SECONDARY DISPENSER METHOD AND APPARATUS

Abstract

A secondary dispenser readily attachable to a standard toilet-tissue dispenser of a roll type for positioning next to the primary toilet-tissue dispenser for dispensing supplemental materials such as pre-wetted toilet sheets. The sheets can be withdrawn from an open door. A compact auxiliary device providing wetted or self-wetting sheets for releasable proximate mounting in conjunction with a conventional toilet-tissue dispenser of dry sheets; comprises an inexpensive container or magazine component pre-loaded with the supplemental sheets. The magazine can be snapped into functional position rapidly. It serves an improved health care and cleanliness function.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/989,626 filed on 7 May 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/989,626 filed on 7 May 2014, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

Dispensing of toilet tissue in roll form is well known in the art. Typical dispensers for tissue rolls generally include a base that is attached to a wall or other supporting surface, and support arms that extend transversely from the base. A spindle is inserted through the roll and engaged in recesses or divots at the ends of the support arms.

Numerous dispensers have been developed in the art specifically for dispensing stacked individual tissue sheets. Such dispensers typically permit the user to remove any number of sheets one at a time in a manner such that the adjacent sheet is presented for easy grasping and removal from the dispenser. Efforts have been made to incorporate such dispensers with existing conventional rolled product dispensing fixtures so that the dispenser need not be separately mounted.

One embodiment provides an improved folded tissue sheet dispenser adapted for configuration with conventional roll product dispensing fixtures.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided is a improved folded tissue sheet dispenser adapted for configuration with conventional roll product dispensing fixtures.

One embodiment provides a supplemental sheet dispenser compatible with conventional toilet paper dispensing systems.

One embodiment provides a supplemental sheet dispenser wherein the sheets may be pre-wetted and supplied in substantially sealed container with sealable access door. In one embodiment the container can include extendable connecting arms which can detachably connect to a conventional toilet paper dispenser.

One embodiment provides a dispenser for dry sheets which can be wetted by a liquid added to the container component by the user or consumer.

In one embodiment is provided a supplemental dispenser for detachably mounting on a conventional toilet paper dispenser, the apparatus having a container component adapted to accept or pre-loaded with wetted, self-wetting or wettable sheet material.

In one embodiment is provided releasable attachment mechanism for the container housing for detachably mounting on a conventional toilet paper dispenser.

In one embodiment is provided a detachable mount having extendable arms for attachment of the container conventional toilet-tissue dispenser to releasably engage a toilet-tissue supporting rod or spindle of the dispenser.

One embodiment provides a supplementary dispenser configured for dispensing a supply of wipes and/or folded tissues from a dispenser fixture that has extendable and retractable support arms. The fixture may be, for example, a conventional tissue roll dispenser wherein the support arms include a opening at their ends into which the ends of a rod or spindle are received. The rod spindle is typically inserted through a core or hollow member provided in the bathroom tissue roll. In various embodiments the toilet paper dispenser can be a “stand alone” dispenser with a rod or spindle, and in various embodiments the rod or spindle can be permanently attached to the stand alone toilet paper dispenser.

The supplemental dispenser includes a housing container having an internal compartment volume configured to retain a supply of folded issue sheets. The housing is not limited to any particular style, configuration, or shape, and may take on any aesthetically pleasing configuration and be made of any conventional material.

In one embodiment, the housing is an elongated box-like structure. The housing may be refillable, or can be a disposable item to be discarded after depletion of the tissue supply. It should also be appreciated that the dispenser is not limited to any particular type of product to be dispensed, but is particularly well suited for dispensing a stack of interfolded tissue sheets. The tissue sheets may be dry or pre-moistened.

A dispensing opening is defined in a wall of the housing. The opening may be, for example, a door in a top surface, bottom surface, or side surface of the housing. The opening provides a location for a consumer to easily access, grasp, and pull individual tissue sheets from the dispenser.

Retractable and extendable support arms can be provided on opposed exterior side walls of the container housing. Each support arm can include an opening with a shape and configuration for engagement with a portion of a spindle. In various embodiments the retraction and extension can be obtained by pivoting or rotational type movements while in other embodiments can be obtained by sliding type movements.

In one embodiment the support arms can be extendable and retractable in positions along their respective tracks allowing the container housing to be adaptable with different fixtures having varying length support arms along with allowing the container housing to provide frictional resistance to the roll of toilet paper. In one particular embodiment, the support arms are variably positionable along their tracks. In one embodiment a releasable engagement mechanism is provided between each support arm and the container housing, which can include a ratcheting mechanism such as a resiliently mounted positioning button which can be connected to one of a plurality of positioning openings disposed along each arms length.

In one embodiment the extension member may be resiliently biased towards the openings. Any configuration of engaging members operatively disposed between the slide member and position bar may be used. In an alternate embodiment, each arm may be frictionally retained in position relative to the track.

In one embodiment the supplemental dispenser may also include a supply of folded tissues disposed within the container housing. The container housing may be openable and refillable with a cartridge of tissues in the form of, for example, a bag or pouch-like container insertable into the housing.

In one embodiment is provided a container including an openable door:

• • (a) when closed is hermetically seals the interior volume of the container, and
  • (b) when opened provides access to at least one sheet of a plurality of sheets. In one embodiment the door is pivotally connected to the container (e.g. hingedly connected).

In one embodiment a basic liquid employed as above described may, for example, can be largely a distilled sterile water, water and alcohol, or water, alcohol and an emollient such as lanolin. A fragrance may also be included. Other possible ingredients comprise a humectant, e.g., glycerine or propylene glycol, an appropriate antiseptic or germicidal substance, or a bacteriostat, a mineral oil, an emulsifying agent and a stabilizing agent. While a liquid as, for example, a liquid having a cleansing and sterilizing property may be used, the sheets may alternatively use a treating agent such as a powder, a salve, a cream or the like.

In one embodiment the wetted sheets have an adequate tear strength to withstand withdrawal from the container and such sheets they may multilayered.

In one embodiment the container and its components are comprised of plastic composition, e.g., a thermoplastic such as polystyrene, polypropylene, a polycarbonate, ABS, etc., and are formed, for example, by an injection molding method.

In various embodiments is provided a supplemental dispenser for storing and dispensing folded tissue sheets, comprising: (a) a housing having top and bottom portions, opposite exterior side walls located between the top and bottom portions, an internal compartment configured to retain a supply of folded issue sheets, and an openable top providing access to the internal compartment; (b) a dispensing opening in the top, providing access to the internal compartment which is smaller than the access in the openable top; (c) a plurality of arms, located on opposite exterior side walls of the housing and rotatably connected to the housing having closed and open positions, each of the arms including an opening; (d) wherein the plurality of arms in their open position are supported on the toilet paper dispenser having a pair of toilet paper dispenser spaced apart arms and the spindle, the spindle also being supported by the pair of toilet paper dispenser spaced apart arms, a roll of toilet paper having a plurality of detachable sheets being supported by the spindle, and the arms of the dispenser in the open state being attached to the spindle at locations between the roll of toilet paper and the pair of spaced apart toilet paper dispenser arms; and (e) the arms engaging the roll of toilet paper resisting free spinning of the roll of toilet paper relative to the spindle when detachable sheets are pulled hard from the roll of toilet paper.

In various embodiments each arm can be frictionally positionable between open and closed states.

In various embodiments the arms in their fully open position have a spanning distance and the roll of toilet paper has a longitudinal length and the spanning distances is less than the longitudinal length. In various embodiments the spanning distance can be less than 100, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90, 89, 88, 87, 86, 85, 84, 83, 82, 81, 80, 78, 76, 75, 74, 72, 70, 68, 67, 66, 64, 62, 60, 58, 56, 54, and/or 50 percent of the longitudinal length of the roll of toilet paper. In various embodiments the spanning distance can be between any two of the referenced percentages of the longitudinal length of the roll of toilet paper.

In various embodiments the resistance to free spinning of the roll of toilet paper by the engagement of the arms with the roll of toilet paper can be least an additional 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.3, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.4, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.5, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.6, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.7, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.8, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.9, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and/or 100 newton-meters of torque. In various embodiments the additional resistance to free spinning can be an amount between any two of the above referenced torque values.

In various embodiments the supplemental dispenser can further comprise a retractable and extendable spacer connected to the supplemental dispenser, and when the spacer is in a retracted state, the supplemental dispenser hangs from the spindle in a generally vertical direction, and when the spacer is in the extended state such extension causes the dispenser to be maintained in a non-vertical position compared to the vertical position of the supplemental dispenser when the spacer is in a retracted state.

In various embodiments the supplemental dispenser can further comprise a retractable and extendable spacer connected to the dispenser, the spacer being connected to the bottom portion of the supplemental dispenser, wherein in the refracted state the spacer does not protrude beyond the bottom portion, and in the extended state the spacer does protrude beyond the bottom portion said protrusion said protrusion causing the supplemental dispenser to be moved from a generally vertical angle to a generally non-vertical angle.

In various embodiments is provided a method of using a combination toilet paper fixture and supplemental dispenser for storing and dispensing folded tissue sheets, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a supplemental dispenser adapted for configuration with the toilet paper dispensing fixture having a spindle, the supplemental dispenser comprising:

• • a housing having top and bottom portions, an internal compartment including a supply of moistened and folded tissue sheets, an openable top providing access to the internal compartment;
  • a dispensing opening in the top, providing access to the internal compartment with moistened tissue sheets which supplemental dispensing opening is smaller than the access using the openable top;
  • a plurality of extendable and retractable arms, the arms engaging the spindle of the toilet paper fixture; and wherein the arms are foldably connected to the housing of the supplemental dispenser for extension and retraction, wherein the arms in their extended state are supported on the toilet paper dispenser, and the arms of the supplemental dispenser in the extended state resisting free spinning of the roll of toilet paper relative to both the toile paper dispenser and the supplemental dispenser, and
  • (b) supporting both the roll of toilet paper and the supplemental dispenser by the toilet paper dispenser wherein both arms are in contact with the roll of toilet paper
  • (c) pulling hard enough on the roll of toilet paper to cause the roll of toilet paper to enter a condition of free spinning relative to the toilet paper dispenser when not engaged by the arms of the supplemental dispenser, wherein the engagement of the arms of the supplemental dispenser with the roll of toilet paper prevent the roll of toilet paper from entering the free spinning condition.

In various embodiments the supplemental dispenser includes a spacer connected to the bottom portion of the supplemental dispenser, wherein the spacer has extended and retracted states, wherein in the refracted state the spacer does not protrude beyond the bottom portion of the supplemental dispenser, and in the extended state the spacer does protrude beyond the bottom portion, said protrusion causing the supplemental dispenser to be moved from a generally vertical angle to a generally non-vertical angle.

In various embodiments the method further includes the step of changing the spacer from a retracted state to an extended state, which extended state causes the spacer to contact a surface which contact causes the supplemental dispenser to move to a generally non-vertical angle compared to the supplemental dispenser's relative angular position when the spacer is in the retracted state.

In various embodiments the method further includes the step of pushing on the supplemental dispenser such that the spacer maintains contact on the surface while simultaneously opening the dispensing top and pulling out a wipe from the supplemental dispenser opening while the dispenser spacer maintains contact with the surface and maintains a constant generally non-vertical angle of the dispenser.

In various embodiments the method further includes the step of wherein after pulling out the wipe, the spacer is put into the retracted state causing the supplemental dispenser to be positioned in a generally vertical position.

In various embodiments of the method and apparatus the spanning distance can be less than 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90, 89, 88, 87, 86, 85, 84, 83, 82, 81, 80, 78, 76, 75, 74, 72, 70, 68, 67, 66, 64, 62, 60, 58, 56, 54, and/or 50 percent of the longitudinal length of the roll of toilet paper. In various embodiments of the method and apparatus the spanning distance can be between any two of the referenced percentages of the longitudinal length of the roll of toilet paper.

In various embodiments of the method and apparatus the additional resistance to free spinning of the roll of toilet paper by the engagement of the arms with the roll of toilet paper is at least an additional 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.3, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.4, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.5, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.6, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.7, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.8, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.9, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and/or 100 newton-meters of torque. In various embodiments the additional resistance to free spinning is an amount between any two of the referenced values of torque values.

In various embodiments of the method and apparatus a spacer can be connected to the bottom portion of the supplemental dispenser, wherein the spacer has extended and retracted states, and in the extended state the spacer both protrudes beyond the bottom portion of the supplemental dispenser and maintains the supplemental dispenser in a single position in relation to a wall supporting the toilet paper fixture.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a supplemental dispenser with folding arms attached to and hanging vertically from a spindle of a toilet paper dispenser.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with the rear support now extended causing the dispenser to make a non vertical angle from a wall, and a user selecting a wipes from the dispenser when having the option of also selecting toilet paper from a toilet paper roll.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with the door opened and a user pulling a wipe from the dispenser.

FIG. 4 is an upper front perspective view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms collapsed with upper lid and middle section closed.

FIG. 5 is a lower front view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms collapsed with upper lid and middle section closed.

FIG. 6 is a front view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms collapsed with upper lid and middle section closed.

FIG. 7 is a rear view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms collapsed with upper lid and middle section closed.

FIG. 8 is a left side view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms collapsed with upper lid and middle section closed.

FIG. 9 is a right side view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms collapsed with upper lid and middle section closed.

FIG. 10 is a top view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms collapsed with upper lid and middle section closed.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms collapsed with upper lid and middle section closed.

FIG. 12 is an upper front perspective view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms folded/pivoted out with upper lid open and middle section closed.

FIG. 13 is a lower front view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms folded/pivoted out and lower spacer extended.

FIG. 14 is a front view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms folded/pivoted out with upper lid open and middle section closed, and lower spacer pivoted out/extended.

FIG. 15 is a rear view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms folded/pivoted out with upper lid open and middle section closed, and lower spacer pivoted out/extended.

FIG. 16 is a right side view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms folded/pivoted out with upper lid open and middle section closed, and lower spacer pivoted out/extended.

FIG. 17 is a top view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms folded/pivoted out with upper lid open and middle section closed.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view dispenser of FIG. 1 with the support arms pivoted out with lower spacer pivoted out/extended.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative version of a supplemental dispenser with folding/pivoting arms which arms are also telescopically extendable to vary the depth from which the dispenser will hang vertically from a spindle of a toilet paper dispenser.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of one of the arms shown in FIG. 19 taken from the external side of the arm.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the arm of FIG. 20 taken from the internal side, where the arm is in a retracted position and locked in place in such retracted position.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the arm of FIG. 20 taken from the internal side, where the arm is in an extended position and locked in place in such extended position.

FIG. 23 is a top view of one of the arms in FIG. 19, where the arm is in a retracted position and locked in place in such retracted position.

FIG. 24 is an internal side view of the telescoping section of the arm shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the telescoping section of the arm shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the alternative supplemental dispenser of FIG. 19 with folding arms attached to and hanging vertically from a spindle of a toilet paper dispenser.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the alternative supplemental dispenser of FIG. 19 with folding arms attached to and hanging vertically from a spindle of a toilet paper dispenser, and a spacer being attached to place the dispenser in a non vertical position relative to the wall.

FIG. 28 is a front view of a supplemental dispenser with folding arms in an open condition showing the opened spanning distance between the arms being less than the longitudinal length of a roll of toilet paper.

FIG. 29 shows the arms being spreader greater than their opened spanning distance such that the expanded spanning distance is greater than the longitudinal length of a roll of toilet paper.

FIG. 30 shows that dispenser of FIGS. 28 and 29 now mounted on a toilet paper dispenser with the roll of toilet paper also on the spindle of the toilet paper dispenser.

FIG. 31 shows a side view of a person pulling out a wipe from the supplemental dispenser and schematically shows sheets of toilet paper being removed from the roll of toilet paper with each case showing the extended spacer being used as a rear support for the dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.

Referring to the figures in general, in one embodiment is provided a supplementary dispenser 10 is provided for storing and dispensing folded tissue sheets 250 from a toilet paper dispenser 100, the supplemental dispenser 10 having extending and retracting support arms 400,500, a container 200, and an interior volume 202.

FIG. 2 is a side view of supplemental dispenser 10 with folding arms 400,500 attached to and hanging from a spindle 150 of a toilet paper dispenser 100, and a positioning bracket 300 being opened (indicated by angle 322) to place the dispenser container 200 in a non-vertical position 34 relative to the wall (as schematically indicated by angle 34). Positioning bracket 320 can be pivotally connected to container 200. Container 200 can include recess 310 to that, when closed, positioning bracket 320 is substantially if not completely recessed relative to bottom 300 of container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of conventional toilet paper dispenser 100 with supplemental dispenser 10 attached to the rod or spindle 150, where the supplemental dispenser 10 has been rotated to a non-vertical position 34 and the door 220 opened.

In one embodiment supplemental dispenser 10 can be provided for dispensing pre-moistened or dry tissue sheets 250 from a container housing 200. In one embodiment, various types of sheets 250 can be dispensed from supplemental dispenser 10, such as dry or pre-moistened tissues. In one embodiment, supplemental dispenser 10 can dispense individual stacked interfolded sheets—either dry or pre-moistened. Such stacked configurations for dry or pre-moistened sheets are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring particularly to the figures, container housing 200 can have has a configuration with a width and a depth to contain conventionally available pre-moistened wipes. Container housing 200 can include an interior volume 202 in which the tissue sheets 250 are stored and dispensed from. Container housing 200 may take on any shape or configuration, and the rectangular box-type configuration shown in the figures is for illustrative purposes only. Top 205 of container 200 can include dispensing opening 222 (to interior volume 202) which can be sealed/closed by door 220. In different embodiments dispensing opening 222 may be included on any side of container housing 200. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing opening 222 is shown on the top 205. In various embodiments dispensing opening 222 may take on any suitable shape or configuration.

The container housing 200 may be formed of any conventional material, and may be a relatively inexpensive plastic disposable material, paperboard material, paper, cardboard, and the like. It may be desired to form the container housing 200 of a liquid impermeable material if it is desired to contain and dispense premoistened tissue sheets 250. In one embodiment, container housing 250 may be formed of any type of material, including a liquid absorbent, and the pre-moistened tissue sheets 250 may be encased in a liquid impermeable film. Alternatively, interior volume 202 may be lined with the film. The premoistened sheets 250 may be provided in a refill package or cartridge that may be placed into the interior volume 202, the refill package including the liquid impermeable film. In this configuration, the container 200 can have a resealable wall, lid, or other member that may be opened to allow a refill cartridge of tissues to be inserted into the interior volume 202.

It may further be desired that interior volume 202 include a door 220 over a dispensing opening 208. In the case of pre-moistened sheets 250, door 220 may be hinged with hinge 224 and when door 220 is closed, it prevents significant loss of moisture from sheets 250 and prevents undesired drying out. In one embodiment door can be snap closed on top 205 with lock 226. In on embodiment door 220 can be frictionally locked with a rim of opening 208.

In one embodiment supplemental dispenser 10 can be supported on toilet paper dispenser 100 by a plurality of arms 400,500. In one embodiment the support arms 400,500 can be foldably connected to container 200 by hinges 402,502.

In one embodiment supplemental dispenser 10 can be attached to a conventionally available toilet paper dispenser 100 having a roll of toilet paper 170. Such fixtures 100 are well known and a typical fixture 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, with a frame 110, support arms 120, and recesses 130, along with a telescoping rod or spindle 150. Each of the support arms 120 typically includes a recess 130. A conventional rod or spindle 150 having tabs 160 on each end is typically inserted through a hollow core of support tube 172 of a roll of toilet paper 170 and received in the recesses 130.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative version of a supplemental dispenser 10′ with folding/pivoting arms 400,500 which arms are also telescopically extendable (respectively via telescoping sections 470,570) to vary the depth from which the dispenser 10 will hang vertically from a rod or spindle 150 of a toilet paper dispenser 100.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of one of the arms 500 shown in FIG. 19 taken from the external side of the arm 500. FIG. 21 is a side view of arm 500 taken from the internal side, where arm 500 is in a retracted position (with telescoping section 570 in its lowermost position) and locked in place in such retracted position (via locking button 574 locking into the lowermost opening of plurality of openings 568), and schematically the length of such upper portion is indicated as L1. FIG. 22 is a side view of arm 500 taken from the internal side, where telescoping section 570 arm is in an extended position and locked in place in such extended position (via locking button 574 locking into the uppermost opening of plurality of openings 568), and schematically the length of such upper portion is indicated as L2 where L2 is larger than L1. Any intermediate telescoping position for telescoping section 570 can be selected via locking button 574 into one of the intermediate openings of plurality of openings where the length of such upper section will be between L1 and L2. Arm 400 can be constructed substantially similar to arm 500.

FIG. 23 is a top view of arm 400, where telescoping section 470 arm is in a retracted position and locked in place in such retracted position (via locking button 474 locking into the lowermost opening of plurality of openings 468). Arrow 490 schematically indicates that locking button 474 can be pushed in to unlock arm and move to another position. FIG. 24 is an internal side view of the telescoping section 470 of arm 400, and FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the telescoping section 470. Telescoping section 470 can include second end 476, locking button 474, and stopping tables 478. Locking button 474 can be biased outside of telescoping section via biased section 480.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the alternative supplemental dispenser 10′ with folding arms 400,500 attached to and hanging vertically from a spindle 150 of a toilet paper dispenser 100. Gap 30 indicates the distance between dispenser bottom 30 and wall 20. The distance of the upper section of container 200 to the bottom of the roll of toilet paper 170 can be varied by changing the amount of telescoping (e.g., L1, L2, or some other length) of the two telescoping sections 470 and 570.

FIG. 27 is a side view of alternative supplemental dispenser 10′ with folding arms 400,500 attached to and hanging from a spindle 150 of a toilet paper dispenser 100, and a positioning arm/spacer 350 being attached to place the dispenser container 200′ in a non vertical position relative to the wall as schematically indicated by angle 34. Positioning arm 350 can be threaded to container 200′

FIG. 28 is a front view of a supplemental dispenser 10 with folding arms 400,500 in an open condition showing the opened spanning distance 710 between the arms being less than the longitudinal length 700 of a roll of toilet paper 170. In the United States the typical longitudinal length of a roll of toilet paper is 4½ inches (10.16 cm) and are typically wrapped around a cardboard tube 172 having the same longitudinal length 720. Such typical length can be different in different countries and the typical United States length is not meant to be limiting. Dimensions/gaps 720 show the smaller length of original spanning distance 710 to length 700.

Arrows 750 schematically indicate that force will be applied to arms 400,500 to increase the original spanning distance 710 so that the arms 400,500 can be placed over the roll of toilet paper 170.

FIG. 29 shows the arms 400,500 now spread greater (to enlarged spanning distance 730) than these arms' original opened spanning distance 710 such that the expanded spanning distance 730 is greater than the longitudinal length 700 of a roll of toilet paper. Dimensions/gaps 740 show the greater length of spanning distance 730 to length 700.

FIG. 30 shows the supplemental dispenser 10 of FIGS. 28 and 29 now mounted on a toilet paper dispenser 100 with the roll of toilet paper 170 also on the spindle 150 of the toilet paper dispenser 100. Arrows 760 schematically indicate the force applied by arms 400,500 on toilet paper roll 170 as these arms 400, 500 attempt to squeeze the roll of toilet paper 170 to move back to their original spanning distance 710 (the original spanning distance 710 being shown in FIG. 28). This squeezing of the arms 400,500 on toilet paper roll 170 will create a frictional force between arms 400,500 and toilet paper roll 170.

Arrow 800 schematically indicates that a pulling force is applied to sheet 175 which will tend to cause roll of toilet paper 170 to spin in the direction of arrow 810. Arrow 810 also schematically indicates the turning or spinning torque applied to roll 170 by pulling on sheet 175 in the direction of arrow 800. Such spinning torque 810 can cause roll of toilet paper 170 to enter a free spinning state where roll 170 spins on spindle 150 and numerous additional unwanted sheets 175′, 175″, 175′″ 175″″, etc. of toilet paper will “unrolled” from roll 170 as roll 170 continues spinning in its free spinning state. Arrow 820 schematically indicates the resistant/resultant frictional torque applied by friction between arms 400,500 and the roll of toilet paper 170 thereby resisting/preventing roll of toilet paper 170 from entering a free spinning state.

FIG. 31 shows a side view of a person pulling out a wipe 185 from the supplemental dispenser 10 (using first hand 950). At the same time as pulling out wipe 185 from supplemental dispenser 10 second hand 960 can be used to hold supplemental dispenser 10 in a state rotational position 34 by pushing in the direction of arrow 910 which force is transmitted to toilet paper dispenser 100 via spacer 320 (as schematically indicated by arrow 830). In this manner the rotational position 34 of supplemental dispenser 10 can be maintained during the entire time a wipe 185 is pulled out of supplemental dispenser 10. In one embodiment, while supplemental dispenser 10 remains rotationally static in its contacting position with spacer 320 (non-vertical angle 34), the force applied on supplemental dispenser 10 by hand 960 in the direction of arrow 910 is greater than the force applied to remove the wipe 185 in the direction of arrow 900 by hand 950. In various embodiments the force on supplemental dispenser 10 keeping it rotationally static is substantially greater than the force applied to remove wipe 185. In various embodiments for while keeping rotationally static, the force on dispenser 10 is at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and/or 100 larger than the force applied on wipe 185 for removal of wipe 185. In various embodiments the force on dispenser 10 is greater over the force applied on wipe 185 by an amount ranging between any two of the specified percentages.

FIG. 31 also schematically shows a sheets 175 of toilet paper being removed from the roll of toilet paper 170 (via arrow 800). Arrow 810 also schematically indicates the turning or spinning torque applied to roll 170 by pulling on sheet 175 in the direction of arrow 800. Such applied spinning torque 810 can cause roll of toilet paper 170 to enter a “free spinning state” where roll 170 freely spins on rod or spindle 150 and numerous additional unwanted additional sheets 175′, 175″, 175′″ 175″″, etc. of toilet paper will be “unrolled” from roll 170 as roll 170 continues freely spinning on rod or spindle 150. Arrow 820 schematically indicates the resistant/resultant frictional torque applied by friction created between spread apart arms 400,500 and the roll of toilet paper 170 thereby resisting/preventing roll of toilet paper 170 from entering any “free spinning” state. Ultimately, even if spacer 320 is not in an extended state, supplemental dispenser 10 is itself prevented from excessively rotating in the direction of arrow 810 by contact with toilet paper dispenser 100. However, even before such contact with toilet paper dispenser 100, the weight/inertia of supplemental dispenser 10 itself will also resist/prevent the entering of a “free spinning” state of toilet paper roll 170 when a hard pull is made to remove sheet 175 from roll of toilet paper 170.

In various embodiments is provided a supplemental dispenser 10 for storing and dispensing folded tissue sheets 250, comprising: (a) a housing 200 having top 205 and bottom 203 portions, opposite exterior side walls located between the top 205 and bottom 203 portions, an internal compartment 202 configured to retain a supply of folded issue sheets 250, and an openable top 205 providing access to the internal compartment 202; (b) a dispensing opening 222 in the top 202, providing access to the internal compartment 202 which is smaller than the access in the openable top 205; (c) a plurality of arms 400,500, located on opposite exterior side walls of the housing 200 and rotatably connected to the housing 200 having closed and open positions, each of the arms 400,500 including an opening 430,530; (d) wherein the plurality of arms 400,500 in their open position are supported on the toilet paper dispenser 100 (via spindle 150) having a pair of toilet paper dispenser spaced apart arms 120 and the spindle 150, the spindle 150 also being supported by the pair of toilet paper dispenser spaced apart arms 120, a roll of toilet paper 170 having a plurality of detachable sheets 175, 175′, 175″, etc. being supported by the spindle 150, and the arms 400,500 of the supplemental dispenser 10 in the open state being attached to the spindle 150 at locations between the roll of toilet paper 170 and the pair of spaced apart toilet paper dispenser arms 120; and (e) the arms 400,500 engaging the roll of toilet paper 170 resisting free spinning of the roll of toilet paper 170 relative to the spindle 150 when detachable sheets 175, 175′, 175″, etc. are pulled hard from the roll of toilet paper 170.

In various embodiments each arm 400,500 can be frictionally positionable between open and closed states.

In various embodiments the arms 400,500 in their fully open position have a spanning distance 710 and the roll of toilet paper 170 has a longitudinal length 700 and the spanning distances 710 is less than the longitudinal length 700. In various embodiments the spanning distance 710 can be less than 100, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90, 89, 88, 87, 86, 85, 84, 83, 82, 81, 80, 78, 76, 75, 74, 72, 70, 68, 67, 66, 64, 62, 60, 58, 56, 54, and/or 50 percent of the longitudinal length 700 of the roll of toilet paper 170. In various embodiments the spanning distance 710 can be between any two of the referenced percentages of the longitudinal length 700 of the roll of toilet paper 170.

In various embodiments the resistance to free spinning of the roll of toilet paper 170 by the engagement of the arms 400,500 with the roll of toilet paper 170 can be least an additional 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.3, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.4, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.5, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.6, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.7, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.8, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.9, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and/or 100 newton-meters of torque. In various embodiments the additional resistance to free spinning can be an amount between any two of the above referenced torque values.

In various embodiments the supplemental dispenser 10 can further comprise a retractable and extendable spacer 320 connected to the supplemental dispenser 10, and when the spacer 320 is in a retracted state, the supplemental dispenser 10 hangs from the spindle 150 in a generally vertical direction, and when the spacer 320 is in the extended state such extension causes the supplemental dispenser 10 to be maintained in a non-vertical position compared to the vertical position of the supplemental dispenser 10 when the spacer 320 is in a retracted state.

In various embodiments the supplemental dispenser 10 can further comprise a retractable and extendable spacer 320 connected to the supplemental dispenser 10, the spacer 320 being connected to the bottom portion 203 of the supplemental dispenser 10, wherein in the retracted state the spacer 320 does not protrude beyond the bottom portion 203, and in the extended state the spacer 320 does protrude beyond the bottom portion 203.

In various embodiments is provided a method of using a combination toilet paper fixture and supplemental dispenser 10 for storing and dispensing folded tissue sheets 250, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a supplemental dispenser 10 adapted for configuration with the toilet paper dispensing fixture 100 having a spindle 150, the supplemental dispenser 10 comprising:

• • a housing 200 having top 205 and bottom 203 portions, an internal compartment 202 including a supply of moistened and folded tissue sheets 250, an openable top 205 providing access to the internal compartment 202;
  • a dispensing opening 222 in the top 205, providing access to the internal compartment 202 with moistened tissue sheets 250 which dispensing opening 222 is smaller than the access using the openable top 205;
  • a plurality of extendable and retractable arms 400,500, the arms engage the spindle of the toilet paper fixture 100; and wherein the arms 400,500 are foldably connected to the housing 200 for extension and retraction, wherein the arms 400,500 in their extended state are supported on the spindle 150, and the arms 400,500 in the extended state resisting free spinning of the roll of toilet paper 170 relative to both the toilet paper dispenser 100 and the supplemental dispenser 10, and
  • (b) supporting both the roll of toilet paper 170 and the supplemental dispenser 10 by the toilet paper dispenser 100 wherein both arms 400,500 are in contact with the roll of toilet paper 170;
  • (c) pulling hard enough on the roll of toilet paper 170 to cause the roll of toilet paper 170 to enter a condition of free spinning if supported by the toilet paper dispenser 100 without the supplemental dispenser 10, wherein the engagement of the arms 400,500 with the roll of toilet paper 170 prevent the roll of toilet paper 170 from entering the free spinning condition.

In various embodiments the supplemental dispenser 10 includes a spacer 320 connected to the bottom portion 203 of the supplemental dispenser 10, wherein the spacer 320 has extended and retracted states, wherein in the retracted state the spacer 320 does not protrude beyond the bottom portion 203, and in the extended state the spacer 320 does protrude beyond the bottom portion 203 said protrusion causing the supplemental dispenser 10 to be moved from a generally vertical angle 30 to a generally non-vertical angle 34.

In various embodiments the method further includes the step of changing the spacer 320 from a retracted state to an extended state, which extended state causes the spacer 320 to contact a surface which contact the supplemental dispenser 10 to move to a generally non-vertical angle 34 compared to the supplemental dispenser's 200 relative angular position 30 when the spacer 320 is in the retracted state.

In various embodiments the method further includes the step of pushing on the supplemental dispenser 10 such that the spacer 320 maintains contact on the surface while simultaneously opening the dispensing top 220 and pulling out a wipe 185 from the supplemental dispenser opening 222 while the supplemental dispenser spacer 320 maintains contact with the surface and maintains a constant generally non-vertical 34 angle of the supplemental dispenser 10.

In various embodiments the method further includes the step of wherein after pulling out the wipe 185, the spacer 320 is put into the retracted state causing the supplemental dispenser 10 to be positioned in a generally vertical position 30.

In various embodiments of the method and apparatus 10 the spanning distance 710 can be less than 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90, 89, 88, 87, 86, 85, 84, 83, 82, 81, 80, 78, 76, 75, 74, 72, 70, 68, 67, 66, 64, 62, 60, 58, 56, 54, and/or 50 percent of the longitudinal length 700 of the roll of toilet paper 170. In various embodiments of the method and apparatus 10 the spanning distance 710 can be between any two of the referenced percentages of the longitudinal length 700 of the roll of toilet paper 170.

In various embodiments of the method and apparatus 10 the additional resistance to free spinning of the roll of toilet paper 170 by the engagement of the arms 400,500 with the roll of toilet paper 170 is at least an additional 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.3, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.4, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.5, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.6, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.7, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.8, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.9, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and/or 100 newton-meters of torque. In various embodiments the additional resistance to free spinning is an amount between any two of the referenced values of torque values.

In various embodiments of the method and apparatus a spacer 320 can be connected to the bottom portion 203 of the supplemental dispenser 10, wherein the spacer 320 has extended and retracted states, and in the extended state the spacer 320 both protrudes beyond the bottom portion 203 of the supplemental dispenser 10 and maintains the supplemental dispenser 10 in a single position 34 in relation to a wall 20 supporting the toilet paper fixture 100.

Shipping Wipes in a Dry State

In various embodiments the supplemental dispenser 10 can be shipped in large shipments (e.g., a shipping container size) with the wipes 250 in a “dry” condition, and prior to use of a particular supplemental dispenser 10 with its “dry” wipes 250, a user can “wet” these wipes 250. Because wipes 250 in a “wet” state are heavier than wipes 250 in a “dry” state, such “wet” condition makes it more costly for shipping large shipments of supplemental dispensers 200. For example a twenty (20′) or forty foot (40′) shipping container filled with supplemental dispensers 10 with “dry” wipes 250 are expected to weigh substantially less than the same shipping container filled with supplemental dispensers with “wet” wipes 250 even though the same volume of space is used in both cases. Therefore, it is believed to be economical to ship large quantities (e.g., a container full) of supplemental dispensers 10 with wipes 250 in a “dry” state along with instructing the users to “wet” the wipes 250 before use in the supplemental dispenser 10. In these embodiments the commercial packaging would include instructions to the user on the procedure for “wetting” the wipes 250 (e.g., by filling the wipes storage bag with a selected liquid). The user would receive the supplemental dispenser 10 with the plurality of dry wipes 250 in the interior 202 of the supplemental dispenser 10 along with the instructions. The user would remove the plurality of dry wipes 250 from the supplemental dispenser 10, and following the instructions, wet the wipes 250. Wetting can be accomplished while the wipes 250 remain inside the interior volume 202 of the supplemental dispenser 10 or while the wipes 250 are removed from the interior volume 202 of the supplemental dispenser 10. If wetting was performed while the wipes 250 were removed from the interior volume 202, the user would then reinsert the now wetted wipes 250 in the interior volume 202 of the supplemental dispenser 10, close the top 205, and install the supplemental dispenser 10 as described in this application. In one embodiment the user can open the tope 205 of the supplemental dispenser 10, wet the wipes 250 while these wipes remain in the interior volume 202 of the supplemental dispenser 10, and then close the top 205. After wetting the wipes 250, the supplemental dispenser 10 can be closed, installed on the toilet paper dispenser 100, and then used as described in this application.

In various embodiments the number of wipes 250 in a supplemental dispenser 200 can vary. For example, the supplemental dispenser 200 can hold 210 wipes 250, or can hold 42 wipes 250. In various embodiments the number of wipes 250 shipped dry to be wetted by the user will also vary as described.

The following is a list of reference numerals:

LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS
(Part No.) (Description)
10         method and apparatus
20         wall
30         gap
34         angle
100        toilet paper dispenser
110        frame
120        pair of posts or bracket members
124        line parallel to longitudinal axis
126        rotation arrow
130        aperture, socket, recess, or bore
150        spindle
152        first portion
154        second portion
156        spring
160        unitary stub-shaft extremities
170        roll of toilet paper
172        supporting tube for toilet paper
175        sheet of toilet paper
200        container
202        interior volume
203        bottom section
205        top section
206        top lock
207        top hinge
210        recessed area in top section
220        door
222        opening in top of container
224        hinge for door
226        lock for door
250        plurality of sheets (wetted or dry)
255        individual moistened sheet
300        bottom
310        recessed portion
315        threaded socket
320        positioning bracket
330        hinge
350        positioning arm
354        threaded area
400        arm
402        hinge
410        first end
420        second end
430        central bore or socket
440        smaller notch
450        length
454        thickened portion
460        aperture
462        outer wall
464        inner wall
468        plurality of openings
470        telescoping section
474        locking button
476        second end
478        stopping tabs
480        biased section
490        arrow
500        arm
502        hinge
510        first end
520        second end
530        central bore or socket
540        smaller notch
550        length
554        thickened portion
560        aperture
562        outer wall
564        inner wall
568        plurality of openings
570        telescoping section
574        locking button
576        second end
578        stopping tabs
580        biased section
590        arrow
700        length
710        spanning distance
720        original gaps
730        expanded spanning distance
740        expanded gaps
750        applied force to expand arms' spanning distance
760        compression force from arms attempting to return to original
           spanning distance
800        pulling force on sheet of toilet paper
810        torque on roll of toilet paper caused by pulling force
820        resistive torque from friction caused by arms engaging roll of
           toilet paper
830        transmitted force from
900        force arrow pulling wipe
910        force from hand on wipes canister
950        first hand
960        second hand

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A supplemental dispenser for storing and dispensing folded tissue sheets, comprising:

(a) a housing having top and bottom portions, opposite exterior side walls located between the top and bottom portions, an internal compartment configured to retain a supply of folded issue sheets, and an openable top providing access to the internal compartment;

(b) a supplemental dispensing opening in the top, providing access to the internal compartment which is smaller than the access in the openable top;

(c) a plurality of arms, located on opposite exterior side walls of the housing and rotatably connected to the housing having closed and open positions, each of the arms including an opening; and

(d) wherein the plurality of arms in their open position are supported on a toilet paper dispenser having a support rod or spindle, a roll of toilet paper having a plurality of detachable sheets being supported by the support rod spindle, and the arms of the supplemental dispenser in the open state being attached to the support rod or spindle; and

(e) the arms engaging the roll of toilet paper resisting free spinning of the roll of toilet paper relative to the support rod or spindle when detachable sheets are pulled hard from the roll of toilet paper.

2. The supplemental dispenser of claim 1, wherein each arm is frictionally positionable between open and closed states.

3. The supplemental dispenser of claim 1, wherein the arms in their open position have a spanning distance and the roll of toilet paper has a longitudinal length and the spanning distances is less than the longitudinal length.

4. The supplemental dispenser of claim 3, wherein the spanning distance is less than 50 percent of the longitudinal length of the roll of toilet paper.

5. The supplemental dispenser of claim 4, wherein the spanning distance is between any two of the referenced percentages of the longitudinal length of the roll of toilet paper.

6. The supplemental dispenser of claim 1, wherein the resistance to free spinning of the roll of toilet paper by the engagement of the arms with the roll of toilet paper is at least an additional 0.02, 0.2, newton-meters of torque relative to the relative to the resistance to free spinning without engagement of the arms on the roll of toilet paper.

7. The supplemental dispenser of claim 6, wherein the additional resistance to free spinning is between 0.2 and 4 newton-meters of torque.

8-13. (canceled)

14. The supplemental dispenser as in claim 13, further comprising a supply of folded tissues disposed within the housing, the housing being refillable and openable top for receipt of the supply of tissues.

15. (canceled)

16. A combination toilet paper dispensing fixture and supplemental dispenser for storing and dispensing moistened folded tissue sheets, the supplemental dispenser adapted for configuration with the toilet paper dispensing fixture with a rod or spindle, the rod or spindle supporting a roll of toilet paper sheets, the supplemental dispenser comprising:

a housing having an internal compartment configured to retain a supply of moistened folded issue sheets, an openable top providing access to the internal compartment;

a dispensing opening in the top, providing access to the internal compartment which is smaller than the access than the openable top;

a plurality of arms pivotally connected to the supplemental dispenser having extended and retracted states, the arms being located on the housing and each including a support opening engaging the rod or spindle of the toilet paper fixture; and

wherein the plurality of arms in their pivoted open position are supported on the rod or spindle with a spanning distance and engaging the roll of toilet paper to cause a resisting to free spinning of the roll of toilet paper relative to the rod or spindle when sheets are pulled hard from the roll of toilet paper.

17. (canceled)

18. The combination dispenser of claim 16, wherein the arms in their open position have a fully open spanning distance and the roll of toilet paper has a longitudinal length and the spanning distances is less than the longitudinal length of the roll or toilet paper.

19. The combination dispenser of claim 18, wherein the spanning distance is less than 75 percent of the longitudinal length of the roll of toilet paper.

20. The combination dispenser of claim 19, wherein the spanning distance is between any two of the referenced percentages of the longitudinal length of the roll of toilet paper.

21. The combination dispenser of claim 16, wherein the resistance to free spinning of the roll of toilet paper by the engagement of the arms with the roll of toilet paper is at least an additional 0.3 newton-meters of torque relative to the relative to the resistance to free spinning without engagement of the arms of the supplemental dispenser on the roll of toilet paper.

22. The combination dispenser of claim 21, wherein the resistance to free spinning is between 0.3 and 0.5 newton-meters.

23.-28. (canceled)

29. A method of using a combination toilet paper fixture and supplemental dispenser for storing and dispensing folded tissue sheets,

(a) providing a supplemental dispenser adapted for configuration with the toilet paper dispensing fixture having a spindle, the supplemental dispenser comprising: a housing having top and bottom portions, an internal compartment including a supply of moistened and folded tissue sheets, an openable top providing access to the internal compartment; a dispensing opening in the top, providing access to the internal compartment with moistened tissue sheets which dispensing opening is smaller than the access using the openable top; a plurality of extendable and retractable arms, the openings engage the spindle of the toilet paper fixture; and wherein the arms are foldably connected to the housing for extension and retraction, wherein the arms in their extended state engage the roll of toilet paper, and the arms of the supplemental dispenser in the extended state resisting free spinning of the roll of toilet paper relative to both the toilet paper dispenser and the supplemental dispenser;

(b) supporting both the roll of toilet paper and the supplemental dispenser by the toilet paper dispenser wherein both arms are in contact with the roll of toilet paper;

(c) pulling hard enough on the roll of toilet paper to cause the roll of toilet paper to enter a condition of free spinning if supported by the toilet paper dispenser when not engaged by the arms of the supplemental dispenser, wherein the engagement of the arms with the roll of toilet paper prevent the roll of toilet paper from entering the free spinning condition.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein in step “a” the supplemental dispenser includes a spacer connected to the bottom portion of the supplemental dispenser, wherein the spacer has extended and retracted states, wherein in the retracted state the spacer does not protrude beyond the bottom portion, and in the extended state the spacer does protrude beyond the bottom portion said protrusion causing the supplemental dispenser to be moved from a generally vertical angle to a generally non-vertical angle.

31. The method of claim 30, further including the step of changing the spacer from a retracted state to an extended state, which extended state causes the spacer to contact a surface which contact causes the supplemental dispenser to move to a generally non-vertical angle compared to the supplemental dispenser's relative angular position when the spacer is in the retracted state.

32. The method of claim 31, further including the step of pushing on the supplemental dispenser such that the spacer maintains contact on the surface while simultaneously opening the dispensing top and pulling out a wipe from the supplemental dispenser opening while the dispenser spacer maintains contact with the surface and maintains a constant generally non-vertical angle of the supplemental dispenser.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein after pulling out the wipe, the spacer is put into the retracted state causing the supplemental dispenser to be re-positioned in a generally vertical position.

34-38. (canceled)

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the resistance to free spinning is an amount between 0.2 and 0.5 newton-meters.

40-45. (canceled)