WO2014097080A1 - Récipient distributeur de lingettes offrant une facilité améliorée de recharge - Google Patents

Récipient distributeur de lingettes offrant une facilité améliorée de recharge Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014097080A1
WO2014097080A1 PCT/IB2013/060884 IB2013060884W WO2014097080A1 WO 2014097080 A1 WO2014097080 A1 WO 2014097080A1 IB 2013060884 W IB2013060884 W IB 2013060884W WO 2014097080 A1 WO2014097080 A1 WO 2014097080A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wall
ring
slit
dispensing
container
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2013/060884
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Christopher M. BECHYNE
John C. Onderko
Original Assignee
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/721,572 external-priority patent/US9125532B2/en
Priority claimed from US13/721,633 external-priority patent/US9889963B2/en
Priority claimed from US13/777,728 external-priority patent/US10435229B2/en
Application filed by Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. filed Critical Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Priority to GB1512355.7A priority Critical patent/GB2523964A/en
Priority to KR1020157018967A priority patent/KR20150096488A/ko
Priority to AU2013365854A priority patent/AU2013365854A1/en
Priority to BR112015013365A priority patent/BR112015013365A2/pt
Publication of WO2014097080A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014097080A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/08—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession
    • B65D83/0805—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession through an aperture in a wall
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
    • A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
    • A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
    • A47K10/42—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D15/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/08—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2583/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D2583/005—Dispensers provided with a replaceable cartridge, recharge or pouch located within the dispenser

Definitions

  • Wipe-type products or wipes have been made from a variety of materials which can be dry or wet when used.
  • Wet wipes can be moistened with a variety of suitable wiping solutions.
  • wet wipes have been stacked in a container in either a folded or unfolded configuration.
  • containers of wet wipes have been available wherein each of the wet wipes stacked in the container has been arranged in a folded configuration such as a c-folded, z-folded or quarter-folded configuration as are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • each folded wet wipe is interfolded with the wet wipes immediately above and below it in the stack of wipes.
  • the wet wipes have been placed in a container in the form of a continuous web of material that includes perforations adapted to allow for separation of individual wet wipes from the web upon the application of a pulling force.
  • Such wet wipes have been used for baby wipes, hand wipes, personal care wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial wipes and the like.
  • Conventional packages of wipes have typically been designed to be positioned on a flat surface such as a countertop, table or the like. Such conventional packages have often included a plastic container, tub or package which provides a sealed environment for the wet wipes to ensure that they do not become dirty or overly dry. Some of the conventional packages have also been configured to provide "one-at-a-time" dispensing of each wet wipe which can be accomplished using a single hand after the package has been opened. Such single-handed, one-at-a-time dispensing is particularly desirable because the other hand of the user or care giver is typically required to be simultaneously used for other functions. For example, when changing a diaper product on an infant, the care giver typically uses one hand to hold and maintain the infant in a desired position while the other hand is used to dispense a baby wipe to clean the infant.
  • "Pop-up" configurations of wet wipe dispensers can advantageously help provide the aforementioned single-handed, "one-at-a-time” dispensing.
  • the wipe pulls along the leading end of the succeeding wipe in the package, by virtue of the succeeding wipe being in operative contact with the leading wipe such as via interfolding, via adhesive bonding, or via an integral connection along a line of weakness.
  • the leading wipe is pulled out of and away from the package, the trailing end of the leading wipe breaks free from the leading end of the succeeding wipe, and the leading end of the succeeding wipe is left protruding from the package. In this way, the leading end of the succeeding wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for grasping and subsequent withdrawal from the package, and what was previously the succeeding wipe now becomes the leading wipe.
  • the wipes are loaded into the dispenser via a refill opening in an end wall, but dispensed through a dispensing opening in a top wall, as disclosed in Patent Application No. 13/721 ,633 in the name of Bechyne et al. and assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • it may be necessary to thread the top wipe through the top dispensing opening by reaching into the refill opening in the end wall, grasping the top wipe in a stack of wipes, and threading the top wipe through the dispensing opening.
  • the dispensing opening is longitudinally and transversely centered in the top wall.
  • the invention is directed to a container of stacked moist wipes.
  • the container includes a a dispenser housing that defines a top wall spaced apart from and generally parallel to a bottom wall, a first side wall spaced apart from and generally parallel to a second side wall, and a first end wall spaced apart from and generally parallel to a second end wall. All of the walls collectively define an interior space.
  • the first end wall can be removed to provide access to the interior space via a refill orifice.
  • the top wall includes a dispensing orifice through which wipes can be extracted from the interior space.
  • the first end wall is spaced apart from the second end wall in a length dimension, and the top wall is spaced apart from the bottom wall in a height dimension.
  • the interior space has an interior space height that extends from an inner surface of the top wall to an inner surface of the bottom wall.
  • the dispensing orifice defines a dispensing orifice perimeter.
  • the container further can include a stack of moist wipes stacked upon each other in the height dimension and disposed within the interior space. Each moist wipe is adapted to be extracted from the interior space through the dispensing orifice.
  • the dispensing orifice is covered by a lid assembly.
  • the lid assembly includes a ring and a flip top.
  • the ring is permanently affixed to the top wall, and the flip top is hingedly connected to the ring.
  • the ring overlaps and extends generally along the dispensing orifice perimeter.
  • the ring defines an interior region which has an interior region length.
  • the ring has a first ring end proximal the refill orifice and a second ring end distal the refill orifice.
  • a thermoplastic elastomer dispensing partition extends substantially throughout the interior region, and a dispensing slit is formed in the thermoplastic elastomer dispensing partition.
  • the dispensing slit has a first slit end proximal the first ring end, a second slit end proximal the second ring end, and a slit length. The slit length extends along the length dimension.
  • the first slit end is spaced a first distance from the first end wall and the second slit end is spaced a second distance from the second end wall, and the first distance is less than the second distance.
  • at least 60% of the slit length is located between the first ring end and a bisecting line that extends perpendicularly to the interior region length at a midpoint of the interior region length.
  • FIG. 1 A representatively illustrates a left front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, with the flip top in the closed position and with both end wall removable caps attached.
  • Fig. 1 B representatively illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 1 A, but with the flip top in the open position.
  • Fig. 1C representatively illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 1A, but with one end wall removable cap unattached.
  • Fig. 2 representatively illustrates a rear right perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 A, but with one end wall removable cap unattached.
  • Fig. 3 representatively illustrates a front view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 A.
  • Fig. 4 representatively depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 3 taken at line 4-4.
  • Fig. 5 representatively illustrates an end view of the embodiment of Fig. 1C, with the end wall removable cap absent.
  • Fig. 6 representatively depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 5 taken at line 6-6.
  • Fig. 6A representatively depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 5 taken at line 6-6, but with both end wall removable caps attached.
  • FIG. 7A representatively illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 1 A, but with one end wall removable end cap and a stack of moist wipes shown in an exploded view.
  • Fig. 7B is the same as Fig. 1 B, but with a wipe depicted in a partially dispensed position.
  • Fig. 8 representatively illustrates the same embodiment and view depicted in Fig. 6, along with a front view of a stack of moist wipes suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a detail view of the portion of Fig. 8 indicated by reference numeral
  • Fig. 10 is a detail view of an alternative embodiment of the portion of Fig. 8 indicated by reference numeral 9.
  • Fig. 11 representatively illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 1 A, but with both end wall removable end caps and the lid assembly shown in a exploded view.
  • Fig. 12A is a perspective top view of a lid assembly suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 12B is a bottom view of the lid assembly of Fig. 12A.
  • Fig. 12C is a back view of the lid assembly of Fig. 12A.
  • Fig. 12D is a top view of the lid assembly of Fig. 12A.
  • Fig. 12E is an end view of the lid assembly of Fig. 12A.
  • Fig. 12F is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly of Fig. 12D taken at line 12F.
  • Fig. 13A is an inner perspective view of the first end wall of the embodiment of Figs. 1-3.
  • Fig. 13B is an inner plan view of the first end wall of the embodiment of Figs. 1-3.
  • Fig. 13C is an outer plan view of the first end wall of the embodiment of Figs. 1-3.
  • Fig. 13D is a top plan view of the first end wall of the embodiment of Figs. 1-
  • Fig. 13E is a side plan view of the first end wall of the embodiment of Figs.
  • Fig. 14A is an inner perspective view of the second end wall of the embodiment of Figs. 1-3.
  • Fig. 14B is an inner plan view of the second end wall of the embodiment of Figs. 1-3.
  • Fig. 14C is an outer plan view of the second end wall of the embodiment of Figs. 1-3.
  • Fig. 1 D is a top plan view of the second end wall of the embodiment of
  • Fig. 14E is a side plan view of the second end wall of the embodiment of Figs. 1-3.
  • Fig. 15A depicts the embodiment of Figs. 1-3 positioned on a surface in a first orientation.
  • Fig. 15B depicts the embodiment of Figs. 1-3 positioned on a surface in a second orientation.
  • Fig. 15C depicts the embodiment of Figs. 1-3 positioned on a surface in a third orientation.
  • Fig. 15D depicts the embodiment of Figs. 1-3 positioned on a surface in a fourth orientation.
  • Fig. 15E depicts the embodiment of Figs. 1-3 positioned on a surface in a fourth orientation.
  • Fig. 16A representatively illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, with the flip top absent and with both end wall removable caps attached.
  • Fig. 16B representatively illustrates a top view of a yet another embodiment of the invention, with the flip top absent and with both end wall removable caps attached.
  • Fig. 16C representatively illustrates a top view of still another embodiment of the invention, with the flip top absent and with both end wall removable caps attached.
  • Fig. 16D representatively illustrates a top view of yet another embodiment of the invention, with the flip top absent and with both end wall removable caps attached.
  • the present invention in particular embodiments pertains to a container of moist wipes.
  • the container 20 includes a dispenser housing 22 and a stack 50 of moist wipes 52.
  • the dispenser housing 22 includes a top wall 24 spaced apart from and generally parallel to a bottom wall 26.
  • the dispenser housing 22 further includes a first side wall 28 spaced apart from and generally parallel to a second side wall 30.
  • the dispenser housing 22 further includes a first end wall 32 spaced apart from and generally parallel to a second end wall 34.
  • "Generally parallel" as used herein means disposed between zero and about 30 degrees relative to each other.
  • the walls, 24/26/28/30/32/34 connect together to define an interior space 36.
  • the top wall 24, the bottom wall 26, the first side wall 28, the second side wall 30, and at least one layer of the second end wall 34 are integrally molded with each other.
  • the interior space is preferably moisture impervious, so that the moist wipes 52 within the interior space do not dry out.
  • the housing 22 is a polyhedron, such as a parallelepiped.
  • the housing is rigid.
  • rigid means a level of stiffness commonly associated with materials used to manufacture wet wipes tubs and parts thereof. Numerically, these materials in particular embodiments have a flexural modulus (as measured in accordance with ASTM D790 "Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials") of about 100 Newtons per square millimeter or greater, more specifically from about 1100 to about 1550 Newtons per square millimeter.
  • the first end wall 32 can be moved to provide access to the interior space 36 via a refill orifice 38.
  • the first end wall is hingedly connected to one of the top wall 24, bottom wall 26, first side wall 28, or second side wall 30.
  • the first end wall 32 is completely removable from the remainder of the housing structure.
  • the refill orifice 38 is a housing opening present at or near the ends of the top wall 24, bottom wall 26, first side wall 28, and second side wall 30.
  • the top wall 24 includes a dispensing orifice 40 through which individual wipes 52 can be extracted (i.e., dispensed) from the interior space 36.
  • the dispensing orifice 40 is covered by a lid assembly 42.
  • the lid assembly 42 can include a ring 44 and a flip top 46, as shown in Figs. 12A and 12B.
  • the ring 44 can be permanently affixed to the top wall 24, and the flip top 46 can be hingedly connected to the ring at one or more hinges 45.
  • the top wall 24 has a thickness and defines an inner surface 25.
  • the bottom wall 26 has a thickness and defines an inner surface 27.
  • the top wall 24 is spaced apart from the bottom wall 26 in a height dimension 29.
  • the height dimension is perpendicular to both the plane substantially defined by the top wall and the plane substantially defined by the bottom wall.
  • the interior space 36 has an interior space height 37 that extends in the height dimension 29 from the inner surface 25 of the top wall 24 to the inner surface 27 of the bottom wall 26.
  • “Interior space height” as used herein means the greatest distance that exists between the top wall inner surface 25 and the bottom wall inner surface 27 in the height dimension 29.
  • the first end wall 32 is spaced apart from the second end wall 34 in a length dimension 79.
  • the moist wipes 52 are stacked upon each other in the height dimension 29 and are disposed within the interior space 36, and each moist wipe 52 is adapted to be extracted by a user from the interior space 36 through the dispensing orifice 40 - preferably one at a time.
  • the wipes are desirably configured within the stack 50 to provide "pop-up" dispensing. In such configurations, when a wipe is removed from the dispenser, the wipe pulls along the leading end of the succeeding wipe in the package, by virtue of the succeeding wipe being in operative contact with the leading wipe such as via interfolding, via adhesive bonding, or via an integral connection along a line of weakness.
  • the container 20 may include a stack 50 of wipes 52 in a non- interfolded configuration, for "reach-in" dispensing.
  • each wipe may be folded onto itself with no portion of another wipe being positioned between or underneath any portion of the folds of the adjacent wipe(s).
  • each of the moist wipes 52 in the stack 50 are interfolded with one another, such as via c-folds, z-folds, or other zig zag folds.
  • the moist wipes 52 in the stack 50 are interconnected via frangible lines of weakness.
  • the wipes can be arranged in the housing as a continuous web of interconnected wipes which are folded in an accordion-like stacked configuration. The individual wipes can be connected together along lines of frangibility, such as lines of perforations, to ensure that the trailing wipe is in position for grasping by the user after the leading wipe is removed.
  • the wipes can be provided by a continuous web of material which has a series of lines of frangibility extending across the width of the web. Each portion of the web of material between successive lines of frangibility constitutes an individual wipe.
  • the lines of frangibility can be provided by means known to those skilled in the art such as perforations, indentations, score lines, or cuts in the web of material.
  • the container of the present invention can include any suitable number of individual wipes depending upon the desired packaging and end use.
  • the container can be configured to include a stack of wipes of at least about 5 wipes and desirably from about 8 to about 320 individual wipes, and more desirably from about 16 to about 64 wipes.
  • Each wipe is in particular
  • embodiments generally rectangular in shape.
  • the wipes 52 can be made from nonwoven materials such meltblown, coform, air-laid, or bonded- carded web materials, hydroentangled materials, high wet-strength tissue, or the like, and can comprise synthetic or natural fibers or combinations thereof.
  • the wipes of the different aspects of the present invention can contain a liquid which can be any solution which can be absorbed into or entrained within the wipes, thus making them "wet wipes.”
  • the liquid contained within the wet wipes can include components which provide the desired wiping properties.
  • the components can include water, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, fragrances, or combinations thereof.
  • the liquid can also contain lotions, ointments, and/or medicaments.
  • the amount of liquid contained within each wet wipe can vary depending upon the type of material being used to provide the wet wipe, the type of liquid being used, the type of container being used to store the stack of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe.
  • each wet wipe can contain from about 150 to about 600 weight percent and desirably from about 200 to about 400 weight percent liquid based on the dry weight of the wipe.
  • the housing 22 and/or lid assembly 42 can be opaque or, alternatively, can be transparent or translucent to allow a visual inspection of the quantity of wipes remaining in the container.
  • the housing and/or lid assembly can be made of various polymers, copolymers, and mixtures, including, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polystyrene.
  • the first end wall 32 can be removed to provide access to the interior space 36.
  • the first end wall 32 constitutes a removable cap 60.
  • the removable cap 60 has in particular embodiments no permanent connection to the top wall 24, bottom wall 26, first side wall 28, or second side wall 30.
  • the removable cap 60 and housing 22 preferably are configured to snap together, such as via a tongue-and-groove or rib-and-recess relationship.
  • the second end wall 34 can also be removed to provide access to the interior space 36.
  • the second end wall 34 includes a removable cap 62.
  • the removable cap 62 has in particular embodiments no permanent connection to the top wall 24, bottom wall 26, first side wall 28, or second side wall 30.
  • the removable cap 62 and housing 22 preferably are configured to snap together, such as via a tongue-and-groove or rib-and- recess relationship.
  • the dispenser housing 22 can be refilled with a new stack 50 of wipes after the previous stack of wipes has been consumed.
  • the new stack 50 of wipes is inserted into the housing in a refill direction 64.
  • the refill direction 64 is generally perpendicular to a dispensing direction 41 , as representatively illustrated in Figs. 6, 6A, and 8.
  • the second end wall 34 includes a permanent layer 35 integrally formed with the top wall 24, bottom wall 26, first side wall 28, and second side wall 30.
  • the first end wall 32 can include a first removable cap 60 (preferably having no permanent connection to the top wall 24, bottom wall 26, first side wall 28, or second side wall 30), and the second end wall 34 - in addition to having a permanent, integral layer 35 as just described - also includes a second removable cap 62 (preferably having no permanent connection to the top wall 24, bottom wall 26, first side wall 28, or second side wall 30).
  • the second removable cap 62 is substantially identical in structure to the first removable cap 60.
  • the first end wall 32 is in particular embodiments completely removable, thus providing access to the interior space 36, but the second end wall 34 includes a permanent, integral layer to provide improved structural integrity and/or improved moisture retention function to the container 20.
  • the container is provided with the appearance of structural symmetry when fully assembled, which can provide desirable aesthetics as well improved functionality in certain circumstances.
  • first and second removable caps are sufficiently structurally similar such that they can be switched and attached to opposite ends of the housing, but can possess minor differences with respect to each other, such as the presence of a finger tab or a molded brand name on one cap but not the other.
  • the interior space 36 has an interior space height 37 that extends from the inner surface 25 of the top wall 24 to the inner surface 27 of the bottom wall 26.
  • the stack 50 of wipes 52 defines a stack height 51. It has been discovered that if the stack height 51 is the same as the interior space height 37, two problems can in certain circumstances result. First, if the top 53 of the stack 50 is too firmly pressed against the inner surface 25 of the top wall 24, dispensing of the top wipe or wipes in the stack 50 can be impeded. Second, the lid assembly 42 may in particular aspects of the invention protrude slightly through the dispensing orifice 40 into the interior space 36 (described in more detail below).
  • the stack 50 of wipes 52 will collide with the inwardly protruding portion of the lid assembly 42 when the stack 50 is inserted into the interior space 36 through the refill orifice 38, which can lead to crumpling and clogging of wipes within the container.
  • the refill orifice 38 has a refill orifice height 39 extending in the height dimension 29.
  • the refill orifice height 39 is less than 95%, and more particularly less than 90%, of the interior space height 37.
  • One technique suitable for providing a refill orifice height 39 that is less than the interior space height 37 is by use of an end flange.
  • the refill orifice 38 is partially bordered by at least one end flange 70.
  • the end flange 70 extends from the top wall 24 toward the bottom wall 26 and terminates at an end flange edge 71.
  • the end flange 70 is in particular embodiments integrally formed with the top wall 24.
  • the refill orifice 38 is surrounded by a continuous end flange 72.
  • An upper portion 74 of the continuous end flange 72 extends from the top wall 24 toward the bottom wall 26 and terminates at an upper portion edge 75.
  • the upper portion 74 is integrally formed with the top wall 24.
  • a lower portion 76 of the continuous end flange 72 extends from the bottom wall 26 toward the top wall 24 and terminates at a lower portion edge 77.
  • the lower portion 76 is integrally formed with the bottom wall 26.
  • the continuous flange also includes side portions 78, 78.
  • a continuous end flange 72 can in particular embodiments provide additional structural integrity to the housing 22.
  • the lid assembly 42 in particular embodiments includes a ring 44 and a flip top 46, and the ring 44 is preferably permanently affixed to the top wall 24.
  • the ring 44 includes an upper portion 47 and a buffering flange 48.
  • the upper portion 47 overlaps and generally extends along the dispensing orifice perimeter 43.
  • the upper portion 47 is the portion of the ring 44 that extends outward from the top wall 24 ("outward" as used herein meaning away from the interior space 36).
  • the buffering flange 48 protrudes from the upper portion 47 into the interior space 36.
  • the top wall 24 has a thickness 23, and the buffering flange has a height 49.
  • the thickness 23 of the top wall 24 as referenced herein means the thickness measured via any suitable means (such as a caliper) measured approximately one centimeter away from the dispensing orifice perimeter 43.
  • the height 49 of the buffering flange 48 as referenced herein means the distance from the underside 57 of the upper portion 47 to the distal end 58 of the buffering flange 48.
  • the buffering flange height 49 is greater than the top wall thickness 23.
  • the height 49 of the buffering flange 48 is at least 20% greater, more particularly at least 50% greater, and still more particularly at least 100% greater than the thickness 23 of the top wall 24.
  • the buffering flange 48 defines a buffering flange outer perimeter 59.
  • the length of the buffering flange outer perimeter 59 is less than the length of the dispensing orifice perimeter 43.
  • the length of the buffering flange outer perimeter 59 is only slightly less (e.g., between 0% and 2% less) than the length of the dispensing orifice perimeter 43, such that the buffering flange 48 fits snugly into the dispensing orifice 40.
  • the first end wall can be removed to provide access to the interior space via a refill orifice 38, and the refill orifice 38 can be partially bordered by at least one end flange.
  • the end flange 70 has an end flange height 73.
  • the end flange height as referenced herein is the distance measured from the top wall inner surface 25 to the end flange edge 71 , as representatively illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10.
  • the sum of the end flange height 73 and the top wall thickness 23 is greater than the buffering flange height 49.
  • the refill orifice 38 is surrounded by a continuous end flange 72.
  • the upper portion 74 of the continuous end flange 72 has a continuous end flange upper portion height, measured from the top wall inner surface 25 to the upper portion edge 75.
  • the sum of the continuous end flange upper portion height and the top wall thickness 23 is greater than the buffering flange height 49.
  • the stack height 51 of the stacks 50 that are used to refill the container 20 can in particular embodiments be controlled so that the stack 50 does not collide with or press against the buffering flange 48 as the refill is inserted or after the refill has been completely inserted into the interior space 36.
  • the buffering flange 48 protrudes from the flip top upper portion 47 into the interior space 36 past the inner surface 25 of the top wall 24.
  • the buffering flange 48 protrudes from the flip top upper portion 47 into the interior space 36 past the inner surface 25 of the top wall 24.
  • the top wall 24 includes a top wall flange 66 integrally formed with the top wall 24.
  • the top wall flange 66 surrounds the dispensing orifice 40 and extends into the interior space 36.
  • the dispenser housing 22 is blow-molded, and the dispensing orifice 40 is created by cutting or stamping out a section of material. This cutting or stamping step can create a flange 66 in the top wall 24, and such flange 66 can in particular embodiments be rough or jagged.
  • the buffering flange 48 extends into the interior space 36 further than the top wall flange 66 extends into the interior space 36.
  • the top wall flange 66 extends into the interior space 36.
  • the buffering flange 48 extends past the top wall flange 66 by a distance 61 of at least one millimeter, and more particularly by at least two millimeters. In this way, as a wipe 52 is extracted from the interior space 36 through the dispensing orifice 40, the buffering flange 48 will prevent the wipe from catching or snagging on the top wall flange 66, thus allowing smooth, unhindered passage of the wipe out of the container.
  • the wipes container 20 desirably is adapted to be set on a flat surface 21.
  • the first end wall 32 has a first slip-resistant periphery 80
  • the second end wall 34 has a second slip-resistant periphery 90.
  • Each slip-resistant periphery 80, 90 includes thermoplastic elastomer material.
  • thermoplastic elastomer material TPE
  • rubber is not technically considered a thermoplastic elastomer material as those terms are traditionally used in the art
  • thermoplastic elastomer material as used herein includes rubber material.
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 82 in the first slip-resistant periphery 80 and thermoplastic elastomer material 92 in the second slip-resistant periphery 90 each contact the flat surface 21 when the bottom wall 26 faces the flat surface 21.
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 82 in the first slip-resistant periphery 80 and thermoplastic elastomer material 92 in the second slip-resistant periphery 90 each contact the flat surface 21 when the second side wall 30 faces the flat surface 21.
  • Fig. 15A thermoplastic elastomer material 82 in the first slip-resistant periphery 80 and thermoplastic elastomer material 92 in the second slip-resistant periphery 90 each contact the flat surface 21 when the second side wall 30 faces the flat surface 21.
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 82 in the first slip-resistant periphery 80 and thermoplastic elastomer material 92 in the second slip-resistant periphery 90 each contact the flat surface 21 when the first side wall 28 faces the flat surface 21. Still further, as
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 82 in the first slip-resistant periphery 80 contacts the flat surface 21 when the first end wall 32 faces the flat surface 21.
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 92 in the second slip-resistant periphery 90 contacts the flat surface 21 when the second end wall 34 faces the flat surface 21.
  • first and second slip-resistant perimeters 80, 90 By including first and second slip-resistant perimeters 80, 90 in this manner, it is possible in particular embodiments of the present invention to provide a wipes container 20 that resists slipping or sliding on flat surfaces (such as tables, desks, counters, dressers, store shelves, closet shelves, floors, auto dashboards, and the like), regardless of the orientation of the container.
  • a handler of the container such as a store shelve stocker, a shopper, or an end user
  • the container will resist slipping or sliding in each of these orientations.
  • slip-resistance versatility is desirable because different retail stores or different end users may choose to orient the dispenser in different ways on the shelf, table, or other surface. Also, when an end user is extracting a wipe from the dispenser, it is desirable that the wipes dispenser resist slipping and sliding on the underlying table, counter, or other surface during the extraction. Also, in embodiments in which one or both of the end walls comprise a removable cap, the slip-resistant perimeter can enhance the gripability of the cap(s).
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 82 in the first slip-resistant periphery 80 forms a continuous, unbroken loop 84 around the first slip-resistant periphery
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 92 in the second slip-resistant periphery 90 forms a continuous, unbroken loop 94 around the second slip-resistant periphery 90.
  • Such an approach can provide for ease of processing, a streamlined appearance, and ease of handling the end wall 32/34.
  • the thermoplastic elastomer material 82 in the first slip-resistant periphery 80 forms a discontinuous, intermittent pattern around the first slip-resistant periphery 80
  • the thermoplastic elastomer material 82 in the first slip-resistant periphery 80 forms a discontinuous, intermittent pattern around the first slip-resistant periphery 80
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 92 in the second slip-resistant periphery 90 forms a discontinuous, intermittent pattern around the second slip-resistant periphery 90 (not shown).
  • the first slip-resistant periphery 80 includes a first grip tab 86 that comprises thermoplastic elastomer material 82.
  • the first grip tab 86 extends from the first end wall 32 toward the second end wall 34 over a portion of the top wall 24.
  • the first slip-resistant periphery 80 can alternatively or also include a second grip tab 88 that comprises thermoplastic elastomer material 82.
  • the second grip tab 88 extends from the first end wall 32 toward the second end wall 34 over a portion of the bottom wall 26.
  • first end wall removable cap 60 and a second end wall removable cap 62 are included and would otherwise have a substantially identical appearance
  • the presence of one or more grip tabs on the first end wall removable cap allows a user to distinguish between the end walls, so that the user will know which end wall removable cap to remove to access the interior space to replenish the wipes.
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 82 of the first slip-resistant periphery 80 is integrally molded with a non-elastomer thermoplastic portion 83 of the first end wall 32.
  • thermoplastic elastomer material 92 of the second slip-resistant periphery 90 is integrally molded with a non-elastomer thermoplastic portion 93 of the second end wall 34.
  • materials suitable for the non-elastomer thermoplastic portion include polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABD), and other materials known in the art as suitable for injection molding or blow molding.
  • thermoplastic elastomer materials 82/92 are not integrally molded with the non-elastomer thermoplastic portions 83/93 upon which they are disposed.
  • the thermoplastic elastomer materials 82/92 have a higher coefficient of friction than the non-elastomer thermoplastic portions 83/93 upon which they are disposed, based on coefficient of friction test ASTM D1894-11e1.
  • the container 20 has a first end 31 proximate the first end wall 32, and a second end 33 proximate the second end wall 34.
  • the container includes a first thermoplastic elastomer loop 85 that wraps around the first end 31 of the container 20 along the top wall 24, bottom wall 26, first side wall 28, and second side wall 30.
  • the container further includes a second thermoplastic elastomer loop 95 that wraps around the second end 33 of the container 20 along the top wall 24, bottom wall 26, first side wall 28, and second side wall 30.
  • the first thermoplastic elastomer loop 85 is a continuous, unbroken loop (Figs.
  • thermoplastic elastomer loop 95 is a continuous, unbroken loop (Figs. 2 and 14).
  • first thermoplastic elastomer loop is a discontinuous, intermittent pattern of thermoplastic elastomer material
  • second thermoplastic elastomer loop is a discontinuous, intermittent pattern of thermoplastic elastomer material (not shown).
  • the ring 44 overlaps and extends generally along the dispensing orifice perimeter 43, as representatively illustrated in Figs. 9-11.
  • the ring 44 defines an interior region 102.
  • the interior region 102 is the area bounded by the inner edge 97 of the ring 44.
  • the interior region 102 has an interior region length 104.
  • the ring has a first ring end 106 proximal the refill orifice 38, and a second ring end 108 distal the refill orifice 38.
  • a thermoplastic elastomer dispensing partition 110 extends substantially throughout the interior region 102.
  • the dispensing partition 110 is a barrier layer that separates the wipes housed within the interior space 36 from the environment outside of the container 20.
  • a dispensing slit 100 is formed in the thermoplastic elastomer dispensing partition 110. Wipes can be extracted from the interior space 36 through the dispensing slit 100.
  • the use of thermoplastic elastomer material to form the dispensing partition 110 allows the partition to temporarily deform to permit passage of a wipe pulled through the slit
  • the dispensing slit 100 has a first slit end 101 proximal the first ring end 106 and a second slit end 103 proximal the second ring end 108.
  • the slit 100 also has an overall slit length 105 that extends generally along the length dimension 79.
  • the slit length 105 is the length of an imaginary straight line that extends parallel to the length dimension 79 from the longitudinal position of the first slit end
  • the distance from a slit end to the respective end wall is the shortest distance from the slit end 101/103 to the plane defined by the longitudinally innermost surface of the respective end wall 32/34.
  • the longitudinally innermost surface of the first end wall 32 could in particular embodiments be the inner surface 113 of a removable cap 60.
  • the longitudinally innermost surface of an end wall could be the inner surface 115 of a permanent layer 35 of a second end wall 34.
  • the first distance 112 is less than the second distance 114. In one embodiment, the first distance is no more than 80% of the second distance. Preferably, the first distance 112 is at most about 8 centimeters, more preferably at most about 7 centimeters, and most preference at most about 6 centimeters. More particularly, the first distance 112 is between 2 and 7 centimeters.
  • the ring is longitudinally substantially centered between the first end wall 32 and the second end wall 34.
  • the slit 100 is longitudinally centered between the first ring end 106 and the second ring end 108. This is accomplished by virtue of the dispensing orifice 40 and the ring 44 both being displaced longitudinally toward the first end wall 32.
  • the sinusoidal-wave portion 117 of the slit is longitudinally centered between the first ring end 106 and the second ring end 108.
  • the sinusoidal-wave portion 117 of the slit is not longitudinally centered between the first ring end 106 and the second ring end 108, but is instead offset toward the first end wall 32.
  • both the sinusoidal-wave portion 117 of the slit 100 and the ring 44 are longitudinally centered between the first and second end walls 32, 34, a user is still able to use his or her fingers to reach into the refill orifice 38 and thread a wipe through the dispensing slit 100 by virtue of a threading spur portion 118 of the slit 100 that extends from the sinusoidal-wave portion of the slit 100.
  • a threading spur portion 118 of the slit 100 that extends from the sinusoidal-wave portion of the slit 100.
  • At least 60%, and more particularly at least 70%, of the slit length 105 is located between the first ring end 106 and a bisecting line 107 that extends perpendicularly to the interior region length 104 at a midpoint of the interior region length 104.
  • a refill end indicator 120 is disposed longitudinally between the first slit end 101 and the first ring end 106.
  • the presence of a refill end indicator 120 informs the user which end of the container includes the refill orifice 38, so that the user will know which end wall removable cap to remove to access the interior space 36 to replenish the wipes.
  • the refill end indicator 120 can be a printed graphic, a pattern embossed into the thermoplastic elastomer material, a sticker, or other suitable indicia.
  • the refill end indicator 120 is an arrow pointed at the refill orifice, as representatively illustrated in Fig. 16D.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un récipient à lingettes qui comprend une boîte distributrice définissant des parois de dessus et de fond, des première et seconde parois latérales et des première et seconde parois terminales. La paroi de dessus comprend un orifice de distribution. On peut disposer une pluralité de lingettes dans un espace intérieur et on peut effectuer les recharges par un orifice de recharge qu'on découvre en retirant une paroi terminale. Un ensemble couvercle comprend un anneau et un dessus à charnière. L'anneau délimite une zone intérieure qui a une longueur de zone intérieure. Une cloison distributrice en élastomère thermoplastique s'étend sensiblement dans toute la zone intérieure et comprend une fente distributrice. Une extrémité de la fente est placée pour améliorer la facilité avec laquelle un utilisateur peut mettre la main dans l'orifice de recharge pour enfiler une lingette dans la fente distributrice.
PCT/IB2013/060884 2012-12-20 2013-12-12 Récipient distributeur de lingettes offrant une facilité améliorée de recharge WO2014097080A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1512355.7A GB2523964A (en) 2012-12-20 2013-12-12 Wipes dispensing container having improved ease of refillability
KR1020157018967A KR20150096488A (ko) 2012-12-20 2013-12-12 개선된 리필 용이성을 가진 티슈 분배 용기
AU2013365854A AU2013365854A1 (en) 2012-12-20 2013-12-12 Wipes dispensing container having improved ease of refillability
BR112015013365A BR112015013365A2 (pt) 2012-12-20 2013-12-12 recipiente distribuidor de lenços com facilidade de reabastecimento melhorada

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/721,633 2012-12-20
US13/721,572 US9125532B2 (en) 2012-12-20 2012-12-20 Storing and dispensing container for wipes
US13/721,572 2012-12-20
US13/721,633 US9889963B2 (en) 2012-12-20 2012-12-20 Refillable dispensing container for stacked moist wipes
US13/777,728 2013-02-26
US13/777,728 US10435229B2 (en) 2012-12-20 2013-02-26 Slip-resistant dispensing container for stacked moist wipes
US13/780,861 US20140174975A1 (en) 2012-12-20 2013-02-28 Wipes dispensing container having improved ease of refillability
US13/780,861 2013-02-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014097080A1 true WO2014097080A1 (fr) 2014-06-26

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PCT/IB2013/060884 WO2014097080A1 (fr) 2012-12-20 2013-12-12 Récipient distributeur de lingettes offrant une facilité améliorée de recharge

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20140174975A1 (fr)
KR (1) KR20150096488A (fr)
AU (1) AU2013365854A1 (fr)
BR (1) BR112015013365A2 (fr)
GB (1) GB2523964A (fr)
WO (1) WO2014097080A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6767298B2 (ja) * 2017-03-31 2020-10-14 大王製紙株式会社 フィルム包装ティシュー
USD912514S1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2021-03-09 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Lid with push-button
USD912513S1 (en) 2018-06-29 2021-03-09 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Lid with push-button
US11118828B2 (en) * 2018-07-25 2021-09-14 Clayton Spoor Cooler with barrier

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4865221A (en) * 1986-07-30 1989-09-12 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Wet wipe and wipe dispensing arrangement
US20020179625A1 (en) * 2001-05-31 2002-12-05 Huang Yung Hsiang Flexible orifice for wet wipes dispenser
US20060151518A1 (en) * 2004-12-28 2006-07-13 Sarbo Benjamin C Wet wipe package
US20060249524A1 (en) * 2005-05-05 2006-11-09 Parry Headrick Personal sanitary wipe dispensing device
US20120160864A1 (en) * 2010-12-22 2012-06-28 Timothy Walter Shoaf Wet Wipe Dispenser with Improved Arc-Shaped Dispensing Partition

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4865221A (en) * 1986-07-30 1989-09-12 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Wet wipe and wipe dispensing arrangement
US20020179625A1 (en) * 2001-05-31 2002-12-05 Huang Yung Hsiang Flexible orifice for wet wipes dispenser
US20060151518A1 (en) * 2004-12-28 2006-07-13 Sarbo Benjamin C Wet wipe package
US20060249524A1 (en) * 2005-05-05 2006-11-09 Parry Headrick Personal sanitary wipe dispensing device
US20120160864A1 (en) * 2010-12-22 2012-06-28 Timothy Walter Shoaf Wet Wipe Dispenser with Improved Arc-Shaped Dispensing Partition

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20140174975A1 (en) 2014-06-26
GB2523964A (en) 2015-09-09
GB201512355D0 (en) 2015-08-19
AU2013365854A1 (en) 2015-07-09
BR112015013365A2 (pt) 2017-07-11
KR20150096488A (ko) 2015-08-24

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