Concurrent Separation And Distortion Of Flexible Article (e.g., Napkin Holders) Patents (Class 221/33)
  • Publication number: 20020040913
    Abstract: A napkin dispenser for dispensing a stack of interfolded napkins includes an enclosure with a top, bottom, sidewalls, a back wall and a dispensing wall provided with a dispensing aperture spanning along its major axis at least the transverse dimension of an interfolded napkin to be dispensed therethrough as well as a pressure carriage slidably mounted in the enclosure provided with biasing means. The enclosure and pressure carriage are configured to receive a stack of interfolded napkins between the dispensing wall and the pressure carriage, whereas the dispensing means urge the carriage and thus the interfolded napkins towards the dispensing wall. The improved dispensing aperture of the napkin dispenser defines a narrow elongated slit about its central portion and a pair of open areas about its terminal portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: John R. Moody, Jean-Louis Neveu, Craig D. Yardley
  • Publication number: 20020023932
    Abstract: There is provided a system for dispensing a plurality of perforated wipes having a perforation detach strength characteristic. The system includes a dispenser having a dispensing force characteristic and including a sealable chamber. The chamber is configured to retain the plurality of perforated wipes therein. A dispensing opening is in communication with the chamber. The opening is adapted to dispense wipes from the plurality of perforated wipes through the opening and out of the dispenser. A wiper blade is positioned in the dispenser to engage at least a portion of the wipes as the wipes dispense through the opening. When dispensing, a ratio of the perforation detach strength characteristic to the dispensing force characteristic is greater than 1:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Michael John Faulks, Yung Hsiang Huang, William Robert Newman, Herb F. Velazquez, Ligia A. Rivera, Paige Annette Dellerman, Steven John Romme, Cherry Ann Bochmann, Gerald P. DeGreen, Jeffrey M. Kalman
  • Patent number: 6349849
    Abstract: A tissue dispenser includes a box with a top wall and a front wall having a first slot and a second slot respectively. The slots are rectangular and parallel to each other. The slots are non-intersecting and each allow access to tissues in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Harold T. Pehr
  • Patent number: 6299016
    Abstract: A wet sheet stacked body to be housed in one of container and package, composed of a plurality of folded wet sheets. The folded wet sheets are consecutively combined such that a lower fold of an upper folded wet sheet is sandwiched by an upper fold of a succeeding lower wet sheet. A gap is formed between a folding line forming the lower folded portion of the upper wet sheet and a folding line forming the upper folded portion of the lower wet sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Bando, Yoshikazu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20010025856
    Abstract: The invention proposes a stack (50) of supple and absorbent sheets, for example made of cellulose wadding, which comprise a longitudinal fold line (22) forming a longitudinal border (28) and at least one transverse fold line (30) perpendicular to the longitudinal fold line (22), characterized in that the longitudinal (22) and transverse (30) fold lines of an upper folded sheet (36) in the stack are not adjacent to the respective longitudinal (22) and transverse (30) fold lines of the previous lower folded sheet (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Carol Lefevre Du Grosriez, Remy Ruppel, Jean-Louis Neveu
  • Patent number: 6286713
    Abstract: A dispensing system for individual folded webs having an area of non-uniform thickness across the length of the web is composed of several components. An outer housing defines an interior space in which stacking means for holding a stack of individual folded webs are mounted. A dispensing face is defined in the outer housing proximate to an end of the stacking means. The dispensing face has a central portion projecting out from the dispenser in the form of a first surface and a second surface joined at an obtuse angle and a dispensing throat located in the central portion at about the intersection of the first and second surfaces. The dispensing system also includes a stack of individual folded webs having an area of non-uniform thickness across the length of the web aligned so that an area of greatest thickness extends across the width of the dispensing throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Yuwah Chan, Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Patent number: 6269972
    Abstract: A method for retaining a stack 1 of removably mutually connected pre-formed plastic bags 2, e.g. in supermarkets, comprises supporting the stack in a dispenser in a laterally (side-to-side) folded-over condition thereby presenting a spine of the fold, with the spine of the fold presented so as to be accessible to be grasped between a thumb and fingers of a person seeking to remove an individual bag 2 from the stack by pulling in direction A. The stack includes a block of lips 3, to which each bag is connected via a line of weakness 8 defining a rim 9 of the bag. A dispenser for dispensing plastic bags in accordance with this method is also described and claimed. The dispenser can suitably include a cantilevered shaft passing through the block of lips 3 via a through-hole 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Cascade Dispensers Limited Grove House
    Inventor: Martin Dominic Smithson
  • Patent number: 6179159
    Abstract: A disposable digit cover structured to be applied to envelop a portion of a human finger or toe, i.e., digit, for aiding in prevention of the spread of communicable diseases and cross-patient contamination from pulse oximeter probes. The cover is a flexible, tubular structure of material impervious to the passage of infectious agents, and having one open end and an oppositely disposed closed end, and is sufficiently thin and transparent to light to serve as infectious agent barrier between a human digit and a pulse oximeter probe. The covers are stored in a flattened state in a clean condition with a dispensing package containing a plurality of the covers stacked upon each other and secure to the package. The package includes a closeable opening allowing access to the digit covers. The dispensing package is small enough to be carried in a garment pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Mariruth D. Gurley
  • Patent number: 6158614
    Abstract: A dispenser of wet wipes from a coreless log includes a semi-cylindrical chimney member in the lid of the container that houses the log or houses a refill cartridge in which the log is disposed. The chimney member is disposed and configured to shelter the main portion of a dispensing opening without sealing the dispensing opening. The chimney member influences the user to extract the wipe in a way that reduces the wasteful incidence of streaming of wipes from the log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Haines, Peter Maddern, Donaghue R. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6123221
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for dispensing scented coupons in a way that activates the scents as they are removed from a coupon dispenser. Individual scented coupons have a folded end, with a light adhesive allowing for the On one side of As individual, folded scented coupons are removed from the dispenser box, The dispenser comprises walls defining a cavity adapted to receive the stack of sheets, a rectangular flat top wall having an opening through which the sheets may be individually dispensed, a flat bottom wall having approximately the same dimensions as the flat top wall, with the flat bottom wall being approximately parallel to the flat top wall, and resilient means to push the stack of said sheets to the opening in the top wall of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Premium Promotions
    Inventor: Raymond Simpson
  • Patent number: 6109472
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for dispensing tickets in the form of segments cut off from a single paid-out strip, the device comprising a two-portion container, each portion of the container carrying a cutter blade, the portions of the container being movable relative to each other between a first relative position in which the blades are in a position to cooperate with each other for cutting off a ticket, and a second relative position in which the blades are remote from each other so as to leave sufficient space between them to give easy access to the path of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilles Gibier
  • Patent number: 6102247
    Abstract: A single-piece dispenser blank of integrally formed construction with (i) a central section having a circumferential wall projecting from the first major surface and defining an open well, (ii) a first section pivotably connected to the central section and having a concave first surface, an access opening, and projections extending from the second surface proximate opposite ends of the opening, (iii) a means for repeatedly permitting nondestructive attachment and detachment of the first section to the central section, with the first surface of the first section in overlapping engagement with the first surface of the central section, (iv) a second section pivotably connected to the central section and having a concave first surface, and (v) a means for repeatedly permitting nondestructive attachment and detachment of the second section to the first section, with the first surface of the second section in overlapping engagement with the second surface of the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dennis L. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6089401
    Abstract: A braking arrangement for dispensers of continuous material particulary paper dispensers includes a first gearwheel arranged for rotation about a first axis, and second gearwheel arranged for rotation about a second axis. The second gearwheel is arranged for displacement relative to the first gearwheel such that the second axis remains parallel to the first axis. In addition, the second gearwheel is biased towards the first gearwheel to partially intermesh therewith such that a variable gap is defined between the first and second gearwheel for passage of a continuous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Paper AB
    Inventor: Allan Sal.ang.ker
  • Patent number: 6013149
    Abstract: A pad comprising a plurality of flexible sheets in a stack, and padding means for releasably adhering parts of the major surfaces of adjacent sheets in the stack together to maintain the sheets in the stack. That padding means is provided in that at least some of said sheets having patterns of coadhesive coated on their major surfaces, which patterns of coadhesive are adhered to patterns of coadhesive on adjacent sheets in the stack and releasably adhere parts of the major surfaces of adjacent sheets in the stack together in surface to surface relationship until the patterns of coadhesive are peeled apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lee A. Timmerman, Randall M. Mills, Michael S. Groess, Robert P. Molenda
  • Patent number: 5989386
    Abstract: A coverslip pick-up and transfer head comprises a pair of spaced suction cups which are angled downwardly and outwardly. A spring loaded plunger in an extended condition extends below the suction cups such that when a coverslip is help by the suction cups it is flexed in a concave shape. A solenoid, when energized, retracts the plunger against the spring force. In use a coverslip magazine containing a stack of coverslips is raised under the head causing the plunger to retract until the suction cups contact the coverslips. Vacuum is applied to the suction cups and the magazine lowered whereby the coverslip is held by the suction cups and flexed into a concave shape. The solenoid is energized momentarily causing the plunger the retract and extend thereby delivering a gentle flexural pulse to the coverslip causing any further coverslip adhered to the underside of the top coverslip to be released and returned to the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Vision Instruments Ltd.
    Inventor: Stuart Stanley Elliott
  • Patent number: 5894954
    Abstract: A business card dispenser comprising a main casing and a sliding tray installed in the main casing in a slidable fashion with a business card(s) placed thereon. The sliding tray is pushed by hand in one direction, thus bending the business card(s) to form an arc so that one business card can be removed, and then the sliding tray is moved back in another (opposite) direction to its original position by an elastic force which is produced by the straightening business card, thus dispensing one card at a time quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Lion Office Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James Horian
  • Patent number: 5868275
    Abstract: A system for dispensing individual sheet material segments from a roll of sheet material in which the sheet material is separated into individual segments by perforated tear lines. The sheet material roll is continually positioned on support rollers with the lead end of the sheet material passing through a nip defined by the rollers and a member which is biased against the rollers to resist rotation thereof. After passing through the nip the end of the toweling proceeds through a restricted opening. Pulling of the end-most segment by a consumer causes the end-most segment to be separated along the perforated tear line separating it from the adjoining, following segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Moody
  • Patent number: 5848723
    Abstract: This document discloses a coupon dispenser in the form of an integral, vacuum-molded thermoplastic sheet foldable upon itself to enclose a stack of coupons in a box-like container with opposed side wall openings which allow withdrawal of coupons from both sides of the dispensing container. Integrally molded mounting accommodation is provided at one end. In an alternative form, the coupon receptacle proper is separately inserted by halves, respectively, in each foldable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Richard G. Krautsack
  • Patent number: 5806711
    Abstract: There is provided a nurser liner that facilitates stacking and nesting of the liner while maximizing liner capacity. In particular, it permits a plurality of the liners to be contained within a container having limited internal space while allowing the liners to de-nest properly and individually from the container. The nurser liner includes a rim that is located at one end of the liner and a step that is located a predetermined distance from the rim. In addition, the outer walls of the liner are slightly tapered inward from the rim. The step and the tapered outer walls insure uniform spacings between nested liners for easy dispensing, optimal spacing between liners and maximum liner capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignees: Playtex Products, Inc., Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Emanuel P. Morano, Anthony E. Flecknoe-Brown
  • Patent number: 5785205
    Abstract: Dispensing member (200) having a guide rail (202) for dispensing an individual bag holder from a nested stack. Dispensing member (200) having a plurality of curves (208, 210, and 207) which cause a spreading or fanning out enabling bag holders (40) to be removed one by one at outfeed station (206). Bag holders (40) are loaded in clips (230) which are bound together by breakable retaining strip (232) and fed onto guide rail (202). The action of said clip (230) being pushed around curve (208) of dispensing member (200) breaks retaining strip (232), thus facilitating loading. A nib (209) prevents individual bag holders (40) from inadvertently becoming detached from dispensing member (200).In the preferred embodiment, dispensing member (200) having curves (208, 210, and 207) which cause the nested stack of bag holders (40) to fan out at their unsupported ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Innogrip, L.P.
    Inventors: Jonathan F. Kerr, Peter D. Dieterich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5786062
    Abstract: Attachment strips that can be withdrawn from an enclosure, each comprising a flexible backing layer, a field of hooks along and projecting from one of its surfaces; and a first layer of pressure sensitive adhesive along one of its surfaces. The strips can be releasably adhered to each other by their layers of adhesive to form a stack in which first and second ends of successive strips are adjacent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Callahan, Jr., Kevin M. Hamer, Patricia R. Konsti, David C. Windorski
  • Patent number: 5755356
    Abstract: A sheet dispenser including a housing, and a stack of dispensable sheets. A front wall of housing has edges that define a slot through which an end portion of the top sheet on the stack projects. That front wall normally projects above the top surface of the stack of sheets to position that end portion of the top sheet in a position projecting above an outer surface of the front wall where it can be easily grasped to withdraw the top sheet from the housing. At least a portion of the front wall is of flexible material so that it can be resiliently bent to lie along the top surface of the stack and thereby reduce the thickness of the dispenser when, for example, it is positioned on one of the pages of a book, magazine, personal organizer or the like that is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Willem V. Bastiaens, Joseph P. Callahan, Jr., David C. Windorski, Timothy A. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5755355
    Abstract: A pad comprising a plurality of flexible sheets in a stack, and padding means for releasably adhering parts of the major surfaces of adjacent sheets in the stack together to maintain the sheets in the stack. That padding means is provided in that at least some of said sheets having patterns of coadhesive coated on their major surfaces, which patterns of coadhesive are adhered to patterns of coadhesive on adjacent sheets in the stack and releasably adhere parts of the major surfaces of adjacent sheets in the stack together in surface to surface relationship until the patterns of coadhesive are peeled apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Lee A. Timmerman, Randall M. Mills, Michael S. Groess, Robert P. Molenda
  • Patent number: 5740943
    Abstract: We disclose dispensers for sterile finger cots without rolled bases, but having biased bases; and for sterile conventional examination gloves having short cuffs with beaded rolled bases. The invention enables users to extract each cot and each glove from a sterile sealed envelope without contaminating the leading external portions of any finger cot or any glove; and enables easy removal of each finger cot or glove without the user touching any likely-to-be contaminated external surface by any finger after appropriate use. Such dispensers for finger cots and gloves can supply multiples, each enclosed in a a sealed envelope which manually opens to expose only the biased base of each contained cot or opens on a bias which exposes only the beaded rolled base and proximal part of each short glove cuff. The object is to sustain the highest level of sterility conveniently possible during the use of gloves or finger cots for protecting patients and users from cross-infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Jack W. Shields, W. Mark Shields
  • Patent number: 5688394
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from a surface being prepared to receive a finish coating or a treatment. Solvent is applied manually to the surface with carrier sheets dispensed from reclosable packages where the solvent is contained along with a plurality of quarter-folded carrier sheets formed from non-woven material. The packages can be grounded to reduce the incidence of static electrical build-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Contec, Inc. of Spartanburg
    Inventors: John S. McBride, Jr., Kenneth J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 5642836
    Abstract: A towel dispenser consisting of a single unitary molded piece and having a container with a front, a back, right and left sides, and a top, forming a box with an open bottom, arcuate slots in each side, and a bottom member joined to the back with a living hinge and having opposed tabs extending laterally for riding in the slots, and an access opening for passage of a towel from the interior of the container, with the bottom member moveable from an initial position out of the box to a dispensing position with the tabs in the slots for closing the bottom and supporting towels thereon, and to an upward loading position for insertion of towels upward into the box past the bottom member, with the bottom member returning to the dispensing position following insertion of towels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Frank Merriweather, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5617972
    Abstract: There is provided a nurser liner that facilitates stacking and nesting of the liner while maximizing liner capacity. In particular, it permits a plurality of the liners to be contained within a container having limited internal space while allowing the liners to de-nest properly and individually from the container. The nurser liner includes a rim that is located at one end of the liner and a step that is located a predetermined distance from the rim. In addition, the outer walls of the liner are slightly tapered inward from the rim. The step and the tapered outer walls insure uniform spacings between nested liners for easy dispensing, optimal spacing between liners and maximum liner capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignees: Playtex Products Inc., Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Emanuel P. Morano, Anthony E. Flecknoe-Brown
  • Patent number: 5595786
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from a surface being prepared to receive a finish coating or a treatment. Solvent is applied manually to the surface with carrier sheets dispensed from reclosable packages where the solvent is contained along with a plurality of quarter-folded carrier sheets formed from non-woven material. The packages can be grounded to reduce the incidence of static electrical build-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Contec, Inc. of Spartanburg
    Inventors: John S. McBride, Jr., Kenneth J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 5586683
    Abstract: A storage device for umbrella sacks comprising a device body for storing a number of storage sacks for umbrellas, a movable support member arranged in the device body so as to move vertically in said device body, a foot pedal for lowering the movable support member, and open control levers for opening the storage sacks in connection with the descending motion of the movable support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Muraharu Seisakusho, Niikura Scales Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Yakult Honsha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Murakami
  • Patent number: 5577634
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing sheets of paper towelling from a tubular roll of paper towelling that has perforated lines across it at spaced-apart intervals dividing the towelling into joined together sheets. The dispenser has a base on which one end of the towelling roll sits and an opening in the base through which one end of the towelling, from within the roll, is passed in the form of a spiral tail. This tail is then passed through gripping members beneath the base which both flatten the towel into a band-like strip and grip the strip so that when the strip is pulled beneath the gripping means, the outermost sheet of towelling is torn away along a line of perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: G. H. Wood & Wyant, Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 5526955
    Abstract: Described is a dispenser for sheets received in a cavity in the dispenser that are pulled through an outlet opening in a top wall of the dispenser. The dispenser has access openings that afford inspection of the number of sheets remaining in the dispenser and facilitate engagement of a persons finger with the end portion of one of the sheets that projects through the outlet opening; a cover for the top wall when the dispenser is not in use; and separable portions that allow sheets to be positioned in the cavity. The dispenser can be included in an assembly further including a support member along which the dispenser is releasably attached, which support member can support one or more such dispensers together with dispensers for other items such as tape flags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David C. Windorski, James A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5518144
    Abstract: A dispenser package including a stack of flexible sheets adhered together by layers of pressure sensitive adhesive with first and second ends of successive sheets in the stack adjacent; and an enclosure in which the stack of sheets is positioned having top wall portions with spaced opposed surfaces that define a wide slot. The first end portion of the uppermost sheet on the stack projects through the slot and rests against the adjacent first abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Samuelson, William L. Hansen, James R. Emmerling, Elmer Blackwell, James M. Peck, Jane H. Machacek, Jerome E. Strand, Joseph P. Callahan, Jr., Wayne K. Darvell, Michael S. Groess, Kenneth F. Knoll, John T. Rueb
  • Patent number: 5509570
    Abstract: A dispenser having a top surface and a front surface with a cut-out extending between the front and top surfaces with slits extending from sides of said cut-out along the front surface. A stack of plastic bags or plastic sheet pick-up tissues are arranged in the dispenser and are dispensed by grasping an uppermost one via the cut-out and pulling outward with the bags being pulled one at a time through the cut-out and slits. The bags may be sculptured with a wave pattern defining a periphery of the corner regions on either side of the mouth of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Robert B. DeMatteis
  • Patent number: 5450981
    Abstract: A toilet tissue dispenser with pivoting hinges comprising a solid, generally planar wall plate with a front surface and a back surface. A first side plate has a flat back portion and interior and exterior faces. The first side plate also includes upper and frontal portions and is configured to attach to the front surface of the wall plate. The interior face of the first side plate includes a gradually enlarging groove angled upward at approximately 45 degrees to the wall plate, terminating in a centrally located spherical socket. A second side plate has a flat back portion and interior and exterior faces. The second side plate also includes upper and frontal portions and is configured to attach to the front surface of the wall plate. The second side plate is divided into front and rear portions at about a 45 degree angle upwardly with respect to the wall plate. The front portion is shaped in a generally semi-circular configuration. The rear portion is shaped in a generally triangular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Willie Fields
  • Patent number: 5417345
    Abstract: A dispensing device for use in dispensing sheets of material coated along one edge with a narrow band of readily releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive. The dispenser comprises a container having a pair of sidewalls connected by a top wall which is formed with a transversely extending rectangular opening extending in the direction parallel to the side walls. The sheets are stacked within the dispenser such that upon removing the uppermost sheet in the stack the adhesive coating along one edge of the sheet adhered to the edge of the next sheet in the stack will cause the next sheet in the stack to be withdrawn at that free edge through the dispensing opening upon withdrawal of the uppermost sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Daniel D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5411168
    Abstract: A sheet dispenser or sheet dispenser subassembly including a coherent stack of tape flags or other adhesive-bearing sheets that can be unobtrusively permanently or removably adhered on a page of a book, catalog, brochure, etc., because it has a supple cover layer that is a thin, tear-resistant polymeric film. The dispenser subassembly has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on a peripheral portion of the cover layer by which it can be adhered to the page which then serves as a back layer for the dispenser, whereas the dispenser includes a bottom layer on an outer surface of which is a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive layer by which the dispenser can be adhered to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Mertens, Alden R. Miles, Wayne K. Darvell, David C. Windorski
  • Patent number: 5397117
    Abstract: A sheet dispenser including a coherent stack of adhesive-bearing sheets that can be unobtrusively permanently or removably adhered on a page of a book, catalog, brochure, etc. The dispenser has a supple cover layer that is a thin, tear-resistant polymeric film that has opposite retaining peripheral portions extending around the sides of the stack and attached to a backing sheet for the dispenser, and has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one or two attachable peripheral portions of the cover layer by which the dispenser can be adhered to the page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Timothy A. Mertens
  • Patent number: 5356032
    Abstract: A generally rectangular sheet is folded upon itself along a first crease that is parallel with two edges of the sheet. The position of the fold is located to create a structure having a region of double thickness but in which one of the edges is offset from the other. The folded structure is folded upon itself along a second crease that is parallel with the first crease to provide a first flap of double thickness that lies upon one surface of the structure. The structure also is folded upon itself along a third crease that is parallel with the first and second edges and within the region of double thickness to provide a second flap lying upon the one surface. In the totally folded sheet, the one of the edges is closer to the center of the sheet than the other edge. A unique dispenser is provided which allows the user to grasp only the one edge so that the sheet product unfolds completely when pulled from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Encore Paper Company
    Inventor: Randel L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 5333753
    Abstract: Disclosed is a package and dispenser for a per se known finger bandage comprising an elongated backing carrying an adhesive layer on one surface thereof with an absorbent pad seated on the adhesive layer substantially intermediate the ends of the bandage, the free ends of bandage on either side of the pad being folded inwardly to significantly reduce the size of the package, the bandage being contained between opposed top and bottom sheet materials lightly adhered together around their common periphery to enclose the bandage, the bandage having release sheets covering the adhesive layer on either side of the pad, the release sheet on side of the pad being secured at its end furtherest from the pad to one of the sheet materials and the release sheet on the other side of the pad being secured at its end furtherest from the pad to the other sheet material, whereby stripping apart of the two sheet materials will also remove the release sheets from the bandage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Etheredge
  • Patent number: 5332117
    Abstract: An adjustable tissue box (20) for accommodation of tissues (26) significantly larger in quantity, in comparison with an average tissue box, while all tissues (26) are allowed to be successively dispensed, comprising: a series of ascending steps (22) and a tissue tray (24). The ascending steps (22) are formed by way of series of triangular holes (23) punched to the two opposites walls of the box (20) and bent to elongated V-shapes. The tissue tray (24) that is preferably made of cardboard, is placed under the tissues (26), to advance the tissues toward the opening (28) of the box (20) as required. The bouncing capacity of the walls of the box (20), allows the tray (24) to fall in place without being damaged or damaging the steps (22) as it shifts from one step to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Iraj Yadegar
  • Patent number: 5325992
    Abstract: A dispensing device including a container for a supply of items forming a web. The dispensing device includes a recess formed in an outer wall of the container, a braking unit overlapping the recess. The braking unit includes two lips which work together when items are dispensed and a linear slit between the two lips which enables the items to pass between the two lips, the two lips being fitted with bristles which constitute active elements of the two lips, unattached ends of the bristles of one of the lips extend into, and mesh with, an area of unattached ends of the bristles of the opposite lip. The items are camisole-shaped and sequentially joined bags having a body with a bottom part and handles at the upper part. The bottom part of the body of one of the bags is connected to the leading edge of the handles of the next bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Folag AG Folienwerke
    Inventors: Josef Koller, Rudolf Schmid
  • Patent number: 5323918
    Abstract: A sheet separating device for removing an uppermost sheet of an adhesive pad containing a plurality of such sheets includes a housing; a support plate for holding the pad, resiliently biased in an upward direction. A sheet separator mechanism is movable in forward and reward directions, includes a frame, a pick wheel mounted for rotation within the frame, and a knife blade having a closed periphery opening therein defined in part by at least one entry projection, wherein the pick wheel is located ahead of the at least one entry projection of the knife blade in the forward direction such that, in use, the pick wheel lifts an edge of the uppermost sheet extending transverse to the forward direction, and the at least one entry projection of the knife blade then moves between the uppermost sheet and a next underlying sheet as the uppermost sheet passes through the closed periphery opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Fair
  • Patent number: 5170957
    Abstract: A roll of plastic bags sequentially disposed in end-to-end relationship, each bag having two spaced handles, separated by a gap, and extending upwardly along the edges at the top end of each bag, each bag being joined to a following bag by a perforated line, is disposed in a box-like dispenser having a front face. A dispensing opening in the front face has a first cut-out portion and a second, spaced cut-out portion with a tab extending upwardly between the cut-out portions. The tops of the cut-out portions, when joined together, define a bottom boundary overlying the cut-out portions and the tab. The top of the tab and the bottom boundary are separated by a gap which is substantially wider than the thickness of the plastic bag. Thus, when the bag is withdrawn, the handles of the next bag will fall into a respective one of the cut-out portions and lie outside of the dispenser so that the next bag is easily accessible for later dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Len Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5102007
    Abstract: A dispenser for folded sheet products including a housing accommodating a stack of the products, a dispenser element disposed at the lower end of the housing and having an opening through which the products are serially dispensed, and a blocking member which obstructs the interior of the housing above the stack after the stack has shortened to a predetermined degree to prevent an upward force exerted against the stack from moving the stack from dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: James River II, Inc.
    Inventors: Tor Petterson, Jean T. McGregor
  • Patent number: 5080254
    Abstract: A dispenser (10) for a paper pad (P) of note paper of the type having sheets (S) releasably adhered to each other along opposite edges of successive sheets (S) by a narrow band of adhesive includes a base container member (11) and an insert member (12). The base container member (11) receives the pad (P) therein and carries a leaf spring (26) having leaves (27) which apply an upward force to the pad (P) generally adjacent to the edges of the sheets (S) which have the narrow band of adhesive. The insert member (12) is positioned above the pad (P), is received within the base container member (11), and has a top surface (37) with a slot (38) therein through which the sheets (S) may be dispensed. Lock barbs (44, 52) formed on the insert member (12) engage apertures (35, 36) in the base container member (11) to temporarily attach the insert member (12) to the base container member (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: David L. Feer
  • Patent number: 4993589
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for disposable, thin plastic articles is disclosed wherein said articles may be retrieved by the user one at a time in a relatively simple manner. The apparatus comprises a box-like, generally rectangular enclosure for housing a removably mounted packet containing a plurality of the disposable articles stacked in the packet in closely spaced, parallel relationship in a flat condition. The enclosure is provided with a front window or opening and a removable top cover or cap. The packet of articles is loaded into the enclosure through the top opening and are disposed to be removed, one at a time, through the front opening of the enclosure. The packet comprises a pair of faces yieldably connected to one another which have a planar configuration at least as great as the area of the articles disposed between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: David T. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 4899905
    Abstract: A container with a strip of continuous premoisturized swabs therein, each swab being rectangular and interconnected with adjacent swabs at their respective corners. The swabs are folded only at their interconnection location and stacked one on top of the other. The container has an end face with an opening, through which a portion of the uppermost swab extends. The container also has a lid to protect the portion of the uppermost swab extending through the opening. Each swab is removable individually by pulling vertically on the portion of the uppermost swab until it tears at the interconnection location with the successive swab, because of frictional resistance generated by accumulation of the successive swab in the opening being greater than the tear strength of the interconnection location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Holtsch Metallwarenherstellung
    Inventor: Ernst P. Holtsch
  • Patent number: 4781306
    Abstract: A stack of flexible sheet material for use in a dispensing device for dispensing individual sheets. The sheets are stacked with alternately opposite edges of successive sheets coated along one edge with a narrow band of readily releasable repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive. The dispenser comprises a container having a pair of sidewalls connected by a top wall which is formed with a transversely extending rectangular opening extending in the direction parallel to the sidewalls. The stack of sheets are placed within the dispenser such that upon removing the uppermost sheet in the stack the adhesive coating along one edge of the sheet parallel to the opening and adhered to the free edge of the next sheet in the stack will cause the next sheet in the stack to be withdrawn at that free edge through the dispensing opening upon withdrawal of the adhesive coated edge of the uppermost sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Daniel D. Smith
  • Patent number: 4770320
    Abstract: A sheet including a layer of flexible polymeric material having a coating of repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive on a second end portion that is generally transparent when adhered to a substrate, while being free of adhesive along a visually distinctive first end portion. A pad of the sheets in a stack with adjacent ends of the sheets aligned and with the first and second ends of successive sheets adjacent can be disposed in a chamber partially defined by a top wall having a slot through which the first end portion of the uppermost sheet projects. Relative movement is afforded between the top wall and the uppermost sheet to afford, as the uppermost sheet is pulled through the slot, alignment of the slot with successive portions of the uppermost sheet toward its second end as those successive portions are peeled from the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Alden R. Miles, Theodore F. Schwandt, James C. Nygard, Harry A. Loder, John J. Emmel
  • Patent number: 4714643
    Abstract: In order to facilitate lifting a booster cloth containing a detergency booster and which dissolves in water during washing from a stack arranged in a dispenser without any special aids, a curved incision is made at the center of gravity of the cloth and the stack of cloths is mounted in an upwardly convex arcuate fashion in such a way that a tab area projects upward from the surface of the cloth along the incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventor: Werner Kuenzel