MX2012003242A

MX2012003242A - Transformable dispenser.

Info

Publication number: MX2012003242A
Application number: MX2012003242A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Scott Collins; Paul Omdoll; Brian Albrecht
Original assignee: Paul Omdoll
Priority date: 2009-09-22
Filing date: 2010-09-22
Publication date: 2012-09-12
Also published as: US20120267387A1; AR078435A1; CL2012000719A1; WO2011038016A2; WO2011038016A3

Abstract

A transformable towel dispenser is presented that can be quickly transformed from a low profile shipping form into a full, ready to dispense form in a substantially tool free manner. The transformability of the dispenser allows the dispenser to be shipped and stored in much smaller space than that for ready to dispense units. Alternatively, more dispensers can be shipped in the same volume container.

Description

TRANSFORMABLE DISPENSER Field of the Invention The present invention is directed, generally, to dispensers and, more particularly, to a dispenser that could be transformed from a shipping form to a dispensing form for the dispensing of folded and stacked paper items, such as towels of paper .

Background of the Invention In general, paper dispensers for use in washroom or toilet cabinet installations fall into one of these three types. Some dispensers are designed to distribute roll paper material from a roll that is manually rotated by the user or in a mechanized mode using a drive motor. In any case, the user has to tear off or break the distributed portion of the paper roll material. A second type of dispenser holds the perforated paper roll material in a roll with the material being fed from the center, when the user physically pulls on the leading edge of the roll paper material extending from the dispenser. A third type of dispenser is designed to store a stack of folded towels that could later be removed, REF. 228664 preferably, one at a time, of the dispenser. Typically, the paper towels are loaded into the dispenser, so that gravity is used to pull the stack towards an inlet or mouth formed in the lower part of the dispenser. The inlet or mouth is slightly smaller than the stacking reception area, so that the front paper towel will be forced and retained against the inner side of the lower part of the dispenser. This last type of dispenser is generally mounted on the wall and consists of a housing that can be opened to allow it to be filled with paper towels and consists of a mouth cut at the lower end of the housing. As such, there are no moving parts that facilitate the deflection and removal of a paper towel from the dispenser.

These dispensers have been shipped and stored in the past as units prepared for dispensing. This means that large groups of dispensers that will be shipped comprise a significant volume, much of which is air.

The present invention provides a transformable towel dispenser that can be rapidly transformed from a low profile shipping form into a complete form ready for dispensing in a substantially tool-free manner. The degree of transformation of the dispenser allows the dispenser to be shipped and stored in a space much smaller than the space for units prepared for dispensing. Alternatively, more dispensers can be shipped in the same volume container.

It is contemplated that the dispenser of the present invention could have a cover panel, a pair of side panels, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a back panel. In one embodiment, the side panels are hinged to the rear panel in the manner that allows the side panels to fold flat on the rear panel. To assemble the dispenser, the side panels are rotated outward to a position perpendicular to the plane of the rear panel. The upper and lower panels and the cover panel are then secured in the side panels and the rear panel. Preferably, a pressurizing means or other substantially tool-free means are used to interconnect the panels.

In another embodiment, the side panels are articulated, both with the cover panel and with the rear panel. The top panel and the bottom panel are hinged with the cover panel or the rear panel. This allows the top and bottom panels to be folded inward and lie flat against either the cover panel or the rear panel. The articulated side panel connections allow the side panels to also fold flat. To assemble the dispenser, the movements to bend the dispenser are usually inverted. Then, the panels could be immobilized or otherwise secured in place.

Still in a further embodiment, the panels forming the dispenser, collectively, are separated from one another and placed in a generally flat configuration. To assemble the dispensers, the individual panels are preferably connected together, in a substantially tool-free mode.

Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a dispenser that can be transformed, which can be stored or shipped in a container smaller than that required to store a dispenser assembled or that can be stored or shipped in larger quantities in the same packaging as that required to store or ship dispensers prepared for dispensing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dispenser that can be assembled in a relatively fast and tool-free manner.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying figures. However, it will be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications could be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all these modifications.

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is an isometric view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention that is shown in an assembled position relative to a shipping envelope; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the dispenser of Figure 1 shown in a disassembled shipping position relative to a shipping envelope; Figure 3 is an isometric view of a dispenser according to another embodiment of the invention which is shown in a disassembled shipping position with respect to a shipping envelope; Figure 4 is an isometric view of a dispenser according to yet another embodiment of the invention which is shown in a disassembled shipping position in relation to a shipping envelope; Figure 5 is an isometric view of a dispenser according to another embodiment of the invention that is shown in an assembled position; Figure 6 is an isometric view of the dispenser of Figure 5 in a boarding form; Figure 7 is an exploded view of the dispenser of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a side isometric view of a side panel of the dispenser of Figure 5; Figure 9 is a front elevational view of the base of the dispenser of Figure 5; Figure 10 is a left side elevational view of the base of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a rear elevational view of the lower panel of the dispenser of Figure 5; Figure 12 is a bottom view of the lower panel shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a front elevational view of a lower alternative panel for use with the dispenser of Figure 5; Figure 14 is a bottom view of the lower panel of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the lower panel of Figures 13 and 14; Figure 16 is a front elevational view of the front cover of the dispenser of Figure 5; Figure 17 is a side elevational view of the front cover of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a rear elevational view of the front cover of Figure 16; Figure 19 is a side isometric view of a partition plate of the dispenser of Figure 5; Y Figure 20 illustrates an exemplary process for transforming the dispenser of Figure 5 from its shipping form to its dispensing form.

Detailed description of the invention Figure 1 shows a standard towel dispenser ready for dispensing 10 and a protective wrapping or packaging 12 within which the dispenser 10 could be placed for storage and / or shipping purposes. This dispenser 10 has a relatively large void volume that creates a relatively large vertical receiving area. ThusIt will be appreciated that shipping costs, as well as the costs of shipping materials, can be reduced if a smaller shipping container could be used or if more units could be placed in a standard shipping container. In addition, the construction of the dispenser would also be preferable, so that it can be transformed, once its components are removed from the shipping container in a fast and substantially tool-free manner.

As shown in Figure 1, the dispenser 10 generally consists of a cover panel 14, a left side panel 16, a right side panel 18, a top panel 20, a bottom panel 22 ("front plate"). ), and a back panel 24. An inlet or mouth 26 is formed in the bottom panel 22 which allows a paper towel (not shown) to be removed from the interior volume of the dispenser. Preferably, the dispenser 10 is mounted in a vertical position in a wall and in this way, gravity is used to present a paper towel at the entrance or mouth 26. It is contemplated that a mechanical deviation device, such as a spring and a plate could also be used to deflect the paper towel towards the inlet or mouth 26. The dispenser 10 has a generally rectangular profile and is thus preferably loaded with a stack of generally rectangular paper towels.

Figure 2 shows the dispenser 10 in a shipping configuration according to an embodiment of the invention. In the shipping configuration shown in the figure, the dispenser 10 could be loaded, stored and shipped in the casing 28 which is considerably smaller than the casing 12 shown in Figure 1. While the casings 12 and 28 shown in the figures they are not to scale, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that differences in the sizes of the envelopes makes it possible for many more units of the previously assembled dispenser 10 of the present invention to be stored or shipped in the same space when compared to the previously assembled dispensers of the prior art. An envelope could be any type of container that includes a plastic bag, a cardboard box, cardboard or the like. In this embodiment, the panels of the dispenser 10 are retained loosely within the enclosure. Although it is contemplated that the wrap, bubble wrap and the like could be used to prevent scratching and displacement of the components during shipment. Still further, multiple dispensers in their shipping configuration can be nested or stacked together. In this arrangement, dispensers can be packaged as a group rather than individually.

Preferably, the components of the dispenser 10 are designed to be placed together under pressure once the components are removed from the shipping container 28. It is understood that other types of fastening constructions could be used, although it is preferred that the dispenser be capable of of being assembled without the need for tools.

Next, with reference to Figure 3, a dispenser 10 that could be transformed according to an alternate embodiment of the invention is shown. The dispenser 10, when in the shipping configuration, is designed to be placed within the enclosure 28 for shipment or storage. In this embodiment, the side panels 16 and 18 are hinged to the rear panel 24. This articulated connection allows the side panels 16 and 18 each to be bent inward to lie flat on the rear panel 24. The cover panel 14, the upper panel 20 and the lower panel 22 are loosened from the rear panel 24 when they are stored in the container 28.

To transform the dispenser, the components are removed from the housing 28 and the side panels 16 and 18 are rotated from the flat positioning position to a vertical position that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rear panel 24. Preferably, the articulated connection does not allow the excess rotation of the side panels 16 and 18. Once the side panels 16 and 18 have been rotated, the top panel 20 and the bottom panel 22 are preferably joined in a tool free mode, such as through a pressure-type connection. Then, the transformed dispenser 10 is ready to be deployed in a known way.

In Figure 3, the side panels 16 and 18 are shown in a position that lies between the flat positioning position and the fully rotated position.

Figure 4 shows still another shipping configuration for a dispenser 10 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this configuration, the side panels 16 and 18 are articulated with the rear panel 24 and the cover panel 14. The upper and lower panels 20 and 22 are also hinged with the cover panel 14. The hinged connection of the upper panels and lower 20 and 22 allows these panels to fold inward and generally flat against the cover panel 14. The hinged connection of the side panels 16 and 18 on the cover panel 14 and the rear panel 24 allows the panels to rotate lateral to a generally flat position. When the side panels 16 and 18 are in the flat position, the cover panel 14 is also pulled down in the direction of the rear panel 24. Depending on the degree of flatness, the articulated panels 20, 22, 16 and 18 are capable to achieve a relative movement with the upper panel 14 and the lower panel 24, the embodiment of Figure 4 is equivalent to or slightly larger than the "broken" positions of the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3. Without considering the size of the shipment, the embodiment of Figure 4 is still markedly smaller than the size of the dispenser prepared for use 10 of Figure 1.

Still with reference to Figure 4, to transform the dispenser 10, the side panels 16 and 18 are rotated to their vertical (near) positions. This provides a set for pivoting the upper and lower panels 20 and 22 outwards. Then, the upper and lower panels 20 and 22 could be joined with the rear panel 24 and / or the side panels 16 and 18 to complete the transformation of the dispenser. 10. Preferably, a press fit connection or other tool free type connection is used to assemble together the upper and lower panels 20 and 22 although it is understood that other types of connections could also be used.

Figures 5-19 illustrate a dispenser that can be transformed according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 shows the dispenser 10 in its dispensing form and Figure 6 shows the dispenser 10 in its shipping form. In its shipping form, the profile of the dispenser is about half its profile when it is in the dispensing form. This allows the dispenser 10 to be placed in a substantially smaller package, such as a shell 28 described and shown above in Figure 2.

The dispenser 10 has a base 11, which is defined, collectively, by the upper panel 20 and the rear panel 24, the side panels 16, 18, the lower panel 22, and the cover or front panel 14. When it is assembled in its dispensing form, shown in Figure 5, the depth or profile of the dispenser, for example, the distance of the front cover 14 to the rear panel 24, is defined by the width of the side panels 16, 18, which in the illustrated embodiment has a leading edge 16a, 18a and a trailing edge 16b, 18b, respectively, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The leading and trailing edges are interconnected through an upper edge 16c, 18c, of respective way, which engages with the top panel 20 when the side panels 16, 18 are connected to the base 11. As shown in particular in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the side edges 24a, 24b of the rear panel 24 include tabs 30 that interconnect with the notches 32 formed in the rear edges 16b, 18b of the side panels 16, 18. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs 30 are snapped into the notches 32 to provide secure interconnection of the side panels and the base.

As shown in Figure 10, the rear panel 24 has a curvature that is coincident with the curvature of the rear edges 16b, 18b of the side panels 16, 18, respectively. An upper portion 34 of the rear panel 24 is flat for its flat placement against a mounting structure, for example, the bathroom wall, while the lower portion 36 of the rear panel 2 is curved. This curvature causes the lower panel 22 of the dispenser 10 to be separated from the mounting structure and the inlet or mouth 38 angled for a more convenient dispensing position.

Next, with reference to Figures 11-12, the lower panel 22 has an inlet or mouth 38 which facilitates removal of product from the dispenser 10. It should be understood that different interchangeable lower panels 22 could be used with the dispenser so that the Mouth type is coincident with the type of product that will be removed from the dispenser. An alternate bottom panel of example 22 is shown in Figures 13-15.

The lower panel 22 has an input configured 38 that forms a mouth, as described previously. The body of the lower panel 22 has a set of alignment tabs 40 which are received in the notches 42 formed in the lower end of the back panel 24. In addition, the lower panel 22 has bending tabs 44 which engage the notches 46 formed in the side panels 16, 18 for connecting the lower panel 22 to the side panels 16, 18. Extending in the axial or lateral direction from the lower panel 22 is a pair of mounting points 48 which engage with the front cover 14 for the rotary assembly of the front cover 14 on the bottom panel 22. More particularly, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the front cover 14 has a pair of flanges 50, with each having a keyhole 52 configured for engaging the mounting points 48 of the lower panel 22. When the front cover 14 is attached to the lower panel 22, the flanges 50 are flexed slightly outwardly to align the mouths laves 52 with the mounting points 48. While maintaining this alignment, the bending force is removed, which allows the flanges 50 to move toward the default position. In doing so, the mounting points 48 pass through the keyholes 52, whereby, the front cover 14 and the lower panel 22 are interconnected. Furthermore, the placement of the mounting points 48 within the keyholes 52 allows that the front cover 14 is rotated around the mounting points 48 to rotate the front cover 14 outwardly from the base 11, for loading the dispenser with towels. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser 10 could also include partition plates 54 that are press-fit into clutch with the rear panel 24.

With reference once more to Figures 7 and 9 as well as with reference to Figure 18, the rear panel 24 includes the longitudinal slots 56 which define multiple positions in which the plates 54 could be connected to the rear panel 24. plates 54 are designed to be seated the stack of towel material (not shown) contained in the dispenser 10 and, in this regard, the plates 54 have to be connected with the rear panel 24, so that the space between them plates 54 corresponds to the width of the stack of towel material contained in the dispenser. As shown in Figure 19, the plates 54 have a tab 58 that interconnects with a notch 60 formed in the rear panel 24 to connect the plates 54 to the rear panel 24.

With reference in a few words back to Figure 7, the dispenser 10 also has a finger lock or closure 62 that is press-fitted into the clutch with the rear panel 24. When the dispenser 10 is assembled, a key could be inserted ( not shown) in the keyhole 64 formed in the front cover 10. When the key is inserted in the keyhole, the finger lock 62 is flexed downward to disengage the clutch teeth 66 with the impact or strike members 68 formed on the underside of the front cover 14, which are shown in Figure 18, thereby it allows the front cover 14 to be turned outwardly from the base 11. It should be understood that other types of closure or immobilization assemblies could be used.

Next, with reference to Figure 20 the dispenser 10 shown in Figures 5-19 can be assembled in four stages without the use of tools. Once the components of the dispenser 10 have been removed from their packaging or packaging, in step # 1, the side panels 16, 18 are slid in clutch with the base 11. More particularly, the top edge 16c, 18c, of the side panels 16, 18, respectively, slides towards the slots 20a, 20b, Figure 9, formed on the underside of the top panel 20. When fully slid in place, the tabs 32 of the side panels 16, 18 are received by the notches 30 of the base 11 and are pressed into place to secure the side panels to the base. In a preferred embodiment, this action can not be undone.

Thus, in one embodiment, once the side panels are connected to the base, the side panels can not be disconnected without damaging the side panels and / or the base.

In the next step, step # 2, the lower panel 22 is engaged with the rear panel 24 and the side panels 16, 18. The alignment tabs 40 are inserted into the notches 42 and subsequently, the lower panel 22 is rotated towards up, while maintaining the clutch of the tabs 40 and the notches 42. The lower panel 22 is turned up until the bending tabs 44 are pressed into clutch with the side panels 16, 18. As noted above , the side panels 16, 18 have the notches 46 receiving the flexing tabs 44 when the bottom panel 22 is mounted on the base 11 and the side panels 16, 18. As also noted above, different interchangeable bottom panels could be used. . In this regard, the lower panel 22 is designed to be removably mounted in the base 11 and the side panels 16, 18.

In step # 3 the finger lock 62 is mounted on the base 11. It is understood that the finger lock 62 could be mounted on the base 11 before the bottom panel 22 is mounted in place. In the same way, the closure 62 could be mounted on the base once the front cover is mounted in step # 4 which is described below.

Finally, the front cover 14 is mounted on the lower panel 22 in step # 4. As described above, the flanges 50 are flexed to be placed on the mounting points 48 of the lower panel 22 to allow the mounting points to pass through the keyholes 52. Then, the front cover 14 could be turned upwards towards the closed position, as shown in Figure 5.

It is contemplated that the dispenser could be formed of known materials, such as PVC, plastic, stainless steel, and the like. Furthermore, while a paper towel dispenser has been described, it is understood that the principles of the invention could also be applied in toilet paper dispensers, napkin dispensers and other types of dispensers. It is also understood that other types of shipping configurations could be used. For example, the side panels, the top panel, and the bottom panel could have an accordion-like construction that allows the height of the panels to be reduced for storage and shipping purposes and subsequently, be extended when the dispenser is being transformed .

While the invention is not limited to any particular size or dimensions, it will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the dispenser 10, when in its boarding form, has a profile that is approximately half the height of the dispenser when it is located. in its dispensation form. For example, in one embodiment, the dispenser 10 in its dispensing form has a depth (profile) of approximately 15.24 centimeters (6 inches) although it has a depth of approximately 7.62 centimeters (3 inches) when it is in its shipping form. The conventional dispensers are shipped fully assembled and in this way, it will be appreciated that the present invention allows the dispenser to be shipped in a substantially smaller package. The reduction in shipping material provides cost savings that can be reflected in the retail price / wholesale sale of the dispenser. Additionally, when a volume of dispensers is shipped, the reduction in boarding size allows more dispensers to be loaded into a single shipping container, which also provides a reduction in shipping costs.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of these changes will be apparent from the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A dispenser, characterized in that it comprises: a set of panels which, when assembled together, form a dispenser housing and from which paper articles that will be distributed could be loaded; Y wherein the panel assembly is configured to be placed in a substantially planar orientation when it is not in the assembled form.

2. The towel dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the panel assembly includes a base panel, a pair of side panels, a cover panel, and a bottom panel, and wherein the panel assembly is designed to be assembled together in a substantially tool free mode.

3. The towel dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that the panels are designed to be assembled together using a number of pressure fitting connections.

4. The towel dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that the side panels define a depth of the dispenser, and wherein the side panels are press-fitted into clutch with the base panel.

5. The towel dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that the side panels are additionally configured to press-fit into the clutch with the cover panel.

6. The towel dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that the base panel includes an upper panel and a rear wall.

7. The towel dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that the upper panel is integrally formed with the rear wall.

8. A dispenser that distributes paper sheet products, characterized in that it comprises: a base for mounting the dispenser on a substantially planar surface; a pair of opposed side panels that define the depth of the dispenser and are configured to press-fit into the clutch with the base; a lower panel having an inlet therein and configured to be pressurized in clutch with the base; Y a cover panel that can be connected, removably, with the lower panel; Y wherein the dispenser can be selectively transformed from a first form of shipping to a second dispensing form.

9. The dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that the lower panel includes a pair of mounting points and the cover panel has a pair of inlets configured to receive the pair of mounting points allowing the cover panel to rotate relative to the bottom panel.

10. The dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that the base has an upper panel and a rear panel.

11. The dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that the upper panel is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel, and defines a width of the dispenser when it is in the first form of shipping.

12. The dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that it can be transformed from the first form of shipping to the second dispensing form in a tool-free mode.

13. A method for placing a towel dispenser in use, characterized in that it comprises: discharging a dismantled towel dispenser, at least partially, from a storage container; and connecting, without the use of the tools, the disassembled components of the towel dispenser so that the towel dispenser is in a ready for dispensing form, wherein the towel dispenser, when assembled, occupies a volume that is at least twenty-five percent larger than the volume occupied by the partially disassembled towel dispenser, at least partially.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the towel dispenser is comprised of a base, a pair of side panels, a bottom panel having a mouth, a front cover, and wherein the connection of the free components of the dispenser Towel includes the pressure fitting of the side panels on the opposite edges of the base, the clutch of the bottom panel with the side panels, and the mounting of the front cover on the bottom panel in a way that allows the front cover to rotate in relation to the lower panel.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the towel dispenser when it is in the storage container has a vertical profile that is smaller than the vertical profile of the towel dispenser when it is in the form prepared for dispensing.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the base includes a rear panel and a top panel integrally formed with the rear panel.

17. The method according to claim 13, further characterized in that it comprises mounting the towel dispenser in a support structure.

18. A method of dispensing a paper towel, characterized in that it comprises: discharging a disassembled towel dispenser, at least partially, from a storage container; connecting, without the use of the tools, the disassembled components of the towel dispenser so that the towel dispenser forms a housing for the containment of a stack of paper towels that will be distributed; fill the accommodation, at least partially, with paper towels; attaching a faceplate to the housing corresponding to the type of paper towels contained within the housing, the faceplate has an entry therethrough; Y Remove a paper towel from the housing through the entrance formed in the faceplate.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that it also comprises joining a front cover to the housing after joining the front plate with the housing.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the disassembled components are connected to form the housing by means of a pressure fitting.