U.S. patent application number 15/220770 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-09 for interfolded sheet dispenser.
The applicant listed for this patent is WAUSAU PAPER TOWEL & TISSUE, LLC. Invention is credited to Adam T. Elliott, Mark W. Henson.
Application Number | 20170036847 15/220770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56682263 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170036847 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Henson; Mark W. ; et
al. |
February 9, 2017 |
INTERFOLDED SHEET DISPENSER
Abstract
A dispenser for dispensing discrete sheets of interfolded media
is disclosed. The sheet dispenser is provided with an elastomeric
cover which defines a perimeter and a cover opening located within
the perimeter through which a pack of sheets can be installed and
through which individual sheets can be removed. The elastomeric
cover can be resiliently deflectable between a resting state in
which the elastomeric cover extends generally parallel to the base
and a deflected state in which the elastomeric cover bends in a
direction towards the base. The elastomeric cover is bent into the
deflected state and into the interior of the dispenser by the media
pack during installation of the pack and return to the resting
state once the media pack has been fully installed into the
dispenser.
Inventors: |
Henson; Mark W.; (Danville,
KY) ; Elliott; Adam T.; (Lexington, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WAUSAU PAPER TOWEL & TISSUE, LLC |
Mosinee |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56682263 |
Appl. No.: |
15/220770 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62201398 |
Aug 5, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/421 20130101;
A47K 10/42 20130101; A47K 10/422 20130101; B65D 83/0805 20130101;
B65D 83/0817 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/08 20060101
B65D083/08 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for dispensing discrete sheets of interfolded media,
the dispenser comprising: (a) abase; (b) at least one sidewall
extending from the base and terminating at a distal end to define
an interior space for holding the interfolded sheets and to define
an open end; (c) an elastomeric cover defining a perimeter and a
cover opening located within the perimeter, the elastomeric cover
extending from the perimeter towards the cover opening and covering
at least a portion of the open end; and wherein the elastomeric
cover is resiliently deflectable between a resting state in which
the elastomeric cover is generally parallel to the base and a
deflected state in which the elastomeric cover bends in a direction
towards the base.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric cover includes
at least a single elastomeric member extending from the perimeter
towards the cover opening and covering at least a portion of the
open end.
3. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric cover includes
at least two elastomeric members extending from the perimeter
towards the cover opening and covering at least a portion of the
open end, and wherein the at least two elastomeric members are
resiliently deflectable between a resting state in which the
elastomeric members are generally parallel to the base and a
deflected state in which the elastomeric members bend in a
direction towards the base.
4. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein the elastomeric cover and the
at least two elastomeric members are a single continuous part.
5. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the elastomeric cover
perimeter includes a first side and a second side opposite the
first side, and wherein the at least two elastomeric members
includes a first elastomeric member extending from the first side
and a second elastomeric member extending from the second side.
6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the elastomeric cover
perimeter includes a third side and a fourth side opposite the
third side, and wherein the at least two elastomeric members
includes a third elastomeric member extending from the third side
and a fourth elastomeric member extending from the fourth side.
7. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the elastomeric cover and the
first, second, third, and fourth elastomeric members are a single
continuous part.
8. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the first elastomeric member
is separated from the third and fourth elastomeric members by a
respective first and second gap and wherein the second elastomeric
member is separated from the third and fourth elastomeric members
by a respective third and fourth gap.
9. The dispenser of 6, wherein the elastomeric cover is formed such
that the first, second, third, and fourth elastomeric members are
at least partially connected to each other.
10. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the cover opening is further
defined by a first recessed area within the first elastomeric
member and a second recessed area within the second elastomeric
member.
11. The dispenser of claim 1, further including a cover support
frame to which the elastomeric cover is attached, the cover support
frame being constructed from a material that is less flexible than
a material from which the elastomeric cover is formed.
12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the cover support frame is
secured directly to the at least one sidewall.
13. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the cover support frame is
secured to the at least one sidewall by a projection extending from
the at least one sidewall being received into a recess defined
within the cover support frame.
14. The dispenser of claim 1, further including a platen within the
interior space, the platen being spring biased with a spring
located between the base and platen to support the interfolded
sheets within the dispenser.
15. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the at least one sidewall
includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and
a fourth sidewall, wherein each of the first, second, third, and
fourth sidewalls extend from the base and terminate at the distal
end to define the interior space for holding the interfolded
sheets.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the first sidewall, a first
portion of the third sidewall, and a first portion of the fourth
sidewall are formed by a first housing half and wherein the second
sidewall, a second portion of the third sidewall, and a second
portion of the fourth sidewall are formed by a second housing half
connected to the first housing half.
17. The dispenser of claim 15, further including a window insert
provided with at least one transparent window to display a placard
inserted between the window insert and one of the first and second
sidewalls.
18. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein the window insert includes a
first insert half adjacent the first sidewall and a second insert
half adjacent the second sidewall, and wherein the at least one
transparent window includes a first window defined by the first
insert half and a second window defined by the second insert
half.
19. A method of inserting a pack of interfolded sheets of media
into a dispenser, the method including: (a) providing a dispenser
defining an interior space and an open end, wherein the open end is
at least partially blocked by a resiliently deflectable elastomeric
cover extending generally parallel to the open end to in a resting
state, the elastomeric cover defining a resulting opening area that
is less than a surface area defined by the interfolded sheets; (b)
inserting the pack of interfolded sheets into the interior space of
the dispenser by depressing the pack of interfolded sheets against
a top surface of the elastomeric cover to deflect the elastomeric
cover into a bent state; (c) further inserting the pack of
interfolded sheets into the interior space until the pack of
interfolded sheets moves past the elastomeric cover such that the
elastomeric cover return to the resting state; and (d) releasing
the pack of interfolded sheets such that a support spring can
support the pack of interfolded sheets at or below a bottom surface
of the elastomeric cover.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of providing a
dispenser includes the dispenser being partially blocked by the
elastomeric cover, including at least two resiliently deflectable
elastomeric members which extend generally parallel to the open end
to in a resting state.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC .sctn.119(e)
to provisional patent application 62/201,398 filed Aug. 5, 2015,
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to dispensers, and
particularly to dispensers configured to dispense interfolded
sheets of media, such as napkins, towels, and wipes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Dispensers for dispensing interfolded sheets are known. Some
prior art dispensers are configured such that a pack of interfolded
sheets can be installed through the same opening through which the
sheets are dispensed through the use of various types of swinging
or hinged doors, such as bomb bay-style doors. With such
configurations, the height of the dispenser can be at least
partially defined by the degree to which the doors extend into the
interior space of the dispenser in order to allow the pack of
interfolded sheets to move fully past the doors such that the doors
can return to their normal position. Other designs require a
separate access opening at either the bottom or sidewall of the
dispenser. To facilitate these types of operations, a number of
moving and non-moving parts can be required within the
dispenser.
SUMMARY
[0004] In general terms, this disclosure is directed to dispensers,
and in particular dispensers configured to dispense discrete sheets
of media from a pack of interfolded sheets of media. The sheets can
be any type of media, for example, paper towels, wipes, or napkins.
Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include,
but are not limited to, the following aspects.
[0005] In one aspect of the disclosure, a dispenser for dispensing
discrete sheets of interfolded media is disclosed. The dispenser
can include a base and at least one sidewall extending from the
base. The sidewall or sidewalls can extend from the base to a
distal end to define an interior space for holding the interfolded
sheets and to define an open end. In one aspect, an elastomeric
cover can be provided which defines a perimeter and a cover opening
located within the perimeter. The elastomeric cover can extend from
the perimeter towards the cover opening and cover at least a
portion of the open end. In one aspect, the elastomeric cover is
resiliently deflectable between a resting state in which the
elastomeric cover extends generally parallel to the base and a
deflected state in which the elastomeric cover bends in a direction
towards the base.
[0006] The elastomeric cover can include at least a single
elastomeric member extending from the perimeter towards the cover
opening and covering at least a portion of the open end.
[0007] The elastomeric cover may include at least two elastomeric
members extending from the perimeter towards the cover opening and
covering at least a portion of the open end, and wherein the at
least two elastomeric members are resiliently deflectable between a
resting state in which the elastomeric members are generally
parallel to the base and a deflected state in which the elastomeric
members bend in a direction towards the base.
[0008] The elastomeric cover and the at least two elastomeric
members can be a single continuous part.
[0009] In example implementations, the elastomeric cover perimeter
includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side,
and wherein the at least two elastomeric members includes a first
elastomeric member extending from the first side and a second
elastomeric member extending from the second side.
[0010] The elastomeric cover perimeter may include a third side and
a fourth side opposite the third side, and wherein the at least two
elastomeric members includes a third elastomeric member extending
from the third side and a fourth elastomeric member extending from
the fourth side.
[0011] In some embodiments, the elastomeric cover and the first,
second, third, and fourth elastomeric members are a single
continuous part.
[0012] In one or more examples, the first elastomeric member is
separated from the third and fourth elastomeric members by a
respective first and second gap and wherein the second elastomeric
member is separated from the third and fourth elastomeric members
by a respective third and fourth gap.
[0013] The elastomeric cover can be formed such that the first,
second, third, and fourth elastomeric members are at least
partially connected to each other.
[0014] In some examples, the cover opening is further defined by a
first recessed area within the first elastomeric member and a
second recessed area within the second elastomeric member.
[0015] In some aspects, the dispenser may further include a cover
support frame to which the elastomeric cover is attached, the cover
support frame being constructed from a material that is less
flexible than a material from which the elastomeric cover is
formed.
[0016] The cover support frame can be secured directly to the at
least one sidewall.
[0017] In some embodiments, the cover support frame is secured to
the at least one sidewall by a projection extending from the at
least one sidewall being received into a recess defined within the
cover support frame.
[0018] Some embodiments further include a platen within the
interior space, the platen being spring biased with a spring
located between the base and platen to support the interfolded
sheets within the dispenser.
[0019] In one or more embodiments, the at least one sidewall
includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and
a fourth sidewall, wherein each of the first, second, third, and
fourth sidewalls extend from the base and terminate at the distal
end to define the interior space for holding the interfolded
sheets.
[0020] The first sidewall, a first portion of the third sidewall,
and a first portion of the fourth sidewall can be formed by a first
housing half and wherein the second sidewall, a second portion of
the third sidewall, and a second portion of the fourth sidewall are
formed by a second housing half connected to the first housing
half.
[0021] Some implementations further include a window insert
provided with at least one transparent window to display a placard
inserted between the window insert and one of the first and second
sidewalls.
[0022] In some examples, the window insert includes a first insert
half adjacent the first sidewall and a second insert half adjacent
the second sidewall, and wherein the at least one transparent
window includes a first window defined by the first insert half and
a second window defined by the second insert half.
[0023] A method of inserting a pack of interfolded sheets into a
dispenser is also disclosed. The method can include the step of
providing a dispenser defining an interior space and an open end,
wherein the open end is at least partially blocked by a resiliently
deflectable elastomeric cover which extend generally parallel to
the open end to in a resting state, the elastomeric cover defining
a resulting opening area that is less than a surface area defined
by the interfolded sheet. The method can also include the step of
inserting the pack of interfolded sheets into the interior space of
the dispenser by depressing the pack of interfolded sheets against
a top surface of the elastomeric cover member to deflect the
elastomeric cover into a bent state. Another step of the method can
be further inserting the pack of interfolded sheets into the
interior space until the pack of interfolded sheets moves past the
elastomeric cover such that the elastomeric cover can return to the
resting state. Once the sheets have reached this point, the method
can include releasing the pack of interfolded sheets such that a
biasing spring can support the pack of interfolded sheets within
the dispenser and below the elastomeric cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser having features
that are examples of aspects in accordance with the principles of
the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser
shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the dispenser shown in
FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a top view of a cover assembly of the dispenser
shown in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cover assembly shown in FIG.
4.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a first side view of the cover assembly shown in
FIG. 4.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a second side view of the cover assembly shown in
FIG. 4.
[0031] FIG. 8 is an exterior side view a housing part half of the
dispenser shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 9 is an interior side view of the housing part half
shown in FIG. 8.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a first end side view of the housing part half
shown in FIG. 8.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a second end side view of the housing part half
shown in FIG. 8.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a top view of the housing part half shown in FIG.
8.
[0036] FIG. 13 is an exterior side view an window insert half of
the dispenser shown in FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 14 is an interior side view of the window insert half
shown in FIG. 13.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a first end side view of the window insert half
shown in FIG. 13.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a second end side view of the window insert half
shown in FIG. 13.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a top view of the window insert half shown in
FIG. 13.
[0041] FIG. 18 is a first cross-sectional view of the dispenser
shown in FIG. 1 showing a horizontal cross-section through the
first through fourth sidewalls of the dispenser.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a second cross-sectional view of the dispenser
shown in FIG. 1 showing a vertical cross-section through the third
and fourth sidewalls of the dispenser.
[0043] FIG. 20 is a second cross-sectional view of the dispenser
shown in FIG. 1 showing a vertical cross-section through the first
and second sidewalls of the dispenser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Various embodiments will be described in detail with
reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.
Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the
claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in
this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set
forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended
claims.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispenser 100 is shown which
is configured for dispensing interfolded sheets from a media pack
10 from an interior space 102 through an opening 104. The media
pack 10 can include a variety of interfolded sheet types, for
example, napkins, towels, and wipes. As shown, the dispenser 100
includes a base structure 110 including a base 112, a platen 114,
and a spring 116 located between the base 112 and the platen 114.
In one example, the spring 116 is formed as a metal helical spring.
The sheets 10 rest upon or are adjacent to the platen 114 and are
supported at a generally constant top height by the force of the
spring 116. As configured, the length of the spring 116 is such
that the bottommost sheet will be pressed to the opening 104 once
the remaining sheets have been withdrawn from the interior space
102. In one aspect, the platen 114 can be provided with upwardly
extending sidewalls 114a to ensure the sheets 10 are secured onto
the platen 114. The base 112 may also include feet 118 secured to
the base. The base 112 may also include a securing structure 115
about which the spring 116 can be fastened. As shown, the securing
structure 115 is formed by a plurality of outwardly facing latches
arranged in a circular pattern to match the shape of the base of
the spring 116.
[0046] Although the dispenser 100 is shown as being vertically
supported by the base 112 wherein the opening 104 is generally
horizontal, the dispenser 100 can be rested on a side such that the
opening 104 is vertical and the base 112 forms a vertically
extending sidewall. In such a configuration, the sheets would be
inserted and removed from the side rather than from the top, as
shown.
[0047] As most easily seen at FIGS. 8-11, the dispenser 100 is
provided with a housing assembly 120 having a first housing part
120a and an identical second housing part 120b. As the
constructions of the first and second housing parts 120a, 120b are
similar, FIGS. 8-11 are fully applicable to each housing part 120a,
120b. In one aspect, the first and second housing parts 120a, 120b
are connected to each other in a snap-fit type arrangement with
tabs 122 of one housing part 120a, 120b being received by
complementary recesses 124 of the other housing part 120b, 120c.
Other means for connecting the first and second housing parts 120a,
120b may be utilized without departing from the concepts presented
herein, including attachment with fasteners and/or adhesives.
Alternatively, the housing assembly 120 may be formed as a single
molded part rather than joining two separately formed housing parts
120a, 120b.
[0048] As shown, the housing assembly 120 defines a first sidewall
122c, a second sidewall 122d, a third sidewall 122e, and a fourth
sidewall 122f. As constructed, the first housing part 120a includes
the first sidewall 122c and portions of the third and fourth
sidewalls 122e, 122f while the second housing part 120b includes
the second sidewall 122d and the remaining portions of the third
and fourth sidewalls 122e, 122f.
[0049] In one aspect, the first and second housing parts 120a, 120b
each includes a downwardly extending member 126 and flange portion
126a. The extending member and flange portion 126a are received
within the base 112 and are for supporting the housing parts 120a,
120b. The first and second housing parts 120a, 120b are secured to
the base 112 via a plurality of tabs 127 having latch members 127a
configured to form a snap-fit type connection with corresponding
latch recesses 112a formed in the base 112. As shown, four latched
tabs 127 are provided on the housing assembly 120 (two per housing
part 120a, 120b) and four latch recesses 112a are formed provided
on the base 112. More or fewer tabs 127 and recesses 112a may be
provided. The housing assembly 120 can also be additionally secured
to the base 112 via other means, such as with adhesives and/or
mechanical fasteners. In the example shown, the housing parts 120a,
120b are further secured to the base via fasteners 119 which engage
with recesses 123 formed in the housing parts 120a, 120b. The
recesses 123 are shown as being open ended, but may be defined as
enclosed apertures. Alternatively, the housing assembly 120 and
base 112 may be formed as a single molded part rather than
providing the three separate components (e.g. 112, 120a, 120b)
shown.
[0050] With continued reference to FIGS. 8-11, it can be seen that
the first and second housing parts 120a, 120b are additionally
provided with an upwardly extending member 128 and flange member
128a that are located at the upper end of the housing parts 120a,
120b and opposite the downwardly extending member 126 and flange
member 126a. The upwardly extending member 126 and flange member
126a are for respectively supporting a cover assembly 130 (FIGS.
4-7) that covers the open end defined by the housing parts 120a,
120b opposite the base 112. As configured, the upwardly extending
member 128 and flange member 128a are received into a corresponding
recess 132a extending around a perimeter of a support frame 132 of
the cover assembly 130.
[0051] The first and second housing parts 120a, 120b are also
provided with a plurality of tabs 129 having latch members 129a
configured to form a snap-fit type connection with corresponding
latch recesses 132b in the support frame 132. As shown, four
latched tabs 129 are provided on the housing assembly 120 (two per
housing part 120a, 120b) and four latch recesses 132b are formed
provided on the support frame 132. As shown, the latched tabs 129
are collinear with the upwardly extending member 125 while the
recess 132a is collinear with the latch recesses 132b. To
facilitate such a construction, the recesses 132a, 132b are
separated from each other by ribs 132c while the upwardly extending
member 128 and latched tabs 129 are separated from each other by
gaps 128b. Of course, other configurations are possible without
departing from the concepts presented herein. For example, more or
fewer tabs 129 and latch recesses 132b may be provided. The housing
assembly 120 can also be attached to the cover assembly 130 via
other means, such as with adhesives and/or mechanical
fasteners.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the cover assembly 130 is shown in
further detail. As previously mentioned, the cover assembly 130 is
provided with a support frame 132. The support frame 132 is
configured to support an elastomeric cover 134 at a perimeter 136,
wherein the elastomeric cover 134 defines a cover opening 130a
located within the perimeter 136. In one example, the elastomeric
cover 134 is over molded onto the support frame 132 and is formed
from a material that is more flexible than the material from which
the support frame 132 is formed. For example, the elastomeric cover
134 can be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer, such as
thermoplastic polyurethane, while the support frame can be formed
from a more rigid plastic material, such as a polycarbonate. In one
example, the elastomeric cover 134 is separately formed and later
attached to the support frame 132. In one example, no support frame
132 is provided and the elastomeric cover 134 is either over molded
onto the housing assembly 120 or separately formed and later
attached to the housing assembly 120. The elastomeric cover 134 may
also be formed as a single, continuous part, as shown in the
drawings, or may be formed as individual extension members that are
either pre-formed and attached to the support frame 132 and/or
housing assembly 120, or that are over molded onto the support
frame 132 and/or housing assembly 120.
[0053] As shown, the elastomeric cover 134 is provided with a first
extension member 134a, a second extension member 134b, a third
extension member 134c, and a fourth extension member 134d. Each of
the extension members 134a-134d is shown as being connected to the
adjacent extension member 134a-134d by a small amount of material
134e at the corners of the cover 134 while the members 134a-134d
are otherwise separated at a gap 134f extending from the central
opening 130a to the material 134e. This configuration allows for
each of the extension members 134b to independently deflect
downwardly into the interior space 102 and towards the base 112.
The first and second extension members 134a, 134b can also be
provided with a recessed portion 134g to allow a user's hands to
more readily grasp the paper sheet 10 being held by the dispenser
100.
[0054] The extension members 134a-134d are provided with sufficient
strength and rigidity such that the extension members 134a-134d
extend generally in the same plane as the opening 130a and parallel
to the base 112 in a resting state. As the purpose of the
elastomeric cover 134 is to provide for a dispenser that does not
have to be opened for loading of the interfolded sheets 10, the
extension members 134a-134d are also sufficiently flexible such
that they can be readily bent out of the way of a media pack 10
being inserted through the opening 130a. Accordingly, a user can
push a media pack of interfolded sheets 10 against a top surface
134h of the cover 134 and the extension members 134a-134d will
readily deflect out of the way of the media pack 10. Once the media
pack 10 is sufficiently inserted past the extension members
134a-134d, the extension members 134a-134d return to their rested
state and the platen 114 supports the media pack 10 at or below the
bottom surface 134k of the extension members 134a-134d. The
dispenser 100 is then ready for dispensing at which point a user
can pull individual sheets of the media pack 10 through the opening
130a and past the extension members 134a-134d.
[0055] The disclosed configuration of the cover assembly 130 and
cover member 134 is advantageous in numerous ways. For example,
paper can be easily added to the dispenser without first requiring
the opening of the dispenser to access the interior. Another
advantage is that the disclosed configuration reduces "pilfering"
of the sheets by users because users are not able to easily gain
access into the unit due to the cover member 134. The disclosed
design also significantly reduces the number of required parts in
comparison to prior art designs which have various types of hinged
door structures. The disclosed dispenser is thus more easily
cleanable.
[0056] Another advantage is that the configuration of the cover
member 134 with the elastomeric extension members 134a-134d results
in a reduced required height or length of the dispenser (i.e.
distance between the base 112 and the cover member 134). This
reduction is accomplished because the extension members 134a-134d
are pliable to such a degree that they do not have a fixed hinge
point, thereby allowing the extension members 134a-134d to curve or
bend out of the way to only the extend necessary for the pack to
move past the opening 130a. This same flexibility feature also
allows for less required head space 11 above the media pack 10. The
head space 11 is the gap between top of the media pack 10 and
bottom of cover member 134 that is generally defined by the design
of the spring 116 and is most easily viewed at FIGS. 1 and 19-20.
As the extension members 134a-134d are pliable enough to easily
flex, the extension members 134a-134d provide a smooth, curved
surface against which the sheets, which generally have low tensile
strength, can be pulled.
[0057] The extension members 134a-134d can be formed with
sufficient pliability such that no head space 11 need be provided,
wherein the media pack 10 directly abuts the bottom surface 134k of
the cover 134. Such a configuration can be easily accomplished by
providing a spring 116 which provides a pre-load force on the media
pack 10 against the cover 134. Of course, the dispenser 100 could
be provided with the same amount of head space as a standard
dispenser with the expectation of even further improved
dispensability over prior art designs. In one example
configuration, the dispenser 100 is designed to hold a media pack
10 having a stacked height of about five inches which results in
the disclosed dispenser 100 being able to store about 50 additional
sheets in comparison to other prior art designs while still
maintaining an acceptable head height. The disclosed design is thus
advantageous over prior art designs in which a minimum headspace
must be maintained to prevent tearing of the sheets and designs in
which the use of tabs or other members are required to hold the
media pack to maintain a fixed head space distance.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 13-17, the window insert 140 is shown in
further detail. The window insert 140 is for providing an
advertising space for placards 150 so that the dispenser 100 can
have further utility. As shown, the window insert 140 is formed
from a first insert half 140a and an identically shaped second
insert half 140b that is connected to the first insert half 140b
such that a shell is formed about the housing 120. In one example,
the window insert parts 140a, 140b are formed from a transparent
and/or translucent material such that a respective placard 150a,
150b installed between the housing 120 and the window insert 140
can be readily viewed.
[0059] As the constructions of the first and second window insert
parts 140a, 140b are similar, FIGS. 13-17 are fully applicable to
each insert half 140a, 140b. In one aspect, the first insert half
140a has a first wall 140c including a first window 142 and a
second wall 140d including a second window 144. The first insert
part 140a is installed into the first housing part 120a such that
the first window 142 is on the exterior side of the first sidewall
122c while the remaining portion of the first wall 140c is on the
interior side of the first sidewall 122c. The first housing part
120a includes a placard support portion 120m surrounded by a gap
120n that allows for the insertion of the first insert part. Once
assembled, the first placard 150 can be inserted from the exterior
side of the dispenser 100 between the first window 142 and the
placard support portion 120m, wherein the placard can rest on a
ledge 120p. This configuration is resistant to tampering in that
the placard 150 cannot be easily removed from the exterior of the
dispenser 100 once it has been fully inserted between the first
window 142 and the placard support portion 120m as very little
clearance exists for access to the placard 150. To remove the
placard 150, the sheets of the media pack 10 must be first removed
from the dispenser, such that a user can grasp an exposed portion
of the placard 150 at a recessed portion 120r of the placard
support portion 120m from the interior side of the dispenser
100.
[0060] Once installed, the second window 144 of the first insert
part 140a is received into a recess 120n defined between the first
and second housing parts 120a, 120b when they are mated together.
The second window 144 allows for viewing into the interior of the
dispenser 100 such that the amount of remaining sheets of the media
pack 10 within the dispenser can be readily viewed from either the
third or fourth sides 122e, 122f. The construction and insertion of
the second insert part 140b with respect to the second housing part
120b is the same and need not be described further.
[0061] Another feature of the first and second window inserts parts
140a, 140b is the presence of guides 146 which extend the height of
the insert parts 140a, 140b. The guides 146 extend into the
interior space of the dispenser 100 and hold the ends of the sheets
of the media pack 10 therebetween to ensure that the media pack 10
is sufficiently guided as the pack is initially inserted and as the
sheets of the media pack 10 are individually removed. The
cross-sectional view provided at FIG. 18 best illustrates the
location and function of the guides 146.
[0062] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize various modifications and changes that may be made
without following the example embodiments and applications
illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *