U.S. patent application number 13/616904 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for paper product dispenser and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB. The applicant listed for this patent is Justin Franklin Siebel. Invention is credited to Justin Franklin Siebel.
Application Number | 20140076917 13/616904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49111209 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140076917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Siebel; Justin Franklin |
March 20, 2014 |
PAPER PRODUCT DISPENSER AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
A dispenser of paper products has a plurality of walls defining
an interior of the dispenser, with the interior being configured to
store the paper products. Two dispensing mouths are located at
oppositely disposed ones of the walls, and are configured to
provide access to the paper products in the interior. The dispenser
also includes a biasing member and a pair of support elements. The
support elements are configured to support the products there
against, and the biasing member urges each support element toward
one of the dispensing mouths. The dispenser has a geometric center
defined by the distance between the dispensing mouths, and each
support element is configured to move outwardly toward and inwardly
away from one of the dispensing mouths. At least one of the support
elements is free to travel inwardly to reach at least the geometric
center.
Inventors: |
Siebel; Justin Franklin;
(Chatham, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Siebel; Justin Franklin |
Chatham |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
Goteborg
SE
|
Family ID: |
49111209 |
Appl. No.: |
13/616904 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/427
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/35 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/42 20060101
A47K010/42 |
Claims
1. A dispenser of paper products, comprising: a plurality of walls
defining an interior of said dispenser, said interior being
configured to store the paper products; a pair of dispensing mouths
at oppositely disposed ones of said walls, said dispensing mouths
being configured to provide access to the paper products in said
interior; and a biasing member and a pair of support elements in
said interior, said support elements being configured to support
the products there against, said biasing member urging each support
element toward one of said dispensing mouths, wherein: said
dispenser has a geometric center defined by the distance between
said dispensing mouths, each of said support elements is configured
to move outwardly toward one of said dispensing mouths and inwardly
away from said one of said dispensing mouths, and at least one of
said support elements is free to travel inwardly to reach at least
the geometric center.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said at least one of said
support elements is free to travel inwardly beyond the geometric
center.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said biasing member is a
spring.
4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein said biasing member is a coil
spring.
5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said biasing member is coupled
to each of said support elements.
6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein each of said support elements
is a platen.
7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said plurality of walls
includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of end walls
extending between said top and bottom walls, said dispensing mouths
being located at said end walls.
8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of said top
wall has a first position defining an opening for loading the paper
products into said interior, and a second, closed position.
9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein said at least a portion of
said top wall is hingedly coupled to the rest of said dispenser to
permit pivotal movement thereof between the first and second
positions.
10. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein said plurality of walls
includes a pair of side walls extending between said top and bottom
walls and between said end walls.
11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein each of said support elements
is free to travel inwardly to reach at least the geometric
center.
12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein each of said support
elements is free to travel inwardly beyond the geometric
center.
13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein: said interior includes a
first holding volume for storing the paper products, said first
holding volume being defined between one of said support elements
and one of said dispensing mouths, said interior includes a second
holding volume for storing the paper products, said second holding
volume being defined between the other of said support elements and
the other of said dispensing mouths, the sum of said first and
second holding volumes defines a total holding volume of said
dispenser, and at least one of said support elements is selectively
movable within said dispenser such that at least one of said first
or second holding volumes is about 50% or more of said total
holding volume of said dispenser.
14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein each of said support
elements is selectively movable within said dispenser such that
each of said first and second holding volumes is variable in the
range between about 0% and greater than about 50% of said total
holding volume of said dispenser.
15. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said biasing member is
detached from each of said plurality of walls.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein said biasing member is
detached from both of said support elements.
17. A dispenser of paper products, comprising: a plurality of walls
defining an interior of said dispenser, said interior being
configured to store the paper products; and a pair of dispensing
mouths at oppositely disposed ones of said walls, said dispensing
mouths being configured to provide access to the paper products,
wherein: said interior includes a first holding volume for storing
the paper products, said first holding volume being defined between
one of said support elements and one of said dispensing mouths,
said interior includes a second holding volume for storing the
paper products, said second holding volume being defined between
the other of said support elements and the other of said dispensing
mouths, the sum of said first and second holding volumes defines a
total holding volume of said dispenser, and at least one of said
support elements is selectively movable within said dispenser such
that at least one of said first or second holding volumes is at
least about 50% of said total holding volume of said dispenser.
18. The dispenser of claim 17, further comprising: a biasing member
disposed between said support elements to urge each of said support
elements toward a respective one of said dispensing mouths.
19. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein each of said support
elements is selectively movable within said dispenser such that
said first and second holding volumes are each variable in the
range between about 0% and at least about 50% of said total holding
volume of said dispenser.
20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein each of said support
elements is selectively movable within said dispenser such that
said first and second holding volumes are each variable in the
range between about 0% and about 100% of the total holding volume
of said dispenser.
21. A napkin dispenser, comprising: a top wall, a bottom wall
disposed opposite said top wall, first and second end walls
disposed opposite one another and extending between said top and
bottom walls, and a pair of side walls disposed opposite one
another and extending between said top and bottom walls, said walls
defining an interior of said dispenser for storing napkins; a first
dispensing mouth at said first end wall for accessing the napkins;
a second dispensing mouth at said second end wall for accessing the
napkins; first and second platens in said interior for supporting
the napkins, said first platen being movable inwardly away from
said first dispensing mouth and said second platen being movable
inwardly away from said second dispensing mouth; and a spring
urging said first platen outwardly toward said first dispensing
mouth and said second platen outwardly toward said second
dispensing mouth, wherein: said dispenser has a geometric center
defined by the distance between said first and second dispensing
mouths, and each of said first and second platens is free to travel
inwardly to reach at least the geometric center.
22. The napkin dispenser of claim 21, wherein each of said first
and second platens is free to travel inwardly beyond the geometric
center.
23. The napkin dispenser of claim 21, wherein said top wall is
pivotally movable between an open position to receive napkins into
said interior, and a closed position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is generally related to dispensers
and, more particularly, to dispensers of napkins and other paper
products, as well as methods for dispensing such products.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Retail operations and, more specifically, food
establishments such as cafeterias, convenience stores, and
fast-food restaurants that sell food items, are known to furnish
paper products with the food items being sold. These paper
products, such as napkins or paper towels, are furnished so that
the customers may be able to wipe their hands and faces during
and/or after consumption of the food items being purchased by
them.
[0003] Dispensers of paper products are known. Conventional
dispensers typically have an interior for storage of the paper
products, and a dispensing mouth through which the paper products
can be retrieved from the interior. Dispensers of this type require
a specific orientation so that the paper products can be retrieved
by the users. This is especially the case for dispensers that are
designed to have the dispensing mouth on a side, rather than at the
top, of the dispenser. In order to increase the number of useful
orientations of dispensers, dispensers are known in the market
place that have more than one dispensing mouth. For example,
dispensers are known having two such dispensing mouths. But
conventional dispensers of this type are rather complex, and often
have internal components that limit the paper product-holding
capacity of the dispenser.
[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide dispensers and
methods for dispensing paper products that address these and other
shortcomings associated with conventional dispensers of the types
described above.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one embodiment, a dispenser of paper products is
provided. The dispenser has a plurality of walls defining an
interior of the dispenser, with the interior being configured to
store the paper products. Two dispensing mouths are located at
oppositely disposed ones of the walls, and are configured to
provide access to the paper products in the interior. The dispenser
also includes a biasing member and a pair of support elements in
the interior. The support elements are configured to support the
products there against, and the biasing member urges each support
element toward one of the dispensing mouths. The dispenser has a
geometric center defined by the distance between the dispensing
mouths, and each of the support elements is configured to move
outwardly toward one of the dispensing mouths and inwardly away
from that one of the dispensing mouths. At least one of the support
elements is free to travel inwardly to reach at least the geometric
center.
[0006] In a specific embodiment, the at least one support element
is free to travel inwardly beyond the geometric center. The biasing
member may be a spring, and more specifically a coil spring in some
embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, the biasing member may
be coupled to each of the support elements. In specific
embodiments, each of the support elements is a platen. The
plurality of walls may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and a
pair of end walls extending between the top and bottom walls, with
the dispensing mouths being located at the end walls. Additionally,
at least a portion of the top wall may have a first position
defining an opening for loading the paper products into the
interior, and a second, closed position. That portion of the top
wall may be hingedly coupled to the rest of the dispenser to permit
pivotal movement of that portion between the first and second
positions.
[0007] The plurality of walls may also include a pair of side walls
that extend between the top and bottom walls and between the end
walls. Each of the support elements may be free to travel inwardly
to reach at least the geometric center. Additionally or
alternatively, each of the support elements may be free to travel
inwardly beyond the geometric center. In specific embodiments, the
interior includes a first holding volume for storing the paper
products, with the first holding volume being defined between one
of the support elements and one of the dispensing mouths. In those
specific embodiments, the interior also includes a second holding
volume for storing the paper products, with the second holding
volume being defined between the other of the support elements and
the other of the dispensing mouths. The sum of the first and second
holding volumes defines a total holding volume of the
dispenser.
[0008] In those specific embodiments, at least one of the support
elements is selectively movable within the dispenser such that at
least one of the first or second holding volumes is about 50% or
more of the total holding volume of the dispenser. Additionally,
each of the support elements may be selectively movable within the
dispenser such that each of the first and second holding volumes is
variable in the range between about 0% and greater than about 50%
of the total holding volume of the dispenser. In other specific
embodiments, the biasing member is detached from each of the
plurality of walls. In other embodiments, the biasing member is
also detached from the support elements.
[0009] In another embodiment, a dispenser of paper products is
provided. The dispenser includes a plurality of walls defining an
interior of the dispenser, with the interior being configured to
store the paper products. Two dispensing mouths are located at
oppositely disposed ones of the walls, with the dispensing mouths
being configured to provide access to the paper products in the
interior. The interior includes a first holding volume for storing
the paper products, with the first holding volume being defined
between one of the support elements and one of the dispensing
mouths. The interior also includes a second holding volume for
storing the paper products, with the second holding volume being
defined between the other of the support elements and the other of
the dispensing mouths. The sum of the first and second holding
volumes defines a total holding volume of the dispenser. In that
embodiment, at least one of the support elements is selectively
movable within the dispenser such that at least one of the first or
second holding volumes is at least about 50% of the total holding
volume of the dispenser.
[0010] The dispenser may additionally have a biasing member
disposed between the support elements to urge each of the support
elements toward a respective one of the dispensing mouths. In a
specific embodiment, each of the support elements is selectively
movable within the dispenser such that the first and second holding
volumes are each variable in the range between about 0% and at
least about 50% of the total holding volume of the dispenser.
Additionally, each of the support elements may be selectively
movable within the dispenser such that the first and second holding
volumes are each variable in the range between about 0% and about
100% of the total holding volume of the dispenser.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, a napkin dispenser is provided.
The dispenser has a top wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the
top wall, first and second end walls disposed opposite one another
and extending between the top and bottom walls, and a pair of side
walls disposed opposite one another and extending between the top
and bottom walls. The walls define an interior of the dispenser for
storing napkins. The dispenser has a first dispensing mouth at the
first end wall for accessing the napkins, and a second dispensing
mouth at the second end wall for accessing the napkins. First and
second platens in the interior support the napkins, with the first
platen being movable inwardly away from the first dispensing mouth.
The second platen is movable inwardly away from the second
dispensing mouth. A spring urges the first platen outwardly toward
the first dispensing mouth and the second platen outwardly toward
the second dispensing mouth.
[0012] In that embodiment, the dispenser has a geometric center
defined by the distance between the first and second dispensing
mouths, and each of the first and second platens is free to travel
inwardly to reach at least the geometric center. Additionally, each
of the first and second platens may be free to travel inwardly
beyond the geometric center. Further, the top wall may be pivotally
movable between an open position to receive napkins into the
interior, and a closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The objectives and features of the invention will become
more readily apparent from the following detailed description taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser of paper
products in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1
with a top wall thereof in the open position.
[0016] FIG. 1B is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1A,
illustrating a dispenser in accordance with another embodiment of
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing
internal components thereof in positions different from those in
that figure.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing
internal components thereof in positions different from those in
that figure.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
5-5 of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2,
illustrating an arrangement of exemplary paper products in the
interior of the dispenser.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 2 and 6,
illustrating another arrangement of exemplary paper products in the
interior of the dispenser.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 2, 6, and
7, illustrating yet another arrangement of exemplary paper products
in the interior of the dispenser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in
this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or
definition assigned to the term in this written document shall
govern. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0025] With reference to the figures, and more particularly to FIG.
1, an exemplary dispenser 10 of paper products, such as napkins N,
has a plurality of walls defining an interior 12 (FIG. 1A) that is
configured to store the napkins N. Dispenser 10 may also be used to
dispense other types of discrete or continuous paper products or
other flat substrates made of nonwoven or other materials. In that
regard, the reference to napkins N in the present disclosure is not
intended to be limiting, but is rather provided for illustration
purposes. Dispenser 10 has a top wall 14, as well as a bottom wall
16 disposed opposite the top wall 14. Side walls 18, also disposed
opposite one another, extend between the top and bottom walls 14,
16. Dispenser 10 extends longitudinally between two end walls 20,
22, disposed opposite one another. Each of the end walls 20, 22
extends between the top and bottom walls 14, 16, and transversely
between the side walls 18. While the exemplary dispenser 10 is
generally box-shaped i.e., so as to have a square or rectangular
cross-section, that shape is not intended to be limiting, insofar
as other shapes are also contemplated to fall within the scope of
the present disclosure.
[0026] Dispenser 10 also includes a pair of dispensing mouths 20a,
22a, located respectively at the end walls 20 and 22, which provide
access to the interior 12. Specifically, the dispensing mouths 20a,
22a permit retrieval of napkins N from the interior 12 of dispenser
10. In this regard, the napkins N may be arranged within the
dispenser in any suitably chosen form, to facilitate their
retrieval. A contemplated exemplary arrangement of the napkins is
disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,611,765, entitled STACK
OF INTERFOLDED ABSORBENT SHEET PRODUCTS. The entire contents of
that patent are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0027] With continued reference to FIG. 1, and further referring to
FIGS. 1A and 1B, the top wall 14 may be entirely or at least
partially separable from the rest of the dispenser 10, to
facilitate loading of napkins N into the interior 12. For example,
FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment in which the top wall 14 is
hingedly coupled, through one or more hinging elements 25, to the
rest of dispenser 10, so as to permit pivotal movement of top wall
14 between a first, open position (FIG. 1A), and a second, closed
position (FIG. 1). In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 1B, the
top wall 14 is selectively completely separable from the rest of
the dispenser 10, to thereby define an opening at the top of the
dispenser 10. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
entire top wall 14 pivots away or is otherwise separable from the
rest of the dispenser 10. Yet variations are contemplated in which
less than the entire top wall 14 can pivot away or be otherwise
separated from the rest of the dispenser 10. The rectangle 27
(shown in phantom) in FIG. 1B illustrates one such variation, in
which only a central portion of top wall 14 can pivot away or be
otherwise separated from the rest of dispenser 10.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1, and further to FIGS. 2-4, the
dispenser 10 includes a pair of support elements that provide
support to the napkins N during dispensing. In the exemplary
embodiments shown in the figures, the support elements are in the
form of first and second platens 30, 32, respectively adjacent the
first and second dispensing mouths 20a, 22a at end walls 20 and 22.
The platens 30, 32 are made of a suitably chosen material or
combination of materials, such as wood, plastic or metal. Each
platen 30, 32 has a respective supporting surface 30a, 32a (FIG. 2)
used to support and, more specifically, to exert pressure against
the napkins N, as more fully explained below. Variations are
contemplated in which the support elements are not platens, but
which instead are in the form of bars, coils, or any other regular
or irregular, continuous or discontinuous structure, so long as
they include support surfaces capable of supporting napkins N there
against, without damaging them.
[0029] A biasing element, such as a spring or some other device,
urges the platens 30, 32 toward the dispensing mouths 20a, 22a. In
the embodiment of FIGS. 2-8, the biasing element is in the form of
a coil spring 36, although this is intended to be exemplary rather
than limiting, insofar as other types of springs or other types of
biasing elements (e.g., structures made of a highly resilient
material) may be used instead. In this regard, a contemplated
variation (not shown) uses the ends of the coil spring 36 as
support elements, rather than using separate structures such as the
platens 30, 32. Such variation is considered to fall within the
scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary coil spring 36 may
be coupled to both of the platens 30, 32, for example by clips,
fasteners, or adhesive elements, or even simply by friction.
Alternatively, the coil spring 36 may be coupled to only one of the
platens 30, 32, or instead may be completely detached from both of
the platens 30, 32.
[0030] With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the space
between the dispensing mouth 20a and the first platen 30 defines a
first holding volume V.sub.1 for storing the napkins N. Similarly,
the space between the dispensing mouth 22a and the second platen 32
defines a second holding volume V.sub.2 for storing the napkins N.
When the coil spring 36 is fully compressed (FIGS. 3 and 4), the
sum of the first and second holding volumes defines a total
napkin-holding volume V.sub.T of the dispenser 10.
[0031] Napkins N in either or both of the holding volumes V.sub.1,
V.sub.2 exert inwardly-directed pressure against one or both of the
support surfaces 30a, 32a, to thereby compress the coil spring 36.
Further, when the dispenser 10 is at least partially loaded with
napkins (FIG. 2), the natural expansive force of the compressed
coil spring 36 exerts an outwardly-directed pressure against the
platens 30, 32. This outwardly-directed pressure, in turn, causes
the platens 30, 32 to exert an outward pressure against the napkins
N supported by the respective surfaces 30a, 32a, which are thereby
urged toward the dispensing mouths 20a, 22a. This outward urging of
the napkins N facilitates their retrieval through dispensing mouths
20a, 22a.
[0032] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, and further
referring to FIG. 5, smooth inward and outward movement of the
platens 30, 32 is facilitated by one or more continuous tracks or
guides 39, which are continuously engaged by respective recesses 42
on the side edges of the platens 30, 32. The engagement of the
recesses 42 by the guides 39 is also operative to maintain a
constant orientation of the platens 30, 32 as the platens 30, 32
travel inwardly and outwardly in the dispenser 10. As used herein,
the term "inward" and derivatives thereof refer to travel of each
of the platens 30, 32 away from the respectively adjacent
dispensing mouth 20a, 22a, and toward one another. Similarly, the
term "outward" and derivatives thereof refer to travel of each of
the platens 30, 32 toward the respectively adjacent dispensing
mouth 20a, 22a and away from one another.
[0033] The distance between the dispensing mouths 20a, 22a (and in
this embodiment also between the end walls 20, 22) defines a
longitudinal dimension (i.e., length) L of the dispenser 10, the
geometric center C of which (FIGS. 3 and 4) corresponds to half the
distance L. Notably, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, each of the
platens 30, 32 is free to travel inwardly at least to the geometric
center C, and more specifically beyond the geometric center C. This
unrestricted travel is facilitated by the continuous shape, in the
length dimension, of the guides 39, and by the absence of any other
structures in dispenser 10 restricting the inward travel of the
platens 30, 32.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates the dispenser 10 in a condition in which
the first platen 30 is pushed effectively against the first end
wall 20, thereby defining a first holding volume V.sub.1 that is
about 0% of the total napkin-holding volume V.sub.T. Similarly, in
that figure, the second platen 32 is at the farthest possible
position thereof away from the second dispensing mouth 22a. The
corresponding second holding volume V.sub.2 in the illustrated
positions of the platens 30, 32 in FIG. 4 is about 100% of the
total napkin-holding volume V.sub.T. These positions of platens 30,
32 may correspond to a selective use of the dispenser 10 that
allows retrieval of the napkins N from only the second dispensing
mouth 22a. FIG. 4 also illustrates a position of coil spring 36
that is different from the position of coil spring 36 in FIG. 3.
The freedom of travel of coil spring 36 along the length L of
dispenser 10 is facilitated by the absence of any coupling of the
coil spring 36 to the top, bottom, or side walls 14, 16, 18 of
dispenser 10. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate that the coil spring 36 may instead travel
longitudinally along additional tracks or guides (not shown), or
even along guides 39, rather than being free of restrictions, as in
the embodiment of FIGS. 2-5. While not shown, an opposite
arrangement is also possible, in which the first platen 30 is at
the farthest possible position thereof away from the first
dispensing mouth 20a and in which the second platen 32 is
effectively pushed against the second end wall 20.
[0035] With continued reference to FIGS. 3-5, and further referring
to FIGS. 6-8, the versatility of dispenser 10 is such that each of
the holding volumes V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 is selectively variable in
the range between about 0% and about 100% of the total holding
volume V.sub.T of dispenser 10. In the exemplary dispenser 10 of
those figures, each of the holding volumes V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 is
variable to at least about 50% of the total napkin-holding volume
V.sub.T of dispenser 10. This range of variability is provided, in
the illustrated embodiments, by the exemplary structure of the
dispenser 10. More specifically, in those embodiments, each of the
platens 30, 32 is selectively movable from a position immediately
adjacent a respective end wall 20, 22, to a position in which only
the other of the platens 30, 32 and the fully compressed coil
spring 36 prevent that one platen 30, 32 from reaching the opposite
end wall 20, 22.
[0036] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate two exemplary respective positions
of the platens 30, 32, with napkins N being stored in both of the
holding volumes V.sub.1 and V.sub.2. The stacks of napkins N in
both of those holding volumes V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 in those figures
are illustrated as being different from one another. In those
exemplary positions, napkins N can be dispensed from both of the
dispensing mouths 20a, 22a. FIG. 8 illustrates other exemplary
positions of the platens 30, 32. In that figure, the first platen
30 is effectively in an abutting relationship with the end wall 20,
with napkins N being stored only in the second holding volume
V.sub.2, for dispensing only through dispensing mouth 22a.
[0037] Both of the platens 30, 32 in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-8
are selectively movable inwardly so as to reach the geometric
center C or beyond. But it is alternatively contemplated that only
one of the platens 30, 32 may have such range of motion. In other
words, embodiments are contemplated in which one of the platens 30,
32 can reach (traveling inwardly) the geometric center C or beyond,
while the other of the platens 30, 32 is restricted to travel
inwardly to a position that is short of the geometric center C.
Accordingly, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the
maximum holding volume V.sub.1 or V.sub.2 may be less than about
50% of the total napkin-holding volume V.sub.T of dispenser 10,
while the other maximum holding volume V.sub.1 or V.sub.2 is about
50% or greater of the total napkin-holding volume V.sub.T of
dispenser 10. These alternative embodiments are considered to fall
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0038] While FIGS. 1-8 generally describe a dispenser 10 in which
the dispensing mouths 20a, 22a are located at the end walls 20, 22,
alternative arrangements are contemplated. In this regard, the
exemplary orientation of the dispensing mouths 20a, 22a in those
figures is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. For
example, embodiments (not shown) are contemplated in which the
dispensing mouths are located respectively at the top and bottom
walls, or even at the side walls, rather than at the end walls, and
still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Yet other
embodiments are also contemplated in which a dispenser has a number
of walls that is less or greater than the six walls of the
exemplary dispenser 10.
[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described as
follows, in non-limiting fashion:
1. A dispenser of paper products, comprising:
[0040] a plurality of walls defining an interior of said dispenser,
said interior being configured to store the paper products;
[0041] a pair of dispensing mouths at oppositely disposed ones of
said walls, said dispensing mouths being configured to provide
access to the paper products in said interior; and
[0042] a biasing member and a pair of support elements in said
interior, said support elements being configured to support the
products there against, said biasing member urging each support
element toward one of said dispensing mouths,
wherein:
[0043] said dispenser has a geometric center defined by the
distance between said dispensing mouths,
[0044] each of said support elements is configured to move
outwardly toward one of said dispensing mouths and inwardly away
from said one of said dispensing mouths, and at least one of said
support elements is free to travel inwardly to reach at least the
geometric center.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said at least one of said
support elements is free to travel inwardly beyond the geometric
center. 3. The dispenser of either of claim 1 or 2, wherein said
biasing member is a spring. 4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein
said biasing member is a coil spring. 5. The dispenser of any of
claims 1-4, wherein said biasing member is coupled to each of said
support elements. 6. The dispenser of any of claims 1-5, wherein
each of said support elements is a platen. 7. The dispenser of any
of claims 1-6, wherein said plurality of walls includes a top wall,
a bottom wall, and a pair of end walls extending between said top
and bottom walls, said dispensing mouths being located at said end
walls. 8. The dispenser of any of claims 1-7, wherein at least a
portion of said top wall has a first position defining an opening
for loading the paper products into said interior, and a second,
closed position. 9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein said at least
a portion of said top wall is hingedly coupled to the rest of said
dispenser to permit pivotal movement thereof between the first and
second positions. 10. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein said
plurality of walls includes a pair of side walls extending between
said top and bottom walls and between said end walls. 11. The
dispenser of any of claims 1-10, wherein each of said support
elements is free to travel inwardly to reach at least the geometric
center. 12. The dispenser of any of claims 1-11, wherein each of
said support elements is free to travel inwardly beyond the
geometric center. 13. The dispenser of any of claims 1-12,
wherein:
[0045] said interior includes a first holding volume for storing
the paper products, said first holding volume being defined between
one of said support elements and one of said dispensing mouths,
[0046] said interior includes a second holding volume for storing
the paper products, said second holding volume being defined
between the other of said support elements and the other of said
dispensing mouths,
[0047] the sum of said first and second holding volumes defines a
total holding volume of said dispenser, and
[0048] at least one of said support elements is selectively movable
within said dispenser such that at least one of said first or
second holding volumes is about 50% or more of said total holding
volume of said dispenser.
14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein each of said support
elements is selectively movable within said dispenser such that
each of said first and second holding volumes is variable in the
range between about 0% and greater than about 50% of said total
holding volume of said dispenser. 15. The dispenser of any of
claims 1-14, wherein said biasing member is detached from each of
said plurality of walls. 16. The dispenser of any of claim 1-4 or
6-14, wherein said biasing member is detached from each of said
plurality of walls and detached from both of said support elements.
17. A dispenser of paper products, comprising:
[0049] a plurality of walls defining an interior of said dispenser,
said interior being configured to store the paper products; and
[0050] a pair of dispensing mouths at oppositely disposed ones of
said walls, said dispensing mouths being configured to provide
access to the paper products, wherein:
[0051] said interior includes a first holding volume for storing
the paper products, said first holding volume being defined between
one of said support elements and one of said dispensing mouths,
[0052] said interior includes a second holding volume for storing
the paper products, said second holding volume being defined
between the other of said support elements and the other of said
dispensing mouths,
[0053] the sum of said first and second holding volumes defines a
total holding volume of said dispenser, and
[0054] at least one of said support elements is selectively movable
within said dispenser such that at least one of said first or
second holding volumes is at least about 50% of said total holding
volume of said dispenser.
18. The dispenser of claim 17, further comprising:
[0055] a biasing member disposed between said support elements to
urge each of said support elements toward a respective one of said
dispensing mouths.
19. The dispenser of either of claim 17 or 18, wherein each of said
support elements is selectively movable within said dispenser such
that said first and second holding volumes are each variable in the
range between about 0% and at least about 50% of said total holding
volume of said dispenser. 20. The dispenser of any of claims 17-19,
wherein each of said support elements is selectively movable within
said dispenser such that said first and second holding volumes are
each variable in the range between about 0% and about 100% of the
total holding volume of said dispenser. 21. A napkin dispenser,
comprising:
[0056] a top wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite said top wall,
first and second end walls disposed opposite one another and
extending between said top and bottom walls, and a pair of side
walls disposed opposite one another and extending between said top
and bottom walls, said walls defining an interior of said dispenser
for storing napkins;
[0057] a first dispensing mouth at said first end wall for
accessing the napkins;
[0058] a second dispensing mouth at said second end wall for
accessing the napkins;
[0059] first and second platens in said interior for supporting the
napkins, said first platen being movable inwardly away from said
first dispensing mouth and said second platen being movable
inwardly away from said second dispensing mouth; and
[0060] a spring urging said first platen outwardly toward said
first dispensing mouth and said second platen outwardly toward said
second dispensing mouth,
wherein:
[0061] said dispenser has a geometric center defined by the
distance between said first and second dispensing mouths, and
[0062] each of said first and second platens is free to travel
inwardly to reach at least the geometric center.
22. The napkin dispenser of claim 21, wherein each of said first
and second platens is free to travel inwardly beyond the geometric
center.
[0063] 23. The napkin dispenser of either of claim 21 or 22,
wherein said top wall is pivotally movable between an open position
to receive napkins into said interior, and a closed position. Yet
other embodiments are also contemplated for uses and methods
associated with any of the dispensers according to any of claims 1
to 23, as described above.
[0064] From the above disclosure of the general principles of the
present invention and the preceding detailed description of
exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily
comprehend the various modifications to which this invention is
susceptible. Accordingly, this invention is intended to be limited
only by the scope of the following claims and equivalents
thereof.
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