `drive through sales
positions` or to walls for customers to use etc.
[0090] As the connector is a releasable connector it permits the
dispenser to be moved from one support member to another. In FIGS.
6A and 6B, the releasable connector 640 is formed from first and
second interlocking components 641, 642, e.g. with male and female
connecting parts. The first component 641 is secured to the
dispenser 601 and the second component 642 secured to a support
member whereby the dispenser can be moved from one support member
to another. A lock may be provided to releasably lock the first and
second components 641, 642 together. The lock may be operated by
common locking device or mechanism "5Z".
[0091] The first chamber may be smaller than the second chamber.
This may be desirable so because a waste wipe storage device may
need to be larger than a wipe container to accommodate all the
wipes once used and crumpled up. container of wipes as the first
chamber.
[0092] It is envisaged that a container of wipes and a waste wipe
storage device may be sold in a common package. If a waste is wipe
storage device is used in the second chamber, each wipe can be used
and disposed of immediately.
[0093] The dispenser of the invention may be used in conjunction
with a container as described in my copending International Patent
Application, entitled `A Container for Wipes` whose filing date is
29 Aug. 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0094] Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in
the art without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
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