GB2127781A - Dispensing containers for protective toilet seat covers - Google Patents

Dispensing containers for protective toilet seat covers Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2127781A
GB2127781A GB08227510A GB8227510A GB2127781A GB 2127781 A GB2127781 A GB 2127781A GB 08227510 A GB08227510 A GB 08227510A GB 8227510 A GB8227510 A GB 8227510A GB 2127781 A GB2127781 A GB 2127781A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
folded
article
cover
aperture
toilet seat
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08227510A
Inventor
Kenneth Herbert Reece
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB08227510A priority Critical patent/GB2127781A/en
Publication of GB2127781A publication Critical patent/GB2127781A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/08Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession
    • B65D83/0894Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession the articles being positioned relative to one another or to the container in a special way, e.g. for facilitating dispensing, without additional support
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47KSANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K13/00Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
    • A47K13/14Protecting covers for closet seats
    • A47K13/16Protecting covers for closet seats of single sheets of paper or plastic foil or film

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

Protective toilet seat covers are packaged by folding each cover along a plurality of fold lines so as to produce a folded article, interleaving a plurality of the folded articles so as to form a stack and placing the stack in a container, the container being provided with an aperture or means for creating an aperture, whereby a cover may subsequently be withdrawn from the container via the aperture by grasping a free edge portion of the respective folded article and pulling in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of stacking.

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to protective toilet seat covers This invention relates to protective toilet seat covers and, in particular, to a method of packaging protective toilet seat covers in a container so that they may be removed therefrom one at a time.
Protective toilet seat covers have been known for a considerable length of time. Examples are descried in U.K. Patent Specifications Nos.
1,249,633; 206,428; 246,737; 339,811; 656,450; 979,548 and 1,249,633. Such articles are commonly made of water dispersible paper or plastics material and are either apertured or provided with perforations defining a central portion which can be wholly or partially removed.
In view of the increasing number of people who travel and are thus forced to use public or semipublic conveniences, and in view of recent evidence suggesting that organisms such as Trichomonas vaginalis and herpes simplex may be able to survive for many hours on toilet seats, there is clearly a growing need for articles of the above-mentioned type. However, they have apparently failed to come into general use in the United Kingdom. It appears that this may be due at least partly to difficulties encountered in packaging the articles and making the same available to the prospective user. In a number of countires, notably the United States of America and Canada, protective covers are sometimes provided for users of public rest-rooms in wall mounted dispensers.However, those persons responsible for the maintainence of public conveniences may well be unwilling to incur the expense this would necessitate, and dispensers also form a ready target for vandalism.
Furthermore, the use of wall mounted dispensers may even pose a health risk, because a number of types of dispenser are designed such that each cover would be exposed before it was removed from the dispenser and could thus become soiled.
This problem could be overcome by the provision of individually wrapped covers. However, this would add to the expense, and might also cause a problem of litter.
U.K. Patent Specification No. 417,354 describes a method of folding a protective toilet seat cover so that it can be placed in a dispenser and dispensed therefrom without being torn and without delivery of the covers from the dispenser being impeded. The covers are of the perforated tissue paper type and the method comprises folding each cover a number of times in the same direction, so that the perforations in one layer do not directly overlie those in adjacent layer and the outer layer of the finished folded article has only a few perforations. Thus, accidental tearing of the covers is minimised.
U.K. Patent Specification No. 872,235 describes a protective toilet seat cover which is provided with slits to facilitate delivery of the cover from a dispenser. This arrangement is said to overcome problems due to uneven tearing of the cover when removing the same from the dispenser. However, production costs of the cover may also be increased, and the problems mentioned above may still be encountered.
It is an object of the present invention to enable the provision of a method of packaging protective toilet seat covers, as well as a saleable article produced thereby, whereby the above disadvantages may be overcome, or at least mititaged.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of packaging protective toilet seat covers, which method comprises folding each cover along a plurality of fold lines so as to produce a folded article, interleaving a plurality of the folded articles so as to form a stack and placing the stack in a container, the container being provided with an aperture or means for creating an aperture, whereby a cover may subsequently be withdrawn from the container via the aperture by grasping a free edge portion of the respective folded article and pulling in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of stacking.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a saleable article which comprises a plurality of protective toilet seat covers, each of which has been folded along a plurality of fold lines so as to produce a folded article and the folded articles so produced having been interleaved so as to produce a stack and a container containing the stack, the container being provided with an aperture or means for creating an aperture and the arrangement being such that, in use, a cover may be withdrawn from the container via the aperture by grasping a free edge portion of the respective falded article and pulling in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of stacking.
Preferably, each cover is folded so that the perforations, if any, are not visible on the exterior of the respective folded article, thus minimising accidental tearing.
A saleable article in accordance with the invention can conveniently be dispensed from a dispenser of the coin operated type or sold over the counter and carried in a hand-bag.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 5 inclusive illustrate schematically stages of a first method in accordance with the invention for folding a plurality of protective toilet seat covers and placing the same in a box so that they may be dispensed therefrom individually, Figures 6 i) to iii) inclusive illustrate schematically a second method in accordance with the invention, and Figures 7 i) and ii) illustrate schematically a third method in accordance with the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of a protective toilet seat cover which comprises a substantially rectangular piece of water dispersable tissue paper measuring 393mm by 449mm in which perforations define a substantially oval.inner portion. In use, one end of the inner portion remains connected to the outer portion of the cover by a narrow neck portion which is not perforated, the remainder of the inner portion being separated from the outer portion along the perforations in order to produce a cover which is of similar size and shape to a toilet seat.
In order to fold the cover, the cover is first folded along three parallel fold lines (represented in the Figure by vertical dashed lines) which, together with the edges of the cover, define four substantially rectangular sections A, B, C and D.
The cover is folded "concertina" fashion, that is to say the direction of folding alternates, and the widths of the four sections A to Dare 92mm, 104mm, 100mm and 97mm respectively. Thus, as can be seen from Figure 2, when the folded cover is laid flat with section A uppermost, the free edges of sections A and D are spaced inwards from the fold line between sections B and C by 12mm and 3mm respectiveiy. Also, the fold line between sections C and D is spaced inwardly from that between sections A and B by 4mm.
Referring now to Figure 3, the cover is then folded along five fold lines 1 to 5 which are perpendicular to the fold lines defining sections A to D and define therebetween six sections of depths 76mm, 78mm, 75mm, 75mm. 78mm and 67mm respectively. Initially the cover is folded back at fold line 3 with section A uppermost as shown in Figures 3 i) and ii). Thus fold line 4 overlies fold line 2 and fold line 5 overlies fold line 1. The cover is then folded again, as shown in Figures 3 ii) and iii). With section A uppermost, the cover is folded back at fold line 4 and forward at fold line 5. Thus, as can be seen in Figure 3 iii), the folded article comprises a front panel of total depth 76mm and having a free edge uppermost, a centre panel of depth 78mm and a rear panel of depth 75mm and having a free edge lowermost.
The width of the article is 104mm and, as seen in Figure 3 iii), the free edge of section A. is on the left hand side. The two sections forming the front panel, originally defined by fold lines 1 and 5, are of unequal depth as can be seen in Figure 3 ii), the front section being of 76mm depth and the rear section being of 67mm depth. This is to facilitate separation of the sections when unfolding the cover prior to use.
Figure 4 is a side view of a number of the folded articles which have been interleaved prior to placing the same in a container. The front panel of each article is inserted between the centre and rear panels of the next article.
Referring now to Figure 5, Figure 5 i) is a perspective view of a box suitable for containing the interleaved folded articles. The box, which is made of cardboard, has a height of approximately 80mm, a width of approximately 11 Omm and a depth from front to back which is sufficient to accommodate twenty of the inverleaved folded articles (for example, approximately 25 mm). The box is provided with a refastenable flip top and may be further provided with a transparent plastics material disposable cover in which it is marketed. The interleaved folded articles are placed in the box so that the free edge of section A is on the left hand side as viewed from the front of the box. Figure 5 iii) is a part side sectional view of the box containing the articles and Figure 5 ii) is a perspective view of the box when closed.
In order to remove a cover from the box, the user grasps the upper, free, edge of the front panel of the cover which is at the front of the box and pulls in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of stacking of the interleaved folded covers. This effectively removes the cover without disturbing the remaining covers, whilst leaving the next cover in the stack ready for removal from the box when needed, the front panel thereof now having been released.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second type of box which is suitable for use when carrying out the invention. The box has substantially the same dimensions as that illustrated in Figure 5, but differs in that the lid extends to cover ail of the front face of the box when fastened, as can be seen in Figures 6 i) and ii). The covers are folded and interleaved exactly as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 and are then placed in the box when the free edge of section A of each cover on the right hand side as viewed from the front of the box. The front face of the box, which has an upper free edge, is placed between the rear and centre panels of the endmost of the stack of interleaved folded covers and the lid of the box is brought down so as to completely cover the thus exposed rear panel and then fastened.When a user wishes to remove a cover from the box, he unfastens and lifts the iid, grasps the lower, free, edge of the exposed rear panel and pulls firmly.
The cover is thus removed from the box, bringing with it the rear panel of the next folded cover in the stack, so that the latter is ready for removal when needed. The lid is replaced over the newly exposed rear panel and fastened.
Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown in Figure 7 i) a perspective view of a further alternative type of box which is suitable for use when carrying out the invention. This box has substantially the same dimensions as those described above with reference to Figures 5 and 6. However, no lid is provided. Instead, perforations define a detachable strip extending across the width of the front face of the box, spaced from and parallel to the upper front edge thereof. The covers are folded and interleaved as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
then, during manufacture, they are placed in the box, with the free edge of section A of each cover on the left hand side as viewed from the front of the box. Figure 7 ii) is a part side sectional view of the box containing the covers and after the detachable strip has been removed to create an aperture. The folded cover nearest the aperture is provided in the vicinity of the upper, free edge of the front panel thereof with a tab so that the cover can be removed via the aperture by firmly pulling the tab. This causes a small upper portion of the front panel of the next folded cover to be extended from the aperture, so that the latter can, in turn be removed from the box by grasping and pulling the front panel thereof.

Claims (11)

Claims
1. A method of packaging protective toilet seat covers, which method comprises folding each cover along a plurality of fold lines so as to produce a folded article, interleaving a plurality of the folded articles so as to form a stack and placing the stack in a container, the container being provided with an aperture or means for creating an aperture, whereby a cover may subsequently be withdrawn from the container via the aperture by grasping a free edge portion of the respective folded article and pulling in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of stacking.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein each folded article is folded in respective opposite directions at first and second substantially parallel fold lines, whereby, when the folded articles have been interleaved, a first free edge of a first folded article is adjacent the said second fold line of a second folded article and a second free edge of the first folded article is adjacent the said first fold line of a third folded article.
3. A saleable article which comprises a plurality of protective toilet seat covers, each of which has been folded along a plurality of fold lines so as to produce a folded article and the folded articles so produced having been interleaved so as to produce a stack, and a container containing the stack, the container being provided with an aperture or means for creating an aperture and the arrangment being such that, in use, a cover may be withdrawn from the container via the aperture by grasping a free edge portion of the respective folded article and pulling in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of stacking.
4. A saleable article according to claim 3, wherein each folded article is folded in respective opposite directions at first and second substantially parallel fold lines, a first free edge of a first folded article is adjacent the said second fold line of a second folded article and a second free edge of the first folded article is adjacent the said first fold line of a third folded article.
5. A method of packaging protective toilet seat covers, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.
6. A method of packaging protective toilet seat covers, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 4 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
7. A method of packaging protective toilet seat covers, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.
8. A saleable article, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.
9. A saleable article, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 4 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
10. A saleable article, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 4 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.
11. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein.
GB08227510A 1982-09-27 1982-09-27 Dispensing containers for protective toilet seat covers Withdrawn GB2127781A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08227510A GB2127781A (en) 1982-09-27 1982-09-27 Dispensing containers for protective toilet seat covers

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08227510A GB2127781A (en) 1982-09-27 1982-09-27 Dispensing containers for protective toilet seat covers

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2127781A true GB2127781A (en) 1984-04-18

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ID=10533188

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GB08227510A Withdrawn GB2127781A (en) 1982-09-27 1982-09-27 Dispensing containers for protective toilet seat covers

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GB (1) GB2127781A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2177376A (en) * 1985-06-28 1987-01-21 Colin Roy Nicholson Packaging
DE3916220A1 (en) * 1989-05-18 1990-11-22 Karl Heinz Bergk Strap for opening carton package - consists of extension to lid flap to right and left and fitting into slits
FR2773054A1 (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-02 Bastide Olivier Arbousse Disposable cover for toilet seat

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB314210A (en) * 1928-06-20 1929-06-27 Albany Perforated Wrapping Pap An improved case or cabinet for dispensing interfolded paper sheets
GB593450A (en) * 1944-11-08 1947-10-16 Hubert Auguste Etienne Michel Distributing box for interfolded paper
GB930742A (en) * 1961-10-12 1963-07-10 Scott Paper Co Sheet packaging arrangement
GB938541A (en) * 1958-10-20 1963-10-02 Duncan Ian Mccorkindale Improvements in or relating to sanitary protective covers for water-closet seats
GB1449265A (en) * 1973-11-19 1976-09-15 Int Playtex Inc Bulk package for individual dispensing of substantially wet sheets from stacks load handling mechanism for a storage and retrieval system
GB1602167A (en) * 1977-03-24 1981-11-11 Procter & Gamble Starter means and method for a pop-up type dispensing package for interleaved premoistened sheets

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB314210A (en) * 1928-06-20 1929-06-27 Albany Perforated Wrapping Pap An improved case or cabinet for dispensing interfolded paper sheets
GB593450A (en) * 1944-11-08 1947-10-16 Hubert Auguste Etienne Michel Distributing box for interfolded paper
GB938541A (en) * 1958-10-20 1963-10-02 Duncan Ian Mccorkindale Improvements in or relating to sanitary protective covers for water-closet seats
GB930742A (en) * 1961-10-12 1963-07-10 Scott Paper Co Sheet packaging arrangement
GB1449265A (en) * 1973-11-19 1976-09-15 Int Playtex Inc Bulk package for individual dispensing of substantially wet sheets from stacks load handling mechanism for a storage and retrieval system
GB1602167A (en) * 1977-03-24 1981-11-11 Procter & Gamble Starter means and method for a pop-up type dispensing package for interleaved premoistened sheets

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2177376A (en) * 1985-06-28 1987-01-21 Colin Roy Nicholson Packaging
DE3916220A1 (en) * 1989-05-18 1990-11-22 Karl Heinz Bergk Strap for opening carton package - consists of extension to lid flap to right and left and fitting into slits
FR2773054A1 (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-02 Bastide Olivier Arbousse Disposable cover for toilet seat

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