U.S. patent application number 12/792606 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-08 for cloth dispenser.
Invention is credited to Simon M. Conway, Benjamin J. Paprocki.
Application Number | 20110297694 12/792606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44383126 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110297694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conway; Simon M. ; et
al. |
December 8, 2011 |
Cloth Dispenser
Abstract
A re-usable dispenser for interfolded cloth sheets is disclosed.
The dispenser includes a re-usable top housing that is moves
relative to a re-usable bottom housing as the cloth sheets are
depleted and a replaceable refill housing including refill
cloths.
Inventors: |
Conway; Simon M.;
(Burlington, WI) ; Paprocki; Benjamin J.;
(Madison, WI) |
Family ID: |
44383126 |
Appl. No.: |
12/792606 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/0894 20130101;
A47K 10/422 20130101; Y02W 30/80 20150501; Y02W 30/807 20150501;
A47K 10/421 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/46 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/08 20060101
B65D083/08 |
Claims
1. A dispenser comprising: a bottom housing including a base trim,
and a bottom sidewall extending away from the base trim and having
a bottom sidewall height; a top housing having a top panel and a
top sidewall extending from the top panel and having a top sidewall
height, the top panel having a dispensing opening; a refill housing
including a refill base, a refill support extending away from the
refill base, a refill sidewall extending away from the refill base,
and a plurality of refill cloths formed into a generally U-shaped
stack by folding a flat stack about a transverse fold axis, the
U-shaped stack resting on the refill support, the refill housing
nested within the bottom housing; and wherein the top panel of the
top housing rests on a top of the U-shaped stack and the top
housing is partially nested within the bottom housing such that the
top housing moves relative to the bottom housing as the refill
cloths are depleted.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a means for
maintaining a connection between the bottom housing and the top
housing; wherein the means for maintaining a connection between the
bottom housing and the top housing comprises a guide slot and a
guide pin that travels in the guide slot, one of the guide track
and the guide pin being located on an outer surface of the top
sidewall and the other of the guide track and the guide pin being
located on the inner surface of the bottom sidewall.
3. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a groove and a tab,
one of the groove and the tab being located on an outer surface of
the top sidewall and the other of the groove and the tab being
located on the inner surface of the bottom sidewall, the grove and
the tab extending in a direction of a longitudinal axis which
extends along the bottom sidewall away from the base trim; wherein
the tab can slidably engage the groove as the top housing moves
relative to the bottom housing.
4. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a top trim; a flip
top comprising a lid connected to a flange by a hinge wherein the
flange is affixed to the top trim; wherein the flip top is
dimensioned to seal an opening in the top trim.
5. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the top housing is
transparent.
6. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the top sidewall height and the
bottom sidewall height are such that the top housing rests on the
base trim when the refill cloths are depleted.
7. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is substantially
rectangular.
8. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is oblong.
9. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the refill support has a refill
support height that is substantially equal to the bottom sidewall
height.
10. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the bottom housing has an
opening surrounded by the base trim and the refill housing is
installed through the opening.
11. A dispenser comprising: a bottom housing including a base trim
and a bottom sidewall extending away from the base trim and having
a bottom sidewall height; a top housing having a top panel and a
top sidewall extending away from the top panel and having a top
sidewall height, the top panel having a dispensing opening; a
refill housing including a refill base, a refill support extending
away from the refill base, a refill sidewall extending away from
the refill base, and a plurality of refill cloths formed into a
generally U-shaped stack by folding a flat stack about a transverse
fold axis, the U-shaped stack resting on the refill support, the
refill housing nested within the bottom housing; and wherein the
top panel of the top housing rests on a top of the U-shaped stack
and the bottom housing is partially nested within the top housing
such that the top housing moves relative to the bottom housing as
the refill cloths are depleted.
12. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising: a means for
maintaining a connection between the bottom housing and the top
housing; wherein the means for maintaining a connection between the
bottom housing and the top housing comprises a guide slot and a
guide pin that travels in the guide slot, one of the guide track
and the guide pin being located on an outer surface of the bottom
sidewall and the other of the guide track and the guide pin being
located on the inner surface of the top sidewall.
13. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising: a groove and a
tab, one of the groove and the tab being located on an inner
surface of the top sidewall and the other of the groove and the tab
being located on the outer surface of the bottom sidewall, the
groove and tab extending in a direction of a longitudinal axis
which extends along the bottom sidewall away from the base trim;
wherein the tab can slidably engage the groove as the top housing
moves relative to the bottom housing.
14. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising: a top trim; a
flip top comprising a lid connected to a flange by a hinge wherein
the flange is affixed to the top trim; wherein the flip top is
dimensioned to seal an opening in the top trim.
15. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein the top housing is
transparent.
16. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein the top sidewall height and
the bottom sidewall height are such that the top housing rests on
the base trim when the refill cloths are depleted.
17. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein the dispenser is
substantially rectangular.
18. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein the dispenser is oblong.
19. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein the refill support has a
refill support height that is substantially equal to the bottom
sidewall height.
20. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein the bottom housing has an
opening surrounded by the base trim and the refill housing is
installed through the opening.
21. A refill housing for installation in a holder of a dispenser,
the refill housing comprising: a refill base; a refill support
extending from the refill base; a refill sidewall extending from
the refill base; and a plurality of refill cloths formed into a
generally U-shaped stack by folding a flat stack about a transverse
fold axis, the U-shaped stack resting on the refill support.
22. The refill housing of claim 21 wherein the refill base includes
a pair of spaced apart raised surfaces, each raised surface
supporting an end of the U-shaped stack.
23. The refill housing of claim 22 wherein the raised surfaces are
at least partially angled with respect to the refill base.
24. The refill housing of claim 21 where a top of the U-shaped
stack of refill cloths extends above a top edge of the refill
sidewall.
25. The refill housing of claim 21 wherein: the refill support has
a refill support height and the refill sidewall has a refill
sidewall height; and the refill support height is substantially
equal to the refill sidewall height.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT CONCERNING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to a dispenser for inter-folded cloth
sheets. More particularly, the invention is directed to a
dispensing system including a floating top and a refill
housing.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Individual sheets are frequently dispensed from a stack of
interfolded or C-folded sheets. A stack of sheets is generally
dispensed from an enclosed dispenser provided with an elongate
opening along a surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,594 shows
an oblong dispenser including a flat stack of sheets formed into an
arch-shaped folded stack. One section of the topmost sheet extends
out of the opening to be grasped and dispensed by a user. Pulling
the topmost sheet out of the box causes one section of the next
paper towel to protrude from the opening. This method of "pop-up"
sheet dispensing is convenient for many applications, since the
next sheet is readily presented for quick access.
[0007] However, as the stack becomes smaller, a larger and larger
gap is formed between the opening and the top of the stack, and the
pop-up sheet dispensing feature can become unreliable. Frequently,
a plastic element in fitted to the opening in an attempt to prevent
the adjacent sheets from becoming disconnected from the topmost
sheet. Unfortunately, disconnection still occurs frequently, and
the user must reach through the opening to pull the next sheet from
the box. Various attempts have been made to overcome this
problem.
[0008] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,860 shows a dispenser for
inter-folded sheets that includes a cartridge with a stack of
inter-folded food service sheets secured to a generally planar
rectangular core. U.S. Pat. No. 3,145,840 shows a boxlike dispenser
that has an upper section and a lower section that are severable.
However, these dispensers are generally disposed after one use
creating large amounts of waste, and there is either still a gap
between the topmost sheet and the opening or it is easy to pull the
top of the dispenser off when removing a sheet.
[0009] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a re-usable
dispenser that solves the problem of sheets falling to the bottom
of the dispenser and remains in one piece when a sheet is
removed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The foregoing needs can be met with a dispenser according to
the invention. In one example embodiment the dispenser includes a
bottom housing. The bottom housing includes a base trim and a
bottom sidewall extending away from the base trim. The bottom
sidewall has a bottom sidewall height. The dispenser also includes
a top housing. The top housing includes a top panel and a top
sidewall extending from the top panel. The top side wall has a top
sidewall height, and the top panel has a dispensing opening. The
dispenser also includes a refill housing. The refill housing
includes a refill base, a refill support extending away from the
refill base, a refill sidewall extending away from the refill base,
and a plurality of refill cloths. The refill cloths are formed into
a generally U-shaped stack by folding a flat stack about a
transverse fold axis. The U-shaped stack rests on the refill
support, and the refill housing is nested within the bottom
housing. The top panel of the top housing rests on a top of the
U-shaped stack. The top housing is partially nested within the
bottom housing such that the top housing moves relative to the
bottom housing as the refill cloths are depleted.
[0011] In one form, the dispenser also includes a means for
maintaining a connection between the bottom housing and the top
housing. The means for maintaining a connection between the bottom
housing and the top housing is a guide slot and a guide pin that
travels in the guide slot. Either the guide track or the guide pin
is located on an outer surface of the top sidewall, and the other
of the guide track and the guide pin is located on the inner
surface of the bottom sidewall.
[0012] In a second form, the dispenser may also include a groove
and a tab. Either the groove or the tab is located on an outer
surface of the top sidewall, and the other of the groove and the
tab is located on the inner surface of the bottom sidewall. The
grove and the tab extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis
which extends along the bottom sidewall away from the base trim.
The tab can slidably engage the groove as the top housing moves
relative to the bottom housing.
[0013] In a third form, the dispenser can include a top trim and a
flip top. The flip top includes a lid connected to a flange by a
hinge. The flange is affixed to the top trim, and the flip top is
dimensioned to seal an opening in the top trim.
[0014] In a fourth form, the top housing of the dispenser is
transparent.
[0015] In a fifth form, the top sidewall height and the bottom
sidewall height of the dispenser are such that the top housing
rests on the base trim when the refill cloths are depleted.
[0016] In a sixth form, the dispenser is substantially
rectangular.
[0017] In a seventh form, the dispenser is oblong.
[0018] In an eighth form, the refill support of the dispenser has a
refill support height that is substantially equal to the bottom
sidewall height.
[0019] In a ninth form, the bottom housing of the dispenser has an
opening surrounded by the base trim and the refill housing is
installed through the opening.
[0020] In a second aspect, the invention provides a dispenser
including a bottom housing. The bottom housing includes a base trim
and a bottom sidewall, which extends away from the base trim, The
bottom sidewall has a bottom sidewall height. The dispenser also
includes a top housing. The top housing has a top panel and a top
sidewall, which extends away from the top panel and has a top
sidewall height. The top panel has a dispensing opening. The
dispenser also includes a refill housing. The refill housing
includes a refill base, a refill support which extends away from
the refill base, a refill sidewall which extends away from the
refill base, and a plurality of refill cloths. The refill cloths
are formed into a generally U-shaped stack by folding a flat stack
about a transverse fold axis. The U-shaped stack rests on the
refill support. The refill housing is nested within the bottom
housing. The top panel of the top housing rests on a top of the
U-shaped stack and the bottom housing is partially nested within
the top housing such that the top housing moves relative to the
bottom housing as the refill cloths are depleted.
[0021] In a second form, the dispenser may also include a groove
and a tab. Either the groove or the tab is located on an inner
surface of the top sidewall, and the other of the groove and the
tab is located on the outer surface of the bottom sidewall. The
grove and the tab extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis
which extends along the bottom sidewall away from the base trim.
The tab can slidably engage the groove as the top housing moves
relative to the bottom housing.
[0022] In a third form, the dispenser can include a top trim and a
flip top. The flip top includes a lid connected to a flange by a
hinge. The flange is affixed to the top trim, and the flip top is
dimensioned to seal an opening in the top trim.
[0023] In a fourth form, the top housing of the dispenser is
transparent.
[0024] In a fifth form, the top sidewall height and the bottom
sidewall height of the dispenser are such that the top housing
rests on the base trim when the refill cloths are depleted.
[0025] In a sixth form, dispenser is substantially rectangular.
[0026] In a seventh form, the dispenser is oblong.
[0027] In an eighth form, the refill support of the dispenser has a
refill support height that is substantially equal to the bottom
sidewall height.
[0028] In a ninth form, the bottom housing of the dispenser has an
opening surrounded by the base trim and the refill housing is
installed through the opening.
[0029] In a third aspect, the invention provides a refill housing
for installation in a holder of a dispenser. The refill housing
includes a refill base, a refill support extending from the refill
base, a refill sidewall extending from the refill base, and a
plurality of refill cloths. The refill cloths are formed into a
generally U-shaped stack by folding a flat stack about a transverse
fold axis. The U-shaped stack rests on the refill support.
[0030] In a second form, the refill base of the refill housing
includes a pair of spaced apart raised surfaces. Each raised
surface supports an end of the U-shaped stack.
[0031] In a third form, the raised surfaces of the refill base are
at least partially angled with respect to the refill base.
[0032] In a fourth form, the top of the U-shaped stack of refill
cloths extends above a top edge of the refill sidewall.
[0033] In fifth form, the refill support has a refill support
height and the refill sidewall has a refill sidewall height. The
refill support height is substantially equal to the refill sidewall
height.
[0034] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the
invention will appear in the detailed description which follows. In
the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings
which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance
with a first embodiment of the invention including a closed flip
top.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance
with the first embodiment of the invention including an open flip
top.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a refill housing
in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a side elevation, fragmentary view taken along
line 6-6 of FIG. 1 showing the flip top of the dispenser in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a top elevation, fragmentary view taken along line
7-7 of FIG. 1 showing a groove and tab of the dispenser in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of a
dispenser in accordance with the first embodiment of the
invention.
[0043] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance
with a second embodiment of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of
FIG. 9.
[0045] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance
with the third embodiment of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of
FIG. 11.
[0047] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of
FIG. 11.
[0048] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of
FIG. 11.
[0049] Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts
from Figure to Figure in the following description of the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0050] The invention is described in detail below with reference to
several embodiments. Such exemplification is for purposes of
explanation and discussion only and is not intended to limit in any
way the scope of the invention.
[0051] Looking at FIGS. 1 to 8, there is shown an example
embodiment of a dispenser (indicated generally at 10) for
dispensing cloth sheets 88. The dispenser 10 is substantially
rectangular in shape and includes a bottom housing (indicated
generally at 20), a flip top lid (indicated generally at 40), a top
housing (indicated generally at 60), and a refill housing
(indicated generally at 80). The bottom housing 20, flip top lid
40, and top housing 60 may be fabricated from metallic materials,
ceramic materials, or various transparent, translucent, or
pigmented polymeric materials, such as polyethylene and
polypropylene. In one example embodiment, the bottom housing 20,
flip top lid 40, and top housing 60 comprise a pigmented polyolefin
such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Each section of the
dispenser 10 will be described individually below.
[0052] As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom housing 20
includes a base trim 24 and a bottom sidewall 22. In a preferred
embodiment, both the base trim 24 and the bottom sidewall 22 are
substantially rectangular in shape, however, it is contemplated
that the base trim 24 and the bottom sidewall 22 could be other
shapes such as oblong. The base trim 24 is designed to fit snugly
around the bottom edge of the bottom sidewall 22. The bottom
sidewall may include a groove 26 extending downward from the top
edge of the bottom sidewall 22 for aiding positioning of the other
sections of the dispenser. The groove 26 may be located on the
surface of the bottom sidewall 22 or the groove 26 may be an
opening in the bottom sidewall 22 as shown in FIGS. 1-4.
[0053] As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 6, the flip top lid 40
includes a top trim 42 and a flip top 44 connected to a flange 46
by a hinge 48. The flange is affixed to the top trim. The flip top
lid 40 also includes a catch 50 attached to the underside of the
flip top 44, a latch 52 attached to the top trim 42, and a release
button 54 for opening the flip top 44.
[0054] The top housing 60 is better illustrated in FIGS. 3-4. The
top housing 60 includes a top panel 62 and a top sidewall 64. In a
preferred embodiment, the top panel 62 and the top sidewall 64 are
substantially rectangular in shape, however, the top panel 62 and
the top sidewall 64 could be other shapes such as oblong. The top
panel 62 and the top sidewall 64 are preferably substantially the
same shape as the base trim 24 and the bottom sidewall 22. In a
preferred embodiment, the top sidewall 64 is dimensioned such that
it can fit inside of the bottom sidewall 22, however, the top
sidewall 64 may also be dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall
22 fits inside the top sidewall 64. The top panel 62 includes an
opening 66.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the top panel 62 also includes a
tab 68 for slidably engaging groove 26 on the bottom sidewall 22 as
shown in greater detail in FIG. 7. However, the tab 68 could be
located on either the bottom sidewall 22 or the top sidewall 64.
The groove would then be located on the other of the bottom
sidewall 22 or the top sidewall 64. If the top sidewall 64 is
dimensioned such that it can fit inside of the bottom sidewall 22,
the tab 68 would be located on either the inner surface of the
bottom sidewall 22 or the outer surface of the top sidewall 64. If
the top sidewall 64 is dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall 22
can fit inside of the top sidewall 64, the tab 68 would be located
on either the outer surface of the bottom sidewall 22 or the inner
surface of the top sidewall 64.
[0056] Turning to FIGS. 3-5, the refill housing 80 includes a
refill base 82, a refill sidewall 84 and a refill support 86. The
refill base 82, refill sidewall 84 and refill support 86 may be
fabricated from metallic materials, ceramic materials, or various
transparent, translucent, or pigmented polymeric materials, such as
polyethylene and polypropylene. In one example embodiment, the
refill base 82, refill sidewall 84 and refill support 86 comprise a
transparent polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
[0057] The refill housing 80 also includes a plurality of refill
cloths 88. Preferably, the refill housing 80 includes 10-50 refill
cloths 88; more preferably the refill housing 80 includes 20-40
refill cloths 88; and most preferably the refill housing 80
includes 30 refill cloths 88. The refill cloths 88 may be arranged
such that the individual cloths are V-folded, W-folded, or
Z-folded.
[0058] In order to create a V-folded stack, the individual sheets
are folded into two panels and interlocked such that a portion of
the leading panel of the next sheet in a flat stack is positioned
between the two panels of the preceding sheet. This configuration
enables pop-up because withdrawing one sheet from the dispenser
pulls at least a portion of the next sheet out of the
dispenser.
[0059] In order to create a Z-folded stack, individual sheets are
folded into three panels and interlocked such that a portion of a
leading panel of the next sheet in a flat stack is positioned
between a center panel and a trailing panel of the preceding sheet.
The configuration causes the withdrawal of one sheet from a
dispenser to pull at least a portion of the next sheet out of the
dispenser for easier access to the next sheet. In order to provide
for more controlled dispensing of a cloth, such as the predictable
consistent delivery of a horseshoe-shaped cloth from the first to
the last cloth, certain Z-folded stacks are beneficial. For
example, it is preferred that the leading panel of the folded stack
have a width that is 1% to 95% of the width of the center panel of
the folded stack, and that the trailing panel of the folded stack
have a width that is 1% to 100% of the width of the center panel of
the folded stack. Preferably, the leading panel of the folded stack
has a width that is 10% to 60% of the width of the center panel of
the folded stack; and more preferably, the leading panel of the
folded stack has a width that is 20% to 40% of the width of the
center panel of the folded stack. In one non-limiting form, the
leading panel of the folded stack has a width that is 30% of the
width of the center panel of the folded stack.
[0060] W-folded stacks are created by folding individual sheets
into four panels and positioning the leading panel and a first
center panel of a subsequent sheet between a second center panel
and a trailing panel of the preceding sheet. This interlocked
position can provide more reliable pop-up dispensing because more
surface area of the sheets is in contact to prevent fallback into
the dispenser when the dispenser is nearly empty.
[0061] Turning now to FIG. 8, the flat stack of V, Z, or W-folded
refill cloths is then formed into a generally U-shaped stack of
refill cloths 88 by folding the flat stack about a transverse fold
axis. The U-shaped stack of refill cloths 88 is placed in the
refill housing 80 so that the bend of the U rests on the refill
support 86.
[0062] The dispenser 10 is constructed by inserting the refill
housing 80 into an opening in the bottom of the bottom housing 20,
so that the refill housing 80 is nested within the bottom housing
20. The top housing 60 is placed on top of the refill housing 80
such that the underside (not shown) of the top panel 62 rests on
the topmost refill cloth. The flip top lid 40 is then placed on the
top edge of the bottom sidewall 22 such that it covers the top
housing 60.
[0063] Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a second example embodiment
of the dispenser 110 is described. The dispenser 110 is
substantially rectangular in shape and includes a bottom housing
(indicated generally at 120), a top housing (indicated generally at
160), and a refill housing similar to refill housing 80 of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-8. Each section will be described
individually below.
[0064] The bottom housing 120 includes a base trim 124 and a bottom
sidewall 122. In a preferred embodiment, both the base trim 124 and
the bottom sidewall 122 are substantially rectangular in shape,
however, it is contemplated that the base trim 124 and the bottom
sidewall 122 could be other shapes such as oblong. The base trim
124 is designed to fit snugly around the bottom edge of the bottom
sidewall 122. The bottom sidewall 122 may include a groove 126
extending downward from the top edge of the bottom sidewall 122 for
aiding positioning of the other sections of the dispenser. The
groove 126 may be located on the surface of the bottom sidewall 122
or the groove 126 may be an opening in the bottom sidewall 122 as
shown in FIGS. 9-10.
[0065] The top housing 160 includes a top panel 162 and a top
sidewall 164. In a preferred embodiment, the top panel 162 and the
top sidewall 164 are substantially rectangular in shape, however,
it is contemplated that the top panel 162 and the top sidewall 164
could be other shapes such as oblong. The top panel 162 and the top
sidewall 164 are preferably substantially the same shape as the
base trim 124 and the bottom sidewall 122. In a preferred
embodiment, the top sidewall 164 is dimensioned such that it can
fit inside of the bottom sidewall 122, however, the top sidewall
164 may also be dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall 122 fits
inside the top sidewall 164. The top panel 162 includes an opening
166. In a preferred embodiment, the top panel 162 also includes a
tab 168 for slidably engaging groove 126 on the bottom sidewall
122.
[0066] The refill housing of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10 is
similar to refill housing 80 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8. In
this regard, the refill housing of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10
includes a refill base 182, a refill sidewall (similar to 84 in
FIGS. 1-8) and a refill support (similar to 86 in FIGS. 1-8). The
refill housing of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10 also includes a
plurality of refill cloths 188. The refill cloths 188 may be
arranged such that the individual cloths are V-folded, W-folded, or
Z-folded. The flat stack of V, Z, or W-folded refill cloths is then
formed into a generally U-shaped stack of refill cloths 88 by
folding the flat stack about a transverse fold axis. The U-shaped
stack of refill cloths 188 is placed in the refill housing of the
embodiment of FIGS. 9-10 so that the bend of the U rests on the
refill support as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8.
[0067] The dispenser 110 is constructed by inserting the refill
housing into an opening in the bottom of the bottom housing 120, so
that the refill housing is nested within the bottom housing 120.
The top housing 160 is placed on top of the refill housing as in
the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 such that the underside (not shown) of
the top panel 162 rests on the topmost refill cloth 188.
[0068] Turning now to FIGS. 11-14, a third example embodiment of
the dispenser 210 is described. The dispenser 210 is substantially
rectangular in shape and includes a bottom housing (indicated
generally at 220), a top housing (indicated generally at 260), and
a refill housing (indicated generally at 280). Each section will be
described individually below.
[0069] The bottom housing 220 includes a base trim 224 and a bottom
sidewall 222. In a preferred embodiment, both the base trim 224 and
the bottom sidewall 222 are substantially rectangular in shape,
however, the base trim 224 and the bottom sidewall 222 could be
other shapes such as oblong. The base trim 224 is designed to fit
snugly around the bottom edge of the bottom sidewall 222. The
bottom sidewall 222 may include a guide slot 228 extending in the
direction of a longitudinal axis along the bottom sidewall 222 away
from the base trim 224 for aiding positioning of the other sections
of the dispenser. The guide slot 228 may be located on the surface
of the bottom sidewall 222 or the guide slot 228 may be an opening
in the bottom sidewall 222 as shown in FIGS. 11-14.
[0070] The top housing 260 includes a top panel 262, a top sidewall
264, and a top trim 242. In a preferred embodiment, the top panel
262 and the top sidewall 264 are substantially rectangular in
shape, however, the top panel 262 and the top sidewall 264 could be
other shapes such as oblong. The top panel 262 and the top sidewall
264 are preferably substantially the same shape as the base trim
224 and the bottom sidewall 222. In a preferred embodiment, the top
sidewall 264 is dimensioned such that it can fit inside of the
bottom sidewall 222, however, the top sidewall 264 may also be
dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall 222 fits inside the top
sidewall 264. The top panel 262 includes an opening 266. In a
preferred embodiment, the top panel 262 also includes a guide pin
270 for slidably engaging guide slot 228 on the bottom sidewall
222. The guide pin 270 may be movable inward for releasing the top
housing 260 from the bottom housing 220. In one non-limiting
example form, the top housing 260 weighs 5 to 5000 grams.
[0071] The guide pin 270 could be located on either the bottom
sidewall 222 or the top sidewall 264. The guide slot 228 is then
located on the other of the bottom sidewall 222 or the top sidewall
264. If the top sidewall 264 is dimensioned such that it can fit
inside of the bottom sidewall 222, the guide pin 270 is located on
either the inner surface of the bottom sidewall 222 or the outer
surface of the top sidewall 264. If the top sidewall 264 is
dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall 222 can fit inside of the
top sidewall 264, the guide slot 228 is located on either the outer
surface of the bottom sidewall 222 or the inner surface of the top
sidewall 264.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 14, the refill housing 280 includes a
refill base 282, a refill sidewall 284 and a refill support 286.
The refill housing 280 also includes a plurality of refill cloths
288. The refill cloths 288 may be arranged such that the individual
cloths are V-folded, W-folded, or Z-folded. The flat stack of V, Z,
or W-folded refill cloths is then formed into a generally U-shaped
stack of refill cloths 288 by folding the flat stack about a
transverse fold axis. The U-shaped stack of refill cloths 288 is
placed in the refill housing 280 so that the bend of the U rests on
the refill support 286. The refill base 282 may have a pair of
spaced apart raised surfaces 290 such that the raised surfaces 290
support the edges of the U-shaped stack of refill cloths 288.
[0073] The dispenser 210 is constructed by inserting the refill
housing 280 into an opening in the bottom of the bottom housing
220, so that the refill housing 280 is nested within the bottom
housing 220. The top housing 260 is connected to the bottom housing
220 by means of securing the guide pin 270 in the guide slot 228 of
the bottom sidewall 222. The top housing is positioned on top of
the refill housing 280 such that the underside (not shown) of the
top panel 262 rests on the topmost refill cloth 288. Preferably,
the underside of the top panel 262 is smooth, and may be flat or
curved.
[0074] Looking at FIG. 11, the opening 266 in the top housing 260
has a minor axis 267 and a major axis 269. When the top housing 260
is positioned on top of the refill housing 280 such that the
underside (not shown) of the top panel 262 rests on the topmost
refill cloth 288, the topmost refill cloth 288 will contact the
underside of the top panel 262 of the top housing 260. Certain
contact regions between the topmost refill cloth 288 and the
underside of the top panel 262 of the top housing 260 are
beneficial. For example, it is preferred that a contact length of
the topmost refill cloth 288 and the underside of the top panel 262
measured in the direction of the minor axis 267 is 1% to 400% of
the length of the minor axis 267. More preferably, the contact
length of the topmost refill cloth 288 and the underside of the top
panel 262 measured in the direction of the minor axis 267 is 1% to
100% of the length of the minor axis 267; more preferably, the
contact length of the topmost refill cloth 288 and the underside of
the top panel 262 measured in the direction of the minor axis 267
is 1% to 75% of the length of the minor axis 267; and even more
preferably, the contact length of the topmost refill cloth 288 and
the underside of the top panel 262 measured in the direction of the
minor axis 267 is 1% to 50% of the length of the minor axis 267.
Also, it is preferred that the width of the topmost refill cloth
288 is greater than the length of the major axis 269. These contact
lengths provide for more controlled dispensing of the refill cloths
88, such as the predictable consistent delivery of a
horseshoe-shaped cloth from the first to the last cloth.
[0075] It is also preferred that the topmost refill cloth 288 and
the underside of the top panel 262 have a contact area of 1% to 90%
of the area of the underside of the top panel 262.
[0076] More preferably, the topmost refill cloth 288 and the
underside of the top panel 262 have a contact area of 1% to 70% of
the area of the underside of the top panel 262; more preferably,
the topmost refill cloth 288 and the underside of the top panel 262
have a contact area of 5% to 50% of the area of the underside of
the top panel 262; and even more preferably, the topmost refill
cloth 288 and the underside of the top panel 262 have a contact
area of 5% to 25% of the area of the underside of the top panel
262. These contact areas provide for more controlled dispensing of
a cloth, such as the predictable consistent delivery of a
horseshoe-shaped cloth from the first to the last cloth.
[0077] Still referring to FIG. 11, certain dimensions of the
opening 266 in the top housing 260 can provide for more controlled
dispensing of a cloth, such as the predictable consistent delivery
of a horseshoe-shaped cloth from the first to the last cloth . For
instance, the inner edges of the opening 266 at the opposed ends of
the major axis 269 are preferably arced at a radius of 1'' to
100'', more preferably, 1'' to 50'', more preferably, 1'' to 25'',
and more preferably, 5'' to 15''.
[0078] Turning now to FIG. 12, it is preferred that the bottom
sidewall 222 of the bottom housing 220 and the top sidewall 264 of
the top housing 260 are transparent so that the refill sidewall 284
of the refill housing 280 can be seen by a user. Specifically, the
outer surface of the refill sidewall 284 of the refill housing 280
can be decorated with customized graphics, and the transparent top
sidewall 264 and refill sidewall 284 allow a user to see the
graphics. A user can then select a refill housing 280 having colors
that match the interior of the user's home, and the transparent top
sidewall 264 and refill sidewall 284 allow the colors to show
through.
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 14, the refill housing 280 is shown
with the refill cloths 288 spaced from an inner surface of the
refill sidewall 284 of the refill housing 280. However, it is
preferred that the refill cloths 288 have a contact area with end
panels 291 of the refill sidewall 284 of the refill housing 280.
For example, it is preferred that the refill cloths 288 contact 5%
to 50% of the area of end panels 291 of the refill sidewall 284 of
the refill housing 280; more preferably, the refill cloths 288
contact 10% to 30% of the area of end panels 291; and more
preferably, the refill cloths 288 contact 15% to 25% of the area of
end panels 291.
[0080] Still referring to FIG. 14, it is preferred that the refill
support 286 has an upper end 293 of greater width than the lower
end of the refill support 286. This provides for enhanced
dispensing compared to a support having a plate shape. For example,
the upper end 293 can have a somewhat upside down U-shape or the
somewhat upside down V-shape. The refill support 286 provides for
constant interface force between the underside of the top panel 162
and the topmost refill cloth 188. However, it is contemplated that
a spring can be subsitituted for the refill support 286 to provide
the constant interface force.
[0081] Having described the construction of example embodiments of
dispensers 10, 110, 210 for dispensing refill cloths 88, 188, 288,
the operation of the dispensers 10, 110, 210 can now be described.
A significant problem with many conventional dispensers is that the
sheets fall into the dispenser causing the user to have to reach
into the dispenser to get a new sheet. Additionally, most
conventional dispensers are designed for only one use, which
creates a large amount of waste. The dispensers 10, 110, 210 of the
present invention solve both of these problems.
[0082] With regards to the first embodiment described above, the
dispenser 10 is ready for use after it has been assembled. A user
can withdraw a refill cloth 88 by pressing the button 54 to open
the flip top 44. When the button 54 is pressed, the latch 52
releases the catch 50 and the flip top 44 opens. The tab 68 on the
top sidewall 64 is slidably engaged with the groove 26 on the
bottom sidewall 22 such that the top housing 60 slides down into
the bottom housing 20 until it rests on the top sheet of the refill
cloths 88. When a user removes a refill cloth 88 from the dispenser
19, the top housing 60 slides down into the bottom housing 20. As
the refill cloths 88 are depleted, the top housing 60 continues to
slide down further into the bottom housing 20 until the bottom edge
of the top housing 60 meets the refill base 82 or the underside of
the top panel 62 meets the refill support 86. This effectively
solves the problem of fall back into the dispenser because the top
refill cloth 88 always touches the opening 66 in the top panel 62.
This provides easy access to the refill cloths 88.
[0083] When the refill cloths 88 are depleted, the refill housing
80 is removed from the opening in the bottom of the bottom housing
20. A new refill housing 80 can then be inserted into the bottom of
the bottom housing 20 for continued use with less waste than
disposing of the entire dispenser 10.
[0084] With respect to the second embodiment described above, the
dispenser 110 operates in the same manner, except it does not
include a flip top 44. The tab 168 on the top sidewall 164 is
slidably engaged with the groove 126 on the bottom sidewall 122
such that the top housing 160 slides down into the bottom housing
120 until it rests on the top sheet of the refill cloths 188. As
the refill cloths 188 are depleted, the top housing 160 continues
to slide down further into the bottom housing 120 until the bottom
edge of the top housing 160 meets the refill base or the underside
of the top panel 162 meets the refill support.
[0085] In a different embodiment, the top housing 60 is dimensioned
such that the bottom sidewall 22 fits inside the top sidewall 64.
In this embodiment, the tab 68 on the top sidewall 64 is slidably
engaged with the groove 26 on the bottom sidewall 22 such that the
top housing 60 slides down around the bottom housing 20 until it
rests on the top sheet of the refill cloths 88. As the refill
cloths 88 are depleted, the top housing 60 continues to slide down
further around the bottom housing 20 until the bottom edge of the
top housing 60 meets the base trim 24 or the underside of the top
panel meets the refill support 86 or the top edge of the bottom
sidewall 22. When the dispenser 10 is dimensioned such that the
bottom edge of the top housing 60 meets the base trim 24, the base
trim 24 provides a lip around the bottom of the dispenser 10 that
facilitates the lifting of the top housing 60 when the refill
housing 80 is replaced. The base trim 24 allows a user to firmly
grasp the bottom housing 20 while lifting the top housing 60 rather
than struggling to separate the bottom housing 20 from the top
housing 60.
[0086] In the third embodiment described above, the dispenser 210
includes a guide slot 228 located in the bottom sidewall 222 and a
guide pin 270 located on the outer surface of the top sidewall 264.
The dispenser 210 is constructed such that the guide pin 270 fits
in the guide slot 228 to control the position of the top housing
260 with respect to the bottom housing 220. The guide pin 270 on
the top sidewall 264 is slidably engaged with the guide slot 228 on
the bottom sidewall 222 such that the top housing 260 slides down
into the bottom housing 220 until it rests on the top sheet of the
refill cloths 288. As the refill cloths 288 are depleted, the top
housing 260 continues to slide down further into the bottom housing
220 until the bottom edge of the top housing 260 meets the refill
base 282, the underside of the top panel 262 meets the refill
support 286, the guide pin 270 reaches the bottom of the guide slot
228, or the top trim 242 meets the top edge of the bottom sidewall
222. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the guide slot 228 is
such that it does not inhibit movement of the guide pin 270 before
the bottom edge of the top housing 260 meets the refill base 282 or
the underside of the top panel 262 meets the refill support 286.
The inclusion of a guide pin 270 and a guide slot 228 in this
embodiment of the dispenser 210 also prevents removal of the top
housing 260 from the bottom housing 220 as the guide pin 270 will
stop at the top edge 299 of the guide slot 228.
[0087] Any of the dispensers 10, 110, 210 can be manufactured to
provide for controlled dispensing forces. For example, refill cloth
288 dispensing forces of 10% to 90% of the weight of the fully
loaded dispensers 10, 110, 210 are preferred, with 20% to 80% being
more preferred, and with 30% to 60% being more preferred.
[0088] Thus, the invention provides dispensers that allow for one
handed, consistent and uniform delivery from the first to the last
refill cloth.
[0089] Certain embodiments of the invention has been described in
considerable detail. Many modifications and variations to the
described embodiments are possible.
[0090] Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the
embodiments described.
* * * * *