Classifications

• • 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
  • A47K10/421—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked dispensing from the top of the dispenser
• • 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
  • A47K10/16—Paper towels; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
  • A47K10/18—Holders; Receptacles
  • A47K10/185—Holders for boxes of tissue

Definitions

• the present application pertains to a dispenser for dispensing tissue paper, in particular kitchen paper, tissue towels, facial tissues, toilet paper napkins etc.
• the predominant technology is based on paperboard boxes that are used to distribute tissue paper, in particular facial tissue papers.
• the paperboard boxes are also used as the dispensers for the tissue paper and typically comprise a dispensing opening in the top wall of the box.
• the tissue paper itself is typically provided in the form of separate, Z -shaped sheets that are folded together in a concertina fashion such that the dispenser is self- dispensing. In other words, if one sheet is withdrawn from the box, it pulls, at the same time, the subsequent sheet at least partly through the dispensing opening such that also the subsequent sheet can be easily grasped by a user.
• the facial tissue paper boxes are sold as such typically in retail markets and are disposed of after having dispensed the last tissue paper.
• JP 2006- 198379 A discloses a tissue paper box holder for use on a side face of e.g. a desk.
• JP 40-28589 Bl pertains to an insertion-type stand for the above mentioned paper board tissue paper boxes and has an insertion portion which can be inserted into the paper board tissue paper box on the short side surfaces of uhe box.
• US 2004/0245422 Al pertains to a tissue paper box holder, into which the paper board tissue paper boxes can be fixedly clamped.
• tissue paper dispensers for private homes, in particular for dispensing tissue kitchen paper in private kitchens, it is desired to provide a dispenser which is versatile and, at the same time, easy to adjust to different kitchen styles.
• an object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for dispensing tissue paper which is highly versatile and easy to adjust to the interior.
• the dispenser comprises an inner core for receiving the tissue paper to be dispensed, wherein the inner core has a dispensing opening for dispensing the tissue paper.
• the dispenser furthermore, comprises an outer shell arranged to receive the inner core, wherein the outer shell has a dispensing opening which is aligned with the dispensing opening of the inner core when the inner core is received in the outer shell.
• the outer shell has at least one long side and at least one short side, the outer shell having at least one open side situated perpendicular to the wall carrying the dispensing opening of the outer shell and being situated in the long side, wherein the inner core is insertabie into the outer shell in a direction perpendicular to the long side.
• the provision of these two di fferent structural parts namely the inner core and the outer shell
• the provision of a highly flexible, versatile dispenser is enabled.
• the inner core as a stand alone dispenser for dispensing the tissue paper received therein, e.g. when placing the inner core on the kitchen table or near the cooker when cooking.
• the inner core in a situation in which it is received in the outer shell.
• the outer shell may then serve as a holder to fixate the inner core in a certain position in a room.
• the outer shell can be fixedly mounted or attached to a wall or to any other surface, e.g. below a kitchen cabinet.
• the inner core is then, in the situation in which it is received in the outer shell, fixed such that a one-handed dispensing is eased, and is, at the same time, reliably stored away.
• An additional advantage of the provision of the two different structural parts is that the outer appearance of the dispenser can be easily adapted to the interior of the respective room, in particular by choosing different materials or designs for the inner core and the outer shell.
• the inner core has to be received in the outer shell and the dispensing process can be carried out withour any need to hold or fixate the inner core which contains rhe tissue paper towels.
• the inner core can be inserted into the outer shell in a direction perpendicular to the long side, the insertion can be done quickly and also one-handed, if necessary. Furthermore, an insertion perpendicular to the long dimension of the outer shell i.e. through one of the long sides of the outer shell has the effect that the long side of the inner core is visible. This opens up specific design possibilities by choosing the respective materials. Furthermore, in particular when using a rransparent/see-through material for the inner core, the filling status of the inner core can be easily observed.
• the outer shell has two open sides, in particular on the respective long sides which are perpendicular to the long side of the outer shell which carries the dispensing opening.
• the inner shape of the outer shell substantially corresponds to the outer shape of the inner core.
• This preferred embodiment enables a secure and reliable connection between the inner core and the outer shell in the inserted state.
• a close adherence to the outer shape of the inner core is preferred form an aesthetic point of view as well.
• the outer shell is formed from a band-shaped material, in particular from a metallic ban ⁇ -shaped material, preferably aluminium and/or stainless steel, or from a band-shaped plastic material, the band- shaped material having substantially the width of the inner core .
• the outer shell is made from an extruded metallic material, preferably aluminium and/or stainless steel, or from an extruded plastic material.
• the inner core may be provided in the form of a re-closable container having an outer shape which resembles the inner shape of the outer shell.
• a re-closable container has the advantage that tissue paper can be filled in and the container be reclosed in order to provide a reliable and rather dust-proof and/or moisture-proof assembly.
• the inner core is provided in the form of a re- closable container defining a volume for receiving the tissue paper to be dispensed, the volume being in particular arranged to receive loosely stacked tissue paper, tissue paper in an interconnected stack and/or tissue paper provided in a tissue paper box.
• the provision of the volume according to this arrangement and the dimensions implicit to this arrangement has the advantage that different types of tissue papers can be received in r and subsequently dispensed from the dispenser.
• tissue papers received in the inner core can be distributed to the end user in the form of a stack of papers simply bundled by a banderole and/or wrapped in a plastic material which will be removed before the papers are placed into the inner core.
• the papers will be distributed in a box, in particular a cardboard box, and the box with the papers will be placed into the volume of the inner core.
• the box When using a box, it is preferred to provide the box with openings substantially at the positions where the finger holes of the gripping means of the inner core are such that the level-indicating function of the finger holes can be maintained.
• the inner core is provided in the form of a basis and a lid, wherein the lid is intended to re-close the inner core, wherein the dispensing opening preferably sits directly in the lid.
• the lid is intended to re-close the inner core, wherein the dispensing opening preferably sits directly in the lid.
• the inner core has a lid in a wall which differs from the wall that carries the dispensing opening.
• the lid is fastened to the basis via a snap-in connection, in particular in the form of an overlapping section of the lid, which carries a locking member which is connectable to a receiving member in the basis.
• the snap-in connection has the advantage that it can be produced in an efficient manner, on the one hand side, but provides for a secure and reliable closing of the lid compared to e.g. a friction coupling. This is in particular of importance when the inner core of the dispenser is used as a separate standalone dispensing device which mignt; be carried by gripping it on the lid or even in the dispensing opening.
• the inner core has at least one gripping means for gripping the inner core and in order to remove it from the outer shell.
• the gripping means is provided by virtue of at least one finger hole in a wall of the inner core which is situated perpendicular to the side carrying the dispensing opening.
• the dispensing opening of the outer shell as well as the dispensing opening of the inner core extend in the long direction of the outer shell and the inner core. This arrangement enables making efficient use of the available volume and space of the dispenser.
• the dispenser comprises tissue paper having a length, wherein the tissue paper is situated inside the inner core and wherein the length of the dispensing opening of the inner core is shorter than the length of the tissue paper.
• the outer shell preferably has at least one indentation for receiving feet of the inner core which have a shape which is complementary to the shape of the indentation.
• the indentation preferably extends in the insertion direction.
• the inner core is provided with additional feet which improve the stability of the inner core when used alone, these feet can be easily slid into the outer shell when the indentations are provided.
• the provision of the indentations in the outer shell also might improve the stability of the outer shell/inner core system in the inserted position.
• the outer shell as well as the inner core are made from substantially rigid materials, in particular from a metallic material such as aluminium or stainless steel, or from a plastic material or wood.
• Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dispenser comprising an outer shell and an inner core
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the outer shell of the dispenser of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inner core of the embodiment shown in the previous Figures a closed state;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of the inner core of the previous Figures with the lid lifted;
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of the inner core of the previous Figures without the lid;
• Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the different parts of a dispenser, in particular the outer shell, the inner core and a tissue paper stack;
• Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a lid of an inner core in a second embodiment
• Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a basis part of the inner core of Figure 7 without the lid;
• Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an outer shell adapted to receive the inner core of Figures 7 and 8;
• Figure 10 shows the dispenser of Figures 7 to 9 in an assembled state, with the inner core received in the outer shell and fully equipped with tissue paper;
• Figure 11 is a schematic side view, a schematic length view and a schematic top view of the outer shell of Figure 9;
• Figure 12 is a schematic showing different possibilities of attaching che lid to the basis of the inner core
• Figure 13 is schematic showing different possible shapes of the dispensing opening of the inner core;
• Figure 14 shows two different possibilities of attaching the outer shell to a surface,- and
• Figure 15 shows different possible outer shapes of the dispenser.
• Figures 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the dispenser 1 of the present application.
• the dispenser 1 comprises an outer shell 2 and an inner core 3.
• the inner core 3 can be received in the outer shell 2, as it is shown in the schematic perspective diagram of Figure 1.
• the inner core 3 of the dispenser 1 includes a dispensing opening 30 for dispensing tissue paper which is contained inside the inner core 3.
• the outer shell 2 also includes a dispensing opening 20 which is aligned with the dispensing opening 30 of the inner core 3 when the inner core is received in the outer shell 2.
• Figure 1 shows this arrangement of the dispensing openings 20, 30.
• the dispensing opening 20 of the outer shell 2 is substantially larger than the dispensing opening 30 of the inner core 3 such that the actual dispensing characteristics of the dispenser 1 are substantially determined by the technical specification and characteristics of the dispensing opening 30 of the inner core 3.
• the dispensing opening 20 of the outer shell 2 does preferably not influence the dispensing characteristics of the dispensing opening 30 of the inner core 3 but simply enables dispensing of the tissue paper through the two aligned dispensing openings when the inner core 3 is received in the outer shell 2.
• the dispensing characteristics of the dispenser 1 can be altered by inserting the inner core 3 into the outer shell 2 in particular by giving the influence of the dispensing opening 20 of the outer shell 2 a heavier weight on the dispensing characteristics.
• This might be of relevance if it is necessary to change the dispensing characteristics of the dispenser when using it in different applications. For example, a slightly higher friction during the dispensing process might be desired in an application where the dispenser is mounted in an overhead position while the inner core 3 is received in the outer shell 2 compared to a situation in which the inner core 3 is used as a mobile dispenser on a table.
• Figure 2 shows the outer shell 2 in a schematic perspective drawing.
• the outer shell 2 has two short walls 22, which face one anther and two long walls 24 which likewise face one another.
• the dispensing opening 20 is present.
• indentations 26 are provided which are intended to receive feet of the inner core 3.
• the outer shell 2 perpendicular to the long top and bo-ctom walls 24, the outer shell 2 has two open sides 28.
• the inner core 3 can be slid into the outer shell 2 to be received therein in the sliding direction X as shown in Figure 2.
• the inner core 3 can be insened into the outer shell 2 through the open long side 28 of the outer shell 2, and in particular in a direction perpendicular to the respective dispensing openings 20, 30.
• the outer shell 2 is, in the form shown in the Figures, preferably made from an extruded metallic material, in particular an extruded aluminium or stainless s ⁇ :eel material.
• the outer shell 2 may be made from an extruded plastic material.
• the inner shape of the outer shell 2 corresponds to the outer shape of the inner core 3, as becomes immediately apparent from the Figures, in particular Figure 1.
• the outer shell 2 is made from a band-shaped material which is bent in the form shown in the Figures.
• the band-shaped material wnich may be used to manufacture the outer shell 2 may preferably be provided in the form of a metal band, in particular an aluminium and/or stainless steel band, and in the form of a band made from a plastic material.
• the band preferably has the width of the outer shell.
• the fastening means are provided at the indentations 26 such that: the outer shell 2 rests winh the indentations 26 only a ⁇ . the surface.
• Figures 3 to 5 show perspective views of the inner core 3 in different states.
• the inner core 3 comprises a basis 32 and a lid 34.
• the lid 34 is shown, In a state lifted from the basis 32.
• the tissue paper to be dispensed is held in the volume defined by the basis 32 and the lid 34 closes this volume.
• the dispensing opening 30 is provided in the lid 34.
• the lid 34 In order to connect rhe lid 34 to the basis 32, the lid 34 carries a locking member 340 in the form of an overlapping portion 342, as is schematically shown in Figure 4.
• the overlapping portion 342 is intended to overlap with a complementary portion of the basis 32.
• the lid 34 In order to lock the lid 34 an the basis 32, the lid 34 comprises a rib-like projection 344 in the overlapping portion 342. This rib-like projection 344 is intended to be snapped into a groove 324 of the respective complementary locking section 320 at the basis 32.
• the inner core 3 Is preferably made from a wooden material, a plastic material, in particular an injection molded plastic material, or a laminate from wooden and plastic materials.
• the material used for the inner core 3 is transparent or at least semi-transparent.
• the above-described rib-like protrusion 344 of the overlapping portion 342 snaps into the groove 324 when closing the lid such that the lid 34 is securely fastened to the basis 32 of the inner core 3.
• the elasticity enables snap locking the lid 34 to the basis 32.
• the lid 34 is fastened to the basis 32 by means of positive locking, friction locking, an adhesive, a magnet or other suitable locking mechanisms.
• Figure 5 shows the basis 32 of the inner core 3 alone, wirh the lid removed.
• stiffening ribs 326 are provided which, on the one hand, stiffen the side walls against any deformation that might result from gripping the inner core 3 and, on the other hand, serve as a support for the lid 34 in the closed position.
• the inner core 3 is, with the lid 34 attached, a relatively solid and structurally ridged container which can be gripped with one hand without being deformed by the pressure exerted to the side walls by the gripping hand.
• the outer contours of the inner core 3 closely correspond to the inner contours of the outer shell 2 such that only small gap is present between the two parts of the dispenser 1.
• gripping sections 40 are provided which serve to remove the inner core 3 from the outer shell 2.
• the gripping sections 40 may be provided in the form of through holes, or finger holes, which enable a user to insert a finger in order to properly grip the inner core 3.
• the finger holes 40 are provided In a paired manner and on borh sides of the inner core 3.
• the paired arrangement of the finger hole 40 has the advantage that the inner core 3 can be gripped with a single hand, in particular by inserting two fingers, for example thumb and index finger, into the finger holes 40 such that the inner core 3 can be securely held by a user by means of the two fingers.
• the provision of the gripping sections 40 on both sides of the inner core 3 has the advantage that it does not matter in which orientation the inner core 3 is inserted into the ou ⁇ er shell 2 but the user can grip and withdraw the inner core 3 from the outer shell 2 in bonh possible orientations.
• the finger openings 40 in tne inner core 3 also may serve the purpose of observing the filling level of the tissue paper present inside the inner core 3. In particular, it is possible to determine whether or not the volume inside the inner core 3 is sufficiently filled with tissue papers such that the tissue papers can be refilled at a suitable time. In rhis manner, the finger openings 40 can be used as a level-indicator for indicating the filling level of the paper to be dispensed which is contained within the inner core 3.
• a separate aperture is provided which serves as a separate level indicator, as will be shown in the embodiment of Figures 7 to 10 oelow.
• the inner core 3 can be slid into the outer shell 2 in the direction X which is perpendicular to the long wails 24.
• the inner core 3 can be slid into the outer shell 2 through the open sides 28 of the outer shell 2, wherein the open sides 28 are situated perpendicular to the top and bottom wails 24 of the outer shell 2.
• FIG. 6 schematically shows the process of assembling the dispenser 1 on the side of a user.
• tissue paper is provided in the form of a tissue paper stack 5, which contains separate tissue paper sheets that are folded in a zigzag manner and which are preferably interconnected such that, when removing the top sheet, the subsequent sheet will automatically be pulled out of the dispensing opening.
• the tissue paper sheets used with the dispenser 1 may have any suitable size which fits into the volume defined by the inner core 3.
• ⁇ he size and number of tissue paper sheets received in the inner core 3 substantially corresponds to the typical size and number of tissue papers present on a typical kitchen paper roll.
• the tissue paper sheets may have a size of 22 cm x 22 cm and 70 to 80 sheets can be fit into the volume defined by the inner core 3.
• the dispenser is self-dispensing by the provision of the zigzag sheets which are interconnected.
• the papers to be dispensed by means of the dispenser can be provided to the end user in different distributions.
• the papers may be provided in the form of a stack of single or interfolded tissue papers which are wrapped by a plastic wrapper and/or a banderole, preferably a paper banderole .
• the paper to be dispensed will be delivered to the end user in a box, preferably a cardboard box, wherein the box is inserted into the volume defined by the inner core.
• a box preferably a cardboard box
• openings are provided in the box in positions corresponding to the holes, the finger holes and/or the separate level indicating aperture of the inner core such that the level-indicating function can be maintained.
• the tissue paper stack 5 is inserted into the inner core 3, in particular by opening the lid, inserting the tissue paper stack and reclosing the lid of the inner core 3.
• the inner core 3 can then be either used as a stand alone dispenser, e.g. on a table, or can be slid, through the long side, into the outer shell 2 which might be attached to a wall or below a cabinet in a kitchen.
• the dispenser 1 can then also be used in a situation in which the inner core 3 is inserted into the outer shell 2.
• Figures 7 to 10 show a dispenser 1 in a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
• Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lid 34.
• the construction of the lid 34 is substantially identical to the one shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5.
• a dispensing opening 30 is provided, as well as a locking member 340 comprising an overlapping section 342 which likewise carries a rib-like projection 344.
• the dispensing opening 30 of the lid 34 of the inner core 3 has dimensions in its length which are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the tissue paper to be dispensed through the dispensing opening 30. This has the effect that, once a tissue paper has been withdrawn from the inner core 3, the next tissue paper is slightly crumpled, stands up and can be easily taken by a user.
• Figure 8 shows the part 32 of the inner core 3 in a perspective view.
• the technical features shown in Figure 8 are substantially identical to the ones shown and explained in Figure 5.
• a handle 40' instead of the finger holes presented in the previous embodiments is provided.
• the handle 40' is situated substantially in the same position as the finger holes in the previous embodiment.
• a level-indicating aperture 70 is present in a long side of the inner core 3.
• the level- indicating aperture 70 is intended to show the user the filling level of the tissue paper to be dispensed which is received in the volume defined by the inner core 3.
• the level-indicating aperture could also be provided in the form of a window or of a transparent section in the long side of the inner core. Depending on the design considerations and on the technical necessities, the (open) aperture or the (closed) window or transparent section approach may be more suitable .
• Figure 9 shows the outer shell 2 in a perspective view, the outer shell 2 having a dispensing opening 20 and indentations 26.
• the outer shell 2 can also be preferably mounted to a wall or to a cupboard or a cabinet, in particular by means of the provision of fastening means, in particular adhesive strips, screws, Velcro-fasteners , magnets, snap-in fasteners or other types of fasteners.
• the embodiment shown in Figure 9 substantially corresponds, as to the technical features, to the one described with respect to Figure 2.
• FIG 10 shows the dispenser 1 in an assembled state.
• the filling status of the tissue paper sheets can be easily observed.
• tissue paper sheets 5 are visible.
• Figure 11 shows in a side view, a view onto the small side and a top view the outer shell 2.
• the dispensing opening 20 of the outer shell 2 is provided in the middle in the width direction and extends in the longitudinal direction of the inner core 2.
• Figure 12 is a schematic of different possibilities of placing the lid 34 to the bottom or basis part 32 of the inner core 3.
• the second variant shown in Figure 13 is the one that is chosen for the embodiments shown and described above but the other possibilities could also be used.
• Figure 13 shows different possible shapes of the dispensing opening 30 of the inner core 3.
• the third dispensing opening shown is used.
• the other dispensing openings have different possibilities and characteristics, in particular with respect to the crumpling and upstanding effects of the dispensed tissue paper.
• Figure 14 shows a schematic of the indentations 26 in the bottom 24 of the outer shell 2.
• adhesive srrips 60 or screws 62 can be used in order to attach the outer shell 2 to a wall or any other suitable surface.
• magnets could be used such that the outer shell can be mounted to any magnetic surface.
• Figure 15 shows schematically different outer shapes that are contemplated to be used for the dispenser.
• the inner shape of the outer shell will closely resemble the outer shape of the Inner core, at least with respect to the shape of the plane that is situated perpendicular to the insertion direction of the inner core 3 into the outer shell 2.
• the different embodiments or shapes shown In this Figure may be chosen according to different design needs or with respect to different characteristics of the tissue paper to be dispensed.
• rather conical shapes of the dispenser might improve the upstanding characteristics of the dispensed tissue paper due to the reduced dimensions towards the dispensing opening.
• the outer shell 2 is preferably made from a metal material, preferably from aluminium or stainless steel, which is extruded and cut into the respective form.
• a metal material preferably from aluminium or stainless steel
• other materials can also be used which are rigid enough to perform the function of receiving the inner core, in particular metal band materials, extruded plastic materials, wooden materials and laminates thereof.
• the inner core can be made from a wooden material, a plastic material or laminates thereof.
• a plastic material a transparent or see-through plastic material might be of particular benefit in some applications.
• the inner core can be made from the same material as the outer shell, depending on specific design considerations.
• the material of the inner core and the material of the other outer shell can be separated easily such that a recycling of the dispenser can easily be performed.
• the inner core has a maximum width which corresponds to ⁇ he spread of a typical hand of a user such that the inner core can be easily gripped.

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• 2009
  • 2009-03-13 US US13/255,537 patent/US20110315707A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2009-03-13 EP EP09779146A patent/EP2405794A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2009-03-13 WO PCT/EP2009/052986 patent/WO2010102674A1/en active Application Filing

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