U.S. patent application number 15/206468 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-12 for dispensers having restrictive apertures for the controlled removal of consumable goods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bowman Manufacturing Company, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Bowman Manufacturing Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dante G. DeGraaf.
Application Number | 20170008691 15/206468 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57730559 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170008691 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeGraaf; Dante G. |
January 12, 2017 |
DISPENSERS HAVING RESTRICTIVE APERTURES FOR THE CONTROLLED REMOVAL
OF CONSUMABLE GOODS
Abstract
A dispenser includes a panel, a retention member and at least
one aperture. The retention member is coupled to the panel. The
retention member includes a shaped portion and a pair of arms that
couple the shaped portion to the panel. The aperture extends
through the panel. In one embodiment, a first aperture may be
located on a first side of the retention member and a second
aperture may be located on a second side of the retention member. A
peripheral profile of the aperture is defined by the panel, the
retention member or both.
Inventors: |
DeGraaf; Dante G.;
(Arlington, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bowman Manufacturing Company, Inc. |
Arlington |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Bowman Manufacturing Company,
Inc.
Arlington
WA
|
Family ID: |
57730559 |
Appl. No.: |
15/206468 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62190613 |
Jul 9, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2050/105 20160201;
A61B 42/40 20160201; A61B 50/10 20160201; A47K 10/24 20130101; A47K
10/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/08 20060101
B65D083/08; A41D 13/11 20060101 A41D013/11; A41D 13/12 20060101
A41D013/12; A41D 19/015 20060101 A41D019/015 |
Claims
1. A dispenser comprising: a panel; a retention member coupled to
the panel, the retention member having a shaped portion and a pair
of arms coupling the shaped portion to the panel; and at least two
apertures extending through the panel with a first aperture located
on a first side of the retention member and a second aperture
located on a second side of the retention member, wherein a
peripheral profile of each aperture is defined by the panel, the
retention member or both.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first and second apertures
are located symmetrically with respect to the retention member.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the shaped portion of the
retention member is a bulbous portion.
4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel includes at least
one protuberance that extends into at least one of the first
aperture or the second aperture.
5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is rigid.
6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is flexible.
7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is a replacement
panel.
8. A dispenser comprising: a panel; and a retention member coupled
to the panel, the retention member defining at least two apertures
that extend through the panel with a first aperture located on a
first side of the retention member and a second aperture located on
a second side of the retention member, wherein the panel includes
at least one protuberance that extends into the first or second
aperture.
9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the first and second apertures
are located symmetrically with respect to the retention member.
10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the retention member includes
a shaped portion extending from a central portion of the retention
member.
11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is rigid.
12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is flexible.
13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is a replacement
panel.
14. A dispenser comprising: a panel having a panel surface area
defined by a plurality of edges; and a shaped aperture extending
through the panel, wherein the shaped aperture is centered relative
to the panel surface area, wherein the panel includes at least one
protuberance extending into the shaped aperture, and wherein the
shaped aperture is configured to be symmetric with respect to at
least one of a first centerline defined by the panel surface area
or a second centerline defined by the panel surface area.
15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the shaped aperture is
generally X-shaped.
16. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the first centerline is
parallel to a first one of the plurality of edges.
17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the first one of the
plurality of edges is a horizontal edge of the panel.
18. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the second centerline is
parallel to a second one of the plurality of edges.
19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein the second one of the
plurality of edges is a vertical edge of the panel.
20. The dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a retention
member extending across the aperture, wherein the retention member
includes a bulbous portion.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/190,613, filed on Jul. 9, 2015, and the subject
matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to dispensers
having restrictive apertures, and more specifically directed to
dispensers having restrictive apertures for the controlled removal
of consumable goods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional dispensers either inadequately retain or over
dispense consumable goods such as, but not limited to, gloves,
facemasks, gowns, tissues or wipes, pads or covers, etc. By way of
example, a box of latex, disposable gloves typically comes with a
perforated cutout in the top or front from which the individual are
removed. When the gloves are inserted into the box by the
manufacturer they are generally blown or stuffed into the box
randomly. In turn, this causes the gloves to become intertwined
with each other. Thus, as a consumer attempts to remove a single
glove from the perforated opening, multiple gloves may be pulled
out at once.
[0004] When such a box is placed into a dispenser, the conventional
aperture in such a dispenser is larger than the cutout in the box,
which means that the conventional dispenser aperture does not
mitigate or Mate the problem of over dispensing. One common
consequence of over dispensing is that some of the consumable goods
fall to the floor and become contaminated, and thus unusable.
Additionally or alternatively, the perforated cutout in the box,
over time, often becomes torn and pliable to the extent that it may
no longer sufficiently retain the consumable goods even while the
box is supported in the dispenser.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a dispenser includes
a panel, a retention member and at least two apertures. The
retention member is coupled to the panel. The retention member
includes a shaped portion and a pair of arms that couple the shaped
portion to the panel. The two apertures extend through the panel
with a first aperture located on a first side of the retention
member and a second aperture located on a second side of the
retention member. A peripheral profile of each aperture is defined
by the panel, the retention member or both.
[0006] In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the
first and second apertures are located symmetrically with respect
to the retention member. The shaped portion of the retention member
includes a bulbous portion. The panel includes at least one
protuberance that extends into at least one of the first aperture
or the second aperture. Additionally or alternatively, the panel
may be rigid, flexible, replaceable or some combination
thereof.
[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a dispenser
includes a panel and a retention member. The retention member is
coupled to the panel. The retention member defines at least two
apertures that extend through the panel with a first aperture
located on a first side of the retention member and a second
aperture located on a second side of the retention member. The
panel includes at least one protuberance that extends into the
first or second aperture.
[0008] In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the
first and second apertures are located symmetrically with respect
to the retention member. The retention member includes a shaped
portion extending from a central portion of the retention member.
Additionally or alternatively, the panel may be rigid, flexible,
replaceable or some combination thereof.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a dispenser
includes a panel and a shaped aperture. The panel includes a panel
surface area defined by a plurality of edges. The shaped aperture
extends through the panel and is centered relative to the panel
surface area. The panel includes at least one protuberance
extending into the shaped aperture. And, the shaped aperture is
configured to be symmetric with respect to at least one of a first
centerline defined by the panel surface area or a second centerline
defined by the panel surface area.
[0010] In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the
shaped aperture is generally X-shaped.
[0011] In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the
first centerline may be parallel to a first one of the plurality of
edges, which may be a horizontal edge of the panel.
[0012] In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the
second centerline may be parallel to a second one of the plurality
of edges, which may be a vertical edge of the panel.
[0013] In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the
dispenser may include a retention member that extends across the
aperture, the retention member may include a shaped portion that
may have a bulbous configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify
similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of
elements in the drawings may not be necessarily drawn to scale. For
example, the shapes of various elements and angles may not be drawn
to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged or
positioned to improve drawing legibility. Preferred and alternative
embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below
with reference to the following drawings
[0015] FIG. 1 a schematic, perspective view of a multi-goods
dispenser according to at least some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2A a schematic, perspective view of a single dispenser
having a retention member according to at least some embodiments of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2B a front elevational view of a front panel of the
single dispenser of FIG. 2A;
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic, perspective views of replacement
panels having various retention member and aperture configurations
according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 a schematic, perspective view of a single dispenser
having a shaped aperture according to at least some embodiments of
the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 5 a schematic, perspective view of a replacement panel
having a shaped aperture according to at least some embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following description, certain specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will
understand that the invention may be practiced without these
details. In other instances, well known structures associated with
dispensers and organizers for consumable goods, assemblies and
subassemblies of the same, and methods of using, assembling and
installing any of the above have not necessarily been shown or
described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions
of the embodiments of the invention.
[0022] The present invention is generally directed to dispensers
and organizers for consumable goods, assemblies and subassemblies
of the same, and more specifically directed to dispensers and
organizers having restrictive apertures for the controlled removal
of consumable goods. U.S. Patent Publish No. 2014/0361024; and U.S.
patent application Ser. Nos. 14/803,982 and 14/708,673 provide
various descriptions regarding dispensers and other aspects related
to dispensers, and each of the aforementioned patent applications
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The
present invention may also overcome some of the problems related to
conventional dispenser apertures such as, but not limited to, over
dispensing and inadequate retention. In some embodiments, the
dispenser may hold a single consumable goods box or may hold
several consumable goods boxes where each box may dispense a
different type of consumable goods.
[0023] This invention generally relates to personal protection
equipment (PPE) storage organizers (hereinafter referred to as
dispensers) for dispensing consumable goods such as, but not
limited to, gloves, facemasks, gowns, wipes, pads, etc. for
industries such as, but not limited to, medical, healthcare,
education, foodservice, transportation, office, sports, and
industrial. For purposes of the present description, a "dispenser"
is generally understood to be a container, receptacle, vessel,
organizer or some other structure that provides for the storage of
and also permits the removal of items or of a particular type of
thing from the dispenser.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a schematic, perspective view of a multi-goods
dispenser 10 having a front panel 12 configured with a variety of
different shaped apertures 14. In at least some embodiments, a box
16 with consumable goods 18 are accessible via the apertures 14. In
other embodiments, the consumable goods 18 are placed in the
dispenser 10 without being constrained by or held within a box.
Further, at least some of the boxes 16 includes a perforated box
cutout 20, in which a perforated panel was previously removed to
permit access to and removal of the consumable goods 18.
[0025] FIG. 2A shows a schematic, perspective view of a single
dispenser 100 that is mountable to a vertical surface (not shown).
The single dispenser 100 embodiment is illustrated for purposes of
brevity and clarity, however, it is appreciated and understood that
the dispenser may take the form of dispenser 10 of FIG. 1. The
single dispenser 100 includes a viewable or front panel 102. Two
adjacent apertures 106 are formed in the front panel 102 and are
separated by a retention member 108. In at least some embodiments,
the aperture(s) 106 and the retention member 108 cooperate to
provide a uniquely configured opening that permits adequate
retention of consumable goods and reduces over dispensing
regardless of the condition of the manufacture's consumable goods
box.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2B, the shape of the retention member 108
and overall size of the apertures 106 cooperate to define the
retention and controlled dispensing efficacy of the single
dispenser 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member
108 includes arms 110 and a shaped portion 112. The arms 110 each
extend from the shaped portion 112 to couple it to the front panel
102. In at least some embodiments, the shaped portion 112 takes the
form of a bulbous portion that is centrally located relative an
area of the front panel 102. It is appreciated that the shaped
portion 112 could take a variety of shapes such as, but not limited
to, elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, square, or triangular
shapes. Similarly, the arms 110 take the form of straight strips,
but may also be rounded or have some other configuration.
Additionally or alternatively, the retention member 108 may include
more than one shaped portion where each shaped portion is coupled
to the panel or to another shaped portion by additional arms.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the retention member 108 operates
to create the two shaped apertures 106 that are symmetrically
arranged relative to the retention member 108. Additionally or
alternatively, the apertures 106 and the shaped portion 112 may be
sized and otherwise configured based on the type of consumable good
to be dispensed. By way of example, the apertures' overall profile
along with the configuration of the retention member 108 cooperate
to compliment a natural dispensing of the consumable goods while
also providing a means of controlling and restricting the flow of
consumable goods. Stated otherwise, the retention member and the
shaped apertures allow for the intentional or purposeful selection
of consumable goods from the dispenser while reducing the
likelihood that some goods may be discharged by the force of
gravity because of a worn manufacturer box cutout or some good may
become entangled with other goods.
[0028] In at least some embodiments, the front panel 102, the
retaining member 108, or both, is rigid or flexible.
[0029] FIGS. 3A-3D show schematic, perspective views of a variety
of replacement panels according to various embodiments of the
present invention. FIG. 3A shows a replacement panel assembly 200
having a panel 202 and an attachment member 204. In the illustrated
embodiment, the attachment member 204 takes the form of a lip, but
it is appreciated that the replacement panel 200 could be attached
to a dispenser in a variety of ways such as, but not limited to,
fastener, adhesive, magnets, etc. Like the dispenser described
above, the replacement panel 200 includes shaped apertures 206 that
are separated by a retention member 208, which in turn includes
panel attachment arms 210 and a shaped portion 212.
[0030] FIG. 3B shows another replacement panel assembly 300 having
a panel 302 and an attachment member 304. A retention member 308
takes the form of a straight arm, slat or bar that separates shaped
apertures 306. The shape of the apertures 306 is determined, in
part, by a protuberance 314 extending from the panel 302. This
protuberance 314 cooperates with the retention member 308 to
provide selective and controlled disbursement of consumable goods
from a dispenser.
[0031] FIG. 3C shows another replacement panel assembly 400 having
a panel 402 and an attachment member 404. A retention member 408
takes the form of a straight arm, slat or bar that separates shaped
apertures 406. The shape of the apertures 406 cooperates with the
retention member 408 to provide selective and controlled
disbursement of consumable goods from a dispenser.
[0032] FIG. 3D shows another replacement panel assembly 500 having
a panel 502 and an attachment member 504. Instead of a retention
member, the panel includes a single, shaped aperture that extends
through the panel. The aperture 506 includes a first pair of
protuberances 514 that extend from top and bottom portions of the
panel 502, respectively. The aperture 506 also includes a second
pair of protuberances 516 that extend from side portions of the
panel 502, respectively. Optionally, the panel 502 may include
other protuberances or contours. The shape of the aperture 506
operates to provide selective and controlled disbursement of
consumable goods from a dispenser.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a single dispenser 600 having a front panel 602
with a shaped aperture 606. The panel 602 includes a panel surface
area defined by a plurality of edges. The shaped aperture extends
through the panel 602 and is centered relative to the panel surface
area. The panel 602 includes at least one protuberance 618
extending into the shaped aperture 606. However, the panel 602 may
include additional protuberances 620 that extend into the shaped
aperture 606 in a variety of directions. In the illustrated
embodiment, the configuration of the aperture 606 and the
protuberances 618, 620 provide the shaped aperture with generally
an X-shape; however, other shapes are certainly possible.
Additionally, the shaped aperture 606 is configured to be symmetric
with respect to at least one of a first centerline 622 defined by
the panel surface area, a second centerline 624 defined by the
panel surface area, or both. By way of example, the X-shape is
symmetric about both centerlines 622, 624. In another embodiment,
the shaped aperture 606 may be symmetric about a different line or
may simply have a non-symmetric shape. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first centerline is parallel to a horizontal edge
of the panel. Similarly, the second centerline is parallel to a
vertical edge of the panel.
[0034] While the front panel 602 is illustrated as part of the
single dispenser 600, it is appreciated and understood that the
front panel 602 may be part of a larger front panel for a
multi-goods dispenser as shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] By way of example, FIG. 5 shows a replacement panel assembly
700 having a panel 702 and an attachment lip 704. A shaped aperture
706 extends through the panel 702 and generally has an X-shape like
the aperture 606 of FIG. 4.
[0036] The aperture, apertures and retention members may be part of
single dispenser, a multi-goods dispenser or may take the form of a
replacement panel. The shaped apertures may be advantageously
configured to reduce over dispensing of consumable goods. In at
least one embodiment, the shaped aperture includes a peripheral
profile that allows selective, controlled dispensing while reducing
the amount of waste from over dispensing or accidentally
discharging consumable goods.
[0037] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In
addition, other advantages will also be apparent to those of skill
in the art with respect to any of the above-described embodiments
whether viewed individually or in some combination thereof.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the
disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention
should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that
follow.
* * * * *