U.S. patent application number 16/234915 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-02 for wipe dispenser and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Medline Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Megan Henken, Michael Turturro, Paige Wexler.
Application Number | 20200205622 16/234915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71122335 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-02 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200205622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wexler; Paige ; et
al. |
July 2, 2020 |
WIPE DISPENSER AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
A wipe dispenser and related methods are disclosed herein. In
one form, a wall mounted wipe dispensing system is disclosed
comprising a wall mount support bracket, a dispensing bag of wipes
having a rigid collar from which to suspend the dispensing bag from
the wall mount support bracket, and wherein the wall mount support
bracket and dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating
the dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket. In other
forms, a wall mounted support bracket is disclosed and/or
replaceable wipe packaging is disclosed. In still other forms
methods related to these are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Wexler; Paige; (Highland
Park, IL) ; Turturro; Michael; (Arlington Heights,
IL) ; Henken; Megan; (Wauconda, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Medline Industries, Inc. |
Northfield |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
71122335 |
Appl. No.: |
16/234915 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 2010/3266 20130101;
A47K 10/421 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/42 20060101
A47K010/42 |
Claims
1. A wall mounted wipe dispensing system comprising: a wall mount
support bracket; a dispensing bag of wipes having a rigid collar
from which to suspend the dispensing bag from the wall mount
support bracket; wherein the wall mount support bracket and
dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating the
dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket; and wherein the
first mating structures comprise at least one wall mount protrusion
and at least one wall mount recess and at least one collar recess
and at least one collar protrusion, and the wall mount protrusion
and wall mount recess correspond and mate with the at least one
collar recess and collar protrusion, respectively.
2.-3. (canceled)
4. A wall mounted wipe dispensing system comprising: a wall mount
support bracket; a dispensing bag of wipes having a rigid collar
from which to suspend the dispensing bag from the wall mount
support bracket; wherein the wall mount support bracket and
dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating the
dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket; and wherein the
wall mount support bracket and dispensing bag further have second
mating structures for ensuring the dispensing bag is properly
installed on the wall mount support bracket so as to keep the
dispensing bag on the wall mount support bracket and keep the wipes
contained within the dispensing bag sealed when not in use.
5. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 4 wherein the
second mating structures comprise at least one protrusion extending
from one of the wall mount support bracket or dispensing bag collar
and at least one corresponding mating recess located on the other
of the wall mount support bracket or dispensing bag collar for
receiving the protrusion to ensure proper alignment of the
dispensing bag on the wall mount support bracket.
6. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 4 wherein the
second mating structures comprise at least one wall mount
protrusion and at least one wall mount recess and at least one
collar recess and at least one collar protrusion, and the wall
mount protrusion and wall mount recess correspond and mate with the
at least one collar recess and collar protrusion, respectively.
7. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 5 wherein the
collar has the protrusion and the wall mount support bracket has
the recess and a friction fit is used between the collar protrusion
and wall mount support bracket recess to provide at least one of a
tactile, visual and/or audible assurance that the dispensing bag is
properly aligned on the wall mount support bracket.
8. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 7 wherein the
friction fit between the collar protrusion and wall mount support
bracket recess provides the tactile assurance and at least one of
the visual and/or audible assurances as well.
9. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 7 wherein the
friction fit between the collar protrusion and wall mount support
bracket recess provides tactile, visual and audible assurances that
the dispenser bag has been properly aligned on the wall mount
support bracket.
10. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the
wall mount support bracket further includes a cover movable between
an open position and a closed position.
11. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 10 wherein the
cover includes a biasing member for biasing the cover in the closed
position.
12. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 11 wherein the
biasing member is a spring for biasing the cover in the closed
position.
13. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 10 wherein the
cover further includes seal for substantially sealing the
dispensing bag when the cover is in the closed position.
14. A wall mounted wipe dispensing system comprising: a wall mount
support bracket; a dispensing bag of wipes having a rigid collar
from which to suspend the dispensing bag from the wall mount
support bracket; wherein the wall mount support bracket and
dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating the
dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket; wherein the wall
mount support bracket further includes a cover movable between an
open position and a closed position, and the cover further includes
a seal for substantially sealing the dispensing bag when the cover
is in the closed position; and wherein the rigid collar of the
dispensing bag includes an annular wall and the seal is a gasket
positioned within a channel defined on a lower surface of the cover
and aligned with the annular wall of the collar to substantially
seal the opening of the collar when the cover is in the closed
position.
15. A wall mounted wipe dispensing system comprising: a wall mount
support bracket; a dispensing bag of wipes having a rigid collar
from which to suspend the dispensing bag from the wall mount
support bracket; wherein the wall mount support bracket and
dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating the
dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket; and wherein the
rigid collar of the dispensing bag forms an upper wall sealing a
top of the dispensing bag and has at least one side wall to which
the dispensing bag is sealed.
16. The wall mounted wipe dispensing system of claim 15 wherein the
dispensing bag is sealed to the at least one side wall of the
collar via hot weld.
17. A wall mounted wipe dispensing system comprising: a wall mount
support bracket; a dispensing bag of wipes having a rigid collar
from which to suspend the dispensing bag from the wall mount
support bracket; wherein the wall mount support bracket and
dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating the
dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket; and wherein the
dispensing bag is made of a two-ply construction having two
separate materials bonded together to form the bag.
18. A wall mounted wipe dispensing system comprising: a wall mount
support bracket; a dispensing bag of wipes having a rigid collar
from which to suspend the dispensing bag from the wall mount
support bracket; wherein the wall mount support bracket and
dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating the
dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket; and replacement
dispensing bags that include a removable seal which is removed
prior to any one of the replacement dispensing bags being installed
on the wall mount support bracket in place of a prior dispensing
bag of wipes.
19.-21. (canceled)
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to dispensers, and more
particularly, to wipe dispensers, systems and methods relating to
same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Disposable wipes are often sold in disposable wipe
containers. The wipes are typically sheets of paper or cloth and
may be dry or pre-moistened. For example, in healthcare facilities,
disposable pre-moistened wipes often include disinfectant or
sanitizing formulas. Wipes intended for use on infant skin are also
typically sold as pre-moistened wipes.
[0003] In many conventional dispensers, it is advantageous to
provide a wipe dispenser to house the disposable wipe cartridges.
Dispensers often include a lid to cover the wipe cartridge and
wipes when not in use. Even in the closed position, ambient air may
pass through spaces between lid and the dispenser (or through other
apertures in the dispenser) and into the wipe cartridge. Over time,
the air dries out the pre-moistened wipes, rendering the wipes less
desirable or even unfit for their intended use. Air gaps in the
dispenser may also allow bacteria to enter into the interior of the
wipe cartridge.
[0004] Conventional dispensers also often require surface space,
such as on a tabletop, countertop, or the like, which is not always
readily available. For example, in healthcare facilities, such as a
doctor's exam room, there is typically not much surface space to
rest a conventional dispenser. In many such offices, there is only
a very small countertop with a sink for washing of hands, etc., and
such countertops are often already occupied via swabs, facial
tissue, and other daily use items (e.g., electronics, such as
computer terminals, handouts or brochures, boxes with gloves,
etc.).
[0005] In addition to being a problem with lack of surface space,
it is also often desired to keep medical related items off of
surfaces so that these healthcare facilities can be cleaned more
easily and thoroughly. When dispensers are left on a surface they
require the cleaning personnel to move them to clean the surface
underneath and sometimes they do not get moved leaving the surface
underneath untouched. To solve this, many items used in healthcare
facilities are wall mounted. Wall mounted items are typically not
readily removable/replaceable and often require extra labor to
install, remove and replace, and to ensure proper alignment or
installation.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a dispenser and methods
relating to same that overcome the aforementioned limitations and
which further provide capabilities, features and functions, not
available in current dispensers
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of
several embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent
from the following more particular description thereof, presented
in conjunction with the following drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance
with aspects of the present invention illustrating a wall mounted
wipe dispenser with a wall mounted support bracket that allows for
quick installation or removal and replacement and a lid or cover
for sealing the dispenser to prevent wipes from drying out;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the dispenser of FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a left-side elevation view of the dispenser of
FIGS. 1-2;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the dispenser of FIGS.
1-3;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a right-side elevation view of the dispenser of
FIGS. 1-4;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of the dispenser of FIGS. 1-5;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the dispenser of FIGS. 1-6;
[0015] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the dispenser of FIGS.
1-6, but illustrating the lid or cover of the wall mounted support
bracket in the open position instead of closed;
[0016] FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of the dispenser of
FIGS. 1-8 taken from a different orientation and showing the
disposable wipe bag or container removed from the wall mount
support bracket and illustrating how the collar of the disposable
wipe bag can be aligned with the wall mount support bracket for
installation there in or on;
[0017] FIG. 9B is a rear perspective view of the dispenser as
illustrated in FIG. 9A;
[0018] FIG. 10A is another front perspective view of the dispenser
as illustrated in FIG. 9A showing the parts of the disposable wipe
bag or container exploded so that the wipes are visible and the
relationship between the rigid collar of the bag and the bag can be
understood;
[0019] FIG. 10B is a rear perspective view of the dispenser as
illustrated in FIG. 10A;
[0020] FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of a portion of the dispenser
of FIGS. 1-10B illustrating the disposable wipe bag or container
partially installed on the wall mount support bracket and the wall
mount support bracket lid removed so that the mating structures of
the disposable wipe bag collar and wall mount support bracket may
be seen in alignment with one another, but not yet mated with one
another;
[0021] FIG. 11B is the enlarged view of FIG. 11A illustrating the
mating structures mated with one another which confirms proper
installation and alignment of the disposable wipe bag so that the
wall mount support bracket lid can properly close to seal the wipes
dispenser bag; and
[0022] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the fitment/rigid collar of
the disposable wipe dispenser illustrating the seal the replacement
dispensers may be shipped with which will be removed prior to use
of the wipes.
[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled
artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other
elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of
the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements
that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment
are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed
view of these various embodiments of the present invention.
References to top, left, front, right and other points of direction
are for internal reference and are not intended to limit the
orientation of the dispenser in use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] With reference to FIGS. 1-11B, an exemplary dispenser or
system for dispensing items such as wipes is illustrated. The
system provides a wall mount support bracket for suspending a
disposable wipe bag from the wall so as not to require surface
space for the wipes. The system allows for easy initial
installation of the wipes dispenser, and then for even easier
removal and replacement of wipes once the bag of wipes is depleted.
The wall mount support bracket also features a self-sealing cover
or top that seals the wipe bag shut so that the wipes do not dry
out. In this way, less packaging is required for the actual wipes
container and a more desirable, wall mounted, arrangement can be
provided. In preferred forms, the system will also include a
secondary mating structure arrangement that confirms for the user
the proper alignment for the replacement bag of wipes and/or when
the replacement bag is fully installed on the wall mount to ensure
proper sealing of the bag of wipes via the wall mount cover or lid.
As used herein, the term "wipes" refers to sheet portions that may
be, for example, a paper or non-woven cloth. The sheet portions may
form a continuous sheet with perforations to allow a user to tear
the sheet into discrete wipes. The sheet portions may instead take
the form of pre-cut discrete wipes. Pre-cut wipes are typically a
perforated roll of wipes where each wipe is interlocked with
adjacent wipes such that removal of a first wipe pulls the next
wipe partially through a retainer located in the dispenser leaving
a portion of it positioned for the user (or next user) to grab. The
wipes may be pre-moistened during manufacture by applying a liquid
disinfectant, sanitizing, or lubricating formula. In alternate
forms, however, the wipes may also be dry wipes that may be used,
for example, as wiping or absorbing sheets. The self-sealing cover
of the dispenser disclosed herein is still beneficial when dealing
with dry wipes in that it helps prevent the wipes from
contamination such as by picking-up lint or dust particles.
[0025] Turning now to FIGS. 1-11B, in a preferred form system 100
includes a wall mount support bracket 120 and a disposable wipe
dispenser bag or container 140. The wall mount support bracket 120
includes a first mating structure 122 (see FIG. 9A) which mates
with a corresponding first mating structure 142 on disposable wipe
bag 140. In the form shown, the first mating structure 142 of
disposable bag 140 comprises protruding members, such as ribs
142a-f, which extend from collar 144 and mate with aligning
recesses, such as channels 122a-f, located on wall mount support
bracket 120. While the first mating structures 122 and 142
illustrate a protruding member for wall mount first mating
structure 122 and a mating recess for wipe bag first mating
structure 142, it should be understood that in alternate
embodiments this may be reversed (e.g., wherein the protruding
member is located on the wall mount 120 and the mating recess is on
the dispenser bag 140) or that interchanging mating structures may
alternatively be used (e.g., wherein both the dispenser bag 140 and
wall mount 120 have a protruding member and a recess that mate with
corresponding recesses and protruding members, respectively).
[0026] In addition to the first mating structures 122 and 142, the
dispenser system 100 further includes a second wall mount mating
structure 126 and a second dispenser bag mating structure 146 for
mating with one another to ensure proper bag dispenser alignment
and installation. In the form shown, the second wall mount mating
structure is a recess and the second dispenser bag mating structure
146 is a protrusion which mates with recess 126. More particularly,
protrusion or tab 146 friction fits into the recess 126 to give the
system user a tactile and/or visual assurance that the dispenser
bag 140 has been properly installed on wall mount support bracket
120. In a preferred form, the second mating structures 126, 146
will give both tactile and visual assurance in this regard so that
the user will know they have the dispenser bag 140 properly
installed on the wall mount support bracket 120 such that: (i) the
dispenser bag wipe retainer 148 is positioned correctly to allow
for wipes to be removed and the following wipe to be properly
positioned for the next user of the dispenser; and (ii) such that
the wall mount dispenser lid or cover 124 is properly aligned to
seal the wipe dispenser bag 140 when cover 124 is in the closed
position. In some forms, the second mating structures, 126, 146 may
also provide audible assurance that the wipes dispenser 140 has
been properly connected to the wall mount support bracket 120 by
providing a click or similar noise when the tab 146 is properly
inserted into recess 126. In some forms only one of the tactile,
visual or audible assurance features may be used, while in others
two or more of them may be provided (e.g., tactile and visual in
some forms, tactile in audible in others, audible and visual in
still others, etc.).
[0027] While the illustrated embodiment shows the dispenser bag
collar 144 having the protrusion and the wall mount support bracket
120 having the mating recess, it should be understood that (like
the first mating structures), these mating structures may be
reversed so that the collar 144 defines the mating recess and the
wall mount support bracket 120 has the mating protrusion.
Similarly, in still other forms, a plurality of these structures
may be provided on each of the collar 144 and bracket 120 and these
plurality of structures may be of the same type (e.g., all recess
on one and all protrusions on the other) or they may alternate in
type (e.g., one or more protrusions and recesses on the collar and
one or more mating recesses and protrusions on the bracket).
[0028] In addition to the first and second mating structures 122,
142 and 126, 146, respectively, the wipe dispensing system 100 will
also include a wall mount support bracket cover 124 (e.g., cap,
lid, etc.) which seals the opening of dispenser bag 140 when the
dispenser bag is properly installed on the wall mount support
bracket 120. In a preferred form, the cover 124 will be movable
between an open and closed position and biased in the closed
position to ensure that the wipe dispenser 140 is sealed so that
the wipes do not dry out or become contaminated by dust or other
foreign particles. In the form shown, the cover 124 is connected to
the wall mount support bracket 120 via a hinge 124a and is biased
in the closed position via spring 124b. The cover 124 also will
preferably include a gripping area, such as the protruding tab
shown at the front of the cover, to make the cover easier to grasp
and open. In the form shown, the cover 124 includes a protruding
tab, but the adjacent portion of the wall mount support bracket 120
is also recessed in this point to make the gripping surface area
even larger so that the cover 124 is easier to open. In the form
illustrated, the bracket 120 is configured to hinder a user from
raising the cover more than ninety degrees (90.degree.) because of
the proximity the cover will have to the wall (not shown). In
alternate forms, a protrusion or stop may be used to prevent the
cover 124 from being raised more than ninety degrees (90.degree.)
to assist the spring in being able to close the cover 124 when
wipes are not being dispensed.
[0029] In a preferred form, the cover will also include a seal 128
which aligns with the perimeter wall 144b that forms the central
opening of the rigid collar 144 through which wipes are dispensed.
In a preferred form, the seal 128 is a flat rubber gasket that
nests within a channel 124c formed in cover 124 (see FIG. 8) and
which prevents air and other foreign particles from entering the
inner portion of wipe dispenser bag 140 which could dry out and/or
contaminate the wipes 160. By being biased in the closed position,
cover 124 prevents the risk that a user could inadvertently leave
the cover 124 open causing the wipes to dry out and/or be
contaminated in this way. In addition, the cover will include a
recessed portion in the upper surface thereof to provide a place
for a sticker indicating the type of wipes disposed within system
100. This may be a sticker indicating a brand, a type of wipe
(e.g., disinfectant, wet, dry, etc.), instructions relating to the
wipe (e.g., contact time for the disinfectant or similar EPA
registration time, etc.). In a preferred form, the cover will also
include indicia for identifying the maker of the dispenser system
100.
[0030] In a preferred form, the wall mount support bracket 120 will
be formed by injection molding and will include a generally hollow
rear 120b (see FIG. 4) and central space 120c to cut down on
material needs and costs and improve the moldability of the bracket
120. To achieve this, the bracket 120 is formed with internal ribs
120d-g to provide structure support to the bracket 120 despite its
substantially hollow nature. In addition to this structure, the
bracket 120 will further include first and second mounting portions
120h, 120i, respectively, for mounting the bracket 120 to a wall.
In a preferred form, the mounting structures 120h, 120i will be
vertically aligned openings through which fasteners may be disposed
in order to suspend the bracket 120 on a common sturdy wall
support, such as the stud of a wall. By using two separate mounting
structures 120h, 120i, the bracket 120 is further designed to
resist twisting or torsion/torque of the bracket when being
installed and used. This structure also makes it easier to mount
the bracket 120 level as a fastener can be connected to the first
mounting structure 120h and before tightening, the bracket 120 can
be allowed to come to rest in order to use the assistance of
gravity to properly align the second mounting portion 120i.
[0031] As can best be seen in FIG. 10A, the wipe dispenser bag 140
includes the rigid collar member 144, a roll of wipes 160 and an
outer bag or container 140a. The rigid collar 144 includes a
perimeter wall 144b that defines the central opening through which
wipes 160 are dispensed and includes a wipe retainer 144c through
which wipes 160 are pulled to separate one wipe sheet form another.
The perimeter wall 144b is preferably oblong in horizontal
cross-section having two curved ends on opposite sides of the
central opening and two straight sides forming the other sides of
the central opening. The above-mentioned mating structures 142a-f
preferably extend from the exterior of the straight side walls of
the perimeter wall 144b so that elongated ribs or surfaces may be
formed as protrusions 142a-f to securely mate with mating recesses
122a-f of wall mount support bracket. The elongated nature of the
ribs 142a-f provides greater surface area to suspend the bag
dispenser 140 from and, thus, helps support the dispenser bag 140
and securely connect the dispenser bag 140 to the wall mount
support bracket 120.
[0032] The rigid collar portion 144 of dispenser bag 140 preferably
forms an upper wall of the wipes dispenser structure 140 and has a
side or perimeter wall 144a to which the bag 140a is sealed. In a
preferred form, the side wall 140a includes ridges to add surface
area and assist with heat sealing or welding the upper edges of bag
140a to side wall 144a of rigid collar 144. In the form shown,
rigid collar 144 is canoe-shaped (or rounded in the middle and
pointed on the ends) (as viewed from above) to make it easier to
heat seal the bag 140a to the collar 144. The size of the collar
144 gives structure for the shape of the bag 140a to fit the roll
of wipes 160. As best seen in FIG. 10A, the rigid collar side wall
144a has four ribs or protrusions separated by recessed space that
collectively assist with supporting the weight of the wipes 160
when the bag 140a is heat sealed to rigid collar 144 (and in
particular side wall 144a). In a preferred form, replacement
disposable wipe dispenser bags 140 will be sold to connect to the
existing wall mount support bracket 120 when the current dispenser
bag is out of wipes and these dispenser bags 140 will be sealed,
such as by a removable cap and/or by a pull seal that can be
removed prior to installing the bag 140 on the bracket 120. In one
form, a plastic or foil seal 140b (see FIG. 12) is used to seal the
opening of the fitment/rigid collar 144 and will be removed prior
to use. The foil seal 140b may include a tab or pull member 140c
for ease of opening the seal 140b and the seal itself would
preferably be heat-sealed to the fitment/rigid collar 144. The cap
or seal 140b can be removed before or after the dispenser bag 140
is installed on the mount 120 and, once removed, the bag 140a of
wipes 160 will be sealed by cover 124.
[0033] In a preferred form, the bag 140a will be of a two-ply
construction and will be formed by pinch/heat sealing the sides of
bag 140a initially to form a sealed receptacle with an upper
opening that is ultimately sealed to side wall 144a of rigid collar
144 (e.g., via heat welding). Once the wipes are installed in the
bag 140a, the bottom of the bag 140a is also pinch/heat sealed to
seal the wipes 160 in bag 140a. In the form shown the bag is
assembled by having two separate two-ply wall members aligned with
one another and then pinch/heat sealed at their sides and the bag
140a sealed to rigid collar 144 (in this form, specifically to side
wall 144a). Then the wipes 160 are inserted in the bag 140a and the
bottom of the bag is pinch/heat sealed shut. Since the central
opening of collar 144 is sealed via a pull-off seal or cap, the
wipes bag dispenser 140 is hermetically sealed until the pull-off
seal or cap is removed. Once the bag dispenser 140 is mounted to
support bracket 120, however, cover 124 (and in this form seal 128)
will again seal the dispenser 140 to prevent the wipes from drying
out and/or being contaminated by air particles/particulates. The
bag 140a is of sufficient length to accommodate the roll of wipes
160 and to properly suspend the wipes closely below the retainer
144c of rigid collar member 144 and centrally aligned with
perimeter wall 144b so that as one wipe sheet (or first wipe) is
pulled from retainer 144c, the next wipe (or second wipe) starts
its way through retainer 144c until the first wipe sheet tears from
the second wipe sheet.
[0034] In the form shown (and as best seen in FIGS. 8, 9A, 10A and
11A-B), the retainer 144c is preferably recessed below the upper
surface of perimeter wall 144b of collar 144. The rigid collar 144
defines an enlarged opening via wall 144b and the recessed nature
of retainer 144c forms a recessed well that provides ample space
for the next wipe to rest in the retainer without drying out and
makes the next wipe easier to be dispensed. The retainer 144c
preferably defines a circular opening that has four cuts or slits
located opposite one another to form flaps in the retainer 144c
that are flexible and allow the wipe to be fed through the
substantially circular opening defined by the retainer 144c and to
add just enough resistance to cause the wipe sheet being removed to
separate from the remainder of the wipe roll while still leaving
the next wipe properly situated in the recessed well of retainer
144c and side wall 144b to be easily removed by a user when
desired. The perimeter wall 144b forms an enlarged opening that
further makes it easier to remove a wipe from the retainer 144c
and/or to feed an initial wipe into retainer 144c when first being
used. Other forms of retainers may be used beyond the one shown,
such as a retainer similar to that illustrated in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/978,003, filed Dec. 22, 2015 and entitled
Dispenser, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2017/017259A1, published Jun. 22, 2017, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0035] In the form shown, the support bracket 120 is preferably
made of a polymer, such as a thermoplastic polymer (e.g.,
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)) or High Density Poly
Ethylene (HDPE)) and the dispenser bag 140 is preferably made of a
polyethylene (PE) layer and another layer that is suitable for
preventing breakdown when exposed to any chemicals associated with
wipes 160, so as to prevent any leaking from bag dispenser 140
(e.g., this other layer may be made of polyethylene terephthalate
(PET)/nylon, aluminum, etc.). The purpose of the PE layer is to
make the bag 140a easier to heat seal to collar 144, however, it
should be understood that if the collar 144 is made of different
material, the bag 140a may be made of another material that is
preferred for sealing to whatever material is used for collar 144
(e.g., heat sealing compatibility). Further, while the preferred
bag 140a is made of a two-ply construction, it should be
appreciated that in alternate forms a single-ply (one-ply) or
multiple-ply construction other than two-ply (e.g., three-ply,
four-ply, etc.) may be used if desired.
[0036] The collar 144 is preferably made of HDPE, ABS or
polyphenylene ether (PPE). However, as mentioned above, it should
be understood that while any of these materials may be used for any
of these components (e.g., bracket 120, cover 124, dispenser 140,
etc.), in still other forms other blended versions of these
materials may be used. For example, in a preferred form, the collar
144 may be made of a blend of PPE & HDPE.
[0037] While the above has focused on a wall mounted wipes
dispensing system, it should be understood that individual
components of same have also been disclosed herein and are intended
to be covered by this disclosure. For example, a wall mount support
bracket has been disclosed including: a body defining a first
mating structure for mating with a disposable wipe dispenser bag,
and a center opening to be aligned with an opening of the
disposable wipe dispenser bag; and a cover connected to the body
and movable with respect to the body between a first, closed
position wherein the center opening is sealed and an open, second
position wherein the center opening is unobstructed so that wipes
can be dispensed therethrough.
[0038] The cover of the wall mount support bracket may be connected
to the body via a hinge which allows the cover to move between the
first and second positions. In some forms, the cover further
includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the cover in the first,
closed position. The biasing mechanism will preferably be a spring
that forces the cover closed and requires active force to be
applied to same in order to move the cover to the second, open
position.
[0039] The wall mount support bracket may also include a seal for
sealing the cover to the body when the cover is in the first,
closed position. For example, in some forms, the cover defines a
channel within which the seal is disposed, and the seal is a rubber
gasket for sealing the center opening when a dispenser bag is
connected to the wall mount support bracket.
[0040] In addition to the wall mounted wipes dispensing system and
the wall mount support bracket, there is disclosed herein a
disposable wipe dispensing package including: a rigid collar member
defining an upper surface of the disposable wipe dispensing package
and defining a first mating structure which the disposable wipe
dispensing package may be suspended from when mating to a wall
mounted support bracket; and a bag connected to the rigid collar
member and defining an inner cavity within which a roll of wipes is
disposed.
[0041] In some forms, the rigid collar member has a main body
member and a perimeter wall extending therefrom that defines an
opening through which wipes are dispensed. The rigid collar member
will preferably include a wipe retainer through which wipe sheets
are fed and which assists in separating a first wipe sheet from a
second wipe sheet, while maintaining the second wipe sheet in the
retainer for later use. In one exemplary form, the bag is a two-ply
bag that is composed of at least two separate two-ply sheets that
are heat and pinch sealed to one another to define an enclosed bag
with an upper opening. It should be understood, however, that in
other forms the bag may be a single-ply or a multi-ply construction
so long as it is configured to properly contain the wipes that are
intended to be contained in the bag.
[0042] In some forms, the upper opening is heat welded to a side
wall of the rigid collar to fully enclose the inner cavity of the
bag and rigid collar except for an opening defined by the rigid
collar. The rigid collar may define a ribbed side wall to which the
upper opening of the enclosed bag is heat welded to seal the bag to
the side wall of the rigid collar.
[0043] In addition to the system and apparatus embodiments
disclosed herein (e.g., a wipe dispensing system, a wall mount
bracket, a wipe dispenser bag, etc.), there are also numerous
methods disclosed herein. For example, methods of dispensing wipes
are disclosed herein, as are methods of packaging wipes and methods
of supporting wipes. As an example, a method of packaging wipes is
disclosed that includes a wall mount with self-sealing cover for
use with disposable wipe dispenser bags. Another method of
packaging wipes includes a wipe dispenser having a wipe bag and a
rigid collar for mounting the bag to a support bracket or mount.
The rigid collar defines an enlarged opening and a recessed
retainer that forms a recessed well that provides ample space for
the next wipe to rest in the retainer without drying out and makes
the next wipe easier to be dispensed.
[0044] As with the apparatus disclosed herein (e.g., the wall
mounted wipes dispensing system, the wall mount support bracket,
the disposable wipe dispensing package, etc.), methods focusing on
the individual components are also intended to be covered by this
disclosure. For example, in addition to a method of dispensing
wipes, there is also disclosed a method of packaging wipes
comprising: disposing a roll of wipes within a bag defining a
single opening; and connecting the single opening of the bag to a
rigid collar member to enclose the wipes within the bag and collar
member, the rigid collar member defining an opening through which
the wipes may be dispensed and having support structures for
supporting the bag and wipes.
[0045] In addition, there is disclosed herein a method of
supporting wipes comprising: providing a wall mounted support
structure having a body defining an opening through which wipes may
be dispensed, a cover movable between a first position wherein the
cover encloses the opening and a second position wherein the cover
does not obstruct the opening so that wipes may be dispensed there
through, and at least one mount centered on the body for mounting
the wall mounted support structure to a wall; and mounting the wall
mount support structure to a wall via the at least one mount so
that wipes may be suspended from the wall mount support structure
and dispensed therefrom when the cover is in the second
position.
[0046] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in
accordance with the invention, apparatus, systems and methods for
dispensing wipes from a wall mounted wipe dispenser. While the
invention has been described in conjunction with specific
embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description. While features or
functions have been described with respect to one embodiment and
perhaps not others, it is understood and intended that features
from one embodiment will be combined with features from other
embodiments to yield further embodiments. For example, while the
above has mainly focused on the use of the dispenser for dispensing
wipes, it should also be understood that the dispenser could
alternatively be used for other items, such as other wall mounted
items that need to be replaced and/or removed and replaced on the
wall mount frequently and efficiently. Accordingly, it is intended
to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as
fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
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