MUSICAL LID ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A lid assembly for a container is provided that comprises a base frame; a cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position and an open position, the cover panel defining a housing. The lid assembly further comprises a sound device disposed in the housing, wherein the sound device is activated when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/773,423, filed Nov. 30, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to dispensers for articles, and particularly to a device, system, and method of operating a musical wipes dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Dispensers for articles such as tissues and wet wipes are well known in the art. Such articles may be provided as moistened, but also dry or with lotion, and are often generally rectangular in shape and supplied interleaved, as discrete sheets, or separably connected. Dispensers for such articles typically include an opening through which the articles can be removed. The opening of the dispenser can be covered by a label or a lid that may be opened by, for example, having an adhesive that may be sealed and unsealed repeatedly, or by having a hinged cover that can be opened and closed repeatedly.

Baby wipes are such articles that are often dispensed from a dispenser having an openable and closable lid. When using dispensers for baby wipes, the consumer is often having to multitask to keep the baby entertained while changing a diaper and applying the wipe to the child, which can be especially challenging for a cranky baby that is resistant to diaper changes or resistant to the application of wipes in general. Such issues can create a stressful situation for the consumer. Some consumers utilize mobiles, sound machines, iPads, and other media or devices to soothe a baby or keep the baby still while changing a diaper. In fact, it is known that music is soothing and calming to babies, serves as a distraction, and can help the cognitive development of babies. Unfortunately, such kinds of media devices are not immediately available and within reach at a changing station, or often changing stations are too crowded and do not have additional space for such devices.

There remains a continued need for an enhanced, efficient, and economic system, device, and method for creating a better experience while changing a baby for the consumer and for the baby, and for an improved lid and dispenser for articles. The presently disclosed subject matter satisfies these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and are apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the devices particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a lid assembly for a container, comprising: a base frame; a cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position and an open position, the cover panel defining a housing; and a sound device disposed in the housing, wherein the sound device is activated when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a dispenser system is provided comprising a base compartment defining an internal cavity; and a lid assembly coupled with the container having the features described herein.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method of operating a musical wipes dispenser is provided comprising providing a dispenser having wipes and lid assembly having the features described above, moving the cover panel between the closed position and the open position to access wipes in the internal cavity; and activating the sound device when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description and drawings are examples and are provided for purpose of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any manner.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the devices of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the application will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the lid assembly in a closed position according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the lid assembly in an open position with the sound device and sealing plate shown separated from the lid assembly, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the lid assembly in the open position, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict closed and open circuits of the sound device, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in a closed position and coupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in an open position and coupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 7 is a front partially exploded view of the lid assembly in a transition position and coupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in a transition position and coupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the lid assembly alone and coupled with a container, according to another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lid assembly having a separable cover panel, according to another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; and

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a perspective and side view of a lid assembly embodied as a label, according to the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a lid assembly for a container is provided, comprising: a base frame; a cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position and an open position, the cover panel defining a housing; and a sound device disposed in the housing, wherein the sound device is activated when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position.

Solely for purpose of illustration, an embodiment of a lid assembly 100, is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The examples herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any manner. Particularly, and as illustrated, the lid assembly 100 has a base frame 110 and a cover panel 140 coupled to the base frame 110. The cover panel 140 is movable between a closed position and an open position, including any transition positions there between. FIG. 1 depicts the lid assembly in the closed position. FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the lid assembly 100 in the open position. As best shown in FIG. 1, the cover panel 140 can additionally include a finger tab 150 to allow a consumer to grip the cover panel and move the cover panel to the open position. The lid assembly can further include other features as desired, such as but not limited to, an area for a tail of a wipe to be stored.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cover panel can be coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side thereof by a hinge 155, such as but not limited to a living hinge, a butterfly hinge, a bi-fold hinge, a butt hinge, a concealed hinge, or a continuous hinge. Alternatively, the cover panel can be separable from the base frame without a tether, as discussed with respect to FIG. 10. When hingedly coupled, the cover panel can be independently fully extended at any suitable angle, such as for example, up to approximately 180°. In alternative embodiments, the cover panel and base frame can be coupled together along a transverse side of the lid assembly.

The cover panel further includes a housing 130, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the housing 130 can includes a sidewall substantially perpendicular to the cover panel and extending about a perimeter of the interior of the cover panel. The housing 130 is structured to complement the structure of the base frame such that the housing can be housed within the base frame in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 2, the base frame includes a recessed structure 150 to receive the housing therein.

The cover panel and base frame can further include any number of suitable features. Such features are further described in PCT Publication No. WO 2016/007846, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, the cover panel 140 can include a clasp 145 that mates with a ridge 135 of the base frame 110 to close the cover panel and in some embodiments, seal the contents of a container coupled thereto, such as by a hermetic seal or plug seal. As shown in FIG. 2, the base frame can further include, without limitation, an upper tab 125, a lower tab 130, and a notch 133 and can cooperate with other devices as further described in PCT Publication No. WO 2016/007846. The base frame further defines an orifice 135 such that any articles (such as wipes) are accessible through the orifice when the lid is in the open position and coupled to a suitable container.

As shown in the exploded view of the lid assembly of FIG. 2, the lid assembly can further include a sound device 230 disposed in the housing 130. The sound device can be activated when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position. The sound device 230 emits sound when the sound device is activated. The sound can comprise, but is not limited to, a song, music, melody, or speech. Such sound can be aurally pleasing and be directed towards soothing, captivating, and entertaining infants and children. In one embodiment, the sound can be pre-recorded or can be recorded by the user. With recording capabilities by the user, a button (not shown) can be provided to permit recording of any sounds.

The sound device can furthermore include supplemental features such as having a display that depicts at least one image. The image can be static and/or dynamic and can further include cartoons, letters, numbers, and any other images that can captivate and entertain infants and children. The sound device can further release a scent, such as but not limited to lavender, which is known for relaxing the nervous system and calming infants and children. Furthermore, the sound device can include a light when the sound device is activated to further engage and entertain infants and children.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a sealing plate 330 can be coupled with the housing 130 and include the sound device 230 between the sealing plate and cover panel. The sealing plate can seal and secure the sound device 230 within the housing 130. The space between the cover panel and the sealing plate that houses the sound device 230 can be sealed to prevent any moisture from entering therein. Once the sealing plate is coupled with the cover panel, the sound device is hidden from a consumer when the lid assembly is in the open position, as best seen by FIG. 3. The lid assembly can further include apertures 333 or a speaker to permit the emanation of sound to exit the sound device. The apertures can be disposed on the interior and/or exterior of the lid assembly.

The sound device has a sensor 250 that activates the sound device in the open position (or any transition positions) and deactivates the sound device in the closed position. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a sensor device 255 having a movable insulating tab 260 and a circuit 265. As shown in FIG. 4A, the insulating tab engages with the circuit to deactivate the sound device when in the closed position. In the closed position, the sound device is considered “off” 270 such that sound, displays, images, lights and the like are not active, playing or emitting. As shown in FIG. 4B, the insulating tab 260 is disengaged with the circuit 265 to activate the sound device in the open position, as known in the art. In the open position, the sound device is considered “on” 270 such that sound, displays, images, lights and the like are active, playing or emitting. In one embodiment, the sound device can be active in the open or transition positions for a predetermined amount of time, such as for purposes of example, approximately 2-3 minutes. As such, the sound device can automatically deactivate after the predetermined amount of time expires even when the cover panel is in the open or transition position. Such time lapse feature can accommodate for situations in which the cover panel is inadvertently left ajar.

In one embodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab is coupled to the base frame or hinge and extends into the housing. In another embodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab is coupled to a dispenser that is coupled with the lid assembly. In either embodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab can be fixed, whereas the other end of the insulating tab can be movable with respect to the cover panel. In other embodiments, the sensor can include, but is not limited to, at least one of a gravity sensor, orientation sensor, and position sensor.

The lid assembly can further comprise an override button that deactivates the sound device when the cover panel is in the transition position or the open position. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the override button 335 is disposed on the sealing plate 330, but other locations of the button are contemplated herein. For example, the override button 335 can be disposed on the exterior of the cover panel to deactivate the sound device prior to the opening of the cover panel, or while the cover panel is in the open or transition position and the user wants to deactivate the sound device. The lid assembly can furthermore include an on/off switch that deactivates the sound device in any position.

The lid assembly is configured to be coupled to a container, such as a dispenser 400 to dispense wipes. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid assembly 100 in a closed position and coupled to a dispenser, according to the disclosed subject matter. In this embodiment, the override button is disposed on the exterior of the cover panel. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid assembly in an open position and coupled to a dispenser 400. In this embodiment, a display 350 is provided for depicting images, as further discussed herein.

FIG. 7 is a front partially exploded view of the lid assembly in a transition position and coupled to a dispenser 400. In this embodiment, at least one end of the insulating tab 260 is fixed and coupled to the base frame 110. In some embodiments and as shown, the sealing plate 330 can be removable to permit battery changes and the like. In such embodiments, the sealing plate can be coupled to the cover panel in any suitable manner as known in the art. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 7 in a transition position and coupled to a dispenser,

The lid assembly 100 can be any suitable shape that complements a container coupled thereto. The lid assembly 100 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B has a base frame 110 of a circular shape. The lid assembly 100 can be coupled with a container having a circular opening as shown. In this example, the base frame 110 is coupled to the top of the container. The lid assembly can be coupled together with the container by any suitable mechanism, such as but not limited to a threaded or snap-fit engagement. In this embodiment, the cover panel 140 is tethered by a hinge 155 to the base frame 110 and the sound device 230 can have a sensor disposed in the cover panel 140.

FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment of the lid assembly having a separable cover panel, according to the disclosed subject matter. The separable cover panel can be coupled with the container in any suitable manner, such as but not limited to a snap fit connection. Alternatively, the cover panel and base frame can each include magnetic portions to permit the coupling of the cover panel with the base frame. As shown, the separable cover includes the sound device 230 therein. In this embodiment, the separable cover panel can furthermore be used to entertain a child. For example, when the cover panel is disengaged from the container to permit access to the container such as a baby wipe container, a child can hold the activated cover panel to provide a distraction to the child during diaper changes. When the sound device includes a gravity sensor, the lid assembly can furthermore include a device that senses when the cover panel is affixed to the base frame and when the cover panel is separable from the base frame. This device can inactivate the sound device when the cover panel is affixed to the base frame in order to prevent the sound device from activating when the container with closed lid assembly is turned upside down.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a perspective and side view of a lid assembly embodied as a label 170. The label can be coupled with the container 400 by any suitable manner, such as adhesive or glue. As such, the label can be separable from the container and reapplied to the container after each use. In this embodiment, the label 170 can be directly coupled to the container without a base frame. As shown, the label 170 includes the sound device 230 therein having a sensor, such as a gravity sensor. When the label 170 is pealed back, the sound device 230 can be activated and any products contained within the container can be accessible. The label can furthermore include a device that senses when the label is affixed to the container and when the label is separable from the container. This device can inactivate the sound device when the label is affixed to the container in order to prevent the sound device from activating when the container with closed label is turned upside down.

The container 110 can contain any article capable of dispensing through the lid assembly 100. For example, the article can include baby wipes, moist toilet tissue or dry tissues, wipes, nonwoven materials, woven materials, facial pads, and the like. As such, the article can by dry, moist, or wet and include lotions, chemical formulations, and the like. When the lid assembly is provided with a container coupled thereto, the lid assembly in the closed position hinders evaporation of moisture of any wet wipes therein or can keep dry products therein protected from an external environment. Articles, such as wet wipes, within the container 110 can be dispensed via a tortuous path as desired to further hinder evaporation. Further details regarding suitable dispensers and containers can be found in the commonly assigned U.S. Publication No. 2014/0048553, entitled “Dispenser,” and in the commonly assigned U.S. Publication No. 2014/0103058, entitled “Wipes Dispenser and Disposal,” the contents of each of which is incorporated by reference in their entireties. The lid assembly can be any suitable size, shape, and material of construction to enable articles to be dispensed therethrough.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method of operating a dispenser, such as a musical wipes dispenser comprises providing a dispenser and lid assembly as further described herein. The method includes moving the cover panel between the closed position and the open position to access the wipes in the internal cavity; and activating the sound device when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position. The can further comprise deactivating the sound device when the cover panel is in the closed position.

In commonly owned PCT Publication No. WO 2016/007846, which is incorporated by references herein it is entirety, an integration device is described that cooperates with a dispenser and lid of a wipes package. It is contemplated herewith to include the lid assembly with the sound device into the lid of the integration device itself, thus creating a more permanent solution.

While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain preferred embodiments and representative examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Additional features known in the art likewise can be incorporated, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,939,320; 9,272,831; and D729,062; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/987,526; and PCT Publication No. WO 2016/007846, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by their entireties. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter can be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.

In addition to the various embodiments depicted and claimed, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features disclosed and claimed herein. As such, the particular features presented herein can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter includes any suitable combination of the features disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the device, system and method of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lid assembly for a container, comprising:

a base frame;

a cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position and an open position, the cover panel defining a housing; and

a sound device disposed in the housing, wherein the sound device is activated when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position.

2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound device emits sound when the sound device is activated.

3. The lid assembly of claim 2, wherein the sound comprises at least one of a song, melody, music, or speech.

4. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound device at least one of displays at least one image, releases a scent, or activates a light when the sound device is activated.

5. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover panel has a transition position between the closed position and the open position.

6. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the lid assembly further comprises an override button that deactivates the sound device when the cover panel is in the transition position or the open position.

7. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the sound device has a sensor that activates the sound device in the transition position or open position and deactivates the sound device in the closed position.

8. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound device comprises a movable insulating tab and a circuit, wherein the insulating tab engages with the circuit to deactivate the sound device in the closed position.

9. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the insulating tab disengages from the circuit in the open position to activate the sound device.

10. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the insulating tab is coupled to the base frame and extends into the housing.

11. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover panel is hingedly coupled to the frame by at least one of a living hinge, a butterfly hinge, a bi-fold hinge, a butt hinge, a concealed hinge, or a continuous hinge.

12. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid assembly is configured to be coupled to a container for dispensing wipes.

13. The lid assembly of claim 12, wherein the sound device comprises a movable insulating tab and a circuit, wherein the insulating tab engages with the circuit to deactivate the sound device in the closed position and wherein the insulating tab is coupled to the container for dispensing wipes.

14. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sealing plate coupled with the housing, wherein the sealing plate seals and secures the sound device within the housing.

15. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the base frame defines an orifice therein.

16. The lid assembly of claim 15, wherein a wipe is accessible through the orifice when the lid is in the open position.

17. A dispenser system comprising:

a base compartment defining an internal cavity; and

a lid assembly coupled with the container having: a cover panel coupled to the base compartment, the cover panel movable between a closed position and an open position, the cover panel defining a housing, and

a sound device disposed in the housing, wherein the sound device is activated when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position.

18. The dispenser system of claim 17, wherein the cover panel has a transition position between the closed position and the open position, wherein the lid assembly further comprises an override button that deactivates the sound device when the cover panel is in the transition position or the open position.

19. A method of operating a musical wipes dispenser, comprising:

providing a dispenser including:

a base compartment defining an internal cavity to house wipes therein, and

a lid assembly coupled with the container having: a base frame defining an orifice therein to access the internal cavity,

a cover panel coupled to the base frame along a longitudinal side thereof, the cover panel movable between a closed position to seal the orifice and an open position to permit access to the orifice, the cover panel defining a housing, and

a sound device disposed in the housing;

moving the cover panel between the closed position and the open position to access the wipes in the internal cavity; and

activating the sound device when the cover panel moves between the closed position and the open position.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising deactivating the sound device when the cover panel is in the closed position.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising recording a tune with the sound device, wherein the sound device emits the tune when the sound device activated.