Dispensing Device

Abstract

A compact dispensing device supplanting the conventional spindle or shaft bearing a roll of toilet-tissue by a drum-like element and releasable mounting means therefor. The device provides both means for rotatably bearing the roll of toilet-tissue and storage and dispensing means for any of a plurality of toilet accessories. It enables the use of a standard toilet-tissue dispenser without necessitating any basic modification thereof.

Description

Supplementary toilet accessories of the type contemplated are described in my copending U.S. Pat. applications Ser. Nos. 236,072, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,796,185, 238,578, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,448, 334,309 and 356,143 and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,652,174.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is concerned with a device which utilizes "waste" space within the tube or core of a roll of toilet tissue for storing and dispensing toilet items. Such items may comprise, for example, pre-wetted sheet materials, self-wetting sheet materials in roll or individual sheet form, separate frangible liquid-bearing capsules, means providing a liquid spray, a compressible tube of treating substance, a liquid shaker element, a liquid and wick, etc. In general, the toilet items may serve to supplement conventional dry sheets of toilet tissue which, admittedly, have cleansing limitations.

The device of the invention is adapted to utilize the principal body portion of substantially any standard toilet-tissue dispenser, it being mounted in the bores of the projecting support members or posts thereof, supplanting the usual spindle or shaft for bearing the roll of toilet tissue. In place of the aforesaid spindle or shaft, there is provided a cylindrical drum-like element and releasable mounting means therefor seated in the aforesaid bores. The device thus serves the dual function of rotatably mounting the roll of toilet-tissue and as a chamber component for supplying the supplemental toilet items. Accordingly, there is provided in convenient, compact and inexpensive form a storage and dispensing means for the purpose which requires no fundamental alteration of the standard dispenser.

The drum-like element may be pre-loaded with items of the type described and merchandised as a complete unit, of itself, or supplied in conjunction with, e.g., inserted in, a standard roll of toilet tissue. Of course, it may be supplied empty and the items placed therein by the user. With the roll of toilet-tissue rotatably mounted thereon, the drum-like element is adapted to rapid snap-in mounting between the supporting members or posts of the conventional dispenser.

In accordance with the foregoing considerations, a principal object of the invention is to provide, conveniently and inexpensively, a compact dispensing device utilizing a standard toilet-tissue dispenser without basic modification thereof, the device constituting both means for rotatably mounting a conventional roll of toilet-tissue and means for supplying and dispensing any of a plurality of supplementary toilet items. Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and in part appear hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The novel features of the invention which are believed to be characteristic thereof are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, however, both as to its organization and its method of operation will best be understood from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein like numbers have been employed in the different figures to denote the same parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a standard toilet-tissue dispenser embodying the device of the invention, the latter bearing a roll of toilet-tissue cut in half to reveal the drum-like element of the device;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a standard toilet-tissue dispenser body with the device of the invention mounted thereon carrying a roll of conventional toilet-tissue;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the drum-like element of the device releasably containing pre-wetted sheet material;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the drum-like element of the device releasably containing a pressurized container of a liquid and embodying an alternate releasable mounting component;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view, partly in section, of a plurality of pre-wetted sheet assemblies enclosed in and releasable from individual envelope components mounted in the drum-like element of the device;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of an envelope component of FIG. 5 showing means for attaching it to the drum-like element;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary front view of a modification of the means of FIG. 1 for releasably mounting the drum-like element on the supporting posts of the standard toilet-tissue dispenser;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view, largely in cross-section, of alternate means for mounting the drum-like element on the supporting posts;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary front view of a modification of means for releasably mounting the drum-like element on the supporting posts; and

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a modification of the releasable mounting element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1 there is shown a basic embodiment 10 of the dispensing device of the invention mounted in the bores 12 of the ceramic support members or posts 14 (shown in cross-section) which project forwardly from the body 16 of a standard toilet-tissue dispenser 18. The body 16 includes a recessed area 16a facilitating free rotation of the paper roll. A conventional roll of toilet-tissue 20 is mounted on a tube or core 22.

As shown, the roll has been cut in half to illustrate clearly the device 10, a limited number of the cut edges of the paper, only, being shown at 20. The device 10 comprises a cylindrical, drum-like element 24 forming therewithin a storage or supply chamber, its outer surface being round and smooth and constituting bearing means around which the core 22 of the paper roll is adapted to rotate freely. The ends 26 of the drum-like element 24 are closed or open to a degree depending upon the type of items contained therein and their mode of usage, as described below.

Each of a pair of elements 28 for releasably mounting the drum-like element 24 on the support members 14 includes an insert component 30 which, for example, is round, is composed of a malleable metal or resilient plastic material such as ABS, polypropylene or the like, and is firmly seated in the bore 12. An arm 32, preferably composed of a metal such as a stainless steel, but also conceivably of a plastic material, is integral, at one end, with insert component 30. At its other extremity, it includes means, e.g., the unitary stud 34, providing releasable attachment to complementary engaging means, e.g., the socket component 36, of the drum-like element.

At least one of the arms 32 is flexible to a degree permitting it to be flexed outwardly to enable withdrawal of the stud element 34 from the socket component 36. Accordingly, the drum-like element 24 and roll of toilet-tissue 20 can be installed as a unit in a simple snap-in procedure or removed readily. As will be apparent, the drum-like element and roll of toilet-tissue can be separated, one from the other with ease, more particularly this applying to removal of the core 22 of an exhausted roll from the drum-like element. The appearance of the mounted roll of toilet-tissue 20 and drum-like element are further represented in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a hermetically sealed embodiment of the drum-like element 24a in which is enclosed a roll of pre-wetted sheet material 40, e.g., a toilet tissue of appropriate wet strength. A cover element 42 is tightly but releasably fitted over one end of the element 24a, the other end being permanently closed. A socket 44 formed in cover element 42 is adapted to receive the stud element 34 of FIG. 1. A slitted self-sealing type of aperture 46 formed in element 42 enables removal of sections of the wetted sheet material 40, the latter being drawn from the center of the roll by pulling the leading portion 40a. The aperture 46 may be sealed initially by a piece of tape which is removable prior to use. The cover element permits access to the interior of the drum-like element and may be modified or even dispensed with in a pre-packaged embodiment. The wetted sheet material 40 supplements the dry toilet-tissue 20.

In FIG. 4 there is shown the drum-like element 24b in which, by way of example, is releasably mounted a pressurized container 48 of a cleansing liquid for supplementing the toilet tissue 20. The container includes a release valve 50, which may be of a modified form, e.g., of extended length, to facilitate its usage. The drum-like element 24b has a completely open front at 52 permitting slidable mounting or removal of the container 48. The socket element 54 is adapted to receive the engaging stud 34 of FIG. 1, a similar socket element or other releasable engaging means such as described herein being located at the other end of the drum-like element which may be open or closed. As shown, the container 48 may protrude through the latter end and include a limit-stop or bumper 56 adapted to contact a portion of the post 14 to prevent movement of the container when the valve 50 is pressed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plurality of hermetically-sealed envelopes or sheaths 58, each releasably containing a wetted sheet, the assembly constituting one type of so-called self-wetting sheet material contemplated herein. The assemblies are mounted in the drum-like element 24c which may be considered as generally similar to element 24b of FIG. 4, the right-hand end preferably being closed. When a leader 60 of the bottommost sheet is pulled, the enclosing envelope being held against displacement by the posts 62, further shown in FIG. 6, which engage the slots 64 of trailing portions 58a of the envelope, it is withdrawn through a weakened leading area of the latter. The overturned leaders of succeeding sheets are lightly tacked or otherwise releasably held against one another whereby but one leader projects outwardly from the stack and the leaders of succeeding sheets are pulled out in order.

In FIG. 7 there is shown a modification of the releasable mounting elements 28 of FIG. 1 in which the stud elements 64a and 64b are integral with the drum-like element 24d and the socket components are apertures 66 formed in the respective arms 68a and 68b. The insert components 70 are composed of a metal having a resilient plastic sheath 70a permitting a firm seating of the insert components in the bores 12. It will be noted that the stud element 64b is radially offset relative to stud 64a. This holds the drum-like element firmly against any tendency it might have to swing when the toilet-tissue is unrolled. Other means for a similar purpose include flattened mating peripheral surfaces of the engaging stud elements 64a and 64b with apertures 66. FIG. 7, when taken with examples previously shown, is intended to indicate that the male and female engaging components can be identified either with the drum-like element or the releasable mounting element.

A modification of the mounting elements 28 of FIG. 1 is represented by the telescoping shaft member 72 of FIG. 8 mounted in (or on the exterior of) the drum-like element 24e. The insert components 74 are biased to enter the bores 12 by a compression spring 76. A slide component 78 can be mounted on any of the drumlike elements described herein having a frontal opening which permits the slide to be pulled out. Convenient access to sheet materials or other items carried thereon, including components 58 of FIG. 5 minus the retaining and mutually attached leader means, is provided thereby.

Another construction of the mounting element is shown in detail in FIG. 9 wherein a stud or detent member 80 having an actuating handle 82 is slidably mounted in a bore or channel 84 formed in an insert component 86, the latter being fixedly seated in the bore of post 14. The element 80 is biased toward a socket component 88 of the drum-like element 24f by the compression spring 90 and is released from the socket by moving handle 82 to the right, as shown, to compress the spring.

It will be noted in FIG. 1 that the body 16 of the dispenser includes a recessed portion 16a to facilitate unrestricted rotation of the roll of toilet-tissue 20. Where the posts 14 are of sufficient length, as is the case in some standard dispensers, no recessed portion may exist. Inasmuch as the structure of the present invention causes a slight offsetting or shift of the roll with respect to the recessed area 16a, compensating means are readily possible. Such means are shown in FIG. 10 by the releasable mounting element 28a which includes a forwardly-extending flexible portion 32a of the arm and an overturned portion 32b for engaging the post 14. An increased spacing of the roll of toilet-tissue from the dispenser body 16 is thus provided. The overturned arm portion 32b prevents pivotal movement of the mounting element 28a which might tend to occur due to the weight of elements suspended therefrom. Other means for preventing its pivotal movement, which could obviate the need for overturned arm portion 32b, include flattened mating surfaces of the insert components 30 and bores 12 or cementing of the insert components in the bores.

A preference of certain of the releasable mounting means shown herein is influenced by factors of simplicity and inexpensiveness. It is particularly desirable that the drum-like element, when preloaded and of a throw-away type, include the simpler components of the releasable mounting element.

A toilet-tissue roll could be provided with a core which is larger than the customary standard. This would allow a drum-like element of larger diameter and capacity. The drum-like element could be positioned above the bores of posts 14 merely by pivoting the arms 32 of the mounting element upward or by positioning the socket elements 36 at lower peripheral portions of the drum. A socket element of the type of element 54 of FIG. 4 could be used in the structures of FIGS. 1, 3, 7 and 9 to permit a complete opening at the end of the drum-like element. Where a considerable pulling force is exerted in removing items from the drum-like element an adequate stiffness or contact of the adjacent arm with the post 14 or other limit-stop means restrains movement thereof.

It will be understood that the subject invention may be practiced or embodied in other ways without departing from the character or spirit thereof. The preferred embodiment described herein is to be regarded, therefore, as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope thereof being indicated by the appended claims and all variations which come within the meaning of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

I claim:

1. A roll-supporting, storage and dispensing device for attachment to support members of a conventional roll-type paper or the like dispenser, said device being adapted to serve in place of the usual roll-supporting means and comprising:

a hollow cylindrical drum-like element forming therewithin a storage and dispensing chamber and being adapted to slidable mounting thereon of the core of a roll of said paper so as to allow free rotation of the latter, said drum-like element having at least one end-portion including aperture means formed therein permitting ready access to material contained within the interior area of said element and the removal at will of said material from said area through said end portion;

a pair of engaging means integral with given portions of said drum-like element at least one of which is radially offset from the longitudinal axis of said element so as to be adjacent to and integral with a peripheral end portion thereof;

a pair of mounting elements for releasably supporting said drum-like element, each of said mounting elements being attached at one end portion to said dispenser support members and at an other end portion being so formed as to releasably engage said engaging means of the drum-like element, said radially-offset engaging means of the drum-like element and said other formed end portion of the mounting element when engaged therewith being so disposed transversely to the side of said end-portion of the drum-like element embodying said aperture means as to permit unrestricted access thereto and ready removal of material through that end of the drum-like element, and means fixing said drum-like element against movement during removal of said paper and material.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one end of said drum-like element is substantially closed.

3. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one end of said drum-like element is substantially open and wherein said engaging means integral therewith is so positioned as to substantially avoid obstruction of said open end.

4. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein is included a hermetic cover for said drum-like element at one end.

5. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said drum-like element is heremetic, includes self-sealing exit aperture means at said end portion, and contains pre-wetted sheet material, a leader of which is so closely engaged by said aperture means as to maintain the wetness of said sheet material.

6. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said drum-like element contains individually hermetically packaged sheet material and includes access means thereto aligned with said end portion.

7. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein each said support member has a bore formed therein at facing surfaces and wherein said one end portion of each of said mounting elements is in the form of a stud-like component adapted to be firmly seated in one of the bores.

8. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said engaging means integral with the drum-like element and said formed end portion of the mounting element is a projecting stud-like means and the other a mating socket-like means.

9. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said mounting elements comprise a pair of arms including and interconnecting said end portions thereof, at least one of which is flexible.

10. A device as defined in claim 9 wherein said arms include forwardly-extending portions to increase the spacing of said roll of paper from the body portion of said paper dispenser.

11. A device as defined in claim 10 wherein said arms include overturned portions for bearing against support members of the paper dispenser to prevent pivotal movement of said mounting elements.

12. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said drum-like element includes a slide element for withdrawal of and convenient access to contents of said drum-like element through said aperture means thereof.

13. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said pair of mounting elements includes a spring-loaded slidable stud element mounted in a channel formed in means substantially integral with said dispenser support member which is adapted to insertion in a socket element integral with the drum-like element.

14. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said mounting elements include a pair of insert components adapted to insertion in a pair of bores formed in said support members and a spring-loaded telescoping shaft interconnecting said insert components.

15. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said drum-like element is adapted to contain a pressurized container releasably carrying a cleansing liquid for dispensal in spray form.

16. For use with a roll of paper material or the like mounted on a core of given inner diameter and length and dispenser support means therefor, a device comprising:

a cylindrical drum-like element having a smooth outer surface, a given length and an outside diameter less than said inner diameter of the core enabling mounting of said drum-like element within said core whereby said core and paper material thereon are adapted for rotation on said drum-like element;

means incorporated with said drum-like element for predeterminedly containing therewithin and enabling a given release through an open end portion thereof of at least one item supplemental to the use of said paper material; and

a plurality of means integral with said drum-like element at least one of which is a rotation prevention contributing means which is offset radially from the longitudinal axis of said element and adjacent to the periphery thereof for so releasably attaching said drum-like element to supporting means therefor connecting with said dispenser support means that said open end portion through which access to said item is provided is substantially clear of obstruction by said supporting and attaching means.

17. A device as defined in claim 16 wherein said roll of paper material is supplied with said drum-like element pre-mounted in said core thereof to constitute a single entity.

18. A device as defined in claim 16 wherein said drum-like element is supplied pre-loaded with said supplemental item.

19. A device as defined in claim 18 wherein said drum-like element is pre-inserted in said core of the roll of paper material.

20. A drum-like element for use with a roll of material such as a paper mounted on a core of given internal diameter, said element comprising:

cylindrical wall means having a smooth outer surface and an outside diameter predeterminedly less than said internal diameter of said core so that said core and said paper thereon are adapted to rotate freely thereon;

end-wall means forming with said cylindrical wall means an internal chamber;

means providing access into and egress from said chamber through an aperture formed at one end thereof; and

rotation prevention contributing means offset radially from the longitudinal axis of said drum-like element at said aperture end and adjacent to the periphery thereof for releasably attaching said element to mounting means for supporting said element.

21. An element as defined in claim 20 wherein means for supplemental use is contained in said chamber in alignment with and adapted to release through said aperture.