CA1206429A - Dispenser for moist towelettes - Google Patents
Dispenser for moist towelettesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1206429A CA1206429A CA000439143A CA439143A CA1206429A CA 1206429 A CA1206429 A CA 1206429A CA 000439143 A CA000439143 A CA 000439143A CA 439143 A CA439143 A CA 439143A CA 1206429 A CA1206429 A CA 1206429A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- flange section
- lid
- towelettes
- open
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Abstract
DISPENSER FOR MOIST TOWELETTES
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A dispenser for moist towelettes including an open-mouthed container for housing a supply of towelettes and a lid closure which facilitates ready accessibility to a towelette supply. The container is provided with an outwardly extending peripheral flange including front, rear and side sections which define a generally planar surface for receiving the lid in tight fitting engagement. The lid includes a stationary rear portion which overlies the rear flange section of the container, and an integral pivotable front access, portion which overlies the interior chamber of the container. Unobstructed access to the entire cross-section of the interior chamber of the container is provided by pivotal movement of the front access portion of the lid.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A dispenser for moist towelettes including an open-mouthed container for housing a supply of towelettes and a lid closure which facilitates ready accessibility to a towelette supply. The container is provided with an outwardly extending peripheral flange including front, rear and side sections which define a generally planar surface for receiving the lid in tight fitting engagement. The lid includes a stationary rear portion which overlies the rear flange section of the container, and an integral pivotable front access, portion which overlies the interior chamber of the container. Unobstructed access to the entire cross-section of the interior chamber of the container is provided by pivotal movement of the front access portion of the lid.
Description
DISpENSER FOR MOIST TOWELETTES
BackcJround of the Invention This invention relates generally to dispensers for pre-moistened towelettes, and more particularly to a towelette dispenser having an improved lid closure construction designed to facilitate the removal of individual towelettes and maintain the dispenser in a sealed moisture-proof state, Disposable towelettes fabricated of soft absorbent fibrous materials impregnated with cleansing agents and medica-ments are known to the art. Such towelettes are widely used for a variety of personal care and medical purposes.
Pre-moistened to~elettes have been introduced in individually wrapped moisture-proof plastic and metal foil packetsO Packaging systems of this type have proved satis-factory where towelettes are used in public settings, for example, in restaurants and during travel, where convenience and economy require provision of individually wrapped towel-ettes. Similarly, in medical applications, individual packa-ging of towelettes is desirable for purposes of maintaining a sterile dispenser enclosure.
In home care applications~ however, ~here towelettes are used with greater frequency, individually packaged towel-ettes present several disadvantages and generally have no~
proved practical. Principally, such systems have not offered reacly accessibility to a supply of towelettes. Thus, it will be appreciated that a user must physically tear individual packets with both hands,limiting accessibility to the towel-~ .
~2~æ~
ette supply, and the effec~iveness of such packaging systems for home care applications. By way of e~ample, in the care of infants, towelettes are used with regularity during feeding and at changing times for cleansing purposes. In such applica-tions, it is most desirable to provide a supply of readily accessible towelettes in a moisture impervious dispenser to permit a user to attend to the infant without interruption.
It is also evident that the cost of indi~idualized towelettes, when used in the home or similar settings, is disproportionately high. For such packaging to be more economi-cal, larger quantities of towelettes must be made available in correspondingly bigger container~.
The prior art and the packaging industry have recog-nized the need for a dispenser which provides a readily acces-sible supply of towelettes and has commercialized a variety of moist tissue dispenser systems. In general, ho~ever, these systems have not proved entirely satisfactory for facilitating removal o towelettes, and at the same time maintaining the towelette supply in a moisture-proof state for extended periods 2Q of time.
Prior art systems directed to the home care market commonly include an open-mouthed container and removable lid having a transversely extending thinned region intermediate the front and rear edges of the lid. This arrangement provides a hinged door portion for access to an interior compartment of the container. Towelettes housed within the container are generally folded into individual napkins which are stacked one on top of the other ~or individual removal through the top access door. In order to seal the dispenser and prevent loss of moisture from the towelette supply prior to use, known sys-tems also include a removable moistuxe impervious film or foil which is sealed to the top of the container between the lid closure and container body. Prior to the first use of the dis-pense.r, the film is removed to provide access to the towelette supp ly .
One system of this type is exemplified by the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 3,904,074 to Hoffman, which discloses a dis-penser including a container body having an upper lip which de-fines an opening into an interior chamber, and a removable snap-on closure. The closure includes a top wall portion overlying the interior chamber, a downwardly and peripherally extending skirt overlying the outer walls of the container, and an integral flexible transverse hinge intermediate the front and rear ends of the closure. The hinge divides the closure into a. stationary rear portion and a forward movable door portion for access to the towelette supply. To prevent the closure from being lifted from the container body, the peripheral skirt of the stationary portion of the cover includes an inwardly directed end projection, and inwardly directed side projections for engaging a peripherally extending shoulder o~ the container body. To prevent the closure from sliding off the rear of the container body, the cover portion also includes inwardly formed tabs which provide transversely spaced, rearwardly facing shoulders for engaging transversely spaced forwardly facing shoulders of the container body.
Hoffman~s dispenser presents several disadvantages associated with the complex structure of the closure and with the position of the intermediate transverse hinge. Fundamentally, .
_ ~2~Ç42g difficulties arise from placement of the hinge intermediate the front and rear ends of the closure in a location directly over-lying the towelette supply, This arrangement li~its accessibility to the towelette supply by partially obstructing access of a user's hand into the dispenser. As the towelette supply is ex-hausted, the intermedi~te hinge further impedes remoYal of towel-ettes by limiting access to the bottom interior end of the con-tainer. Intermediate placement of the hinge also limits the moisture retention effectiveness of the dispenser, In order to 1~ permit the hinge to function, Hoffman provides openings in the peripherally extending skirt at opposing ends of the hinge.
These openings provide an undesirable passage ~or air into the chamber housing the towelette supply, resulting in a gradual loss of moisture from within the dispenser.
Finally, in the manufacture of the Hoffman dispenser, it will be appreciated that the lid fastenlng structure requires the cooperation of inwardly directed end and side projections, inwardly formed tabs and the container shoulders. These fastening features must be fabricated to exacting specifications to provide a secure lid attachment. In the fabrication of the dispenser, it is therefore necessary to employ a plastic having a uniform resil-iency, so that the lid flanges and tabs are su~ficiently ~lex1ble to effect a secure engagement of the lid to the container shoulders.
Another dispenser arrangement of the prior art directed to providing an accessible towelette supply is exemplified by the teachings of ~.S. Patent No. 4,219,129 to Sedgwick. The Sedgwick patent discloses a dispenser including a container for storing a web of absorbent towelette material, and a removable co~er having a central frusto-conical dispensing orifice. The web is divided 3a by equally spaced transverse perforated lines to provide separable ~6~
individual towelettes. The web is encoiled into a roll having a hollow core so that the towelettes may be advanced from the center of the roll without restraint through the dispensing orifice.
The configuration of the dispensing oriflce provides a "drag"
restraining force to cut and facilitate severance of individual towelettes. In order to effect a moisture-proof enclosure, a cap i~ provided for sealing the dispenser. Although this ap-proach has proved generally satisfactory for providing a moisture-proof closure, the dispenser itself has not proved to be particu-larly effectiveO In operation, the dispensing orifice configura-tion is often found to provide an insufficient restraining f~rce to cause severance of individual towelettes at the lines of perforation in the web. When this occurs, it is necessary for a user of the dispenser to physically grasp the web at a location below a perforation line to prevent further advance of the web and then at the same time ~o sever a towelette. Aside from being cumbersome in operation, large numbers of towelettes are wasted when severance of a towlette is not effected.
There is thus a need in the art for a disposable towelette dispenser which provides ready accessibility to a towelette supply in a construction which maintains the dispenser in a moisture-proof state for an extended period of time. Such a dispenser shou~d preferably be of uncomplicated design and provide improved manufacturing advantages.
Accordingly, it is a general purpose of thls invention to provide a dispenser for pre-moistened towelettes which includes a container and lid closure construction which facilitates unob-structed access to a housed towelette supply and ~aintains the container in a moisture-proof sealed state.
~ --6--~2~960~2~
::;
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for pre-moistened towelettes including an improved lid fastening structure which provides a more accurate fitment of the lid to the dispenser container in a construction hich facilitates ready accessibility to the towelette supply.
According to the present invention there is provided a moisture impervious dispenser for housing a supply of towelettes, comprising: an open-mouthed container having an outer enclosing wall defining an interior charnber for housing the supply of towelettes, and an outwardly extending peripheral flange integral with said enclosing wall including front, rear, and side sections defining a generally planar top end surfaca; a lid for closing the open mount of said container and irlcluding a`rear portion overlying said rear flange section of the container, a front access portion oyerlying the interior chamber of the contai.ner, and a generally trans~erse integral hinge int~rconnecting said portions and positioned in proximate and overlying relation - to said rear flange section of the container; and means for securing said rear lid portion to said rear flange section of the container, said securing means including a plurality of spaced apertures extending through said rear flange section of the container, and a plurality of correspondingly spaced projections depending fr~m said rear lid portion, said depending projections being frictionally received within said spaced apertures to loc~c said rPar lid portion to said rear flange section.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an er~odimer.t with a lid fastening structure which engages ~0 the open mouth of a dispenser container.in a positively ~2~
locking relation tc maintain the container in sealed state and reduce loss of moisture from a housed towelette supply.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an embodiment with a lid fastening structure which cooperates with an integral frontaccess cover portion to provide unob-structed access to an interior chamber within a dispenser.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide an embodiment with a lid closure structure which is of uncomplicated construction and which retains its structural durability and integrity in operation.
A still further object of this invention is to pro-vide an embodiment with a lid closure construction having improved manufacturing advantages by having a less complex structure and,by having a lesser need for precise specification tolerances than prior art dispensers.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is provided with an integral depending perlpheral skirt for rec0iving the outer edges OL the peripherally extending flange of tha container top. In this embodiment, the extex-iorly disposed lid securing means includes a plurality of transversely spaced apertures extending through the rear flange section and a plurality of correspondingly spaced cylindrical projections depending from the bottom surface of the rear 'lid portion. The depending projections are configured so that they may be frictionally force-fit in engagement with the rear flange section apertures to effectively position the lid in overlying and con-gruent closed engagement with the container top. The front access portion securing means preferably includes a receiving tab ex-tending outwardly from the front flange section o~ the container top and a lip projecting inwardly from the front section of the peripheral skirt for engaging the receiving tab.
Other objects, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent when the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention is considered in conjunction with the drawings, which should be construed in an illustrative and not limiting sense, as follows:
Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the present invention showing the lid closure overlying the container body;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 enlarged in scale to illustrate the lid fastening structure;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1 with the lid in an open position, illustratin~ the ~g_ .
improved unobstructed access to the interior chamber of the dispenser;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, enlarged in scale, illustrating the position of the transverse hinge of the lid in general overlying relation to the outwardly extending flange of the open ended top of the container body; and FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lid fastening structure, illustrating the manner in which the de-pending cylindrical projections of the rear lid portion engage the transversely spaced axial apertures of the rear peripheral flange section of the open ended top of the container body.
, Description of ~he Preferred Embodiments ! Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-4 thereof, a dispenser for pre-moistened towelet~es according to the present invention is generally designated 10.
The dispenser includes an open-mouthed container body 20, and a lid closure 40. An improved lid fa~tening struc!ure proviues unobstructed access to an interior chamber 28 within the container body 20 to facilitate the removal of towelettes tnot shown) housed within the dispenser 10.
The open-mouthed container body 20, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably of a rectangular solid configuration, includes a base 22 and an outer enclosing wall 24 extending upwardly and peripherally from the base 22 to define an open-ended top 26 in communication with an interior chamber 28 for housing the towel-~ 1 0--,~2~æ~
ette supply. The open-ended top 26 includes an outwardly ex-tending peripheral flange 30 having front, rear, and side sec-tions 32, 34 and 36 respectively, defining a generally planar top end surface for receiving lid closure 40. Advantageously, the container body 20 is provided with an enlarged opening 27 at the top end 26 to facilitate removal of towelettes.
The lid closure 40 includes a stationary rear portion 42 which overlies the rear flange section 34 of the conkainer body 20, an integral ~ront access portion 44 which overlies the 10. interior chamber 28 of the container body 20, and a generally transverse hinge 46 positioned in proximate and overlying rela-tion to the rear flange section 34 of the open-ended top 26 of the container body 20. In the preferred embodim~nt of the inven-tion, the lid closure 40 is also provided with an integral de-.
pending peripheral skirt 50 having front, rear and side sections 52, 54 and 56 respectively, for receiving the outer edges of the peripherally extending flange 30 of the container top 26. The side sections 56 of ~he peripherally extending skirt 50 are pro-vided with opposing slits 58 positioned in aligned relation with the transversely extending hinge 46 to permit ready pivotal movement of the access lid portion 44 with respect to the integral rear lid portion 42 (see FIGS. 3 and 53.
Exterior o the interior chamber 28, there is provided means for securing rear lid closure portion 42 in ixed locking engagement with the rear container flange section 34. This arrangement securely positions the lid closure 40 in ~ongruent engagement with the container top 26 and permits unobstructed access to the towelette supply through front access lid portion .~
44. The lid securing means, illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and ~, includes a plurality of transversely spaced axial apertures 60 extending through the rear flange section 34 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20, and a plurality of correspond-ingly spaced cylindrical projections 62 depending from the bottom surface 43 of the rear lid portion 42.
The depending cylindrical projections 62 are con-figured for frictional force-fit engagement with the spaced axial aper-tures 60 to lock the rear portion ~2 of the lid 40 in engagement with the container top 26. For this purpose, the depending projections 62 are each provided with an annular rim 64 spaced from the bottom surface 43 of the rear lid por tion 42 to define circumferential retaining grooves 66. The retaining grooves 66 receive the rear flange section 34 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20 to lock the rear lid portion 42 in engagement with the rear flange section 34. Ad-~antageously~ the lid astening structure lncluding depending cylindrical projections 62 and axial apertures 60 cooperate with front access cover portion 44 and transversely extending hinge 46 to provide unobstructed access to the interior chamber 28 of the container body 20 (see FI~.3) Further advantage is obtained b~; permanently securing the lid 40 to the container body 20 by bonding the depending cylindrical projections 62 to rear container flange section 34.
Moldin~ procedures and methods for this purpose are generally well-known in the art; such bonding may, for example, be effected by ultra sonic sealing. Permanent bonding provides greater flexibility in the molding process by limiting the re~uirement for exacting specifications for the components of the dispenser 10 A further securing means is providing for removably securing the front access door portion 44 of the lid closure 40 . . .
. ~, .
in locking engagement with the open ended top 26 of the con-tainer body 20. The front access door portion securing means, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, preferably includes a receiving tab 70 extending outwardly from the front flange section 32 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20,and a lip 80 pro-jecting inwardly from the front section 52 of the peripheral skirt 50 for engaying the receiving tab 70.
The d.ispenser may be provided with a moisture im-pervious foil (not shown) for sealing the open-ended top 26 of the container body 20 during the relatively long shelf life required for towelette dispensers prior to their use. The em-ployment of such moisture impervious foils and the method of their construction and application are generally well known in the art. In the dispenser of the present invention, such a foil may be advantageously positioned in o~erlying relation to the interior chamber 28 of the container body 20 and secured to the planar surface defined by the outwardly extending peripheral flange 30 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20.
~rom the foregoing, it will be understood that the dispenser 10 may be maintained in a moisture proof hermetically sealed state by provision of a removable moisture impervious foil affixed to the open top end 26 of the container body 20. Prior to initial use the foil is remo~ed to permit access to the towelette supply. ~he improved lid closure 40 and fastening structure permits a user to obtain access to the entire cross section of the interior chamber 28 of the container body 20.
Withdrawal of towelettes is further facilitated by provision of enlarged opening 27 at the top end 26 o the container body 20.
~2~
When the dispenser 10 is not in use, the lid closure 40 seals the open top end 26 of the container body 20 to provide an ex-tended shelf life for the dispenser 10.
It will be appreciated, therefore, that the present invention provides a dispenser for moist towelettes, which overcomes the dlfficulties of prior art dispensers and which achieves the objects stated heretofore.
In particular, the present invention provides a towelette dispenser 10 having a lid closure 40 which facilitates unobstructed access to an interior chamber 28 within the dis-penser 10 for housing a supply of moi.stened towelettes. Ad-vantageously, a means disposed exteriorly to the interior chamber
BackcJround of the Invention This invention relates generally to dispensers for pre-moistened towelettes, and more particularly to a towelette dispenser having an improved lid closure construction designed to facilitate the removal of individual towelettes and maintain the dispenser in a sealed moisture-proof state, Disposable towelettes fabricated of soft absorbent fibrous materials impregnated with cleansing agents and medica-ments are known to the art. Such towelettes are widely used for a variety of personal care and medical purposes.
Pre-moistened to~elettes have been introduced in individually wrapped moisture-proof plastic and metal foil packetsO Packaging systems of this type have proved satis-factory where towelettes are used in public settings, for example, in restaurants and during travel, where convenience and economy require provision of individually wrapped towel-ettes. Similarly, in medical applications, individual packa-ging of towelettes is desirable for purposes of maintaining a sterile dispenser enclosure.
In home care applications~ however, ~here towelettes are used with greater frequency, individually packaged towel-ettes present several disadvantages and generally have no~
proved practical. Principally, such systems have not offered reacly accessibility to a supply of towelettes. Thus, it will be appreciated that a user must physically tear individual packets with both hands,limiting accessibility to the towel-~ .
~2~æ~
ette supply, and the effec~iveness of such packaging systems for home care applications. By way of e~ample, in the care of infants, towelettes are used with regularity during feeding and at changing times for cleansing purposes. In such applica-tions, it is most desirable to provide a supply of readily accessible towelettes in a moisture impervious dispenser to permit a user to attend to the infant without interruption.
It is also evident that the cost of indi~idualized towelettes, when used in the home or similar settings, is disproportionately high. For such packaging to be more economi-cal, larger quantities of towelettes must be made available in correspondingly bigger container~.
The prior art and the packaging industry have recog-nized the need for a dispenser which provides a readily acces-sible supply of towelettes and has commercialized a variety of moist tissue dispenser systems. In general, ho~ever, these systems have not proved entirely satisfactory for facilitating removal o towelettes, and at the same time maintaining the towelette supply in a moisture-proof state for extended periods 2Q of time.
Prior art systems directed to the home care market commonly include an open-mouthed container and removable lid having a transversely extending thinned region intermediate the front and rear edges of the lid. This arrangement provides a hinged door portion for access to an interior compartment of the container. Towelettes housed within the container are generally folded into individual napkins which are stacked one on top of the other ~or individual removal through the top access door. In order to seal the dispenser and prevent loss of moisture from the towelette supply prior to use, known sys-tems also include a removable moistuxe impervious film or foil which is sealed to the top of the container between the lid closure and container body. Prior to the first use of the dis-pense.r, the film is removed to provide access to the towelette supp ly .
One system of this type is exemplified by the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 3,904,074 to Hoffman, which discloses a dis-penser including a container body having an upper lip which de-fines an opening into an interior chamber, and a removable snap-on closure. The closure includes a top wall portion overlying the interior chamber, a downwardly and peripherally extending skirt overlying the outer walls of the container, and an integral flexible transverse hinge intermediate the front and rear ends of the closure. The hinge divides the closure into a. stationary rear portion and a forward movable door portion for access to the towelette supply. To prevent the closure from being lifted from the container body, the peripheral skirt of the stationary portion of the cover includes an inwardly directed end projection, and inwardly directed side projections for engaging a peripherally extending shoulder o~ the container body. To prevent the closure from sliding off the rear of the container body, the cover portion also includes inwardly formed tabs which provide transversely spaced, rearwardly facing shoulders for engaging transversely spaced forwardly facing shoulders of the container body.
Hoffman~s dispenser presents several disadvantages associated with the complex structure of the closure and with the position of the intermediate transverse hinge. Fundamentally, .
_ ~2~Ç42g difficulties arise from placement of the hinge intermediate the front and rear ends of the closure in a location directly over-lying the towelette supply, This arrangement li~its accessibility to the towelette supply by partially obstructing access of a user's hand into the dispenser. As the towelette supply is ex-hausted, the intermedi~te hinge further impedes remoYal of towel-ettes by limiting access to the bottom interior end of the con-tainer. Intermediate placement of the hinge also limits the moisture retention effectiveness of the dispenser, In order to 1~ permit the hinge to function, Hoffman provides openings in the peripherally extending skirt at opposing ends of the hinge.
These openings provide an undesirable passage ~or air into the chamber housing the towelette supply, resulting in a gradual loss of moisture from within the dispenser.
Finally, in the manufacture of the Hoffman dispenser, it will be appreciated that the lid fastenlng structure requires the cooperation of inwardly directed end and side projections, inwardly formed tabs and the container shoulders. These fastening features must be fabricated to exacting specifications to provide a secure lid attachment. In the fabrication of the dispenser, it is therefore necessary to employ a plastic having a uniform resil-iency, so that the lid flanges and tabs are su~ficiently ~lex1ble to effect a secure engagement of the lid to the container shoulders.
Another dispenser arrangement of the prior art directed to providing an accessible towelette supply is exemplified by the teachings of ~.S. Patent No. 4,219,129 to Sedgwick. The Sedgwick patent discloses a dispenser including a container for storing a web of absorbent towelette material, and a removable co~er having a central frusto-conical dispensing orifice. The web is divided 3a by equally spaced transverse perforated lines to provide separable ~6~
individual towelettes. The web is encoiled into a roll having a hollow core so that the towelettes may be advanced from the center of the roll without restraint through the dispensing orifice.
The configuration of the dispensing oriflce provides a "drag"
restraining force to cut and facilitate severance of individual towelettes. In order to effect a moisture-proof enclosure, a cap i~ provided for sealing the dispenser. Although this ap-proach has proved generally satisfactory for providing a moisture-proof closure, the dispenser itself has not proved to be particu-larly effectiveO In operation, the dispensing orifice configura-tion is often found to provide an insufficient restraining f~rce to cause severance of individual towelettes at the lines of perforation in the web. When this occurs, it is necessary for a user of the dispenser to physically grasp the web at a location below a perforation line to prevent further advance of the web and then at the same time ~o sever a towelette. Aside from being cumbersome in operation, large numbers of towelettes are wasted when severance of a towlette is not effected.
There is thus a need in the art for a disposable towelette dispenser which provides ready accessibility to a towelette supply in a construction which maintains the dispenser in a moisture-proof state for an extended period of time. Such a dispenser shou~d preferably be of uncomplicated design and provide improved manufacturing advantages.
Accordingly, it is a general purpose of thls invention to provide a dispenser for pre-moistened towelettes which includes a container and lid closure construction which facilitates unob-structed access to a housed towelette supply and ~aintains the container in a moisture-proof sealed state.
~ --6--~2~960~2~
::;
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for pre-moistened towelettes including an improved lid fastening structure which provides a more accurate fitment of the lid to the dispenser container in a construction hich facilitates ready accessibility to the towelette supply.
According to the present invention there is provided a moisture impervious dispenser for housing a supply of towelettes, comprising: an open-mouthed container having an outer enclosing wall defining an interior charnber for housing the supply of towelettes, and an outwardly extending peripheral flange integral with said enclosing wall including front, rear, and side sections defining a generally planar top end surfaca; a lid for closing the open mount of said container and irlcluding a`rear portion overlying said rear flange section of the container, a front access portion oyerlying the interior chamber of the contai.ner, and a generally trans~erse integral hinge int~rconnecting said portions and positioned in proximate and overlying relation - to said rear flange section of the container; and means for securing said rear lid portion to said rear flange section of the container, said securing means including a plurality of spaced apertures extending through said rear flange section of the container, and a plurality of correspondingly spaced projections depending fr~m said rear lid portion, said depending projections being frictionally received within said spaced apertures to loc~c said rPar lid portion to said rear flange section.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an er~odimer.t with a lid fastening structure which engages ~0 the open mouth of a dispenser container.in a positively ~2~
locking relation tc maintain the container in sealed state and reduce loss of moisture from a housed towelette supply.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an embodiment with a lid fastening structure which cooperates with an integral frontaccess cover portion to provide unob-structed access to an interior chamber within a dispenser.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide an embodiment with a lid closure structure which is of uncomplicated construction and which retains its structural durability and integrity in operation.
A still further object of this invention is to pro-vide an embodiment with a lid closure construction having improved manufacturing advantages by having a less complex structure and,by having a lesser need for precise specification tolerances than prior art dispensers.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is provided with an integral depending perlpheral skirt for rec0iving the outer edges OL the peripherally extending flange of tha container top. In this embodiment, the extex-iorly disposed lid securing means includes a plurality of transversely spaced apertures extending through the rear flange section and a plurality of correspondingly spaced cylindrical projections depending from the bottom surface of the rear 'lid portion. The depending projections are configured so that they may be frictionally force-fit in engagement with the rear flange section apertures to effectively position the lid in overlying and con-gruent closed engagement with the container top. The front access portion securing means preferably includes a receiving tab ex-tending outwardly from the front flange section o~ the container top and a lip projecting inwardly from the front section of the peripheral skirt for engaging the receiving tab.
Other objects, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent when the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention is considered in conjunction with the drawings, which should be construed in an illustrative and not limiting sense, as follows:
Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the present invention showing the lid closure overlying the container body;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 enlarged in scale to illustrate the lid fastening structure;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1 with the lid in an open position, illustratin~ the ~g_ .
improved unobstructed access to the interior chamber of the dispenser;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, enlarged in scale, illustrating the position of the transverse hinge of the lid in general overlying relation to the outwardly extending flange of the open ended top of the container body; and FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lid fastening structure, illustrating the manner in which the de-pending cylindrical projections of the rear lid portion engage the transversely spaced axial apertures of the rear peripheral flange section of the open ended top of the container body.
, Description of ~he Preferred Embodiments ! Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-4 thereof, a dispenser for pre-moistened towelet~es according to the present invention is generally designated 10.
The dispenser includes an open-mouthed container body 20, and a lid closure 40. An improved lid fa~tening struc!ure proviues unobstructed access to an interior chamber 28 within the container body 20 to facilitate the removal of towelettes tnot shown) housed within the dispenser 10.
The open-mouthed container body 20, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably of a rectangular solid configuration, includes a base 22 and an outer enclosing wall 24 extending upwardly and peripherally from the base 22 to define an open-ended top 26 in communication with an interior chamber 28 for housing the towel-~ 1 0--,~2~æ~
ette supply. The open-ended top 26 includes an outwardly ex-tending peripheral flange 30 having front, rear, and side sec-tions 32, 34 and 36 respectively, defining a generally planar top end surface for receiving lid closure 40. Advantageously, the container body 20 is provided with an enlarged opening 27 at the top end 26 to facilitate removal of towelettes.
The lid closure 40 includes a stationary rear portion 42 which overlies the rear flange section 34 of the conkainer body 20, an integral ~ront access portion 44 which overlies the 10. interior chamber 28 of the container body 20, and a generally transverse hinge 46 positioned in proximate and overlying rela-tion to the rear flange section 34 of the open-ended top 26 of the container body 20. In the preferred embodim~nt of the inven-tion, the lid closure 40 is also provided with an integral de-.
pending peripheral skirt 50 having front, rear and side sections 52, 54 and 56 respectively, for receiving the outer edges of the peripherally extending flange 30 of the container top 26. The side sections 56 of ~he peripherally extending skirt 50 are pro-vided with opposing slits 58 positioned in aligned relation with the transversely extending hinge 46 to permit ready pivotal movement of the access lid portion 44 with respect to the integral rear lid portion 42 (see FIGS. 3 and 53.
Exterior o the interior chamber 28, there is provided means for securing rear lid closure portion 42 in ixed locking engagement with the rear container flange section 34. This arrangement securely positions the lid closure 40 in ~ongruent engagement with the container top 26 and permits unobstructed access to the towelette supply through front access lid portion .~
44. The lid securing means, illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and ~, includes a plurality of transversely spaced axial apertures 60 extending through the rear flange section 34 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20, and a plurality of correspond-ingly spaced cylindrical projections 62 depending from the bottom surface 43 of the rear lid portion 42.
The depending cylindrical projections 62 are con-figured for frictional force-fit engagement with the spaced axial aper-tures 60 to lock the rear portion ~2 of the lid 40 in engagement with the container top 26. For this purpose, the depending projections 62 are each provided with an annular rim 64 spaced from the bottom surface 43 of the rear lid por tion 42 to define circumferential retaining grooves 66. The retaining grooves 66 receive the rear flange section 34 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20 to lock the rear lid portion 42 in engagement with the rear flange section 34. Ad-~antageously~ the lid astening structure lncluding depending cylindrical projections 62 and axial apertures 60 cooperate with front access cover portion 44 and transversely extending hinge 46 to provide unobstructed access to the interior chamber 28 of the container body 20 (see FI~.3) Further advantage is obtained b~; permanently securing the lid 40 to the container body 20 by bonding the depending cylindrical projections 62 to rear container flange section 34.
Moldin~ procedures and methods for this purpose are generally well-known in the art; such bonding may, for example, be effected by ultra sonic sealing. Permanent bonding provides greater flexibility in the molding process by limiting the re~uirement for exacting specifications for the components of the dispenser 10 A further securing means is providing for removably securing the front access door portion 44 of the lid closure 40 . . .
. ~, .
in locking engagement with the open ended top 26 of the con-tainer body 20. The front access door portion securing means, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, preferably includes a receiving tab 70 extending outwardly from the front flange section 32 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20,and a lip 80 pro-jecting inwardly from the front section 52 of the peripheral skirt 50 for engaying the receiving tab 70.
The d.ispenser may be provided with a moisture im-pervious foil (not shown) for sealing the open-ended top 26 of the container body 20 during the relatively long shelf life required for towelette dispensers prior to their use. The em-ployment of such moisture impervious foils and the method of their construction and application are generally well known in the art. In the dispenser of the present invention, such a foil may be advantageously positioned in o~erlying relation to the interior chamber 28 of the container body 20 and secured to the planar surface defined by the outwardly extending peripheral flange 30 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20.
~rom the foregoing, it will be understood that the dispenser 10 may be maintained in a moisture proof hermetically sealed state by provision of a removable moisture impervious foil affixed to the open top end 26 of the container body 20. Prior to initial use the foil is remo~ed to permit access to the towelette supply. ~he improved lid closure 40 and fastening structure permits a user to obtain access to the entire cross section of the interior chamber 28 of the container body 20.
Withdrawal of towelettes is further facilitated by provision of enlarged opening 27 at the top end 26 o the container body 20.
~2~
When the dispenser 10 is not in use, the lid closure 40 seals the open top end 26 of the container body 20 to provide an ex-tended shelf life for the dispenser 10.
It will be appreciated, therefore, that the present invention provides a dispenser for moist towelettes, which overcomes the dlfficulties of prior art dispensers and which achieves the objects stated heretofore.
In particular, the present invention provides a towelette dispenser 10 having a lid closure 40 which facilitates unobstructed access to an interior chamber 28 within the dis-penser 10 for housing a supply of moi.stened towelettes. Ad-vantageously, a means disposed exteriorly to the interior chamber
2~ of the container body 20 sccures a stationary rear portion 42 of the lid 40 in fixed locking engagement with a corres.ponding rear flange section 34 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20. This facilitates positioning of the lid closure 4Q in congruent and closed engagement with the con~ainer body 20 further means disposed on the front flange section 32 and ~ront section 52 of peripheral skirt 50 removably secures a front access portion 44 of the lid 40 in lockin~ engagement with the open ended top 26 of the container body 20. The rear lid portion securing means and the front access door securing means coact to maintain the container body 20 in a sealed state and reduce loss o~
moisture from the towelette supply housed within the dispenser 10 More particularly, the firm securement of ~he rear lid portion 42 to the rear flange section 34 provides a stable arrangement of the lid closure 40 and container body 20 to permit ~9 the positioning of transverse extending hinge 46 in proximate and overlying relation to the rear flange section 34 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20. This provides a lid closure 40 having a front access portion 44 which permits un-obstructed access to the entire cross section of the interior chamber 28 o~ the container body 20.
, It should also be noted that advan,age is obtained by positioning the slits 58 of the depending peripheral skirt 50 in proximate relation to the rear flange section 34 of the top end 26 of the container body 20 (see FIG. 2)o This pro-vides an improved moisture-proof seal of the lid closure 40 with the top end 26 of the container bod~ 2Q which is not achieyed in prior art dispensers where such slits are positioned intermediate the front and rear enclosing walls of the dispenser in communica,tion with the intexior chamber of the dispenser This prior art arrangement provides an undesirable passage for the entrance of air into the dispenser, resulting in loss of moisture from the to~7elette supply and a dispenser having a reduced shelf life.
In the present invention, this difficulty is avoided by position-ing hinge 46 and aligned slits 58 in proximate relation to rear flange section 34, thereby blocking the passage Gf air through slits 58.
The dispenser 10 also provides decided advantages in the manufacturing process by providing a lid closure 40 having less complex cooperative structural arrangements and a reduced need for precise specification tolerances than in prior art dispensers. Thus, it is more efficient from a cost standpoint to provide a lid closure 40 which is secured in locking engage-ment with the container body 20 by the force-fi-t relation of the depending cylindrical projections 62 and correspondingly aligned axial apertures 60, than it is to provide a removable lid in accordance with the prior art including a lid-fasten-ing structure which requires the cooperation of a complicated arrangement of engaging flanges positioned on the dispenser lid and the container body. (See, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 3,904,074 to Hoffman et al.) Thus, it will be appreciated that the lid fastening features of prior art dispensers must be fabricated to exacting specifications to achieve a secure lid attachment.
Also, such dispensers must be fabricated of a plastic having a uniform resiliency to provide a lid fastening structure of defined flexibility to effect a secure engagement of the lid to the container body. The lid fastening arrangement of the present invention including depending cylindrical projections 62 and corresponding axial apertures 60, is not subject to such specification limitations.
Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above disclosure. By way of example, although there has been disclosed a means for securing the stationary rear lid portion - 42 and rear flange section 34 in engagement which includes de-pending cylindrical projections 62 and aligned axial aperatures 60, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other securing means may be provided. Similarly, the present invention is not limited to dispensers of a rectangular solid configuration. A variety of other dispenser configurations may be designed in accordance with the teachings of the present dis-closure.
It is to be understood, therefore, that the above de~
scribed embodimen-ts are merely illustrative and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
moisture from the towelette supply housed within the dispenser 10 More particularly, the firm securement of ~he rear lid portion 42 to the rear flange section 34 provides a stable arrangement of the lid closure 40 and container body 20 to permit ~9 the positioning of transverse extending hinge 46 in proximate and overlying relation to the rear flange section 34 of the open top end 26 of the container body 20. This provides a lid closure 40 having a front access portion 44 which permits un-obstructed access to the entire cross section of the interior chamber 28 o~ the container body 20.
, It should also be noted that advan,age is obtained by positioning the slits 58 of the depending peripheral skirt 50 in proximate relation to the rear flange section 34 of the top end 26 of the container body 20 (see FIG. 2)o This pro-vides an improved moisture-proof seal of the lid closure 40 with the top end 26 of the container bod~ 2Q which is not achieyed in prior art dispensers where such slits are positioned intermediate the front and rear enclosing walls of the dispenser in communica,tion with the intexior chamber of the dispenser This prior art arrangement provides an undesirable passage for the entrance of air into the dispenser, resulting in loss of moisture from the to~7elette supply and a dispenser having a reduced shelf life.
In the present invention, this difficulty is avoided by position-ing hinge 46 and aligned slits 58 in proximate relation to rear flange section 34, thereby blocking the passage Gf air through slits 58.
The dispenser 10 also provides decided advantages in the manufacturing process by providing a lid closure 40 having less complex cooperative structural arrangements and a reduced need for precise specification tolerances than in prior art dispensers. Thus, it is more efficient from a cost standpoint to provide a lid closure 40 which is secured in locking engage-ment with the container body 20 by the force-fi-t relation of the depending cylindrical projections 62 and correspondingly aligned axial apertures 60, than it is to provide a removable lid in accordance with the prior art including a lid-fasten-ing structure which requires the cooperation of a complicated arrangement of engaging flanges positioned on the dispenser lid and the container body. (See, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 3,904,074 to Hoffman et al.) Thus, it will be appreciated that the lid fastening features of prior art dispensers must be fabricated to exacting specifications to achieve a secure lid attachment.
Also, such dispensers must be fabricated of a plastic having a uniform resiliency to provide a lid fastening structure of defined flexibility to effect a secure engagement of the lid to the container body. The lid fastening arrangement of the present invention including depending cylindrical projections 62 and corresponding axial apertures 60, is not subject to such specification limitations.
Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above disclosure. By way of example, although there has been disclosed a means for securing the stationary rear lid portion - 42 and rear flange section 34 in engagement which includes de-pending cylindrical projections 62 and aligned axial aperatures 60, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other securing means may be provided. Similarly, the present invention is not limited to dispensers of a rectangular solid configuration. A variety of other dispenser configurations may be designed in accordance with the teachings of the present dis-closure.
It is to be understood, therefore, that the above de~
scribed embodimen-ts are merely illustrative and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (8)
1. A moisture impervious dispenser for housing a supply of towelettes, comprising:
an open-mouthed container having an outer enclosing wall defining an interior chamber for housing the supply of towelettes, and an outwardly extending peripheral flange integral with said enclosing wall including front, rear, and side sections defining a generally planar top end surface;
a lid for closing the open mouth of said container and including a rear portion overlying said rear flange section of the container, a front access portion overlying the interior chamber of the container, and a generally transverse integral hinge interconnecting said portions and positioned in proximate and overlying relation to said rear flange section of the container; and means for securing said rear lid portion to said rear flange section of the container, said securing means including a plurality of spaced apertures extending through said rear flange section of the container, and a plurality of correspond-ingly spaced projections depending from said rear lid portion, said depending projections being frictionally received within said spaced apertures to lock said rear lid portion to said rear flange section.
.
an open-mouthed container having an outer enclosing wall defining an interior chamber for housing the supply of towelettes, and an outwardly extending peripheral flange integral with said enclosing wall including front, rear, and side sections defining a generally planar top end surface;
a lid for closing the open mouth of said container and including a rear portion overlying said rear flange section of the container, a front access portion overlying the interior chamber of the container, and a generally transverse integral hinge interconnecting said portions and positioned in proximate and overlying relation to said rear flange section of the container; and means for securing said rear lid portion to said rear flange section of the container, said securing means including a plurality of spaced apertures extending through said rear flange section of the container, and a plurality of correspond-ingly spaced projections depending from said rear lid portion, said depending projections being frictionally received within said spaced apertures to lock said rear lid portion to said rear flange section.
.
2. A towelette dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said depending projections each include an annular rim spaced from said rear lid portion to define a circumferential retaining groove of a width substantially equal to the thick-ness of said rear flange section of the container, such that said rear lid portion may be force-fit in locking engagement with said rear flange section.
3. A moisture impervious dispenser for housing a supply of towelettes,comprising:
an open-mouthed container having a base, and an outer enclosing wall extending upwardly and peripherally from said base, said enclosing wall terminating in an open-ended top in communication with an interior chamber for housing the supply of towelettes, said open-ended top including an outwardly extending peripheral flange having front, rear, and side sections defining a generally planar top end surface;
a lid for closing said open-ended top of the container and including a rear portion overlying said rear flange section of the container, a front access portion overlying the interior chamber of the container, and a generally transverse integral hinge positioned in proximate and overlying relation to said rear flange section adjacent the junction of the latter with said enclosing wall; and means for securing said rear lid portion to said rear flange section of the containers, said securing means including a plurality of spaced apertures extending through said rear flange section of the container, and a plurality of correspond-ingly spaced projections depending from said rear lid portion, said depending projections being frictionally received within said spaced apertures to lock said rear lid portion to said rear flange section
an open-mouthed container having a base, and an outer enclosing wall extending upwardly and peripherally from said base, said enclosing wall terminating in an open-ended top in communication with an interior chamber for housing the supply of towelettes, said open-ended top including an outwardly extending peripheral flange having front, rear, and side sections defining a generally planar top end surface;
a lid for closing said open-ended top of the container and including a rear portion overlying said rear flange section of the container, a front access portion overlying the interior chamber of the container, and a generally transverse integral hinge positioned in proximate and overlying relation to said rear flange section adjacent the junction of the latter with said enclosing wall; and means for securing said rear lid portion to said rear flange section of the containers, said securing means including a plurality of spaced apertures extending through said rear flange section of the container, and a plurality of correspond-ingly spaced projections depending from said rear lid portion, said depending projections being frictionally received within said spaced apertures to lock said rear lid portion to said rear flange section
4. A towelette dispenser according to claim 3,further comprising cooperable means disposed on said front flange section and said lid for releasably securing said front access portion in locking engagement with said open-ended top of said container.
5. A towelette dispenser according to claim 3,wherein said depending projections each include an annular rim spaced from the rear lid portion to define a circum-ferential retaining groove of a width substantially equal to the thickness of said rear flange section of the container, such that said rear lid portion may be force-fit in locking engage-ment with said rear flange section.
6. A towelette dispenser according to claim 5,wherein said lid includes an integral depending peripheral skirt having front,rear and side sections receiving within their confines the outwardly extending peripheral flange of said container top.
7. A towelette dispenser according to claim 6,wherein said front access portion securing means includes a tab extending outwardly from said front flange section of the container top, and said front section of the peripheral skirt includes an inwardly extending lip for engaging under said tab.
8. A towelette dispenser according to claim 7,wherein the top end of the container body includes an enlarged open-ing to facilitate removal of the towelettes.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000439143A CA1206429A (en) | 1983-10-17 | 1983-10-17 | Dispenser for moist towelettes |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000439143A CA1206429A (en) | 1983-10-17 | 1983-10-17 | Dispenser for moist towelettes |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1206429A true CA1206429A (en) | 1986-06-24 |
Family
ID=4126296
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000439143A Expired CA1206429A (en) | 1983-10-17 | 1983-10-17 | Dispenser for moist towelettes |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1206429A (en) |
-
1983
- 1983-10-17 CA CA000439143A patent/CA1206429A/en not_active Expired
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| MKEX | Expiry |