METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING CLEANROOM WIPES

Abstract

A cleanroom wipe dispenser is provided. The cleanroom wipe dispenser may include a housing forming a compartment for removably storing a plurality of cleanroom wipes. The plurality of cleanroom wipes may be uniquely folded so that they are not interfolded so as not to abrade the adjacent cleanroom wipe when being dispensed, thereby eliminating cross contamination of cleanroom wipes. A bottom wall of the housing may define a generally elongated elliptical dispensing opening adapted to limit access to the plurality of cleanroom wipes so as to prevent wasteful usage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the distribution of cleanroom wipes and, more particularly, to a dispenser that prevents wasteful usage and eliminates cross contamination of cleanroom wipes.

Within particular industries, such as pharmaceuticals, biomedical, micro-electronics and the like, it is imperative that exposure to microbial contaminants, electrostatic discharge (ESD) and the like are minimized at every turn of the manufacturing process and in and around the workspace, such as a cleanroom, where they are manufactured and handled. As a result, the use of cleanroom wipes within such workspaces and associated cleanrooms is vital in implementing this imperative.

However, it is human nature for people to use more wipes than necessary, especially when they are not paying for them. This is especially a problem in cleanrooms where cleanroom wipes are extremely expensive and typically stacked in a pile. All too frequently, cleanroom workers will take many more wipes than the one wipe that is needed. And they usually “fan” through the top twenty or more sheets then take two or more. This typical behavior not only wastes wipes, but cross contaminates the “fanned” wipes, which is hazardous to good manufacturing practices, particularly when the cleanroom is manufacturing pharmaceuticals, biomedical or organ transplantation tissues and materials. Another problem is that cleanroom wipes are typically sitting on a bench, or cart exposed to the environment, susceptible to environmental contamination. Furthermore, they are sitting in plain non ESD bags that contain static electricity, which is harmful to a cleanroom that produces microelectronics.

As can be seen, there is a need for a dispenser that prevents wasteful usage and eliminates cross contamination of cleanroom wipes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a cleanroom wipe dispenser comprises: a housing having a plurality of walls that form a compartment; a generally elongated elliptical shaped dispensing opening defined by at least one of the plurality of walls; and a plurality of cleanroom wipes stored within the compartment, each comprising a sheet uniquely folded in an “C” shape defining an upper leg and a lower leg, and wherein the lower leg of each cleanroom wipe abuts the upper leg of an adjacent cleanroom wipe, so that each cleanroom wipe abrades the adjacent cleanroom wipe when dispensed through the dispensing opening.

In another aspect of the present invention, method of preventing cross contamination of cleanroom wipes comprises: providing a housing having a plurality of walls that form a compartment; and a generally elongated elliptical shaped dispensing opening defined by at least one of the plurality of walls; folding a plurality of cleanroom wipes, wherein each cleanroom wipe is a sheet uniquely folded in a “C” shape defining an upper leg and a lower leg, and wherein the lower leg of each cleanroom wipe abuts the upper leg of an adjacent cleanroom wipe so that each cleanroom wipe abrades the adjacent cleanroom wipe when dispensed through the dispensing opening; and storing the plurality of cleanroom wipes within the compartment.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating hidden information;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a detailed section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a detailed section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 10-10 FIG. 2, illustrating a stacking of a plurality of cleanroom wipes; and

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a Double C fold of a cleanroom wipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a cleanroom wipe dispenser. The cleanroom wipe dispenser may include a housing forming a compartment for removably storing a plurality of cleanroom wipes. The plurality of cleanroom wipes may be uniquely folded so that they are not interfolded so as not to abrade the adjacent cleanroom wipe when being dispensed, thereby eliminating cross contamination of cleanroom wipes. A bottom wall of the housing may define a generally elongated elliptical dispensing opening adapted to limit access to the plurality of cleanroom wipes so as to prevent wasteful usage.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, the present invention may include a cleanroom wipe dispenser 10. The cleanroom wipe dispenser 10 may include a housing 12 made out of ESD-resistant material, having side walls 11 generally perpendicularly joined to a front wall 13, a bottom wall 15 and a back wall 32. The housing 12 may form a compartment for removably storing a plurality of cleanroom wipes 30.

The front wall 13 may include a viewing slot 20 along a substantial portion thereof so that a user my visually determine when the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 within the compartment are getting depleted, as well as aiding in the loading the compartment by allowing the user to use two hands while guiding the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 into the compartment.

The housing 12 may include a top wall 14 that removably encases the compartment. In certain embodiments, the top wall 14 may be pivotably joined to the housing 12.

The bottom wall 15 may define a generally elongated elliptical dispensing opening 28 therein. In certain embodiments, any wall of the housing 12 may define the dispensing opening 28. The dispensing opening 28 has a generally increasing width toward the central portion thereof which is greater than its width at the ends. The dispensing opening 28 may include a back edge and a front edge 29. The front edge 29 may be in the form of elliptical or curved shape, as illustrated in FIG. 5, so that the dispensing opening 28 may be wider at its central portion so as to allow limited access to the lowest of the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 to be dispensed. This elliptical or curved shape is designed so that a portion of the flap 58 or lower leg of the lowest of the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 protrudes slightly through the dispensing opening 28. The dispensing opening 28 may be of a size such that a limited number of fingers of a person using the device may be inserted in the dispensing opening 28. The dispensing opening 28 may be adapted to accommodate the dispensing of other wipes, such as paper towels, wet wipes and the like.

In certain embodiments, the housing 12 may be pivotally mounted along at least one side wall 11 to a stand 16. The stand 16 may be adapted to support the cleanroom wipe dispenser 10 on a supporting surface, such as a workbench, cart or the like so that the cleanroom wipe dispenser 10 may be portable yet operably supported when seated on a moving or new supporting surface. The pivotable connection may provide at least one pin 22 and at least one adjustment knob 24. The at least one pin 22 and the at least one adjustment knob 24 may be adapted to rotatably move about the axis of the at least one pin 22 so that the angle of the housing 12 relative to a plane normal to the supporting surface may be adjusted at least 90 degrees thereof in either direction. In this manner the opening of the compartment and the dispensing opening 28 may be presented to users in a myriad of positions and angles.

In an alternative embodiment, the housing 12 cooperates with the back wall 32 so that the cleanroom wipe dispenser 10 may be suitable for attachment to a wall 34 or other support means. The back wall 32 may provide a plurality of mounting elements 26 for such suitable attachment. The plurality of mounting elements 26 may include slots adapted to secure a wall fastener 36, such as a screw, nail or the like, therein, as illustrated by FIGS. 8 and 9. It should be understood that the plurality of mounting elements 26 may be any fastener known in the art for fastening or removably securing one object to another including, for example, standard push-button snaps, Velcro-type fasteners, adhesive substances, combinations thereof, and the like. It should also be that the plurality of mounting elements 26 may be configured in any array and/or number, so long as the fasteners function in accordance with the present invention as described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 may be uniquely folded so that they are not interfolded or interleaved when stacked for use in the cleanroom wipe dispenser 10, as illustrated in FIG. 10. By not being interfolded and so not abraded when they are dispensed, the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 eliminate cross contamination of cleanroom wipes. Each cleanroom wipe 30 may be folded in a generally “Double C” shape. Each cleanroom wipe 30 may be a unitary sheet having a first portion 42 and a second portion 44 both defined by a first fold 52 on one end and a first edge 46 and a second edge 48, respectively, on the opposing end, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The first portion 42 and the second portion 44 may substantially overlap from the first fold 52 extending to at least the first edge 46 of the first portion 42. Between the first fold 52 and the first end 46, the first portion 42 and the second portion 44 may be complementarily folded at two complementarily second folds 54 and two complementarily third folds 56 so that both overlapping portions 42, 44 form a “C” shape, as illustrated in FIG. 11. A distance from the third folds 56 to the second edge 48 of the second portion 44 may be longer than a distance from the third folds 56 to the first edge 46 of the first portion 42 forming a flap 58 at the second edge 48 of the second portion 44.

The plurality of cleanroom Double C-folded cleanroom wipes 30 may include an open side 50, comprising the second edge 48, the first edge 46 and the first fold 52; opposite the open side 50, the Double C-folded cleanroom wipes 30 may include a closed side 60, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Each open side 50 of the “C” shape may face toward the dispensing opening 28, so as to be easily obtained with a gloved hand or a non-gloved hand through the dispensing opening 28. In certain embodiments, the flap 58 of the cleanroom wipe 30 may be adapted to protrude through the dispensing opening 28 when adjacent thereto.

Each cleanroom wipe 30 may be disposed relative to an adjacent cleanroom wipe 30, when in the cleanroom wipe dispenser 10, wherein the open side 50 abuts the closed side 60 of the adjacent cleanroom wipe 30 so as not to be interfolded or interleaved thereto, thereby not abrading the adjacent cleanroom wipe 30 when being dispensed from the dispensing opening 28.

Each cleanroom wipe 30 may be made from a unitary sheet of cleaning wipe material that minimizes or eliminates microbial contaminants, electrostatic discharge (ESD) and the like. In certain embodiments, the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 are custom made. In certain embodiments, the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 may be adapted so that large wipes 30 fit in a small dispenser 10.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. The cleanroom wipe dispenser 10 disclosed above may be provided. The user may detach the top wall 14 and place the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 within the empty compartment. Then the user may attach the top wall 14 and either seat the stand 16 on the supporting surface or connect the back wall 32 to the wall 34.

In certain embodiments, the user may insert a weight 18 on the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30. The weight 18 may be shaped to be slidably received by the compartment. The weight 18 may ensure proper pressure against the dispensing opening 28, by the downward depression force that the mass of the weight 18 applies, for when the plurality of cleanroom wipes 30 get low.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A cleanroom wipe dispenser comprising:

a housing made out of ESD-resistant material formed by a plurality of walls so as to define a compartment; and

a dispensing opening formed in one of the plurality of walls and defined by a front edge and a back edge, wherein the front edge has a generally elongated elliptical shape so that its width toward a central portion thereof is greater than its width at its ends,

whereby access through the dispensing opening is afforded at the central portion thereof, comparatively to its ends.

2. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 1, wherein the back edge has a generally elongated elliptical shape so that its width toward a central portion thereof is greater than its width at its ends.

3. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 1, further including a viewing window formed in one of the plurality of walls.

4. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plurality of walls comprises a bottom wall and a front wall.

5. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 4, wherein the bottom wall forms the dispensing opening.

6. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 5, wherein the front wall forms the viewing window.

7. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 1, further including a plurality of cleanroom wipes housed within the compartment.

8. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 7, wherein each cleanroom wipe is double-c folded having an open side and a closed side.

9. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 8, wherein each cleanroom wipe is disposed so that their open side faces the dispensing opening.

10. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 8, wherein each cleanroom wipe is disposed so that its closed side abuts the open side of an adjacent cleanroom wipe.

11. The cleanroom wipe dispenser of claim 8, wherein each cleanroom wipe forms a flap configured to protrude out of dispensing opening when adjacent thereto.

12. A unitary sheet of cleanroom wipe material for stacking a plurality thereof, comprising:

a first portion of the unitary sheet of cleanroom wipe material, wherein the first portion comprises a first edge;

a second portion of the unitary sheet of cleanroom wipe material, wherein the second portion comprises a second edge,

wherein the first portion and the second portion are connected along a first fold so that the first portion and the second portion substantially overlap from the first fold extending to at least the first edge of the first portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are complementarily folded at two complementarily second folds and two complementarily third folds so that the first portion and the second portion form a general C-shape.

13. The unitary sheet of cleanroom wipe material for stacking a plurality thereof of claim 12, wherein a distance from the third folds to the second edge of the second portion is longer than a distance from the third folds to the first edge of the first portion forming a flap at the second edge of the second portion.

14. The unitary sheet of cleanroom wipe material for stacking a plurality thereof of claim 12, wherein the C-shape comprises an open side and a closed side, and wherein the open side abuts the closed side of an adjacent unitary sheet of cleanroom wipe material for stacking a plurality thereof.

15. A method of preventing cross contamination of a plurality of cleanroom wipes comprising when being distributed, comprising:

providing a unitary sheet of cleanroom wipe material;

folding the unitary sheet along a first fold so that a first portion having a first edge overlaps a second portion having a second edge; and

complementarily folding the overlapped first and second portions at two complementarily second folds and two complementarily third folds so that the overlapped first and second portions form a general C-shape, wherein a distance from the third folds to the second edge of the second portion is longer than a distance from the third folds to the first edge of the first portion forming a flap at the second edge of the second portion.

16. The method of 15, further including stacking an open side of the general C-shape cleanroom wipe on top of a closed side an adjacent general C-shape cleanroom wipe.

17. The method of 16, further including providing a housing made out of ESD-resistant material formed by a plurality of walls so as to define a compartment; and a dispensing opening formed in one of the plurality of walls and defined by a front edge and a back edge, wherein the front edge has a generally elongated elliptical shape so that its width toward a central portion thereof is greater than its width at its ends.

18. The method of 17, further including housing the plurality of cleanroom wipes within the housing so that the open side of each cleanroom wipe faces the dispensing opening.

19. The method of 18, wherein a portion of the flap of the cleanroom wipe adjacent the dispensing opening is protruding out of said dispensing opening.