WO2006000242A1

WO2006000242A1 - Dispensing element, container and dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO2006000242A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/006982
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emmanuelle Morin
Original assignee: Sca Hygiene Products Gmbh
Priority date: 2004-06-28
Filing date: 2004-06-28
Publication date: 2006-01-05

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing element (101) having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, which dispensing element has a dispensing opening (106) provided with projections (110, 11) extending from opposite sides of the dispensing opening, wherein the dispensing element forms a separate component which has engagement means (112) for securing the dispensing element to a ready-made container for a stack of interfolded or mechanically connected sheets so that the dispensing opening of the dispensing element is arranged to be secured in overlap with an aperture provided in a top wall in the ready-made container. The invention further relates to a container (201) having engagement means (231 for securing a dispensing element to the container so that a dispensing opening of the dispensing element is arranged to be in overlap with the aperture provided in the top wall, and to a dispensing system comprising such a dispensing element and such a container.

Description

Dispensing element, container and dispensing system

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a dispensing element having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, which dispensing element has a dispensing opening provided with projections extending from opposite sides of the dispensing opening, to a container for a stack of interfolded 'or mechanically connected sheets, said container having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls connecting said bottom wall with said top wall and an aperture provided in said top wall for the removal of sheets from the container, and to a dispensing system comprising such a dispensing element and such a container.

BACKGROUND ART Sheets to be used for wiping or drying certain areas, such as facial tissue sheets, household sheets, are commonly offered as a stack of sheets packed in a dispensing container. The dispensing container has an aperture through which the user pulls the sheets. In order to facilitate the removal of the sheets from the dispensing container, the sheets are interfolded, which means that the sheets are folded into one-another, so that they form a chain of sheets being interconnected by folded portions. The sheets may further be mechanically connected, for example by perforations such that at the withdrawal of an uppermost portion of a sheet in a stack of sheets, the perforation gives and the user is provided with a separate sheet. In this manner, when removing the top sheet from the stack of sheets and pulling the sheet completely through the dispensing opening in the dispensing container, the pulled-out sheet will automatically bring a portion of the next sheet in the stack out through the dispensing opening thereby making it readily available for gripping and removing from the dispensing container.

However, in this connection a problem commonly occurs in that the sheets fall back into the container, especially when the stack of sheets has been reduced to a certain degree. Additionally, the sheets may be difficult to grasp even when they maintain their position outside the container, as the sheets, due to their flexibility, tend to settle onto the surface of the container, making them difficult to get hold of.

Said problem has conveniently been solved by means of facilitating means for directing and keeping the sheet in a more erect manner so that they may be more readily gripped, or means allowing the sheets to be more easily removed from the container. Such facilitating means are, for example, described in EP 1 201 564, EP 1 270 446, EP 1 336 577, and EP 1 336 576..

Even though said facilitating means function well in the containers disclosed in the above publications, certain problems still remain. The above- mentioned facilitating means are commonly in the form of two sets of projections or "fingers" which at the withdrawal of an interfolded sheet keep the next-coming sheet positioned upright between the projections arranged on each side of the sheet. As the described facilitating means and their projections are preferably made from a relatively thin plastic material, a first problem arises in the extensive usage of non-environmentally friendly material which constitutes a stress on the environment when discarded. Furthermore, the facilitating means are required to be on one hand sufficiently flexible to allow the user easy access to the first topsheet, but on the other hand sufficiently stiff to be able to support the sheet in a substantially upright position. Such precisely defined materials are commonly costly and further add a time-consuming factor to the handling in the high speed production of the containers. In addition, as the facilitating means often have a complicated design, small displacements in the high speed production may give rise to an inadequate positioning of the facilitating means to the container. Such inadequate positioning may further lead to an impaired ability in the projections to adequately direct and keep up the sheets. Hence, there exists a great need for a dispensing element which reduces the costs associated with previously known dispensers systems, and which dispensing element is environmental friendly, and which further enables dispensing in which the facilitating means may be accurately placed.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The object of the invention is to offer a simple and expedient means of solving the above-mentioned problems and to make available a dispensing element, container and a dispensing system mentioned in the introduction which avoids said problems, and to offer an inexpensive means for manufacturing such a dispensing element, container and a dispensing system.

The present invention solves the above problems by providing a dispensing element having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, which dispensing element has a dispensing opening provided with projections extending from opposite sides of the dispensing opening. The dispensing element is distinguished in that it forms a separate component which has engagement means for securing the dispensing element to a ready-made container for a stack of interfolded or mechanically connected sheets so that the dispensing opening of the dispensing element is arranged to be secured in overlap with an aperture provided in a top wall in the ready-made container.

As mentioned above, containers having facilitating means are often desired because of the improved access to and removal of the sheets contained in said containers. The provision of a dispensing element as a separate component having engagement means, not only enables a more accurate positioning of the facilitating means, but also reduces the consumption of materials associated with such facilitating means. Specifically, the present invention implies an expedient means of providing the user with a dispensing element which may be reused a number of times, at the same time as the disposable sheets are offered in a likewise disposable container. Furthermore, as the facilitating means are commonly made of more expensive material making the previously known containers more expensive than appropriate for products intended for disposable use, the present invention provides a cost-reducing solution to the conventional usage of facilitating means.

In addition, as the material from which the facilitating means are made are commonly materials which are less bio-degradable such as different kinds of plastics, the present invention provides an environmentally friendly alternative to facilitating and supporting means as used today.

In an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing element has a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction which essentially corresponds to the length and/or width, respectively, of a top wall in a ready- made container, to which the dispensing element is to be secured. In this embodiment, positioning is enabled by the fact that the dispensing element and the top wall is of corresponding size in at least one direction, making it easier for the user to place the dispensing element onto the container. In another embodiment, the dispensing element is smaller than the top wall in a ready-made container in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction. In such an embodiment, the engagement means of the dispensing element is constituted by at least a portion of the upper surface of the dispensing element, which portion retains the dispensing element in a container when being inserted in said container. When such a smaller dispensing element is used, less material is required at the production of the dispensing element, and it may further be positioned inside a container either from the transverse or longitudinal direction.

In order to secure engagement of the dispensing element to the container, and to further add weight which is to counteract the force acting upon the container when sheets are removed, the dispensing element is advantageously formed from a material having a weight which is greater than the counterforce acting upon the dispensing element at the withdrawal of sheets through the dispensing opening of the dispensing element, which material is sufficiently heavy, such as plexiglass, hard plastic, metal, or cardboard e.g. prepared with different fillers.

The engagement means which is to secure the dispensing element may further comprise a securing engagement means extending from the dispensing element. In one embodiment the securing engagement means comprises at least one extension from the dispensing element in the longitudinal direction and/or at least one extension from the dispensing element in the transverse direction, which extensions are to be folded around at least one edge of the top wall in a ready-made container, so as to be stably retained on the container. More specifically, the at least one extension may have a length which corresponds to the height of the ready-made container, for example, in the form of legs which are intended to rest on the support or surface on which the container is placed. In combination therewith, or alternatively, the at least one extension may be folded so as to form at least one flange.

In order to ensure attachment of the dispensing element to the container, the dispensing element may comprise the engagement means in the form of a receiving engagement means for receiving securing engagement means such that the dispensing element may be secured to a container. In such an embodiment, the dispensable container to which the dispensing element is intended to be attached is provided with securing means. Thus, as the dispensing element is intended for long term usage, and as the dispensable container is regularly replaced, the combination of the dispensing element having receiving engagement means, and the container securing engagement means is expedient, as the risk of the securing means being worn out is reduced. That is to say, in the case of the securing engagement means being of the kind that is affected by long time usage, such as reattachable adhesive, hook and loop-fasteners. The receiving engagement means comprising holes, slots or weakenings, arranged in the container, a receiving area for reattachable adhesive, hook and loop-fasteners, may in some embodiments be considered as long lasting means not to be essentially affected by time.

The dispensing element may additionally, or alternatively, comprise securing engagement means in the form of reattachable adhesive, barbs, hooks, expandable projections, hook and loop-fasteners, elastic bands connected to the dispensing element. However, other securing engagement means known to the person skilled in the art may also be envisages. When using barbs, hooks, expandable projections, they may advantageously be directed diagonally from the plane of the dispensing element, thus enabling a safer securing of the dispensing element to the container. Thus, at the withdrawal of sheets from the container through the dispensing element in an upward direction, the counteracting diagonal forces constituted by the diagonally directed securing means efficiently retain the dispensing element.

However, securing elements, such as reattachable adhesive, barbs, hooks, expandable projections, which are worn during use, are most preferably provided on the container as this is intended to be replaced when all of the sheets contained therein have been used.

As one object of the invention is to ensure that sheets are to be readily gripped and removed from the container through the dispensing element, it is furthermore advantageous that the projections extending from opposite sides of the dispensing opening are a plurality of elongated, overlapping projections arranged on both sides of the uppermost sheet to be dispensed. The term plurality of elongated, overlapping projections means that a set of projections extending from one side of the dispensing opening may have a number of 2-5 projections, as well as 5-10 projections. Said plurality of elongated, overlapping projections are further preferably arranged so that the uppermost sheet to be removed is held substantially flat. Examples of such projections are described in EP 1 201 564, EP 1 270 446, EP 1 336 577, and EP 1 336 576, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference, and wherein the figures of which publications are herein specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety. Such described projections are especially advantageous when used in combination with conventional facial tissue sheets, or household sheets which commonly are of a flexible character, as said projections are able to support said flexible sheets in an erect manner. In contrast thereto, stiffer kinds of paper, such as cigarette paper, do not require such projections as a more stiff paper may be directed in an erect manner by other means than projections.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various kinds of projections may be combined with various dispensing elements characterised by engagement means as described in the present application, or equivalents thereof, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention.

The facilitating means and its projections are preferably made from a relatively thin plastic material. On one hand it must be sufficiently flexible to allow the user easy access to the first topsheet, but on the other hand it must also be sufficiently stiff to be able to support the sheet in a substantially upright position. Examples of suitable materials are plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, processed paper, metal foil or laminated materials e.g. polyethylene and paper. The choice of material depends on the configuration of the dispensing opening, the configuration of the projections and the type of tissue to be dispensed.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a container for a stack of interfolded or mechanically connected sheets, said container having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls connecting said bottom wall with said top wall and an aperture provided in said top wall for the removal of sheets from the container. The container is distinguished from previous containers in that it is provided with engagement means for securing a dispensing element to the container so that a dispensing opening of the dispensing element is arranged to be in overlap with the aperture provided in the top wall.

According to one embodiment the engagement means of the container is constituted by the appropriate proportions of the container, which proportions are designed to receive engagement means of the dispensing element. Thus, the container may have a top wall, and consequently the container, which has a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction which essentially corresponds to, or is somewhat greater than, the length and/or width, respectively, of the dispensing element. In such a case, the dispensing element may be fitted into the right position by placing the side edges of the dispensing element over the side walls of the container. A dispensing element which is to be secured on the top wall of the container may here more easily be accurately positioned as a consequence of the design of the container being adapted to fit the dispensing element, and the dispensing opening of the dispensing element is thus appropriately arranged over the aperture of the container. In addition, when the dispensing element is provided with extensions which are intended to enclose at least the side walls of the container, the appropriate proportions of the container in combination with the enclosing dispensing element may add friction force that further retains the dispensing element to the container. In other words, the dispensing element is retained on the container by means of the friction force acting between the dispensing element and the container as a result of the tight fit, and the appropriate proportions of the container.

In a similar manner as above, the container may comprise engagement means in the form of a receiving engagement means for securing a dispensing element having securing engagement means as described above, to the container.

In one embodiment, the receiving engagement means comprises an insertion slot in the area where the at least one of the side walls meet the top wall. In this case, the portions of the container forming the slot help holding the dispensing element in place. The insertion slot is preferably indicated in the container in the form of weakenings, perforations, or is cut out in an earlier production step. The insertion slot may be arranged in one or more transverse side walls of the container, or in one or more longitudinal side walls of the container, or in both the transverse and longitudinal side walls. A dispensing element which is to be inserted into the container is intended to be arranged underneath, and in overlap with the aperture of the container, but overlying the uppermost sheet in the stack of sheets enclosed in the container. The container may advantageously have such dimensions that a dispensing element to be inserted in a transverse side wall has such a extension in the longitudinal direction that it may be supported by at least one transverse side wall, and preferably also the other transverse side wall when this also is provided with a corresponding slot, or alternatively also a longitudinal side wall. The corresponding advantages may be obtained when having insertion slots provided in the longitudinal side walls of the container. Of course, slots may be provided in all of the side walls, however, in such an embodiment at least a part of one side wall is to be connected with the top wall of the container, preferably the top wall is connected with all four corners of the container. In this embodiment, the container and/or the dispensing element are/is advantageously provided with further engagement means, such as adhesive areas, so as to ensure a maintained positioning of the dispensing element in relation to the container.

In a further embodiment, the receiving engagement means comprises longitudinal or transverse receiving grooves provided in the area of the side walls adjacent to the top wall. Said receiving grooves are designed in such a manner so that a dispensing element as described above is retained on the container when the corresponding securing engagement means of the dispensing element is inserted in the receiving grooves of the container. The receiving grooves may be arranged so as to face the interior of the container, thus the dispensing element has a length and/or width which is smaller than the length and/or width of the top wall of the container, and is retained by its appropriate dimensions. The receiving grooves may alternatively be arranged on the exterior of the container, thus the dispensing element has a length and/or width which is greater than the length and/or width of the top wall of the container, and is retained by flanges which are intended to be inserted into the grooves.

The container may further comprise receiving engagement means in the form of holes, slots, weakenings arranged in the container, a receiving area for reattachable adhesive, hook and loop-fasteners. Said receiving engagement means are arranged so as to be able to co-operate with securing engagement means of a dispensing element as described above.

Additionally, the container may comprise engagement means in the form of securing engagement means extending from the container. Examples of such securing engagement means are reattachable adhesive, barbs, hooks, expandable projections, hook and loop-fasteners, elastic bands connected to the dispensing element. As mentioned above, the barbs, hooks, expandable projections may be diagonally arranged on the container.

The present invention further relates to a dispensing system for a stack of interfolded or mechanically connected sheets, said dispensing system comprising a dispensing element having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, which dispensing element has a dispensing opening provided with projections extending from opposite sides of the dispensing opening. The dispensing system further comprises a container for a stack of interfolded or mechanically connected sheets, said container having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls connecting said bottom wall with said top wall and an aperture provided in said top wall for the removal of sheets from the container. The dispensing system is distinguished in that the dispensing element forms a separate component which has a first engagement means for securing the dispensing element to the container, and that the container is provided with a second engagement means for securing the dispensing element to the container so that the dispensing opening of the dispensing element is arranged to be secured in overlap with the aperture provided in the top wall. In said dispensing system, the first engagement means and the second engagement means are arranged so as to co-operate with each other. As a consequence of the co-operation between the first engagement means and the second engagement means, the dispensing element is efficiently retained on the container.

In the dispensing system the first engagement means and/or the second engagement means may comprise a securing engagement means extending from the dispensing element and the container, respectively. As indicated above the securing engagement means is chosen from the group comprising reattachable adhesive, barbs, hooks, expandable projections, hook and loop- fasteners, elastic bands connected to the dispensing element and the container, respectively. That is to say, either one of, or both, the dispensing element and the container may comprise securing means. However, in case of securing means which are worn during usage, such as barbs, adhesive, etc., such securing means are preferably arranged on the diposable container which is intended to be discarded after being emptied.

Furthermore, in the dispensing system the first engagement means and/or the second engagement means may comprise a receiving engagement means for securing the dispensing element to the container. As has also been indicated above, the receiving engagement means may comprise holes, slots or weakenings, arranged in the container and/or the dispensing element, a receiving area for reattachable adhesive, hook and loop- fasteners. That is to say, either one of, or both, the dispensing element and the container may comprise receiving engagement means. In case the dispensing element is provided with elastic bands as first engagement means, the container is designed as having appropriate dimensions so as to be able to be retained in the elastic bands, thus in this case the second engagement means are said appropriate dimensions.

In order for the dispensing element and the container to be engaged to each other, the first engagement means and the second engagement means are arranged so as to co-operate with each other. That is to say, when the first engagement means comprises receiving engagement means, said receiving engagement means are arranged so as to co-operate with the second engagement means comprising securing engagement means. Similarly, when the first engagement means comprises securing engagement means, said securing engagement means are arranged so as to co-operate with the second engagement means comprising receiving engagement means. For example, if the first engagement means are securing engagement means in the form of barbs, the second engagement means are preferably receiving engagement means in the form of weakenings. In such a case, the positions of the barbs essentially correspond to the positions of the corresponding weakenings. However, the weakenings are preferably of such dimensions that there is a freedom of choice at the positioning of the dispensing element to the container so that the dispensing opening of the dispensing element may be accurately placed in overlap with the aperture provided in the top wall of the container. Of course, the first engagement means may comprise both receiving engagement means and securing engagement means, which are arranged so as to co-operate with securing engagement means and receiving engagement means of the second engagement means, respectively.

In one embodiment of the dispensing system, the first engagement means comprise securing engagement means comprising a portion of the dispensing element having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction which length and width are designed to be fitted in second engagement means comprising receiving engagement means in the form of an insertion slot in the container in the area where the at least one of the side walls meet the top wall, or at least one receiving groove in the container.

In another embodiment the dispensing system, the first engagement means comprise securing engagement means of the dispensing element comprising at least one extension from the dispensing element in the longitudinal direction and/or at least one extension from the dispensing element in the transverse direction, which extensions are designed so that they fold around at least one edge of the top wall in the container, so as to be stably retained on the container, wherein the second engagement means comprises receiving engagement means of the container constituted by the appropriate proportions designed to receive the engagement means.

Furthermore, the dispensing system may also comprise at least one extension of the dispensing element, which extension has a length corresponding to the height of the ready-made container, for example, in the form of legs, or wherein the at least one extension is folded so as to form at least one flange, which is to be fitted in a receiving means in the form of at least one receiving groove of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention will in the following be described in greater detail, with reference to the figures which are shown on the appended drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a dispensing element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a dispensing element in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 3A shows a part of a perspective view of a dispensing element in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 3B shows a part of a perspective view of a dispensing element in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 3C shows a part of a perspective view of a dispensing element in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Figure 5A shows a part of a perspective view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 5B shows a part of a perspective view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 6A shows a part of a perspective view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 6B shows a part of a perspective view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 6C shows a part of a perspective view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a dispensing system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a dispensing system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

These drawings are schematic and do not limit the scope of the invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Fig. 1 shows, when viewed from above, a generally rectangular dispensing element 101 , having two long side edges 102,104 and two short side edges 103,105, wherein the long side edges 102,104 extend in the longitudinal direction with a length, I, and the two short side edges 103,105 extend in the transverse direction, with a width, w. The dispensing element 101 is provided with an opening 106 in a bearing member 107 of the dispensing element 101 , which bearing member 107 is defined by the two long side edges 102,104 and the two short side edges 103,105 of the dispensing element 101. The dispensing opening 106 is arranged generally centrally in bearing member 107 and extends parallel to long side edges 102,104. The dispensing opening 106 has a generally oval shape with rounded ends 108 and slightly outwardly curved side edges 109, so that the dispensing opening 106 is wider at a central portion than at the ends. In order to allow sheets to be removed flat, without wrinkling, the width of the dispensing opening 106 between its rounded ends 108 is wider than the sheets. However, the dispensing opening 106 in the bearing member 107 need not have the described oval shape. Hence, rectangular openings, circular openings or openings having irregular shapes are contemplated within the scope of the invention.

Facilitating means 110, 111 in the form of a plurality of "fingers" are normally attached to the lower surface of the bearing member 107 on either side of the dispensing opening 106, along both the curved side edges 109, the lower surface being the surface of the bearing member 107 which faces the container when applied thereto. As the dispensing opening 106 is wider than the length of the sheets intended to be dispensed, the facilitating means 110, 111 prevents the uppermost sheet from falling back into the container, and to further position the sheet to be removed in a more erect manner. In Fig. 1 the facilitating means is shown as a number of opposing projections in contacting overlap, where the projections are angled relative to each other and to a longitudinal axis through the dispensing opening 106. Angling the projections away from the central opening will cause a stretching or smoothening effect on the sheet.

The dispensing element 101 is additionally provided with adhesive areas 112 arranged on the lower surface of the bearing member 107 adjacent to the short side edges 103,105, respectively. The lower surface is here intended to face the container when being positioned over a top wall of a container. Said adhesive areas 112 may be used alone so as to secure the dispensing element 101 to a container, or may be used in addition to other securing and/or receiving engagement means arranged on the bearing member 107. The bearing member 107 is here designed so that it may be attached on a top wall of a generally rectangular container, which top wall advantageously has the same length and width as the top wall of said container. Alternatively, said bearing member 107 may also be fitted inside a container slightly larger in the transverse and/or the longitudinal direction. In such an embodiment, the adhesive areas 112 may be arranged on the upper surface of the bearing member 107, which upper surface is intended to face away from a stack of sheets enclosed in the container and to face the inner area of the top wall of the container. In an alternative embodiment, in which the dispensing element 101 is to be fitted on the top wall inside receiving grooves provided in the container, the adhesive areas 112 may be arranged as in the embodiment in which the dispensing element 101 is to be attached on top of the top wall of the container.

Furthermore, the bearing member 107 need not have the described rectangular shape. Hence, oval bearing members, circular bearing members or bearing members having irregular shapes are contemplated within the scope of the invention. The bearing member must, however, be designed so that engagement means may be accommodated on the bearing member so that the dispensing opening 106 of the dispensing element 101 may be secured over an aperture provided in a top wall of an container. The bearing member, however, has preferably a symmetrical shape, thus avoiding the nuisance of having to position the dispensing element from a certain side.

In order to secure engagement of the dispensing element to the container, and to further add weight which is to counteract the force acting upon the container when sheets are removed, the dispensing element may advantageously be formed from a material which is sufficiently heavy, such as plexiglass, hard plastic, metal. In addition, the dispensing element 101 may be designed with certain colours, or patterns so as to provide an aesthetic appearance. This may be especially valid if the container to which the dispensing element is to be secured is made from conventional cardboard, or other less aesthetic material, which material is less expensive than processed and/or coloured material. The dispensing element most advantageously has at least one surface made from a material exhibiting glossy characteristics, wherein such a glossy surface preferably is arranged so as to face away from the container when being arranged onto the same. As the dispensing element is intended to be reused a number of times, in contrast to the container to which it is intended to be engaged, a glossy surface on the dispensing element makes it possible to wipe the surface, or even rinse it with water in order to keep it clean over a prolonged period of time. A glossy surface may be achieved by means of addition of a layer of plastic film, water-resistant paint, or another easily cleanable material, in case the dispensing element in itself is not made of a material exhibiting glossy characteristics, such as plexiglas.

In Fig. 2 an alternative embodiment of a dispensing element 101 is shown. As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , when viewed from above, the dispensing element 101 exhibits a generally rectangular shape, having two long side edges 102,104 and two short side edges 103,105, wherein the long side edges 102,104 extend in the longitudinal direction with a length, I, and the two short side edges 103,105 extend in the transverse direction, with a width, w. An opening 106 is similarly arranged generally centrally in the bearing member 107 of the dispensing element 101 and extends parallel to the long side edges 102,104. The dispensing opening 106 has a shape of the kind described in Fig. 1 with rounded ends 108, and slightly outwardly curved side edges 109. Facilitating means 110, 111 in an alternative form of "fingers" are attached to the underside of the bearing member 107 on either side of the dispensing opening 106, along both the curved side edges 109. In Fig. 2, the facilitating means is shown as a plurality of opposing projections in contacting overlap, where the projections are oriented head on relative to each other and essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis through the dispensing opening 106.

The embodiment in Fig. 2 differs from the embodiment describe din Fig. 1 , in that it comprises securing means in the form of four extensions from the dispensing element so as to form four legs 113,114,115,116 positioned in each corner 117,118,119,120 of the bearing member 107. The legs 113,114,115,116 extend from the dispensing element 101 in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of the bearing member 107 in the longitudinal direction as well as the transverse direction, wherein said legs may be folded around edges of a container, so as to be stably retained on the container, by means of friction. In such an embodiment, the legs 113,114,115,116, respectively, have an extension which essentially corresponds to the height of the ready-made container. Even though advantageous, it is not necessary that the bearing member 107 is provided with four legs 113,114,115,116, but may efficiently function with, for example, two diagonally opposed legs, such as the legs 113, 115 or the legs 114, 116. It is, however, not necessary that the dispensing element 101 is to be retained on a container by means of friction, but may be held in place due to being made from a sufficiently heavy material.

Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C disclose alternative embodiments of engagement means to be arranged on a bearing member 107 of a dispensing element 101. The dispensing element 101 is only partially viewed with one transverse side edge 103, and portions of the longitudinal side edges 102, 104. The bearing member 107 is, however, contemplated to have the same design as the bearing member 107 disclosed in Fig.1. In Fig. 3A engagement means in the form of expandable projections 121 are arranged adjacent to the corners 117,118 of the bearing member 107 of a dispensing element 101. Said expandable projections 121 are attached to the bearing member 107 at a first end, and are designed as having a second sharp end, which is intended to penetrate a surface of a container. Advantageously the surface of the container is provided with holes, weakenings, perforations, so as to be able to more readily receive the expandable projections 121. The expandable projections 121 are further designed in such a manner so that they at the insertion in the container are relatively thin objects, but after which insertion they expand so as to securely attach a dispensing element to the container.

Fig. 3B shows engagement means in the form of an elastic band 122 arranged on each of the long sides 102, 104 adjacent to the corners 117,118 of the bearing member 107. Said elastic band 122 has such an extension that it may readily encompass a conventional dispensing container, but at the same time provide a tight securing. The elastic band 122 may, of course, be attached to the transverse side edges, the upper surface of the bearing member 107 and/or the lower surface of the bearing member 107. Elastic bands may, of course, alternatively be attached to the container. In such a case the dispensing element may be dimensioned so as to be appropriately maintained in the correct position. The dimensioning may take the form of a dispensing element having an appropriate size, or a dispensing element having notches or grooves in which the elastic bands can be retained. The notches or grooves may take the form of depressions in the surface of the dispensing element facing away from the container, or slots in the transverse side edges of the dispensing element into which the elastic bands may be inserted. In that case the dispensing element has a surface size extending beyond the top wall of the container to which it is to engaged, the notches, or grooves may be in the form of cuts into the longitudinal side edges of the dispensing element. In Fig. 3C engagement means in the form of hook and loop-fasteners 123 are arranged a distance along the long sides 102,104, towards the corners 117,118 of the bearing member 107. Said hook and loop-fasteners 123 are intended to co-operate with corresponding hook and loop members arranged on the corners of a container. When arranged on the bearing member 107 the hook and loop-fasteners 123 may be used as a securing engagement means or a receiving engagement means.

In all Figs. 3A, 3B and also 3C, it is contemplated that the engagement means disclosed in each figure is to be arranged at the other end of the bearing member 107, not shown in the picture. However, a number of modifications and variations may be applied on the positioning of the engagement means without limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C only show examples of engagement means which may be used, a number of other engagement means performing the same function known to the person skilled in the art could also be contemplated.

Fig. 4 shows a generally rectangular paperboard dispensing box 301 containing a stack of interfolded sheets. The paperboard box 201 has a bottom wall 224, a top wall 225, two long side walls 226,228 and two short side walls 227,229. The stack of sheets rests with a lower-most sheet on the inner surface of the bottom wall 224 and has a height which is somewhat lower than the height of the box 201 , that is, to the height of the side walls 226-229.

The box 201 is provided with perforations indicating an aperture 230 in the top wall 225. The aperture 230 is arranged generally centrally in the top wall 225 and extends parallel to the long side walls 226,228. The aperture 230 has a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the opening in the dispensing element disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2. As shown in the figure, the aperture 230 is protected by a protective cover, made of the same paperboard material as the box itself, and is simply a portion of the top wall 225, which can be torn away along the perforated line in the top wall 225. However other protective devices such as separate pieces of paper, paperboard, plastic film, and the like can be envisaged, or alternatively as being without any protective cover, thus having an aperture already cut out in the box 201. The box 201 is further provided with a receiving engagement means in the form of an insertion slot 231 into which a dispensing element described as above may be inserted so that the opening of the dispensing element comes to lay underneath the aperture 230 of the box 201. The insertion slot 231 is indicated as a rectangular slot in the short side wall 227 and adjacent to the top wall 225 of the box 201 , as a perforation pattern. It is to be understood, that the height of the stack of sheets is to a certain degree determined by the height of the box, thus having a height no higher than that a dispensing element may be readily inserted above the stack of sheets. Said object may also be achieved by means of a so-called hold-down wrapper, which by virtue of being wrapped around the stack of sheets helps compressing the stack. The wrapper is, of course, intended to be taken away prior to the dispensing.

Figs. 5A and 5B shows two alternative forms of receiving engagement means into which a dispensing element described as above may be inserted so that the opening of the dispensing element comes to lay on top of the aperture 230 of the box 201. Both Figs. 5A and 5B disclose receiving grooves 232 in which the dispensing element is to be secured by means of outer portions of the upper surface of the dispensing element. Fig. 5A discloses an embodiment in which the receiving grooves have been cut into the inside of each long side wall 226,228, whereas in the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 5B each side wall 226,228 has been folded around itself so as to form the receiving grooves 232.

Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C disclose alternative embodiments of engagement means to be arranged on a box 201. As in Figs 5A and 5B, the box 201 is only partially viewed with one short side wall 227, and portions of the long side walls 226,228. The box 201 is, however, contemplated to have the same design as the box 201 disclosed in Fig.4.

In Fig. 6A engagement means in the form of barbs 233 are arranged adjacent to the corners 234,235 of the box 201. Said barbs 233 are attached to the box 201 at a first end, and are designed as having a second sharp end, which is intended to penetrate a surface of a dispensing element. Advantageously, the surface of the dispensing element is provided with holes, weakenings, perforations, so as to be able to more readily receive the barbs 233.

Fig. 6B shows engagement means in the form of holes 238 arranged adjacent to the corners 234,235 of the box 201. Said holes 238 are arranged so as to co-operate with barbs, hooks, expandable projections suitably arranged on a dispensing element to be secured onto the box 201.

In Fig. 6C engagement means in the form of receiving area 239 for reattachable adhesive are arranged a distance along the long sides 226,228, towards the corners 234,235 of the box 201. Said receiving area 239 for reattachable adhesive are intended to co-operate with a corresponding area of reattachable adhesive arranged on the corners of a dispensing element to be attached to the box 201.

As described in connection with Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, all of the engagement means disclosed in Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C may be modified and varied within the scope of the invention, both with regard to the positioning and choice of engagement means.

Finally, a dispensing system 301 Figs. 7 and 8 is shown, in both of which a dispensing element 101 having first engagement means is shown to be arranged to co-operate with a container 201 having second engagement means.

Fig. 7 shows in accordance with Fig. 2 a dispensing element 101 comprising securing means in the form of four extensions from the dispensing element 101 so as to form four legs 113,114,115,116 positioned in each corner 117,118,119,120 of the bearing member 107. The legs are here intended to be folded around corners 234,235,236,237 of a box 201 , so as to be stably retained on the box 201 , by means of friction. In such an embodiment, the legs 113,114,115,116, respectively, has an extension which essentially corresponds to the height of the ready-made box 201.

Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment in which the dispensing element 101 has engagement means extending from the dispensing element 101 in the transverse direction, wherein the engagement means are folded so as to form four separate securing flanges 124,125,126,127. The securing flanges 124,125,126,127 are arranged to co-operate with receiving grooves 332, by being inserted into said grooves, thus efficiently retaining the dispensing element 101 to the box 201. The securing flanges may, of course, extend along the entire length of the dispensing element, or along only portions thereof, in another manner than disclosed in this figure.

Additionally, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show alternative designs for the facilitating means 110,111 , wherein Fig. 7 discloses facilitating means 110,111 having three projections, or "fingers", attached on the lower surface of the dispensing element 101 , and Fig. 8 discloses facilitating means 110,111 having five projections, or "fingers", attached on the upper surface of the dispensing element 101.

Claims

1. Dispensing element having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, which dispensing element has a dispensing opening provided with projections extending from opposite sides of the dispensing opening, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the dispensing element forms a separate component which has engagement means for securing the dispensing element to a ready-made container for a stack of interfolded or mechanically connected sheets so that the dispensing opening of the dispensing element is arranged to be secured in overlap with an aperture provided in a top wall in the ready-made container.

2. Dispensing element according to claim 1 , wherein the dispensing element has a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction which essentially corresponds to, or is smaller than, the length and/or width, respectively, of the top wall in the ready-made container.

3. Dispensing element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the material from which the dispensing element is made is chosen from the group comprising of plexiglass, plastics, metal or cardboard.

4. Dispensing element according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the dispensing element is made from a material having a weight which is greater than the counterforce acting upon the dispensing element at the withdrawal of sheets through the dispensing opening of the dispensing element..

5. Dispensing element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement means is a securing engagement means extending from the dispensing element.

6. Dispensing element according to 5, wherein the securing engagement means comprises at least one extension from the dispensing element in the longitudinal direction and/or at least one extension from the dispensing element in the transverse direction, which extensions are to be folded around at least one edge of the top wall in a ready-made container, so as to be stably retained on the container.

7. Dispensing element according to claim 6, wherein the at least one extension has a length which corresponds to the height of the ready-made container.

8. Dispensing element according to claim 6, wherein the at least one extension is folded so as to form at least one flange.

9. Dispensing element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing engagement means is chosen from the group comprising reattachable adhesive, barbs, hooks, expandable projections, hook and loop- fasteners, elastic bands connected to the dispensing element.

10. Dispensing element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement means is a receiving engagement means for receiving securing means such that the dispensing element may be secured to a container.

11. Dispensing element according to claim 10, wherein the receiving engagement means is chosen from the group comprising of holes, slots or weakenings, arranged in the container, a receiving area for reattachable adhesive, hook and loop-fasteners.

12. Dispensing element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projections extending from opposite sides of the dispensing opening are a plurality of elongated, overlapping projections arranged on both sides of the uppermost sheet to be dispensed, holding it substantially flat.

13. Container for a stack of interfolded or mechanically connected sheets, said container having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls connecting said bottom wall with said top wall and an aperture provided in said top wall for the removal of sheets from the container, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the container is provided with engagement means for securing a dispensing element to the container so that a dispensing opening of the dispensing element is arranged to be in overlap with the aperture provided in the top wall.

14. Container according to claim 13, wherein the engagement means of the container is constituted by the appropriate proportions of the container, which proportions are designed to receive engagement means of the dispensing element.

15. Container according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the engagement means is a receiving engagement means for securing the dispensing element to the container.

16. Container according to claim 15, wherein the receiving engagement means comprises an insertion slot in the area where the at least one of the side walls meet the top wall and/or longitudinal or transverse receiving grooves provided in the area of the side walls adjacent to the top wall.

17. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving engagement means is chosen from the group comprising of holes, slots or weakenings, arranged in the container, a receiving area for reattachable adhesive, hook and loop-fasteners.

18. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement means is a securing engagement means extending from the container.

19. Container according to claim 17, wherein the securing engagement means is chosen from the group comprising reattachable adhesive, barbs, hooks, expandable projections, hook and loop-fasteners, elastic bands connected to the dispensing element.

20. Dispensing system for a stack of interfolded or mechanically connected sheets, said dispensing system comprising a dispensing element having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, which dispensing element has a dispensing opening provided with projections extending from opposite sides of the dispensing opening, and a container for a stack of interfolded or mechanically connected sheets, said container having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls connecting said bottom wall with said top wall and an aperture provided in said top wall for the removal of sheets from the container, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the dispensing element forms a separate component which has a first engagement means for securing the dispensing element to the container, and that the container is provided with a second engagement means for securing the dispensing element to the container so that the dispensing opening of the dispensing element is arranged to be secured in overlap with the aperture provided in the top wall, wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are arranged so as to co-operate with each other.

21. Dispensing system according to claim 20, wherein the first engagement means and/or the second engagement means comprises a securing engagement means extending from the dispensing element and the container, respectively.

22. Container according to claim 21 , wherein the securing engagement means is chosen from the group comprising reattachable adhesive, barbs, hooks, expandable projections, hook and loop-fasteners, elastic bands connected to the dispensing element and the container, respectively.

23. Dispensing system according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement means and/or the second engagement means comprises a receiving engagement means for securing the dispensing element to the container.

24. Dispensing system according to claim 23, wherein the receiving engagement means is chosen from the group comprising holes, slots or weakenings, arranged in the container and/or the dispensing element, a receiving area for reattachable adhesive, hook and loop-fasteners.

25. Dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing engagement means comprises a portion of the dispensing element having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction which length and width are designed to be fitted in receiving engagement means in the form of an insertion slot in the container in the area where the at least one of the side walls meet the top wall, or at least one receiving groove in the container.

26. Dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing engagement means of the dispensing element comprises at least one extension from the dispensing element in the longitudinal direction and/or at least one extension from the dispensing element in the transverse direction, which extensions are designed so that they fold around at least one edge of the top wall in the container, so as to be stably retained on the container, wherein the receiving engagement means of the container is constituted by the appropriate proportions designed to receive the engagement means.

27. Dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one extension of the dispensing element has a length which corresponds to the height of the ready-made container, or wherein the at least one extension is folded so as to form at least one flange, which is to be fitted in a receiving means in the form of at least one receiving groove of the container.