U.S. patent application number 14/175579 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for napkin dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to San Jamar, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is San Jamar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian Albrecht, Kenneth J. Muderlak, Todd J. Muderlak, Michael Young.
Application Number | 20140217112 14/175579 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51258455 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140217112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; Michael ; et
al. |
August 7, 2014 |
Napkin Dispenser
Abstract
A cover, carriage, or faceplate for a napkin dispenser is
provided. The cover, faceplate or carriage defines one or more pick
zones that facilitate manual extraction of different numbers of
multiple napkins from the dispenser during each dispensing event.
Preferably, the cover, carriage or faceplate cooperates with a
container configured to receive a stack of napkins and is
maintained adjacent an end or edge of the stack. More preferably,
the cover, faceplate or carriage is configured to cooperate with
containers having various shapes and/or configured for countertop,
hanging, or in-counter implementation of the container to allow
retrofitting of currently available single quantity dispensing
napkin dispensers.
Inventors: |
Young; Michael; (Mukwonago,
WI) ; Albrecht; Brian; (Elkhorn, WI) ;
Muderlak; Todd J.; (Whitefish Bay, WI) ; Muderlak;
Kenneth J.; (Milwaukee, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
San Jamar, Inc. |
Elkhorn |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
San Jamar, Inc.
Elkhorn
WI
|
Family ID: |
51258455 |
Appl. No.: |
14/175579 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61762093 |
Feb 7, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/45 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/425 20130101;
A47K 10/422 20130101; A47K 10/44 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
A47K 10/427 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/45 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/42 20060101
A47K010/42 |
Claims
1. A carriage of a napkin dispenser, the carriage comprising: a
body constructed to overlay a cavity shaped to contain a plurality
of napkins, the body defining at least a first pick zone that
allows access to a first amount of the plurality of napkins and a
second pick zone that allows access to a second amount of the
plurality of napkins.
2. The carriage of claim 1 further comprising a support that
extends in a longitudinal direction aligned with the first and
second pick zones.
3. The carriage of claim 2 wherein the body adjustably cooperates
the support to define a size of the first and second pick
zones.
4. The carriage of claim 2 wherein the support is shaped to
slideably cooperate with an opening defined by a countertop and the
body has a footprint that is greater than a size of the
opening.
5. The carriage of claim 2 further comprising a base that
cooperates with the support at a location proximate the first and
second pick zones defined by the body.
6. The carriage of claim 5 further comprising another base that
cooperates with the support such that the base and the another base
interchangeably cooperate with the support.
7. The carriage of claim 5 wherein the base further comprises at
least one deflectable support that is biased toward the plurality
of napkins and movable in a direction away from the plurality of
napkins.
8. The carriage of claim 1 wherein the first and second pick zones
are aligned along a common longitudinal side of the body.
9. The carriage of claim 8 wherein each pick zone is further
defined as at least one of a curvilinear and a linear cutout formed
in an edge of the body.
10. The carriage of claim 8 further comprising a third pick zone
aligned along the common longitudinal side of the body with the
first and second pick zones.
11. A dispenser for paper napkins comprising: a container that
defines a cavity shaped to receive a stack of paper napkins and a
discharge opening fluidly connected to the cavity; and a carriage
shaped to cooperate with the container proximate the discharge
opening, the carriage defining at least two pick zones wherein each
respective pick zone is shaped to allow removal of a different
number of paper napkins from the cavity than other respective pick
zones.
12. The dispenser for paper napkins of claim 11 wherein the
carriage further comprises at least one pick zone that is oriented
on a side of the carriage opposite the at least two pick zones.
13. The dispenser for paper napkins of claim 11 wherein the
carriage movably cooperates with the container.
14. The dispenser for paper napkins of claim 11 wherein each of the
at least two pick zones are associated with an end of the stack of
paper napkins.
15. The dispenser of paper napkins of claim 11 further comprising a
first base and a second base that interchangeably cooperate with
the container at a location proximate the at least two pick
zones.
16. The dispenser of paper napkins of claim 15 wherein at least one
of the first base and the second base includes at least one movable
napkin support.
17. The dispenser of paper napkins of claim 16 wherein the at least
one movable support is biased into engagement with the stack of
paper napkins and movable in a direction away from the stack of
paper napkins.
18. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein the carriage includes a first
portion and a second portion, the second portion defining the at
least two pick zones and movably connected to the first portion to
adjust a size associated with at least one of the at least two pick
zones.
19. The dispenser of claim 18 wherein a position of second portion
relative to first portion defines the size of each of the at least
two pick zones.
20. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising a third pick zone
defined by the carriage and that is aligned with the at least two
pick zones.
21. A method of forming a paper napkin dispenser, the method
including: providing a carriage constructed to be positioned
adjacent a stack of napkins; forming a first pick zone in the
carriage that allows manual removal of a plurality of napkins from
the paper napkin dispenser associated with use of the first pick
zone; and forming a second pick zone in the carriage that allows
manual removal of a different number of a plurality of napkins from
the paper napkin dispenser associated with use of the second pick
zone rather than the first pick zone.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming the first and
second pick zones in a common side of the carriage.
23. The method of claim 22 further comprising forming at least one
additional pick zone in a side of the carriage that is one of the
common side or opposite the common side.
24. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming in third pick
zone in the carriage that allows manual removal of a different
number of a plurality of napkins from the paper napkin dispenser
associated with use of the third pick zone than either of the first
or second pick zones.
25. The method of claim 22 further comprising biasing the carriage
into engagement with an end of the stack of napkins.
26. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming the carriage
as a first portion and a second portion that movably cooperates
with the first portion such that movement of the first portion
relative to the second portion adjusts a size associated with at
least one of the first pick zone and the second pick zone.
27. The method of claim 21 further comprising providing a base that
cooperates with the carriage proximate the first and second pick
zones.
28. The method of claim 26 further comprising providing the base
with at least one movable support that is biased toward the stack
of napkins and movable in a direction away from the stack of
napkins.
29. The method of claim 26 further comprising providing another
base that cooperates with the carriage and is interchangeable with
the base to define different sizes associated with the first pick
zone and the second pick zone as a function of which base is
utilized.
30. A sheet material dispenser comprising: a housing for containing
a stack of a plurality of sheets of material to be dispensed; an
opening, defined in said housing, through which the leading edges
of a portion of a stack of a plurality of sheets of material are
accessible; a base for supporting the stack of a plurality of
sheets of material to be dispensed, wherein the base is configured
to permit the leading edges of a portion of the stack of a
plurality of sheets of material accessible through the opening to
be deflected downwardly to facilitate the removal of all or a
subset of the accessible portion of the stack of a plurality of
sheets of material from the dispenser.
31. A dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the base is
interchangeable.
32. A dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the base includes a
retractable portion biased to support the stack of a plurality of
sheets of material to be dispensed.
33. A dispenser according to claim 30, further comprising a
selectively removable insert to alter the interior dimensions of
the housing.
34. A dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the base is
selectively movable between at least a first and second position to
alter the dimensions of the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/762,093 filed on Feb. 7, 2013 titled
"Napkin Dispenser" and the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to napkin dispensers and more
particularly, to a napkin dispenser that allows variable numbers of
napkins to be manually removed from the dispenser during each
dispensing event.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Napkin dispensers have been commonly used in restaurants and
other locations for dispensing disposable paper napkins. While
napkin dispensers may appear uncomplicated at first glance, a
number of problems have been associated with their use. In the
past, napkin dispensers have been configured to attempt to dispense
a single napkin with each dispensing event. Such configurations
have several drawbacks.
[0006] For instance, in a single napkin-dispensing configuration,
although one napkin may be sufficient for some users, other users,
such as those ordering food for multiple people or those ordering
for small children, commonly desire, and frequently require, more
than one napkin. Attaining the desired number of napkins from such
dispensers commonly requires the user to repeatedly remove
individual napkins from the dispenser until a desired number of
napkins have been retrieved. Such use detracts from efficient
utilization of the dispenser and commonly detracts from efficient
vender/customer interaction. This is particularly problematic in
drive-through environments where the customer service person is
charged with quickly and efficiently providing a customer with a
completed order and an appropriate number of napkins.
[0007] To address the problems in the drive through environment,
customer service personnel often simply place one or more stacks of
napkins on a nearby counter. While this makes it easy to provide
multiple napkins of virtually any amount, such operations can
compromise sanitation and safety in that the stacks of napkins are
fully exposed to the environment and can be easily knocked over.
Similarly, customer service personnel have been known to take an
existing dispenser and simply leave it open to allow direct
interaction with the paper napkins commonly disposed within the
dispenser. While this provides a slightly greater measure of
control than a plain stack of napkins, it takes up more space and
has similar sanitation issues.
[0008] At least one dispenser, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,635,
attempts to address this issue by providing a dispenser with a
faceplate that allows for the removal of several napkins during a
single dispensing event but does so in an uncontrolled manner. With
this dispenser, customer service persons may remove, inadvertently
or intentionally, more napkins than may be desired or necessary,
respectively. Such use tends to increase waste and cost associated
with providing only a desired or necessary number of paper napkins
to customers as determined by customer request and/or the type
and/or quantity of food stuffs being provided. Such interaction can
also increase the refill schedule associated with use of such
dispensers as most users remove more napkins than would otherwise
be necessary thereby detracting from the efficient utilization of
staff time. Such systems can also result in employees providing
more napkins to consumers than may be necessary in favor of
providing expedient customer service such as in a drive-through
product exchange environment.
[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a napkin dispenser that
allows for the selective dispensing of multiple different numbers
of napkins during each discrete dispensing activity and does so in
a manner that is both expedient and maintains the sanitary
condition of subsequent napkins.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a faceplate, distribution
cover or carriage (hereinafter "cover" when referencing all three)
for dispensing napkins that is adapted to fit on or otherwise
cooperate with a napkin storage container. The cover has an opening
through which napkins may be withdrawn and defines a number of pick
zones or grip sites that are each configured to allow different
numbers of napkins to be manually removed from the dispenser during
each discrete dispensing activity. In one aspect, a carriage is
maintained in engagement with an end of a stack of napkins to allow
user interaction with any of the pick zones to retrieve different
numbers of preselected numbers of napkins from the dispenser. It is
appreciated that the carriage or the napkin stack can be biased,
gravitationally or otherwise, into engagement with the end of the
napkin stack to adjust the tightness of the stack for best
presentment and sequential removal of the desired number of napkins
from the dispenser. It is further appreciated that the disclosed
paper napkin dispensers that can be conveniently configured to
accommodate removal of different numbers of multiple napkins during
each interaction with one of the respective pick zones or grip
sites.
[0011] One aspect discloses a carriage of a napkin dispenser that
includes a body constructed to overlay a cavity shaped to contain a
plurality of napkins. The body of the carriage defines a first pick
zone that allows access to a first amount of the plurality of
napkins and a second pick zone that allows access to a second
amount of the plurality of napkins. In one aspect, the carriage
also defines a third pick zone that allows access to yet a third
amount of the plurality of napkins for each manual dispensing
event. In another aspect, the carriage can be adjustable such that
a size of the respective pick zones can be adjusted as a function
of the degree of adjustment of the carriage. In another aspect, the
carriage can cooperate with an interchangeable base configured to
support the plurality of napkins associated therewith. In yet
another aspect, the base can include a movable portion biased into
engagement with the plurality of napkins but movable to accommodate
translation of a gripped number of napkins past the carriage.
[0012] Another aspect discloses a dispenser for paper napkins. The
dispenser includes a container that defines a cavity shaped to
receive a stack of paper napkins. A carriage or faceplate is
connected to the cavity. A discharge opening in the faceplate
defines a first pick zone, a second pick zone, and an optional
third pick zone. Each pick zone is shaped to allow removal of a
different number of paper napkins from the cavity as compared to
the number of paper napkins accessible at the other pick zones.
[0013] Another aspect discloses a method of forming a paper napkin
dispenser. The method includes providing a cover that is
constructed to be positioned adjacent a stack of napkins. At least
two pick zones are formed in the carriage and allow manual removal
of different numbers of napkins from the paper napkin dispenser as
a function of interaction with a respective pick zone.
[0014] These and various other aspects, features, and advantages of
the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It
should be understood, however, that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the
scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit
thereof; and the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently
contemplated of carrying out the invention. In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view a paper napkin dispenser having
a faceplate according to a first embodiment in a closed
configuration;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the dispenser shown in
FIG. 1 in an open configuration;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser shown
in FIG. 1 exposing a base associated therewith;
[0019] FIG. 4a is an exploded view of the base shown in FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 4b is an exploded view of another embodiment of a base
for use in the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is rear perspective of the base associated with a
cover of the dispenser shown in FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser shown
in FIG. 1 showing an optional size reduction insert;
[0023] FIG. 7a is a detailed view of a dispensing opening of the
dispenser shown in FIG. 1 with a stack of paper napkin products
associated therewith;
[0024] FIG. 7b is a front elevation view of a faceplate usable with
the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of
the invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of interchangeable bases usable
with the dispenser shown in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view another biasing arrangement
usable with the base shown in FIG. 4;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another base usable with
the dispenser shown in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of a paper napkin
dispenser having a faceplate according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the dispenser shown in FIGS.
11 and 12;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a front side elevation view of the dispenser
shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a right side elevation view of the dispenser
shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view another paper napkin dispenser
having a faceplate according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the dispenser shown in
FIG. 16 with a stack of paper napkins associated with the
faceplate;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the faceplate shown in FIG.
16;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another paper napkin
dispenser having a faceplate according to another embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a dispensing end of the
dispenser shown in FIG. 19;
[0037] FIG. 21 is front elevation view of the dispenser shown in
FIG. 19 associated with a support or stand that alters the
orientation of the dispenser with respect to the orientation shown
in FIG. 19;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the dispenser shown in
FIG. 21;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a paper napkin dispenser
having a faceplate according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the dispenser shown in
FIGS. 23; and
[0041] FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the dispenser shown in
FIG. 23.
[0042] In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention
that are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word "connected,"
"attached," or terms similar thereto are alien used. They are not
limited to direct connection but include connection through other
elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by
those skilled in the art.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] FIGS. 1-4a and 5-6 show a napkin dispenser 40 according to
one embodiment of the present invention. Napkin dispenser 40
includes a napkin dispenser body 42 and a distribution cover,
cover, carriage, body, or faceplate 44 that is associated
therewith. As used herein, the term faceplate refers to structures
that provide limited user interaction with the paper napkin
products intended to be dispensed from a dispenser regardless of
the degree of coverage or interference with the faceplate with the
paper napkin products associated with the respective dispenser. As
shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the invention, faceplate 44
provides coverage of generally one lateral side and partial
coverage of two adjacent sides of the paper napkin stack disposed
therebehind. Other embodiments of the invention, such as the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-15, include a faceplate that interacts
generally with an end of a paper product stack. Still other
embodiments of the invention, such as the embodiment disclosed in
FIGS. 16-18, include a faceplate that obscures a more limited
portion of the paper product stack during use of the dispenser
equipped with such a faceplate. Such variations support the use of
at least those terms recited above with respect to identifying the
structure associated with provided limited accessibility of
discrete numbers of the paper napkin products but it is appreciated
that other terms associated with faceplate 44 may also be
suitable.
[0044] Dispenser body 42 and faceplate 44 cooperate with one
another to provide an interior storage area or cavity 46 for
napkins 48 (FIG. 6) that are to be dispensed through faceplate 44
via a discharge opening 50. The napkins 48 to be dispensed can rest
on a floor associated bottom portion of 86 of body 42, support
plate, or a floor defined by an optional base 52 associated with
body 42 of dispenser 40. Napkins 48 can be gravitational fed toward
opening 50 or urged toward opening 50 via a spring associated with
a bias plate or like structure. It is appreciated to utilization of
such a biasing mechanism can depend largely on the intended
orientation of the dispenser during use and with respect to the
direction associated with gravitational feeding.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, faceplate 44, and optional base 52
when dispenser 40 is equipped therewith, pivotably cooperate with
body 42 to selectively expose cavity 46. Faceplate 44 cooperates
with body 42 and/or optional base 52 to define a plurality of grab
or pick sites 54, 56, 58 associated with extracting different
quantities of napkins 48 from dispenser 40. Base 52 includes a
first support 60 and a second support 62 that generally separate
respective finger holes 64, 66, 68 that are generally aligned with
pick sites 54, 56, 58 of faceplate 44. In a preferred embodiment,
each finger hole 64, 66, 68 is approximately 1.2 inches wide and
1.85 inches deep although other dimensions are envisioned.
[0046] First pick site 54 and first finger hole 64 are shaped to
define a pinch area dimension, as indicated by arrow 70, of
approximately 1.9 inches, second pick site 56 and second finger
hole 66 are oriented to define a pinch area dimension of
approximately 2.15 inches, and third pick site 58 and finger hole
68 are shaped to define a pinch area dimension of approximately
2.325 inches. It should be appreciated that the pinch area
dimensions recited above are exemplary and other dimensions are
feasible given the adjustability of the height of the base 52. Each
pinch area dimension is associated with the introduction of the
user's fingers for finger and thumb with dispenser 40 proximate
discharge opening 50 to pinch an accessible quantity of the paper
napkin product stack associated with the respective pick site 54,
56, 58 with which the user interacts during each dispensing
event.
[0047] As explained further below, faceplate 44 can be provided in
a two-part construction, constructed to slideably cooperate with
body 42, and/or constructed to be connected to body 42 at more than
one location so as to manipulate the pinch area dimension 70
associated with pick sites 54, 56, 58. Body 42 and faceplate 44
cooperate in a pivotable manner and are shaped to define a seam 72
at the interface therebetween to improve the aesthetic appearance
of dispenser 40 and to generally fully enclose the paper napkin
product contained therein.
[0048] Still referring to FIG. 1, body 42 includes a bottom surface
74 having one or more legs or suction cups or the like, associated
with supporting dispenser 40 in a generally vertical orientation
relative to a support surface. As disclosed further below, it is
further envisioned that dispenser 40 can be hung from vertical
surfaces such as a wall or a partition to provide the generally
vertical orientation as well,
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, faceplate 44 and optional base 52
are pivotably connected to body 42 such that faceplate 44 and base
52 can rotate relative to body 42 between an in-use orientation as
shown in FIG. 1 and an open or loading orientation as shown in FIG.
2. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, body 42 includes a rear wall 78 that
can include one or more holes 80 formed therein. Holes 80 are
shaped to accommodate hanging support of body 42 relative to a wall
or other such generally vertical surface when such an orientation
or positioning is desired. Body 42 includes two sidewalls 82, 84
that extend in generally forward direction relative to rear wall 78
and toward faceplate 44. Sidewalls 82, 84 generally flank a portion
of the opposite side edges of a paper napkin stack associated with
dispenser 40.
[0050] Body 42 includes a bottom portion 86 that defines a floor
surface 88 associated with cavity 46. Bottom portion 86 includes a
first opening 90 and a second opening 92 that are associated with
each of the opposite lateral end portions 96, 98 of bottom portion
86. End portion 96, 98 are generally aligned with a respective
sidewall 82, 84 of body 42. Body 42 includes a cap or cover portion
100 that is formed at an opposite longitudinal end of body 42
relative to bottom portion 86. A first catch 102 and the second
catch 104 extend in a generally forward direction from sidewalls
82, 84 proximate cover portion 100. Each catch 102, 104 includes a
projection 106 that snap fittingly cooperates with a respective
cavity, pocket or opening 108 associated with faceplate 44. Catches
102. 104 secure faceplate 44 in the closed orientation shown in
FIG. 1 when projections 106 are engaged with the respective opening
108 but are accessible such that user depressing of catches 102,
104 allows rotation of faceplate 44 toward the open orientation as
shown in FIG. 2 when dispenser 40 must be restocked or filled with
paper napkin product.
[0051] Still referring to FIG. 3, faceplate 44 includes a lower end
110 and an upper end 112. A first arm 114 in the second arm 116 are
formed near lower end 110 of faceplate 44 proximate pick sites 54,
56, 58 and extend in a generally downward direction relative
thereto. Each area 114, 116 of faceplate 44 optionally includes one
or more channels 120, a pivot 122, and a guide 124. Each pivot 122
of the respective arms 114, 116 is oriented and constructed to snap
fittingly cooperate with a corresponding opening 90 associated with
bottom portion 86 of body 42. Each guide 124 of each respective arm
114, 116 is constructed and positioned to be associated with and
snap-fittingly cooperate with a respective elongated opening 92
associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42. The cooperation of
pivots 122 and guides 124 with respective openings 90, 92
associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42 accommodates the
pivotable or rotational relationship of faceplate 44 relative to
body 42. As alluded to above, once rotated to the closed position,
projections 106 associated with catches 102, 104 engage openings
108 of faceplate 44 so as maintain the closed orientation of
dispenser 40.
[0052] Still referring to FIG. 3, optional base 52 includes rib
structure 126 that extends in an outward direction relative to a
respective end 128, 130 of base 52. Rib structures 126 slideably
cooperate with the channels 120 associated with arms 114, 116 of
faceplate 44. Such a construction secures base 52 relative to
faceplate 44 such that base 52 rotates with faceplate 44 during
movement of faceplate 44 relative to body 42. Where there are
multiple channels 120, the base 52 can be mounted at a selected
height relative to the bottom of the dispenser to adjust the height
of the pinch area. A bottom surface 132 of base 52 cooperates with
top or floor surface 88 of bottom portion 86 of body 42 and a
support or top surface 134 of base 52 is shaped to support a stack
of a paper napkin product thereon such that dispenser 40 is usable
with or without use of the optional base 52.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 4a, optional base 52 includes a first
portion 136, a second portion 138, and a third portion 140. First
portion 136 of base 52 generally defines a number of finger holes
64, 66, 68 and includes a first pocket 142 and a second pocket 144
that are formed generally between adjacent finger holes 64, 66, 68.
First and second portions 138, 140 each include a support face or
surface 146 and a pair of arms 148, 150 that extend in a generally
rearward direction therefrom. Each arm 148, 150 includes a pivot
152, 154 that extends in a generally outward lateral direction
relative to the longitudinal axis associated with the respective
arm 148, 150. As explained further below, each of second and third
portions 138, 140 of base 52 are movable relative to first portion
136 of base 52 such that the respective support surface 146 is
movable relative to top surface 134 of first portion 136 of base
52.
[0054] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a, the second and third
portions 138 and 140 are biased upwardly through the use of
resilient biasing members 159 each located in the pocket 161 of
each of the second and third portions 138 and 140.
[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4b, and as disclosed further
below, at least one of pivots 152, 154 is long enough to support a
spring 158 associated therewith. Spring 158 defines an opening 160
shaped to slideably cooperate with a respective pivot 152, 154.
Each spring 158 includes a first end 162 and a second end 164 that
extend in outward directions from a barrel portion 166 of the
respective spring 158. When engaged with pivot 154, end 162 of each
spring 158 is shaped to engage a bottom surface 168 of arm 150 of
the respective second and third base portions 138, 140. Arms 148,
150 of second and third portions 138, 140 are deflectable in a
generally inward lateral direction aligned with the axis of pivots
152, 154 such that arms 148, 150 can be slideably received in
respective pockets 142, 144 associated with first portion 136 of
base 52.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 5, when second portion 138 and third
portion 140 of base 52 are engaged with pockets 142, 144 of first
portion 136 of base 52, pivots 152, 154 snap-fittingly cooperate
with an opening formed in a rib 170 associated with an under or
non-exposed side of first portion 136 of base 52. Each respective
spring 158 slideably cooperates with a respective pivot 154 such
that each respective rib 170 is generally flanked by a respective
aim 150 on one lateral side and a respective spring 158 on an
opposite lateral side. First end 162 of each spring 158 traverses
the width of the respective rib 170 so as to engage the underside
168 associated with the respective arm 150. Second end 164 of each
spring 158 engages a rear surface 172 of first portion 136 of base
52 such that each support surface 146 associated with each of first
and second portions 138, 140 of base 52 are biased in a generally
upward direction, indicated by arrow 174 so as to be generally
aligned with the top surface 134 of first portion 136 of base
52.
[0057] Second portion 138 and third portion 140 of base 52 are
deflectable in a generally downward direction, indicated by arrow
176 relative to the first portion 136 of base 52 to accommodate
translation of different numbers of napkins thereacross associated
with user interaction with a respective pick site. It should be
appreciated that the degree of deflection of second and third
portions 138, 140 of base 52 relative to first portion 136 of base
52 is directly related to the respective number of napkins
"pinched" during any given dispensing event. Such a construction
mitigates undesirable interaction of dispenser 40 with the paper
napkin product being removed therefrom.
[0058] FIG. 9 shows an alternate construction associated with
generating the movable but biased engagement between first portion
136 of base 52 and respective second and third portions 138, 140.
As shown therein, the biasing device associated with spring 158 is
formed as a compression spring rather than a torsion spring as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Each of first, second, and third portions
136, 138. 140 include one or more overlapping projections 175, 177
that can be translated past one another when the respective arm
associated the respective projection is deflected in an inward or
outward relative lateral direction. When not deformed or otherwise
deflected, projections 175, 177 interfere with one another such
that second portions 138, 140 of base 52 are slideably movable but
remain movably secured to first portion 136 of base 52 to provide a
similar variable compression during the dispensing events as
alluded to above and as disclosed further below with respect to
FIG. 6.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 7a, during each extraction or dispensing
event, introduction of the user's fingers with a respective finger
hole 64, 66, 68 and the nearest associated pick site 54, 56, 68
allows the user to pinch a quantity of the paper napkin product 48
and extract the grasped paper napkin product 48 from dispenser 40
through dispensing opening 50. Second portion 138 and third portion
140 of base 52 can deflect in the downward direction 176 relative
to first portion 136 of base 52 to better accommodate the
extraction of the various quantities of paper napkin product 48
from dispenser 40. As should be appreciated, extraction associated
with pick site 54 would yield less deflection of first and second
portions 138, 140 of base 52 than extraction or dispensing
activities associated with utilization of pick site 58. It should
further be appreciated that each pick site 54, 56, 58 is associated
with extracting different amounts or quantities of multiple
discrete paper napkin product 48. That is, use of pick site 54 is
associated with dispensing a fewest but multiple number of paper
napkin product 48, pick site 56 is associated with dispensing a
greater and multiple number of paper napkin product 48 than
associated with use of pick site 54, and pick site 58 is associated
with dispensing the greatest multiple number of discrete paper
napkin product 48 associated with each dispensing event. Said in
another way, each pick site 54, 56, 58 allows dispensing of
multiple different numbers of paper napkin products with each
dispensing activity.
[0060] Referring briefly to FIGS. 2 and 6, it is further
appreciated that faceplate 44 can include a first portion 180 and
the second portion 182 that are movably positioned relative to one
another such that the orientation of second portion 182 can be
adjusted relative to floor or surface 88 associated with body 42
and/or with respect to surface 134 of base 52 when base 52 is
utilized. Such a consideration allows the user to individualize the
quantity of paper napkin product 48 that can be exposed at each
pick site 54, 56, 58 associated with dispensing opening 50 and such
that dispenser 40 can be individually configured to accommodate
various different dispensing requirements. Whether second portion
182 cooperates with first portion 180 to achieve multiple discrete
positions relative thereto or faceplate 44 cooperates with body 42
in various positions, each such configuration allows user
manipulation or individualization of the range of the number of
napkins that can be dispensed during each dispensing event
associated with each of first, second, and third pick sites 54, 56,
58. Said in another way, such a configuration allows dispenser 40
to providing multiple different fewest number of napkins, multiple
different intermediate number of napkins, and multiple different
greatest number of napkins that can be dispensed during any given
dispensing event associated with use of dispenser 40.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, a selectively removable insert 178 may
be provided to alter the dimensions of the interior of the napkin
cavity 46 to accommodate different sized napkins. When in place,
the insert rests along the inner wall 99 of cover portion 100. The
distal end 179 of the insert 178, preferably fits into a gap 181
formed between the top surface 134 of the base 52 and the inner
wall 99 of cover portion 100. That, along with extensions 183 which
cooperate with receivers 185, hold the insert in place in the
napkin cavity 46.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, it is further appreciated that
the shape or contour associated with pick sites 54, 56, 58 can be
provided in various shapes or contours. Pick sites 54, 56, 58, can
be provided in a generally smooth curvilinear shape or contour as
shown in FIG. 6 or a more linear but stepped shape or contour as
shown in FIG. 7. It is appreciated that the alternatives shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 are merely exemplary of two contours suitable for
providing multiple pick sites 54, 56, 58 associated with dispensing
different multiple numbers of napkins during each dispensing event
and that other shapes and/or contours are possible. As disclosed
below with respect to FIGS. 8 and 10, it is further appreciated
that various other modifications are envisioned and suitable for
manipulating the dispensing activity associated with utilization of
dispenser 40 to provide multiple different numbers of paper napkin
products during single dispensing events.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, paper napkin product 48 can be
associated with floor surface 88 of bottom portion 86 of body 42 or
top surface 134 of an optional base such as base 52. Body 42 is
constructed to cooperate with optional base 52 or other optional
bases such as base 186 (FIG. 8) or base 188 (FIG. 10) in an
interchangeable manner. That is, one of bases 52, 186, 188 can be
associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42 at any given time.
Unlike base 52, base 186 includes no movable parts but is
nonetheless shaped to removably cooperate with body 42 proximate
bottom portion 86 so as to be generally aligned with the discharge
opening 50 of dispenser 40. Base 186 includes a support surface 190
shaped to cooperate with a paper napkin stack and a number of
finger holes 192, 194, 196 that accommodate introduction of the
user's thumb or respective fingers thereat. Partitions 198, 200 are
formed between adjacent finger holes 192, 194, 196 and included a
chamfered face 202, 204 associated with accommodating translation
of various numbers of napkins thereacross. Base 86 can be
configured to cooperate with faceplate 44 in a manner similar to
that described above with respect to the base 52.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 10, optional base 188 also includes a
number of finger holes 206, 208, 210 that are each separated from
one another by respective partition walls 212, 214. A forward
directed surface 216 of each partition wall 212, 214 is generally
curvilinear rather than chamfered. Finger holes 206, 208, 210
extend a substantial portion of the depth of base 188 and terminate
at a generally curvilinear rear wall 218. A top surface 220 of each
partition wall 212, 214 includes a cut out 221 that is shaped to
accommodate a rolling support 222 that interacts with a bottom
napkin associated with the paper napkin product stack associated
therewith. Alternate ends 224, 226 of roller 222 rotationally
cooperate with a respective seat 228 defined by a respective end
wall 230, 232 of base 188. Base 188 can be shaped to cooperate with
body 42 and/or faceplate 44 in a manner similar to that described
above with respect to base 52. Bases 52, 186, 188 interchangeably
cooperate with dispenser 40 to manipulate the dispensing activity
associated therewith to satisfy the requirements of different
users, different applications, of different paper napkin product
stacks but in a manner that accommodates the dispensing of more
than one amount of a plurality of paper napkin product during each
dispensing event.
[0065] FIGS. 11-15 show a dispenser 250 according to another
embodiment of the present invention. Dispenser 250 is also
constructed to allow dispensing of multiple numbers or amounts of
multiple paper napkin products during discrete dispensing events.
Unlike dispenser 40 which is constructed to be substantially or
fully exposed when in use, dispenser 250 is constructed such that a
substantial portion of the dispenser is disposed beneath a support
structure such as a countertop or the like.
[0066] Napkin dispenser 250 includes a napkin dispenser body 252
and a faceplate 254. The dispenser body 252 provides an interior
storage area 256 for napkins 258 that are to be dispensed through
the carriage or faceplate 254 via a discharge opening 260. The
napkins 258 to be dispensed rest on a support plate 261 contained
in the dispenser 250 and are urged upwardly toward discharge
opening 260 by means of a spring. The spring is usually a low
compression spring that causes the support plate to function as a
pusher plate to urge napkins 258 toward discharge opening 260. The
spring is held in place between the plate and a spring support
plate at the bottom of dispenser body 252 by tabs or other suitable
attachment mechanisms. Alternatively, the biasing means can be
external to body 252.
[0067] Understandably, mechanically biasing the plurality of
napkins toward the discharge opening is but one means of
facilitating sequential dispensing of discrete amounts or numbers
of napkins from the plurality of napkins contained in such
dispensers. That is, as explained above and further below, it is
appreciated that the plurality of napkins can be gravity fed toward
the discharge opening and/or the discharge opening can be movably
associated with the body of the dispenser such that the discharge
opening is maintained proximate an end of a stack of napkins.
Advancing the napkins toward the discharge opening and/or
maintaining the discharge opening relative to the stack of napkins
in such manners is further disclosed below with respect to one or
more of the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0068] A bezel or collar 262 extends circumferentially about body
252 and is shaped to provide an aesthetic finished appearance of
dispenser 250 for those applications where body 252 is contained in
a countertop or similar surface such that only collar 262 and the
carriage or faceplate 254 of the dispenser 250 are visible to the
user. As shown in FIGS. 12-15, dispenser 250 includes one or more
movable or flexible tabs 268 that extend in an outward radial
direction relative to an external surface 270 of body 252. A gap
272 is formed between a bottom surface 274 of collar 262 and upper
surface 276 of respective tabs 268 to facilitate securing dispenser
250 relative to a countertop or wall surface. Preferably, tabs 268
are movable so as to provide secure mounting of dispenser 250
relative to such support surfaces and support surfaces having
different thicknesses.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, faceplate 254 is shaped to
define a first pick site, zone or grip site 282, a second pick
site, zone or grip site 284, and a third pick site, zone or grip
site 286. Each pick zone 282, 284, 286 is shaped to allow a user to
remove a discrete number of napkins 258 from dispenser 250 and
wherein each discrete number of napkins is different than the
discrete number of napkins associated with use of alternate pick
zones. Referring to FIG. 14, first pick zone 282 is generally
define by a longitudinal edge 288 that extends in a transverse
direction relative to a lateral edge 290 of discharge opening 260
of faceplate 254. A step 292 extends in a downward direction
relative to the longitudinal axis, indicated by arrow 294,
associated with the stack of napkins 258 from one end of pick zone
282. Second pick zone 284 is defined by a longitudinal edge 296
that is generally parallel to edge 288 of first pick zone 282 and
offset from edge 290 by the length of step 292. Another step 298 is
formed between second pick zone 284 and third pick zone 286 such
that a longitudinal edge 299 of third pick zone 286 is offset in
direction 294 from edges 288 and 290 associated with first and
second pick zones 282, 284, respectively.
[0070] As explained further below as being directed to all of the
embodiments disclosed herein, offsetting edges 290, 296, 299 of
pick zones 282, 284, 286 in direction 294 allows a user to manually
remove different amounts, numbers, or quantities of napkins 258
from dispenser 250 during each dispensing event. The multiple
napkin quantity also allows the manual dispensing activity,
regardless of which pick zone is utilized, to occur without
inadvertent contact with excess paper napkins thereby limiting the
possibility of contaminating napkins that are not intended to be
removed during any given dispensing event. Preferably, in order to
facilitate easier and more controlled dispensing, napkins are
loaded into the dispenser 250 opposite their normal dispensing
orientation, i.e., with the main napkin fold facing forward. With
the majority of napkin designs, this presents only a single edge to
be gripped for dispensing.
[0071] FIGS. 16-18 show a dispenser 300 a faceplate or carriage 301
according to another embodiment of the invention. Dispenser 300
includes a dispenser body 302 that is shaped to receive a stack of
paper napkins 304. A cap 306 removably or pivotably cooperates with
an open end 307 of body 302 to facilitate unobstructed loading of
body 302 with napkins 304. Extending along a longitudinal
direction, body 302 includes a rear wall 308, a pair of sidewalls
310, 312, and front flange walls 314, 316. Each of sidewalls 310,
312 includes at least one channel or slot 318, 320 that is shaped
to slideably cooperate with a pin or rod 324 that is attached to
carriage 301. Pin or rod 324 may be arranged to rotate or remain
fixed to facilitate smoother dispensing of varying types of
napkins. Carriage 301 defines a radially interior surface 328 (FIG.
18) that generally corresponds to a shape of a footprint of body
302 so that carriage 301 slideably cooperates with an exterior
surface 330 of dispenser body 302 as napkins 304 are removed
therefrom so that carriage 301 is maintained at a location
proximate a top of the napkin stack. Understandably, carriage 301
can be biased into engagement with the napkins stack via a spring
or the like or by increasing the mass of the carriage to adjust the
tightness of the nesting of the stack of napkins. The interaction
of rod 324 with the top of the napkin stack maintains a desired
position of the carriage 301 relative to the top or the dispensing
end associated with the stack of napkins contained in body 302.
[0072] Still referring to FIGS. 16-18, carriage 301 includes a
first pick zone 332, a second pick zone 334, and a third pick zone
336 that extend laterally over an opening 338 of dispenser 300
wherein the lateral direction crosses the longitudinal axis
associated with the napkin stack. Each of pick zones 332, 334, 336
allows the selective manual removal of different discrete numbers
of napkins from dispenser 300 for each dispensing event. Referring
to FIG. 18, carriage 301 preferably includes an optional fourth
pick zone 340, an optional fifth zone 342, and an optional sixth
pick zone 344. Pick zones 340, 342, 344 are oriented on a side of
carriage 301 that is generally opposite first through third pick
zones 332, 334, 336 such that carriage 301 can reversibly engage
body 302 to accommodate use of the first through third pick zones
or the fourth through sixth pick zones. As explained further below,
it is appreciated that body 302 could be constructed to allow
dispensing of napkins from two of the opposite sides thereof such
that the first through sixth pick zones could be used
concurrently.
[0073] That is, it is appreciated that rear wall 308 of body 302
may include an opening similar to opening 338 to allow concurrent
utilization and/or removal of napkins 304 from dispenser 300 via
user interaction with any of pick zones 332, 334, 336 and/or
optional pick zones 340, 342, 344. It is further appreciated that
pick zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344 may have different shapes
provided they also limit access to the napkin stack to provide
controlled dispensing. Alternatively, it is appreciated that
carriage 301 may slideably cooperate with body 302 of dispenser 300
in different orientations to allow the alignment of one group of
pick zones 332, 334, 336 or pick zones 340, 342, 344 with discharge
opening 338 as based on user preferences. It is further appreciated
that when provided in such a multiple orientation configuration,
pick zones 332, 334, 336 and pick zones 340, 342, 344 may provide
access and/or manual removal of different numbers of napkins 304
from dispenser 300. That is, it is appreciated that carriage 301
may be configured to provide for the removal of at least six common
numbers of napkins as the situation of application may desire. It
is further appreciated that the generally radial shape of pick
zones 332, 334, 336, as compared to the more linear shaped pick
zones 340, 342, 344, are contoured to cooperate with a thumb or
finger of the user during manual extraction of the respective
number of napkins and enhance the ability of the user to index
their hand relative to an intended pick zone without visual
assessment of the location of their hand relative to dispenser.
Such functionality further enhances efficient utilization and/or
user interaction with dispenser 300.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 18, carriage 301 includes a first
tab 350 and a second tab 352 that are configured to cooperate with
opposite ends 354, 356 of rod 324. Cooperation of rod 324 with a
top napkin 326 (FIG. 17) of napkins 304 generally defines the
number of napkins that are exposed for gripping at each of pick
zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344. It is appreciated that
manipulating the orientation of rod 324 relative to carriage 301,
such as providing various connection locations between rod 324 and
carriage 301, can adjust or manipulate the number of napkins that
are exposed and accessible at each pick zone 332, 334, 336, 340,
342, 344. Such a construction would increase the variety of the
number of napkins that can be retrieved via interaction with pick
zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344. Although dispenser 300 is shown
as including only one rod 324, it is further appreciated that other
numbers of rods, rods with other diameters, or that rod 324 be
provided in a generally planar or wire form paddle shape, can be
provided to manipulate the presentation of napkins 304 relative to
the pick zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344. Such configurations
would allow end-users to quickly and conveniently configure
dispenser 300 to present a desired number of napkins at each pick
zone 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344 for removal from dispenser 300
during each manual dispensing event.
[0075] It is further appreciated that carriage 301 can be
configured so that it is substantially closed at the top by a plate
or the like. In this configuration, a slot is provided with one or
more pick zones that form a shaped opening divided by the slot
similar to that shown in FIG. 23-25 as described further below.
This configuration improves the sanitation of the napkins by
further enclosing them and shielding them from the environment
while still providing controlled multiple napkin dispensing.
[0076] Dispenser 300 may be placed directly on a counter, mounted
to a wall or mated with a stand to provide a user with a variety of
placement options to maximize the utility of the dispenser in the
desired environment.
[0077] FIGS. 19-22 show various views and various orientations of a
paper napkin dispenser 400 according to another embodiment of the
invention. Dispenser 400 includes a body 402 defined by a base 404
and a lid 406 that is pivotably connected to base 404 to allow
access to the cavity defined therebetween. An interchangeable
carriage or faceplate 408 cooperates with body 402 to define a
dispensing opening 410 shaped to facilitate manual removal, of
different numbers of napkins 412 from dispenser 400. Preferably,
faceplate 408 is transparent and/or translucent to allow visual
inspection of a quantity of napkins disposed there behind. It is
appreciated that dispenser 400 may or may not include a biasing
plate oriented to bias the napkin stack toward faceplate 408 during
use of the dispenser. Preferably, when used in generally horizontal
orientation, dispenser 400 includes a biasing assembly to bias the
napkins toward the cover and maintains a desired orientation of the
napkin stack within the dispenser.
[0078] Faceplate 408 includes a first pick zone 420, a second pick
zone 422, and a third pick zone 424 that are shaped to allow
removal of a different number of napkins 412 from dispenser 400
during each napkin removal event. Pick zones 420, 422, 424 are
spaced longitudinally along discharge opening 410 to allow user
interaction with any of pick zones 420, 422, 424 and the respective
number of napkins 412 accessible thereat. Pick zones 420, 422, 424
extend different distances relative to the longitudinal axis
associated with the stack of napkins 412 to allow manual extraction
of different numbers of napkins as a function of the respective
pick zone utilized. Like pick zones 332, 334, 336 of dispenser 300,
pick zones 420, 422, 424 of dispenser 400 have a generally
curvilinear shape intended to quickly facilitate cooperation and
indexing of the user's finger relative to faceplate 408.
[0079] As alluded to above, dispenser 400 is configured to be
utilized in a generally horizontal orientation, as shown in FIGS.
19-20, a more vertical orientation wherein dispenser 400 can be
supported by an adjacent wall or other generally vertical structure
in a manner similar to dispenser 40, or a self-supporting pitched
orientation as shown in FIGS. 21-22. As shown in FIGS. 21-22,
dispenser 400 is configured to cooperate with a shoe or stand 440
such that dispenser 400 can be provided in a pitched orientation
relative to horizontal and vertical orientations, via interaction
with a horizontal support surface--such as a countertop or the
like. Preferably, stand 440 removably cooperates with base 404 of
dispenser 400 thereby improving the functionality with which
dispenser 400 can be utilized.
[0080] FIGS. 23-25 show a paper napkin dispenser 500 according to
yet another embodiment of the invention. Dispenser 500 includes a
body 502 that defines a longitudinal axis, indicated by line 504
associated with receiving a stack of paper napkins 506. A cap or
lid 508 removably or pivotably cooperates with body 502 to
facilitate filling of dispenser 500. A carriage, faceplate, or
cover 510 cooperates with body 502 to define a first pick zone 512,
a second pick zone 514, and a third pick zone 516. Each pick zone
512, 514, 516 is associated with allowing a user to manually remove
different numbers of napkins from a discharge opening 518 of
dispenser 500.
[0081] Unlike dispensers 40, 250, 300, and 400, pick zones 512,
514, 516 of dispenser 500 are fluidly isolated from one another and
fluidly connected with a respective slot 520, 522, 524 associated
with removing a discrete number of napkins 506 through cover 510.
It is appreciated that cover 510 may slideably cooperate body 502
of dispenser 500 so as to maintain an orientation of cover 510
proximate a top of the napkins stack and/or disposed along the
longitudinal length of the stack or even near the bottom of the
respective stack or napkins such that the napkins 506 can be biased
and/or gravitationally biased toward pick zones 512, 514, 516 so as
to limit undesired or unintentional removal of excess numbers of
napkins 506 from dispenser 500.
[0082] Each of napkin dispensers 40, 250, 300, 400, 500 allows the
manual removal of different numbers of napkins from the respective
dispensers during each dispensing action. Preferably, each
dispenser 40, 250, 300, 400, 500 is configured to provide smooth
and continuous translation of the dispensing opening relative to a
desired location of the grip zones and the pertinent portion of the
napkin stack so as to not interfere with subsequent interaction
and/or use of the dispenser. It is further appreciated that the
carriage, faceplate or cover associated with any of dispensers 40,
250, 300, 400, 500 could be configured to cooperate with other
preexisting napkin dispensers so as to provide for the removal of
multiple numbers of napkins during each dispensing event wherein
the preexisting dispensers include carriage or cover assemblies
that allow for only the sequential dispensing of single napkins so
as to reduce the costs associated with any given vendor
retrofitting their dispensing systems to allow manual extraction of
more than one number of napkins or individually separated napkins
during each dispensing event.
[0083] Each of dispensers 40, 250, 300, 400. 500 allows for better
control of the number of the napkins dispensed during each
dispensing activity thereby promoting efficient use of the paper
napkins and doing so in a manner that is efficient and limits
unwanted contamination between groups of napkins associated with
each dispensing action. Allowing manual interaction with the
respective dispensers also provides a multiple count per
interaction napkin dispenser that is more economically feasible
than other multiple count napkin dispensers and substantially
reduces the complexity and integration of the dispenser into retail
environments. The adjustability of the various dispensers also
allows the end user to better control the number of paper napkins
dispensed during each dispensing event and does so in a manner that
encourages efficient vendor/customer interaction. However, while
each embodiment shown provides for dispensing of differing amounts
of stacked sheet materials, each embodiment could be configured
with a single "pick zone" to dispense a particular amount (in
volume or quantity) of multiple sheets. (The reference to
"particular amount" is not intended to convey the notion that the
exact same number of sheets will be dispensed with each "pick", but
rather that approximately the same amount (in volume or quantity)
will, be "picked" with each use of a dispenser configured with a
single pick zone.)
[0084] The present invention has been described in terms of the
preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents,
alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated,
are possible and within the scope of the appending claims without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *