HANGING APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING ITEMS

Abstract

A flexible pouch is for enclosing the items is disclosed. The pouch has a sidewall, and a hoop connected to the pouch configured to receive a toilet paper spindle from which the pouch hangs. A seam is formed in the side wall and is sized for dispensing the items there through.

Description

Disclosed and described is a hanging apparatus for dispensing items. Specifically, an apparatus to be hung from a toilet paper spindle configured for dispensing items is disclosed and described.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The typical bathroom is provided with a toilet-tissue roll fixture which takes the form of a holder having a pair of projecting posts or arms having bearing sockets therein to receive the journal ends of a spring-biased retractable spindle on which the roll is supported.

Various methods have been attempted to provide supplemental materials for use in the bathroom in addition to the usual toilet paper. For example, some have determined that dry toilet-tissue is inadequate for carrying out a thorough cleansing function, and have provided a moistened-tissue dispenser to make available a moistened tissue at the conclusion of the usual toilet ritual.

As another example, because toilet paper is dry and relatively harsh, mothers of babies have switched to moistened towelettes in the form of absorbent paper saturated with an antiseptic solution. These towelettes are commercially available in so-called WET WIPES dispensers in the form of a cylindrical can having a roll of moistened tissue which is transversely perforated along the length of the tissue web to create a succession of individual tissues which are withdrawn, one at a time, through an orifice in a removable cover, the individual tissues being torn off adjacent the orifice. WET WIPES are also commonly provided in stackable form in a box or other waterproof container having a seam through which individual tissues are dispensed.

Though the typical toilet room or bathroom has installed on a wall a toilet-tissue roll fixture, there is often no convenient shelf space available for a dispenser so that supplemental bathroom materials such as WET WIPES, feminine hygiene items (e.g. tampons), contraceptives, or other dispensable items are readily accessible to the user.

With a view to solving this problem, the patents to Boone provide various means to this end. Thus U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,687 to Boone, a cylindrical can-type dispenser for moistened tissues is embraced by a ring that merges with a hook that hitches onto one of the projecting posts of a conventional toilet-tissue roll fixture, thereby positioning the dispenser adjacent one end of the toilet-tissue roll.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,333 to Boone, the bathroom fixture for the toilet-tissue roll is provided with an extension plate on which a box of moistened tissues is bracketed. A similar arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,617 to Boone. The practical objection to these arrangements is that it requires a modification of the existing toilet-tissue roll holder, for one cannot mount the moistened tissue box on a standard holder.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,616 to Boone, in order to support a moistened tissue dispenser in a box or a cylindrical can form from a conventional toilet-tissue roll holder, a rigid arm is provided having a concave notch at its upper end for hitching the arm onto one end of the spindle of the holder. The other end of the rigid arm is bifurcated to provide a support for the box or can. The practical objection to this arrangement as well as to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,687 to Boon is that because the attachment is to one post of the holder or to one end of the spindle, it is unstable and does not afford adequate support for the moistened tissue dispenser.

None of the above patents describes a suitable system that allows flexibility in a supplemental item dispenser in the bathroom, for storing many various types of items. Further, none of the above patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a supplemental item dispenser for the bathroom solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the problems and shortcomings of the prior art, an apparatus is disclosed for dispensing items. According to one preferred embodiment, a flexible pouch is for enclosing the items. According to this embodiment, the pouch has a sidewall, and a hoop connected to the pouch configured to receive a toilet paper spindle from which the pouch hangs. According to this embodiment, a seam is formed in the side wall and is sized for dispensing the items there through.

According to another preferred embodiment, the sidewall has a first end and a second end. In this embodiment, the hoop comprises a first hoop that is connected to the pouch on the first end, and a second hoop is connected to the second end. In this preferred embodiment, the second hoop is further configured to receive the toilette paper spindle in spaced apart relation from the first hoop, to thereby allow for a roll of toilet paper to hang from the spindle in between the first loop and the second loop.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the pouch has a top and a bottom. In this embodiment, the top has an attachment means disposed thereon for attaching the bottom of the pouch to the top of the pouch. In one preferred embodiment, the attachment means comprises a button, and a button hole further formed on the bottom of the pouch for receiving the button.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the attaching means comprises a loop portion of a VELCRO system, with the bottom of the pouch comprises a hook portion of the VELCRO system.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the items comprise one or more types of feminine hygiene products.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the items comprise one or more birth control products.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the items comprise moist towelettes.

In yet another preferred embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for dispensing items adjacent to toilet paper: In this embodiment, a flexible pouch encloses the items, and the pouch has a first substantially flat and rectangular sidewall, and a substantially flat and rectangular second sidewall. In this embodiment, each of the first and second sidewalls comprises first, second, third and fourth sides. The first and second sidewalls are attached together along the first, second, third and fourth sides to form the pouch. In one embodiment, the first side of each of the first and second sidewalls has a first and second corner formed where the second and fourth sides meet the first sides. A first hoop is attached to the pouch adjacent to the first corner and a second hoop is attached to the pouch adjacent to the second corner. Each hoop is configured to receive a toilet paper spindle from which the pouch hangs. In one preferred embodiment, each hoop is sufficiently long enough to allow a toilet paper roll to hang from the toilet paper spindle.

In yet another preferred embodiment, each of the first and second sidewalls are made of cloth. In one preferred embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth sides of the first and second sidewalls are attached together using sewing thread.

In yet another preferred embodiment, each of the sidewalls are made of flexible plastic. In this embodiment, the first the first, second, third and fourth sides of the first and second sidewalls are attached together using heat stamping.

In yet another preferred embodiment the first, second, third and fourth sides of the first and second sidewalls are attached together using glue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the described apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the described apparatus according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the described apparatus according to yet another embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the described apparatus in a rolled up or stored position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings several embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown therein and described below.

The item dispenser in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 wherein like reference numerals are used throughout to designate like elements.

With reference to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, an apparatus 10 is for enclosing items 25 adjacent to toilet paper 29. The items may comprise, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, one or more types of feminine hygiene products, birth control products, moist towelettes, or the like.

According to one embodiment, the pouch 12 is formed by at least one sidewall 14, which may form the pouch 12 in a cylindrical shape, which may or may not be one piece, or in a flattened envelope shape. A hoop 16 is connected to the pouch 12 configured to receive a toilet paper spindle 27 from which the pouch 12 hangs. According to this embodiment, a seam 18 is formed in the side wall 14 and is sized for dispensing the items 25 there through. In one embodiment, the seam 18 is sealable using either a zipper, VELCRO, elastic, or other sealing means.

In one embodiment, one end of each hoop 16 is detachable from the pouch 12 by use of a button 20, to provide an alternative for installation onto the spindle 27. In other embodiments, VELCRO is used instead of the buttons 20 to provide detachability of one end of each hoop 16. In one embodiment, the hoops 16 are preferably permanently sewn to the pouch 12 in order to avoid inadvertent wear and tear. In yet another embodiment, the hoops 16 comprise open ends or strips of material connected to the top of the pouch and tied together forming tied ends 17, which provides an alternative way to hang and/or detach the pouch 12 on and from the spindle 27. This embodiment may be, for example, especially useful in situations in which the spindle 27 is equipped so that it is only removable by janitorial staff.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sidewall 14 has a first end 30 and a second end 32. In this embodiment, the hoop comprises a first hoop 16a that is connected to the pouch 12 on the first top corner 30, and a second hoop 16b that is connected to the second top corner 32. In this embodiment, the second hoop 16b is further configured to receive the toilette paper spindle in spaced apart relation from the first hoop 16a, to thereby allow for a roll of toilet paper 29 to hang from the spindle 27 in-between the first loop 16a and the second loop 16b.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the pouch 12 has a top 34 and a bottom 36. In this embodiment, the top 34 has an attachment means disposed thereon for attaching the bottom 36 of the pouch 12 to the top of the pouch 12. In one preferred embodiment, the attachment means comprises a button 42 at the bottom 36 of the pouch, and an elastic loop 43 connected to the top 34 of the pouch 12 for receiving and clasping to the button 42.

With reference to FIG. 2, another embodiment of the apparatus 10 for dispensing items 25 adjacent to toilet paper 29 is shown: In this embodiment, a flexible pouch 12 encloses the items 25, and the pouch 12 has a first substantially flat and rectangular sidewall 40, and a substantially flat and rectangular second sidewall 42. In this embodiment, each of the first and second sidewalls 40, 42 comprises first, second, third and fourth sides, 44, 45, 46 and 47 respectively. The first and second sidewalls 49 and 42 are attached together along the first, second, third and fourth sides 44, 45, 46 and 47 to form the pouch. In one embodiment, the first side 44 of each of the first and second sidewalls 40, 42 has a first and second top corner 30 and 32. A first hoop 16a is attached to the pouch 12 adjacent to the first top corner 30 and a second hoop 16b is attached to the pouch 12 adjacent to the second top corner 32. Each hoop 16a is configured to receive a toilet paper spindle 27 from which the pouch 12 hangs. In one embodiment, each hoop 16a, 16b is sufficiently long enough to allow a toilet paper roll 29 to hang from the toilet paper spindle 27 In one embodiment, the hoops 16 are preferably permanently sewn to the pouch 12 in order to avoid inadvertent wear and tear. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the hoops 16 do not comprise open ends or strips of material tied together forming tied ends as in FIG. 1, but rather are standard one-piece hoops 16.

In one embodiment, each of the first and second sidewalls 40, 42 are made of cloth. In this embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth sides 44, 45, 46 and 47 of the first and second sidewalls 40, 42 are attached together using sewing thread.

In one embodiment, each of the sidewalls 40, 42 are made of flexible plastic. In this embodiment, the first the first, second, third and fourth sides 44, 45, 46 and 47 of the first and second sidewalls 40, 42 are attached together using heat stamping.

In one embodiment the first, second, third and fourth sides 44, 45, 46, and 47 of the first and second sidewalls 40, 42 are attached together using glue.

In one embodiment, the attaching means comprises a loop portion 50 of a VELCRO system connected to the elastic band 43 at the top 34 of the pouch 12, and the bottom 36 of the pouch 12 comprises a hook portion 52 of the VELCRO system, instead of using a button that receives an elastic loop as the embodiment of FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 3, yet another embodiment of the apparatus 10 comprises two pockets, 13 and 15, within or comprising the pouch 12. In FIG. 3, one pocket 13 is positioned above the other pocket 15. Each pocket 13 and 15 can hold the same or different items 25 with respect to one another. In one embodiment, the seam 18 runs through both pockets 13 and 15 through which the items 25 are dispensed. Other embodiments contain multiple pockets 13, 15 (two or more) and/or multiple seams 18, and may be in multiple configurations, for example side-by-side. The embodiment of FIG. 3 is shown using the elastic band 43 and button 42 as the attachment means as in FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 4, a diagram illustrates the pouch 12 in the rolled-up position and secured when not in use or empty. The attachment means, in this case is provided using the loop portion 50 and hook portion 52 of a VELCRO system, secures the pouch in the rolled position, while still hung from the spindle 27, and allowing use of the toilet paper 29. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, multiple hook portions 52 are dispersed along the side of pouch 12 to allow the amount of rolling of the pouch to vary, for example, depending on the fullness of the pouch 12.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing items:

(a) a flexible pouch for enclosing the items, the pouch having a sidewall;

(b) a hoop connected to the pouch configured to receive a toilet paper spindle from which the pouch hangs;

(c) a seam formed in the side wall sized for dispensing the items there through; and

(d) the pouch having a top, the top having an attachment means disposed thereon for attaching to an attachable portion of the pouch when folded while the pouch continues to hang from the toilet paper spindle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the sidewall having a first top corner and a second top corner, the hoop comprising a first hoop that is connected to the pouch on the first top corner, and further comprising a second hoop connected to the second top corner, the second hoop further configured to receive the toilette paper spindle in spaced apart relation from the first hoop, to thereby allow for a roll of toilet paper to hang from the spindle in between the first hoop and the second hoop.

3. (canceled)

4. The apparatus of claim 1, the attachment means comprising an elastic band on the top of the pouch, and a button on attachable portion of the pouch for receiving the elastic band.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, the attaching means comprising a an elastic band having a loop portion of a VELCRO system, attachable portion of the pouch comprising a hook portion of the VELCRO system.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the items comprise one or more types of feminine hygiene products.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the items comprise one or more birth control products.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the items comprise moist towelettes.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hoop comprises two strips of material tied together and connected to the top of the pouch.

10. An apparatus for dispensing items adjacent to toilet paper:

(a) a flexible pouch for enclosing the items, the pouch having a first flat and rectangular sidewall, and a flat and rectangular second sidewall, each of the first and second sidewalls comprising first, second, third and fourth sides; the first and second sidewalls attached together along the first, second, third and fourth sides to form the pouch, the first side of each of the first and second sidewalls having a first and second top corner;

(b) a first hoop attached to the pouch adjacent to the first corner and a second hoop attached to the pouch adjacent to the second corner; each hoop configured to receive a toilet paper spindle from which the pouch hangs, each hoop sufficiently long enough to allow a toilet paper roll to hang from the toilet paper spindle;

(c) a seam formed in the side wall sized for dispensing the items there through; and

(d) the pouch having a top, the top having an attachment means disposed thereon for attaching to an attachable portion of the pouch when folded while the pouch continues to hang from the toilet paper spindle.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second sidewalls are made of cloth.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first, second, third and fourth sides of the first and second sidewalls are attached together using sewing thread.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the sidewalls are made of flexible plastic.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first the first, second, third and fourth sides of the first and second sidewalls are attached together using heat stamping.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first the first, second, third and fourth sides of the first and second sidewalls are attached together using glue.

16. An apparatus for dispensing items:

(a) two or more flexible pouches for enclosing the items, each flexible pouch having a sidewall;

(b) a hoop connected to the pouch configured to receive a toilet paper spindle from which the two or more pouches hang;

(c) a seam formed in the side wall of each of the pouches sized for dispensing the items there through; and

(d) the pouch having a top, the top having an attachment means disposed thereon for attaching to an attachable portion of the pouch when folded while the pouch continues to hang from the toilet paper spindle.