MOIST TOWELETTE DISPENSER SYSTEM

Abstract

A dispensing system including a main body having a closed end and a dispensing slot through the main body. A hollow center support extends from the closed end such that a receiving chamber is defined between the center support and the main body. A cover member is configured to selectively engage the main body between an opened position wherein the receiving chamber is accessible and a closed position wherein the receiving chamber is substantially sealed, wherein in the closed position, a continuous passageway extends through the cover member, the center support and the end wall. A roll of individual flushable moist towelettes interconnected to one another at perforations and rolled about a central axis and defining a central through passage are positioned within the receiving chamber with the center support extending through the central through passage and a first of the towelettes extending at least partially through the dispensing slot.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/696,494 filed on Sep. 4, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to flushable moist towelettes and a dispenser system for storing and dispensing the towelettes. More particularly, the invention relates to a reusable dispenser system configured to store and dispense pre-rolled, flushable moist towelettes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For improved hygiene, various flushable moist towelettes have been developed. An exemplary flushable moist towelette is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,635, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The towelettes are typically provided in a box like container which can be positioned on a shelf, counter top or the like in a bathroom. The towelettes are typically inter-folded with one another, such that as a towelette is pulled from the container, the next towelette is pulled through a dispensing opening in the container and is ready for use. The container typically has a hinged lid which is closed over the dispensing opening when the towelettes are not being used.

With such dispenser systems, the box container takes up shelf or counter space in a small room which typically has limited shelf or counter space. Additionally, each time it is desired to utilize a flushable moist towelette, the container lid must be opened and the container must be held in place as a towelette is pulled from the container. Opening of the lid and holding of the container creates two situations where the user must touch the container and may thereby transfer germs to the container. The next user is then susceptible to contact with those germs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention provides a reusable dispenser system configured to store and dispense pre-rolled, flushable moist towelettes.

In one aspect, the invention provides a dispensing system including a main body having a closed end and a dispensing slot through the main body. A hollow center support extends from the closed end such that a receiving chamber is defined between the center support and the main body. A cover member is configured to selectively engage the main body between an opened position wherein the receiving chamber is accessible and a closed position wherein the receiving chamber is substantially sealed, wherein in the closed position, a continuous passageway extends through the cover member, the center support and the end wall. A roll of individual flushable moist towelettes interconnected to one another at perforations and rolled about a central axis and defining a central through passage are positioned within the receiving chamber with the center support extending through the central through passage and a first of the towelettes extending at least partially through the dispensing slot.

In another aspect, the invention provides a roll of individual flushable moist towelettes interconnected to one another at perforations and rolled about a central axis and defining a central through passage configured to be positioned within a dispensing system main body with a center support therefore extending through the central through passage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser system in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the dispenser system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary roll of flushable moist towelettes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating a roll of flushable moist towelettes positioned within the dispenser system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating another exemplary dispenser system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the dispenser system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of another exemplary dispenser system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, the terms front, back, left and right are utilized herein to assist with understanding of relative positioning, but are not intended to be limiting to an orientation of use of the device. The following describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, it should be understood, based on this disclosure, that the invention is not limited by the preferred embodiment described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser system 10 will be described. The dispenser system 10 includes a hollow main body 12 with an end wall 14 at one end thereof. The opposite end of the main body 12 is generally open. The main body 12 preferably has a cylindrical configuration but is not limited to such a configuration. A center support 16 extends cantilevered from the end wall 14. The center support 16 is a hollow cylinder which is coaxial with an opening 18 defined through the end wall 14. A receiving chamber 20 is defined within the main body 12 between the outer surface of the center support 16 and the inner surface of the main body 12. A laterally extending dispensing slot 24 is defined through the main body 12 and is in communication with the receiving chamber 20. A dispensing cover 26 extends from the main body 12 adjacent the dispensing slot 24. The dispensing cover 26 will be described in more detail hereinafter.

A cover member 30 is configured for connection to the main body 12 such that the cover member 30 may be moved between an open position wherein the receiving chamber 20 is accessible and a closed position wherein the receiving chamber 20 is substantially sealed. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 30 has a planar surface 32 with a rim 34 depending therefrom. The rim 34 is configured to fit about the outside surface of the main body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 30 is connected to the main body 12 via a hinge 33. A latch 35 on the cover member 30 is engageable with a post 37 or the like on the main body 12 to secure the cover member 30 in the closed position. While a hinge and latch are described herein, the invention is not limited to such. For example, the cover member 30 may instead be axially moveable relative between the main body 12 with a friction fit between the rim 34 and the main body 12 maintaining the cover member 30 in position.

An opening 36 defined through the planar surface 32 is coaxial with the hollow center support 16 such that a continuous passage extends from the planar surface 32, through the center support 16 and through the end wall 14. The continuous passage is configured to receive a dowel or the like of a standard toilet paper holder to allow the dispensing system 10 to be mounted to the toilet paper holder (not shown). A stopper 22 extends from a rear surface of the main body 12 and is configured to contact the toilet paper holder, a wall surface, or the like to maintain the position of the dispenser system 10 and prevent rotation thereof during use.

In the dispenser system 10′ illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the stopper 22′ includes a number of segments 42a-42d separated by frangible sections 40a-40c. The segment 42a is connected to the main body 12 and is separated from segment 42b by frangible section 40a, which in turn is separated from segment 42c by frangible section 40b, which in turn is separated from segment 42d by frangible section 40c. With this configuration, the user may break off segments 42 to define a stopper length which coincides with the configuration of the user's toilet paper holder. While segments and frangible sections are shown, other configurations may be utilized. For example, the stopper 22′ may have a continuously narrowing configuration with lateral perforations which allow breaking off of portions of the stopper to achieve a desired length. The dispenser system 10′ is otherwise substantially the same as in the previous embodiment and operates as described below.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary roll 50 of flushable moist towelettes 52 is shown. The roll 50 includes a plurality of individual flushable towelettes 52a, 52b connected to one another at perforations 54. The towelettes 52 are rolled about a central axis CA and define a central through passage 56. The central through passage 56 may be defined by a tube member (not shown) or may be formed in the manner of rolling the towelettes 52. The roll 50 is configured to be positioned in the receiving chamber 20 with the center support 16 extending through the central through passage 56. The first towelette 52a is extended through the dispensing slot 24 so that it partially extends from the main body 12.

As used herein, a towelette is considered flushable if it clears toilets and properly maintained drainage pipe systems under expected product usage conditions; is compatible with existing wastewater conveyance, treatment, reuse and disposal systems; and becomes unrecognizable in a reasonable period of time and is safe in the natural receiving environments.

The dispensing cover 26 may have various configurations to facilitate dispensing of the towelettes 52 while maintaining the moisture of the towelettes within the dispenser system 10. In a simplest form, the dispensing cover 26 may simply be a disposable adhesive strip independent of the main body 12. For example, the strip may be supplied when a new roll 50 is purchased. It is adhered over the slot 24 with a small portion of the towelette 52 extending past the strip until ready for use whereby the strip may be loosened or removed to dispense a towelette 52 and thereafter replaced.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the dispensing cover 26 is formed integrally with the main body 12 and is of a flexible nature such that it may be pressed toward the main body 12, either to hold the towelettes 52 while ripped off and/or to allow the cover 26 to generally seal the slot 24 when not dispensing. In this regard, the dispensing cover 26 includes adhering regions 27 at each end thereof, preferably positioned laterally wide of the slot, and thereby the towelette, which may be brought into contact with the main body 12 to retain the cover 26 in a closed position. The adhering region may be a suitable adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable mechanism for releasable securement.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the dispensing cover 26″ is formed as an angled flap with a center depressing tab 28. The cover 26″ is again manufactured from an elastic material, for example rubber or the like, and the tab 28 may be pressed against a towelette to secure the towelette during tearing. The device 10″ of FIGS. 9-11 is further configured to automatically advance the towelettes. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper 22″ extends from the body 12″ and is configured to house a motion sensor 50 which is powered by a battery 54 or the like and communicates with a motor 52 through a microprocessor 57 which may be separate from or integral with the sensor 50. Upon detection of motion through the sensor 50, the motor 52 is operated to drive a gear 56. The gear 56 is connected via a belt 58 or the like to a rotation assembly which supports the roll (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation assembly includes a pair of rotation members 60 connected together by biased struts 62. The rotation members 60 are rotatable about the center support 16 and the struts 62 engage the roll such that rotation of the rotation member 60 via the belt 58 causes the roll to rotate and advance a towelette through the slot 24. While not shown, the stopper 22″ may also include frangible sections as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In other aspects, the device 10″ operates in the same manner as described above.

The main body 12, the center support 16, the stopper and the cover member 30 are preferably manufactured from a rigid plastic material, however, other materials may be utilized. The material may be designed in various colors and designs. The material is preferably treated with an antimicrobial agent as is known.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A dispensing system comprising:

a hollow main body having a closed end and an open end and a dispensing slot through the main body between the ends;

a hollow center support extending from the closed end such that a receiving chamber is defined between the center support and the main body;

a cover member configured to selectively engage the main body between an opened position wherein the receiving chamber is accessible and a closed position wherein the receiving chamber is substantially sealed, wherein in the closed position, a continuous passageway extends through the cover member, the center support and the end wall;

a roll of individual flushable moist towelettes interconnected to one another at perforations and rolled about a central axis and defining a central through passage, the roll positioned within the receiving chamber with the center support extending through the central through passage and a first of the towelettes extending at least partially through the dispensing slot.

2. The dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising a dispensing cover positioned on external surface of the main body adjacent the main body and moveable between a first position wherein the towelettes are freely dispensable and a second position wherein the towelettes are substantially sealed within the main body.

3. The dispensing system of claim 2 wherein the dispensing cover is an adhesive strip removably securable over the dispensing slot.

4. The dispensing system of claim 3 wherein the dispensing cover is disposable.

5. The dispensing system of claim 2 wherein the dispensing cover is formed integrally with the main body.

6. The dispensing system of claim 5 wherein the dispensing cover is flexible to facilitate movement between the first and second positions.

7. The dispensing system of claim 6 wherein the main body includes at least one adhering region aligned with the dispensing cover and configured to releasably secure the dispensing cover in the second position.

8. The dispensing system of claim 7 wherein the dispensing cover has a length larger than a length of the dispensing slot and wherein one of the adhering regions is provided laterally outward of each end of the dispensing slot and each end of the dispensing cover is configured to engage a respective adhering region.

9. The dispensing system of claim 5 wherein the dispensing cover is angled relative to the dispensing slot such that a central portion of the dispensing cover extends further from the dispensing slot than the ends of the dispensing cover.

10. The dispensing system of claim 9 wherein the central portion of the dispensing cover includes a depressible tab.

11. The dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the main body has a configuration configured to contact an adjacent surface and prevent rotation of the main body relative to a support member extending through the continuous passageway.

12. The dispensing system of claim 11 wherein the main body includes a stopper extending from an outer surface of the main body.

13. The dispensing system of claim 12 wherein the stopper is configured such that the length thereof is adjustable.

14. The dispensing system of claim 13 wherein the stopper includes a plurality of segments interconnected at frangible sections.

15. The dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising a motion sensor attached to the main body and configured to advance a moist towelette from the dispensing slot upon detection of motion.

16. The dispensing system of claim 15 wherein the center support includes a rotatable assembly configured to engage and rotate with the roll of individual flushable moist towelettes.

17. The dispensing system of claim 16 wherein a drive assembly communicates with the motion sensor and the rotatable assembly to facilitate rotation of the roll of individual flushable moist towelettes upon detection of motion.

18. The dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the cover member is hingedly connected to the main body.

19. A roll of flushable moist towelettes comprising:

a plurality of individual flushable moist towelettes, each flushable moist towelette interconnected to an adjacent flushable moist towelette along perforations, wherein the interconnected flushable moist towelettes are rolled about a central axis and define a central through passage.

20. The roll of flushable moist towelettes of claim 19 wherein the perforations extend parallel to the central axis.