WO2008068739A2

WO2008068739A2 - A compact tampon dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2008068739A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/001433
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lina Karakuz; Vitaly Karakuz
Original assignee: Lina Karakuz; Vitaly Karakuz
Priority date: 2006-12-06
Filing date: 2007-11-21
Publication date: 2008-06-12
Also published as: IL179869A0; WO2008068739A3

Abstract

A compact tampon dispenser is provided with a simple and reliable mechanism which is easy to use and to manufacture. The dispenser is compatible to various kinds of tampons as well as to similar shaped articles (e.g. cigars) and allows access to one of which at a time.

Description

A COMPACT TAMPON DISPENSER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the mechanical field and more specifically it relates to tampon and cigar dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dispensing devices are generally used to ease our every day life regarding to products we require often. The dispensing devices improve the availability of these products as well as the organization of them in an economizing manner. Nowadays, dispensers are applied in a variety of products; from liquid products (such as; shampoo and conditioners) to solid comestibles (such as; cornflakes and chocolates). Some dispensers are also used commercially as vending machines at public places which sell; sandwiches, drinks, candy, condoms, cigars, etc'.

The present invention refers to the home use of dispensers regarding articles (such as; tampons, cigars etc') as described henceforth.

Most western woman between the ages of 10 to 55 use tampons during their period. Tampons are being used for hygiene purposes and for the general comfort of woman's sensation and confidence. There are many different kinds of tampons and they come at a variety of shapes and sizes in order to provide maximum comfort and confidence to the woman using them. Some tampons are inserted directly and some are inserted using an integral conductor. In addition, most tampons come at 3 main different size categories - Large, Medium and small (sometimes also called "Mini"). Woman usually change tampons from once to several times a day depending on the intensity of their period, there habit and there sensation at the time. Therefore, woman often deal with the issue of where to store these tampons in a discrete manner and at the same time maintaining them easily accessible. As for cigars, numerous humidors, cigar cases, and other cigar storage containers have been developed over the years. These cigar storage containers have widely varied in shape and size. Some containers for example where specially designed for traveling, these containers usually have an elongate shape with a screw-on top and they hold only one or a small number of cigars. Some vendors choose to sell cigars inside jars, the jar approach to storing and selecting cigars can provide an image, and perhaps often actually be, of unsanitary, damaged or used goods. In addition, damaged cigars due to an inappropriate manner of storage may cause financial damages to cigar vendors and users.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There are numerous tampon holding and dispensing devices having selective storing and dispensing means. While these tampon holding and dispensing devices may be suitable for the purpose for which they where designed, they would not be as suitable for the purpose of the present invention as heretofore described.

U.S Patent 6,250,499 to Gardner - Refers to a small portable apparatus to dispense various sized stored articles, such as tampons. The invention is based on a hollow container and on a flexible deformable article within the said container that can be compressed when different sized tampons are dispensed.

U.S Patent 5,167,345 to Bleeker - Refers to a dual dispenser for dispensing a first type of article from first and second stacks of the first articles and a second type of article from a stack of the second article. The invention is based on 2 magazines, dummy boxes and additional actuating means.

U.S Patent 4,308,974 to Jones - Refers to a discreet tampon dispensing and storing device. The invention is based on a container, an elongated cylindrical cylinder and on, a tampon agitating and moving means. U.S Patent 4,142,649 to Forgey - Refers to an apparatus for dispensing cylindrical packages such as tampons. The invention is based on a carrousel with a magazine for tampon storage and a plurality of open ended hollow dispensing compartments. In addition, there are means exterior to the housing for rotating said carrousel into alignment with a delivery opening.

PCT WO 96/31182 to Husen-Weiss — Refers to a tampon dispenser with a securing device. The invention is based on a container consisting of a fixed part with a specially shaped rear-wall.

The present invention can also be integrated with complementary products such as; Israeli Patent Application 178170/IL to Karakoz - Refers to a compact sanitary napkin, peds and diaper dispenser. The invention is based on a special mechanism which is reliable and simple to manufacture allowing the dispensing of one object at a time and which prevents the sanitary napkins from falling on the ground when they are dispensed.

US Patent 6,651,809 B2 to Holler - Refers to an apparatus for storage of cigars, the invention is based among others on a body container and a plurality of cigar storage compartments formed within the main body, each having an opening and an end.

Hereinafter are some suggestions to overcome the aforementioned needs as described in the prior art.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a compact tampon dispenser that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

Another object is to provide a simple and reliable dispensing mechanism which prevents the tampons from falling on the ground when they are dispensed and which does not enable the dispense of two articles at a time nor jam when one attends to do so. Another object is to provide a simple and reliable dispensing mechanism which is compatible to the majority of the vast variety of existing tampons.

An additional object is to provide a compact tampon dispenser that is simple, easy to use and which enables a simple refill.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a compact tampon dispenser that is economical in cost to manufacture.

Further objects of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a compact tampon dispenser which comprises: a. A housing which contains the dispensing mechanism and the dispensed tampons; wherein the said housing contains an opening threw which the tampons are withdrawn to a concaved ramp. b. A dispensing mechanism including:

1) A ratchet mechanism which consists of; an impeller mounted vertically inside the housing, a spindle around which the impeller rotates at segmented steps, an actuating knob joined to a lever which is connected to the impeller's spindle and to a return spring, an additional lever and a skater spring to enable the impeller's rotation during the knob actuation and to avoid the back turning of the impeller by the return spring after each dispense.

2) Aligned bars round the external perimeter of the impeller which are used as horizontal storage compartments for the dispensed tampons.

The present invention enables a relatively compact dispenser in relation to the amount of tampons dispensed by usage of the dispensing mechanism for storage of the dispensed tampons and by enabling usage of unexploited space inside the housing for storage of additional tampons in order to maintain them easily accessible for a refill as required.

In a preferred embodiment, the bars on the impellers exterior are provided by an elastic strip dressed on the impeller.

In a preferred embodiment, an additional wheel is implemented and the elastic strip is dressed around both the impeller and the wheel in order to enlarge the amount of tampons sorted inside the strip. By using the strip around both the impeller and the wheel, a larger amount of tampons can be stacked around the strips' perimeter between the aligned bars. In addition, the housing can be designed in an elongated manner (horizontally or vertically). In a preferred embodiment, the strip and /or the impeller are sprocket to enhance the friction between them during the impellers' rotation. Thus, enhancing the reliability of the mechanism by improving the collaboration between the impeller and the wheel during each dispense.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing contains a lid which enables opening and closing. The manners of the opening and the closing of the lid are various (e.g., the lid might be hinged or pivotally attached to one or more of the side panels of the housing). hi a preferred embodiment, unexploited space inside the housing is used for storage of additional tampons in order to maintain them easily accessible for a refill as required.

In a preferred embodiment, a container is implemented to the housing to allow additional tampons accessible for a refill as required.

In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser is joined to a wall from one or more of its sides.

In a preferred embodiment, a slit on the housing enables indication of the quantity of tampons left.

In a preferred embodiment the dispenser enables integration of means against moisture in order to enable proper preservation of the tampons at a dampest environment.

In a preferred embodiment, the said opening from which the tampons are withdrawn is covered by a thin shade which allows the tampons dispense and yet protects the housing's interior from absorbing moisture.

In a preferred embodiment, the thin shade is integrated to the dispenser's mechanism to allow opening each time the knob is pressed for dispense of a tampon and to be closed automatically afterwards using the return spring.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the housing's interior has a pocket for anti- moisture substance. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser enables integration to complimentary products (e.g. a compact sanitary napkin dispenser, a toilet paper dispenser etc').

In a preferred embodiment, the said invention mutatis mutandis might be used as a cigar dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG 1: A schematic description of one possible embodiment of the compact tampon dispenser based on a single vertically mounted impeller.

FIG 2: A schematic description of one possible embodiment's impeller and the aligned bars round the external perimeter of the impeller.

FIG 3: A schematic description of yet another possible embodiment based on a vertically mounted impeller and an additional wheel wherein an elastic strip with bars is dressed on the said impeller and wheel.

FIG 4: A schematic description of the compact tampon dispenser ratchet mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The descriptions herein are schematic descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention. As it is clear that several different components comprise the entire system, reference to only the main components is made for the sake of brevity and since other components and their incorporation in the system are well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The figures are designed merely to provide a general perception of preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is to be emphasized that lack of reference to the entire variety of integration and production of the possible embodiments shall not impose a restriction over the extent of the invention hereof.

The compact tampon dispenser consists of the following main components: a. A housing which contains the dispensing mechanism and the dispensed tampons wherein the said housing contains an opening threw which the tampons are withdrawn to a concaved ramp and a lid at the side of the housing to allow refill of articles as required. b. A dispensing mechanism including: c. i. A ratchet mechanism which consists of:

1. An impeller.

2. A wheel.

3. A spindle around which the impeller rotates.

4. An actuating knob.

5. A momentum pin.

6. A lever.

7. A return spring.

8. An additional lever and a skater spring. ii. Aligned bars round the external perimeter of the impeller or alternatively an elastic strip with bars dressed on the impeller. d. Horizontally Stored tampons. e. Back flanks to assist the dispenser's integration to a wall.

Further components are applicable in accordance to the desired application.

FIG 1 - A schematic description of one possible embodiment of the compact tampon dispenser based on a single impeller. The side projection described herein demonstrates the tampon dispensers housing; the round container (1) contains the dispensing mechanism which also stacks the tampons inside. The size of the container can be designed accordingly to the number of the desired dispensed tampons. A knob is used to actuate the dispensing mechanism (2), when the knob is pressed the tampons are dispensed to a concaved ramp (3) from which they are withdrawn; the concaved ramp prevents the tampons from falling to the ground when dispensed. When the knob is freed a return spring in the mechanism returns the knob back to its initial position. The housing also contains flanks (4) to enable simple integration to a wall. FIG 2 - A schematic description of one possible embodiment's impeller and the aligned bars round the external perimeter of the impeller. The dispensing mechanism's impeller (5) contains aligned bars round its' external perimeter (6), the aligned bars are part of the dispensing mechanism and they are also used to stack the tampons inside them (7). The impeller is mounted vertically to the housing using a spindle (8) around which the impeller rotates.

When the actuating knob (9) is pressed, the momentum is transferred to the impeller via a pin (10), thus the impeller rotates round the spindle in a segmented manner. During the impellers segmented rotation 2 aligned bars align in front of the opening (11) to the concaved ramp (12), the tampon inside them is withdrawn to the ramp by gravity. Unused space inside the impeller (13) can be used for stacking of additional tampons to maintain them easily accessible for a refill as required.

FIG 3 - A schematic description of yet another possible embodiment based on an impeller and an additional wheel wherein an elastic strip with bars is dressed on the said impeller and wheel. The mechanism's impeller (14) rotates round a spindle (15). The additional wheel (16) also rotates round a spindle (17). The impeller and the wheel are coordinated by an elastic strip (18) with aligned bars (19) which is dressed on them. The strip, the impeller and the wheel are sprocket to enhance the friction between them in order to improve their coordination during the impellers' rotation. The actuating knobs' (20) movement is limited by the housings design (21) in order to provide the required segmented rotation of the impeller.

By using the strip around both the impeller and the wheel, a larger amount of tampons can be stacked around the strips' perimeter between the aligned bars; in addition, the housing can be designed in an elongated manner (horizontally or vertically) in opposed to the round container shape as described at the first and second drawings. In the described embodiment, the invention's mechanism is designed in a manner that when a tampon is dispensed and not withdrawn, further pressings of the knob will cause the ought to be dispensed tampon to press itself to the already dispensed tampon on the concaved ramp thus avoiding another dispense and the falling of the already dispensed tampon to the ground. FIG 4 - A schematic description of the compact tampon dispenser ratchet mechanism. A toothed impeller (22) is vertically mounted to the housing by a spindle (23); the toothed impeller shown at the drawing is the back side of the impeller as shown at the third drawing. The actuating knob (24) is connected to a lever (25) which is also connected to the housing by the spindle. An additional lever (26) is connected to the main lever by a pin (27). Thus, when the knob is pressed the additional lever shifts the momentum to the toothed impeller, the housing is designed to limit the knobs movement in order to provide segmented rotation of the impeller. When the knob is freed, a return spring (28) in the mechanism returns the knob back to its initial position. In addition, a skater spring (29) prevents the additional lever from rotating the toothed impeller backwards by the return spring; therefore the toothed impeller can turn only in one way at the segmented steps.

Claims

Claims:

1. A compact tampon dispenser which comprises: a. A housing which contains the dispensing mechanism and the dispensed tampons; wherein the said housing contains an opening threw which the tampons are withdrawn to a concaved ramp; b. A dispensing mechanism including:

1) A ratchet mechanism which consists of; an impeller mounted vertically inside the housing, a spindle around which the impeller rotates at segmented steps, an actuating knob joined to a lever which is connected to the impeller's spindle and to a return spring, an additional lever and a skater spring to enable the impeller's rotation during the knob actuation and to avoid the back turning of the impeller by the return spring after each dispense;

2. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein the bars on the impellers exterior are provided by an elastic strip dressed on the impeller.

3. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 2, wherein an additional wheel is implemented and the elastic strip is dressed around both the impeller and the wheel.

4. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein the strip and /or the impeller are sprocket to enhance the friction between them during the impellers' rotation.

5. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing contains a lid which can be opened and closed to enable tampon refill.

6. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 5, wherein the space which is left inside the housing is used for storage of additional tampons.

7. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 5, wherein a container is implemented to the housing to allow accessibility for tampon refill as required.

8. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 1, which is joined to a wall from one or more of its' sides.

9. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein a slit on the housing enables indication of the quantity of tampons left.

10. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein the dispenser includes means for absorbing moisture.

11. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 10, wherein the said opening threw which the tampons are dispensed is covered by a thin shade which allows the tampons dispense and yet protects them from moisture absorption.

12. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 11, wherein the thin shade is integrated to the dispenser's mechanism to allow opening each time the knob is pressed for dispense of a tampon and to be closed automatically afterwards using the return spring.

13. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 10, wherein the housing's interior has a pocket for anti-moisture substance.

14. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein the said dispenser can be integrated along with complimentary dispensers.

15. A compact tampon dispenser as describes at the enclosed drawings.

16. A compact tampon dispenser as recited in claims 1 to 15, which is used as a cigar dispenser.