U.S. patent application number 15/863375 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-11 for collapsible dispenser system.
The applicant listed for this patent is San Jamar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Young, Bernie Ziebart.
Application Number | 20190208966 15/863375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65003252 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190208966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; Michael ; et
al. |
July 11, 2019 |
COLLAPSIBLE DISPENSER SYSTEM
Abstract
A wipe dispenser support system that includes an adjustable
length base and a cover that is connected to the base and
constructed to cooperate with a dispense end of a container of
wipes. A lid is connected to the cover and movable between an open
position and a closed position relative to the cover. A support is
connected to the base such that the cover and the support are
located at generally opposite longitudinal ends of the base. The
base preferably has a first portion and a second portion that are
movable relative to one another such that the dispenser support
system is usable with wipe containers of various sizes and
shapes.
Inventors: |
Young; Michael; (Mukwonago,
WI) ; Ziebart; Bernie; (Pewaukee, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
San Jamar, Inc. |
Elkhorn |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65003252 |
Appl. No.: |
15/863375 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 2010/3233 20130101;
A47K 10/3818 20130101; A47K 2010/3266 20130101; A47K 10/32
20130101; A47K 10/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/32 20060101
A47K010/32 |
Claims
1. A collapsible wipe dispenser support system comprising: a base
that includes a first portion and a second portion that are
slideably connected to one another to manipulate a longitudinal
length of the base; a cover connected to the base and constructed
to cooperate with a dispense end of a wipe container; a lid
connected to the cover and movable between an open position and a
closed position relative to the cover; and a support connected to
the base such that the cover and the support are located at
generally opposite longitudinal ends of the base and the support is
rotatable relative to the base between a first position wherein the
support extends generally under the wipe container and a second
position wherein the support is generally aligned with the base and
is disposed along a forward facing surface of the second portion of
the base.
2. The collapsible wipe dispenser support system of claim 1 wherein
the cover is connected to the first portion of the base and the
support is connected to the second portion of the base.
3. The collapsible wipe dispenser support system of claim 2 wherein
the support is pivotably connected to a lower end of the second
portion of the base.
4. The collapsible wipe dispenser support system of claim 2 wherein
the first portion of the base and the second portion of the base
are slidable relative to one another in a direction aligned with a
longitudinal axis defined by the base.
5. The collapsible wipe dispenser support system of claim 1 wherein
the lid snap fittingly cooperates with the cover when the lid is
oriented in the closed position relative to the cover.
6. The collapsible wipe dispenser support system of claim 1 wherein
the cover includes a ridge that extends toward the support and is
constructed to extend about at least a portion of a perimeter
associated with the dispense end defined by the wipe container.
7. The collapsible wipe dispenser support system of claim 6 wherein
the lip is one of a plurality of coaxially arranged nested ridges,
wherein each of the plurality of nested ridges has a circumference
sufficient to engage with the dispense end defined by a respective
one of a plurality of wipe containers of various
circumferences.
8. The collapsible wipe dispenser support system of claim 1 wherein
the support is nestable relative to the second portion of the base
and the cover is pivotable relative to the first portion of the
base such that the cover overlies the support and the base when no
wipe container is associated therewith.
9. The collapsible wipe dispenser support system of claim 1 further
comprising a biasing device disposed between the first portion and
the second portion of the base and oriented to bias the support
toward the cover.
10. A wipe canister support system comprising: a rail having a
first portion and a second portion that are movable relative to one
another between a first orientation and a second orientation to
manipulate a longitudinal length of the rail; a cover connected to
the first portion of the rail and movable between a first position
wherein the cover extends in a crossing direction relative to the
longitudinal length of the rail and a second position wherein the
cover extends in a direction generally aligned with the
longitudinal length of the rail; a lid connected to the cover and
moveable relative thereto between an open position and a closed
position; and a support connected to the second portion of the rail
and movable between a first position wherein the support extends in
a crossing direction relative to the longitudinal length of the
rail and a second position wherein the support extends in a
direction generally aligned with the longitudinal length of the
rail such that the support and at least a majority of the rail are
disposed behind the cover and the support is disposed between the
rail and the cover when the cover is oriented in the second
position.
11. The wipe canister support system of claim 10 wherein the lid
snap fittingly cooperates with the cover when the lid is oriented
in the closed position.
12. The wipe canister support system of claim 10 wherein the
support is pivotably connected to the second portion of the
rail.
13. The wipe canister support system of claim 10 further comprising
a spring disposed between the first portion and the second portion
of the rail and configured to bias the rail toward a shorter
dimension with respect to the longitudinal length of the rail.
14. The wipe canister support system of claim 10 further comprising
a ridge that extends from a canister facing side of the cover and
is configured to engage a dispensing end of a canister such that
wipes disposed in the canister can be dispensed through an opening
defined by the cover when the lid is in the open position.
15. The wipe canister support system of claim 10 wherein the rail,
the cover, the lid, and the support are formed of a plastic
material.
16. The wipe canister support system of claim 10 wherein the lid is
one of pivotably connected to the cover and connected to the cover
by a hinge.
17. A method of forming a collapsible wipe canister support system,
the method comprising: providing a base; providing a canister
support that is movably connected to the base and configured to
engage a lower end of a canister of wipes when a canister of wipes
is associated with the collapsible wipe canister support system and
movable to a position aligned with the base when a canister of
wipes is not engaged with the collapsible wipe canister support
system; providing a cover that is movably connected to the base at
a location offset from the canister support and cooperates with a
dispense end of a canister of wipes when a canister of wipes is
associated with the collapsible wipe canister support system,
wherein the cover and the canister support are located at generally
opposite longitudinal ends of the base and movable such that the
canister support is disposed between the base and the cover when
the canister support system is in a stowed configuration when a
canister of wipes is not associated therewith; and providing a lid
connected to the cover and moveable between an open position and a
closed position relative to the cover.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the base is an adjustable length
base.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the adjustable length base is
further provided as a first base portion and a second base portion
that slideably cooperate with one another.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprising providing a biasing
device configured to bias the adjustable length base toward a
shorter longitudinal dimension.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the biasing device is a ribbon
spring.
22. The method of claim 18 further comprising connecting the
canister support and the cover to the adjustable length base such
that the collapsible wipe canister support system is adjustable
between a deployed position wherein a canister of wipes can be
supported thereby and a stowed position wherein the cover overlies
the canister support and at least a majority of the adjustable
length base.
23. The method of claim 17 wherein the lid connected to the cover
is moveable relative thereto to provide selective access to a
volume defined by a canister of wipes when a canister of wipes is
associated with the collapsible wipe canister support system.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present application relates generally to a system and
method of providing a pull-through consumable product dispenser for
use in dispensing consumer products proximate a point of use, and
more particularly, to a system for supporting and dispensing wipes
formed of a web material wherein the dispense activity is performed
by manual extraction of discrete wipes from a container that
removeably cooperates with a respective container supporting
dispenser.
[0002] Wet wipes are sheets of a web or fabric type materials that
are moistened with a fluid associated with the intended use of the
discrete wipes. Largely due to the convenience associated with
their use, wet wipes are provided in various configurations
associated with the intended use of the discrete wipes. Some such
uses include cleaning parts of the human body, hand wipes, use as
toilet paper or baby wipes, degreasers, electronics cleaners, dust
wipes, automotive applications including tire, leather, window,
glass, and/or vinyl or plastic treatment, cleaning, and/or
conditioning materials, etc. It is appreciated that the list
provided above is in no way exhaustive or all-inclusive of the
intended use of such wet wipes. It is further appreciated that the
material and/or construction of the web material as well as the
material associated with moistening the wipes can be provided in a
plethora of combinations associated with the intended use of the
discrete wet wipes for cleaning, sanitation, and/or surface or
material conditioning treatments. It is further appreciated that,
depending on the intended use of the discrete wipes, some such
wipes can be provided in a non-moistened or dry configuration.
[0003] Whether wet or dry, such wipes are commonly provided in a
disposable bag or canister that includes a dispensing structure
that allows sequential extraction of one or more wipes when
desired. The dispensing structure commonly includes a lid or other
closure assembly that movably cooperates with a cover or bezel
associated with the container. When provided to dispense wet or
pre-moistened wipes, the lid commonly provides a sealed interaction
with the remainder of the container or cover to mitigate drying out
of the wipes prior to use. Some wet wipe containers are provided as
disposable bags of wet wipes whereas other wet wipe dispensing
containers are formed as selectively operable boxes or canisters
that are configured to be re-useable and/or refillable.
[0004] Many such dispensers include a wipe separation structure
defined by the cover or lid of the contained and that is configured
to interact with the web material of the wipes to effectuate
sequential dispensing and/or separation between adjacent wipes
until the contents of the container are consumed. That is, many
dispensing structures are constructed to cooperate with the web or
cloth material of the wipes so that at least an end portion of a
subsequent wipe is restrained by the separation structure in a
manner such that the end of the subsequent wipe can be grasped by
the user but does not otherwise interfere with the desired opening
and closing of the lid and a preferred sealed interaction between
the lid and the remainder of the cover or container after each use
of a discrete wipe(s).
[0005] Unfortunately, many known wet wipe containers or dispensers
are of relatively simple construction and the lids occasionally
fail to provide an adequate air seal or wholly separate from the
container resulting in the wipes closest to the dispensing opening
drying out prior to usage. If left unaddressed, failure to
adequately seal the dispensing opening can result in evaporation of
the moisture treatment media from more than one wipe or the entire
contents of the container and result in excessive waste of wipes
contained therein.
[0006] Many such wet wipe containers or dispensers suffer from
additional drawbacks associated with use of the same. For instance,
many such dispensers or containers are constructed to be easily
transported and/or require two-handed interaction with the
dispensing container to effectuate each dispensing event. Commonly,
the user must grip, restrain, or otherwise secure the container
with one hand while operating the lid or cover associated with the
container. Once opened, the user must release one of the lid,
cover, or container to effectuate extraction of a desired number of
wipes from the container with a free hand. Such interaction can
detract from sanitary interaction with the wet wipe containers and
can expose subsequent users to any materials associated with the
exterior surfaces of the lid, cover, or container associated with
prior interactions with the container. Such interaction can also
result in advertent movement of the wet wipe dispenser container
from one location to another such that subsequent users must first
locate the container of wet wipes to effectuate use of the
same.
[0007] Additionally, some such wipe dispenser containers are also
provided as supplemental containers or dispensers that are
configured to enclose a container of wet wipes. Such containers and
dispenser systems suffer from the additional drawback of being not
readily visually inspectable to assess the availability of a
container of wet wipes being contained therein. Additionally, when
no wet wipes or containers of wet wipes are available or associated
therewith, such approaches require placement and/or storage of the
dispenser that generally encloses the wet wipe container that
occupies a space associated with the use environment that is at
least as obtrusive as displaying or presenting a container of wet
wipes even when a supply of wet wipes are unavailable for
dispensing.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a wet wipe dispensing
support or dispenser system that restrains a container of wet wipes
to accommodate single handed interaction therewith. There is a
further need for a wet wipe container support system that provides
a sealed interaction with an underlying container of wet wipes.
There is a further need for a wet wipe container support system
that provides sequential but separable extraction of the wet wipes
with presentation of the subsequent wet wipe in a readily single
handed dispensable orientation relative to the support system.
There is a further need for a collapsible wet wipe container
support system that is movable between a deployed orientation when
a container of wet wipes is associated therewith and a collapsible
orientation thereby limiting the space occupied by the container
support system when a container of wet wipes is not associated
therewith. There is a further need for a collapsible wet wipe
container support system wherein the components of the support
system are movable but non-removable relative to one another as the
container support system transitions between the deployed and
stowed orientations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present application discloses a wet wipe container
support system that overcomes one or more of the shortcomings
disclosed above. One aspect of the present invention discloses a
collapsible wet wipe dispenser support system that includes a base.
A cover is connected to a first portion of the base and is
constructed to cooperate with a dispense end of a wet wipe
container. A lid is connected to the cover and movable between an
open position and a closed position relative to the cover. A
support is connected to a second portion of the base such that the
cover and the support are located at generally opposite
longitudinal ends of the wet wipe container when a container of wet
wipes is associated with the collapsible wet wipe dispenser support
system.
[0010] Another aspect of the present application that is useable or
combinable with one or more of the above features or aspects
discloses a collapsible wet wipe dispenser system having a base
that includes a first portion and a second portion that are movable
relative to one another. A cover is connected to the first portion
of the base and is constructed to cooperate with a dispense end of
a wet wipe container. A lid is connected to the cover and movable
between an open position and a closed position relative to the
cover. A support is connected to the second portion of the base
such that the cover and the support are located at generally
opposite longitudinal ends of the base.
[0011] Another aspect of the present application that is useable or
combinable with one or more of the above features or aspects
discloses a wet wipe canister support system having a rail that
includes a first portion and a second portion that are movable
relative to one another between a first orientation and a second
orientation to manipulate a longitudinal length of the rail. A
cover is connected to the first portion of the rail and movable
between a first position wherein the cover extends in a crossing
direction relative to the longitudinal length of the rail and a
second position wherein the cover extends in a direction generally
aligned with the longitudinal length of the rail. A lid is
connected to the cover and moveable relative thereto between an
open position and a closed position. A support is connected to the
second portion of the rail and movable between a first position
wherein the support extends in a crossing direction relative to the
longitudinal length of the rail and a second position wherein the
support extends in a direction generally aligned with the
longitudinal length of the rail such that the support and at least
a majority of the rail are disposed behind the cover when the cover
is oriented in the second position.
[0012] Another aspect of the application that is useable or
combinable with one or more of the above aspects and features
discloses a method of forming a collapsible wet wipe canister
support system. The method includes providing a base. A canister
support is provided and configured to cooperate with the base and
engage a lower end of a canister of wet wipes when a canister of
wet wipes is associated with the collapsible wet wipe canister
support system. A cover is provided that is configured to cooperate
with the base at a location that is offset from the canister
support and cooperate with a dispense end of a canister of wet
wipes when a canister of wet wipes is associated with the
collapsible wet wipe canister support system.
[0013] 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
[0014] A clear conception of the advantages and features
constituting the present invention, and of the construction and
operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present
invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the
exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in
the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification,
wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the
several views, and in which
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front right side perspective view of wet wipe
container support system or bracket assembly and a container of wet
wipes exploded therefrom according to the one embodiment of the
present application;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the wet wipe container
support system shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the
wet wipe container support system shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded lower perspective view of the
wet wipe container support system shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an elevational cross-section view of the wet wipe
container support system taken along line 5-5 shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the wet wipe container support
system shown in FIG. 1; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of a cover portion of the wet
wipe container support system shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7
shown in FIG. 6.
[0022] Before explaining the invention as explained in detail below
with respect to the preferred embodiment as shown in the drawings,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and the arrangement of
the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as nor is it intended to be limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention as
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 which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a
similar purpose. The various features and advantageous details of
the subject matter disclosed herein are explained more fully with
reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in
the following description.
[0024] FIGS. 1-7 show various views of a wet wipe container
support, bracket, bracket system, or support system 40 according to
a preferred embodiment of the present application. Support system
40 is constructed to removably cooperate with a dispenser or
container 22 of wet wipes 34. As shown in FIG. 1, in a customary
configuration, container 22 includes a canister 24 that is
generally defined by a closed end 26 and a dispense end 28 that are
oriented at generally opposite longitudinal ends of canister
24.
[0025] When provided for use as a dispenser, dispense end 28 of
container 22 commonly includes a cover 30 that defines a dispense
opening 32 associated with extracting discrete wet wipes 34 from
container 22. When intended to form a dispenser rather than as a
refill or refill cartridge, cover 30 commonly includes a lid 36
that cooperates with cover 30 to be movable between a closed
position wherein lid 36 generally overlies dispense opening 32 and
preferably sealingly cooperates with cover 30 to generally enclose
the cavity associated with container 22 and an open position as
shown in FIG. 1 to allow access and extraction of discrete wet
wipes 34 disposed in container 22 in a generally sequential manner
until the contents of container 22 are depleted. As disclosed
further below, it is appreciated that container 22 could be
configured to cooperate with support system 40 wherein a portion of
or the entirety of cover 30 and/or lid 36 be removed from container
22 or disposed in an open configuration so as to allow the passage
of discrete wipes 34 through the respective cover and/or lid
associated with support system 40 to which container 22 is
associated.
[0026] Cover 30 includes a radial perimeter surface 38 that is
secured to canister 24. As disclosed further below, container 22
and/or canister 24 is constructed to removably cooperate with
support systems 40. It is appreciated that the exterior perimeter
surface 38 of cover 30, the surface of canister 24 disposed
generally therebehind, and/or the dispense opening 32 associated
with container 22 can be constructed to removeably cooperate with
either or both of support systems 40, 300. That is, when container
22 is provided as a "refill" modality constructed for cooperation
with support system 40, container 22 could be provided with a solid
bodied cover that omits operable lid 36 or alternatively with a
removable seal associated with dispense end 28 of canister 24
and/or container 22, Such considerations reduce the material and
manufacturing considerations associated with forming container 22
with an independently operable lid. Alternatively, container 22 may
be provided with a removable or otherwise disposed cover, such as a
seal foil or the like, secured to container 22 to maintain the
moisture content thereof prior to use or operative association with
a respective support system 40 as disclosed herein. It should be
further appreciated that, after acquisition of a suitable canister
22, refills of wet wipes could be provided in a bagged
configuration that is subsequently associated with canister 24 to
effectuate continued utilization of the support system 40. Such a
consideration further mitigates the generation of waste associated
with providing a readily accessible supply of wet wipes 34.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, support systems 40 is provided
with a dispense opening shaped to accommodate incremental and
sequential dispensing of a supply of wet wipes 34 associated with
the canister 24. It should be appreciated that such a consideration
facilitates use of dispense opening with multiple supplies of wet
wipes 34. As disclosed above, such a consideration accommodates bag
packaging of rolls of wet wipes 34 such that the contents of such a
bag, i.e. the wipes and the moisture treatment associated
therewith, could be associated with a container of canister
associated with a respective support system 40. It is further
appreciated that it may be desirable to deploy multiple support
systems 40 in certain use environments such that ready access to
wet wipes 34 having different moisture treatment can be readily
accessible.
[0028] It is further envisioned that container 22 could include a
suitable lid structure and be constructed to cooperate with a
respective support system 40 when the lid is in the open
orientation relative to the underlying cover and the container is
operationally associated with a respective support system 40.
Whether configured to engage surface 38 of cover 30 or the
discharge end of canister 24 when cover 30 is removed therefrom,
each support systems 40 is constructed to securely cooperate with a
respective wet wipe container 22 in a manner that maintains the
moisture content associated with use of the wet wipes 34 associated
therewith and in a manner that accommodates sequential dispensing
of the wet wipes 34, and facilitates single-handed operation of the
lid or closure associated with facilitating selective access to the
wet wipes 34 to be dispensed. Moreover, as will be described in
further detail below, support system 40 is constructed to securely
cooperate with wipe containers 22 of various longitudinal lengths
and circumferences or shapes while maintaining the moisture content
associated with use of the wet wipes 34 associated therewith.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, wet wipe container support system 40
includes a base assembly, rail, or base 42, a support 44, and a
cover assembly 46. Support 44 and cover assembly 46 are associated
with a lower longitudinal end portion 47 and an upper longitudinal
end portion 49 of base 42, respectively, such that support 44 and
cover assembly 46 are offset from one another relative to a
longitudinal axis, indicated by line 51, of base 42. Base 42
includes an upper or first portion 50 and a lower or second portion
52 that are movable relative to one another along longitudinal axis
51 as disclosed further below.
[0030] First portion 50 of base 42 defines a first end 54 that is
constructed to cooperate with cover assembly 46 such that cover
assembly 46 is movable relative thereto. A lower end 56 of first
portion 50 of base 42 includes a stop 58 that is constructed to
selectively limit the outward longitudinal translation of second
portion 52 of base 42 relative to first portion 50 thereof. As
disclosed further below, a biasing device, such as a ribbon spring
60 or the like includes a first end 62 that is secured to first
portion 50 of base 42 and a second end 64 that is secured to second
portion 52 of base 42. Ribbon spring 60 is oriented and constructed
to allow outward longitudinal translation of second portion 52 of
base 42 relative to first portion 50 thereof. Said in another way,
biasing device 60 is constructed and oriented to bias base 42
toward a shorter longitudinal length or dimension. It is further
appreciated that biasing base 42 toward a shorter longitudinal
length biases support 44 and cover assembly 46 toward one another
relative to the direction associated with longitudinal axis 51 of
base 42.
[0031] First portion 50 of base 42 preferably includes one or more
ribs 68, 70 that extend in a longitudinal direction. Preferably,
ribs 68, 70 are oriented along opposing opposite lateral edges a
first base portion 50. A series of tabs 69 extend generally
perpendicular from a distal edge of rib 68 while a series of tabs
71 extends generally perpendicular from a distal edge of rib 70 at
a longitudinal position approximately equal to the series of tabs
69. Preferably, tabs 69, 71 engage with the second portion 52 of
base 42 as to provide for incremental step-wise movement of the
second portion 52 along the longitudinal length of the ribs 68, 70
to accommodate variable heights or longitudinal lengths of wipe
containers 22. One or more apertures or holes 72 extend laterally
through first portion 50 of base 42 and are constructed and
oriented to receive fasteners associated with securing base 42
relative to a support surface, such as a wall, racking, or the
like. Holes 72 are oriented laterally inboard relative to ribs 68,
70 and are constructed to allow slidable association between first
and second portions 50, 52 of base 42 when respective fastener are
associated therewith.
[0032] Second portion 52 of base 42 includes one or more grooves or
channels 76, 78 that are preferably formed along the opposite
lateral edges thereof. Channels 76, 78 are constructed, shaped, and
oriented to accommodate slidable association between first and
second portions 50, 52 of base 42. Biasing device 60 is oriented to
bias canister support 44 toward cover assembly 46 relative to the
longitudinal translation direction 51 associated with the slideable
cooperation of first and second portions 50, 52 of base 42. One or
more apertures or holes 73 extend laterally through second portion
52 of base 42 and are constructed and oriented to overly holes 72,
which receive fasteners associated with securing base 42 relative
to a support surface, such as a wall, rack, or the like. In this
configuration, fasteners may pass through holes 73 without
engagement therewith when securing base 42 to a support surface
when first and second portions 50, 52 are oriented to substantially
overlie one another. A lower edge of second portion 52 of base 42
includes a boss or hinge pin 75 that extends between the opposite
lateral edges of the second portion 52 of the base 42 and is
configured to pivotably engage with the canister support 44, as
described below. It is appreciated that boss of hinge pin 75 could
alternatively be configured to extend from canister support 44 and
cooperate with a cavity defined by second portion 52 of base 42 to
provide the desired rotational interaction between base 42 and
support 44.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, stop 58 is oriented to interfere with a
projection 80 associated with second portion 52 of base 42. The
cooperation of stop 58 with projection 80 prevents unintended or
undesired separation between first portion 50 and second portion 52
of base 42 during association of container 22 with support system
40. Said in another way, when engage therewith, a canister 24
associated with support system 40 is securely captured between
support 44 and a support facing side of cover assembly 46.
[0034] Referring back to FIGS. 2-4, canister support 44 is
generally defined by a generally planar body 84 that includes a
stop 86 and one or more arcuate recesses 88 configured to receive
and pivotably engage hinge pin 75 defined by second portion 50 of
base 42 to collectively form hinge 90. As shown in FIGS. 1-4,
arcuate recesses 88 are constructed to slideably or snap fittingly
cooperate with respective hinge pin 75 associated with a lower end
portion 96 of second base portion 52. When in a deployed
orientation, as shown in FIG. 2, the stop 86 associated with
canister support 44 is constructed to engage or abut a projection
94 extending from the rearward facing surface 98 of second base
portion 52. Such a construction limits downward lateral deflection
and/or rotation, as indicated by arrow 100, of a distal end 102 of
support 44 relative to second portion 52 of base 42. Furthermore,
in a deployed orientation, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a rear edge
92 of the body 84 of the canister support 44 may extend rearwardly
from the stop 86 to a distance that engages a support surface,
thereby further mitigating downward lateral deflection and/or
rotation of support 44 relative to base 42. Preferably, support 44
cooperates with base 42 to allow approximately 90 degrees of
relative rotation therebetween.
[0035] The cooperation of hinge pin 75 and arcuate recesses 88 at
hinge 90 allows upward rotation, as indicated by arrow 104, of
support 44 relative to second portion 52 of base 42 such that, when
not needed or not in use, distal end 102 of support 44 can be
oriented in close proximity to a forward facing surface 108 of
second portion 52 of base 42. As shown in FIG. 1, the forward
facing surface 108 of the second portion 52 may be slightly
recessed relative to the opposing lateral edges of the second
portion 52, as to form a receiving void 109 configured to receive
the support 44 when not in use. That is, when deployed, support 44
extends in a generally crossing direction relative to the
longitudinal axis 51 of base 42 and when stowed or not in use,
support 44 extends in a direction that is generally aligned with
the longitudinal axis of base 42. It should be appreciated that,
when deployed, support 44 extends in a generally crossing direction
relative to base 42 thereby providing at least some degree of
support of a container 2 or canister 24 associated with support
system 40.
[0036] As disclosed further below, when oriented in a stowed
orientation relative to base 42, support 44 is stowed or stored in
an orientation wherein cover assembly 46 can generally overlie at
least a substantial portion, preferably at least 51% of the
vertically oriented surface area of base 42. More preferably, the
entirety of base 42 and support 44 can be disposed behind cover
assembly 46 when no container 22 or canister 24 is associated with
support system 40. Such considerations allow support system 40 to
be readily visually identifiable as having a supply of wipes 34
being associated therewith when configured for use and achieve a
substantially compact and less obtrusive configuration when
collapsed or no wipes are otherwise associated therewith.
[0037] As alluded to above, biasing device 60 is secured to first
and second portions 50, 52 of base 42 and configured to bias lower
end portion 96 of second portion 52 of base 42 toward upper or
first end 54 of first portion 50 of base 42 when no container 22 is
associated therewith. The bias associated with biasing device 60
can be readily overcome by a user gripping lower end portion 96 and
effectuating downward longitudinal translation of lower base
portion 52 relative to upper base portion 50 during loading and
unloading operations of support system 40. Alternatively, biasing
device 60 may be omitted and the tactile or overlapping cooperation
of a respective set of tabs 69, 71 with second portion 52 of base
42 may provide sufficient interference to retain a desired
orientation of first portion 50 and second portion 52 of base 42
relative to one another during use of support system 40.
[0038] Preferably, when in a collapsed position or orientation
wherein distal end 102 of support 44 is positioned in close
proximity or adjacent to surface 108 of second base portion 52,
biasing device 60 biases second portion 42 of base 42 into an
overlapping configuration relative to first portion 50 such that
cover assembly 46 generally overlies support 44, as well as at
least a substantial portion of at least 51% of the elevational
surface area, if not the entirety of, base 42 when support system
40 is oriented in a collapsed or non-use orientation.
[0039] Still referring to FIGS. 2-4, upper or first end 54 of first
portion 50 of base 42 includes a pair of cavities 110, 112 that
extend in opposite lateral directions, as indicated by arrow 114,
that are constructed to snap fittingly cooperate with respective
projections 114, 116 generally defined by a support facing,
canister facing side, or underside 118 of a cover bezel or simply a
cover 120 defined by cover assembly 46.
[0040] Cover 120 is generally defined by a body 122 that defines
the shape of the underside 118 thereof. Body 122 of cover 120
includes a top or atmosphere facing side 124 and generally defines
a perimeter 126 of cover 120. An opening 128 is formed through
cover 120, extends between the opposing sides 118, 124, and is
bounded by perimeter 126. Referring to FIG. 3, body 122 defines a
void 130 that is constructed to receive a boss 162 that extends
downwardly from the lid 134 and is oriented to manipulate operation
of a lid 134.
[0041] Lid 134 includes a top surface 136 and a cover facing
surface 138. An edge portion 139 of lid 134 includes a projection
140 associated with the opposite longitudinal ends 142, 143 of edge
portion 139. Projections 140 are constructed to snap fittingly
cooperate with respective cavities 144 associated with opposite
longitudinal ends 146, 148 associated with an edge 150 of cover
120. Top side 124 of cover 120 generally includes a cutout 154
oriented between opening 128 and perimeter 126 and having a shape
that generally corresponds to a shape of lid 134.
[0042] Underside or cover facing surface 138 of lid 134 preferably
includes a projection or rib 158 that is constructed to contact or
engage a surface 160 of body 122 of cover 120 oriented generally
about opening 128. Lid 134 includes a boss 162 associated with edge
139 that extends toward cover 124. Boss 162 is oriented to
interfere or interact with void 130 during operation of lid 134
relative to cover 120. Lid 134 is constructed to cooperate with
cover 120 so as to be pivotable relative thereto about an axis,
indicated by line 161, to selectively expose opening 128.
[0043] Cover 120 is independently pivotable relative to base 42
about axis 162 defined by cavities 110, 112 to facilitate exposure
of the underside 118 of cover 120 during association or removal of
container 22 or canister 24 therefrom and to facilitate the stowed
configuration of support system 40 when no container 22 or canister
24 is associated therewith. Preferably, cover 120 is rotatable
approximately 180.degree. relative to the plane that contains the
longitudinal axis 51 associated with base 42 or a plane that
defines a vertical structure to which support system 40 is
secured.
[0044] When container 22 includes no dispense or wet wipe
separation assembly, support system 40 can include an optional
dispense bezel 180 that can define a dispense opening 182 for
cooperation with the open end of an underlying container 22 or
canister 24. Bezel 180 is defined by a body 184 having a perimeter
edge 186 having opening 182 formed inboard thereof. Body 184
includes an upstanding lip or rib 187 that generally surrounds
opening 182 and includes one or more projections 188 that extend in
an outward radial direction relative to a vertical axis associated
with opening 182. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, projections 188 are
oriented and constructed to allow slidable translation of rib 187
relative to opening 128 of cover 120 and to snap fittingly
cooperate with slots 189 located at the surface 160 of the cover
120 adjacent the opening.
[0045] While not shown in the figures, it is further appreciated
that bezel 180 can include one or more perforations or projections
oriented circumferentially or radially relative to opening 182 and
inboard of perimeter 186 of bezel 180, so as to allow selective
snap fittable, but readily removable, cooperation between bezel 180
and cover 120 and/or when desired to associate an alternately
configured respective container 22 relative to container support
system 40. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, rib 187 may
define one of a series of coaxially arranged nested ridges 198
disposed within the bezel 180 and oriented circumferentially or
radially relative to opening 182 and inboard of perimeter 186 of
bezel 180. In such an embodiment, a series of step-wise surfaces
199, divided by the respective ridges 198, are disposed within the
underside of the bezel such that each surface 199 has a discrete
circumference and is configured to engage with the dispense end 28
of discrete wipe containers 22 or canisters 24 of various
circumferences. Moreover, surfaces 199 preferably define gaskets
configured to maintain the moisture content associated with use of
the wet wipes 34 associated therewith and in a manner that
accommodates sequential dispensing of discrete wipes 34.
[0046] It should be further appreciated that the construction of
the radially inward facing surface 200 of cover 120, and/or
optional bezel 180, is preferably constructed to sealingly but
readily removably secure a respective container 22 or canister 24
relative to support system 40 and engage a respective canister
facing structure of cover 30 or the underlying canister 24
associated with a discrete container 22 or canister 24 of wipes
34.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of support system 40 taken
along line 5-5 shown in FIG. 1. As shown therein, opening 182 of
bezel 180 generally overlies opening 128 defined by cover 120 and
lid 134 generally overlies both openings 128, 182, such that
projection or rib 158 associated with lid 134 sealingly engages
surface 160 defined by cover 120. Boss 162 defined by lid 134
generally overlies void 130 when lid 134 is secured to cover
120.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, lower edge
202 of boss 162 does not project through or into void 132 until lid
is oriented at an angle, indicated by line 204, relative to the
closed orientation, indicated by line 206, associated with the
generally planar orientation of lid 134 relative to the top side or
surface 124 of cover 120. The chamber 208 generally defined between
bezel 180 and the canister facing side 138 of lid 134 accommodates
placement and/or storage of a distal end of a discrete wipe 34
intended for the next dispense event thereby allowing sequential
extraction of discrete wipes 34.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, and in view of the disclosure above, it
should be appreciated that the presentation of support system 40 as
shown herein is susceptible to alternate interpretations. In a
first interpretation, FIG. 6 represents a top plan view of support
system 40 oriented in the dispense orientation, i.e. having a
container of wet wipes 34 associated therewith but with lid 134
oriented in a closed orientation relative to cover assembly 46.
[0050] In an alternate interpretation, FIG. 6 could be interpreted
as an elevational view when support system 40 is oriented in a
stored or stowed orientation. When interpreted in such a manner, it
should be appreciated that biasing device 60 has collapsed base 42
toward a shorter orientation such that the first and second
portions 50, 52 of base 42 generally overlie one another and a
distal end 102 of support 44 has been rotated in direction 104 into
a position adjacent or near adjacent surface 108 of second portion
52 of base 42 such that cover assembly 46 can be rotated in a
generally downward direction, as indicated by arrow 210 (FIG. 5) to
an orientation wherein cover assembly 46 generally overlies base 42
and support 44 is disposed between cover assembly 46 and base 42.
That is to say, when in a collapsed, stored, stowed, or non-use
configuration, support 44 can be rotated to a stowed orientation
wherein distal end 102 of support 44 is oriented in close proximity
to base portion 52, base portions 50, 52, can be longitudinally
translated relative to one another to provide a substantially
overlapping orientation, and cover assembly 46 can be rotated
toward a stowed orientation wherein cover assembly 46 overlies a
majority, and preferably the entirety, of base 42 and support 44 to
provide a compact and aesthetically pleasing orientation of wet
wipe container support system 40 when not in use.
[0051] From the orientation shown in FIG. 6, when considered as an
elevational view, cover assembly 46 can be rotated in a generally
outward and upward direction relative to base 42 such that a
canister 24 can be engaged with the underside thereof, support 44
can be rotated in a generally outward and downward direction
relative to base 42 and second portion 52 of base 42 can be
translated in a downward longitudinal direction relative to the
first portion 50 of base 42 against the bias of ribbon spring 60.
Rotation of the cover in a direction toward base 42 securely
captures a respective container 22 or canister 24 relative to
support system 40 between cover assembly 46 and support 44 with lid
134 and cover assembly 46 oriented in a generally horizontal
position for operation thereof by a user. Support system 40
facilitates single handed operation of lid 134 and extraction of
discrete wipes 34 and mitigates unintended or undesired translation
of container 22 or canister 24 relative to support system 40 as
well as the use environment. Such considerations result in the
supply of wipes being readily ascertainable as available,
locatable, and usable or removable from support system 40 and the
container 22 or canister 24 associated therewith in a single handed
manner 34.
[0052] Accordingly, support system 40 provides a wipe canister
support system that provides sealed interaction with the underlying
container or canister, accommodates single-handed extraction of
discrete wipes 34, whether wet or dry, when a suitable container or
canister is associated therewith, and provides a compact
orientation of the support system when a container or canisters or
wipes 34 is associated therewith independent of whether a cover is
removed from the canister before cooperation of the canister with
the respective support system 40 or a respective lid is opened or
wholly removed from the container or canister prior to association
with a respective container or canister.
[0053] Therefore, one embodiment of the application includes a
collapsible wipe dispenser support system having a base that
includes a first portion and a second portion that are movable
relative to one another. A cover is connected to the first portion
of the base and is constructed to cooperate with a dispense end of
a wet wipe container. A lid is connected to the cover and movable
between an open position and a closed position relative to the
cover. A support is connected to the second portion of the base
such that the cover and the support are located at generally
opposite longitudinal ends of the base.
[0054] Another embodiment of the application that is useable or
combinable with one or more of the above embodiments, features, or
aspects includes a wipe canister support system having a rail that
includes a first portion and a second portion that are movable
relative to one another between a first orientation and a second
orientation to manipulate a longitudinal length of the rail. A
cover is connected to the first portion of the rail and movable
between a first position wherein the cover extends in a crossing
direction relative to the longitudinal length of the rail and a
second position wherein the cover extends in a direction generally
aligned with the longitudinal length of the rail. A lid is
connected to the cover and moveable relative thereto between an
open position and a closed position. A support is connected to the
second portion of the rail and movable between a first position
wherein the support extends in a crossing direction relative to the
longitudinal length of the rail and a second position wherein the
support extends in a direction generally aligned with the
longitudinal length of the rail such that the support and at least
a majority of the rail are disposed behind the cover when the cover
is oriented in the second position.
[0055] Another embodiment of the application that is useable or
combinable with one or more of the above embodiments, aspects, and
features includes a method of forming a collapsible wipe canister
support system. The method includes providing an adjustable length
base. A canister support is provided and configured to cooperate
with the adjustable length base and engage a lower end of a
canister of wet wipes when a canister of wet wipes is associated
with the collapsible wet wipe canister support system A cover is
provided that cooperates with the adjustable length base at a
location offset from the canister support and with a dispense end
of a canister of wet wipes when a canister of wipes is associated
with the collapsible wipe canister support system.
[0056] It is also to be understood that, although the foregoing
description and drawings describe and illustrate in detail the
preferred aspects of the present invention, to those skilled in the
art to which the present invention relates, the present disclosure
will suggest many modifications and constructions as well as widely
differing embodiments and applications without departing from the
sprit and scope of the invention. The present invention, therefore,
is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims
and the applicable prior art.
[0057] Further, the invention may be implemented in a variety of
configurations, using certain features or aspects described herein
and others known in the art. Thus, although the invention has been
herein shown and described in what is perceived to be the most
practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific features
set forth above. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be
made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing
from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the
invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to
the subject matter of the claims.
* * * * *