WO2024173824A1

WO2024173824A1 - A product dispenser for both center feed dispensing and flat sheet dispensing of a product roll

Info

Publication number: WO2024173824A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/016201
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheryl FRANSELLA; Andrew Gardner; Loïc WOZNY
Original assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Priority date: 2023-02-16
Filing date: 2024-02-16
Publication date: 2024-08-22

Abstract

A product dispenser includes a roll of product and a roll of product received within an interior of the casing. A first wall of the casing defines a first opening for center feed dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the casing, and a second wall of the casing defines a second opening for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the casing.

Description

A PRODUCT DISPENSER FOR BOTH CENTER FEED DISPENSING AND FLAT SHEET DISPENSING OF A PRODUCT ROLL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related and has right of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/446,123 filed on February 16, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in its entireties for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Rolls of sheet material product are used in a variety of industrial or commercial environments. Dispensers can supply sheets from the rolls without a user having to touch the roll. However, in use, dispensers can quickly become dirty, worn, and so forth. Single use, disposable dispensers can avoid such drawbacks.

Single-sheet dispensers can dispense a consistent, fixed quantity of sheet material. Such dispensers can reduce consumption of the sheet material and thus save material costs, disposal costs, etc. However, conventional single-sheet dispensers are limited to a single type of dispensing, such as either center feed dispensing or flat sheet dispensing.

A single use, disposable dispenser with features for both center feed dispensing and flat sheet dispensing of a roll of sheet material product would be useful.

SUMMARY

In general, the present subject matter is directed to a prefilled, single-use dispenser for a roll of sheet material. The dispenser is configured for both center feed dispensing and flat sheet dispensing of the roll of sheet material within the dispenser. Moreover, the dispenser may be configured for controlled, single sheet dispensing via either a first opening for center feed dispensing or a separate, second opening for flat sheet dispensing.

In one example embodiment, a product dispenser includes a roll of product. A knockdown casing includes a plurality of walls. The knockdown casing defines an interior, and the roll of product is received within the interior of the knockdown casing such that the roll of product is rotatable within the interior of the knockdown casing. A first wall of the plurality of walls defines a first opening for center feed dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the knockdown casing. A second wall of the plurality of walls defines a second opening for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the knockdown casing. In another example embodiment, a product dispenser includes a roll of product. A corrugated fiberboard casing is folded to form the six walls. The corrugated fiberboard casing defines an interior, and the roll of product received within the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing such that the roll of product is rotatable about an axis within the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing. A width of the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing is about equal to a width of the roll of product. A first wall of the six walls defines a first opening at a central portion of the first wall for center feed dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing. A second wall of the six walls defines a second opening at a side portion of the second wall for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing. The second opening includes an elongated slot. A length of the elongated slot being about equal to a width of the roll of product along the axis. One or more of the six walls defines a handle for carrying the corrugated fiberboard casing.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view a product dispenser according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the example product dispenser of FIG. 1 , with a wall of the example product dispenser open in order to show an interior of a casing.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the example product dispenser of FIG. 1 , with product extending from a first opening for center feed dispensing and from a second opening for flat sheet dispensing.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first opening for center feed dispensing of the example product dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second opening for flat sheet dispensing of the example product dispenser of FIG. 1. FIGS. 6 through 10 are views of a casing of the product dispenser according to example aspects of the present disclosure during formation of the casing by folding a fiberboard blank into the casing.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view a product dispenser according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of shapes for the first opening according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective view an insert for forming the first opening according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of teeth for the second opening according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a stack of inserts for the first opening according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a top, plan view of a fiberboard blank for a casing of a product dispenser according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a product dispenser according to example aspects of the present disclosure with product extending from a second opening for flat sheet dispensing.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the example product dispenser of FIG. 18 with product extending from a first opening for center feed dispensing.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed towards a product dispenser for a roll of sheet material. The product dispenser may include a casing with a roll of product disposed within an interior of the casing. A first opening of the casing may be configured for center feed dispensing of the roll of product within the casing, and a second opening of the casing may be configured for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product within the casing. The casing may advantageously allow for single sheet dispensing from the roll of sheet material by either center feed dispensing or flat sheet dispensing. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin.

As used herein, the term “caliper” refers to the thickness measurement of a sheet taken under constant force. The caliper may be determined using test method number TAPPI 411-OM-89.

As used herein, the term “basis weight” (hereinafter “BW”) is the weight per unit area of a sample and may be reported as gram-force per meter squared and may be hereinafter calculated using test procedure ASTM D3776-96.

As used herein, the term “machine direction” (hereinafter “MD”) is the direction of a material parallel to its forward direction during processing.

As used herein, the term “machine direction tensile” (hereinafter MDT) is the breaking force in the machine direction required to rupture a specimen. The results may be reported as gram-force and abbreviated as “gf”. The MDT may be determined using test method number ASTM D5035-95.

As used herein, the term “tab strength” is the breaking force in the machine direction required to rupture a sheet product along its perforations. The results may be reported as gram-force and abbreviated as “gf”.

As used herein, the term “exit port” or “dispensing port” is the opening in a housing of a dispenser for the passage of sheet material out of the dispenser.

As used herein, the term “center feed roll” or “center flow roll” means sheet material wound cylindrically about a center, but permitting the removal of material from the center. Desirably, as the center flow roll is consumed, sheet material eventually dispenses from the roll's periphery. Dispensing of center flow roll products are described in numerous patents, such as, but not by way of limitation, U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,338 to Lewis and U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,663 to Tramontina et al.

As used herein, the term “sheet material” means a material that is thin in comparison to its length and breadth. Generally speaking, sheet materials should exhibit a relatively flat planar configuration and be flexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, and the like. Exemplary sheet materials include, but are not limited to, paper tissue, paper towels, label rolls, or other fibrous, film, polymers, or filamentary products. The present subject matter provides an apparatus for dispensing rolled material. Such rolled material may include, but is not limited to, woven materials, nonwoven materials, synthetic materials, natural materials, foils, polymer films, any combination thereof, and so forth. In certain example embodiments, the rolled material is provided as a sheet material within a roll. Exemplary sheet materials for which the present subject matter may be suitable include, but are not limited to, absorbent sheet materials, such as towels, wipers, tissue, and so forth. Suitable sheet materials are disclosed, by way of non-limiting examples only, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,589 to Cook et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,412 to Sudall et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,590 to Anderson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,845 to Farrington, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,971 to Anderson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,212 to Anderson et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,996 to Hollenberg et al., all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The sheet materials may be wound around a core. Alternatively, the sheet materials may be wound into a coreless roll. The sheet materials may have regularly spaced zones of weakness extending substantially across the width of the sheet material. The zones of weakness may separate the sheet material into individual sheets and may be, for example, but not by way of limitation, defined by a series of perforations, a zone of much lower basis weight, and so forth.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 through 3, a product dispenser 100 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter will be described. Product dispenser 100 includes a casing 110 and the roll of product 10 within the casing 110. The product dispenser 100 may be configured for dispensing single sheets of roll of product 10 via either center feed dispensing and/or flat sheet dispensing. Thus, e.g., rather than being limited to only one type of dispensing, product dispenser 100 may advantageously dispense sheets from roll of product 10 via both center feed dispensing and flat sheet dispensing. Product dispenser 100 may define a lateral direction L, a transverse direction T, and a cross direction C. The lateral direction L, transverse direction T, and cross direction C may be mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.

As shown in FIG. 3, a roll of product 10 may include a first end 12 and a second end 14. The first end 12 of the roll of product 10 may be contiguous with product at a center of the roll of product 10, and the second end 12 of the roll of product 10 may be contiguous with product at an outside of the roll of product 10. In example embodiments, the first and second ends 12, 14 of the roll of product 10 correspond to opposite, free ends of the roll of product 10. Thus, as discussed in greater detail below, the product from the roll of product 10 may be dispensed by center feed dispensing by pulling on the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 and thereby dispensing product from the center of the roll of product 10, and the product from the roll of product 10 may also be dispensed by flat sheet dispensing by pulling on the second end 12 of the roll of product 10 and thereby dispensing product from the outside of the roll of product 10. In certain example embodiments, the product on the roll of product 10 may be continuous or uniform between the first and second ends 12, 14. Thus, the same product may be dispensed via center feed dispensing and flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product 10. In other example embodiments, different products may be provided in the roll of product 10. Thus, e.g., different products may be dispensed via center feed dispensing and flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product 10. For instance, one product may be provided at the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 and thus dispensed via center feed dispensing, and another, different product may be provided at the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 and thus dispensed via flat sheet dispensing.

Casing 110 may include a plurality of walls 112. For instance, in the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, casing 110 may include six walls 112. The six walls 112 may be arranged cubically to form casing 110. Moreover, as discussed in greater detail below, walls 112 may be formed from corrugated fiberboard, which may be cut and folded to form casing 110 with the six walls 112. It will be understood that such number and arrangement of walls 112 is provided by way of example only. Other shapes of casing 110 are within the scope of the present subject matter. In example embodiments, the casing 110 may be formed as a knock-down container for the roll of product 10. Thus, e.g., the casing 110 (including walls 112) may be formed from a single piece of continuous and contiguous, planar material that is foldable into a knock-down container. The casing 110 may be made from cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic sheet, corrugated plastic sheets, or the like.

Casing 110 may define an interior 11 , and the roll of product 10 (FIG. 3) may be received within the interior 111 of casing 110. Moreover, the roll of product 10 may be rotatable within the interior 111 of the casing 110. Thus, e.g., during dispensing, the roll of product 10 may rotate within the interior 111 of the casing 110. For example, the roll of product 10 may rotate about an axis X (FIG. 3) within the interior 111 of the casing 110 during dispensing of the roll of product 10 via flat sheet dispensing. Casing 110 may be configured as a single-use, non-reusable, disposable casing, which provides both a shipping carton and a dispenser housing, in certain example embodiments.

As noted above, product dispenser 100 may be configured for dispensing the roll of product 10 via center feed dispensing and/or flat sheet dispensing. Casing 110 may define two or more openings, each of which is configured for dispensing the roll of product 10 via a respective one of the center feed dispensing and the flat sheet dispensing. As shown in FIG. 1 , a first wall 114 of walls 112 may define a first opening 115. First opening 115 may extend through first wall 114 from the interior 111 of casing 110 to an exterior of casing 110, e.g., along the transverse direction T. First opening 115 may be configured for center feed dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 may extend from interior of casing 110 though first opening 115, and a user of product dispenser 100 may pull on the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 in a first direction D1 in order to dispense the roll of product 10 via center feed dispensing at the first opening 115. T urning back to FIG. 1 , a second wall 116 of walls 112 may define a second opening 117. Second opening 117 may extend through second wall 116 from the interior 111 of casing 110 to the exterior of casing 110, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Second opening 117 may be configured for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 may extend from interior of casing 110 though second opening 117, and a user of product dispenser 100 may pull on the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 in a second direction D2 in order to dispense the roll of product 10 via center feed dispensing at the first opening 115. The second direction D2 may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1 .

As may be seen from the above, each of first and second openings 115, 117 may be positioned on a respective one of walls 112. Thus, first opening 115 may be spaced and discrete from second opening 117 on casing 110. First wall 114 may be oriented perpendicular to second wall 116. For example, a tangent line of first wall 114 may be parallel to the transverse direction T, and a tangent line of second wall 116 may be parallel to the lateral direction L. Thus, e.g., the first direction D1 for center feed dispensing through the first opening 115 may be generally parallel to the transverse direction T, and the second direction D2 for flat sheet dispensing through the second opening 117 may be generally parallel to the lateral direction L.

The first opening 115 may be positioned on first wall 114 to facilitate center feed dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. For example, first opening 115 may be positioned at a central portion of the first wall 114. Moreover, a central axis of the first opening 115 (e.g., along which first opening 115 extends through first wall 114) may be positioned about coaxial with the axis X of the roll of product 10 within the interior 111 of the casing 110. Such positioning of the first opening 115 on first wall 114 and relative to the axis X of the roll of product 10 may advantageously facilitate the flow of sheets from an interior the roll of product 10 to first opening 115 when a user of product dispenser 100 pulls on the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 in the first direction D1 in order to dispense the roll of product 10 via center feed dispensing at the first opening 115. During center feed dispensing, the roll of product 10 may remain substantially fixed relative to the casing 110. Thus, e.g., the roll of product 10 may not rotate about the axis X within the interior 1 11 of the casing 110 as the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 unspools from the center of the roll of product 10.

The second opening 117 may be positioned on second wall 116 to facilitate flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. For example, second opening 117 may be positioned at a side portion of the second wall 116. Moreover, the second opening 117 may be elongated along the axis X of the roll of product 10 within the interior 111 of the casing 110 and/or along the transverse direction T. Such positioning of the second opening 117 on second wall 116 and orientation relative to the axis X of the roll of product 10 may advantageously facilitate the flow of sheets from an interior the roll of product 10 to second opening 117 when a user of product dispenser 100 pulls on the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 in the second direction D2 in order to dispense the roll of product 10 via flat sheet dispensing at the second opening 117. During flat sheet dispensing, the roll of product 10 may rotate relative to the casing 110 about the axis X. Moreover, the roll of product 10 may rotate about the axis X within the interior 111 of the casing 110 as the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 unwinds from the outside of the roll of product 10.

In example embodiments, the casing 110 may be sized to facilitate rotation of the roll of product 10. For example, a width of the interior 111 of the casing 110, e.g., which may be defined between opposite walls 112 along the lateral direction L, may be slightly greater than or about equal to a width of the roll of product 10 within casing 110, e.g., along the lateral direction L. For example, the width of the interior 111 of the casing 110 may be no more than five centimeters (5 cm) greater than the width of the roll of product 10 within casing 110, such as no more than four centimeters (4 cm), such as no more than three centimeters (3 cm), such as no more than two centimeters (2 cm), such as no more than one centimeter (1 cm), such as no more than five millimeters (5 mm). Thus, substantial translation of the roll of product 10 within the casing 110 along the lateral direction L may be limited or prevented while also allowing the roll of product 10 to rotate within the interior 111 of the casing 110. Similarly, a breadth of the interior 111 of the casing 110, e.g., which may be defined between opposite walls 112 along the transverse direction T, and/or a height of the interior 111 of the casing 110, e.g., which may be defined between opposite walls 112 along the cross direction T, may be slightly greater than or about equal to an original (e.g., undispensed) outer diameter of the roll of product 10 within the casing 110 to allow for rotation of the roll of product 10 within the interior 111 of the casing 110. For example, the breadth of the interior 111 of the casing 110 and/or the height of the interior 111 of the casing 110 may be no more than five centimeters (5 cm) greater than the original outer diameter of the roll of product 10 within the casing 110, such as no more than four centimeters (4 cm), such as no more than three centimeters (3 cm), such as no more than two centimeters (2 cm), such as no more than one centimeter (1 cm), such as no more than five millimeters (5 mm). In some example embodiments, the product dispenser 100 may not include a bearing or other rotation support for the roll of product 10 within the casing 110. Thus, the roll of product 10 may rotate within the casing 110 without a bearing, such as a plastic bearing on one of the walls 112. However, the roll of product 10 may contact one or more of the walls 112 of the casing 110. Thus, e.g., friction between the roll of product 10 and the wall(s) 112 may limit overfeed of the roll of product 10 via the first and/or second openings 115, 117.

Turning now to FIG. 4, first opening 115 may be configured for center feed dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. As shown, the first opening 115 may include a circular section 120. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of first opening 115, e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction T, may be circular at circular section 120. Circular section 120 may be sized to facilitate dispensing of roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. For example, a diameter DC of the circular section 120 may be no less than one millimeter (1 mm) and no greater than eight centimeters (8 cm), such as no less than one centimeter (1 cm) and no greater than five centimeters (5 cm). The first opening 115 may also include one or more linear sections 122. Linear sections 122 may extend, e.g., radially, from the circular section 120, e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction T. A length of linear sections 122 may be no less than one millimeter (1 mm) and no greater than five centimeters (5 cm) in certain example embodiments.

Circular section 120 and linear sections 122 may cooperate to facilitate center feed dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. For example, a user of product dispenser 100 may pull on the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 in the first direction D1 in order to pull a desired number of sheets (e.g., one, two, three, or more sheets) from the roll of product 10 through circular section 120. The user may then pull the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 in a direction with a component perpendicular to the first direction D1 such that the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 enters into one of linear sections 122. In such position, the user may tear the dispensed sheets from the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 due to interference with the casing 110 at the linear section 122. In particular, the combination of circular section 120 and linear sections 122 may advantageously facilitate one-handed, center feed dispensing at first opening 115.

Turning now to FIG. 5, second opening 117 may be configured for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. As shown, the second opening 117 may include an elongated slot 126. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of second opening 117, e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction L, may be rectangular at elongated slot 126. Elongated slot 126 may be sized to facilitate dispensing of roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. For example, a length LS of the elongated slot 126 may be about equal to a width of the roll of product 10 within casing 110, e.g., along the lateral direction L. In example embodiments, the length LS of the elongated slot 126 may be no less than six centimeters (6 cm) and no greater than one hundred and twenty centimeters (120 cm), such as no less than ten centimeters (10 cm) and no greater than sixty centimeters (60 cm). In certain example embodiments, the length LS of the elongated slot 126 may be no less than six centimeters (6 cm) and no greater than sixty centimeters (60 cm). The length LS of the elongated slot 126 may also be about equal to a length LW of second wall 116, e.g., along the lateral direction L, in example embodiments. Elongated slot 126 may also be oriented such that the length LS of the elongated slot 126 is about parallel to the axis X of the roll of product 10 within the interior 111 of the casing 110 and/or to the transverse direction T. A width of the elongated slot 126, e.g., along the cross direction C and/or perpendicular to the length of LS, may be much less than the length LS of the elongated slot 126. For example, the length LS of the elongated slot 126 may be no less than three times (3X), five times (5X), ten times (10X), or more greater than the width of the elongated slot 126, e.g., along the cross direction C and/or perpendicular to the length of LS. In example embodiments, the width of the elongated slot 126 may be no less than a quarter of a centimeter (0.25 cm) and no greater than three centimeters (3 cm).

As shown in FIG. 9, the second opening 117 may be positioned at a bottom of the second wall 116, e.g., along the lateral direction L, in certain example embodiments. In other example embodiments, the second opening 117 may be positioned at a center of the second wall 116, e.g., along the lateral direction L. In further example embodiments, the second opening 117 may be positioned between the bottom of the second wall 116 and the center of the second wall 116, e.g., along the lateral direction L. For instance, the second opening 117 may be positioned at or within a second quarter of the second wall 116, such not below the bottom quarter of the second wall 116 and not above the center of the second wall 116, e.g., along the lateral direction L.

As discussed in greater detail below, the second opening 117 may also include features, such as teeth 130 (FIG. 10) that extend into and/or over elongated slot 126, e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction L. Elongated slot 126 may facilitate flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. For example, a user of product dispenser 100 may pull on the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 in the second direction D2 in order to pull a desired number of sheets (e.g., one, two, three, or more sheets) from the roll of product 10 through elongated slot 126. The user may then pull the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 in a direction with a component perpendicular to the second direction D2 such that the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 engages against casing 110, teeth 130, or other features of product dispenser 100. In such arrangement, the user may tear the dispensed sheets from the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 due to interference with the casing 110, teeth 130, or other features of product dispenser 100. In particular, the combination of elongated slot 126 and teeth 130 may advantageously facilitate one- handed, flat sheet dispensing at second opening 117.

Product dispenser 100 may also include one or more handles 119 for assisting with carrying of product dispenser 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , one or more of walls 112 may define the handle 119. In example embodiments, a third wall 118 of walls 112 may define the handle 119. The first, second, and third walls 114, 116, 118 may be arranged orthogonally. Thus, e.g., handle 119 may be located on a separate one of walls 112 than first and second openings 115, 117 in certain example embodiments. Handle 119 may extend through casing 110 from the interior 111 of casing 110 to the exterior of casing 110, e.g., along the cross direction C. A user may insert fingers into handle 119 to grasp casing 110 in order to facilitate handling of product dispenser 100. As shown, another handle 119 may also be defined in another of walls 112, e.g., opposite second wall 116. Handles 119 may be positioned at sides of the walls 112 so that the user can grasp the corner of casing 110 by inserting fingers into handles 119 without impacting against the roll of product 10.

As noted above, casing 110 may be formed from corrugated fiberboard. Turning now to FIGS. 6 through 10, a corrugated fiberboard blank 200 may be cut, scored, folded, adhered, etc. in order to form casing 110 from the blank 200. As shown in FIG. 6, blank 200 may include walls 112, such as first wall 114, second wall 116, and third wall 118, connected together at fold lines 140. Each of walls 112 may be generally square shaped. A size of walls 112 may be selected based upon the size of the roll of product 10 to be received within casing 110. In example embodiments, a width of each of walls 112, e.g., along the cross direction C, may be no less than fifteen centimeters (15 cm) and no greater than one hundred centimeters (100 cm) in the laid flat, unfolded arrangement of blank 200 shown in FIG. 6, and a length of each of walls 112, e.g., in the transverse direction T, may be no less than fifteen centimeters (15 cm) and no greater than one hundred centimeters (100 cm) in the laid flat, unfolded arrangement of blank 200 shown in FIG. 6. First wall 114 may include two layers at opposite ends of blank 200. One layer of first wall 114 may be connected to third wall 118 at a fold line 140, and the other layer of first wall 114 may be connected to second wall 116 at a fold line 140. One of walls 112 (hereinafter a “connecting sidewall”) may be positioned between second and third walls 116, 118 along the transverse direction T and connected to each of second and third walls 116, 118 via respective fold lines 140. Two of walls 112 (herein after “extended sidewalls”) may also be connected to third wall 118 at opposite sides of third walls 118 along the cross direction C via respective fold lines 140. Blank 200 may also include various flaps 142 connected to walls 112 to assist with forming casing 110 as discussed in greater detail below.

T urning to FIG. 7, as a first step, the first portion of first wall 114 may be rotated relative to third wall 118 about the fold line 140 connecting first and third walls 114, 118. Thus, e.g., the first portion of first wall 114 may be positioned “upright” along the lateral direction L while third wall 118 remains flat and oriented along the transverse direction T. The Flaps 142 connected to the second portion of first wall 114 may also be rotated relative to the second portion of first wall 114 about the fold lines 140 connecting the flaps 142 to the second portion of first wall 114.

Turning to FIG. 8, as a next step, the connecting sidewall between second and third walls 116, 118 may be rotated relative to second wall 116 about the fold line 140 between the connecting sidewall and the second wall 116. The third wall 118 may also be rotated relative to connecting sidewall about the fold line 140 between the connecting sidewall and the third wall 118. Thus, e.g., the connecting sidewall may be positioned “upright” along the lateral direction L and/or parallel to the first wall 114 while third wall 118 is positioned over and/or parallel to the second wall 116. In addition, the extended sidewalls connected to the third wall 118 at opposite sides of third walls 118 may both be rotated relative to third wall 118 about the fold lines 140 between the extended sidewalls and the third wall 118. Thus, e.g., the extended sidewalls may be positioned parallel to each other and be positioned “upright” along the lateral direction L. Flaps 142 may be folded to assist with holding walls 112 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 8.

T urning to FIG. 9, as a final step, the second portion of first wall 1 14 may be rotated relative to second wall 116 about the fold line 140 connecting first and second walls 114, 116. Thus, e.g., the second portion of first wall 114 may be positioned “upright” along the lateral direction L while second wall 118 remains oriented along the transverse direction T at the “bottom” of casing 110. As shown in FIG. 9 and 10, casing 110 includes first and second openings 115, 117 for center feed dispensing and flat sheet dispensing. In addition, a plurality of teeth 130 are positioned at the second opening 117. Teeth 130 may be formed by the second wall 116, e.g., by cutting and folding the corrugated fiberboard of second wall 116. Teeth 130 may assist a user with tearing dispensed sheets at second opening 117 and thus facilitate one-handed flat sheet dispensing at second opening 117. Teeth 130 may be spaced apart along the transverse direction T, e.g., along the length LS of the elongated slot 126.

It will be understood that the above described blank 200 and method for forming casing 110 is provided by way of example and that other suitable constructions of casing 110 are within the scope of the present subject matter. For instance, other fold lines 140 and connections between walls 112 may by used to form casing 110. As another example, casing 110 may be constructed of or with other materials, such as molded plastic, in alternative example embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of product dispenser 100 according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11 , second wall 116 may be rotatable relative to other walls 112. Thus, e.g., a user may access the interior 111 of casing 110 in order to load the roll of product 10, pass the first end 12 of the roll of product 10 in first opening 115, position the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 at second opening 117, etc. A clasp 150 may selectively hold second wall 116 closed and limit rotation of second wall 116 to the open position shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of shapes for the first opening 115 according to example aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, various shapes may be selected for first opening 115. Moreover, first opening may be star-shaped 202, teardrop shaped 210, polygonal shaped 220, circular shaped 230, concentrically circular shaped 240, or triangular shaped 250. It will be understood that the above-described shapes are provided by way of example. Other shapes for first opening 115 are within the scope of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a stack of inserts 600 for the first opening 115 according to example aspects of the present disclosure. Each of the inserts 600 may have a respective shape, and a user of product dispenser may select the desired one of inserts 600 to utilize for center feed dispensing. Thus, product dispenser 100 may provide a “bespoke” user selected appearance in certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective view a plug or insert 300 for forming the first opening 115 according to example aspects of the present disclosure. A dispending diameter for center feed dispensing may be selected by positioning an appropriate insert 300 within first opening, e.g., depending upon the type of material being dispensed.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of teeth for the second opening 117 according to example aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, in FIG. 15, various shapes may be selected for teeth 130 at second opening 117. Moreover, second opening 117 may have fine triangular teeth 500, tapered block shaped teeth 510, coarse triangular teeth 520, or scalloped or curved teeth 530. It will be understood that the above-described shapes are provided by way of example. Other shapes for teeth 130 at second opening 117 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

A product dispenser 100 according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure is described in greater detail below in context of FIGS. 17 through 19. The product dispenser 100 shown in FIGS. 17 through 19 may share common components and features as the product dispenser 100 described above. Thus, the following description focuses on differences between the product dispenser 100 shown in FIGS. 17 through 19 and the product dispenser 100 shown in FIGS. 1 through 10. However, it will be understood that the components and features of the product dispenser 100 described above in the context of FIGS. 1 through 10 may be applicable to the product dispenser 100 shown in FIGS. 17 through 19 and reference is made to such description. It will be understood that the features described below for the product dispenser 100 shown in FIGS. 17 through 19 may be used in or with the product dispenser 100 shown in FIGS. 1 through 10 and vice versa.

As shown in FIG. 17, the product dispenser 100 may include a roll locator tab 400. The roll locator tab 400 may be formed on one or more of the flaps 142 connected to walls 112. For instance, the roll locator tab 400 may include a projection with an edge 402 shaped to correspond to the outer (e.g., original) diameter of the roll of product 10 within the product dispenser 100. The roll locator tab 400 may be located at or adjacent the second opening 117 when the product dispenser 100 is assembled. For instance, the roll locator tab 400 may be spaced no more than five centimeters (5 cm), such as no more than four centimeters (4 cm), such as no more than three centimeters (3 cm), such as no more than two centimeters (2 cm), such as no more than one centimeter (1 cm), from the second opening 117, e.g., along one or both of the lateral direction L and the cross direction C. Such spacing may assist with orientation of the roll of product 10 within the product dispenser 100.

During assembly of the product dispenser 100, the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 may be disposed at or adjacent the roll locator tab 400 to position the roll of product 10 for flat sheet dispensing at second opening 117. When the roll of product 10 is initially inserted into the product dispenser 100, the roll of product 10 may be rotated until the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 is disposed at or adjacent the roll locator tab 400. In such a manner, the roll of product 10 may be oriented within the product dispenser 100 during assembly such that the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 is closely located to the second opening 117. When a user opens the second opening 117, the user may then reach into the second opening 117 and pull the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 through the second opening 117. As may be seen from the above, the roll locator tab 400 may facilitate orientation of the roll of product 10 within the product dispenser 100 for flat sheet dispensing at second opening 117. Thus, inconvenient rotating of the roll of product 10 within the closed product dispenser 100 to align the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 with the second opening 117 may be limited or prevented.

As shown in FIG. 17, the second opening 117 may include a first portion 410 and second portions 412. The first portion 410 may be disposed between the second portions 412, e.g., along the transverse direction T. For instance, each of the second portions 412 may extend from the first portion 410 to a respective end of the second wall 116, e.g., along the transverse direction T. The first portion 410 may be disposed at a middle portion of the second opening 117 in example embodiments. The first portion 410 may also be wider than the second portions 412, e.g., along the cross direction C. For instance, the width of the first portion 410 along the cross direction C may be no less than two times (2X) greater than the width of the second portions 412 in example embodiments. In example embodiments, the width of the second portions 412 may be no less than a quarter of a centimeter (0.25 cm) and no greater than three centimeters (3 cm), and the width of the first portion 410 may be no less than three centimeters (3 cm) and no greater than ten centimeters (10 cm). The relative sizing of the first and second portions 410, 412 may facilitate flat sheet dispensing at second opening 117. For example, the size of the first portion 410 may allow a user to reach through the second opening 117 into the product dispenser 100 to grasp and pull the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 through the second opening 117. Moreover, the size of the second portions 412 may allow the user to tear the dispensed sheets from the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 due to interference with the casing 110 at the second portions 412.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, the second opening 117 may be covered by a strip 420. To allow for flat sheet dispensing at the second opening 117, the strip 420 may be removed to expose the second opening 117. The first and second portions 410, 412 may facilitate removal of the strip 420. For instance, the strip 420 may include a perforated line 422 at the first portion 410. A user may puncture the strip 420 at the perforated line 422 and pull outwardly on the strip 420 to remove separate sections of the strip 420 at the second portions 412. The relative sizing of the first and second portions 410, 412 may facilitate tearing of the strip 420 at the perforated line 422 while limiting or preventing tearing of the strip 420 at the second sections 412 while the user pulls outwardly on the separate sections of the strip 420 at the second portions 412. The second opening 117 may be open and/or not include a baffle, such as a plastic or paper baffle, after removing the strip 420 in certain example embodiments.

In FIGS. 17 through 19, the second opening 117 is positioned at or within a second quarter of the second wall 116, such not below the bottom quarter of the second wall 116 and not above the center of the second wall 116, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Such positioning may facilitate flat sheet dispensing at the second opening 117. For instance, in the orientation shown in FIG. 18, an outer sheet on the roll of product 10 may be positioned at a bottom of the casing 110 and contact a bottom one of the walls 112. As a user pulls upwardly on the free end of the roll of product 10 at the second opening 117, the force applied by the user may lift the roll of product 10 upwardly to reduce friction with the bottom of the casing 110, such as the bottom one of the walls 112. The user may then pull the free end of the roll of product 10 at the second opening 117 downwardly to increase the friction with the bottom of the casing 110 and facilitate tearing of the product 10 at the second opening 117. Friction between the outer sheet on the roll of product 10 may also limit or prevent overfeed of roll of product 10 out of the second opening 117 during flat sheet dispensing at the second opening 117 in the orientation shown in FIG. 18.

The casing 110 may be adjusted between the orientations shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 depending upon the desired dispensing of the roll of product 10. For instance, the casing 110 may be rotated such that the first opening 115 is located on a top one of the walls 112 for center feed dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. Conversely, the casing 110 may be rotated such that the second opening 117 is located on one of the side walls 112 for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product 10 from the interior 111 of the casing 110. Such rotation may facilitate positioning of the roll of product 10 for flat sheet or center feed dispensing within the casing 110. As may be seen from the above, the product dispenser 100 may not be mounted or secured to a wall or other fixed structure in certain example embodiments. However, it will be understood that the product dispenser 100 may be fixed to a wall or other rigid structure such that the product dispenser 100 is not rotatable in other example embodiments. As shown, the first portion 410 and second portions 412 may be shaped such that the second opening 117 may have a linear or flat edge and a curved edge, e.g., that are positioned opposite each other along the cross-direction. Such shaping of the second opening 117 may facilitate dispensing of the dispensed sheets from the second end 14 of the roll of product 10. For instance, the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 may slide along the linear edge of the second opening 117 as the user pulls upwardly on the free end of the roll of product 10 at the second opening 117. Conversely, the second end 14 of the roll of product 10 may tear against the curved edge of the second opening as the user pulls the free end of the roll of product 10 downwardly at the second opening 117.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the first opening 115 may be oval shaped in example embodiments. The first wall 114 with first opening 115 may also be attached to another of walls 112 via a tuck and lock closure 430 in example embodiments. The wall 112 opposite first wall 114, e.g., along the transverse direction T, may be formed from an auto-erect, crash lock base to facilitate assembly of the casing 110 in example embodiments.

These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

First example embodiment: A product dispenser, comprising: a roll of product; a knockdown casing comprising a plurality of walls, the casing defining an interior, the roll of product received within the interior of the knockdown casing such that the roll of product is rotatable within the interior of the knockdown casing, wherein a first wall of the plurality of walls defines a first opening for center feed dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the knockdown casing, and wherein a second wall of the plurality of walls defines a second opening for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the knockdown casing.

Second example embodiment: The product dispenser of the first example embodiment, wherein the first opening comprises an oval cutout section.

Third example embodiment: The product dispenser of the second example embodiment, wherein a width of the interior of the knockdown casing is about equal to a width of the roll of product.

Fourth example embodiment: The product dispenser of the either the second example embodiment or the third example embodiment, wherein a breadth and a height of the interior of the knockdown casing is about equal to an original diameter of the roll of product.

Fifth example embodiment: The product dispenser of any one of the first through fourth example embodiments, wherein the second opening comprises an elongated slot, and a length of the elongated slot is about equal to a width of the roll of product.

Sixth example embodiment: The product dispenser of the fifth example embodiment, wherein the length of the elongated slot is no less than six centimeters and no greater than sixty centimeters.

Seventh example embodiment: The product dispenser of any one of the first through sixth example embodiments, further comprising a plurality of teeth at the second opening, the plurality of teeth formed by the second wall.

Eighth example embodiment: The product dispenser of any one of the first through seventh example embodiments, wherein the second opening is disposed between a bottom and a middle of the second wall.

Nineth example embodiment: The product dispenser of any one of the first through eighth example embodiments, wherein the plurality of walls of the knockdown casing comprises six walls.

Tenth example embodiment: The product dispenser of the nineth example embodiment, wherein the knockdown casing is a corrugated fiberboard casing folded to form the six walls.

Eleventh example embodiment: The product dispenser of either the nineth example embodiment or the tenth example embodiment, wherein the first wall of the plurality of walls is oriented about perpendicular to the second wall of the plurality of walls. Twelfth example embodiment: The product dispenser of any one of the first through eleventh example embodiments, wherein the first opening is positioned at a central portion of the first wall.

Thirteenth example embodiment: The product dispenser of the twelfth example embodiment, wherein a central axis of the first opening is positioned about coaxial with a rotational axis of the roll of product within the interior of the knockdown casing.

Fourteenth example embodiment: The product dispenser of the thirteenth example embodiment, wherein a length of the second opening on the second wall is oriented about parallel to the rotational axis of the roll of product within the interior of the knockdown casing, and the length of the second opening on the second wall is about equal to a width of the second wall.

Fifteenth example embodiment: The product dispenser of any one of the first through fourteenth example embodiments, wherein one or more of the plurality of walls defines a handle for carrying the knockdown casing.

Sixteenth example embodiment: The product dispenser of the fifteenth example embodiment, wherein a third wall of the plurality of walls defines the handle.

Seventeenth example embodiment: The product dispenser of either the fifteenth example embodiment or the sixteenth example embodiment, wherein the first, second, and third walls of the plurality of walls are arranged orthogonally.

Eighteenth example embodiment: A product dispenser, comprising: a roll of product; a corrugated fiberboard casing folded to form the six walls, the corrugated fiberboard casing defining an interior, the roll of product received within the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing such that the roll of product is rotatable about an axis within the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing, a width of the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing being about equal to a width of the roll of product wherein a first wall of the six walls defines a first opening at a central portion of the first wall for center feed dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing, wherein a second wall of the six walls defines a second opening at a side portion of the second wall for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing, the second opening comprising an elongated slot, a length of the elongated slot being about equal to a width of the roll of product along the axis, and one or more of the six walls defines a handle for carrying the corrugated fiberboard casing.

Nineteenth example embodiment: The product dispenser of the eighteenth example embodiment, wherein the first opening has an oval shape.

Twentieth example embodiment: The product dispenser of either the eighteenth example embodiment or the nineteenth example embodiment, wherein: the second opening comprises a first portion and a pair of second portions, and the first portion is disposed between the second portions along a transverse direction; the first portion of the second opening has a width along a cross direction that is perpendicular to the transverse direction, and each of the second portions has a respective width along the transverse direction; and the width of the first portion of the second opening is no less than two times greater than the widths of the second portions of the second opening.

Claims

What Is Claimed:

1 . A product dispenser, comprising: a roll of product; and a knockdown casing comprising a plurality of walls, the knockdown casing defining an interior, the roll of product received within the interior of the knockdown casing such that the roll of product is rotatable within the interior of the knockdown casing, wherein a first wall of the plurality of walls defines a first opening for center feed dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the knockdown casing, and wherein a second wall of the plurality of walls defines a second opening for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the knockdown casing.

2. The product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the first opening comprises an oval cutout section.

3. The product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein a width of the interior of the knockdown casing is about equal to a width of the roll of product.

4. The product dispenser of claim 3, wherein a breadth and a height of the interior of the knockdown casing is about equal to an original diameter of the roll of product.

5. The product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the second opening comprises an elongated slot, and a length of the elongated slot is about equal to a width of the roll of product.

6. The product dispenser of claim 5, wherein the length of the elongated slot is no less than six centimeters and no greater than sixty centimeters.

7. The product dispenser of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of teeth at the second opening, the plurality of teeth formed by the second wall.

8. The product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the second opening is disposed between a bottom and a middle of the second wall.

9. The product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of walls of the knockdown casing comprises six walls.

10. The product dispenser of claim 9, wherein the knockdown casing is a corrugated fiberboard casing folded to form the six walls.

11 . The product dispenser of claim 9, wherein the first wall of the plurality of walls is oriented about perpendicular to the second wall of the plurality of walls.

12. The product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the first opening is positioned at a central portion of the first wall.

13. The product dispenser of claim 12, wherein a central axis of the first opening is positioned about coaxial with a rotational axis of the roll of product within the interior of the knockdown casing.

14. The product dispenser of claim 13, wherein a length of the second opening on the second wall is oriented about parallel to the rotational axis of the roll of product within the interior of the knockdown casing, and the length of the second opening on the second wall is about equal to a width of the second wall.

15. The product dispenser of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of walls defines a handle for carrying the knockdown casing.

16. The product dispenser of claim 15, wherein a third wall of the plurality of walls defines the handle.

17. The product dispenser of claim 15, wherein the first, second, and third walls of the plurality of walls are arranged orthogonally.

18. A product dispenser, comprising: a roll of product; and a corrugated fiberboard casing folded to form six walls, the corrugated fiberboard casing defining an interior, the roll of product received within the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing such that the roll of product is rotatable about an axis within the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing, a width of the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing being about equal to a width of the roll of product, wherein a first wall of the six walls defines a first opening at a central portion of the first wall for center feed dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing, wherein a second wall of the six walls defines a second opening at a side portion of the second wall for flat sheet dispensing of the roll of product from the interior of the corrugated fiberboard casing, the second opening comprising an elongated slot, a length of the elongated slot being about equal to a width of the roll of product along the axis, and one or more of the six walls defines a handle for carrying the corrugated fiberboard casing.

19. The product dispenser of claim 18, wherein the first opening has an oval shape.

20. The product dispenser of claim 18, wherein: the second opening comprises a first portion and a pair of second portions, and the first portion is disposed between the second portions along a transverse direction; the first portion of the second opening has a width along a cross direction that is perpendicular to the transverse direction, and each of the second portions has a respective width along the transverse direction; and the width of the first portion of the second opening is no less than two times greater than the widths of the second portions of the second opening.