MX2015002353A

MX2015002353A - Wipe dispenser.

Info

Publication number: MX2015002353A
Application number: MX2015002353A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Eva-Li Saarväli; Annette Storm Hanssen; Petter Bragd
Original assignee: Sca Hygiene Prod Ab
Priority date: 2012-08-24
Filing date: 2012-08-24
Publication date: 2015-05-12
Also published as: US20150208880A1; RU2605376C2; CN104582552A; RU2015110317A; EP2887852A1; EP2887852A4; HK1209606A1; AU2012388265A1; AU2012388265B2; WO2014031048A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a wipe dispenser (1) for dispensing a continuous roll (3) of centrally fed wipes. The dispenser (1) comprises a storage compartment (4) for storing the roll of wipes (2). The storage compartment (4) is made from a bottom wall (5), at least one side wall (6) and a top wall (7) comprising a dispensing opening (8). The dispenser (1) comprises a lid (9) hingeably attached to the storage compartment (4). The lid (9) comprises a first inner cavity (10) defined by a first inner surface (11) and there is a maximum distance (L1) from the dispensing opening (8) to the first inner surface (11) being within a range that allows for an easy to grab portion (12) of the wipe (2) to stand essentially erect from the dispensing opening (8) inside the lid (9) when the lid (9) is closed.

Description

TOWELITAS DISPENSER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a dispenser of wipes for dispensing a continuous roll of wipes fed centrally. The dispenser comprises a storage compartment for storing the roll of wipes. The storage compartment is formed by a bottom wall, at least one side wall and an upper wall comprising a dispensing opening. The dispenser comprises a lid hingedly connected to the storage compartment. The lid comprises a first interior cavity facing the dispenser opening when the lid is closed. The first interior cavity is defined by a first interior surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many types of centrally-powered dispensers are known with a variety of distances between the lid and the dispensing opening to allow a portion of the wipes to protrude from the dispenser opening. An example of such a dispenser is disclosed in patent EP 0999990 Bl, which teaches a dispenser with a refill cartridge comprising wet wipes which are centrally fed and which are separated by tearing lines perforated A common problem for known dispensers is that the wipes protrude very little for the user to grasp and remove. This problem is particularly evident for children, the disabled and the elderly. Another problem arises when the wipes protrude too much, so that the protruding part becomes stuck in the lid after closing, which causes the wipes to fall and are, consequently, less aesthetic, also involving the risk of being modified the properties of the wipe with respect to the intended functions of use. Furthermore, if the fabric is stuck between a sealing portion of the lid and the storage compartment, there is a risk that the lid can not be closed and for a wet wipe this means that the wipes can dry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With respect to the above technique, there is a need for an improved dispenser that eliminates the disadvantages exposed.

The invention relates to a dispenser of wipes for dispensing a continuous roll of wipes fed centrally. The continuous web roll is divided into a number of individual wipes by tearing lines known in the art. For example, the tear lines can be a weak line or a line of perforations that traverse the web continue in a lateral direction and allow to separate the web in the longitudinal direction.

The dispenser comprises a storage compartment for storing the roll of wipes. The storage compartment is formed by a bottom wall, at least one side wall and an upper wall comprising a dispensing opening. The spout may have any suitable shape that permits storage of the roll of centrally fed wipes, for example, a cross section that is circular, square or polynomial. The spout can also be narrow, wide, undulating or constantly parallel in width with a greater height. The inner part of the spout may have a different shape than the visible outer part.

The dispenser comprises a lid hingedly connected to the storage compartment. The hinge can be a separate element connected to the lid and to the storage compartment; or it can be part of the lid and connect to the storage compartment; or it can be part of the storage compartment and connect to the lid; or the hinge can be part of both the lid and the storage compartment.

The lid comprises a first interior cavity defined by a first interior surface and the invention is characterized in that a maximum distance from the dispensing opening to the first interior surface is within a range that allows a portion with an easy-to-grasp size of the wipe to remain substantially upright from the Assortment opening inside the lid when the lid is closed.

An advantage of the invention is that it allows a large portion of the wipe to remain substantially upright from the dispensing opening without the risk of falling or jamming the fabric of the upstanding wipe when closing the lid.

According to an example of the invention, the first inner surface has a substantially domed shape. The domed shape has the advantage of adding a free volume between the lid and the dispensing opening to accommodate the upright wipe. However, the first interior surface may have a shape different from the domed form, for example, a cross section that is circular, square or polynomial. The spout can also be narrow, wide, undulating or constantly parallel in width with a greater height. The inner part of the spout may have a shape different from the visible outer part, but according to one example of the invention, the cap comprises a first surface exterior facing outward from the spout and following the curvature of the first interior surface.

According to an example of the invention, the upper wall has a surface of the outer upper wall oriented against the lid when the lid is closed, wherein the upper wall comprises a second interior cavity defined by the surface of the outer upper wall .

The benefit of the second interior cavity is that it increases the length of the protruding part of the fabric that can be grasped by the user at the same time that together with the first interior cavity allows a greater portion of the fabric to remain practically upright when the lid is closed. The second interior cavity may advantageously have a size that allows at least a large portion of the user's hand to enter the cavity to grip a larger portion of the fabric.

According to an example of the invention, the dispensing opening is placed in the lower part of the second cavity. This feature maximizes the free volume between the dispensing opening and the first interior surface, which has the advantage of optimally utilizing the space to allow the user a possibility of better grip of the upright wipe.

According to an example of the invention, the The distance between the dispensing opening and a plane described by one end of the cavity is within the range of 0 irai - 60 mm, but is dependent on the diameter of the spout because a diameter too small and a cavity too deep does not allow the user reach the cavity to grab the wipe.

An example of a suitable size of a portable wet wipe dispenser has a height of 20-250 mm and a diameter (or a similar value for a geometry other than circular cross-section) of 55-120 mm.

According to an example of the invention, the maximum distance from the dispensing opening to the first inner surface is within a range of 10 m to 50 mm, with 30 mm as a preferred measure with a wipe generally found wet today.

According to an example of the invention, the storage compartment has a height that provides a distance between the roll and the dispensing opening, when the roll is stored in the storage compartment, such that the portion of the next fabric at It can be moved through the opening freely in three dimensions and thus allows the fabric to follow the pattern of the roll in the roll in the space between the roll and the dispensing opening, for an optimum assortment.

According to an example of the invention, the maximum distance from the roll of wipes to the dispensing opening is within a range of 13 mm to 50 mm, with 35 mm as a preferred measure with a wipe generally found wet today.

According to an example of the invention, the portion with an easy-to-grip size measures at least 10 mm, but can be as long as the maximum distance from the dispensing opening to the first interior surface.

It is also possible to allow the portion with an easy-to-grip size to be a little larger than the maximum distance from the dispensing opening to the first inner surface if the curvature of the first inner surface is adequate for the wipe to follow at least partially the curvature. A first domed interior cavity provides an example of suitable curvature.

According to one example of the invention, the upper wall comprises a surface of the inner upper wall facing the spout and following the curvature of the surface of the outer upper wall.

An example of a wipe generally found wet today has the measurements 203 mm times 183 mm in the flat state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention will now be described with reference to several figures, in which: Figure 1 schematically shows a spout with the lid closed according to a first example of the invention; Figure 2 schematically shows a spout according to Figure 1, with the lid open; Figure 3 schematically shows a spout with the lid closed according to a second example of the invention, and in which; Figure 4 schematically shows a spout with the lid closed according to a third example of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows schematically a wiping spout 1 according to a first example of the invention. The dispenser 1 is configured to supply wipes 2 from a continuous roll 3 of centrally fed wipes 2. In Figure 1, the continuous roll is divided into multiple individual wipes by tear lines. The dispenser 1 comprises a storage compartment 4 for storing the roll 3 of wipes 2. The storage compartment 4 is formed by a lower wall 5, at least one side wall 6 and a wall upper 7 comprising a dispensing opening 8. Figure 1 shows that the storage compartment is cylindrical with a side wall, but the number of side walls depends on the geometrical characteristic of the storage compartment. If the storage compartment is cylindrical there is a side wall, if the storage compartment is triangular there are three side walls, and if the storage compartment is square there are four side walls, and so on.

The dispenser 1 comprises a lid 9 hingedly connected to the storage compartment 4. In Figure 1, the lid 9 comprises a first interior cavity 10 defined by a first interior surface 11. In Figure 1 the first interior surface 11 is domed, but other geometric forms are possible, for example, triangular, polynomial, non-symmetrically curved forms.

Figure 1 shows that there is a maximum distance L1 from the dispensing opening 8 to the first inner surface 11 which is within a range for a portion with an easy-to-grasp size of the wipe 2 so that it remains practically upright from the dispensing opening 8 inside the lid 9 when the lid 9 is closed. In Figure 1 the lid 9 is closed and the portion of wipe 12 between the dispensing opening 8 and the first inner surface 11 remains upright from the sourcing opening 8 towards the apex 13 of the first surface 11.

Advantageously, the dispensing opening 8 is of the known type, which allows the separation of the wipes along the tearing lines after a quick pull or after changing the material angle of the fabric with respect to the assortment direction to increase the friction such that the tearing lines or the adjacent material is broken after the user applies a predetermined force.

The individual wipes 2 have a predetermined size and the dispenser, the lid and the free space in the lid between the dispensing opening and the first interior surface, defined by the maximum distance Ll, depend on the size of the wipe. Since the dispenser is made to supply one wipe at a time, the maximum size that can remain erect within the free space inside the cap is the size of a wipe. The method for dispensing one wipe at a time is known per se in the prior art by the use of a certain dispensing opening. An example of a wipe generally found wet today has the measurements 203 mm times 183 mm in the flat state.

For wet wipes, it is particularly important that the dispensing opening comprises an elastic portion, e.g. silicone or rubber, having a tight fit around the wet wipe to prevent the wipes from drying in the storage compartment. It is also important that the dispenser comprises sealing means (not shown) between the lid and the storage compartment so that the upright wipe does not dry out when the lid is closed. The sealing means may be part of the lid, a part of the compartment or both.

In Figure 1, the top wall 7 has a surface of the outer top wall 14 facing against the lid 9 when the lid is closed, wherein the top wall 7 comprises a second interior cavity 15 defined by the surface of the top wall exterior 15.

Figure 1 shows that the assortment opening 8 is placed in the lower part of the second interior cavity 15. However, in another example, the surface of the outer top wall 15 could be convex and the assortment opening 8 would then be placed in the highest position.

The maximum distance L1 from the dispensing opening 8 to the first inner surface 11 is finds within a range of 10 mm to 50 mm, with 30 mm as a preferred measure with a wipe generally found wet today.

The distance L2 between the dispensing opening 8 and a plane described by one end 18 of the second inner cavity 15 is in the range of 1.5 mm - 10 mm, but is dependent on the diameter of the spout due to a very small diameter and a too deep cavity does not allow the user to reach the cavity to grasp the upright wipe.

Figure 1 shows that the storage compartment 4 has a height that has a distance L3 between the roll 3 and the dispensing opening 8 when the roll 3 is stored in the storage compartment 4, such that the portion 19 of the fabric next to be supplied by the dispensing opening 8 can move freely in three dimensions and, therefore, allow the portion of the cloth 19 to follow the roll pattern 3 in the space between the roll 3 and the dispensing opening 8.

The maximum distance L3 from the roll of wipes 3 to the dispensing opening 8 lies within a range of 13 mm to 50 mm, with 35 mm as a preferred measure with a wipe generally found wet today.

Figure 1 shows that the cover 9 comprises a first outer surface 16 facing away from the spout 1 and following the curvature of the first inner surface 11.

The upper wall 7 comprises a surface of the inner upper wall 17 facing the spout 1 and following the curvature of the surface of the outer upper wall 14.

Figure 2 shows a spout 1 according to Figure 1, but with an open lid.

Figure 3 schematically shows a spout 1 with the lid closed according to a second example of the invention. The difference between the spout 1 in Figure 1 and Figure 3 is that in Figure 3, the first inner surface 11 is square-shaped.

Figure 4 schematically shows a spout 1 with the lid closed according to a third example of the invention. The difference between the spout 1 in Figure 1 and Figure 4 is that in Figure 4, the surface of the outer top wall 14 has a square shape.

As stated previously, the spout may have a different shape, for example, with a mixture of what is shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Claims

1. A dispenser of wipes for dispensing a continuous roll of centrally-fed wipes, the dispenser comprises a storage compartment for storing the roll of wipes, the storage compartment is formed by a bottom wall, at least one side wall and an upper wall comprising a dispensing opening, the dispenser comprises a lid hingedly connected to the storage compartment, the lid comprises a first interior cavity defined by a first interior surface, characterized in that a maximum distance (Ll) from the dispensing opening to the first interior surface is within of an interval that allows a portion with an easy-to-grasp size of the wipe to remain substantially upright from the dispensing opening within the lid when the lid is closed.

2. A dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper wall has a surface of the outer upper wall oriented against the lid when the lid is closed, wherein the upper wall comprises a second interior cavity defined by the surface of the outer upper wall .

3. A dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that the dispensing opening is placed in the lower part of the second interior cavity.

4. A spout according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the distance (L2) between the dispensing opening and a plane described by one end of the second inner cavity is in the range of 1.5 mm -10 mm.

5. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum distance (Ll) from the dispensing opening to the first inner surface is within a range of 10 mm to 50 m, with 30 mm as the preferred measure with a wipe generally found wet today.

6. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage compartment has a height having a distance (L3) between the roll and the dispensing opening when the roll is stored in the storage compartment, such that the portion of the next fabric to be filled by the dispensing opening can move freely in three dimensions and, therefore, allow the portion of the fabric to follow the roll pattern in the space between the roll and the dispensing opening.

7. A dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that the maximum distance (L3) from the roll of wipes to the dispensing opening is within a range of 13 mm to 50 mm, with 35 mm as the preferred measure with a wipe generally found wet from today.

8. A spout according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap comprises a first outer surface oriented in a direction opposite to the spout and which follows the curvature of the first inner surface.

9. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid has a substantially domed shape.

10. A spout according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper wall comprises a surface of the inner upper wall facing the spout and following the curvature of the surface of the outer upper wall.

11. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wipes are wet wipes, and wherein the dispensing opening comprises an elastic portion having a tight fit around the wet wipe in order to prevent the wipes from drying out in the compartment. from storage.

12. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion with an easy to grip size measures at least 10 mm.