WO2010068590A1

WO2010068590A1 - Wipes dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO2010068590A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/066987
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Proper; Joe Sherman
Original assignee: Gojo Industries, Inc.
Priority date: 2008-12-09
Filing date: 2009-12-07
Publication date: 2010-06-17
Also published as: TW201029616A

Abstract

A wipes dispensing system (110) including a housing (112) having an opening (120) at one end of an internal cavity (118) therein and an elastomeric sealing member (130) integrally formed with the housing that covers a portion of the opening. A wipes refill pouch (132) is secured in the housing and includes a pouch (134) bag, a roll of wet-wipes disposed within the pouch bag, and a fitment (138) positioned on one end of the pouch bag adapted to be received in the housing and having an opening and an integral feed throat (142). The opening in the fitment and the opening in the housing are substantially aligned, and the elastomeric sealing member on the housing and the feed throat on the refill pouch fitment mate together to substantially cover the openings.

Description

WIPES DISPENSING SYSTEM

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial number 61/201,297 filed on December 9, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention herein resides in the art of wet- wipes dispensers. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved wet-wipes dispenser system having a housing adapted to receive a refill pouch of wet-wipes. In certain embodiments of the invention the housing includes an elastomeric over-seal that is integrally positioned within the dispenser opening to allow access to the wipes for threading, while also preventing dry-out.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wet-wipes are often provided as a dispensing mechanism for hand-sanitizing and cleaning products. The wipes are advantageous because they are easy to use and are easily disposed after use. However, the packaging and dispensing of wet- wipes can be problematic for a number of reasons.

One such reason is the importance of keeping the wet-wipes container sealed during storage and shipment to prevent the wipes from drying out. Even a small opening or leak that allows air flow to reach the wet-wipes can result in an unusable product, especially where the wipes are saturated with an alcohol based solvent or cleanser. For shipment and storage, a wet- wipes container is often provided with a seal that must be broken by the consumer to access the wet wipes. The seal prevents dry-out prior to first use, but does not address the problem of dry- out after the consumer has broken the seal. It can be a lengthy period of time between when the seal is broken and when the last wet-wipe from the package is used.

Wet-wipes dispensers can also be problematic because a mechanism must be provided to allow the wet-wipes within a wet-wipes container to be threaded and re-threaded through a dispenser feed throat. Therefore, an opening must be provided in the wet-wipes container to permit the wipes to be accessed and fed through a feed throat where they may be grasped and pulled by a user. The feed throat often has a unique shape that causes individual wet wipes to separate from a continuous sheet of wet- wipes when pulled therethrough. The opening to access the wipes, however, frequently provides a source of leakage, allowing air flow to reach the wipes either during storage and shipping or after a consumer has broken the seal provided by the manufacturer.

Another consideration, given the increasing popularity of hand sanitizing wipes as opposed to conventional hand- washing, is a method of dispensing wet wipes in public settings that will prevent users from taking the wipes container from the public area. For example, if a wet wipes container were provided in a public restroom on a countertop near a sink, it is possible that the wipes container would be stolen before all of the sanitizing wet-wipes had been dispensed from it.

Thus, there is a need for a wet wipes dispensing system which prevents dry-out, provides an opening for threading and rethreading the wet wipes through a feed throat, and secures the wipes within a fixed dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a wet wipes dispensing system that secures wet wipes within a fixed dispenser.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a wet wipes dispensing system, as above, that provides an opening for threading and rethreading the wet wipes through a feed throat.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a wet wipes dispensing system, as above, that prevents dry-out of the wet wipes.

In general, a wet wipes dispensing system according to the present invention includes a refill unit for a wipes dispenser having an opening at one end partially covered by a first elastomeric sealing member, the refill unit further including: a container; a fitment secured to one end of the container, the fitment having an opening that provides access to an interior of the container; a second elastomeric sealing member positioned over a portion of the opening in the fitment; and a feedthroat in the second elastomeric sealing member, wherein the second elastomeric sealing member is sized and shaped to mate with the first elastomeric sealing member when the refill unit is inserted into the dispenser.

In any embodiment of the refill unit the container may be in the form of a rigid enclosure. In any embodiment of the refill unit the container may include a threaded neck, and the fitment may include a threaded collar adapted to be received on the threaded neck of the container.

In any embodiment of the refill unit the container may be in the form of a pouch bag enclosure.

In any embodiment of the refill unit where the container is a pouch bag, the pouch bag may be secured to the fitment by a resealable zipper strip.

In any embodiment of the refill unit where the pouch bag is secured by a zipper strip, the fitment may have a first side and a second side, the first side including a projection and the second side including a recess, the pouch bag having a male zipper strip portion that mates with the recess and a female zipper strip portion that mates with the projection to secure the pouch bag to the fitment.

In any embodiment of the refill unit a plurality of wet wipes may be provided in the container.

In accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention, a wipes dispensing system includes a housing having an internal cavity and an opening at one end; a first elastomeric sealing member attached to the housing and covering a portion of the opening; a wipes refill unit including a container, a fitment secured to one end of the container, the fitment having an opening that provides access to an interior of the container, a second elastomeric sealing member positioned over a portion of the opening in the fitment, and a feedthroat in the second elastomeric sealing member, the fitment being received and secured in the housing; wherein the opening in the fitment and the opening in the housing are substantially aligned, and the first elastomeric sealing member and the second elastomeric sealing member mate together to substantially cover the openings.

In any embodiment of the wipes dispensing system the container may be in the form of a rigid enclosure.

In any embodiment of the wipes dispensing system the container may include a threaded neck, and the fitment may include a threaded collar adapted to be received on the threaded neck of the container. In any embodiment of the wipes dispensing system the container may be in the form of a pouch bag.

In any embodiment of the wipes dispensing system where the container is a pouch bag, the pouch bag may be secured to the fitment by a resealable zipper strip.

In any embodiment of the wipes dispensing system where the pouch bag is secured by a resealable zipper strip, the fitment may have a first side and a second side, the first side including a projection and the second side including a recess, the pouch bag having a male zipper strip portion that mates with the recess and a female zipper strip portion that mates with the projection to secure the pouch bag to the fitment.

In any embodiment of the wipes dispensing system the container may include a plurality of wet wipes disposed therein.

In any embodiment of the wipes dispensing system the housing may include a pivotable cap secured over the opening in the housing.

In any embodiment of the wipes dispensing system where the housing may includes a pivotable cap, the cap may include an annular gasket.

DESCMPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the wet- wipes dispenser of the present invention in a closed state.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the wet- wipes dispenser of Fig. 1 with the cover and cap in open positions.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the wet- wipes dispenser of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is cross sectional view of the wet- wipes dispenser of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a close-up view of the elastomeric overmold of the wet- wipes dispenser as indicated in Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a close-up sectional view as indicated in Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the wet- wipes dispenser of the present invention with the cover and cap in open positions.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the wet- wipes dispenser of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of the wet- wipes dispenser of Fig. 7 with the cover and cap in closed positions. Fig. 10 is a close-up sectional view as indicated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a top view of an alternate fitment of the wet- wipes dispenser of Fig. 7 with a zipper attachment mechanism.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken generally across line 12-12 of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken generally across line 13-13 of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken generally across line 14-14 of Fig. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of a wet-wipes dispenser according to the concepts of the present invention is shown in Figures 1-6 and is indicated generally by the numeral 10. Wipes dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 having a backplate 14 and a cover 16. Backplate 14 and cover 16 together define an internal cavity 18 (Fig. 3). Cover 16 is pivotable relative to backplate 14 so that internal cavity 18 may be accessed to fill or refill wipes dispenser 10. A lock mechanism 15 (Fig. 3) may be included to maintain cover 16 in a closed position unless it is un-actuated or disengaged (in this case by pressing inward on lock mechanism 15). Any lock and disengaging mechanism known in the art may be used, and this feature should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention.

An opening 20 is provided in the top surface 22 of housing 12, and is defined in-part by backplate 14 and in-part by cover 16. Opening 20, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, is circular in shape, although it is contemplated that it may take other desired shapes. A pivotable cap 24 is provided on top surface 22 of housing 12, and is secured to backplate 14. Cap 24 is sized and positioned so that opening 20 is covered when it is in a closed position, and opening 20 is exposed when it is pivoted to an open position. Cap 24 may be provided with an annular gasket 26 (Figs. 2, 4 and 6) to create a seal when cap 24 is closed against housing 12. Cap 24 may also be provided with a tab 28 to make it easier for a person to grip it, and which is particularly useful when cap 24 is in a closed position.

An elastomeric sealing member 30 is provided over a portion of opening 20 in housing 12. Sealing member 30 may be integrally overmolded with backplate 14, or it may be secured within opening 20 by other methods, such as, for example, with an adhesive. Sealing member 30 may be made of any known flexible and resilient material that is also substantially impervious to air and liquid. For example, sealing member 30 may be made of thermoplastic elastomer or silicone rubber. The amount of opening 20 that is covered by sealing member 30 is not critical, except in relation to the size of the elastomeric overmold provided in a fitment of the refill unit, as will be discussed below. Sealing member 30 is provided with a projection 31 on an exposed edge in order to mate with the fitment of the refill unit and ensure proper alignment.

A wipes refill unit 32 is adapted to be received within housing 12, the refill unit being easily inserted and removed to facilitate refilling of the dispenser. Refill unit 32 includes a container 34 having a plurality of wet-wipes disposed therein. The wet-wipes may be provided in any form known to persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, a perforated roll of wet- wipes or an overlapping stack of wet- wipes. The wet- wipes may be saturated in a cleansing or sanitizing fluid, or other fluids as desired.

Container 34 is preferably impervious to liquid to prevent leakage of the fluid therefrom. A fitment 38 is provided at the top of container 34 and is adapted to be received in housing 12. Fitment 38 is preferably removable and may be secured to container 34 by any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, fitment 38 may be secured by a snap fit, may be chemically welded to container 34, or may be provided with internal threads that mate with threads on container 34.

Fitment 38 includes an elastomeric overmold 39 over a portion of an opening 40 therein, and includes an integral feed throat 42 formed in elastomeric overmold 39. Overmold 39 may be made of an elastomeric material, preferably similar to, or the same as, sealing member 30. Feed throat 42 may include several intersecting slots and a funnel shaped channel 44, and is designed to allow the wet-wipes to be pulled therethrough while also applying tension to the wet-wipes. The tension applied by feed throat 42 serves to ensure that only a single wipe is dispensed when a lead wipe extending through the feed throat 42 is pulled, and the feed throat 42 retains the next wet- wipe partially therein, as is well known in the art.

Container 34 of refill unit 32 includes a plurality of annular recesses 46 therein, and backplate 14 of housing 12 includes a plurality of convex projections 48 extending into internal cavity 18. When container 34 is inserted into housing 12, projections 48 are received in annular recesses 46 to help secure refill unit 32 in place. In addition, cover 16 includes a plurality of convex projections 50 extending into internal cavity 18 similar to those extending from backplate 14. When cover 16 is closed after refill unit 32 has been inserted into internal cavity 18, projections 50 are also received in annular recesses 46, thereby providing additional support and retention to container 34.

When a refill unit 32 is positioned within housing 12, sealing member 30 covers the exposed portion of opening 40 in fitment 38 and interacts with elastomeric overmold 39 to create a seal. The combination of sealing member 30 and elastomeric overmold 39 prevents dry-out of the wet- wipes within container 34 while still allowing access to the interior of container 34 to facilitate threading and rethreading of feed throat 42. Projection 31 of sealing member 30 is received in funnel shaped channel 44 of elastomeric overmold 39 to ensure proper alignment of sealing member 30 and elastomeric overmold 39.

In addition, cap 24 and annular gasket 26 further seal container 34 when cap 24 is in a closed position. A temporary seal 52 may be provided over the top of fitment 38 and opening 40 during storage and shipment of refill unit 32. Prior to insertion into housing 12, temporary seal 52, if provided, is peeled from fitment 38. Such temporary seals are well known in the art, and any conventional seal may be employed without deviating from the scope of the invention.

A second embodiment of the wet-wipes dispenser of the present invention is shown in Figs. 7-13 and is indicated generally by the numeral 110. Dispenser 110 is substantially similar to dispenser 10 described above, except for the use of a pouch bag 134 in place of the container 34, as will be described below. Like dispenser 10, dispenser 110 includes a housing 112 with a backplate 114 and a pivoting cover 116 that together define an internal cavity 118. A lock mechanism 115 is provided to maintain cover 116 in a closed position unless disengaged.

An opening 120 is provided in the top surface 122 of housing 112. A pivotable cap 124 is provided on top surface 122 of housing 112, and is secured to backplate 114. Cap 124 is sized and positioned so that opening 120 is covered when it is in a closed position, and opening 120 is exposed when it is pivoted to an open position. Cap 124 is provided with an annular flange 126 extending downwardly toward opening 120, and housing 112 is provided with a channel 127 to receive flange 126. Thus, when cap 124 is closed against top surface 122 of housing 112, flange 126 is received in channel 127 to create a seal (Fig. 10). Cap 124 may also be provided with a tab 128 to make it easier for a person to grip it, and which is particularly useful when cap 124 is in a closed position.

An elastomeric sealing member 130 is provided over a portion of opening 120 in housing 112. Sealing member 130 may be integrally overmolded with backplate 114, or it may be secured within opening 120 by other known methods. Sealing member 130 may be made of any flexible and resilient material as discussed above with respect to sealing member 30. Sealing member 130 may have a contoured shape, as shown in the drawings, or may have a straight edge or any other desired shape so long as the elastomeric overmold of the refill unit has a corresponding shape, as will be discussed below.

A wipes refill unit 132 is adapted to be received within housing 112, the refill unit being easily inserted and removed to facilitate refilling of the dispenser when empty. Refill unit 132 includes a pouch bag 134 having a plurality of wet- wipes disposed therein. As discussed with respect to refill unit 32, the wet-wipes may be provided in any form known to persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, a perforated roll of wet-wipes or an overlapping stack of wet-wipes. The wet-wipes may be saturated in a cleansing or sanitizing fluid, or other fluids as desired.

Pouch bag 134 is preferably impervious to liquid to prevent leakage of the fluid of the wet- wipes from the bag. A fitment 138 is provided at the top of pouch bag 134 and is adapted to be received in housing 112. Fitment 138 may be secured to pouch bag 134 by any method known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, chemical welding. Alternatively, pouch bag 134 may be secured to fitment 138 by a zipper strip type attachment as discussed below and as shown in Figs. 11-13.

Fitment 138 includes an elastomeric overmold 139 over a portion of an opening 140 therein, which has an integral feed throat 142 therein. In order to provide an airtight seal, elastomeric overmold 139 has an edge profile corresponding to the edge profile of sealing member 130 (Fig. 8). When refill unit 132 is positioned within housing 112 sealing member 130 covers opening 140 in fitment 138 to create a seal, thereby preventing dry-out of the wet- wipes within pouch bag 134. At the same time, sealing member 130 allows access to the interior of pouch bag 134 to facilitate threading and rethreading of feed throat 142 due to its flexibility. In addition, cap 124 and flange 126 further seal pouch bag 134 when cap 124 is in a closed position.

An optional mechanism for securing pouch bag 134 to fitment 138 is shown in Figs. 11- 14 where pouch bag 134 of dispenser 110 is connected to fitment 138 by a zipper 160. Pouch bag 134 includes an opening 162 at its top end that is sized and shaped to fit around fitment 138. Opening 162 has a resealable zipper strip 160 therein. The zipper strip enables pouch bag 134 to be stored and shipped in a sealed state and opened when desired. Zipper strip 160 includes a male side 166 and a female side 168, male side 166 having a projection 170, and female side 168 having a channel 172 formed therein. As is well known in the art, projection 170 is received in channel 172 to form a seal by pressing male side 166 against female side 168 when the projection and channel are properly aligned.

Fitment 138 may include a male zipper portion 173 around one side of its outer surface, and a female zipper portion 177 around the opposite side. The male portion includes a projection 174 similar to male side 166, and female portion 177 includes a channel 181 similar to female side 168. Thus, when it is necessary to insert pouch bag 134 into housing 112 it is opened and oriented over fitment 138 such that male side 166 of zipper strip 164 is mated with female portion 177 of fitment 138, and female side 168 of zipper strip 164 is mated with the male zipper portion 173 of fitment 138. Each projection 170, 174 is received in the corresponding channel 172, 181 to attach and seal pouch bag 134 to fitment 138. Such an arrangement requires only pouch bag 134 to be replaced when the wet- wipes therein run out, as opposed to both pouch bag 134 and fitment 138. Cover 116 and backplate 114 may be provided with inwardly extending tabs 176 that, when cover 116 is closed, act to press and reinforce the zipper strip attachment of pouch bag 134 to fitment 138.

In light of the foregoing, it should be clear that this invention provides improvements in the art of wet-wipes dispensers. While particular embodiments have been disclosed herein for the purpose of teaching the inventive concepts, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to or by any particular structure shown and described. Rather, the claims shall serve to define the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A refill unit for a wipes dispenser having an opening at one end partially covered by a first elastomeric sealing member, the refill unit comprising: a container; a fitment secured to one end of the container, the fitment having an opening that provides access to an interior of the container, a second elastomeric sealing member positioned over a portion of the opening in the fitment, and a feedthroat in the second elastomeric sealing member, wherein the second elastomeric sealing member is sized and shaped to mate with the first elastomeric sealing member when the refill unit is inserted into the dispenser.

2. The refill unit of claim 1 , wherein the container is in the form of a rigid enclosure.

3. The refill unit of claim 2, wherein the container includes a threaded neck, and the fitment includes a threaded collar adapted to be received on the threaded neck of the container.

4. The refill unit of claim 1, wherein the container is in the form of a pouch bag enclosure.

5. The refill unit of claim 4, wherein the pouch bag is secured to the fitment by a resealable zipper strip.

6. The refill unit of claim 5, wherein the fitment has a first side and a second side, the first side including a projection and the second side including a recess, the pouch bag having a male zipper strip portion that mates with the recess and a female zipper strip portion that mates with the projection to secure the pouch bag to the fitment.

7. The refill unit of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wet wipes disposed in the container.

8. A wipes dispenser system comprising: a housing having an internal cavity and an opening at one end; a first elastomeric sealing member attached to the housing and covering a portion of the opening; a wipes refill unit including a container, a fitment secured to one end of the container, the fitment having an opening that provides access to an interior of the container, a second elastomeric sealing member positioned over a portion of the opening in the fitment, and a feedthroat in the second elastomeric sealing member, the fitment being received and secured in the housing; wherein the opening in the fitment and the opening in the housing are substantially aligned, and the first elastomeric sealing member and the second elastomeric sealing member mate together to substantially cover the openings.

9. The wipes dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the container is in the form of a rigid enclosure.

10. The wipes dispensing system of claim 9, wherein the container includes a threaded neck, and the fitment includes a threaded collar adapted to be received on the threaded neck of the container.

11. The wipes dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the container is in the form of a pouch bag enclosure.

12. The wipes dispensing system of claim 11, wherein the pouch bag is secured to the fitment by a resealable zipper strip.

13. The wipes dispensing system of claim 12, wherein the fitment has a first side and a second side, the first side including a projection and the second side including a recess, the pouch bag having a male zipper strip portion that mates with the recess and a female zipper strip portion that mates with the projection to secure the pouch bag to the fitment.

14. The wipes dispensing system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of wet wipes disposed in the container.

15. The wipes dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the housing includes a pivotable cap secured over the opening in the housing.

16. The wipes dispensing system of claim 15, wherein the pivotable cap includes an annular gasket.