U.S. patent number 3,707,945 [Application Number 05/048,916] was granted by the patent office on 1973-01-02 for means to selectively wet web material.
Invention is credited to Philip Boone.
United States Patent |
3,707,945 |
Boone |
January 2, 1973 |
MEANS TO SELECTIVELY WET WEB MATERIAL
Abstract
Means to selectively wet a web include a continuous support
carrying a plurality of frangible pods which each contain wetting
agent, means to incrementally feed such pod whereby to locate such
pod at a transverse edge of a web section to be wetted, means to
fracture the pod at such location and means to effect relative
motion of the web across the fractured pod and in the longitudinal
direction of the web.
Inventors: |
Boone; Philip (Winchester,
MA) |
Family
ID: |
21957131 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/048,916 |
Filed: |
June 18, 1970 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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678600 |
Oct 27, 1967 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
118/234; 118/41;
118/75; 118/200; 118/242; 118/264; 118/325; 118/415; 206/225;
312/42; 396/604 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K
10/32 (20130101); B65D 83/20 (20130101); B65D
83/384 (20130101); B65H 35/0046 (20130101); A47K
2010/328 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47K
10/24 (20060101); A47K 10/32 (20060101); B65D
83/14 (20060101); B65D 83/16 (20060101); B65H
35/00 (20060101); B05c 001/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;118/506,200,242,40-43,264,400,415,234,241,242 ;221/25,70,135
;312/35,39,42 ;206/56AC,56AB,56C,56A,56AA ;95/13,14,89R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Kaplan; Morris
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 678,600, filed Oct.
27, 1967 now abandoned.
Claims
I claim:
1. Apparatus for dispensing a web-material in either a wetted or
dry condition comprising:
a housing having a supply of said material therein and including a
slotted aperture through which said material is dispensed, and a
movable cover member;
means to guide said material in a given path from said supply
through said aperture;
a supply of wetting agent disposed in said housing and comprising a
continuous web-support and frangible pods spacedly carried along
the longitudinal extent thereof and wetting agent contained in said
pods;
means to feed and guide said support and pods in a path at least in
part longitudinally coextensive with and closely adjacent to said
material;
each said means to guide including a stripper element disposed to
guide said material and said support into diverse paths after
travel in said coextensive path;
each said means to guide further comprising a back-up member for
said material at said coextensive path;
said means to feed including means to index said support whereby to
locate a frangible pod in the plane of said back-up member and its
area of fracture contiguous said material;
a pressure plate disposed in the plane of said back-up member and
on the side of said support remote from said pod;
means biasing said pressure plate so as to compress said frangible
pod between said plate and back-up member so as to effect fracture
of said pod; and
means to feed said material across said fractured pod whereby to
effect wetting of the material.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said pod comprises a frangible
cover membrane and the wetting agent is contained in an absorbent
mass closed by said membrane.
3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said slotted aperture
substantially conforms to the configuration of the wetted material
whereby to maintain said housing substantially sealed.
4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the cover member is hinged and
includes a locking element.
5. In apparatus for selectively and sequentially wetting
incremental sections of material, the improvement comprising:
means for guiding such incremental sections of material along a
given path;
means for storing a plurality of pods, each containing a quantity
of fluid sufficient to wet one such incremental section of
material;
means for selectively advancing such pods along a path convergent
with respect to said given path to sequentially position such pods
adjacent a lateral edge of a respective such incremental section of
material;
means for selectively opening each such pod and engaging such
opened pod against the adjacent lateral edge of one such
incremental section of material to effect contact between the body
of fluid initially sealed therein and such lateral edge of such one
incremental section of material; and
means for distributing such fluid over the length of such one
section including means for effecting relative motion between such
open pod and such one incremental section of material in a
direction generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of such one
section to facilitate the wetting of the entire area of such one
incremental section with such fluid.
6. The improvement of claim 5 wherein each such pod is adapted to
be opened responsive to a predetermined compressive force being
applied thereagainst and said opening and engaging means includes
means for exerting such a predetermined compressive force against
such one pod.
7. The improvement of claim 5 wherein a plurality of such
incremental sections of material are interleaved one to the
other.
8. The improvement of claim 5 wherein each such pod includes a
fluid impregnated applicator and a fluid impervious membrane
adapted to be selectively removed therefrom to effect the opening
of such pod and to expose such applicator whereby it may be pressed
against at least one of such incremental sections of material.
9. The improvement of claim 5 wherein said relative motion
effecting means comprises means for precluding movement of such
opened pod while such one incremental section of material is
advanced thereacross.
10. The improvement of claim 5 wherein said relative motion
effecting means comprises means for precluding movement of such one
incremental section of material while such opened pod is advanced
thereacross.
11. The apparatus of claim 5 including means for storing each such
pod following distribution of its liquid, and wherein said means
for advancing such pods along said convergent path includes means
for selectively advancing each such pod along a path divergent from
said given path and to said storing means following distribution of
its fluid.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said means for advancing such
pods along said convergent and divergent paths includes means for
advancing one such pod along said divergent path away from said
material while advancing a next succeeding pod along said
convergent path into engagement with said material.
13. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means for advancing such
pods includes means for advancing each such pod along a path
divergent from such material following distribution of its liquid
over such incremental section while another such pod is advanced
along said convergent path into position adjacent the next
succeeding incremental section of such material.
14. Apparatus for selectively and sequentially wetting sections of
an elongated strip of material, comprising:
means for guiding such elongated strip of material along a given
path; and
means for sequentially fracturing pods of a wetting agent against
such material, for retaining each such fractured pod against such
strip of material while an incremental section of such strip of
material is advanced longitudinally thereacross to effect its
wetting with such agent, and means for removing each such fractured
pod from contact with such material following advancement of such
incremental section thereof including means for repetitively
indexing a continuous web support on which a plurality of frangible
pods are spacedly positioned longitudinally therealong, each such
pod containing a quantity of such wetting agent sufficient to wet
one such incremental section of such material, along a given path
to sequentially position such pods against and subsequently remove
such pods from contact with such material.
15. Apparatus for dispensing a wetted material comprising:
a housing having a slotted aperture provided therethrough;
means within said housing for mounting a supply of such material in
a substantially dry condition;
means within said housing for mounting a supply of a continuous web
support on which a plurality of frangible pods are spacedly
positioned longitudinally therealong, each such pod containing a
wetting agent suitable for wetting of such material following
fracture of such pod;
means within said housing for storing such fractured pod and its
attached portions of such web support;
means for guiding such material along a given path within said
housing from its initial position therein through said aperture;
and
means for sequentially fracturing such pods against such material,
for retaining each such fractured pod against such strip of
material while an incremental section of such strip of material is
longitudinally advanced thereacross to effect its wetting with such
agent, and for subsequently storing such pods in said storage means
including means for indexing said web support along a given path
within said housing to sequentially position each of such pods
against such material and subsequently advance each of such pods to
said storage means.
16. In apparatus for selectively wetting sections of an elongated
strip of material, the improvement comprising:
means for guiding such elongated strip of material along a given
path whereby incremental sections of such strip of material may be
selectively sequentially advanced lengthwise across a given
point;
means for storing a plurality of pods, each containing a quantity
of fluid sufficient to wet one such incremental section of such
strip of material, such pods adapted to make such fluid available
exteriorly thereof responsive to a compressive force being applied
thereagainst;
means for selectively advancing such pods along a path convergent
with respect to said given path, to sequentially position such pods
adjacent said given point so that when such a force is applied to
the one such pod located in such position the body of such fluid
initially sealed therein will come into contact with the leading
edge of one such incremental section of such elongated strip of
material, for at least temporarily retaining each such pod in
position after such body of fluid stored therein has contacted such
strip of material a sufficient period of time to permit one such
incremental section of such strip of material to be longitudinally
advanced thereacross to effect the wetting of its entire area with
such fluid, and for subsequently advancing such pods along a path
divergent from said given path; and
means for exerting a compressive force against each such pod when
disposed in said position.
17. In apparatus for selectively and sequentially wetting
incremental sections of an elongated strip of material, the
improvement comprising:
a housing having a slotted aperture provided therethrough;
means within said housing for mounting a supply of such material
and a supply of a continuous web support on which a plurality of
frangible pods are spacedly positioned therealong, each such pod
containing a wetting agent in sufficient quantity to wet one such
incremental section of such strip of material;
means for guiding such material along a first given path within
said housing from its initial position therein through said
aperture;
means for guiding such web support along a second given path within
said housing, said support guide means serving to position a
longitudinal section of such web support closely adjacent a
longitudinal section of such material at a selected location within
said housing as such web support is disposed along its said given
path with the side of such web support on which such pods are
mounted facing such material; and
means for sequentially fracturing such pods against such material
and for at least temporarily restraining movement of such web
support along its said second path so as to retain each such
fractured pod in position against said material a sufficient period
of time to permit one such incremental section of such strip of
material to be advanced longitudinally thereacross to effect the
wetting of its entire area with such fluid including means for
indexing such web support along its said given path within said
housing to sequentially position such pods against selected
longitudinal sections of such materials.
Description
The subject apparatus and related product are primarily intended
for installations such as in cabinet form attached to or inset
within the wall of an appropriate room. In certain instances,
however, they are adapted to a compact portable structure and to be
carried, for example, on the person or in a hand-bag or the
like.
In the field to which the apparatus of the present invention
relates, several serious drawbacks are believed to have existed
heretofore, namely: 1. The provision of wetted sheets only. 2. The
evaporation or contamination of the liquid due to exposure. 3. The
general lack of neatness and the soilage of parts. 4. Attendant
complicated time-consuming operations. Depending upon intended
usage, previous devices have in general been defective in at least
one of the foregoing respects. The subject apparatus and product
overcome these deficiencies by providing in a single compact unit
one or more of the following: A wetted sheet, interspersed with a
plurality of dry sheets for optional usage. The dispensal of liquid
in individual measured increments from a sealed container or
plurality of containers opened exclusively for the operation, thus
contributing to general neatness and safe-guarding against such
factors as evaporation of the liquid; the clogging of orifices and
the entrance of contaminants to the liquid; means providing a more
effective simple, continuous and trouble-free operation.
In accordance with the foregoing considerations, objects of the
invention are to provide apparatus for dispensing, optionally at
the will of the operator, an encapsulated cleansing or freshening
fluid contained within a plurality of openable or frangible liquid
containers to given portions of sheet materials such as so-called
cleansing or toilet tissues or the like and the release of the
liquid thereto in given increments under applications of mechanical
force or other release treatment; to provide an interchangeable or
replaceable unit for incorporation with said apparatus comprising a
plurality of capsules containing a cleansing liquid, the capsules
being releasably contained in an enclosure or releasably attached
to holding means and adapted to be fed individually to a cleansing
or toilet tissue, or the like; to provide means enabling an
introduction of the liquid to the sheets directly from the capsules
or from encapsulated liquid-impregnated applicators formed, for
example, of resilient substances when the capsules are subjected to
a stressing, unsealing, shearing, piercing, peeling action, or
other releasing treatment; to provide means effecting the fracture
or separation of bonded surfaces of a container enclosing a wetted
sheet material and the withdrawal of said sheet material as a
substantially continuous operation; to provide means adapted to
produce an application of a mechanical stress or the like to an
encapsulated liquid or applicator of the character described so as
to open the capsule followed by movement of the capsule or
applicator, or both, across a surface of the sheet material; to
provide means producing an application of the liquid under pressure
from a container, the application being of controlled duration in
spray form and applied in substantially conic form of given angular
characteristics and over a distance such as to provide a given
wetted area of the sheet material; to provide means for
incorporation with the aforesaid means, unit and apparatus adapted
to dispense unwetted sheet materials intermediate of the provision
of said wetted sheet materials; to provide liquid restricting means
for incorporation with said sheet materials adapted to wetting; to
provide an encapsulated cleansing substance incorporated with a
cleansing sheet material, or the like; and to provide apparatus
including a related renewable capsule unit adapted to use with
cleansing materials comprising a plurality of individual cleansing
sheets, a continuous folded sheet, a plurality of interleaved
sheets, roll-sheet material having semi-perforated separations, or
continuous sheet in roll form adapted to a cutting or shearing of
leading areas.
Other objects of the present invention will in part be obvious and
will in part appear hereinafter.
The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing the
features, properties and relation of components which are
exemplified in the following detailed disclosure and the scope of
the application of which will be indicated in the claims.
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing
wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout
the several views and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side-elevation view of one form of the
apparatus and incorporated liquid-container unit of the
invention;
FIG. 2 1a is a detail of FIG. 1 illustrating the addition of
indexing means;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side-elevation view of another form of the
apparatus with an incorporated modified liquid-container unit;
FIG. 2a is a fragmentary front view of the liquid-container
mounting unit of FIG. 2, including, additionally, an actuating knob
and detent means for establishing the position of each
liquid-container with respect to a sheet material and compressive
means for releasing the liquid;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of another form of the apparatus
and liquid-container unit particularly adapted to interleaved
sheets;
FIG. 3a is a fragmentary perspective view of a cartridge-type
container unit of FIG. 3;
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view in cross-section of one type of
liquid-container embodying an applicator, a sheet material
releasably bonded to the container, and associated mounting and
liquid spreading means;
FIG. 5 is a modification of the structure of FIG. 4 in which, in
"A," the liquid containers, per se, provide the mounting means, and
in "B" the containers and sheet material are an integral
structure;
FIG. 6 illustrated various forms of suitable liquid-containers;
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of two forms of container and
mounting means therefor in which a wetted sheet material is adapted
to be manually withdrawn therefrom as a single continuous
operation;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the assemblages of FIG. 7 embodying, in
"A," a modification of the contained sheet material;
FIG. 9 is a modification of the structures of FIGS. 4 and 5 in
which a plurality of sheets adapted to be dispensed in a dry
condition are interspersed with the sheets to be wetted by opening
of the containers;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of a cabinet of a type
generally suitable for mounting the container and sheet material
structures of FIGS. 4 through 9;
FIG. 11 and 11a are diagrammatic side views of modified sheet
material and liquid dispensing means; and
FIGS. 12 and 12a are diagrammatic side views of still another
modification of a liquid-impregnated applicator hermetically sealed
in a capsule, including mechanism for rendering the applicator
functional by opening the capsule and drawing the applicator across
a surface of a sheet material so as to wet the surface.
Referring now to the drawing, the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 comprises
a cabinet 12 formed, for example, of a metal or a plastic of
suitable characteristics having a chamber 14 mounting a plurality
of sheets 16 of a so-called cleansing-or toilet-tissue material, or
the like. The sheets are biased by a compression spring 18 and a
pressure-plate 20 toward a partition or web 22 having an aperture
24 formed therein through which the sheets are adapted to be drawn,
as by manually pulling upon a leading portion 16a which extends
through an aperture 25 of the cabinet. A elongated cartridge or
magazine 26 is mounted for insertion or removal in guide means
formed, respectively, by the web 22 and a complementary flange 28.
A plurality of long, slender, somewhat-rectangular, openable
liquid-container 30 such, for example, as those shown in FIG. 6,
"C" and "E," is mounted for slidable movement within the cartridge.
The liquid-containers are biased toward a substantially open end
26a of the cartridge by a compression spring 32. They are so
mounted in the cartridge that their openable portion faces
substantially toward the open end 26a of the cartridge. A closure
cap 34 is threadedly-engaged at one end of the cartridge. The open
end 26a is closed, as supplied and prior to loading, by any
suitable closure means such as a small piece of pressure-sensitive
tape thereacross, the tape being removed before the cartridge is
inserted.
Means are provided for manually feeding each container,
individually, to a leading area of a single sheet of the paper, at
the will of the operator, immediately followed by dispensal of the
contained liquid of an individual container 30 to this area. This
is accomplished by pressing the button 36 of the modified
bell-crank 38 inwardly, that is, from right to left as shown. The
bell-crank 38, mounted for rotation at 39, is thereby caused to
rotate in a counterclockwise direction, against the applied bias of
the torsion-spring 40. In so doing, the retaining finger element 42
of the bell-crank is moved to the right thus permitting the
foremost liquid container 30a to enter the cavity 44, just beyond
the open end 26a of the cartridge.
Continued pressure upon the button 36 causes the
compression-applying cross-bar or "crusher" 46, which projects from
the bell-crank through the instrumentality of a pair of arms 48
(one only shown), to bear forcibly against the liquid container
30a, now positioned in the cavity 44, and to push it, from left to
right as shown, against an anvil 50. The container is unsealed or
otherwise opened, depending upon its type, and its liquid 52 and
other content, if any, such as an applicator, is applied to a
surface of the sheet at 16b. The button 36 is then released
permitting the bell-crank to return to its initial position, under
the bias of torsion spring 40, against the stop pin 54. The sheet
is then pulled manually in an outward direction through
liquid-spreading means forming the aperture 56, as provided between
the anvil 50 and the predeterminedly-spaced complementary support
or compressive element 58. A given surface area of the sheet is
thereby moistened. The exhausted container is either flattened
unobtrusively against the sheet surface or is automatically
removed, as by a small doctor-blade (not shown) positioned adjacent
to the inner extremity of the cabinet aperture 25. It will be
understood that the elements 38, 50, 58, etc., shown in
side-elevation, extend inwardly of the plane of the drawing so as
to be disposed transversely across and preferably slightly beyond
the sheet 16.
During operation of the button 36 and bell-crank element 38, as
above described, the remaining liquid-containers are prevented from
moving forward to any substantial degree, at first due to the
impeding presence of the foremost liquid container 30a in the
cavity 44 and, thereafter, by return of the finger element 44 to
its initial retaining position. Upon completion of the foregoing
operations, the wetted sheet is severed, as by semi-perforations
provided for the purpose, or by other means to be described and a
new leader portion remains positioned for a succeeding operation.
The apparatus is then in a condition either to withdraw a
succession of dry sheets by merely pulling upon the leader and
drawing them out of the chamber 14, or to provide an additional
wetted sheet or sheets in the manner just described, the chosen
procedure being at the discretion of the operator.
As shown, the apparatus of FIG. 1 may be considered either as a
side-elevation view or as a view in plan. In either instance, the
supply of sheet material can be in the form of the continuous,
folded or accordioned type shown or, alternatively, a roll of sheet
material with portions rendered separable to provide separate
sections by semi-perforations extending thereacross at measured
intervals. If FIG. 1 is regarded as a plan view, the supply of
sheet material could be of an interleaved type, a slight
enlargement of the aperture 24 and supplemental guide means
adjacent thereto being provided. Correct metering of the sheet
material 16 so as to insure deposition of the liquid adjacent to a
leading surface area of each section can be insured by providing
printed indexing marks, visible just beyond aperture 25, or by an
indexing device, such as that exemplified in FIG. 1a wherein a
small lug 60 on the paper surface is brought into contact with
extended portion 38a of the bell-crank.
The liquid containers employed herein, with the exception of the
showings of FIGS. 11 and 11a, involve predeterminedly singly
openable enclosures, substantially impervious to escape of the
contained liquid and to an entrance therewithin of a gas or vapor.
The present invention does not reside primarily in use of novel
materials for achieving container impermeability, nor in novel
applicator materials, cleansing papers and liquids or the like, per
se, but rather in container structures and adaptations relating to
the selective provision of wetted and unwetted sheet materials of
the character and in the manner described. To avoid repetition of
language in conjunction with the several examples given, an outline
of materials generally appropriate for container, applicator and
cleansing- or toilet-tissue structures will be given as well as
suitable liquids for use therewith, it being understood that such
an outline is not to be construed in a limiting sense.
The cleansing sheet material, depending upon strength and usage
requirements, may for example: be of a single or multi-ply
structure; be highly or moderately absorptive; be a lamination of
absorbent and non-absorbent layers; be a lamination of papers
including a wet-strength layer as, for example, through the
introduction of a melamine formaldehyde resin; be composed of two
or more separate superimposed sheets; include a liquid-barrier or
excess-liquid-absorption portion; include a functional ingredient,
such as an emollient, a soap, etc.; have an attached tab or other
means for advancing or drawing the sheet material; be in roll,
continuous, folded, interleaved, semi-perforated, sectional, or
other form. Where an additional strength of the material may be
necessary for advancing a wetted sheet, a narrow longitudinal
marginal strip or border of essentially non-absorbent material may
be provided along the sides. Such a border would also enable the
formation of a notch therein or a lug or transverse strip
therebetween of increased strength, for indexing purposes. The
border would also serve to confine the liquid. Although it is
contemplated that, in general, the cleansing sheet is of a paper
composition, it is to be understood, especially with respect to the
embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8, that it may, for instance, be
classified as a cloth or a pad.
The liquid-container, where enclosing either a liquid alone or a
liquid-impregnated applicator, may be composed of any of a
considerable choice of substantially gas- and vapor-proof
materials. One preferred example, shown in detail and in
exaggerated thickness in FIG. 6 "D" and in FIG. 12a, comprises a
paper, e.g., a kraft-paper forming an outer layer 62, an
intermediate metallic layer 64 such as a thin layer of an aluminum
foil, and an inner layer 66 of a thermoplastic resin, such as
polyvinyl acetal or polyvinyl chloride. Release of the contents is
provided by separation of the joined layers at 67, under applied
stress. In general, the containers may be heat sealed or bonded
along marginal portions. Where sealed portions are designed to be
unsealed for rupture, stripping and the like relative to other
still-bonded portions, heat-sealing at a relatively lower
temperature may be employed for this purpose. In another example a
weaker bonding material, a strip coat or a weaker wall portion such
as a semi-scored area may be employed. Other materials suitable for
container structure comprise the thermoplastics polyethylene,
cellulose acetate and polypropylene, other metallic foils, such as
a lead foil, and other forms of paper. The containers are not
limited to a three-layer structure and may, by way of example, in
certain instances employ a greater number of layers, a different
arrangement of the above-mentioned three layers, a two-layer
structure, or even a single layer. Thus, the principal body
structure of the containers of FIGS. 3, 3a, 4, 5 "A" and 9 may be
composed of a substantially rigid material, e.g., a polystyrene,
and produced, for instance, by an injection-molding method. On the
other hand, the containers illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 2a, 5 "B," 6,
and 12 are, in general, to be considered as composed of flexible
materials and therefore collapsible. The walls of the containers of
FIGS. 7 and 8 are also preferably flexible but could, if desired,
be of an essentially rigid category. The sheet which seals the
rigid containers of FIGS. 3, 3a, 4, 5 "A" and 9 is preferably
formed of a flexible gas- and vapor-proof material similar, for
example, to those above described.
Where a liquid-impregnated applicator is mentioned as contained in
the capsule and is shown specifically, as in FIGS. 4, 6 "D," and
12a, it may be composed of any material adapted to the purpose as,
for example, a cotton, woolen or synthetic-fiber pad or batt. On
the other hand, it may be formed of a woven cloth or felt. A
desirable feature of the applicator is that is shall be of a
highly-resilient composition or construction such that it will
"spring" partially outwardly of the container when the latter is
opened, as by unsealing, fracture or the like, so as to most
effectively make contact with the surface of the sheet material to
be coated with the liquid.
The liquid, either encapsulated or under compression in the
multi-application container of FIGS. 11 and 11a, is selected
according to the intended usage of the wetted sheets. Thus, for
example, where simple cleansing is the object, it may be composed
essentially of water or of water and alcohol. In a wider range of
contemplated usage it may also include such substances as the
following: a humectant, e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol; an
emollient, for example, a derivative of lanolin; an appropriate
antiseptic or germicidal substance, or a bacteriostat such as
hexachlorophene; a mineral oil and emulsifying agent; a stabilizing
agent; and a fragrance-producing substance. Where an appreciable
viscosity is desired as, for example, to improve the spreading
properties of the liquid, the latter may incorporate a substance
such as carboxymethyl cellulose or some other appropriate
similarly-functional substance.
Referring to the apparatus 68 of FIG. 2, there is shown a cabinet
70 including access means in the form of a hinged cover 72 with
latch 73. Within the cabinet is a supply of sheet material 74 such
as a roll of cleansing paper carried upon a spindle 76, the latter
being mounted for rotation. The paper 74 is guided between a fixed
pressure plate 78 and a spring-loaded pressure plate 80 and passes
through an aperture (not shown) formed in the bottom of the cabinet
wall where its leading end may be grasped manually and the paper
drawn from the roll and cabinet as required. A container supply
unit 82 in the form of a strip 84 to which are bonded a plurality
of liquid containers 86 composed of any of the types shown in FIG.
6, "A," "C," "D" or "E," is also guided between the compressive
means 78 and 80 by the guide 88. While the compressive member 80 is
shown to be spring-loaded, this is not essential.
The strip 84 is composed of a flexible material such as a paper of
a width exceeding the length of the carried liquid containers. Its
width is such as to provide longitudinal margins adapted to be
contacted by metering means 90 for advancing the strip in measured
increments, whereby each liquid container is brought into a
compressed condition, in contact with the paper 74 between the
compressive elements 78 and 80. The liquid containers may be of any
suitable collapsible type, e.g. those of FIG. 6, "A," "C," "D" and
"E," and are so arranged on the strip 84 with their separable
portions so disposed, that when they are opened, under compression,
their content is brought into contact with the facing surface of
paper 74. Upon manually drawing upon the leading portion of the
paper to advance it by a given amount a section thereof is wetted
by passing it across the liquid, per se, or the wetted applicator.
Assuming the paper to be sectioned, for example, by transverse
semi-perforations, a thinned transverse line, or other suitable
means, its correct position for applying the container content to a
leading surface area of a section can be obtained by bringing a
positioning index mark of the paper adjacent to a location just
externally of the cabinet exit aperture. When all of the containers
of the strip unit 82 have been utilized, the strip may be advanced
to a removable disposal bin (not shown) within the cabinet, as
guided by means 92.
The mechanism illustrated for advancing the liquid-container supply
unit 82, as described, includes a pair of sprockets 94, manually
rotatable in given steps by a knob 96 in conjunction with detent
means 98, so as to engage the perforations 100 extending along the
margins of the support strip 84. To initiate this operation, the
strip leader 84a is first threaded on the sprockets. The detent
element includes a wheel 102 having a plurality of
predeterminedly-spaced recesses 104 disposed around its surface and
a spring-biased engaging plunger component 106, the tip of which is
adapted to releasably enter the recesses 104. Assuming the liquid
containers to be correctly spaced apart on the carrying strip, when
the knob 96 is turned by a given amount, as established by the
detent means, each liquid container is brought to its correct
position for compression.
While driving means of a given type have been described for
advancing the unit 82, it will be understood that other means for
the purpose could be employed. Thus, for example, the strip leader
84a could project through an aperture of the cabinet and be drawn
upon manually. Or rotatable means for frictionally engaging the
strip margins could be utilized. Again, the supply of paper 74
might be repositioned to the left and downwardly so that the paper
passes around the compressive element 78 at a pronounced angle. The
supply unit 82 could then be in the form of a linear strip of a
rigid metal or plastic, slidably mounted in suitable guide means,
and introduced between the compressive elements in a linear
movement. In such an event, the strip unit could aptly be termed a
cartridge. As in the instance of the apparatus of FIG. 1, it will
be apparent that the cabinet could be repositioned so that the
paper and strip unit are fed laterally or even upwardly, rather
than downwardly, as illustrated.
In FIG. 3, there is shown, in plan, a portion of an enclosure or
cabinet 108 in which is a supply of interleaved sheets 110, a
leading portion 110a of the forward sheet of which extends
outwardly through the cabinet aperture 112. A plurality of
substantially non-deformable containers 114, preferably of a type
shown in FIG. 6 "F" containing a liquid-impregnated applicator and
having an impervious flexible sheet or membrane 116 sealed across
an open side, are slidably and releasably carried as by flange and
groove means 117, in a cartridge 119, the later, in turn, being
removably mounted in the forward wall 108a of the cabinet. The
containers are preferably biased to the left in the direction of
the leader 108a by a compression spring 118. To render the liquid
applicator functional, the sealed membrane 116 is peeled from each
container, when foremost, by manually pulling the tab 116a thereof.
A surface of the chosen sheet 110 is brought into contact with the
exposed liquid application and subjected to wetting by manually
withdrawing it from the cabinet in a direction such as to pass
across and in contact with applicator. As will be apparent,
metering means of a type generally similar to that described
relative to the cartridge means of FIG. 2 or of another category
could be employed for advancing the cartridges of FIG. 3.
The constructions of FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 are identified with a
mounting holder, magazine or cabinet of a type exemplified by the
cabinet 120 of FIG. 10. The cabinet includes access means such as a
hinged cover 120a. In FIG. 4 there is illustrated a plurality of
open-mouthed containers 122 composed of a substantially rigid
material, such as a metal or, preferably, a plastic, e.g., methyl
methacrylate, a polystyrene, etc. Each container holds a
liquid-impregnated applicator 123, preferably of a resilient or
"springy" type previously described. Across the opening of each
container is releasably bonded, at portions 124, a short length or
section of a flexible sheet material or membrane 126 adapted to
provide a seal against transmittal of a gas or vapor. The sheet
material 126 may, appropriately, be of a structure previously
described with respect to FIGS. 6 "E" and 12a. Or, for example, it
may comprise a suitable paper, coated, on that surface facing the
container, with a so-called "hot-melt" adhesive composition. One
such composition adapted to the purpose is sold by the United
States Envelope Corporation, Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A. and
is termed "MX 517-20" . It is to be noted that the opening of the
container 122 faces the sheet material 126.
A section 128 of a sheet material, such as a paper adapted to
moistening or wetting and of a length suitable to the intended
usage, is attached at 130 by any appropriate adhesive means to the
sheet material 126. A second coiled sheet material 127, adapted
when uncoiled, to overlie the sheet 12, provides an optional
construction. Leaders 126a project through slot-like apertures 132
of a web preferably composed of a plastic such as a polystyrene or
the like. Means forming the apertures 132 serve to spread the
released liquid. When each leader 126a is drawn upon, the sheet 126
is caused to separate from its bonded condition with the container
at sealed portions 124; the entire composite sheet is pulled from
the cabinet, and its wetted portion 128 is adapted to be utilized
for a cleansing or other purpose, as above described. A particular
multi-layered construction of the membrane 126 is not shown in the
examples of FIGS. 4, 5 and 9, it being understood, from the
foregoing description, that several varieties thereof are suitable
for usage. The panel 134 is of an interchangeable or discardable
type, slidably mounted within slotted or grooved mounting means
between the flanges 136. As shown in FIG. 10, the sheet section 128
may be provided at each longitudinal edge with a marginal strip 138
and at a trailing end with a strip 140. These components may be
regarded as optional, depending upon required liquid and sheet
material characteristics, the strip 138 providing the
liquid-confining and sheet-strengthening functions and the strip
140 providing a liquid-absorbing or trapping function, previously
described.
The modification of FIG. 5 "A" includes an open-mouthed container
122 having its opening disposed substantially at 90.degree. with
respect to that of FIG. 4 in a direction extending toward the sheet
material 126. The latter is bonded to the container at portions 142
and 144 as by a sealing or bonding composition of the type
hereinbefore mentioned with respect to the structure of FIG. 4. The
containers hold a sealed-in liquid 52. When the leader 126a is
manually drawn upon, the liquid is dispensed to the adjacent
surfaces of the sheet sections 126 and 128. In this example the
containers may be taken as constituting elements of the panel 134
itself, although they could be employed in conjunction with
additional panel means, as in the structure of FIG. 4. After
withdrawal, the section 126 may be retained as a tab or the like to
facilitate usage or separated. This applied also to the structures
of FIGS. 4, 5 and 9. It is contemplated that the sections 126 may,
advantageously, be composed of a material, e.g., a paper,
disintegratable in water and merely have a coating, such as
elsewhere mentioned herein, impervious thereto. The entire sheet
material would thus be readily disposable after use.
In FIG. 5 "B," the container 146, enclosing the liquid 52, is of a
collapsible category, formed entirely of angled lengths of a sheet
material of a type previously described relative to the sheet
material 126. When its leading portion 126a, extending through the
aperture 132 of the panel 134, is manually drawn upon, the bonded
portions at 148 are separated and the liquid is distributed across
the upper surfaces of sheets 126 and 128 during their passage
through the aperture 132, the surface of sheet 128, when moistened,
being that functionally usable. The section 126 is optionally
retained or separated, as previously mentioned.
The constructions of FIG. 7, "A" and "B," include the sealed
containers or capsules 150 and 152, respectively, each formed of a
pair of superimposed gas- and vapor-impermeable sheets or sections
154 and 156, sealed along facing, contiguous marginal portions at
157, in the manner previously described. A folded sheet material
158, impregnated with a cleansing or refreshing liquid, is
contained therein. In FIG. 8, the container structures are similar
to those of FIG. 7 except that the contained sheet material 158a is
corrugated rather than folded. In the example of "A," a pull-cord
159 is attached to an end of the sheet 158, passes around guide
means 160, through a sealed perforation 162 adjacent to the joining
line 157 of the sections, and is attached to a draw tab 164. In the
instance of "B," the draw tab 166 is releasably attached directly
to an end of the sheet material 158 and passes outwardly between
the leading marginal portions which are hermetically sealed
thereto. In both instances, when mounted the leading edges of the
containers are in contact with modified web or panel portions 134a
and 134b, respectively, having exit apertures or slots 132a and
132b formed therein through which the draw tabs 164 and 166,
respectively, extend. It is to be noted in "B" that the panel 134b
includes a cutting-edge type of rupturing means 168 adapted to bear
forcibly against an end of the container 152 to penetrate and
separate the leading edge portions thereof when the tab is manually
drawn upon. Each of the two structures described permits the
contained wetted sheets to be withdrawn from their containers and
through the respective slots 132a and 132b of the panel in a single
continuous movement, without the necessity of employing both hands
to open a container and unfold a contained sheet. It will be
apparent that the containers of FIGS. 7 and 8 may be in the form of
a plurality of units mounted, for instance, in a cabinet such as
that of FIG. 10. On the other hand, they may be mounted in a small
enclosure having a capacity of one or more units and including
release and aperture means of the general type shown. In the latter
instance they would be adapted to carrying on the person.
The structure of FIG. 9 possesses features generally similar to
those of FIG. 5 excepting that the open face of the container 122,
containing a liquid 52, is so disposed as to face the sheet section
126 and the separably-bonded areas of container and sheet material
at 170 are differently defined. A wider departure, however, is that
a supply of sheet material, such as the continuous folded length of
paper 16, is furnished in compartment or chamber means 172 thereof
and adapted to be withdrawn in an unwetted condition through an
aperture 174. Accordingly, the apparatus of FIG. 9 offers the
choice of dispensing either moistened or dry sheet materials, as in
the examples of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, whereas those of FIGS. 4 and 5
are intended to provide wetted sheets, only, and may, for example,
be self-sufficient or serve as adjuncts to a conventional dry sheet
dispenser.
A somewhat different structure but one which in ultimate function
is very similar to those heretofore described is exemplified by the
apparatus 176 of FIGS. 11 and 11a. It includes a cabinet 178 having
wall members 180, a hinged cover 182, releasably latched at 183 and
having an exit aperture 184 formed, for example, in the lower wall.
A roll of cleansing paper 74 is rotatably supplied on a spindle 76,
is guided over a freely-rotatable pulley 185 and passes through the
aperture 184. A replaceable, so-called pressurized container 186,
having keying means 187 to establish its correct rotational
position, releasably holds, under compression, a supply of a liquid
adapted to the purposes previously described, the liquid being
dischargeable through an aperture or nozzle 188 by depressing the
cap 190 to open a valve thereof in a generally conventional manner.
The container 186 is releasably held in a bracket 191.
Means for depressing the cap 190 as a controlled operation are
provided. They include a rod component 192, mounted for
longitudinal movement, having a tapered or acutely-angled cam
member 194 fixed to one extremity and an actuating knob or button
196 attached to the other end. The rod 192 extends through the
cabinet wall 180, whereby the button 196 is positioned exteriorly
of the cabinet and is adapted to be manually depressed. When the
button 196 is thus actuated, the cam 194 is caused to bear against
the cap 190. The cap is so shaped, in a a tapered manner, as to
constitute a cam-follower.
Upon depression of the cam-follower 190, the liquid is emitted as a
spray from the nozzle 188. A pneumatic control element 198
comprising a cylinder 199, having perforations in the ends thereof
through which the rod 192 is adapted to move longitudinally, also
includes an adjustable air valve 200. A washer or plunger element
202 is attached to the rod 192. Suitable gasket or washer means,
not shown, are provided on the washer and adjacent to the apertures
through which the rod passes to provide an air-tight construction.
An extension spring 204 is attached to the rod 192 and wall 180,
respectively. After the button 196 has been depressed to a defined
limit, such as that established by the distance between the button
and wall 180, return movement of the button, removal of the cam 194
from contact with the cam-follower, and ensuing cessation of the
spray discharge is brought about by reason of the bias provided by
the spring 204, under the influence of the pneumatic control
198.
With the nozzle 188 directed toward a section of the paper sheet
material 74 extending between the pulley 185 and aperture 184, as
provided by the keying means 187, a controlled deposition of the
liquid occurs in response to depression of the button 196.
Assuming, by way of example, a section of the paper 74 to measure
approximately 4 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches; the nozzle 188 to produce a
conical discharge of about 45.degree. and to be spaced
approximately 2 inches from the paper surface; and, assuming a
prompt release of the button 196 and spring 204 and pneumatic
control 198 to provide a discharge duration of approximately 1
second, a substantial coverage of the sheet surface is
effected.
A mechanism for severing given lengths or sections of the sheet
material upon their passage through the exit aperture 184 is shown.
It comprises the rotatable spring-biased pressure pad 206 bearing
against the sheet 74 at pulley 185, a cam 208 fixed to and
rotatable with the pulley 185, the arm 210 pivotally mounted at
212, biased to rotate in a counterclockwise direction by the
extension spring 214, the cam-follower 216 at one end of the arm,
the cutting blade 218 at the other end of the arm, and the slotted
block 220 adapted to cooperate with the blade in the severing
operation. Inclusion of this mechanism is to be considered as
entirely optional, inasmuch as a semi-perforated paper stock and
indexing marks formed thereon for visual inspection may undoubtedly
prove most satisfactory for establishing correct position and
sectioning of the sheets. If desired, the cam element 194 may
include a depending wiping element, such as a section of felt or
the like, adapted to brush lightly across the nozzle 188 for
cleaning purposes.
In FIG. 12 there is illustrated a modification 222 of the apparatus
which provides either the translational movement of a
freshly-opened, encapsulated, liquid-impregnated applicator across
a given section of a sheet material to provide the section in a
moistened condition or, optionally, lengths of the sheet material
in an unmoistened state. The apparatus includes a supply of sheet
material 74 of a type previously described, mounted for rotation on
a spindle 76. A housing, shown only as a fragment 224 having an
exit aperture 226, is to be assumed as enclosing the mechanism. The
sheet material, as uncoiled, traverses a supporting platform 228 of
a given length, passes around a curved extremity thereof, and
advances through the aperture 226.
A pair of guide elements 230 (one only shown), each having an
elongated slot 232 formed therein, is mounted at opposite sides of
the platform 228. A bar element 234, of a length extending
transversely at least across the supported sheet material, is
mounted for movement longitudinally of and in slightly spaced
relation to the sheet material by the rectangular pin or shaft
means 236, slidably mounted in the slots 232. An actuating knob
(not shown) is fixed to an extension of the shaft 236 which, it is
to be assumed, projects through a slot, formed in the housing. The
slot is of a length approximately equal to each of the slots 232
and is aligned therewith. The bar element 234, per se, or a plate
238 fastened to a face thereof, constitutes a permanent magnet.
A plurality of elongated containers 240, each enclosing a liquid
or, as shown in FIG. 12a, a liquid-impregnated applicator and
having a seal 67 which is separable under applied stress, is
mounted in a cartridge 242, the latter, in turn, being replaceably
mounted in holder or guide means 243. The lower extremity of the
cartridge is substantially open, except for a short
laterally-angled side portion 242a which serves to hold the
foremost container at a given position, e.g., slightly above the
plane of the supported sheet material. The opposite side 242b of
the cartridge is shortened to permit a lateral or sideways release
of the foremost liquid-container from the cartridge. The container
240 includes a strip 244 of a magnetizable or ferromagnetic
material attached to that surface which is positioned to face the
movable bar 234.
In operation, the actuating knob is first pushed in a direction to
cause compression of the foremost or bottom container of the
cartridge by the bar element 234. More specifically the compression
is brought about by pressing the magnet component 238 against the
strip 244. The container is thereby opened, in a manner previously
described, functionally exposing the liquid-impregnated applicator
123. The actuating knob is then moved in an opposite direction and,
by reason of the magnetically attached bar and strip elements, the
applicator is drawn across the supported section of sheet material
74 to moisten a surface thereof. When the applicator has performed
its function and the container has been drawn slightly beyond the
supported section of sheet material, it is brought into contact
with a lug 246, thereby breaking the magnetically established bond,
the container falling into the receptacle 248. As previously
intimated, unwetted sheet sections are provided by merely drawing
upon the sheet-material leader which extends beyond the aperture
226. Indexing means of a type previously mentioned and
semi-perforations of the sheet material may, respectively, be
provided for correctly positioning and separating the sheet
sections. It will further be apparent that rack means could be
attached to the movable bar 234 and actuated by a pinion as by a
crank or the like. The device is not limited to magnet means to
effect translational movement of the container, a hook or latching
means being possible alternates.
Referring to FIG. 6 "A" and "B," modified forms of
liquid-containers are shown, adapted to be drawn between
compressive members 250 and to release their contents due to
hydraulic pressure. The containers are mounted on sheet sections
252 which may, for example, be assumed to be reinforced portions of
the sheet material to be wetted by release and spreading of the
liquid when the assemblies are drawn between the compressive
members. The example of "B" includes the covering sheet 254, it
being assumed that either this sheet or the supporting sheet 252 is
permeable to the liquid to provide a moistened outer surface. The
assemblies of "A" and "B" may, appropriately, be mounted in the
cabinet of FIG. 10, the compressive means being incorporated with
the panel 134 thereof.
It is to be understood, with reference to the cabinet of FIG. 10,
that the panel 134, comprising the various arrangement of
containers and liquid control means above described, is preferably
of a disposable or "throw-away" type. As soon as the components of
one panel are used up, a new "loaded" panel is slipped into place.
Assuming the cabinet to be instead a small portable unit, its front
is to be considered as protected by a removable cover.
The shapes and dimensions of the hermetically-sealed containers
illustrated in FIG. 6 are intended to be examples only. Thus, for
instance, the length of the container "D" may be approximately as
indicated or shortened depending upon the nature of the unsealing
means used therewith.
It will be appreciated that such factors as the properties of sheet
materials to be moistened or wetted, that is, their absorption
properties; the characteristics of liquids to be applied thereto,
such as their viscosities; the liquid capacities of the containers;
the liquid-spreading properties of means for the purpose; and the
contemplated elapsed time between dispensal and spreading of the
liquid require a careful consideration and balance.
In certain instances it may be advantageous to combine the
apparatus exemplified herein with coin-operated release mechanisms.
Inasmuch as such mechanisms are widely known and adapted to
incorporation with rotatable or linearly movable means, it is to be
understood that suitable means of this category may be thus
combined with mechanisms of the subject invention.
Wherein a specific form of material, such as a sheet or a roll
thereof, has been shown herein in conjunction with given apparatus,
it is to be understood that an interchange of the form of supplied
material is, in general, possible. Thus, for example, the folded
and roll forms of paper supply of FIGS. 1 and 2 could be
interchanged. Additionally, the location of elements, and the
angles or paths of sheet movement are obviously subject to
alteration. In the showing of FIG. 11, for example, the pressurized
container could be so located as to apply the liquid to a length of
sheet positioned externally of the cabinet.
Other means such as an interlock between liquid-dispensing and
sheet-advancing components; a motor drive, etc., have been
considered but, in general, in apparatus of the character described
a simplification or reduction rather than a complication or
augmentation of mechanisms is to be desired.
Where an initial and perpetuated sterile condition of the contained
sheet material or other chosen liquid-impregnated item of FIGS. 7
and 8 is of importance as, for example, in hospital usage, a
portion of the container such as a sealed extension or neck thereof
could, advantageously, be provided to extend into and through the
aperture 132a or 132b. This would insure that no direct contact of
the sheet material with the surfaces forming the aperture would
occur during its withdrawal. It is also to be understood that the
containers 150 and 152 could, instead of the two-sheet structure
enumerated, each be formed of a single or continuous wall member
folded or molded into the shape of an enclosing body and having,
for example, a preferentially openable or rupturable portion. The
structures of FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 "A" and "B" are also adapted to
modification which would provide sterile functional surfaces
thereof, as by enclosing the sheet materials, to the left of the
containers as illustrated, in individual automatically-removable
sheaths or in a single sealed sterile chamber and providing an
easily-frangible seal at the apertures 132, e.g., a releasable wax
or the like.
In the example of FIG. 2, it might well be advantageous to guide
the strip 84 to the right, sharply away from the paper 74,
immediately following compression of a container 86 and release of
the liquid, to prevent any chance of adhesion of the paper adjacent
to the compression area. This would be accomplished by placing the
guide 92 nearest to the compressive member 80, in place of the
sprocket 94.
Wherein liquid-spreading surfaces are indicated, as at 132 of FIG.
5, it is to be understood that various configurations thereof are
possible to achieve a correct spread or to prevent escape of the
liquid. Thus, for example, a closer spacing of the surfaces may be
provided adjacent to the ends of the aperture than at other
portions intermediate thereof.
In adaptations such as those exemplified by FIGS. 1, 2, 11 and 12,
it is to be understood that certain of the subassemblies may be
mounted on a pivotal or slidable carriage or the like and be swung
to one side as a unit to facilitate preliminary "threading" of a
continuous length of paper. Although not shown, it is within the
scope of the present invention to provide propulsive means for the
sheet materials such, for example, as a pair of friction rollers in
engagement therewith positioned adjacent to an exit aperture and
having an actuating crank.
Since certain changes may be made in the above-described apparatus
and product without departing from the scope of the invention
herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the
above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *