CA2450790A1 - Tissue dispenser - Google Patents
Tissue dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2450790A1 CA2450790A1 CA002450790A CA2450790A CA2450790A1 CA 2450790 A1 CA2450790 A1 CA 2450790A1 CA 002450790 A CA002450790 A CA 002450790A CA 2450790 A CA2450790 A CA 2450790A CA 2450790 A1 CA2450790 A1 CA 2450790A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tissue
- dispenser
- station
- disposal
- orifice
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/42—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked
- A47K10/424—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked dispensing from the bottom part of the dispenser
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/42—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked
- A47K10/426—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked dispensing from the front or sides of the dispenser
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/46—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper with means for storing soiled towels
Abstract
A tissue dispenser (10, 110) includes a tissue dispensing station (16, 116) having a downwardly facing tissue dispensing orifice (31, 131), and a dispos al station (15, 115) having an upwardly facing tissue disposed orifice (40, 140 ). The disposal station may include a bellows (126), making it expandable. The dispenser is mountable in a shower stall, above the floor, by a connector su ch as a wall-attached adhesive tape (10a), or a rod- suspended elongated flexib le strip (29), or a hook.
Description
TISSUE DISPENSER
Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of tissue dispensers especially, but not exclusively, for use in bathing areas and adjacent areas to provide a supply of tissues to be used by people.
Background of the Invention In the past, people have typically cleared their nasal passages by using ordinary dry tissues and when such tissues have been used in bathrooms, they have been located in the areas that generally remain dry.
Use of these tissues in the dry areas of the bathroom does not result in the most effective cleansing of the nasal passages, because the mucus contained in the nasal passages is not as loose and easy to expel in the dry areas of the bathroom as it is in the areas that are moister and wetter, such as a shower, bathtub, sauna or steam room.
A number of devices have been designed for both dispensing supplies and disposing thereof after use. However, those devices are not adapted for convenient use in a shower. Also, most such devices have fixed dispensing and disposal unit volumes, such as described by Neumann in U.S. Patent No. 3,372,837 and Meyer, Jr. in U.S. Patent No. 5,054,612.
These devices are bulky and require additional space since they have fixed dispensing and disposal volumes; thereby rendering them less likely to fit in small areas and requiring more space on retailer shelves. Certain other devices share space between the dispensing and disposal sections, such as those described by Horn in U.S. Patent No. 3,221,928 and Parks in U.S.
Patent No. 5,129,545. As tissues are dispensed from a fixed volume in these devices, space is vacated for the storage of the used tissues. In addition to the fixed volume problems mentioned above, this approach is problematic because the volume emptied by the removal of such supplies is not likely equal to the volume required to dispose of the used supplies.
Accordingly, used supplies either do not fit into the disposal section, or more likely, additional volume must be allowed for in the design of the device, thereby resulting in a larger device that creates space problems. One device described by McPherson in U.S. Patent No. 4,919,302 addresses these concerns by adding a collapsible disposal unit; however, this addresses only the marketing shelf space issue and upon expansion of the fixed volume disposal section the same space issues and problems arise as with the fixed volume dispensers.
As mentioned, tissue dispensing technologies are fairly well developed; however, existing technologies do not maximize the effective use of such dispensers. Further, existing dispensers do not provide convenient and space- efficient tissue disposal. As a result, room for improvement remains in the area tissue dispensing and disposal.
It is the primary object of the present invention to enable people to dispense, use and dispose of tissues from a single dispensing and disposal device that uses a minimum amount of store shelf space and user space.
Another object of the invention is to permit people to take advantage of the convenient and compact dispenser to conveniently and hygienically use the dispenser in environments where they may not otherwise use the products, for example, in a shower, an automobile, next to a swimming pool, at the beach or in other mobile, outside or non-home environments. Another object of the invention is to make the disposal of used tissues easier by including a disposal device which permits easy and convenient disposal of used tissues by the person.
Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of tissue dispensers especially, but not exclusively, for use in bathing areas and adjacent areas to provide a supply of tissues to be used by people.
Background of the Invention In the past, people have typically cleared their nasal passages by using ordinary dry tissues and when such tissues have been used in bathrooms, they have been located in the areas that generally remain dry.
Use of these tissues in the dry areas of the bathroom does not result in the most effective cleansing of the nasal passages, because the mucus contained in the nasal passages is not as loose and easy to expel in the dry areas of the bathroom as it is in the areas that are moister and wetter, such as a shower, bathtub, sauna or steam room.
A number of devices have been designed for both dispensing supplies and disposing thereof after use. However, those devices are not adapted for convenient use in a shower. Also, most such devices have fixed dispensing and disposal unit volumes, such as described by Neumann in U.S. Patent No. 3,372,837 and Meyer, Jr. in U.S. Patent No. 5,054,612.
These devices are bulky and require additional space since they have fixed dispensing and disposal volumes; thereby rendering them less likely to fit in small areas and requiring more space on retailer shelves. Certain other devices share space between the dispensing and disposal sections, such as those described by Horn in U.S. Patent No. 3,221,928 and Parks in U.S.
Patent No. 5,129,545. As tissues are dispensed from a fixed volume in these devices, space is vacated for the storage of the used tissues. In addition to the fixed volume problems mentioned above, this approach is problematic because the volume emptied by the removal of such supplies is not likely equal to the volume required to dispose of the used supplies.
Accordingly, used supplies either do not fit into the disposal section, or more likely, additional volume must be allowed for in the design of the device, thereby resulting in a larger device that creates space problems. One device described by McPherson in U.S. Patent No. 4,919,302 addresses these concerns by adding a collapsible disposal unit; however, this addresses only the marketing shelf space issue and upon expansion of the fixed volume disposal section the same space issues and problems arise as with the fixed volume dispensers.
As mentioned, tissue dispensing technologies are fairly well developed; however, existing technologies do not maximize the effective use of such dispensers. Further, existing dispensers do not provide convenient and space- efficient tissue disposal. As a result, room for improvement remains in the area tissue dispensing and disposal.
It is the primary object of the present invention to enable people to dispense, use and dispose of tissues from a single dispensing and disposal device that uses a minimum amount of store shelf space and user space.
Another object of the invention is to permit people to take advantage of the convenient and compact dispenser to conveniently and hygienically use the dispenser in environments where they may not otherwise use the products, for example, in a shower, an automobile, next to a swimming pool, at the beach or in other mobile, outside or non-home environments. Another object of the invention is to make the disposal of used tissues easier by including a disposal device which permits easy and convenient disposal of used tissues by the person.
Summary of the Invention The invention relates to a tissue dispenser which comprises a body that forms a tissue dispenser station for containing tissues to be dispensed, and a tissue disposal station for receiving used tissues. The tissue dispensing station has a tissue dispensing orifice, and the tissue disposal station has a tissue disposing orifice. The body defines a top portion and a bottom portion. The tissue dispensing orifice is disposed in the bottom portion and faces downwardly. The dispenser includes a fastener such as, for example, adhesive tape, or an elongated strip for fastening the dispenser above floor level to expose the tissue dispensing orifice. The fastener could come for example, comprise an adhesive tape for adhering the dispenser to a wall, or an elongated strip or hook for suspending the dispenser from a shower head or a curtain rod.
In another aspect of the invention, the tissue disposal station is expandable, e.g. by forming a portion of the dispenser as a bellows, so that the dispenser can be shipped in a collapsed state and then gradually expanded by the user to accommodate used tissues.
Brief Description of the Drawings The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate like elements and in which:
Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shower or stall equipped with the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, parts being broken away for clarity.
In another aspect of the invention, the tissue disposal station is expandable, e.g. by forming a portion of the dispenser as a bellows, so that the dispenser can be shipped in a collapsed state and then gradually expanded by the user to accommodate used tissues.
Brief Description of the Drawings The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate like elements and in which:
Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shower or stall equipped with the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, parts being broken away for clarity.
Fig. 2A is a fragmentary view of an upper portion of a dispenser according to the invention, depicting a suspension strap for hanging the dispenser.
Fig. 2B is a view similar to Fig. 2A showing a hook-type suspension member.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, parts being broken away for clarity.
Fig. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in its closed/compressed state.
Fig. 4B is a perspective view of Fig. 4A in its open or uncompressed state.
Fig. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in its closed/compressed state.
Fig. 5B is a perspective view of Fig. 5A in its open/uncompressed state.
Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in Figs. 4A, 4B.
Fig. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, with a disposal bag in a dropped-down position.
Fig. 7B is a view of Fig. 7A with the bag in a folded-up state.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention As illustrated in Fig. 1, a dispenser 10 is shown in a shower stall 11 in which the person may easily reach the dispenser 10 from underneath a typical shower spray head 12.
As illustrated in the perspective of Figure 2, a dispenser 10 is shown having a horizontal configuration although other and different exterior configurations may be used as desired. Dispenser 10 is comprised of two major sections, a dispenser station 16 separated from a repository or disposal station 15 by an internal wall 18 essentially spanning the width and depth of the dispenser 10. Dispenser station 16 defines a volume adapted to removably house and secure a tissue cartridge 25. Cartridge 25 is secured by fitting snugly into the volume or alternatively by using clips or other restraining devices. Cartridge 25 contains a multiplicity of tissues 30 that can be pulled through a dispensing orifice 31 defined in the bottom wall 42 o dispenser 10 in a "pop out" manner well known in the prior art. Access to the interior of the dispensing station 16 is provided by pivotable door 42a forming a portion of the bottom wall 42 of the dispenser 10. Door 42a is mounted to the dispenser 10 by hinges 36 located along the back edge 60 thereof and is secured in a closed position by a latch mechanism 38 positioned along the opposite front edge 61. Thus, when the tissues 30, such as facial tissues or wet wipes, in a cartridge 25 are exhausted, it may easily be replaced with a new cartridge.
The disposal station 15 defines a disposal volume 27 for accommodating a removable receptacle 26 for receiving used tissues or alternatively for directly receiving used tissues. In a manner similar to the dispensing station 16, disposal station 15 is provided with a door 42b pivotally attached to the dispenser 10 by hinges 35 and latched in the closed position by a latch mechanism 37. Disposal station 15 also has a second pivotable door 41 mounted to the dispenser 10 by hinges 43 located along the back top edge of the dispenser. Used tissues are inserted into station 15, disposal volume 27 and receptacle 26 through an array of flexible fingers forming a grommet like member defining an opening 40 located on the top wall 45 of the disposal station 15. The refuse receptacle 26 within disposal volume 27 can receive the tissues and be removed and discarded or cleaned and returned to the disposal volume 27. In this manner, the user does not physically touch the used tissues when removing them.
Fig. 2B is a view similar to Fig. 2A showing a hook-type suspension member.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, parts being broken away for clarity.
Fig. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in its closed/compressed state.
Fig. 4B is a perspective view of Fig. 4A in its open or uncompressed state.
Fig. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in its closed/compressed state.
Fig. 5B is a perspective view of Fig. 5A in its open/uncompressed state.
Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in Figs. 4A, 4B.
Fig. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, with a disposal bag in a dropped-down position.
Fig. 7B is a view of Fig. 7A with the bag in a folded-up state.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention As illustrated in Fig. 1, a dispenser 10 is shown in a shower stall 11 in which the person may easily reach the dispenser 10 from underneath a typical shower spray head 12.
As illustrated in the perspective of Figure 2, a dispenser 10 is shown having a horizontal configuration although other and different exterior configurations may be used as desired. Dispenser 10 is comprised of two major sections, a dispenser station 16 separated from a repository or disposal station 15 by an internal wall 18 essentially spanning the width and depth of the dispenser 10. Dispenser station 16 defines a volume adapted to removably house and secure a tissue cartridge 25. Cartridge 25 is secured by fitting snugly into the volume or alternatively by using clips or other restraining devices. Cartridge 25 contains a multiplicity of tissues 30 that can be pulled through a dispensing orifice 31 defined in the bottom wall 42 o dispenser 10 in a "pop out" manner well known in the prior art. Access to the interior of the dispensing station 16 is provided by pivotable door 42a forming a portion of the bottom wall 42 of the dispenser 10. Door 42a is mounted to the dispenser 10 by hinges 36 located along the back edge 60 thereof and is secured in a closed position by a latch mechanism 38 positioned along the opposite front edge 61. Thus, when the tissues 30, such as facial tissues or wet wipes, in a cartridge 25 are exhausted, it may easily be replaced with a new cartridge.
The disposal station 15 defines a disposal volume 27 for accommodating a removable receptacle 26 for receiving used tissues or alternatively for directly receiving used tissues. In a manner similar to the dispensing station 16, disposal station 15 is provided with a door 42b pivotally attached to the dispenser 10 by hinges 35 and latched in the closed position by a latch mechanism 37. Disposal station 15 also has a second pivotable door 41 mounted to the dispenser 10 by hinges 43 located along the back top edge of the dispenser. Used tissues are inserted into station 15, disposal volume 27 and receptacle 26 through an array of flexible fingers forming a grommet like member defining an opening 40 located on the top wall 45 of the disposal station 15. The refuse receptacle 26 within disposal volume 27 can receive the tissues and be removed and discarded or cleaned and returned to the disposal volume 27. In this manner, the user does not physically touch the used tissues when removing them.
Alternatively, as mentioned above, if used tissue are placed directly into the disposal volume 27, as the disposal volume 27 becomes filled, the user can remove the used tissues and clean the interior via opening door 42b.
The dispenser 10 preferably is provided with a pressure sensitive, water resistant adhesive or tape 10a to enable the dispenser 10 to be secured to a wall or like. However, it should be understood that other connecting techniques may be employed as well as such as, for example, a sliding eyelet and bolt fastening apparatus allowing the dispensers to be removably secured to a sliding eyelet and bolt fastening apparatus allowing the dispensers to be removably secured to a supporting wall or structure or suspending the dispenser 10 over a shower spray head or curtain rod 12a using an elongated element such as a hook 29a (see Fig. 2B), or a releasable elongated flexible strip element such as a cord or rope, or snap-on strap 29 as shown in Fig. 2A.
As illustrated in the perspective of Fig. 3, a dispenser 10 is shown having a vertical configuration although other and different exterior configurations may be used as desired. Dispenser 10 is comprised of two major sections, a dispenser station 16 separated from a repository or disposal station 15 by an internal wall 18 essentially spanning the length and width of the dispenser 10. Dispenser station 16 defines a volume adapted to removably house and secure a tissue cartridge 25. Cartridge 25 is secured by fitting snugly into the volume or alternatively by using clips or other restraining devices. Cartridge 25 contains a multiplicity of tissues 30 that can be pulled through a dispensing orifice defined in the bottom wall 42 of dispenser 10 in a "pop out" manner well known in the prior art. Access to the interior of the dispensing station 16 is provided by pivotable door 42a forming all or a portion of the bottom wall 42 of the dispenser 10. Door 42a is mounted to the dispenser 10 by hinges 36 located along the back edge 60 thereof and is secured in a closed position by a latch mechanism 38 _7_ positioned along the opposite front edge 61. Thus, when the tissues 30 in a cartridge 25 are exhausted, it may easily be replaced with a new cartridge.
The disposal station 15 defines a disposal volume 27 for directly receiving used tissues or alternatively for accommodating a removable receptacle for receiving the used tissues. In a manner similar to the dispensing station 16, disposal station 15 is provided with a door 43 pivotally attached to the dispenser 10 by hinges 35 and latched in the closed position by a latch mechanism 37. Used tissues are inserted into station 15 and disposal volume 27 through an array of flexible fingers forming a grommet like member defining an opening 40 located on the top wall 45 of the disposal station 15. The used tissues are placed directly into the disposal volume 27 and as the disposal volume 27 becomes filled, the user can remove the used tissues and clean the interior via the door 43. Alternatively, as mentioned above, a refuse receptacle used within disposal volume 27 can receive the tissues and be removed and discarded or cleaned and returned to the disposal volume 27. In this manner, the user does not physically touch the used tissues when removing them.
The dispenser 10 preferably is provide with a pressure sensitive, water resistant adhesive or tape 50 to enable the dispenser 10 to be secured to a wall or like. However, it should be understood that other fastening techniques may be employed as well such as, for example, a sliding eyelet and bolt fastening apparatus allowing the dispensers to be removably secured to a supporting wall or suspending the dispenser 10 over a shower spray head using an elongated strip such as a cord or rope or strap 29.
The tissue-dispensing orifice 31 is preferably arranged to face downwardly, or possibly on a vertical side of the dispenser, in order to keep the fresh tissues as dry as possible.
_$_ As illustrated in the perspective of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B a dispenser 110 is shown having a generally vertical configuration, although the dispenser can easily be used horizontally and have other shapes.
Dispenser 110 is comprised of two major sections, a dispenser section 116 separated from a disposal section 115 by the dispenser section top 118.
Dispenser section 116 defines a volume to house a supply of tissues 130 that can be pulled through a dispensing orifice 131 defined in the bottom wall 141 of the dispenser 110 in a "pop out" manner well known in the prior art. The tissues may either be sealed into a disposable dispenser section 16 or refilled with a tissue cartridge.
The disposal section 115 defines a refuse volume 127 for receiving used tissues. Used tissues are inserted into the refuse volume 127 through a disposal orifice 140 located on the top wall 145 of the disposal section 115. The refuse volume 127 can be increased or decreased by expanding or contracting the flexible bellows 126 of the disposal section 115. The disposal volume 127 is shown at its minimum in FIGS. 4A and 5A where the flexible bellows 126 are compressed and at its maximum volume in FIGS.
4B and 5B where the flexible bellows 126 are uncompressed, e.g., the volume is more than doubled and almost tripled. The flexible bellows 126 can be made from any material that provides flexible movement with sufficient rigidity to hold its shape, such as plastic, rubber or cardboard.
The dispenser 110 preferably is provided with a handle 150 to permit easy carrying; however, it should be understood that other carrying or fastening techniques may be employed as well such as a longer elongated strip element such as a cord or rope or a sliding eyelet and bolt fastening apparatus allowing the dispensers to be removably secured to a supporting wall or a shower head or curtain rod.
_g_ In one embodiment of the dispenser 110 depicted in FIG. 6, the dispenser section 116 and the disposal lid 148 are removable from the dispenser 110. The flexible bellows 126 section has connecting ends. The disposal cap connecting end 142a and the dispenser section end 142b are threaded to mate, respectively, with the disposal lid threads 143a and dispenser section threads 143b. Alternatively, the disposal cap connecting end and dispenser section end could be formed to fit together either by adhesion or fastening means, such as glue or snaps. Removal of the dispenser section 116 permits the user to resupply tissues 130 by attaching a new dispenser section 116. Removal of the disposal lid 148 or the dispenser section 116 permits the user to empty and/or clean the refuse volume 27. Alternatively, the dispenser 110 could be disposable.
An alternative form of dispenser 210 is depicted in FIGS. 7A, 7B
which comprises a body forming an upper dispenser section 212 having a dispensing orifice 214 disposed in a vertical side wall 216 of the body. A
tissue disposal section 218 is disposed beneath the dispensing section and is separated therefrom by a horizontal wall 220. A side disposal orifice 22 is formed in the dispenser below the dispensing orifice 214. A flexible plastic bag 224 has its upper, open end attached to a lower end of the body, to enable the bag to hang downwardly from the body to receive used tissues that are inserted through the disposal orifice 222. The dispenser can be manufactured and shipped with the bag in a folded-up state disposed within an underside of the body (see Fig. 7B). A user then releases the bag in any suitable way, e.g., by removing a tear strip or tape for example, to enable the bag to drop down to the Fig. 7A position, wherein the volume of the disposal section is expanded by many multiples, e.g., starting from zero volume.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutions not specifically described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The dispenser 10 preferably is provided with a pressure sensitive, water resistant adhesive or tape 10a to enable the dispenser 10 to be secured to a wall or like. However, it should be understood that other connecting techniques may be employed as well as such as, for example, a sliding eyelet and bolt fastening apparatus allowing the dispensers to be removably secured to a sliding eyelet and bolt fastening apparatus allowing the dispensers to be removably secured to a supporting wall or structure or suspending the dispenser 10 over a shower spray head or curtain rod 12a using an elongated element such as a hook 29a (see Fig. 2B), or a releasable elongated flexible strip element such as a cord or rope, or snap-on strap 29 as shown in Fig. 2A.
As illustrated in the perspective of Fig. 3, a dispenser 10 is shown having a vertical configuration although other and different exterior configurations may be used as desired. Dispenser 10 is comprised of two major sections, a dispenser station 16 separated from a repository or disposal station 15 by an internal wall 18 essentially spanning the length and width of the dispenser 10. Dispenser station 16 defines a volume adapted to removably house and secure a tissue cartridge 25. Cartridge 25 is secured by fitting snugly into the volume or alternatively by using clips or other restraining devices. Cartridge 25 contains a multiplicity of tissues 30 that can be pulled through a dispensing orifice defined in the bottom wall 42 of dispenser 10 in a "pop out" manner well known in the prior art. Access to the interior of the dispensing station 16 is provided by pivotable door 42a forming all or a portion of the bottom wall 42 of the dispenser 10. Door 42a is mounted to the dispenser 10 by hinges 36 located along the back edge 60 thereof and is secured in a closed position by a latch mechanism 38 _7_ positioned along the opposite front edge 61. Thus, when the tissues 30 in a cartridge 25 are exhausted, it may easily be replaced with a new cartridge.
The disposal station 15 defines a disposal volume 27 for directly receiving used tissues or alternatively for accommodating a removable receptacle for receiving the used tissues. In a manner similar to the dispensing station 16, disposal station 15 is provided with a door 43 pivotally attached to the dispenser 10 by hinges 35 and latched in the closed position by a latch mechanism 37. Used tissues are inserted into station 15 and disposal volume 27 through an array of flexible fingers forming a grommet like member defining an opening 40 located on the top wall 45 of the disposal station 15. The used tissues are placed directly into the disposal volume 27 and as the disposal volume 27 becomes filled, the user can remove the used tissues and clean the interior via the door 43. Alternatively, as mentioned above, a refuse receptacle used within disposal volume 27 can receive the tissues and be removed and discarded or cleaned and returned to the disposal volume 27. In this manner, the user does not physically touch the used tissues when removing them.
The dispenser 10 preferably is provide with a pressure sensitive, water resistant adhesive or tape 50 to enable the dispenser 10 to be secured to a wall or like. However, it should be understood that other fastening techniques may be employed as well such as, for example, a sliding eyelet and bolt fastening apparatus allowing the dispensers to be removably secured to a supporting wall or suspending the dispenser 10 over a shower spray head using an elongated strip such as a cord or rope or strap 29.
The tissue-dispensing orifice 31 is preferably arranged to face downwardly, or possibly on a vertical side of the dispenser, in order to keep the fresh tissues as dry as possible.
_$_ As illustrated in the perspective of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B a dispenser 110 is shown having a generally vertical configuration, although the dispenser can easily be used horizontally and have other shapes.
Dispenser 110 is comprised of two major sections, a dispenser section 116 separated from a disposal section 115 by the dispenser section top 118.
Dispenser section 116 defines a volume to house a supply of tissues 130 that can be pulled through a dispensing orifice 131 defined in the bottom wall 141 of the dispenser 110 in a "pop out" manner well known in the prior art. The tissues may either be sealed into a disposable dispenser section 16 or refilled with a tissue cartridge.
The disposal section 115 defines a refuse volume 127 for receiving used tissues. Used tissues are inserted into the refuse volume 127 through a disposal orifice 140 located on the top wall 145 of the disposal section 115. The refuse volume 127 can be increased or decreased by expanding or contracting the flexible bellows 126 of the disposal section 115. The disposal volume 127 is shown at its minimum in FIGS. 4A and 5A where the flexible bellows 126 are compressed and at its maximum volume in FIGS.
4B and 5B where the flexible bellows 126 are uncompressed, e.g., the volume is more than doubled and almost tripled. The flexible bellows 126 can be made from any material that provides flexible movement with sufficient rigidity to hold its shape, such as plastic, rubber or cardboard.
The dispenser 110 preferably is provided with a handle 150 to permit easy carrying; however, it should be understood that other carrying or fastening techniques may be employed as well such as a longer elongated strip element such as a cord or rope or a sliding eyelet and bolt fastening apparatus allowing the dispensers to be removably secured to a supporting wall or a shower head or curtain rod.
_g_ In one embodiment of the dispenser 110 depicted in FIG. 6, the dispenser section 116 and the disposal lid 148 are removable from the dispenser 110. The flexible bellows 126 section has connecting ends. The disposal cap connecting end 142a and the dispenser section end 142b are threaded to mate, respectively, with the disposal lid threads 143a and dispenser section threads 143b. Alternatively, the disposal cap connecting end and dispenser section end could be formed to fit together either by adhesion or fastening means, such as glue or snaps. Removal of the dispenser section 116 permits the user to resupply tissues 130 by attaching a new dispenser section 116. Removal of the disposal lid 148 or the dispenser section 116 permits the user to empty and/or clean the refuse volume 27. Alternatively, the dispenser 110 could be disposable.
An alternative form of dispenser 210 is depicted in FIGS. 7A, 7B
which comprises a body forming an upper dispenser section 212 having a dispensing orifice 214 disposed in a vertical side wall 216 of the body. A
tissue disposal section 218 is disposed beneath the dispensing section and is separated therefrom by a horizontal wall 220. A side disposal orifice 22 is formed in the dispenser below the dispensing orifice 214. A flexible plastic bag 224 has its upper, open end attached to a lower end of the body, to enable the bag to hang downwardly from the body to receive used tissues that are inserted through the disposal orifice 222. The dispenser can be manufactured and shipped with the bag in a folded-up state disposed within an underside of the body (see Fig. 7B). A user then releases the bag in any suitable way, e.g., by removing a tear strip or tape for example, to enable the bag to drop down to the Fig. 7A position, wherein the volume of the disposal section is expanded by many multiples, e.g., starting from zero volume.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutions not specifically described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (27)
1. A tissue dispenser (10, 110) comprising a body forming a tissue dispenser station (16, 116) for containing tissues to be dispensed, and a tissue disposal station (15, 115) for receiving used tissues; the tissue disposal station having a tissue dispensing orifice (31, 131); the tissue dispensing station having a tissue disposing orifice (40, 140); the body defining a top portion and a bottom portion characterized in that: the tissue dispensing orifice is disposed in the bottom portion and faces downwardly, and the dispenser including a fastener (10a, 29) for fastening the dispenser above floor level to expose the tissue dispensing orifice.
2. The tissue dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the tissue disposing orifice is disposed in the top portion of the dispenser.
3. The tissue dispenser according to claim 2 wherein the tissue disposal station is disposed directly vertically beneath the tissue dispenser station.
4. The tissue dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the tissue disposal station is disposed directly vertically beneath the tissue dispenser station.
5. The tissue dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the dispenser includes a back portion, the fastener comprising an adhesive (10a) disposed on the back portion.
6. The tissue dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the fastener includes an elongated strip element (29) for suspending the body.
7. The tissue dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the disposal station is expandible in volume.
8. The tissue dispenser according to claim 7 wherein a portion of the body defining the tissue disposal station includes a bellows (126) extending completely around the periphery of the body and being expandable from a collapsed state to enlarge the tissue disposal station.
9. A tissue dispenser (10) comprising a body forming a tissue dispenser station (16) for containing tissues to be dispensed, and a tissue disposal station (15) for receiving used tissues; the tissue dispenser station having a tissue dispensing orifice (31); the tissue disposal station having a tissue disposing orifice (40); the body including a rear portion with an adhesive element (10a) disposed thereon for fastening the dispenser above floor level; the tissue dispensing orifice and the tissue disposing orifice being spaced from the rear portion.
10. A tissue dispenser (10, 110, 210) comprising a body forming a tissue dispenser station (16, 116, 216) for containing facial tissues to be dispensed, and a tissue disposal station (15, 115, 218) for receiving used tissues; the tissue dispensing station having a tissue dispensing orifice (31, 131, 214); the tissue disposal station having a tissue disposing orifice (40, 140, 222); and an elongated element (29, 29a) for suspending the body above floor level.
11. A tissue dispenser (110, 210) for dispensing tissues, comprising a body forming a tissue dispenser section (116, 216) containing tissues to be dispensed, and a tissue disposal section (115, 218) section for receiving used tissues, the tissue dispenser station having a tissue dispensing orifice (131, 214), and the tissue disposal section having a tissue disposing orifice (140, 222), the tissue disposal section (115, 218) being expandable to at least double its volume.
12. The tissue dispenser according to claim 11 wherein the volume is more than doubled.
13. The tissue dispenser according to claim 11 wherein a portion of the body defining the tissue disposal section includes a bellows (126) extending completely around the periphery of the body and being expandable from a collapsed state to enlarge the tissue disposal section.
14. The tissue dispenser according to claim 13 wherein the body defines opposite ends that are movable away from each other as the tissue disposal section is expanded, the tissue dispensing orifice and the tissue disposal orifice being arranged in respective ones of the ends.
15. The tissue dispenser according to claim 14 wherein the ends define a top end and a bottom end, respectively, of the dispenser, the tissue dispensing orifice being disposed in the bottom end and facing downwardly.
16. The tissue dispenser according to claim 13 wherein the body has a substantially circular cross sectional shape.
17. The tissue dispenser according to claim 13 wherein the body has a rectangular cross sectional shape.
18. The tissue dispenser according to claim 13 further including a connector for supporting the body above floor level.
19. The tissue dispenser according to claim 18 wherein the connector comprises an elongated strip element (29) for suspending the body.
20. The tissue dispenser according to claim 18 wherein the connector comprises a hook.
21. A method of providing tissues in a shower stall comprising the steps of:
A) providing a tissue dispenser (10, 110) having a tissue dispenser station (16, 116) containing tissues to be dispensed, and a tissue disposal station (15, 115) for receiving used tissues, the tissue dispenser station having a tissue dispensing orifice (31, 131), the tissue disposal station having a tissue disposing orifice (40, 140); and B) mounting the tissue dispenser at the shower stall above floor level.
A) providing a tissue dispenser (10, 110) having a tissue dispenser station (16, 116) containing tissues to be dispensed, and a tissue disposal station (15, 115) for receiving used tissues, the tissue dispenser station having a tissue dispensing orifice (31, 131), the tissue disposal station having a tissue disposing orifice (40, 140); and B) mounting the tissue dispenser at the shower stall above floor level.
22. The method according to claim 21 wherein step B comprises mounting the dispenser with the tissue dispensing orifice facing downwardly.
23. The method according to claim 22 wherein step B comprises mounting the dispenser with the tissue disposing orifice facing upwardly.
24. The method according to claim 21 wherein step B comprises mounting the dispenser with the tissue dispensing orifice and the tissue disposing orifice facing in mutually opposite directions.
25. The method according to claim 21 wherein step B comprises mounting the dispenser with the tissue disposal station and the tissue dispenser station disposed vertically directly above one another.
26. The method according to claim 21 wherein step B comprises adhering the dispenser to a vertical wall by an adhesive element (10a) disposed on a rear portion of the dispenser.
27. The method according to claim 21 wherein step B comprises suspending the dispenser from a support.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/883,893 | 2001-06-18 | ||
| US09/883,893 US7357274B2 (en) | 2001-06-18 | 2001-06-18 | Tissue dispenser |
| US10/071,902 | 2002-02-08 | ||
| US10/071,902 US7669731B2 (en) | 2002-02-08 | 2002-02-08 | Mobile healthcare product dispenser |
| PCT/US2002/019145 WO2002102690A2 (en) | 2001-06-18 | 2002-06-18 | Tissue dispenser |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2450790A1 true CA2450790A1 (en) | 2002-12-27 |
Family
ID=26752793
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002450790A Abandoned CA2450790A1 (en) | 2001-06-18 | 2002-06-18 | Tissue dispenser |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1404600A2 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2005520575A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2002315198A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2450790A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002102690A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2005100756B4 (en) * | 2005-09-01 | 2005-12-08 | Michael Ian Corcoran | Compact personal hygiene appliance |
| GB2443183A (en) * | 2006-08-29 | 2008-04-30 | Michael John Gordon | Dispenser for wipes having two chambers |
| JP6879705B2 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2021-06-02 | 大王製紙株式会社 | Sanitary tissue paper storage container |
| USD903504S1 (en) | 2018-06-11 | 2020-12-01 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Pouch container |
Family Cites Families (39)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1988939A (en) * | 1933-04-01 | 1935-01-22 | Stuart L Craig | Sanitary tissue dispensing and receiving device |
| US2915218A (en) * | 1956-07-12 | 1959-12-01 | Abraham W Rosenman | Container and receptacle for tissues |
| US3095087A (en) * | 1960-01-12 | 1963-06-25 | Sam M Yates | Combination tissue dispensing and disposal container |
| US3089586A (en) * | 1961-09-07 | 1963-05-14 | David F Cole | Combination dispenser and receptacle |
| US3141569A (en) * | 1962-01-22 | 1964-07-21 | Arnold E Hanson | Unitary article as a tissue dispenser and litter container |
| US3221928A (en) | 1963-03-19 | 1965-12-07 | Martin E Horn | Tissue dispenser and disposal |
| US3235196A (en) * | 1963-05-03 | 1966-02-15 | Raymond S Platt | Tissue dispensing device |
| US3372837A (en) | 1966-10-03 | 1968-03-12 | Thomas P Brown | Commercial facial tissue dispensing box with auxiliary disposal cover therefor |
| US3845858A (en) * | 1973-05-16 | 1974-11-05 | G Jenkins | Package for disposal of chewing gum |
| IL51585A (en) * | 1977-03-03 | 1978-09-29 | Zion Yasur | Dual purpose container |
| JPH07102868B2 (en) * | 1986-06-23 | 1995-11-08 | 憲司 中村 | Package |
| JPH01139378A (en) * | 1987-11-16 | 1989-05-31 | Kenji Arai | Manufacture of trash box for tissue paper and compressed tissue paper box |
| US4879442A (en) * | 1988-08-22 | 1989-11-07 | Giovine Robert L | Tissue container and waste tissue receptacle |
| US5054612A (en) | 1988-11-07 | 1991-10-08 | Meyer Jr Otto E | Facial tissue sanitary system including closure sealer |
| US4919302A (en) | 1989-01-23 | 1990-04-24 | Mcpherson Donald S | Tissue box with disposal compartment |
| US4955505A (en) * | 1989-06-23 | 1990-09-11 | Battaglia Michael A | Trash receptacle lining system |
| US5076465A (en) * | 1989-08-14 | 1991-12-31 | Lawson Roderick A | Refillable pocket tissue holder |
| USD312934S (en) * | 1989-09-01 | 1990-12-18 | Shapland Orville C | Combined tissue dispenser and trash receptacle |
| US5007531A (en) * | 1989-12-22 | 1991-04-16 | Jimi Lighten | Shower kit |
| US5013099A (en) * | 1990-01-22 | 1991-05-07 | Styles Delbert G | Tissue dispenser |
| US5129545A (en) | 1990-05-29 | 1992-07-14 | Parks Lance K | Container for dispensing and disposing of tissues |
| US5048582A (en) * | 1990-07-03 | 1991-09-17 | Whitfield Georgia L | Compartmented handbag with directional map |
| US5111626A (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1992-05-12 | Fortune Jeffrey L | Self-contained modular unit |
| US5127545A (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1992-07-07 | French R Todd | Pouch for holding and dispensing facial tissues |
| DE4234787C2 (en) * | 1992-10-15 | 1996-05-23 | Dieter Reif | Cradle |
| US5803249A (en) * | 1996-06-03 | 1998-09-08 | Harsanyi, Jr.; Steve | Medical clean up kit |
| US5669085A (en) * | 1996-06-19 | 1997-09-23 | Wilson; David W. | Water-resistant multifunctional bathroom fixture |
| US5938094A (en) * | 1996-12-16 | 1999-08-17 | Forhan; Dennis P. | Collapsible receptacle/dispenser for trash bags |
| US5868227A (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 1999-02-09 | Garcia; Geralyn | Carry pack for diapers and accessories |
| US6129239A (en) * | 1997-06-17 | 2000-10-10 | Fukazawa; Noriko | Pocket tissue holder with additional holding capability |
| US6073899A (en) * | 1998-08-18 | 2000-06-13 | Omrani; Shahram Shawn | Universal tissue box hanger |
| US5971142A (en) * | 1998-09-17 | 1999-10-26 | Jones; William S. V. | Absorbent wipe dispensing device |
| US6164442A (en) * | 1999-08-19 | 2000-12-26 | Stravitz; David M. | Multi-part, multi-fold, multi-compartment portable carrying and storage case |
| GB2357494A (en) * | 1999-11-26 | 2001-06-27 | Barbara Winifred Hewitt | Tissue dispensing and disposal box |
| US6315151B1 (en) * | 2000-01-11 | 2001-11-13 | The Procter & Gamble Co. | Collapsible container and method of making |
| US6431360B1 (en) * | 2000-05-19 | 2002-08-13 | Nice-Pak Products, Inc. | Holder for a dispenser package |
| US6371296B1 (en) * | 2000-11-20 | 2002-04-16 | Sheila Rumbough | Stuffy box |
| US6439386B1 (en) * | 2000-11-30 | 2002-08-27 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Packaged absorbent paper product, container, and dispensing method |
| US20020121451A1 (en) * | 2001-03-05 | 2002-09-05 | Narayanan Subramanian | Tissue-dispensing device in combination with a discarding receptacle |
-
2002
- 2002-06-18 AU AU2002315198A patent/AU2002315198A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-06-18 JP JP2003505244A patent/JP2005520575A/en active Pending
- 2002-06-18 CA CA002450790A patent/CA2450790A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-06-18 WO PCT/US2002/019145 patent/WO2002102690A2/en active Application Filing
- 2002-06-18 EP EP02742145A patent/EP1404600A2/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2005520575A (en) | 2005-07-14 |
| WO2002102690A3 (en) | 2003-04-24 |
| AU2002315198A1 (en) | 2003-01-02 |
| EP1404600A2 (en) | 2004-04-07 |
| WO2002102690A2 (en) | 2002-12-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |