APPARATUSES FOR DISPENSING A PAPER PRODUCT AND ANOTHER ITEM

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item comprises a body defining a slot therein. The slot is configured to receive a bar therethrough. The body comprises a back and an adjustment assembly. A portion of the adjustment assembly is positioned within the slot and is biased away from the back. The body comprises a top comprising a tab extending therefrom. The tab is configured to engage a portion of a container configured to receive one or more of the items. The apparatus comprises a paper product hanger extending from the body. The paper product hanger is configured to receive a paper product.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/474,857 filed on Apr. 13, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses for dispensing and, more particularly, relates to apparatuses for dispensing a paper product and another item.

BACKGROUND

Disposable paper products or other items in the form of paper towels, toilet tissue, wipes, and table napkins find great utility among users who value affordability, ease of use, and disposability. Such paper products or other items are used in virtually every household, including in kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms, and garages, for example. Other items, such as adult wet wipes, baby wet wipes, and cleaning wet wipes, for example, are commonly sold in containers or flexible packages. These containers or packages function to maintain the wipes “wet” or sufficiently saturated before use and generally have some type of seals or closures thereon. If the containers are left open to the environment for any significant period of time, the moisture within or on the wipes can evaporate, thereby leaving at least the exposed wipes dry or mostly dry. Some consumers place current containers of wipes in bathrooms, such as on the back of a toilet, on a vanity, or in a bathroom cabinet, for example. When the wipes are used as sanitary tissues for users sitting on a toilet, this placement of the wipes may be inconvenient or cumbersome. It would be desirable to provide apparatuses for dispensing one or more paper products, such as toilet tissue, and one or more other items, such as wet wipes, that would allow more convenient dispensing.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to an apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item. The apparatus comprises a body defining a slot therein. The slot is configured to receive a paper product bar therethrough. The body comprises a back forming a portion of a perimeter of the slot and an adjustment assembly. A portion of the adjustment assembly is positioned within the slot and is biased away from the back. The body comprises a top comprising a tab extending therefrom. The tab is configured to engage a portion of a container configured to receive one or more items. The apparatus comprises a paper product hanger extending from the body. The paper product hanger is configured to retain a roll of a paper product thereon.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to an apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item. The apparatus comprises a body defining a slot therein. The slot is configured to receive a paper product bar. The body comprises a back and a support extending from the back. The support is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the support is a first distance from the back. In the second position, the support is a second distance from the back. The first distance is greater than the second distance. The body comprises a top comprising a tab configured to engage a portion of a container configured to receive one or more items. The apparatus comprises a paper product hanger extending from the body. The paper product hanger is configured to retain a paper product thereon.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to an apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item. The apparatus comprises a body comprising a first side wall comprising a first projection extending therefrom and a second side wall comprising a second projection extending therefrom. The first and second projections are configured to attach to a paper product holder. The body comprises a back, a support extending from the back, and a top comprising a tab extending therefrom. The support is movable relative to the back. The tab is configured to engage a portion of a container configured to receive one or more items. The apparatus comprises a paper product hanger extending from the body. The paper product hanger is configured to retain a paper product thereon.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a container for one or more items. The container comprises a cavity defined in the container and a top defining an opening. The cavity is configured to receive the one or more items. The one or more items are dispensable from the cavity through the opening. The container comprises a bottom wall and an indent formed in the bottom wall. The indent extends into the cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item engaged with a paper product holder, a container configured to receive one or more items, and a roll of a paper product in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item, the container configured to receive one or more items, and the roll of a paper product of FIG. 1 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item of FIG. 1 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of the apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item of FIG. 4 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional illustration of the engagement of an engagement member extending from a shelf-like surface and a recess in a recessed bottom surface of a container in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item, a container configured to receive one or more items, and a roll of a paper product in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item, a container configured to receive one or more items, and a roll of a paper product in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a partial bottom view of the container of FIG. 8A illustrating a projection and a recess in a wall of the container in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 8B, taken along line 8C-8C of FIG. 8B, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 9 is rear view of an apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a cut away view of a container in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses for dispensing a paper product and another item are disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatuses for dispensing a paper product and another item specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example embodiments and that the scope of the various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure, in part, provides apparatuses for dispensing one or more paper products, such as toilet tissue or paper towels, for example, and at least one other item, such as wet wipes, dry wipes, or cleaning wipes, for example. The apparatuses can be used in a bathroom setting, a kitchen setting, a garage setting, a workshop setting, or any other suitable setting and, in one embodiment, can be engagable with an existing paper product holder comprising a paper product bar without the use of any tools. The paper product holder can be a toilet tissue holder comprising a toilet tissue bar, a paper towel holder comprising a paper towel bar, or any other suitable paper product holder. The paper product holder can extend from a wall or can be recessed into the wall. The apparatuses can be engaged with the existing paper product bar and can comprise one or more additional paper product bars or holders for retaining a paper product or a roll of a paper product therein. In one embodiment, the additional paper product bars can engage a core of a roll of a paper product. The apparatuses of the present disclosure can also be attachable to containers of items, such as containers of wet wipes or cleaning wipes, for example. In various embodiments, the containers can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible or portions thereof can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible.

In various embodiments, the containers can comprise one or more rigid or flexible doors configured to seal a cavity, such as an item-receiving cavity, of the containers from an external environment to maintain any items within the cavity, such as wet wipes, for example, in a wet, saturated, and/or dry state and/or to protect the items from contamination (e.g., dirt or bacteria). In various embodiments, the containers of the present disclosure can be reusable by refilling the cavity with additional items, or can be designed for a single use. The single use containers can be disposed of after use of all or most of the items positioned therein or when the shelf-life of the items has expired.

The term “item” as used herein means one or more fibrous substrates, including nonwoven and woven fibrous substrates comprised of cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, other fibers, mixtures thereof, and/or other materials. The items can comprise paper towels, toilet tissue, wipes, such as cleaning, scrubbing, dry, and/or wet wipes, disposable hand towels, sanitary napkins, diapers, table napkins, cleaning products, and/or make-up removal products. If more than one fibrous substrate is provided, the items can be in stacks or rolls. Various items can be single-ply structures or multi-ply structures.

The dispensers of the present disclosure can also be configured to dispense lotions, soaps, liquids, antimicrobial materials, antibacterial materials, medicinal agents, and/or medications.

The term “wet wipes” as used herein means any fibrous substrate, whether woven or nonwoven, having a percent of moisture by weight in the range of about 10 percent to about 1,000 percent and, specifically reciting all 1 percents within that range. The wet wipes can be adult wet wipes, such as CHARMIN® FRESHMATES® manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company, that can be used as sanitary tissues, baby or child wet wipes, such as PAMPERS® wipes or PAMPERS® KANDOO® wipes, and/or other wet wipes, such as wet wipes for cleaning or scrubbing, for example. The wet wipes can be comprised of cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, mixtures thereof, and/or other materials or fibers. The wet wipes can be single-ply structures or multi-ply structures. In one embodiment, the wet wipes can be flushable down a toilet. In various embodiments, a composition or a component can be provided to or formed with the wet wipes during or after manufacturing to make the wipes moist or wet. Such compositions or components can be water, lotions, cleaning products, medicinal agents, antimicrobial agents, antibacterial agents, soaps, and/or mixtures thereof, for example.

The term “paper product” as used herein means one or more fibrous substrates, including nonwoven and woven fibrous substrates, comprised of cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, other fibers, and/or mixtures thereof. The paper products may comprise paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, wipes, and/or disposable hand towels. The paper products may form a roll and be disposed on or wrapped about a core. In various embodiments, the paper products can be coreless. The paper products can be single-ply structures or multi-ply structures.

In various embodiments, the items or wet wipes can be provided within or placed within the item-receiving cavities of the containers in rolls, stacks, folded sheets, interfolded sheets, semi-interfolded sheets, perforated sheets, and/or unfolded sheets, for example. The folded sheets can be C-folded sheets, L-folded sheets, Z-folded sheets, or W-folded sheets, for example. Any suitable number of items can be provided within or placed within an item-receiving cavity of a container. When one item is dispensed from a container, another item can be moved into a partially dispensed position (e.g., interfolded, semi-interfolded, or perforated sheets of wet wipes). One or more items can be dispensed at a time using the apparatuses and/or the containers of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, one hand or two hand dispensing can be accomplished using the apparatuses of the present disclosure.

Although the present disclosure discusses toilet tissue and wet wipe dispensing, as an example, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to dispense paper towels, facial tissues, cleaning or scrubbing wipes or substrates, wetting agents, lotions, medicinal agents, fragrancing agents, cleaning agents, and/or facial tissues either in addition to or in place of the wet wipes and is toilet tissue. In various embodiments, the item-receiving cavities of the containers can comprise fragrancing materials or fragrancing packets. In one embodiment, fragrancing materials, such as hot melt adhesives comprising perfumes, for example, may be positioned within the item-receiving cavities of the containers for diffusion into the items positioned within the cavities. Such hot melt adhesives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,038, issued on Dec. 14, 2010, and entitled “Scented Container.” In other embodiments, scented polymer beads or gels can also be used.

In one embodiment, a portion of the apparatus can comprise indicia, such as designs, logos, art work, instructions and/or branding information, thereon. In various embodiments, the indicia can be stamped into, molded with, formed with, engraved into, printed on, painted on, and/or stickered on the apparatus. In one embodiment, the indicia can comprise the same color as the apparatus or a different color than the apparatus.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 for dispensing a paper product, such as toilet tissue, and at least one other item, such as wet wipes, is illustrated engaged with an existing paper product holder 12, such as a toilet tissue holder. The paper product holder 12 comprises a paper product bar 14, such as a toilet tissue bar. The paper product holder 12 is attached to and extends from a wall 16 or other surface. In various embodiments, an existing paper product holder can be recessed within the wall 16 or other surface and the apparatus 10 can still be used therewith, as described in greater detail below. The apparatus 10 can be attachable to a container 18 of items, such as wet wipes, for example. The apparatus 10 can comprise a paper product hanger 54 that, in various embodiments, can optionally comprise a paper product bar configured to retain a paper product, such as a roll of a paper product, thereon. Using the apparatus 10, a paper product and another item can be dispensed from one apparatus in a convenient and compact fashion without the need for any modifications to current bathrooms, kitchens, or other areas, and without the need for any tools during installation.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1-5, the apparatus 10 for dispensing a paper product and another item is illustrated. The apparatus 10 can comprise a body 22 comprising a front 24, a back 26, a top 28, a bottom 30, a first side 32, and a second side 34. In various embodiments, to any of the front 24, back 26, top 28, bottom 30, first side 32, and second side 34 can have apertures defined therein. The body 22 can define a slot 36 therethrough. In one embodiment, the slot 36 can extend intermediate or fully between the first side 32 and the second side 34. The slot 36 can be configured to receive the existing paper product bar 14, such that the apparatus 10 can be engaged with an existing paper product holder, such as the paper product holder 12, for example, without tools. The back 26 can form a portion of a perimeter of the slot 36. The slot 36, owing to its length (in a direction extending generally between the front 24 and the back 26), can allow for engagement of the apparatus 10 with existing paper product holders that extend from a wall or that are recessed within a wall, thereby making the apparatus 10 universal. In one embodiment, if a paper product holder is recessed into a wall, the paper product bar 14 can be positioned within the slot 36 in an area proximate to the back 26. If a paper product holder is not recessed into a wall and extends from the wall, the paper product bar 14 can be positioned within the slot 36 in an area proximate to the front 24.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2-5, the body 22 can comprise an adjustment assembly 40. A portion of the adjustment assembly 40 can extend into the slot 36. The adjustment assembly 40 can comprise a portion 41 comprising an arcuate surface 42 configured to engage the paper product bar 14 and a biasing member 44 positioned intermediate the back 26 or a portion of a support 50 and the portion 41. In one embodiment, the biasing member 44 can have a first end portion 46 engaged with the back 26 or the portion of the support 50 and a second end portion 48 engaged with the portion 41. The biasing member 44 can comprise a compression spring or other suitable biasing mechanism. The biasing member 44 can normally bias the portion 41 toward the front 24 of the body 22. Stated another way, the biasing member 44 can normally-bias the portion 41 toward an area of the slot 36 proximate to the front 24. As a result of the biasing member 44, the apparatus 10 can be used with an existing paper product holder comprising a paper product bar, where the paper product holder extends from a wall or is recessed into a wall. When a paper product holder is recessed into a wall, the biasing member 44 can be compressed a first distance. When a paper product holder extends from a wall, the biasing member 44 can be compressed a second distance or not compressed at all. The first distance can be greater than the second distance.

In one embodiment, the support 50 can extend from the back 26. In other embodiments, the support 50 can form a portion of the back 26 while still being movable with respect to the body 22. The support 50 can be used to engage a portion of a wall or a portion of a paper product holder to provide stability to the apparatus 10 when it is engaged with a paper product bar. The support 50 can also be used to prevent, or at least inhibit, the apparatus 10 from moving or rotating relative to a wall or a paper product holder during dispensing of a paper product or another item therefrom. In various embodiments, the support 50 can be fixed to the body 22 or can be movable relative to the body 22 to allow for adjustment in the spacing between the support 50 and a wall or a portion of a paper product holder. In an embodiment where the support 50 is fixed to the body 22, the slot 36 and the biasing member 44 can be provided. In another embodiment, where the support 50 is movable relative to the body 22, the slot 36 may not be required and an aperture (not illustrated) having a circular or ovate cross-section can be used instead of the slot 36 and can be positioned proximate to the back 22 and extend from the first side 32 to the second side 34. The aperture can be configured to receive a portion of the paper product bar 14 therethrough. In one embodiment, the paper product bar 14 can fit tightly within the aperture or a snug fit can exist between the paper product bar 14 and the apertures. In such embodiments, the biasing member 44 may not be provided and another biasing member can extend between a wall defining the aperture or other wall and a back end 52 of the support 50 or another portion of the support 50. Such a biasing member can be a compression spring and can compress or expand any suitable distance to engage the back end 52 of the support 50 with a wall or with a portion of a paper product holder to provide stability to the apparatus 10 when engaged with a paper product bar. In another embodiment, where the support 50 is movable relative to the body 22, the support 50 can extend from the back 26 and can be movable between at least a first position and a second position. The back end 52 of the support 50 can be a first distance from the back 26 when the support 50 is in the first position and can be a second distance from the back 26 when the support 50 is in the second position. The first distance can be different than or greater than the first position.

In one embodiment, referring again to FIGS. 1-5, the apparatus 10 can comprise one or more paper product hangers 54 extending from or attached to the body 22. The paper product hangers 54 can be used to releasably retain a roll of a paper product to the apparatus 10. The paper product hanger 54 can comprise a first projection 56 extending from the body 22 and defining a first recess 58 therein and a second projection 60 extending from the body 22 and defining a second recess 62 therein. The first and second projections 56 and 60 can be engaged with the body 22, formed with the body 22, or attached to the body 22. The first recess 58 can be in the same or a similar position on the first projection 56 as the second recess 62 is on the second projection 60. A paper product bar 64 can be positioned between and can engage the first recess 58 and the second recess 62. In another embodiment, the recesses can instead be apertures (not illustrated) in the first and second projections 56 and 60. Each of the apertures can have a lip extending from a side wall thereof. The lip can be configured to engage an end portion of the paper product bar 64. The paper product bar 64 can be spring-loaded or can comprise a biasing member such that it can be compressed to be engaged with the first and second recesses 58 and 62 or the lips of the apertures and then expand its ends into the first and second recesses 58 and 62 or lips of the apertures. In one embodiment of a paper product hanger, one of the first and second projections may not be provided and a rigid or compressible paper product bar may extend from the provided projection to retain the roll of a paper product thereon. In such an embodiment, an end of the paper product bar can be enlarged or curved such that the roll of the paper product would not slide off of the paper product bar during dispensing of the paper product.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 6, another paper product hanger 54′ is illustrated on an apparatus 10′ for dispensing a paper product and another item. The paper product hanger 54′ can comprise a first projection 56′ defining a first slot 57 therein and a second projection 60′ defining a second slot 59 therein. The first and second slots 57 and 59 can be configured to receive end portions of a paper product bar 64′. In one embodiment, the paper product bar 64′ can be a rigid member or can comprise a spring or other biasing member to allow it to be compressed and/or expanded. In other embodiments, referring to FIG. 7, a paper product hanger 54″ can comprise an elongate paper product bar 64″ extending from a body 22″ of an apparatus 10″ for dispensing a paper product and another item. The paper product bar 64″ can extend from a front side 24″, a back side 26″, a first side 32″, a second side 34″, or a bottom side 30″ of the body 22″. In various embodiments, the paper product bar 64″ can be movably or rotatably attached to the body 22″, such that it can be swung into various positions relative to the body 22′. In other various embodiments, the paper product bar 64″ can be positioned below the body 22″, above the body, 22″, in front of the body″, or to a side of the body 22″, for example. The elongate paper product bar 64″ can comprise an enlarged or curved portion 39 on an end thereof. This enlarged or curved portion 39 can prevent, or at least inhibit, a roll of a paper product from sliding off of the paper product bar 64″ during dispensing of the paper product.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 3-5, the top 28 of the body 22 can comprise a shelf-like surface 66 configured to support the container 18 thereon. The shelf-like surface 66 can be angled relative to a side wall 68 of the slot 36 or angled in a direction away from a wall when the apparatus 10 is engaged with an existing paper product holder. Stated another way, the side wall 68 can extend in a first direction away from the wall and the shelf-like surface 66 can extend in a second direction away from the wall. The first direction can be transverse or parallel to the second direction. The body 22 can be thicker proximate to the back 26 (i.e., closest to the wall) and thinner proximate to the front 24 (i.e., further away from the wall). This angling of the shelf-like surface 66 can allow for easier access to the container 18 by a consumer when the apparatus 10 is engaged with an existing paper product holder. In its most simple form, however, the shelf-like surface 66 may not be angled relative to the side wall 68 of the slot 36 and instead can be parallel, or substantially parallel, to the side wall 68 of the slot 36. Stated another way, the shelf-like surface 66 can be generally perpendicular to a plane of a wall when the apparatus 10 is engaged with an existing paper product holder. In one embodiment, the shelf-like surface 66 can define a plurality of apertures 70 therein. In various embodiments, although not illustrated, a shelf-like surface can define one centrally located aperture therein and can support the container 18 mainly proximate to the container's perimeter. The container 18 can rest on the shelf-like surface or can be attached to the shelf-like surface using adhesives, adhesive strips, magnets, and/or hook and loop fasteners, for example. In one embodiment, a shelf-like surface can define a lip (not illustrated) at least partially surrounding its perimeter and a portion of the container 18 can be positioned within or outside of the lip to at least inhibit the container 18 from sliding off of the shelf-like surface or moving relative to the shelf-like surface.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5A, the shelf-like surface 66 can comprise an engagement member 72 extending therefrom. The engagement member 72 can extend from the shelf-like surface 66 at least about 0.1 inches, alternatively, about 0.1 inches to about 1.5 inches, alternatively, about 0.2 inches to about 1 inch, and specifically reciting all 0.1 inch increments within those ranges. The engagement member 72 can have any suitable shape, such as a semi-circular shape, a dome-like shape, a pillar-like shape, a cube-like shape, an arcuate shape, and/or a pyramid-like shape, for example. In such an embodiment, the container 18 can comprise a bottom surface or a recessed bottom surface 74 having a complimentary recess 76 configured to at least partially receive the engagement member 72. The complimentary recess 76 can extend into the container 18, relative to the cavity-facing side of the recessed bottom surface 74, at least about 0.1 inches, alternatively, about 0.1 inches to about 1.5 inches, alternatively, about 0.2 inches to about 1 inch, and specifically reciting all 0.1 inch increments within those ranges. The engagement member 72 can at least inhibit movement or sliding of the container 18, while positioned on the shelf-like surface 66, owing to its engagement with the complimentary recess 76 of the container 18. The engagement member 72 and the complimentary recess 76 of the container 18 can also aid a consumer in positioning the container 18 on the shelf-like surface 66. Stated another way, the engagement member 72 and the complimentary recess 76 can essentially cause the container 18 to self-align on the shelf-like surface 66 when engaged thereto. Of course, more than one engagement member 72 can be provided on the shelf-like surface 66 and, correspondingly, more than one complimentary recess 76 can be defined in the recessed bottom surface 74 of the container 18. In various embodiments, the number of engagement members 72 extending from the shelf-like surface 66 can be the same as, less than, or greater than the number of complimentary recesses 76 in the recessed bottom surface 74 of the container 18. In other various embodiments, although not illustrated, the recessed bottom surface 74 can have the engagement member extending therefrom and the shelf-like surface 66 can have the complimentary recess formed therein. Again, here, the engagement member can be at least partially engaged with the complimentary recess to at least inhibit sliding or movement of the container 18 with respect to the shelf-like surface 66.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 8A-8C, one or more alignment members 78 can extend from the shelf-like surface 66. The alignment members 78 can be used to at least inhibit sliding or movement of the container 18 while the container is positioned on the shelf-like surface 66 or while engaged with members extending from the shelf-like surface 66. The alignment members 78 can be positioned proximate to or about the perimeter of the shelf-like surface 66 such that they can engage or fit within and/or outside of a wall 80 at least partially surrounding and extending from the recessed bottom surface 74 of the container 18. In one embodiment, the alignment members 78 can extend substantially or fully about the perimeter of the shelf-like surface 66. In various embodiments, the alignment members 78 can aid in the positioning or alignment of the container 18 on the shelf-like surface 66 owing to their positioning at or proximate to the perimeter of the shelf-like surface 66. In one embodiment, one or more of the alignment members 78 can be engaged with portions of the wall 80 or portions of the recessed bottom surface 74 of the container 18. For example, if the wall 80 of the container 18 comprises a projection 82 extending therefrom in a direction transverse to a plane of a side of the wall 80, which defines a recess 84 or an aperture (not illustrated) between the projection 82 and the recessed bottom surface 74, a portion of an alignment member 78, such as a lip, could engage the projection 82 and/or the recess 84 or aperture to engage the container 18 to the alignment member 78 and, thereby, the shelf-like surface 66. Such a feature can aid in preventing, or at least inhibit, movement of the container 18 relative to the shelf-like surface 66 during dispensing of items, such as wet wipes, from the container 18.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 8A-8C, one or more tabs 86 can extend from the shelf-like surface 66 either in addition to or in place of the one or more alignment members 78. The tabs 86 can be configured to engage a portion of the container 18 to retain the container 18 to, or proximate to, the shelf-like surface 66. In one embodiment, the shelf-like surface 66 can be generally square or rectangular and a tab 86 can extend proximate to, at, or about each corner of the shelf-like surface 66. Each tab 86 can comprise a lip 88 extending therefrom. The lip 88 can extend in a perpendicular or transverse direction with respect to a side wall of the tab 86. The one or more tabs 86 can be used to engage the one or more projections 82 in the wall 80 extending from the recessed bottom surface 74 of the container 18. In one embodiment, the lip 88 of each of the tabs 86 can engage one of the projections 82 to form an interlocking engagement. In other embodiments, one or more of the lips 88 can be engaged with one or more of the projections 82 and/or one or more of the recesses 84 or apertures positioned intermediate the one or more projections 82 and the recessed bottom surface 74 of the container 18. In such a fashion, the container 18 can be essentially interlocked with the tabs 86 such that the container 18 is relatively unmovable relative to the shelf-like surface 66 during dispensing of the items or during other times. In one embodiment, the container 18 can be removed from engagement with the one or more tabs 86 by pulling the container 18 in a direction generally away from the shelf-like surface 66. Such removal can occur when the items within the container 18 are used up, partially used up, or otherwise require replacement. A new container 18 can then be situated on the shelf-like surface 66 as described above. In other various embodiments, the container 18 can simply be refilled with items instead of being replaced.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, one or more fragrance packets 27 can be provided on, positioned on, or attached to any suitable portion of the apparatus 10, such as on the top 28 or on the second projection 60, for example. The fragrance packets 27 can each comprise a perfume or fragrance that can diffuse into an environment surrounding the apparatus 10. In one embodiment, the fragrance packets 27 can comprise a hot melt adhesive, such as the hot melt adhesive described above. In other embodiments, the fragrance packets 27 can comprise scented polymer beads or gels. A portion of the apparatus 10, such as the top 28 or the second projection 60, for example, can comprise a sleeve 29 configured to receive at least a portion of one or more of the fragrance packets 27 therein. In one embodiment, the body 22 can have a slot (not illustrated) defined therein and one or more fragrance packets 27 can be inserted at least partially therein. In other embodiments, one or more of the fragrance packets 27 can be attached to a portion of the apparatus 10 using any suitable attachment methods known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, a portion of the container 18, such as the wall 80, for example, can define one or more apertures, slots, or recesses therein to allow air to flow over or through the shelf-like surface 66 to diffuse the perfume from the fragrance packet 27 situated thereon.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a projection 90 is illustrated extending from a first side 33 and from a second side 35 of an apparatus 11 for dispensing a paper product and another item. In such an embodiment, the slot 36 may not be provided to receive a paper product bar. Instead, the projections 90 can be normally-biased away from a body 23 of the apparatus 11 such that they can be engaged with recesses or other structures of an existing paper product holder. In such an embodiment, the existing paper product holder does not need to comprise an existing paper product bar or may comprise a paper product bar that does not need to be used. In various embodiments, the projections 90 can be formed at end portions of a tube comprising a spring or other biasing member therein. The tube can extend through the body 23 (e.g., through an aperture). In other embodiments, springs or other biasing members in each of the projections 90 can engage an end of each of the projections 90 on one end and the first side 33 and the second side 35 of the body 23 on the other end. In any event, the projections 90 can engage recesses, lips in apertures, or other structures on existing paper product holders to engage the apparatus 11 thereto. Such an embodiment can also comprise the various paper product hangers, as described above in greater detail above. Similar to the above, the apparatus 11 can also comprise one or more tabs 86′ and/or one or more alignment members 78′. The apparatus 11 can also have any other features described above with respect to the apparatuses 10, 10′, and 10″. In other various embodiments, the projections or a paper product bar can also extend from or be attached to the back 26 of the body 23 and can be configured to engage an existing paper product holder. In various embodiments, from a back view of the body 23, the projections and/or the paper product bar can extend in a generally horizontal direction further than the first and second sides of the body 23 or less than the first and second sides of the body 23.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, the present disclosure provides a container 92 for one or more items 94, such as wet wipes, for example. The container 92 defines a cavity 96 therein for receiving one or more of the items 94. The container 92 can comprise a top or lid 98 defining an opening (the opening is not illustrated in FIG. 11) therethough through which one or more of the items 94 can be dispensed. The container 92 can also comprise a bottom 102 (e.g., a recessed bottom surface although not illustrated in FIG. 11) having an indent 100 formed therein. The indent 100 can extend into the cavity 96 and/or towards the top or lid 98. In one embodiment, the indent 100 can form a dome shape, a semi-spherical shape, a cube-like shape, an arcuate shape, a pillar-like shape, a pyramid-like shape, and/or a ridge-like shape, for example. The indent 100 can extend into the cavity 96, relative to the cavity-facing side of the bottom 102, at least about 0.1 inches, alternatively, about 0.1 inches to about 1.5 inches, alternatively, about 0.2 inches to about 1 inch, and specifically reciting all 0.1 inch increments within those ranges. Any number of the indents 100 can be provided in the bottom 102 of the container 92. In various embodiments, one or more indents 100 can be positioned at any suitable position on the bottom 102, such as about a midpoint or a central axis of the bottom 102, for example. In one embodiment, the indent 100 can be at least partially engaged with an engagement member, such as engagement member 72, for example, to releasably attach the container 92 with the shelf-like surface 66 or other suitable mount for the container 92.

In various embodiments, still referring to FIG. 11, the indent 100 in the bottom 102 of the container 92 can be used to maintain moisture throughout an entire stack of the items 94 positioned within the cavity 96. Due to gravity, moisture within the stack of the items 94, such as wet wipes, for example, within the cavity 96 can migrate downwards, in the direction indicated by arrow G, leaving the top portion of the items 94 in the stack less wet or moist and the bottom portion of the items 94 in the stack more wet or moist. While not intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed that by providing the indent 100 extending from the bottom 102 of the container 92 into the cavity 96 having the items 94 positioned therein, moisture can be better diffused throughout the entire stack of the items 94, as compared to a conventional container of items having a generally flat bottom wall or a bottom wall without an indent. As the moisture migrates downwardly, it can flow towards side walls 104 of the container 92 owing to the indent 100 being positioned in a central location or multiple central locations in the bottom 102. Stated another way, the indent 100 can raise a central portion of the stack of the items 94 relative to other portions of the stack of the items 94 to cause the moisture within the stack to flow downwardly and outwardly from the central portion. In one embodiment, the indent 100 can form a ridge extending generally about a central portion or central axis of the bottom 102. The ridge can cause the items 94 to have a peak extending in a direction generally perpendicular or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the items 94. This can cause the moisture migrating downward to flow toward the side walls 104 of the container 92. A gap 106 can be formed within the cavity 96 between the side walls 104 of the container 92 and the items 94. Moisture can accumulate in the gap 106 owing to the indent 100. Once the moisture accumulates in the gap 106, it is believed that it can evaporate and diffuse back to the top portion of the stack of the items 94 in the direction indicated by arrows E, keeping the top portion substantially wet or moist. Without the indent 100, moisture may be trapped under the bottom portion of the stack of the items 94 and may not be able to evaporate and diffuse back to the top portion of the stack of the items 94.

In one embodiment, the container 92 can comprise a door (not illustrated) movable between a first, open position and a second, closed position. The door can be configured to cover the opening in the top 98 of the container 92 when in the second, closed position and configured to allow access to the opening when the door is in the first, open position. The door and/or an area surrounding the opening can comprise a seal or a sealing member (not illustrated) configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, air from an environment of the container 92 from entering the cavity 96 and drying out or contaminating the items 94. The seal or sealing member can also be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, air from the cavity 96, with moisture therein, from exiting the cavity 96, thereby maintaining the items 94 in the saturated state. Other sealing members can be provided that do not actually have a sealing function, but that signal sealing to a consumer or provide other aesthetic benefits.

The apparatuses of the present disclosure can be comprised of, formed of, and/or coated with any suitable material, such as plastic, anti-microbial materials, and/or anti-bacterial materials, for example. In other various embodiments, the apparatuses or containers can be configured to dispense anti-microbial lotions or soaps, anti-bacterial lotions or soaps, and/or other compounds, for example.

The apparatuses of the present disclosure can also be used with containers configured to provide or dispense warmed or heated wet wipes. Such containers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0032443, filed on Aug. 6, 2009, entitled “Dispenser for Providing Warm Wipes.”

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item, the apparatus comprising:

a body defining a slot therein, wherein the slot is configured to receive a paper product bar therethrough, the body comprising: a back forming a portion of a perimeter of the slot; an adjustment assembly, wherein a portion of the adjustment assembly is positioned within the slot and is biased away from the back; and a top comprising a tab extending therefrom, wherein the tab is configured to engage a portion of a container configured to receive one or more items; and

a paper product hanger extending from the body, wherein the paper product hanger is configured to retain a roll of a paper product thereon.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a support extending from the back of the body.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paper product hanger comprises:

a first projection defining a first recess therein;

a second projection defining a second recess therein; and

a paper product bar extending between the first projection and the second projection and engaged with the first recess and the second recess.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paper product hanger comprises:

a first projection defining a first slot therein;

a second projection defining a second slot therein; and

a paper product bar extending at least between the first projection and the second projection and engaged with the first slot and the second slot.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a fragrance packet.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top comprises a second tab extending therefrom, and wherein the second tab is configured to engage a portion of the container.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a container configured to receive one or more items, wherein the container comprises a recessed bottom surface at least partially surrounded by a wall extending therefrom, wherein the wall comprises a projection extending therefrom in a direction transverse to a plane of a side of the wall, and wherein the tab is configured to any of engage the projection and be positioned at least partially intermediate the projection and the recessed bottom surface to retain the container to the top.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a recessed bottom surface at least partially surrounded by a wall extending therefrom, wherein the wall comprises a projection extending therefrom in a direction transverse to a plane of a side of the wall, and wherein the tab is configured to any of engage the projection and be positioned at least partially intermediate the projection and the recessed bottom surface to retain the container to the top.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top comprises an engagement member extending therefrom, and wherein the engagement member is configured to engage a recess in a recessed bottom surface of the container.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly comprises:

a portion comprising an arcuate surface configured to engage the paper product bar; and

a biasing member positioned intermediate the back and the portion.

11. An apparatus for dispensing a paper product and another item, the apparatus comprising:

a body defining a slot therein, wherein the slot is configured to receive a paper product bar, the body comprising: a back; a support extending from the back, wherein the support is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the support is a first distance from the back, wherein, in the second position, the support is a second distance from the back, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance; and a top comprising a tab configured to engage a portion of a container configured to receive one or more items; and

a paper product hanger extending from the body, wherein the paper product hanger is configured to retain a paper product thereon.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body comprises an adjustment assembly, wherein a portion of the adjustment assembly is positioned within the slot, and wherein a portion of the adjustment assembly is biased away from the back.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the slot comprises a side wall extending in a first direction, wherein the top extends in a second direction, and wherein the first direction is transverse to the second direction.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the top comprises one or more apertures defined therein.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the top comprises an alignment member extending therefrom, and wherein the alignment member is positioned proximate to a perimeter of the top.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the paper product is a roll of toilet tissue, and wherein the other item is a wet wipe.

17. A container for an item, the container comprising:

a cavity defined in the container, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the item;

a top defining an opening, wherein the item is dispensable from the cavity through the opening;

a bottom wall; and

an indent formed in the bottom wall, wherein the indent extends into the cavity.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein the indent is positioned generally about a midpoint of the bottom wall.

19. The container of claim 17, wherein the bottom wall is at least partially surrounded by a wall extending therefrom such that the bottom wall forms a recessed bottom surface of the container, and wherein the wall comprises a projection extending therefrom in a direction transverse to a plane of a side of the wall.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein a recess is defined at least partially intermediate the projection and the recessed bottom surface.