TISSUE CONTAINER WITH A SANITARY WASTE TISSUE DISPOSAL COMPARTMENT

Abstract

A new and novel tissue container having at least two separate and distinct compartments, one for dispensing clean tissues and one for receiving and retaining used tissues in protected compartment designed to secure and/or disinfect germs resident in such used tissues.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application relates to and takes priority from co-pending U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/714,475 filed on Mar. 5, 2007 and entitled “TISSUE CONTAINER WITH WASTE TISSUE DISPOSAL COMPARTMENT”, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to a health maintenance accessory and more particularly to a tissue container have a waste tissue disposal compartment that includes antibacterial coatings and germ prevention solutions.

2. General Background

Tissue is one of the most widely used household items in any home, school or business environment. Tissues are normally contained in a tissue box that is made of cardboard paper such that tissues can be easily dispensed from a top opening in the box. The top opening is formed in the top panel of a paper box in an elongated, rectangular shape and is normally sealed with a plastic film having a slot opening therein for tissue to pass through. After a tissue has been used, the user must find an appropriate waste basket for disposing the waste tissue. This is frequently a problem for children who may not have the patience of locating a waste basket, or even for adults who cannot find a nearby waste basket for the disposal. Waste tissues frequently carry germs or bacteria that may be detrimental to other people's health and therefore presenting a great health hazard if the waste tissue is just being left on a table or a dresser.

In addition, in the healthcare market, a continuing problem is the disposal of used tissues by immobile patients. Patients without an ability to dispose of used tissues in a waste receptacle located in a facility room typically leave such used tissues on countertops around their bed. This poses a significant risk of germ transfer for patients, visitors and facility personnel who must then attend to the disposal of the used tissues.

Additionally, not all locations are suitable for waste receptacles such as cars and public transportation. In these environments users are typically left with no disposal option for used tissues save for retaining the used tissues in a pocket or the user's hand until they can find a waste disposal basket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

I have discovered a new and novel tissue box having two separate and distinct compartments, one for dispensing clean tissues and one for receiving and retaining used tissues in protected compartment designed to secure and/or disinfect germs resident in such used tissues.

In a first embodiment the present invention includes a tissue container equipped with a waste tissue disposal compartment is provided, constructed by a container body of generally rectangular shape that has an first compartment and a second compartment divided by a moveable partition having an apex portion; a first slot opening in a top panel of the container body providing fluid communication with an first cavity in the first compartment; a multiplicity of clean tissues in the upper cavity accessible through the first slot opening; a second slot opening in a side panel of the container body providing fluid communication with a second cavity in the second compartment; and a plastic bag in a the lower cavity adapted for receiving waste tissue through the second slot opening.

In some embodiments, the plastic bag is coated or impregnated with anti-viral, anti-germ and/or bacteria neutralizing solutions which can contain various percentages of citric acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, bleach and other similar substances.

In some embodiments the interior walls of the waste compartment are either coated or impregnated with such anti-germ and bacteria neutralizing solutions.

In some embodiments, the clean compartment and the waste compartment are fluidly sealed from each other by the plastic bag being completely sealed around the opening to the waste compartment.

In other embodiments, a partition is positioned between the clean compartment and the waste compartment. The partition can also be coated or impregnated with anti-germ and bacteria neutralizing solutions as well as every other surface of the container, both inside and out on a selective basis.

In some embodiments the partition can be free floating, that is, the partition can be placed between a set of clean tissues in the clean compartment and the waste compartment. In configurations with a plastic bag located in the waste compartment, a partition can be also be used to provide stability to the container overall, but also to support a stack of clean tissues in a fixed position in the clean tissue compartment. As the clean tissues are used, the waste tissue compartment becomes increasingly larger and the clean tissue compartment becomes increasingly smaller as the partition slides or flexes into the clean tissue compartment.

In some embodiments the partition can be affixed to the interior of the container on only one side, two sides, or even at specific locations to allow rotation and axial movement of the partition as needed.

In some embodiments the movable partition includes two walls joined by an apex portion structured and arranged to support clean tissue in the clean tissue compartment and designed to expand the interior space of the waste tissue compartment by moving the clean tissues in a direction toward the opening in the clean tissue compartment with the force of the waste tissues being inserted into the waste tissue compartment and applying force from the underside of the apex portion of the partition.

In some embodiments the clean tissues are arranged in fashion to be advantageously ejected from the slot in clean tissue compartment by the force from under the apex portion of the partition created by the insertion of waste tissues into the waste tissue compartment. The movable partition including an apex portion can be structured and arranged to apply a force to the clean tissues in order to expel said clean tissue from first slot opening as waste tissues are inserted into the second compartment.

In some embodiments the exterior surfaces of the partition in contact with the interior of the tissue box are fluidly sealed so that fluid transfer from the waste tissue compartment to the clean tissue compartment is prevented.

In some embodiments the movable partition is frictionally engaged with interior surfaces of the container to form a fluid seal there between. There can also be a seal or flange affixed to the edges of exterior surfaces of the portion to ensure a fluid and/or gas tight seal between the first compartment and the second compartment, especially as the second expands as waste tissue are inserted therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, in a non-limiting fashion, the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention, and in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the tissue container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention tissue container with the panels for the top opening and the side opening removed according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating how a user may place waste tissues into the waste tissue receptacle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tissue container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tissue container according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 6A and 6b are partial cross-sectional views of the tissue container configuration showing the interior of the container and the movement of an alternate partition according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploding view of the container according to FIGS. 6A and 6B and its interior partition; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of the container as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the Figures in which an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The subject matter of this disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

The present invention discloses a tissue compartment that is equipped with a waste tissue disposal compartment which can be readily used to dispose waste tissues. The present invention tissue container is a modified method of packing facial tissue so that the box includes a built-in disposable compartment for used or waste tissues. The present invention tissue container provides easy access to a garbage receptacle for used tissues.

The present invention tissue container consists of a cardboard box with a centralized partition used to separate new, unused tissues from used, disposable tissues. The waste tissue receptacle features a plastic bag, which may optionally be impregnated with an antibacterial solution, for sanitary disposal of waste tissues. The box and plastic features a perforated opening for easy disposal when needed. The present invention tissue container provides a user with a sanitary method of disposing used, waste tissues. The rectangular box can be produced in a wide range of sizes, styles, shapes, and colors to coordinate with any decor.

The present invention tissue container fulfills the need for a clean and sanitary means of using and discarding facial tissues. The appealing features of the present invention tissue container are its improved sanitary conditions, as well as its multi-functional design, convenience, ease of use, decorative appeal, effectiveness, practicality, novel and eye-catching design, durability, and time savings. Instead of throwing a waste tissue into a waste basket, the user can simply insert it into the provided waste tissue bag and the waste tissue compartment. The present invention tissue container improves the sanitary conditions in any home, office, nursing home, hospital, etc and could promote a germ-free environment.

The packaging modification can be particularly beneficial in households with sick family members. Other family members could rest easy knowing that used tissues are safely discarded into the provided waste tissue compartment. The present invention waste tissue container is novel and eye-catching in appearance, and is appealing to individuals who take pride in the appearance of their homes. It can be produced in a variety of attractive colors and designs to appeal to a wide range of individuals and to coordinate with any decor. It is easy to use, convenient, functional, practical, sanitary, and handy.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, wherein a present invention tissue container 10 is shown in a perspective view. The tissue container 10 is constructed of a container body 20 that has a generally rectangular shape with an upper compartment 30 and a lower compartment 40 divided by a moveable partition 42 therein between. This is better shown in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 4.

A first slot opening 22 is provided in a top panel 20 of the container body 20 providing fluid communication with an upper cavity 32 in the upper compartment 30. A multiplicity of clean tissues 34 are held in the upper cavity 32 accessible through the first slot opening 22. A second slot opening 44 is provided in a side panel 24 of the container body 20 providing fluid communication with a lower cavity 46 in the lower compartment 40. A plastic bag 50 is provided in the lower cavity 46 adapted for receiving waste tissues through the second slot opening 44.

It should be noted as shown in FIG. 1, the top slot opening 22 is sealed by a tab 28 which has perforated edges for easy removal from the top panel 24. Similarly, the second slot opening 44 is formed by removing a tab 48 from the side panel 26.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the present invention tissue container 10 with the tabs 28, 48 removed showing a plastic sealing film 38, 58 which has a center slit opening 36 and 56, respectively in the top panel 24 and in the side panel 26.

The use of the present invention tissue container 10 is illustrated in FIG. 3 wherein waste tissue 54 is inserted into the waste tissue compartment 40 into the waste tissue bag 50, while clean tissue 34 is dispended through the top opening 22.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the present invention tissue container 10 illustrating the various components. It should be noted that the partition 42 is movable, i.e. can be moved upwardly as the clean tissue 34 are being exhausted and the waste tissue bag 50 is being filled up and expanded, the partition 42 would be pushed up to allow the expansion of the waste tissue bag 50.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative tissue container 10 having partition 42 connected to container 10 at only one point 55 and being not connected at point 56. This configuration will allow for additional free movement of partition 42 up as the waste tissue bag 50 is filled with waste tissues. Partition 42 can move, slide or flex toward the first compartment allowing expansion of the second compartment as waste tissues are inserted therein.

FIGS. 6A and 6B shows an partial cut away view of an alternate design of the tissue container 110 tissues 134 are in a half folded configuration be pushed up by partition 142. Partition 142 as shown having apex 145 and side walls 143 surrounding waste tissue compartment 140. As shown in FIG. 6B as waster tissues are inserted through slot 144 into waste tissue compartment 144, apex 145 applies pressure in a direction towards the clean tissue compartment 130. As apex 145 rises clean tissues 134 are ejected out of slot opening 122. The edges of exterior surfaces of partition 145 are structured and arranged to frictionally engage interior surfaces on walls 122. This engagement can be gas sealed such that fluids, germs and bacteria are prevented from migrating from waste tissue compartment 140 into clean tissue compartment 130. Optionally a waste tissue bag (not shown) can be used in this configuration. In addition, sealing gaskets or rubberized flanges can be applied to the edges of partition 145 exterior surfaces to ensure a proper gas and fluid seal with the interior of walls 122.

FIG. 7 shows and exploded view of the alternate embodiment as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 8 shows a side view of the alternate embodiment as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

In addition, in all configurations all surfaces can be coated, impregnated or sprayed with anti-bacterial and/or germ killing solutions to aid in the spread germs and bacteria from the waste tissue compartment into the clean compartment as well as to the user and additional users.

Optionally an anti-skid surface (not shown) can be attached to lower panel 170 of container 110. The anti-skid surface can be affixed to the bottom of container 10 or 110 to prevent the container from sliding across a counter top or other support surface when users are limited to using one hand to remove clean tissues and place waste tissues into the waste tissue compartment. Anti-skid surface can be implemented with each and every configuration of the tissue container 10 or 110 discussed above or hereafter designed.

It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that described herein is a novel tissue container with a sanitary waste tissue disposal compartment. While the invention has been described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments. The invention may be modified or varied in many ways and such modifications and variations as would be obvious to one of skill in the art are within the scope and spirit of the invention and are included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A tissue container with waste tissue disposal compartment comprising:

a container body of generally rectangular shape having a first compartment and an expandable second compartment divided by a moveable partition therein between;

a first slot opening in the container body providing fluid communication with the first compartment;

a multiplicity of clean tissues in the first compartment accessible through the first slot opening;

a second slot opening in the container providing fluid communication with the second compartment; and

the movable partition including an apex portion structured and arranged to apply a force to the clean tissues in order to expel said clean tissue from first slot opening as waste tissues are inserted into the second compartment.

2. The tissue container according to claim 1 including an antibacterial coating applied to selected surfaces of the container.

3. The tissue container according to claim 2 where antibacterial coating is selected from the group consisting of the citric acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, and bleach.

4. The tissue container according to claim 1, further comprising a bag in the second compartment adapted for receiving waste tissue through the second slot opening.

5. The tissue container according to claim 1, where the movable partition is frictionally engaged with interior surfaces of the container to form a fluid seal there between.

6. The tissue container according to claim 1 where the moveable partition is flexibly affixed to the container in at least one position to allow insertion of only one waste tissue at a time whereby the movable partition flexes toward the second compartment after insertion of the waste tissue in order to seal the second slot opening.

7. The tissue container according to claim 1, wherein the first slot opening and the second slot opening are further equipped with a plastic sealing film with a center slit therein to allow the passage of tissues.

8. The tissue container according to claim 1 further comprising an expandable bag positioned within the waste tissue compartment for receding the waste tissues and isolating bacteria and germs from the clean tissue compartment.

9. The tissue container with waste tissue disposal compartment according to claim 1, wherein the moveable partition between the first compartment and the second compartment can be moved to increase the volume of the second compartment.

10. A tissue container comprising:

a container body of generally rectangular shape having an interior section with a first compartment, a second compartment and a moveable partition having an apex portion dividing the first and second compartments, where the interior section of the container is coated with an antibacterial coating effective in exterminating germs and bacteria;

a first slot opening in a first panel of the container body providing fluid communication with the first compartment;

a multiplicity of clean tissues in the first compartment accessible only through the first slot opening;

a second slot opening in a second panel of the container to provide fluid communication only with the second compartment and for receiving waste tissue through the second slot opening in order to store waste tissue only in the second compartment.

11. The tissue container according to claim 10 where the first slot opening is located equidistant from each edge of the first panel.

12. The tissue container according to claim 11 where the second compartment is fluidly sealed from the first compartment.

13. The tissue container according to claim 12 where the second slot opening includes a sealable opening in order to prevent the escape of germs and bacteria from second compartment.

14. The tissue container according to claim 10 further comprising a fluid tight receptacle in the second compartment.

15. The tissue container according to claim 14 where the fluid tight receptacle occupies a volume defined by the movable partition and the second compartment.

16. The tissue container with waste tissue disposal compartment according to claim 10 where antibacterial coating is selected from the group consisting of the citric acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, and bleach.