DK2425756T3 - A device for dispensing folded, flat articles - Google Patents

Description

SPECIFICATION

The invention relates to an output device for folded, flat structures. Output devices are known from the prior art. They are generally used in public washrooms and can hold and output paper towels which have one type of fold, a C-fold, a V-fold, a W-fold, or Z-fold. However, no known output device can hold and in particular output paper towels with any type of fold. EP 1 297 771 A1 discloses a dispenser for outputting in particular napkins under the action of gravity according to the preamble of claim 1, which permits to remove napkins in particular individually. To this end, an elongated housing is arranged on a stand that has a base plate for secure footing at the bottom. At the lower end of the elongated housing an approximately V-shaped part, when viewed in cross section, is arranged, which has an opening that allows the removing person to remove napkins individually.

The object of the invention, therefore, is to provide an output device that enables to dispense folded sheet-like flat structures with any type of fold. The object is achieved by an output device according to claim 1 and a use of an output device according to claim 11.

Further advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the following description, the dependent claims, and the figures. However, the individual features of the described embodiments are not limited to these, but may be combined with each other and with other features into further embodiments within the scope of the claims.

An output device for folded, flat structures is proposed, preferably for paper towels, with at least one rear wall and two side walls adjacent thereto and a base region, wherein the base region has a removal opening extending longitudinally between the side walls, the removal opening adjoining a removal curvature of the base region extending into an interior of the output device, wherein the removal curvature extends between the rear side, which may also be called a rear edge, of the base region and the removal opening, and forms a recess in the rear wall.

Under an output device according to the invention, a person skilled in the art understands a device comprising a preferably refillable container that can hold flat products and can output them through the removal opening as needed. The output device has a rear wall, at least two side walls and a base region. For example, the base region is adjacent to both the side walls and the rear wall. Furthermore, the base region is preferably materially bonded to the side walls and/or the rear wall. Furthermore preferably, the rear wall, the side walls and the base region are formed in one piece. According to a further advantageous embodiment it is contemplated that the rear wall, the side walls and the base region are an injection moulded part, preferably made of a plastic material. In particular, the output device comprises a material selected from a group comprising at least thermoplastics.

According to one embodiment it is contemplated that the output device can be suspended, and preferably attached to a wall. According to one variation it is contemplated that the output device can be erected. An erectable output device has for example a stand so that the base region is spaced apart from an installation area. Particularly preferably, the output device is put into operation in such a way that the base region forms the region of the output device, in particular of a container of the output device, which is located lowest. The base region preferably forms the lower end of the output device. According to an embodiment it is contemplated that the base region is rectangular, preferably with two long sides and two short sides. The long sides are preferably at least about 2 times to about 2.5 times longer than the short sides. Particularly preferably, the short sides have a length of about 12 cm and the long sides have a length of about 26 cm. Further preferably, the side walls are associated with the short sides and the rear wall with a long side. The side of the base region at which the rear wall is arranged is called rear side. The side opposite the rear side of the base region is the front side. In an embodiment a cover is arranged on the front side by means of which the output device is preferably closable. According to a further variation it is contemplated that the cover is hinged to the side walls.

As far as the word "about" is used in the present invention, it indicates a tolerance range usual considered by a person skilled in the art. In particular, the term "about" refers to a tolerance range of ± 20 %, preferably ± 10 %.

According to one embodiment it is contemplated that the removal opening extends through the base region in a manner so that the flat structures arranged in the output device are easily accessible with one hand. Preferably, the flat structures are supported in the base region and close the removal opening. Therefore, a single flat structure that directly lies on the base region is always graspable from the outside. The removal opening is preferably rectangular, and is preferably formed with rounded corners. Furthermore, according to one embodiment the removal opening is oval or elliptical. The longitudinal extension of the removal opening between the side walls in the sense of the invention may also be understood as a substantially elliptical or oval removal opening with the major axis of the ellipse or of the oval arranged in parallel to the rear wall. According to a further variation it is contemplated that the removal opening comprises a rectangle with semi-circles placed at opposite ends. Moreover, according to one embodiment the removal opening represents a combination of several shapes, in particular the above-mentioned basic shapes with other shapes. For example, according to one variation it is contemplated that the removal opening is elliptical and that the ellipse has at least one circle arranged in the centre thereof, which widens the removal opening. Preferably, the centre of the circle is in the centre of the ellipse. According to a further embodiment it is contemplated that the basic shape is a rectangle, for example with opposed semi-circles preferably added at the short sides of the rectangle, and that one or more circular arcs define a widening. The basic shape is widened, for example substantially centrally, by a circle, an ellipse and/or a rectangle or any other shape. Other combinations of different shapes may also be used for designing the removal opening.

Furthermore, the removal opening is preferably arranged substantially centrally in the base region. Preferably, the removal opening has the same spacing to the front side and to the rear side of the base region. Moreover, according to one variation it is contemplated that the removal opening has the same spacing to each of the side walls.

According to one embodiment, the base region is a substantially planar face, preferably with rounded edges, in particular front and rear edges, which may also be called front or rear sides of the base region, in the transition region to the rear wall and/or side walls. The planar face may, in addition to the removal curvature, comprise further curvatures and/or deformations. According to a further embodiment it is contemplated that the base region is arranged at an angle of about 90° or greater relative to the rear wall, particularly preferably from about 92° to about 110°. According to a further embodiment it is contemplated that the base region is arranged at an angle of less than 90° relative to the rear wall, particularly preferable from about 80° to about 88°. Furthermore, one embodiment contemplates that a basic shape of the base region has a radius, preferably the base region is curved upwards from the rear wall, as seen in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the rear wall.

According to a further embodiment it is contemplated that the base region has a bending, for example so that a first portion of the base region, preferably adjoining the rear wall is disposed with a first angle of about 90° or greater to the rear wall, preferably about 92° to about 110°. A second portion of the base region has a second angle to the rear wall, which is different from the first angle and is, for example, about 90° or less, preferably about 80° to about 88°. Preferably the first portion and the second portion adjoin centrally between the rear side and the front side. Further preferably, the first portion and the second portion pass into one another in an arcuate fashion.

The side walls, the rear wall and the base region form a container which is preferably closable by a cover. Preferably, the cover encloses at least parts of the side walls, the base region and/or the rear wall. Flat structures are placed inside the container for being dispensed. The removal curvature is a curvature of the base region preferably adjacent the removal opening.

The removal curvature ensures that flat structures of any fold can be taken out. The removal curvature is preferably arranged between the rear side or rear edge of the base region and the removal opening, wherein the removal curvature is adjoining the removal opening. According to one embodiment it is contemplated that the removal curvature is arranged centrally between the side walls. By "centrally between the side walls" a skilled person understands that in the sense of the invention the boundaries of the curvature have the same spacing to the side walls.

In one embodiment, the removal curvature extends to the rear wall. According to the invention the removal curvature forms a recess in the rear wall of the output device. The rear wall has, for example, a substantially trapezoidal recess, wherein the trapezoidal recess outlines the removal curvature. In a preferred embodiment, the removal curvature has, in a cross section parallel to the rear wall, preferably at least in the plane of the rear wall, at least partially a trapezoidal shape, preferably with rounded corners, more preferably an approximately equalsided trapezoidal shape, more preferably a symmetric trapezoidal shape. According to a further embodiment it is contemplated that the trapezoidal shape varies in different cross sections through the base region parallel to the rear wall. Preferably, a width, more preferably the base of the trapezoid is longer in the region of the rear wall than in the region of the removal opening. Moreover, according to one embodiment it is contemplated that the side of the trapezoid which is arranged in parallel to the base is longer in the region of the rear wall than in the region of the removal opening.

Furthermore, one embodiment contemplates that the removal curvature has an at least partially rounded shape, preferably a circular section or semi-circle in a cross section in parallel to the rear wall. According to a variation it is contemplated that the removal curvature forms at least partially a segment of an ellipse in a cross section in parallel to the rear wall. In a further embodiment, the removal curvature outlines at least partially a surface portion of a cone, preferably of a cone whose apex is pointing towards the removal opening or front side.

According to a further embodiment it is contemplated that the removal curvature partly has a trapezoidal cross section and partly a rounded cross section, viewed in parallel to the rear wall in each case. Preferably, the rounded cross section is associated with the removal opening and the trapezoidal cross section is associated with the rear wall.

In particular, at least one side of the shape of the cross-section is an imaginary straight line, wherein an imaginary straight line runs along the portion of the base portion which is not curved or not associable to the removal curvature.

According to one embodiment it is contemplated that a width of the removal curvature varies from the removal opening toward the rear side, preferably widens toward the rear side. Width in this context refers to the widening of the removal curvature in parallel to the rear wall.

In a further preferred embodiment, the removal curvature has a smaller first width and a larger second width, wherein the first width is associated with the removal opening and the second width is associated with the rear wall of the output device.

Furthermore preferably, the removal curvature has a substantially level base face, which more preferably transitions into symmetrically curved faces. Furthermore preferably, the base face forms an oblique plane in the interior of the output device. In a further preferred embodiment, the removal curvature has a trapezoidal cross section in the region of the rear wall, which passes in the direction of the removal opening into an arcuate cross section, viewed parallel to the rear wall.

According to one embodiment it is contemplated that the base region comprises at least one guide aid for guiding the folded flat structure in the direction of the removal opening, wherein the guide aid is arranged between the removal opening and the front side, i.e. the front edge of the base region. A guide aid in the sense of the invention refers to a means which directs the flat structure purposefully. In particular, the flat structure is directed toward the removal opening, when the flat structure is moved by gravity or by a user of the output device.

According to one embodiment it is contemplated that the guide aid comprises a guide face extending into the interior of the output device, wherein the guide face is configured so as to at least partly rise from the removal opening toward the front side.

According to one variation it is contemplated that the guide face is a portion of the base region. Preferably, the guide face is a portion of the base region curved towards the interior of the output device. In a further variation, the guide aid is a means comprising webs, faces, curvatures and/or grids and is arranged inside the output device. According to one refinement, the webs, faces, curvatures and/or grids can be configured such that a face defined by the guide aid or its constituents declines, preferably steadily, starting from the front side towards the removal opening. Preferably, the flat structures are bent, at least by the guide aid, more preferably in functional relationship with the removal curvature. A bending of the flat structures, in particular of the flat structure directly adjacent to the removal opening further simplifies the removal of the flat structure from the output device. Furthermore, one variation contemplates that the guide aid is connected to the output device in a one-piece or multi-piece configuration.

According to one embodiment it is contemplated that the at least one guide face of the guide aid adjoins at least one side wall. Preferably, the guide face is materially bonded to the side wall and/or merges into it. Particularly preferably, the guide aid is formed in two parts, with a guide face adjoining both side walls and being materially bonded thereto, which guide face declines continuously towards the removal opening, is further preferably arranged in the interior of the output device in form of a curvature. Preferably, the guide faces are formed in parallel to the front side starting from a side wall to approximately an end region of the removal opening.

Furthermore, a use of an output device as described above is suggested for folded flat structures with a fold selected from a group at least comprising a C-fold, a Z-fold, a W-fold and/or a V-fold.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment it is intended that the output device is configured for outputting flat structures of any type of fold, in particular a C-fold, a Z-fold, a W-fold, and a V-fold.

Flat structure in the sense of the invention will be understood by a skilled person as a tissue product, a non-woven product, and/or a woven product, for example. For example, the flat structure is a paper towel, a handkerchief, a cleaning wipe, or a wet wipe. The flat structures may have any dimension.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following drawings. However, the embodiments shown therein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather the features described therein may be combined with each other and with the features described above into further embodiments within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that the reference numerals given in the description of the figures do not limit the scope of the present invention, but merely refer to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The same parts or parts with the same function are designated with the same reference numerals below. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows an output device in different views;

Fig. 2 shows the output device of Fig. 1 in a perspective view;

Fig. 3 shows three cross-sectional views through an output device together with appropriately enlarged sectional views of the base region;

Fig. 4 shows a C-fold of a flat structure;

Fig. 5 shows a V-fold of a flat structure;

Fig. 6 shows a Z-fold of a flat structure; and Fig. 7 shows a W-fold of a flat structure.

Fig. 1 shows different views of an output device 1 for paper towels. Shown from top to bottom are: a bottom view, a front elevational view, and a top plan view. Furthermore, to the right of the front elevational view, a side elevational view is shown.

Output device 1 has a rear wall 2 and a base region 3, wherein in the illustrated embodiment base region 3 is materially bonded to rear wall 2. In the base region a removal opening 4 is arranged adjacent to a removal curvature 5 of base region 3. Removal curvature 5, arranged between removal opening 4 and a rear side/edge 22 of base region 3 has a first width 5.1 and a second width 5.2. First width 5.1 is associated with removal opening 4 and second width 5.2 is associated with rear wall 2. The width of removal curvature 5 varies from rear wall 2 to removal opening 4 so that first width 5.1 is smaller than second width 5.2. The widths designated here, 5.1 and 5.2, are the maximum opening widths of the removal curvature in a section parallel to the rear wall. In one embodiment, removal curvature 5 has a substantially level base face 5.3 which passes into symmetrically curved faces 5.4 which in turn pass into a portion of base region 3 which is not curved but is optionally arcuate as seen in a cross section perpendicular to rear wall 2. Base face 5.3 also has widths, not indicated in more detail here, with a first width associated with removal opening 4 and a second width associated with rear wall 2. The widths of base face 5.3 are preferably smaller than the respectively corresponding maximum widths 5.1 and 5.2. Removal curvature 5 forms a recess 20 in rear wall 2 of output device 1.

Removal opening 4 is configured as a rectangle with added semicircles, and in the middle between side walls 9 the rectangle is widened arcuately on both sides, and more towards the front side. Circular arc sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the removal opening are configured differently here, in particular a first circular arc section 4.1 has a larger radius than a second circular arc section 4.2.

Through removal curvature 5 a user can easily access the flat structures, such as paper towels, arranged in the output device. Removal curvature 5 allows to reach for the paper towels with the open palm up, and the fingers can grasp the paper towel higher when gripping the paper towel than in an output device without a removal curvature. In case of an output device without the removal curvature a user needs to manipulate the paper towel out from the removal opening with several fingers directly from below in particular at one end of the paper towel. Generally, the fingers usually scrap the paper towel until an end of the paper towel becomes graspable. In the output device according to the invention the removal curvature leads to a curving of the paper towel, so that with any type of fold an end or an edge of the paper towel will slightly stick out from the rest of the paper towel and thus makes grasping for it easier.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, output device 1 has a cover 6 which closes off the container consisting of rear wall 2, side walls 9 and base region 3 to the front and upwards. In particular, cover 6 is configured such that it also covers side walls 9. Particularly advantageously, cover 6 is pivotally connected to output device 1. For this purpose, it is contemplated in the shown embodiment that side walls 9 have a hinge 16 which permits pivoting of cover 6 around hinge 16. To avoid accidental opening of cover 6 or to avoid unwanted manipulations, a lock 7 is provided on top of cover 6, which engages when cover 6 is closed and can preferably be opened again by means of a key. A locking member 7.1 of lock 7 can be seen in the bottom view of Fig. 1. On a front side 10 of cover 6 there is a window 8 which is preferably intended for indicating the filling level of output device 1.

Fig. 2 shows the output device 1 of Fig. 1 in a perspective view. Removal curvature 5 is clearly visible, which starting from a face defining the base region over a curved face 5.4 reaches its highest point in base face 5.3. As can be seen in Fig. 2, base face 5.3 is arranged relative to the rear wall at an angle of greater than 90° not indicated, here approximately 100°, so that base 5.3 forms an oblique plane in an interior 11 (see Fig. 3) of output device 1, which causes the flat structures to slide towards of removal opening 4 and/or lightly bends the flat structures, so that preferably one end of the flat structure slightly sticks out from the rest of the folded flat structures preferably in the region of removal opening 4. Furthermore, it can be seen that at least in the region of rear wall 2, removal curvature 5 has a trapezoidal cross section. In particular, towards removal opening 4 the trapezoidal cross section transitions into an arcuate cross section in parallel to rear wall 2.

Fig. 2 clearly shows, that cover 6 closes a container comprising base region 3, rear wall 2 and side walls 9. Both side walls 9 and base region 3 are at least partially enclosed by cover 6. In particular, a cover portion 6.1 encloses a front portion of base region 3 and a cover portion 6.2 encloses side wall 9.

Fig. 3 shows an output device 1 in a bottom view and three sectional views through the output device, A, B and C. Section C cuts through the output device in the center, preferably at an axis of symmetry of the output device. Clearly visible is lock 7 with locking member 7.1, which is mounted on rear wall 2 and holds cover 6 in the closed position. In the interior 11, sheet guides 13 are arranged on side walls 9, which ensure that the flat structures or paper towels are guided towards the rear wall when sliding down, so that a smooth removal is enabled. Sheet guides 13 are configured as webs which are disposed perpendicularly on side walls 9.

Section C moreover shows base face 5.3 of removal curvature 5. It is easy to recognize that base face 5.3 is arranged at an angle 17 of approximately 100° to rear wall 2. Also apparent from section C is that the removal curvature is directly adjacent to removal opening 4. Furthermore, section C also shows a guide aid 12 in the interior 11 of output device 1. Section C shows an elevational view of the guide aid. As shown for example in section A, guide aid 12 is configured as a curvature in the interior 11 of output device 1 in base region 3. Guide aid 12 consists of two parts and is arranged on both sides of removal opening 4 in parallel to a front side/edge 21 of base region 3. Furthermore, two-part guide aid 12 directly adjoins side wall 9. A first advantage of guide aid 12 is a smooth removal of the flat structures through removal opening 4, a further advantage is that guide aid 12 is configured so that it causes flat structure to slightly bend thereby facilitating removal thereof. The surface of guide aid 12 is a face that extends continuously downwards from the front side in the direction towards the removal opening. The two parts of guide aid 12 are interrupted in the middle by a flat portion of base region 3 and extend from side walls 9 in parallel to the front side to end portions of removal opening 4.

Also apparent from Fig. 3 is that base region 3 extends in an arc from rear wall 2.

Fig. 4 shows a flat structure 14 in a C-fold. What is schematically illustrated here is that the C-folded flat structures are loosely stacked on top of each other.

Fig. 5 shows a flat structure 14 in a V-fold. The schematically shown sequence of the pre-folded flat structures shows that these are interfolded or interstacked so that as soon as a flat structure is removed from the removal opening of output device 1 the next flat structure 14 is easily pulled along so that the following removal is simplified.

Fig. 6 shows a flat structure 14 in a Z-fold. The schematic illustration of the folding or stacking of the z-folded flat structures shows that, similarly to the V-fold, the individual flat structures are stacked interengaged so that upon removal of a flat structure a portion of the following flat structure is pulled along.

Fig. 7 shows a flat structure 14 in a W-fold. The schematically illustrated sequence or folding of the individual structures shows that the flat structures folded in a W-shape are preferably materially bonded together and are only separated by a perforation 15 that is schematically illustrated. Furthermore, it can be seen that two layers of W-folded flat structures 14 are folded into each other, so that the layers can be alternatingly teared off or removed from the removal device.

Claims (11)

A dispensing device (1) for folded flat objects (14) having at least one rear wall (2) and two adjacent said side walls (9) and a bottom region (3), the bottom region (3) having a recess opening (4). ) extending longitudinally between the sidewalls, the withdrawal opening (4) adjacent to a withdrawal arch (5) located in the bottom region (3) which extends into an interior (11) of the dispensing device (1) whereby the withdrawal arch (5) ) extends between the back side (22) of the bottom region (3) and the take-out opening (4), characterized in that the take-out arch forms a recess (20) in the back wall (2). Dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the withdrawal arch (5) is arranged in the middle between the side walls. Dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a width of the withdrawal arch (5) varies from the withdrawal opening (4) to the back (22). Dispensing device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the withdrawal arch (5) has a first smaller width (5.1) and a larger second width (5.2), whereby the first width (5.1) is associated with the withdrawal opening (4) and the the second width (5.2) is associated with the rear wall (2). Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the withdrawal arch (5) has a substantially flat base surface (5.3). Dispensing device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the base surface (5.3) in the interior (11) of the dispensing device (1) forms an inclined plane. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the back wall (2) the take-out arch (5) has a trapezoidal cross-section, which in the direction of the take-out opening (4) goes into an arcuate cross-section, seen parallel to the back wall ( two). Dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom region (3) has at least one guide aid (12) for guiding the folded flat-shaped object (14) in the direction of the withdrawal opening (4), whereby the guide aid (12) is arranged between the take-out opening (4) and a front side (21) of the bottom region (3). Dispensing device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the guide auxiliary (12) has a guide surface which extends into the interior (11) of the dispensing device (1), whereby the guide surface is formed increasing in the direction from the withdrawal opening to the front side ( 21). Dispensing device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the guide surface is adjacent to at least one side wall (9). Use of a dispensing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 for dispensing folded, flat-shaped objects (14) with a fold selected from a group comprising at least one C-fold, Z-fold, W-fold. folding and / or V-folding.