EP2903491A1

EP2903491A1 - Dispensing system

Info

Publication number: EP2903491A1
Application number: EP13845274.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian ABRY; Christopher Kavanagh; Emil Abry
Original assignee: Lilleborg AS
Current assignee: Lilleborg AS
Priority date: 2012-10-08
Filing date: 2013-10-02
Publication date: 2015-08-12
Also published as: WO2014058323A1; NO335609B1; CN105050468B; CN105050468A; NO20121134A1; EP2903491A4

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing system comprising a dispenser (9) and a wipe pack (15), said dispenser (9) comprises a member (10) with a lid (1) arranged to cover a dispensing mouth (11), said wipe pack (15) is arranged for consecutive dispensing of wipes one after another through said mouth (11) such that a wipe end (13) is always left protruding from said mouth (11) after every use, said dispensing system is provided with a mechanism for withdrawing the wipe end (13) back inside said dispenser (9) during or prior to closure of said lid (1), and is also arranged to return said wipe end (13) to an easily accessible position when next the lid (1) is opened. The invention also relates to a wipe pack (15) suitable for use in a dispensing system.

Description

DISPENSING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention in general, relates to a dispensing system for wet towels or wipes for cleaning and other purposes according to the preamble of independent claim 1. The invention also relates to a wipe pack suitable for use in the dispensing system.

Particularly, the present invention relates to a wipe dispensing system that ensures that the wipes in a dispenser do not dry ou through the wicking action of the wipe end due to its exposure to atmosphere, or due to a protruding wipe preventing a dispenser from sealing its contents from atmosphere, and that the dispenser accepts only the correct wipe pack to limit the potential for refilling with an incorrect wipe type. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wipe dispensing system according to the preamble of claim 1.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is widely known that wet wipes are dispensed from containers, commonly termed as dispensers, which house wipe packs. Wipe packs are usually rolls of continuous wipe material separated into individual wipes by perforations, or pre cut as individual wipes then folded and stacked or interleaved.

These wipes are usually sheets or a roll of paper or fabric, natural or synthetic, and are moistened with water or another liquid suitable for cleaning. Such wipes are known to have multiple uses such as cleaning, washing, as toiletry wipes and pads, mould and fungus removal, disposable handkerchiefs and so on. The wipes are provided in packs of multiple wipes as stated in the preceding paragraph and these packs are replaceable, since the wet wipes/sheets are all disposable. To facilitate ease of use, it is common that when one wet wipe or portion of a continuous wet wipe roll is removed from a container, a. portion of the next wet wipe is left protruding from the opening so that it can be readily accessed. To achieve this, the wet wipes are connected in a sequence with a means provided to break the connection, when one wipe is fully removed and the next is partially removed.

Now, the above arrangement requires that a wipe end is always exposed to atmospher for facilitating gripping and withdrawal of the same by the user. The wicking action of such wipe end renders the wipes dry, due to loss of fluid. Hence, the entire stack or roll of wipes, so dried up, is no longer fit for use. Worse, this may go unnoticed by the user.

A common method of combating this problem is to include a lid that covers the wipe dispensing area of the dispenser. Some existing wipes dispensers include a simple lid that is manually opened and closed and biased towards neither position.

Granted European Patent EP2027042B1 attempts to solve this problem by providing a container having a lid which can seal over a recess in the container, meant for dispensing wipes. The opening has a panel containing a shaped aperture which restricts the passage of wipes to be dispensed. The lid is mounted to the container by a spring loaded hinge, which biases the lid into a closed position.

However, the prior art acknowledged in the preceding paragraph is unable to properly solve the problem of wipe exposure to atmosphere. Since the wipe may be draw out at differing force/speed or angle by different users, the length of wipe end left protruding from the aperture varies greatly. As a result the protruding wipe end can often prevent the lid sealing properly around the recess, thus allowing airflow around the wipe end, and resulting in the remainder of the wipes drying out. That apart, the restricted passage for the wipes to be dispensed under the spring loaded ltd may hamper the normal flow of dispensing sheets/wipes.

Europea Patent EP2205506A attempts to solve the problem of moisture wicking by providing a dispenser equipped with a resilient nozzle that contracts around the exposed end of a wet wipe following wipe extraction, providing a minimum cross section of material that may wick moisture out of the dispenser interior. However this does not prevent the exposed wipe from drying out and still allows some reduced wicking action. Also and importantly, said dispenser is designed for upward wipe extraction, which when the wipe pack is almost empty, requires the user to use two hands, one to steady the wipe pack and another to draw out the wipe.

US 399417A describes a dispenser for premoistened towe!ettes comprising a container having a cavity, an opening means for passage of the towefettes from the cavity toward the outside of the of the container. The dispenser has a supply of premoistened absorbent material disposed in the container cavity and also a floating barrier movably positioned in the cavity intermediate the supply and opening means, with the barrier having aperture means for passage of the supply through the barrier to the opening means.

St is also known that in the growing worid of competition, imitation refill packs may be made available by other manufacturers, but there is no guarantee that these refill wipe packs are actually fit for purpose. To be precise, a dispensing container which is meant for dispensing disposable handkerchiefs should not be refilled with wipe stacks meant for floor cleaning. Thus, a compatibility lock or blocking element that prevents the insertio of an incorrect wipe pack into the dispensing container is essential, to prevent the use of a refill pack not fit for purpose.

The granted European Patent EP 1 717 162B1 discloses a container which is suitable for wet wipes and corresponding refill packs. It discloses a container having a recioseable lid, a dispensing orifice, a refill orifice, an opening actuator, a closure lock and a compatibility lock.

The compatibility lock prevents the release of the lid in the absence of the correct refill pack, by requiring actuation of the actuator to allow it to open. The lid may be opened only in the event of actuation of the compatibility Sock by a compatibility actuator such as a magnetic material, located on the refill pack. However, the prior art acknowledged in the preceding paragraph involves a complicated construction. That apart, the compatibility lock and its actuator are the main features and in the event of their malfunctioning, potentialities of which substantially exist, the entire purpose of the invention may be defeated. In addition, the construction and function described are not immediately obvious to the user and thus may result in some elements of the dispenser being damaged in the event that the user attempts to utilize an incorrect refill.

Another examples of dispensing systems according to prior art is a.o. known from EP 1826147 A2, US 5718353 A and US 2012/0145737 A1.

Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a wipe dispensing system which has a simple intuitive usage method that ensures that the wipe end is not exposed to atmosphere and which addresses the issue of the wipe end hindering the sealing of the lid, while simultaneously ensuring that there is no hampering of th normal function of dispensing wipes.

There is also a long felt need for a wipe dispensing system which ensures insertion of correct wipe pack inside the dispensing container, nullifying the requirement for depending overiy on complex actuation mechanism.

The present invention meets the abovementioned needs by providing a wipe dispensing system which achieves its desired objectives, by way of presenting the user with an intuitive and simp!e wipe extraction method, addresses the issues of moisture loss, and providing a wipe refill system requiring the presence of the correct wipe refill pack.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is the prime object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system which has a mechanism that ensures the stack of wipes do not dry out when not in use, by pulling back th wipe end into the dispenser during the closure of the lid , and moving the same wipe end back into a position accessible for the user when the lid is subsequently opened. St is yet another object of the present invention to provide a wipe dispensing system which utilizes a mechanism, transparent to the user, to ensure that incorrect wipe packs may not be inserted into the dispensing container. it is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system which can be opened, dispense a wipe, and then be closed ali in a simple operation, without disturbing the normal wipe dispenstng function.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system that can be actuated with a simple, single hand operation.

All through the specification including the claims, the words "dispensing

system", "dispenser", "container", "wipe", "sheet" , "lid", "refi!l pack", "wipe pack" are to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the respective terms and includes all similar items in the field known by other terms, as may be clear to persons skilled in the art. Restriction/limitation, if any, referred to in the specification, is solely by way of example and understanding the present invention,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above mentioned objects and additional objects can be fulfilled by a wipe dispensing system comprising a dispenser and a wipe pack, said dispenser comprising a member having a lid arranged to cover a dispensing mouth, said wipe pack arranged for consecutive dispensing of wipes one after another through said mouth such that a wipe end is always left protruding from said mouth after every use, which is characterized in that the wipe dispensing system is equipped with a mechanism for withdrawing said wipe end back inside said dispenser during or prior to closure of said lid, and is also arranged to return said wipe end to an easily accessible position when next the lid is opened.

The withdrawal mechanism of the wipe end is preferably initiated by the closing movement of the lid.

The withdrawal mechanism of the wipe end preferabl comprises a moveable carrier element attached to dispenser or a moveable dispenstng flap attached to the wipe pack.

The dispensing mouth is preferably located on the top member or on a moveable carrier element or container.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing mouth is located on the collar of the wipe pack.

The dispensing mouth is preferably located on a moveable dispensing flap and where said dispensing flap is removably connected to a carrier element such that they move together.

The movement of the lid is preferably assisted by the spring force of a spring acting on the carrier element or on the dispensing flap or oh the lid.

The dispensing mouth can be on top of the wipe pack and is removably connected to a hinged carrier element, said hinged carrier element is hinged together with said lid by hinge means at one of the top ends of the removable cover.

The hinged carrier element is preferably arranged to rotate with the rotatable lid, in the event of closing of the lid, thereby causing said carrier element and said mouth on the top of the wipe pack to rotate, thus drawing the wipes back and through.

The dispensing mouth is preferably provided with a constriction for dispensing of the wipe therein.

A hard plastic top on said refill wipe pack contains preferably said dispensing mouth and a flap removably connects said top with said lid such that in the event of closing of said lid, said flap is arranged to rotate said refill top and withdraw the wipe end into the dispenser.

The dispenser is preferably arranged to be automatically closed with or without a delay mechanism.

The wipe end is preferably presented at an angle of greater than 90 degrees to the horizontal plane facilitating downward wipe extraction.

The carrier element is preferably equipped with a blocking element containing details to interface with matching details on collar of wipe pack to prevent the correct sealing of the lid with the top member when said details on the collar of the wipe pack are not present.

The invention also relates to a wipe pack suitable for use in a dispenser according to the invention, said wipe pack is preferably equipped with a collar surrounding an opening into said wipe pack, said collar equipped with a dispensing flap, said flap equipped with a dispensing mouth.

The dispensing flap is preferably attached to the collar by hinge means.

The dispensing flap is preferably equipped with spring means arranged at the hinge means.

The collar is preferably formed so as to substantially match the shape of opening in the top member of the dispenser, such that hinge means is aligned with hinge means of carrier element.

The dispensing flap is preferably arranged so that it may be removably connected to the ca rier element of the dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having described the main features of the invention above, a more detailed and non-limiting description of some exemplary embodiments will be given in the following with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the wipe dispensing system according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 1a is a partially exploded view of the wipe dispensing system according to Fig. 1. Figure 2a is a cross-sectional v ew of the dispensing system shown in Figure 1 with the lid in open condition.

Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system as shown in Figure 1 with the lid in closed condition. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wipe dispensing system according to a second preferred embodiment.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system shown in Figure 3 with the fid in open condition. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system shown in Figure 3 with the fid in closed condition.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system according to a third preferred embodiment with the ltd in open condition.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system according to the third preferred embodiment with the lid in closed condition.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system according to a fourth preferred embodiment with the lid in open condition.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system according to the fourth preferred embodiment with the lid in closed condition. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system according to a fifth preferred embodiment with the ltd in open condition.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system according to the fifth preferred embodiment with the lid in closed condition.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wipe pack suitable for use in the dispensing system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention which are purely exemplary for the sake of understanding the invention and non-limiting.

When in the following description refers to "above" or "below" and "top" and "bottom" and similar terms, this is strictly referring to the orientation as shown in the drawings. it should also be understood that the orientation of the !id 1 , wipe pack 15 and other features may be different from what is shown in the drawings without deviating from the principle of the invention. In all the figures, like reference numerals represent like features.

Figure 1 shows an isometric v ew of a preferred embodiment of the wipe dispensing system according to present invention, while figures 2a and 2b are sectional views of the same embodiment, with the Sid opened and closed, respectively. Figure 1a is a partially exploded view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

As shown in figures 1 and la, the first embodiment of a wipe dispensing system comprises of a dispenser with a removable top member 10 and a container 7 at its lower portion, which is a rectangular box generally made from a durable plastic material and houses the wipe pack 15 containing the supply of wet wipes (best shown in figures 2a and 2b). A rubber-like pad 8 can be located at the base of the container 7, The central portion of the container 7 is hollow to house th wipe pack 15 (show in figures 2a and 2b).

The top portion of the dispenser comprises of a removable top member 10. The top member 10 comprises of a rotatably hinged Sid t, covering a recess 20 from which the wipes are extracted. Recess 20 irvtum includes opening 25 which provides access to the interior of lower portion 7 when assembled together. Lid 1 includes several profiles 2 protruding from its underside which guide a carrier element 3. Carrier element 3 contains an aperture 21 , and is otherwise hinged to top member 10 by means of a hinge 29. A sealing recess 4 is provided such that the lid 1 ma form a seal over recess 20 and opening 25 when in closed position. A hole in top member 10 allows snap detail 6 (attached to the lower portion) to create a removable connection between top member 10 and lower portion 7.

As it would be further clear from figure 1a, the wip pack 15 is comprised of a flexible moisture impervious pouch 22 containing the wet wipes 13, a hard plastic exit co!lar 23 with an opening 31 for wipe extraction, with collar 23 affixed to the uppermost surface of pouch 22 and wipe dispensing flap 24 which is attached via a hinge 16 to exit collar 23, Dispensing flap 24 in turn contains a dispensing mouth 11 of the refill pack, through which the wipes are extracted during use. The dispensing mouth 11 can be a slot keyhole arrangement or a hole large enough for the user to thread the wipe through, with a focalized constriction area 12 for wipe dispensing. Dispensing flap 24 is hinged to the wipe pack 15 by hinge means 16. Due to the need for the wipe pack 15 to be sealed and airtight prior to use, it is necessary that the opening in collar 23 is initially sealed either with a foil or tape type seal (not shown) or that dispensing flap 24 is moulded integrally with collar 23 (and thus sealed) and contains an area to be torn off prior to first use, that in turn allows dispensing flap 24 to pivot as intended now that it is connected only along one edge to collar 23.

In this embodiment the initial insertion of the wipe pack into the dispenser is conducted as follows. Top member 10 is separated from lower portion 7 to provide access to the interior of lower portion 7. Following removal of the airtight seal, the wipe pack 15 is attached to the underside of top member 10, suc that collar 23 is removably connected via opening 25 with a predetermined alignment. Such alignment ma be determined by a matching the exterior form of collar 23 with the shape of opening 25. Dispensing flap 24 is now also removably connected to the underside of carrier element 3, such that the exterior surface of flap 24 lies congruent with the interior su face of carrier element 3. This removable connection can be made by snap details (not shown) between the two parts 3 and 24, by threading an extrusion from one flap through the other, or by utilizing an adhesive connection material, for example a hook and loop connection. The hinge points 29 and 16 of both carrier element 3 and dispensing flap 24 respectivel are arranged so as to share the same axis of rotation when carrier element 3 and flap 24 are removably connected together. Thus carrier element 3 and flap 24 will rotate together, and a spring 32 (not shown) situated at the pivot axis provides an outward/upwards opening force to the conjoined parts 3 and 24. The spring 32 is in this case situated around hinge 29 in top portion 10, but could alternatively be positioned around hinge 16 on the top of wipe pack 15. The guide profiles 2 on the underside of lid 1 press against the upper surface of carrier element 3 so that when element 3 rotates upwards Sid 1 also rotates outwards, and likewise during the closure of ltd 1 , carrier element 3 (and flap 24} rotate downwards. Lid 1 is hinged by hinge means 14 near one of the top edges of the to member 10, as shown in figures 2a and 2b.

The top member 10 of the dispenser that was earlier removed for connection to the wipe pack 15 can now be fitted back onto lower portion 7, with the wipe pack fitting into th hollow central portion of the container 7. Sn this embodiment a "snap fif connection between top member 10 and lower portion 7 is used to removably connect the two components, utilizing the snap details 6 on the front and rear of the dispenser. St is also possible to use a twisting threaded detail or other removable connection type to attach the top member 10 to Sower portion 7.

Afte inserting the wipe pack in the container 7 along its hol!ow centra! portion, the user can set several fingers through opening 25 and thus through the opening 31 in collar 23 in order to grip the leading edge 13 of the wipe roll housed within wipe pack 15. The wipe is then drawn up through openings 31 , 25 and then threaded through the dispensing mouth 11 on the dispensing flap 24. A threading aperture 21 (visible in Figure 1 ) in carrier element 3 is aligned with dispensing mouth 11 in dispensing flap 24 and allows easy initial threading of wipes down to the dispensing constriction 12. It is envisaged that this could alternatively be a simple hole for the wipe id be threaded through. Now carrier element 3 and dispensing flap 24 press against the underside of lid 1 so that when the lid 1 is opened, both carrier element 3 and dispensing flap 24 open outwards by spring pressure, presenting a leading edge of wipe 13 that can be easily pulled.

Carrier element 3 and dispensing flap 24 are hinged about hinges 16 and 29 in such a manner, that they can rotate (via spring pressure) more than 90 degrees from the horizontal plane as illustrated , preferably between about 100 and 130 degrees, presenting a slightly downward facing opening to the user, when the lid 1 is opened. In the figure 1 , this angle of rotation is shown as approximately 105°. This downward angle encourages the user to extract the wipe in a downwards direction, thus reducing the risk of upsetting the stability of the dispenser, and allowing the user to extract the wipe using only a single hand {usually only possible with a wa!l or bench mounted dispenser system.) To be precise the included angle between the plane dispensing mouth 1 1 lies on and the horizontal plane should be between 0-90 degrees, preferably between SO- SO degrees.

The weight of Sid 1 is sufficient to hold the lid 1 down in its closed position. Ltd 1 extends slightly beyond the top surface of top member 10, this extra protrusion allowing the user to set a finger beneath and flick it upwards, whereupon the spring action of spring 32 acting on carrier element 3 and dispensing panel 24 rotate the lid 1 to its open position. Once open, the spring 32 has sufficient mechanical advantage to hold the Sid open.

The dispensing mouth 1 1 provides a constriction 12. When a wipe is drawn out of the dispensing mouth 1 1 , the constriction 12 provides resistance to the pull sufficient to result in detachment of the wipe along the line of perforation on the wipe, once the force required to draw the wipe 13 through the constriction is greater than the force required to rupture the perforations in this section of the continuous wipe 13. This ensures that a portion of the wipe remains protruding from the openin 1 1, so that it can be gripped and extracted during next use. From experience, the exact length of wipe end 13 protruding to be gripped will vary depending on the force, speed and angle of wipe extraction. Ideally however, the length of wipe left protruding from dispensing mouth 11 after an average extraction could be within 10-100mm, preferably within 10-50mm even more preferably between 15~3Gmm. Top member 10 can include a tooth member 5 situated along the edge of sealing recess 4 closest to the user. In combination with the downward angle of carrier element 3 and dispensing flap 24, tooth member 5 provides the user wit an incentive to withdraw the wipe at a downward angle, aiding in maintaining the stability of the entire dispenser during the extractio operation. While it is intended that the user extract the wipe 13 at a downward angle in order to enhance the stability of the dispenser, it is of course possible to withdraw the wipe at a more oblique/ horizontal angle also. It is also envisaged that the inclusion of a finger scoop/recess on the front face of top member 10 and thus replacing tooth member 5 may encourage the user to draw the wipe downwards towards/throug said scoop. Such a scoop may also make opening of the iid 1 easier for the user, by providing a better finger grip/flick area. Following detachment of the wipe, the user manually closes the lid, and the dispensing mouth 11 and the wipe end 13 are pulled back into the dispenser by the rotating action of earner element 3 and dispensing flap 24. Hence, the wipe end 13 is neither exposed to atmosphere, nor at risk of blocking the sealing between ltd 1 and sealing recess 4 in top member 10. This should be clear from figures 2a and 2b.

This pull back mechanism of the dispensing mouth 11 and the wip 13, linked to the closing of the lid 1 , is therefore partly on the removable top member 10 and partly on the dispensing flap 24 of wipe pack 15 in the embodiment shown in figures 1 , 2a and 2b. Advantages of this preferred embodiment according to the present invention, over the available dispensers in the market or prior art lies in the following. a) The wipe end 13 is presented to the user in an easily accessible position, and following wipe extraction the remaining protruding wipe end 13 is withdrawn back into the dispenser thus avoiding the problems of exposure to atmosphere, wicking of moisture from the wipe pack 15, and risk of the protruding wipe end 13 blocking the seal between lid 1 and top member 10. b) It is known that during normal use dispensing constriction 12 becomes worn down/softened by the passage of successive wipes. The inclusion of dispensing mouth 11 and constriction 12 in dispensing flap 24 of wipe pack 15 means that mouth 1 is exposed only to the quantity of wipes in the wipe pack 15, and thus such softening will not affect future use of the dispenser when refilled with future wipe packs. An additional benefit of locating dispensing mouth 11 o the wipe pack 15 is that said mouth can be tailored to suit differing individual wipe types (e.g. a larger opening to suit wipes of a thicker material, or produced in a different plastic material to better suit wipes impregnated with a different liquid.) c) Downward draw allows stable one handed wipe withdrawal by not disrupting the balance of the dispenser. d) Correct refiil wipe pack is required to dispense wipes; otherwise dispensing mouth 11 is not present to allow tear-off. Thus, while an incorrect wipe pack may be inserted in the above dispenser 9 it will not be possible to utilize wipes from a continuous roil as without dispensing mouth 11 and constriction 12 the wipes will meet insufficient resistance to separate at their individual

perforations.

Figure 3 is a view of a preferred embodiment where, the pull back mechanism of the dispensing mouth 11 is entirely on the removable top member 10 of the dispenser, in this embodiment the hinged carrier element 3 on the dispenser top member 10, contains the dispensing mouth 11 and constriction 12. The wipe pack collar 23 is here a simple plastic cap with tear off top seal, and does not include dispensing flap 24. This embodiment does not include tooth detail 5. These aspects would be clear from the figure 3 and the cross-sectionai views 4 and 5 showing the lid 1 in open and closed position respectively. Figure 4 shows the dispenser in its ope position, where the rotatable flap 3 including dispensing mouth 11 is rotated 90^* upwards. Spring 32 is visible here, arranged about hinge means 29.

Additionally, a pair of magnetic members 26 and 27 are attached to the underside of the Sid 1 and the underside of top member 10 respectively. These enhance positive closing of the Sid 1 by counteracting the spring loaded carrier element 3, and are especially useful if the weight of lid 1 is insufficient to counteract the upwards spring force.

Whilst this embodiment provides for a simpler (and thus more economical) wipe pack, it makes no allowance for constriction 12 wearing out, or protection against the use of incorrect refills that may not be fit for purpose

The rest of the features and functioning are the same as in figures 1 , 2a and 2b and are not reiterated here for the sake of brevity.

Figures 6 and 7 are cross sectional views of a third preferred embodiment showing the lid 1 in open and closed position respectively. Here, the wipe pack top collar 23 contains the tear off dispensing mouth 11 and is removably connected to a carrier element 3. The carrier element 3 is hinged to rotate together with the iid 1 by means of hinge means 14 at one of the top ends of the removable top member 10, as shown in figures 6 and 7. However, as usual, the carrier element 3 is located below the lid 1. The wipe pack collar 23 is connected to the carrier element 3 from underneath the removable top member 10 via the opening 25 in carrier element 3.

Lid 1 and carrier element 3 are arranged such that they rotate together and with a constant angle of approximately 30° between them so as to approximate a V- sha e. This would be clear from the view in figure 7.

The closing of the lid 1 causes the carrier element 3 and the mouth 11 on the wipe pack 15 to rotate into the dispenser thus drawing the wipes back and through, !n the embodiment shown in figures 6 and 7, this pull back mechanism of the dispensing mouth 11 and the wipe 13, in th event of closing of the lid 1 , is therefore partly on the top portion of the dispenser, and partly on the wipe pack 15,

Additionally, the lid 1 is arranged such that a small protrusion (not shown) located on lid 1 near the pivot axis of hinge 14, fits into a matching recess (not shown) on dispenser top member 10, such that the lid 'snaps^' into its open position when the user Sifts it open, and remains there until the user pushes it down, releasing the snap detail, and whereby the weight of both carrier element 3 and the wipe pack 15 are sufficient to pull the lid completely closed

The rest of the features and functioning are same as in figures 1 , 2a and 2b and are not reiterated for the sake of brevity. Preferably, to prevent use of an incorrect wipe pack, this embodiment can contain a blocking component (not shown) assembled to carrier element 3, around opening 25. The blocking component is arranged such that it has limited movement around opening 25, and rotates together with carrier element 3. In order to connect collar 23 of wipe pack 5 to carrier element 3 via opening 25, several protrusions on collar 23 are required to be present. If these details are present the blocking component will move temporarily, sufficient to allow collar 23 to be removably connected to carrier element 3. Should these protrusion details not be present on the wipe pack top, the user will not be able to connect the wipe pack to the carrier element 3. In addition, the blocking component is arranged such that should the correct wipe pack not be inserted, the rotation of ltd 1 is hindered by the blocking component, preventing lid closure and ensuring the user is aware of the lack of the correct wip pack. Thus, it only accepts and holds only the correct refill, preventing the incorrect use of for example floor cleaning wipes in a dispenser meant to dispense baby wipes.

Figures 8 and 9 are cross sectional views of a fourth preferred embodiment showing the lid 1 in open and closed position respectively. Here, the mouth 1 1 is situated on the top of collar 23 of the wipe pack 15.

Figures 8 and 9 show that collar 23 on wipe pack 15 contains dispensing mouth 11 The top of the wip pack 15 includes a ρίνοΐ/axle protrusion 19 that allows it to swing or move. Wipe pack collar 23 also has a hinged flap 18 which connects it removably with the lid 1. When the ltd 1 closes, fhe hinge flap 18 pushes on collar 23 to rotate colla 23, wipe end 13 and dispensing mouth 11 downwards into the dispenser 9 while compressing the flexible pouch of wipe pack 15.

The pivot support on lid 1 which connects to hinge means 14 has teeth to allow the use of a rotary damper 17, attached so as to slow the movement of lid 1 on closing, An auto-closure means 28 positioned along th edge of to member 10 nearest the user, extends also on the underside of top member 10 to the vicinity of hinge 14, where it contains a protrusion detail 30. Protrusion detail 30 slides within a track 33 set into the pivot support on lid 1 , and auto-closure means 28 is sprung in a linear manner to aiiow it to move largely parallel to the underside of top member 10. In the open position, protrusion 30 sits into a recess in track 33 such that the Sid 1 may rest in an open position. When a wipe 13 is

withdrawn and dragged over the section of auto closure means 28 protrudin through member 10 (and in the wipe extraction path) auto closure means 28 reacts to the extra force experienced with the wipe 13 being pulled across it and releases the lid 1 which then gradually closes, this movement slowed b rotary damper 17. The auto-closure means described above may use the weight of the wipe pack 15 to draw the lid 1 closed, or the weight of the lid 1 , or a downward acting spring force, or an eccentric spring action without excluding other closure assisting methods. Preferably, there is a mechanism that releases a latch when the extra tear-off force is experienced and the lid closes once the latch holding it open is released. Figures 10 and 11 are cross sectional views of a fifth preferred embodiment showing the lid 1 in open and closed position respectively. This embodiment is almost identical with the embodiment shown in figures 1 , 2a and 2b with the exception that while opening 25 exists in recess 20, there is no carrier eiement 3 connected to top member 10. In this embodiment wipe pack 15 is equipped with collar 23 where dispensing flap 24 and thus dispensing mouth 11 are hinged to it via hinge means 16. A spring 32 (not shown) is fitted at hinge means 16, sprung so as to rotate dispensing flap 24 to an open orientation. Once wipe pack 15 is connected to dispenser top member 10, dispensing flap 24 now rests against profiles 2 on the undersid of Sid 1 , so as to provide a spring action pressing upward against the inside of lid 1. Upon initial upward opening of the Sid 1 by the user, this spring force is sufficient to complete opening of iid 1 , and dispensing flap 24 rotates upwards into the desired forwards/downward angied dispensing position. Similarly, upon the user pushing the lid closed, the spring 32 situated at hing means 18 has insufficient mechanical advantage to push the lid open from it^'s closed position. In this way an incorrect refill Sacking a sprung dispensing flap 24 and mouth 11 will not aid the user in opening the lid 1 , nor wiil it support lid 1 in an ope state, or contain a dispensing mechanism for wipes 13, thus hindering the use of incorrect refills potentially unfit for purpose. The remainder of the features and functioning are same as in figures 1 , 2a and 2b and are not reiterated for the sake of brevity. in another embodiment (not illustrated), the dispensing system is constructed in such a way as to remove th need for the Sower portion 7 of the dispenser housing completely. In this embodiment the top member 10 is extended ail the way down to the table or other surface that the dispenser rests on such that it completely covers the wipe pack 15. An advantage with such an embodiment is that it negates the need for the lower portion 7, and thus the need to connect the lower portion 7 with the top portion 10. It also negates the need for a ^'floor^' beneath the refill unit, such that one simply places the dispenser unit (with hollow underside) over the wipe pack. Alternatively, lower portion 7 can be formed as an essentially flat base to the unit, such that the wipe pack is again completely enclosed by the dispenser.

Sn all the above embodiments, the hinge means 16 and 25 described are not limited to a traditional hinge design utilising a central pin. but may also include plastic hinges (commonly referred to as living hinges) where the two components are moulded together, snap in pivot hinges, moulded flexible bridge etc.

While the embodiments described above utilise a rotating action to withdraw wipe end 3 and dispensing mouth 11 into the dispenser 9, it is understood that the withdrawal mechanism could also operate on sliding basis, parallel motion (trapezium), scissor type action etc. In such a variation it is desirable that the wipe end be translated as far as possible away from the user and lid 1, so as to minimise any chance of jamming or catching in the seal between top member 10 and ltd 1. Preferably the withdrawal mechanism should translate or rotate the wipe end 13 as far as possible within the confines of the internal volume of dispenser 9, While a translation of up to for example 250mm may be possible depending on the size of the dispenser, in practice a translation of 25-80mm may be sufficient to withdraw the wipe effectively from the opening area. it is also possible that the withdrawal action may be effected by another component, for example a pivoting or fixed blade attached to the underside of lid 1 which pushes th wipe end 13 back into the interior of the dispenser top member 10, and upon opening of the lid pushes it in the reverse direction to again present the wipe end 13 available for the user. In such an embodiment dispensing mouth 11 could be stationary or incorporated into top member 10 as a single component.

For all of the aforementioned embodiments, it is possible to assist the user in both the opening and closing of Sid 1 to make the wip dispensing operation as simple as possible. Thus the movement of lid 1 may be assisted by various means, including one or several springs, through the use of magnetic members, via snap or ratchet details arranged to hold the lid 1 in a predetermined position, through the use of an over centre sprung system which aids in both opening and closing, the use of gas struts, a counter balanced or weighted element or other such similar means. The use of a blocking component or compatibility type lock to prevent insertion of an incorrect wipe pack may be also applied to any of the aforementioned embodiments to assist in their correct function.

In yet another embodiment, the wipe pack 15, instead of comprising a soft pouch 22 equipped with a hard plastic collar 23, is comprised of a durable largely rigid plastic exterior, where the collar 23 may be moulded into said exterior. In this variation, the dispenser system does not require the lower portion 7, as the hard plastic wipe pack 15 now forms the lower portion of the dispenser, with the top member 10 attaching to it from above. A variation of the wipe pack above may comprise the hard plastic container 22 with Integrated collar 23 and opening 31 at the top end, and with the base of the container 22 open to allow initial insertion of a wipes roll prior to closure of said open base with a foil seal or other sealing means.

Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the wipe pack 15, where the hard plastic collar 23 may be made sufficiently large such that it forms the top surface of the wipe pack 15. This enlargement of collar 23 also allows the inclusion of "keying" alignment details around the periphery of collar 23. Soft pouch 22 would then depend below the enlarged collar 23 to create a containing pouch sealed except for the opening 31 in collar 23 through which wipe end 13 may be accessed. Of course a dispensing flap 24 may be attached to collar 23 around or adjacent to said opening 31 , whereby said flap may contain dispensing mouth 11. Alternatively the opening 31 may be shaped such as to integrate dispensing mouth 11 with collar 23. As mentioned in earlier embodiments it is of course possible to add spring 32 arranged about hinge means 16 to provide dispensing flap 24 with a biased position. St is also envisaged that such a hinge and spring combination could be created utilising the inherent flexibility and spring energy in a plastic moulded hinge constructed so as to be biased to either a closed or an open position. For a simplified construction in an embodiment utilising dispensing flap 24, it is desirable that dispensing flap 24 and collar 23 are moulded together as a single plastic component, in such a construction it is preferable that dispensing flap 24 containing dispensing mouth 1 1 is linked to collar 23 via a moulded "living" hinge, and that, once in a closed position such that opening 31 within collar 23 is sealed, it is not possible to further rotate dispensing flap 24 through opening 31 and into the wipe pack itself. In many of ihe embodiments described above collar 23 could be affixed to soft pouch 22 by means of and adhesive, or by welding, ultrasonic, thermal or the like. Wipe pack 15 should of course be sealed prior to insertion in the dispenser 9. Such sealing may be accomplished either through the use o a removable adhesive sticker or seal, or where dispensing flap 24 is moulded integrally with collar 23 and with a tear out element surrounded by a deliberately weakened area, such that upon removal of the tear out area dispensing mouth 1 1 is revealed. Alternatively initial sealing could be via the addition of an extra lid or closing element removable affixed to collar 23 thus covering dispensing flap 24, dispensing mouth 11 and opening 31.

It is of course also possible to combine any of the embodiments described above to produce further variations on said embodiments. The present invention has been described with reference to some preferred embodiments and some drawings for the sake of understanding only and it should be clear to persons skilled in the art that the present invention includes all legitimate modifications within the ambit of what has been described hereinbefore and claimed in the appended claims. 1 hinged lid

2 profiles

3 carrier element

4 sealing recess

5 tooth member

6 snap details

7 !ower portion

8 rubber-like pad

9 wipe dispenser

10 top member

11 dispensing mouth

12 dispensing constriction

13 wipe

14 hinge means

15 (refill) wipe pack

16 hinge means

17 rotary dampe

18 hinged flap

19 pivot/axle protrusion

20 recess

21 aperture

22 pouch

23 exit collar

24 dispensing flap

25 opening

26, 27 magneitc members

28 auto closure detail

29 hinge means

30 protrusion detail

31 opening into refiii pack

32 spring means

33 track

Claims

1

A wipe dispensing system comprising a dispenser (9) and a wipe pack (15), said dispenser (9) comprising a member (10) having a ltd (1 } arranged to cover a dispensing mouth (11), said wipe pack (15) arranged for consecutive dispensing of wipes one after another through said mouth (11) such that a wipe end (13) is always left protruding from said mouth ( 1) after every use cha racte ri sed i n that the wipe dispensing system is equipped with a mechanism for withdrawing said wipe end (13) back inside said dispenser (9) during or prior to closure of said Sid (1), and is also arranged to return said wipe end (13) to an easily accessable position when next lid (1) is opened,

2.

The wipe dispensing system according to claim ^characterised i n that the withdrawal mechanism of wipe end (13) is initiated by the closing movement of lid (1).

3.

The wipe dispensing system according to any of claims 1 -2,

c h a r a c t e r i s e d i that the withdrawal mechanism of the wipe end (13) comprises a moveable carrier element (3) attached to dispenser (9) or a moveable dispensing flap (24) attached to wipe pack (15).

4.

The wipe dispensing system according to any of claims 1 -3,

ch a racte ri sed i that dispensing mouth (11 ) is located on top member (10) or on moveable carrier element (3) or container (7).

5,

The wipe dispensing system according to any of claims 1 - 3,

ch a racte rised i n that dispensing mouth (11 ) is located on collar (23) of wipe pack (15) or on moveable dispensing flap (24) connected to wipe pack {15).

6.

The wipe dispensing system according to ciaim Scharacterised i n that dispensing mouth (11 ) is located on moveable dispensing flap (24) and where said dispensing fla (24) is removably connected to carrier element (3) such that they move together.

7.

The wipe dispensing system according to any of claims 1 -6

ch a acte ri sed i n that the movement of lid (1) is assisted by the spring force of a spring {32) acting on carrier eiement (3) or on dispensing flap {24) or on lid (1),

8,

The wipe dispensing system according to any of the claims 1 » 3 and .5, ch a racte i sed i n that, said dispensing mouth (11) is on top of wipe pack .{^'15) and is removably connected to a hinged carrier element (3), said hinged carrier element (3) is hinged together with said lid (1 ) by hinge means {14) at one of the top ends of removable cover (10).

9.

The wipe dispenser according to claim 8, cha racte rised i that, said hinged carrier eiement (3) is arranged to rotate with the rotatable lid {1 ), in the event of closing of the fid (1 ), thereby causing said carrier eiement (3) and said mouth (11) on the top of the wipe pack (15) to rotate, thus drawing the wipes back and through.

10. The wipe dispensing system according to any of the c!aims 1 to 9,

characterised in that said dispensing mouth (11 ) is provided with a constriction (12) for dispensing of the wipe therein.

11.

The wipe dispenser according to claim ^characterised in that a hard plastic top (23) on said refill wipe pack (15) contains said dispensing mouth (11 ) and in that a flap (18) removably connects said top (23) with said iid (1 ) such thai in the event of dosing of said ltd (1), said flap (18) is arranged to rotate said refill top (23) and withdraw wipe end (13) into the dispenser (3).

12

The wipe dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims cha acterised in that said dispenser is arranged to be automatically closed with or without a delay mechanism.

13.

The wipe dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims cha racterised in that the included angle between the plane upon which dispensing mouth 11 is situated and the horizontal plane may range from 0 to 90 degrees.

14.

The wipe dispensing system according to any one of the preceeding claims, cha acterised i n that, carrier element (3) is equipped with a blocking element containing details to interface with matching details on collar (23) of wipe pack (15) to prevent the correct sealing of Sid (1) with top member {TO) when said details on collar (23) of wipe pack (15) are not present.

15. A wipe pack (15) suitable for use in a dispenser (9) according to any of the claims 1-14, characte ised in that said wipe pack (15) is equipped with a collar (23) surrounding an opening (31) into said wipe pack, said collar (23) equipped with a dispensing flap (24), said flap (24) equipped with a dispensing mouth (11).

16.

A wipe pack (15) according to claim 15, characterised in that dispensing flap (24) is attached to collar (23) by hinge means (18).

17.

A wipe pack (15) according to claim 16, characterised in that dispensing flap (24) is equipped with spring means (32) arranged at hinge means (16

18.

A wipe pack (15) according to any of claims 15-17, characterised in that collar (23) is formed so as to substantially match the shape of opening (25) in top member (10) of dispenser (9), such that hinge means (16) is aligned with hinge means (29) of carrier element (3).

A wipe pack (15) according to any of claims 15-18, characterised in that dispensing flap (24) is arranged so that it may be removably connected to carrier element (3) of dispenser (9).