EP2337752B1 - Dispenser for z-folded precut wiping materials stored in cardboard cassette packaging - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of dispensing devices and materials for dispensing wiping materials, paper towels, paper towels, paper towels, in the pre-cut state, folded in Z.

The use of dispensers of automatic cutting wiping materials for which the applicant has developed a very large number of inventions which are the object of exploitation is known.

We know from the document DE 10024425 a dispenser including a cover for dispensing wiping materials from a box, the housing being capable of receiving two boxes of different configuration for output from above or from below.

The documents US 2003/057221 , DE10224770 , FR 2771620 are also cited under the state of the art.

The applicant has also developed, from new research, a dispensing apparatus of pre-cut wiping materials with loading of blocks of materials defined in the document FR 2 932 671 . In the concept thus defined, the scrolling of the strip of material, taking place from a stack of Z-folded material, causes its passage between the stack portion and the inner wall of a cover to exit from below by a profiled central window allowing the exit of the material while stops around said window have a recess allowing a guiding the material pulled out of the apparatus and facilitating the separation of a tape format from the adjacent precut line.

The applicant continued his research work with the design of a dispensing box of pre-cut wiping materials using, from its parallelepipedal volume, a profiled shutter with a half-moon shape which is disposed underlying the upper horizontal shutter of the box, itself arranged with a complementary complementary half-moon shape to the previous one and, after approximation and embedding one into the other, the configuration of a guide path and a shaping the strip of pulled material for separation according to the pre-established precut line. In this case, the packaging box made of cardboard could be disposable at the end of use.

The applicant has pursued further research with a view to proposing to consumers a new concept of distributors which offers the possibility of having specific storage of cardboard packaging boxes in the form of disposable cassettes for the distribution of strips of wiping material. precut folded in Z.

The solution proposed by the applicant thus aims to take account of the configuration of the cassette packaging boxes by allowing, from two configurations of cassette packaging, said distribution of wiping materials.

According to a first characteristic, the dispenser of pre-cut wiping materials stored in packaging, cardboard cassettes is type implementing a system comprising a common housing capable of receiving two packaging boxes of different configuration allowing a different outlet from above or from the distributor of the strip of material pulled for cutting, characterized in that it comprises in combination with two types of lids fitting on said housing, and in that said lids themselves are arranged to fit with both types of boxes and allow the output of the strip of material to be cut, at locations different from the dispenser, and in that the combination of the forms of the housing, the shapes of the packaging boxes and the shapes of the covers is the only one allowing the distribution and the separation of the bands of wiping material in the given format.

These and other characteristics will be apparent from the rest of the description.

• La figure 1 est une vue du distributeur de matériaux d'essuyage prédécoupé susceptible de recevoir, à partir d'un carter récepteur de deux types de boîtes emballages à sortie de matériaux différents et deux couvercles adaptés à chaque type de boîtes emballage.
• La figure 2 illustre, dans une première variante, une boîte emballage de matériaux d'essuyage prédécoupé avant fermeture.
• La figure 3 est une vue complémentaire à la figure 2, la boîte emballage étant fermée.
• La figure 4 est une vue du distributeur recevant la boîte emballage, selon les figures 2 et 3, en position fermée et en sortie de matériau en position haute avec une première configuration du couvercle.
• La figure 5 est une vue en coupe selon la figure 4 montrant la sortie de la bande de matériau prédécoupée.
• La figure 6 est une vue de la boîte emballage, selon la seconde version, en position d'ouverture.
• La figure 7 est une vue du distributeur de matériau d'essuyage prédécoupé rangé dans la boîte emballage de la figure 6, le couvercle réalisé dans une autre configuration étant fermé.
• La figure 8 est une vue en coupe, selon la figure 7, du distributeur.

For fixing the object of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner to the drawings where:

• The figure 1 is a view of the pre-cut wiper material dispenser capable of receiving, from a receiving casing of two types of outgoing packaging boxes of different materials and two lids adapted to each type of packaging boxes.
• The figure 2 illustrates, in a first variant, a pre-cut box of pre-cut wiping materials before closing.
• The figure 3 is a complementary view to the figure 2 , the packaging box being closed.
• The figure 4 is a view of the dispenser receiving the packaging box, according to the Figures 2 and 3 , in the closed position and at the material outlet in the high position with a first configuration of the cover.
• The figure 5 is a sectional view according to the figure 4 showing the exit of the strip of precut material.
• The figure 6 is a view of the packaging box, according to the second version, in the open position.
• The figure 7 is a view of the distributor of pre-cut wiping material stored in the packaging box of the figure 6 , the lid made in another configuration being closed.
• The figure 8 is a sectional view, according to the figure 7 , from the distributor.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings.

The Z-folded pre-cut wiper material dispenser is referenced as a whole by D. It allows the dispensing of wiping materials stored from a system comprising a common housing (1) capable of accommodating two B1 packaging boxes. B2 of different configuration allowing a different outlet from the top or the bottom of the distributor of the strip of material pulled for cutting and this in combination with two types of lids C1 - C2 fitting on said housing, said lids being themselves arranged to fit with two types of boxes and allow the output of the strip of material to be cut at different locations of the dispenser. We thus refer to the figure 1 which perfectly illustrates this arrangement.

The casing (1) has a parallelepipedal shape open towards the front with a rear face (1a), two lateral faces (1b-1c) and a horizontal bottom face (1d) allowing the reception of one of the chosen boxes ( B1 or B2). The casing has, in its lower part (1d) a cutout (1d1) corresponding in width to the complementary cutouts formed on the cover (C2). The casing also has two lugs (1e) in lower overflow with an opening (1f) for the articulation of one of the lids (C1 or C2) chosen. The rear face is itself arranged with two tongues (1g) pre-cut on three sides and flexible ensuring a pushing effect in contact with the box (B1) or (B2) stored.

The covers (C1) and (C2) have a common configuration with a front wall (2a) corresponding to the front opening of the housing and a horizontal upper wall (2b) provided with a closing and locking means (3) the type of key and two side wings (2c) whose lower leg end is provided with an opening (2d) for the passage of a hinge pin (4) with the housing.

In the first version, the cover (C1) has at the junction point between the front wall (2a) and the upper horizontal wall (2b) a cutout (2c) forming a window for the passage of the strip of material drawn from of the box (B1). This cutout is substantially of rectangular configuration and is in the middle part of the lid. In addition, the cover (C1) has on the underside and inside of its upper wall a profiled support plate (2f) with elastic deformation capacity. As illustrated figure 1 , this plate (2f) has a U-shaped profile with the end of its branches (2f1) fixed by bonding, welding, or rivets to said upper wall (2b). This plate is intended to bear on the upper flap of the box (B1) as it will be exposed thereafter. It should be noted that the horizontal lower end (2g) of the front wall (P1) is rectilinear.

According to the configuration of the cover (C2), the upper wall (2b) has no specific arrangement except the means (3) for closing and locking. On the other hand, the lower end (2g) of the front wall has a cutout or window (2h) central for the passage of the strip of drawn material. In addition, on either side of this window are established two stops (2m) in a perpendicular plane and have a recess (2m1) for guiding material pulled out of the device and facilitating the separation of a format of strip from the adjacent precut line.

The specific configuration of each box (B1) (B2) must be described.

For box B1, we refer to Figures 2 to 5 . This box of parallelepipedal shape, and made of cardboard comprises a body (5) monobloc having a plurality of flanks and fold zones for folding said flanks for shaping the box in its constitution of use. This body comprises a stable base defined by a horizontal bottom flank (5a) on which the stack of pre-cut wiping material (M) is supported, a vertical leading edge (5b), two lateral flanks (5c) and an upper flank horizontal (5d). The latter has wings (5d1) which are able to fit internally by being adjacent to the lateral flanks in a space formed with a flap (5c1) formed on each lateral plane. The upper horizontal flank is in firm support on the lateral flanks. It further comprises a recess (5d2) established opposite the corresponding side blank and near the fold zone of the upper sidewall (5d) and the leading edge (5b) to allow the insertion of a tongue (5c1) formed on a rear flap (5e) described below. The leading edge (5b) also has a viewing window (5b1) located in the lower part of the body for controlling the volume of the material stack. It is also provided along the fold line and in the central part between the front flank (5b) and the horizontal upper flank (5d) on the one hand and the front flank (5b) and the bottom flank (5a) of the windows (5f) - (5g) rectangular to oblique end panels to facilitate the positioning of the fingers of the user when drawing the paper. As indicated above, the body has a rear flap (5e) hinged along the fold line with the bottom flank (5a). This flap comprises two successive parts articulated to each other by a fold line with a portion (5e2) vertical corresponding to the leading edge (5b) and a portion (5e3) in the form of upper flap provided with tongues (5c1) to fit above the upper flank (5d) and in the notches or intervals arranged for this purpose by the side flanks and their flap.

As shown figure 2 , the portion (5e3) is tilted along the arrow (F1) and is superimposed on the upper flank (5d). However, said portion (5e3) and the upper flank (5d) are not in contact to define an interval I sufficient for the passage of the strip of wiping material as it appears figure 5 . The profiled U-shaped support plate, as shown figure 5 comes elastically on the upper portion (5e3) of the flap (5e) without, however, block the distribution of the strip of material that scrolls as and when required. The separation of the material strip format takes place when the strip leaves the upper window, with a narrowed width relative to the width of the strip. The pressure action of the backing plate is sufficient to provide a cut along the pre-cut line established on the web of material. Thus, at the top exit and in a horizontal plane, the strip of material passes between the flank (5d) and flap (5e) having flat shapes and no reflection.

Referring now to box (B2), illustrated figure 6 , 7 and 8 by combining with the cover (C2) and the common housing.

In this case, the box (B2) of parallelepipedal shape is made of cardboard and comprises a body (6) integral with a plurality of flanks and fold zones for the folding of said flanks by shaping the box in its constitution use. This body comprises a stable base defined by a horizontal bottom flank (6a) on which the stack of pre-cut wiping material (M) is supported, a vertical front flank (6b), two lateral flanks (6c) and a rear flank (6d). The lateral flanks have inner flaps (6c1) defining an interval for the engagement of flaps (6d1) formed on the flap portion (6d2) of the rear flank (6d). The flap (6d2) is in the extension of the rear vertical portion (6d3) of said flank (6d). This flap (6d2) is in a horizontal position when closed. In addition, the leading edge (6b) is of less height than the height of the side flanks to reveal a large window for the passage of the strip of pre-cut material drawn. The upper edge (6b1) of the leading edge is curvilinear to allow guiding the strip of material.

In use situation, represented figure 8 the strip of drawn material bypasses the front flank by its curvilinear upper edge and passes between the inner wall and the cover (C2) and the facing wall of the front flank to open towards the bottom of the box. In addition, along the fold line between the bottom flank (6a) and the front flank (6b) is formed a rectangular window (6e) with oblique ends to facilitate the gripping of the material by the user.

This cover (C2) presenting the exit window of the strip of material with the abutments (2m) on either side, the cutting of the strip of material drawn is carried out without problems along the precut line, the strip of material emerging on a narrowed width. So, in output low and in a vertical plane, the strip of material passes between the flank (6h) of cardboard and the cover (C1) of plastic material.

The advantages are apparent from the invention. It highlights the new design of the dispenser adapted to receive packaging boxes possibly different configuration and allowing by a simple modification of the cover to associate the wiping material dispensers. The packaging boxes are advantageously disposable after exhaustion of the strip of material to be dispensed. The manipulations are simple to execute.

The packaging boxes themselves can not dispense separate sizes of strips of wiping material, nor can the dispenser without a packaging box distribute separate sizes of materials. It is the combination of the characteristics of the casing, its covers (C1) and (C2) and the boxes (B1) or (B2) which have the function of distribution of the wiping material and the separation of the formats.

At high output, that is to say in a horizontal plane, Figures 2 to 5 , it is the cover (C1) which presses anti folds above the box (B1). The separation of the strips of wiping material is ensured by the sides of the outlet opening of the material acting as a separation stop.

At low output, that is to say in a vertical plane, the anti-crease pressure is provided by the two tabs (1g) formed on the housing. The separation of the formats at the base of the lid (C2) is effected by the stops (2m).

Claims (14)

1. Dispensing machine for pre-cut wipe materials stored in cardboard packaging containers of the type using a system comprising a common housing (1) capable of accommodating two packaging boxes (B1, B2) having different configurations allowing the pulled strip of material to emerge from the top or from the bottom of the dispensing machine so that it can be cut, characterised in that it comprises, in combination, two types of covers (C1, C2) which fit on said housing,
   and in that said covers are themselves designed to be compatible with the different types of boxes and to allow the strip of material that is to be cut to emerge at different locations on the dispensing machine,
   and in that the combined shapes of the housing (1), the shapes of the packaging boxes (B1, B2) and the shapes of covers (C1, C2) is the only combination which makes it possible to dispense and separate strips of wipe material in a given size.
2. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that housing (1) has a forwardly open parallelepiped shape with a rear face (1a), two lateral faces (1b-1c) and a horizontal bottom face (1d) making it possible to accommodate one of the chosen boxes (B1, B2),
   and in that the housing also has two lower protruding tabs (1e) with an opening (1f) in order to hinge one of the chosen covers (C1, C2),
   and in that the rear face itself is designed with two strips (1g) that are pre-cut on three sides and flexible so as to exert thrust when they come into contact with a stored box (B1, B2).
3. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that covers (C1, C2) have a common configuration with a forward front wall (2a) which corresponds to the front opening of the housing and a horizontal upper wall (2b) fitted with a means of closing and locking (3) of the key type and two lateral flanges (2c), the lower ends of which form a tab and have an opening (2d) through which a hinge pin (4) for the housing passes.
4. Dispensing machine, as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that cover (C1) has, at the point where front wall (2a) and horizontal upper wall (2b) meet, a cut-out (2e) forming a window through which the pulled strip of material originating from box (B1) can pass,
   and in that this cut-out has a substantially rectangular configuration and is located in the middle part of the cover,
   and in that cover (C1) has a shaped support plate (2f) capable of elastic deformation on the lower inner face of its upper wall, this plate being designed to press against the upper panel of box (B1).
5. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that support plate (2f) is U-shaped and the ends of its legs are attached to upper wall (2b).
6. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that cover (C2) is designed with a front wall having a lower edge (2g) having a central cut-out or window (2h) through which the pulled strip of material can pass,
   and in that, either side of this window there are two limits stops (2m) in a perpendicular plane which have a discontinuity (2m1) that makes it possible to guide the pulled material out of the machine and facilitates separation of a piece of strip starting from the adjacent perforated line.
7. Dispensing machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that parallelepiped box (B1) comprises a one-piece body (5) having a plurality of flanks and fold regions making it possible to fold said flanks in order to form the box into the shape in which it is used,
   and in that this body comprises a stable base defined by a horizontal bottom flank (5a) on which the stack of pre-cut wipe material (M) rests, a vertical front flank (5b), two lateral flanks (5c) and a horizontal upper flank (5d),
   and in that the upper flank has wings (5d1) that are capable of fitting inside and being adjacent to the lateral flanks in a space formed by a hem (5c1) formed on each lateral side and in that the horizontal upper flank presses firmly against the lateral flanks.
8. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the upper flank comprises a discontinuity (5d2) located opposite the corresponding lateral flank close to the fold region between upper flank (5d) and front flank (5b) to allow insertion of a tab (5e1) formed on a rear panel (5e).
9. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that front flank (5b) also has a view window (5b1) located in the lower part of the body so that the volume of stacked material can be checked.
10. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that it comprises, along the fold line and in the central part between front flank (5b) and horizontal upper flank (5d) on the one hand and front flank (5b) and bottom flank (5a) on the other hand, rectangular windows (5f - 5g) with slanting edges at their ends upstream from the point where the pieces of strip are separated.
11. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the body has a rear panel (5e) which is articulated along the fold line with bottom flank (5a),
    and in that this panel comprises two successive parts that are hinged relative to each other by a fold line with a vertical part (5e2) corresponding to front flank (5b) and a lid (5e3) in the form of an upper flap provided with tabs (5e1) in order to fit over upper flank (5d) and into the slots or gaps provided for this purpose by the lateral flanks and their hem.
12. Dispensing machine as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 and 6, characterised in that parallelepiped box (B2) comprises a one-piece body (6) having a plurality of flanks and fold regions making it possible to fold said flanks in order to form the box into the shape in which it is used,
    and in that this body comprises a stable base defined by a horizontal bottom flank (6a) on which the stack of pre-cut wipe material (M) rests, a vertical front flank (6b), two lateral flanks (6c) and a rear flank (6d),
    and in that the lateral flanks have inner hems (6c1) which leave a gap into which flaps (6d1) formed on panel part (6d2) of rear flank (6d) can fit,
    and in that panel (6d2) is an extension of the rear vertical part (6d3) of said flank (6d),
    and in that panel (6d2) is in a horizontal position when the box is closed,
    and in that the height of front flank (6b) is less than the height of the lateral flanks in order to leave a wide window through which the pulled strip of pre-cut material can pass,
    and in that the top edge (6b1) of the front flank is curved to make it possible to guide the strip of material.
13. Dispensing machine as claimed in any of claims 7 to 11, characterised in that, when the material emerges from the top in a horizontal plane, the strip of material passes between flank (5d) and panel (5e) which are flat and have no raised surface areas.
14. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that, when the material emerges from the bottom in a vertical plane, the strip of material passes between cardboard flank (6b) and plastic cover (C2).

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