Wedged Tissue and/or Wet Wipe Dispenser

A wedged dispenser for provisioning tissues and/or wet wipes. The wedged dispenser has a tapered retention wall and a dispensing panel that delineate an interior storage volume. A terminal end of the tapered retention wall allows the wedged dispenser to be utilized in tight, limited space areas, while a widened end opposite the terminal end allows for a larger surface area from which tissues and/or wet wipes are dispensed. The dispensing panel is positioned across the widened end, with a panel opening traversing through the dispensing panel. The panel opening provides access to the interior storage volume and allows tissues and/or wet wipes to be readily dispensed through the dispensing panel. Depending on the desired material to be stored within the interior storage volume, the wedged dispenser is outfitted with either a flexible cover or a lid assembly having a self-contained storage bag, which is positioned about the panel opening.

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Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/813,759 filed on Apr. 19, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hygiene accessories. More specifically, the present invention is a wedge shaped tissue and/or wet wipe container that is intended for use within tight, limited space areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tissues and wet wipes have many applications ranging from personal hygiene to household cleaning. Tissues have a wide array of applications such as aiding in makeup removal and facilitating the expulsion of nasal mucus. Wet wipes are often treated with disinfectants or sanitizers to aid in cleaning objects or surfaces. In addition to cleaning applications, wet wipes are often used to wipe or clean sensitive skin on different parts of the body, particularly that of infants. These tissues and wet wipes are typically available in large quantities and are housed in containers that serve as dispensers. Tissue dispensers may remain open, while wet wipe dispensers are generally sealable in order to maintain moisture of the wet wipes stored within. However, as these containers are often large and bulky, it is impractical to use the dispensers in situations where space is at a premium or situations in which a full-sized dispenser is inconvenient. The present invention seeks to address the aforementioned issue and provide users with a practical and convenient solution for storing tissues and/or wet wipes in pockets, in tight spaces, near toilet tissue dispensers, etc. In addition, the present invention seeks to enhance and expand upon existing containers for tissues and/or wet wipes.

The present invention is a wedge shaped tissue and/or wet wipe container. In its preferred embodiment, the present invention is designed for use within tight, limited space areas such as recessed automobile compartments, diaper bags, backpacks, boat compartments and pockets, motor home compartments and pockets, and sofa cushion gaps, as well as in close proximity to toilet tissue dispensers. The unique design of the container allows for convenient packaging, transportation, and displaying of the present invention. Additionally, the present invention may be used on flat surfaces as with conventional tissue and/or wet wipe dispensers, or hung below a toilet tissue dispenser for convenient toilet tissue and wet wipe use. The present invention may be used to store and dispense tissues and/or wet wipes and/or toilet tissue. As a result, the design of the present invention varies in order to accommodate the specific types of contents.

The object of the present invention is to provide users with a tissue and/or wet wipe and/or toilet tissue paper container that is readily available and accessible, particularly in tight spaces. A tapered retention wall and dispensing panel delineate an interior storage volume in which tissues or wet wipes are stored. Tissues or wet wipes are dispensed through a panel opening that traverses through the dispensing panel. When tissues are stored, a flexible cover covers a majority of the panel opening and provides a dispensing slot through which tissues are removed. When wet wipes are stored, a lid assembly that has a self-contained storage bag is positioned around the panel opening. The lid assembly allows the panel opening to be sealed closed in order to maintain moisture within the self-contained storage bag, while the self-contained storage bag protects the body of the present invention from any moisture damage. The present invention may also include a divider that separates the interior storage volume into a first and second storage volume. In this way, the present invention can be designed to store and dispense both tissues and wet wipes.

Additionally, as wet wipes are often utilized in conjunction with or in place of toilet tissue paper, the present invention can be adapted to be attached to an existing toilet paper holder. A hanger provides a tapered supporting wall and a first and second arm. The tapered supporting wall defines a receiving volume in which the tapered retention wall is positioned, while the first and second arm serve as attachment members to a toilet paper holder. Use of the hanger provides a user with access to both toilet tissue paper and wet wipes as needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tapered retention wall forming a triangular shaped wedge.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a triangular shaped wedged dispenser having a flexible cover for dispensing tissues.

FIG. 3 is a left side sectional view of the triangular shaped wedged dispenser with a flexible cover.

FIG. 4 is a rear sectional view of the triangular shaped wedged dispenser with the flexible cover attached to the dispensing panel around the panel opening.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tapered retention wall forming a tubular shaped wedge

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the triangular shaped wedged dispenser having a lid assembly with a self-contained storage bag for dispensing wet wipes.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the triangular shaped wedge dispenser having a lid assembly with a self-contained storage bag, with the lid cover being opened.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the triangular shaped wedged dispenser having a divider separating the interior storage volume into a first and second storage volume.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the panel opening and second panel opening traversing through the dispensing panel.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the wedged dispenser having a flexible cover for dispensing tissues and a lid assembly with a self-contained storage bag for dispensing wet wipes.

FIG. 11 is a left side sectional view of the wedged dispenser showing the self-contained storage bag within the second storage volume for retaining wet wipes.

FIG. 12 is a right side sectional view of the wedged dispenser showing the first storage volume for retaining tissues.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the hanger used to support the wedged dispenser from below a toilet paper holder.

FIG. 14 is a left side sectional view of the hanger.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the wedged dispenser being held below a toilet paper holder by the hanger.

FIG. 16 is a perspective of two wedged dispensers being stacked together for packaging purposes.

 DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a wedged dispenser that is designed for storing and distributing tissues and/or wet wipes. The wedged shaped dispenser can also be adapted for distributing wet wipes within the vicinity of toilet tissue, in order to allow for convenient toilet tissue and wet wipe use by a user. The wedged dispenser is a tapered container that can be positioned in tight, limited space areas, such that the contents of the wedged dispenser are readily accessible to a user. The wedged dispenser may have a single compartment in which tissues or wet wipes are stored, or two compartments, one in which tissues are stored and the other in which wet wipes are stored. Although the wedged dispenser is intended to store and distribute tissues and/or wet wipes, it is also possible for any other type of dispensable, sheet-like material to be stored in the wedged dispenser. The wedged dispenser is not limited with respect to the materials used and can be constructed such that it is disposable or reusable.

In reference to FIG. 1, the wedged dispenser comprises a dispensing panel 1, a tapered retention wall 2, an interior storage volume 3, and a panel opening 11. Together, the dispensing panel 1 and the tapered retention wall 2 form the body of the wedged dispenser. The tapered retention wall 2 defines the overall shape of the wedged dispenser and comprises a terminal end 21 and a widened end 22. The terminal end 21 is the common edge at which all sides of the tapered retention wall 2 converge and conjoin. The widened end 22 is positioned opposite the terminal end 21 along the tapered retention wall 2 and defines the shape of the dispensing panel 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tapered retention wall 2 forms a traditional triangular wedge shape having two triangular side panels and two rectangular side panels. The two triangular side panels being positioned opposite of each other and the two rectangular side panels being positioned opposite each other. A bottom edge of each of the two rectangular side panels and a bottom point of each of the two triangular side panels converge and conjoin along the terminal end 21. In turn, the widened end 22 takes the form of a rectangle, and thusly, the dispensing panel 1 is rectangular in shape.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the tapered retention wall 2 forms a tubular wedge shape, as shown in FIG. 5. The tapered retention wall 2 has a single circular or ovular side panel. One edge of the tapered retention wall 2 conjoins with itself in order to form the flattened terminal end 21. In turn, the widened end 22 takes the form of a circle or oval, and thusly, the dispensing panel 1 can be either circular or ovular in shape. It is also possible for the tapered retention wall 2 or the dispensing panel 1 to be any other shape in other embodiments of the present invention.

In further reference to FIG. 1, the dispensing panel 1 is perimetrically connected to the widened end 22 in order to substantially close off the tapered retention wall 2 opposite the terminal end 21. Together, the tapered retention wall 2 and the dispensing panel 1 delineate the interior storage volume 3 of the wedged dispenser in which tissues and/or wet wipes and/or toilet tissues are placed, as shown in FIG. 3. The interior storage volume 3 is accessible through the panel opening 11. The panel opening 11 traverses through the dispensing panel 1, such that tissues or wet wipes can be removed from the interior storage volume 3 through the panel opening 11.

Depending on the desired material to be stored in the wedged dispenser, different sealing methods may be employed in order to partially or fully close the panel opening 11. In reference to FIG. 2, when the wedged dispenser is intended for use with tissues, the wedged dispenser may or may not further comprise a flexible cover 4. The flexible cover 4 is connected to the dispensing panel 1 around the panel opening 11 and is positioned within the interior storage volume 3, as shown in FIG. 3-4. The flexible cover 4 comprises a dispensing slot 41, the dispensing slot 41 traversing through the flexible cover 4. The dispensing slot 41 is positioned adjacent to the panel opening 11 such that the interior storage volume 3 is accessible through the dispensing slot 41. In this way, the flexible cover 4 partially covers the panel opening 11 such that tissues cannot inadvertently fall out of the interior storage volume 3, yet allows tissues to still be removed by choice. Tissues may be stored and dispensed by means of an interfolding sheet system, circular perforated pop-up system, or by any other suitable means.

In reference to FIG. 6-7, when the wedged dispenser is intended for use with wet wipes, the wedged dispenser further comprises a lid assembly 5. The lid assembly 5 comprises a lid base 51, a hinge 53, a lid cover 52, and a self-contained storage bag 54. The lid base 51 is adjacently connected to the dispensing panel 1 opposite the interior storage volume 3 and is positioned around the panel opening 11. The self-contained storage bag 54 is perimetrically connected around the lid base 51 and is positioned through the panel opening 11 and into the interior storage volume 3. The self-contained storage bag 54 is liquid impermeable and retains the moisture of the wet wipes. In this way, the self-contained storage bag 54 protects the tapered retention wall 2 and the dispensing panel 1 from any moisture damage that could compromise the structural stability of the wedged dispenser.

Both the lid base 51 and the lid cover 52 are adjacently connected to the hinge 53, with the lid cover 52 being connected to the hinge 53 opposite the lid base 51. The lid cover 52 is removably attached to the lid base 51, opposite the self-contained storage bag 54, such that the lid cover 52 can be used to temporarily close the panel opening 11. When wet wipes are needed, the lid cover 52 is detached from the lid base 51, such that the contents of the self-contained storage bag 54 are accessible through the lid base 51. In this way, the lid cover 52 fully seals the panel opening 11 closed such that the moisture of the wet wipes is retained within the self-contained storage bag 54. Wet wipes can be stored and dispensed in any manner, such as in a circular perforated pop-up system, interfolding sheet system, or by any other means.

In reference to FIG. 8-10, in one embodiment of the present invention, the wedged dispenser is designed to hold both tissues and wet wipes, and further comprises a divider 6 and a second panel opening 12. The divider 6 is positioned within the interior storage volume 3. The divider 6 traverses longitudinally along the tapered retention wall 2 and is perimetrically connected to the tapered retention wall 2 and the dispensing panel 1. In this way, the divider 6 separates the interior storage volume 3 into a first storage volume 31 and a second storage volume 32. Similar to the panel opening 11, the second panel opening 12 traverses through the dispensing panel 1. The panel opening 11 is positioned adjacent to the first storage volume 31, while the second panel opening 12 is positioned adjacent to second storage volume 32. In this way, tissues can be stored in the first storage volume 31 and accessed through the panel opening 11, while wet wipes can be stored in the second storage volume 32 and accessed through the second panel opening 12, or vice versa.

In reference to FIG. 10-12, when the interior storage volume 3 is divided into the first storage volume 31 and the second storage volume 32, both the flexible cover 4 and the lid assembly 5 are utilized. The flexible cover 4 is connected to the dispensing panel 1 around the panel opening 11 and is positioned within the first storage volume 31. The dispensing slot 41 is positioned adjacent to the panel opening 11 such that the first storage volume 31 is accessible through the dispensing slot 41. In this way, the flexible cover 4 partially covers the panel opening 11 such that tissues cannot inadvertently fall out of the first storage volume 31, yet allows tissues to still be removed by choice. The lid base 51 is adjacently connected to the dispensing panel 1 opposite the second storage volume 32 and is positioned around the second panel opening 12. The self-contained storage bag 54 is positioned through the second panel opening 12 and into the second storage volume 32. Again the lid cover 52 is removably attached to the lid base 51 opposite the self-contained storage bag 54. In this way, the lid cover 52 fully seals the second panel opening 12 closed such that the moisture of the wet wipes is retained within the self-contained storage bag 54.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the wedged dispenser further comprises a hanger 7, which allows wet wipes to be dispensed within close proximity to a toilet tissue dispenser. In reference to FIG. 13-14, the hanger 7 comprises a tapered supporting wall 71, a receiving volume 72, a first arm 73, and a second arm 74. The tapered supporting wall 71 is a thin walled structure with inner dimensions matching the outer dimensions of the tapered retention wall 2. The receiving volume 72 is delineated by the tapered supporting wall 71 and as is the space in which the tapered retention wall 2 is positioned. The tapered retention wall 2 is positioned through the receiving volume 72, such that the terminal end 21 extends out from one side of the hanger 7, while the widened end 22 extends out from the opposite side of the hanger 7. In this way, the tapered retention wall 2 is held in place within the hanger 7 by the friction force between the tapered retention wall 2 and the tapered supporting wall 71.

In further reference to FIG. 13, the first arm 73 is adjacently connected to one side of the tapered supporting wall 71, while the second arm 74 is adjacently connected to the tapered supporting wall 71 opposite the first arm 73. Both the first arm 73 and the second arm 74 comprise an arm aperture 75. The arm aperture 75 of the first arm 73 is positioned opposite the tapered supporting wall 71 along the first arm 73 and traverses through the first arm 73. Similarly, the arm aperture 75 of the second arm 74 is positioned opposite the tapered supporting wall 71 along the second arm 74 and traverses through the second arm 74. The arm aperture 75 of both the first arm 73 and the second arm 74 is circular in shape and allows the hanger 7 to be attached to a pre-existing toilet paper roll holder. When the hanger 7 is attached to the toilet paper roll holder it extends below the toilet paper roll holder, such that the hanger 7 does not interfere with the movement of the toilet paper roll as toilet paper is dispensed, as shown in FIG. 15. Wet wipes are then readily accessible to a user.

The object of the present invention is to provide users with a readily available and accessible container for storing and dispensing tissues and/or wet wipes and/or toilet tissue. The wedged dispenser may be utilized on flat surfaces as with conventional tissue and wet wipe containers. However, the wedge shaped design of the present invention also allows the wedged dispenser to be placed within tight, limited space areas such as recessed automobile compartments, diaper bags, backpacks, boat compartments and pockets, motor home compartments and pockets, the surrounding area of a toilet tissue dispenser, and sofa cushion gaps. The inner contents of the wedged dispenser remain easily accessible by the user while the present invention is wedged into a space. Additionally, the triangular wedge shaped design of the present invention in the preferred embodiment facilitates packaging, transportation, and displaying of the present invention. An example method of packaging the present invention by stacking multiple wedged dispensers is shown in FIG. 16.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A wedged dispenser comprises:

a dispensing panel;
a tapered retention wall;
an interior storage volume;
a panel opening;
the tapered retention wall comprises a terminal end and a widened end;
the terminal end and the widened end being positioned opposite each other along the tapered retention wall;
the dispensing panel being perimetrically connected to the widened end;
the interior storage volume being delineated by the tapered retention wall and the dispensing panel; and
the panel opening traversing through the dispensing panel, wherein the interior storage volume is accessible through the panel opening.

2. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a flexible cover;
the flexible cover comprises a dispensing slot;
the flexible cover being connected to the dispensing panel around the panel opening;
the flexible cover being positioned within the interior storage volume;
the dispensing slot traversing through the flexible cover; and
the dispensing slot being positioned adjacent to the panel opening, wherein the interior storage volume is accessible through the dispensing slot.

3. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a lid assembly;
the lid assembly comprises a lid base, a lid cover, and a self-contained storage bag;
the lid base being adjacently connected to the dispensing panel opposite the interior storage volume;
the lid base being positioned around the panel opening;
the self-contained storage bag being perimetrically connected around the lid base;
the self-contained storage bag being positioned into the interior storage volume; and
the lid cover being attached to the lid base opposite the self-contained storage bag.

4. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the lid assembly further comprises a hinge;
the lid base being adjacently connected to the hinge; and
the lid cover being adjacently connected to the hinge opposite the lid base.

5. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a divider and a second panel opening;
the divider being positioned within the interior storage volume;
the divider being perimetrically connected to the tapered retention wall and the dispensing panel;
the divider separating the interior storage volume into a first storage volume and a second storage volume;
the second panel opening traversing through the dispensing panel;
the panel opening being positioned adjacent to the first storage volume; and
the second panel opening being positioned adjacent to the second storage volume.

6. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a flexible cover, a lid assembly, and a second panel opening;
the lid assembly comprises a lid base, a lid cover, and a self-contained storage bag;
the second panel opening traversing through the dispensing panel;
the flexible cover being connected to the dispensing panel around the panel opening;
the flexible cover being positioned within the interior storage volume;
the lid base being adjacently connected to the dispensing panel opposite the interior storage volume;
the lid base being positioned around the second panel opening;
the self-contained storage bag being perimetrically connected around the lid base;
the self-contained storage bag being positioned into the interior storage volume; and
the lid cover being attached to the lid base opposite the self-contained storage bag.

7. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 6 comprises:

the lid assembly further comprises a hinge;
the lid base being adjacently connected to the hinge; and
the lid cover being adjacently connected to the hinge opposite the lid base.

8. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a hanger;
the hanger comprises a tapered supporting wall, a receiving volume, a first arm and a second arm;
the receiving volume being delineated by the tapered supporting wall;
the first arm being adjacently connected to the tapered supporting wall;
the second arm being adjacently connected to the tapered supporting wall opposite the first arm; and
the tapered retention wall being positioned through the receiving volume, wherein the tapered retention wall rests flush with the tapered supporting wall.

9. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

the first arm and the second arm each comprise an aperture;
the aperture of the first arm being positioned opposite the tapered supporting wall along the first arm;
the aperture of the first arm traversing through the first arm;
the aperture of the second arm being positioned opposite the tapered supporting wall along the second arm; and
the aperture of the second arm traversing through the second arm.

10. A wedged dispenser comprises:

a dispensing panel;
a tapered retention wall;
an interior storage volume;
a divider;
a panel opening;
a second panel opening;
the tapered retention wall comprises a terminal end and a widened end;
the terminal end and the widened end being positioned opposite each other along the tapered retention wall;
the dispensing panel being perimetrically connected to the widened end;
the interior storage volume being delineated by the tapered retention wall and the dispensing panel;
the divider being positioned within the interior storage volume;
the divider separating the interior storage volume into a first storage volume and a second storage volume;
the panel opening being positioned adjacent to the first storage volume;
the panel opening traversing through the dispensing panel, wherein the first storage volume is accessible through the panel opening;
the second panel opening being positioned adjacent to the second storage volume; and
the second panel opening traversing through the dispensing panel, wherein the second storage volume is accessible through the second panel opening.

11. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 10 comprises:

a flexible cover;
the flexible cover comprises a dispensing slot;
the flexible cover being connected to the dispensing panel around the panel opening;
the flexible cover being positioned within the first storage volume;
the dispensing slot traversing through the flexible cover; and
the dispensing slot being positioned adjacent to the panel opening, wherein the first storage volume is accessible through the dispensing slot.

12. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 10 comprises:

a lid assembly;
the lid assembly comprises a lid base, a lid cover, and a self-contained storage bag;
the lid base being adjacently connected to the dispensing panel opposite the second storage volume;
the lid base being positioned around the second panel opening;
the self-contained storage bag being perimetrically connected around the lid base;
the self-contained storage bag being positioned into the second storage volume; and
the lid cover being attached to the lid base opposite the self-contained storage bag.

13. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the lid assembly further comprises a hinge;
the lid base being adjacently connected to the hinge; and
the lid cover being adjacently connected to the hinge opposite the lid base.

14. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 10 comprises:

a hanger;
the hanger comprises a tapered supporting wall, a receiving volume, a first arm and a second arm;
the receiving volume being delineated by the tapered supporting wall;
the first arm being adjacently connected to the tapered supporting wall;
the second arm being adjacently connected to the tapered supporting wall opposite the first arm; and
the tapered retention wall being positioned through the receiving volume, wherein the tapered retention wall rests flush with the tapered supporting wall.

15. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

the first arm and the second arm each comprise an aperture;
the aperture of the first arm being positioned opposite the tapered supporting wall along the first arm;
the aperture of the first arm traversing through the first arm;
the aperture of the second arm being positioned opposite the tapered supporting wall along the second arm; and
the aperture of the second arm traversing through the second arm.

16. A wedged dispenser comprises:

a dispensing panel;
a tapered retention wall;
an interior storage volume;
a panel opening;
a hanger;
the tapered retention wall comprises a terminal end and a widened end;
the hanger comprises a tapered supporting wall, a receiving volume, a first arm and a second arm;
the terminal end and the widened end being positioned opposite each other along the tapered retention wall;
the dispensing panel being perimetrically connected to the widened end;
the interior storage volume being delineated by the tapered retention wall and the dispensing panel;
the panel opening traversing through the dispensing panel, wherein the interior storage volume is accessible through the panel opening; the receiving volume being delineated by the tapered supporting wall;
the first arm being adjacently connected to the tapered supporting wall;
the second arm being adjacently connected to the tapered supporting wall opposite the first arm; and
the tapered retention wall being positioned through the receiving volume, wherein the tapered retention wall rests flush with the tapered supporting wall.

17. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 16 comprises:

a lid assembly;
the lid assembly comprises a lid base, a lid cover, and a self-contained storage bag;
the lid base being adjacently connected to the dispensing panel opposite the interior storage volume;
the lid base being positioned around the panel opening;
the self-contained storage bag being perimetrically connected around the lid base;
the self-contained storage bag being positioned into the interior storage volume; and
the lid cover being attached to the lid base opposite the self-contained storage bag.

18. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 17 comprises:

the lid assembly further comprises a hinge;
the lid base being adjacently connected to the hinge; and the lid cover being adjacently connected to the hinge opposite the lid base.

19. The wedged dispenser as claimed in claim 16 comprises:

the first arm and the second arm each comprise an aperture;
the aperture of the first arm being positioned opposite the tapered supporting wall along the first arm;
the aperture of the first arm traversing through the first arm;
the aperture of the second arm being positioned opposite the tapered supporting wall along the second arm; and
the aperture of the second arm traversing through the second arm.
Patent History
Publication number: 20140312049
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 3, 2013
Publication Date: Oct 23, 2014
Inventor: Julia B. GLENN (Fairfield, CA)
Application Number: 14/095,777
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Deformation By Non-coextensive Outlet Opening (221/63)
International Classification: A47K 10/42 (20060101);