TW201544418A - Sheet material dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

In one aspect, a sheet material dispenser may generally include a flexible pouch and a rigid container. The flexible pouch may generally be configured to receive a plurality of sheets and may include a dispenser opening. In addition, the flexible pouch may include a resealable cap for intermittently exposing and resealing the dispenser opening. The rigid container may generally include an interior region defined at least partially between a back wall and sidewalls extending outwardly from the back wall. The rigid container may also include first and second front plates configured to be slideably coupled to the sidewalls such that the front plates are movable relative to one another and relative to the sidewalls between an open position, wherein the front plates are positioned in a distal relationship relative to one another, and a closed position, wherein the front plates are positioned in an adjacent relationship relative to one another. Additionally, when the first and second front plates are moved to the closed position, a portion of the front plates may be configured to be positioned directly below a portion of the resealable cap.

Description

Sheet dispenser

The present invention generally relates to a sheet dispenser, and more particularly to a dispenser comprising a rigid outer container having a slidable member in an open position (where a flexible, sheet containing the sheet is inserted into the The container is slidable between a closed position in which the slidable member is engaged with a portion of the bag to secure the bag within the container.

There are many types of containers for storage and distribution on the market, especially containers for storing and dispensing sheet products such as dry or wet wipes. For example, flexible, flexible packaging is commercially available, providing a dense and easy to transport means for storing and dispensing the stack of tissues. Typically, such flexible packages define an opening for dispensing a tissue that is received therein and includes a rigid flip top that is positioned over the opening and has a pivotal cover It can be used to open and close the package. An example of such a flexible package is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0011906 (Buck et al.), issued on Dec. 5, 2003, entitled "Storing and Dispensing Container for Product". Dispensing Containers, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

While flexible packages currently available for storing and dispensing the sheet product have many advantages, the use of rigid cans or containers typically is not ideal for many applications, such as when working with tables and other flat surfaces (eg, Wall mounted dispensers require a fixed dispenser. In particular, the flexible package typically does not provide the structural integrity and/or aesthetic appearance required for such applications.

Accordingly, a modified sheet dispenser that allows the flexible sheet receiving pocket to be secured within a rigid container while still allowing the sheet to be dispensed from the flexible bag in a typical manner would be appreciated in the art.

The various aspects and advantages of the invention are described in part below, or may be apparent from the following description.

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a sheet dispenser. The dispenser typically includes a rigid container having an inner region defined at least in part by a back wall and side walls extending outwardly from the back wall. The rigid container can also include first and second front panels configured to slidably couple to at least one of the side walls such that the front panel is in an open position (where the front panels are at the end of each other) Slightly related) and a closed position (where the front plate is in abutting relationship with each other) are relatively movable relative to each other. The first and second front panels respectively include a top surface, a bottom surface, and inner and outer sides extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The sheet dispenser can also include a flexible bag configured to receive a stack of sheets. The flexible bag can be configured to be housed within the rigid container Area. Additionally, the flexible bag can define a dispenser opening and can include a resealable cover for intermittently exposing and resealing the dispenser opening. Furthermore, a portion of the first and second front panels can be configured to be positioned directly beneath a portion of the resealable cover when the front panel is moved to the closed position.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of using a sheet dispenser that includes a flexible bag and a rigid container configured to receive the flexible bag. The flexible bag can define a dispenser opening and can include a resealable cover for intermittently exposing and resealing the dispenser opening. The rigid container can include an inner region defined at least in part by a back wall and side walls extending outwardly from the back wall. The method generally includes: locating the first front panel of the rigid container around a portion of the flexible pouch such that a portion of the first front panel is directly below the resealable surface The second front panel of the rigid container is disposed about a portion of the flexible bag such that a portion of the second front panel is directly below the reclosable surface. When the first and second front panels are engaged to the surface of the reclosable cover, the front panel can be placed in a closed position relative to each other. Additionally, the method includes slidingly coupling the front panel to a sidewall of the rigid container such that the front panel is movable relative to each other between the closed position and the open position.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in the claims

100‧‧‧Sheet material dispenser

102‧‧‧Flexible pouch flexible bag

104‧‧‧Rigid container rigid container

106‧‧‧Sheet Sheet

108‧‧‧Top wall

110‧‧‧Bottom wall

112‧‧‧Sidewall side wall

114‧‧‧Enclosed volume

116‧‧‧Dispenser opening

118‧‧‧Resealable cap re-closable

120‧‧‧Bottom surface

122‧‧‧Bottom cap portion

124‧‧‧Top cap portion

126‧‧‧Hinge hinge

128‧‧‧Seal rib sealing rib

130‧‧‧Top surface

132‧‧‧First seal lip First sealing lip

134‧‧‧Second seal lip

136‧‧‧Bottom surface

138‧‧‧Recess recess

140‧‧‧Back wall

142‧‧Sidewall side wall

144‧‧‧Sidewall side wall

146‧‧Sidewall side wall

148‧‧Sidewall side wall

150‧‧‧Interior region

152‧‧‧First lateral end

154‧‧‧Second lateral end

156‧‧‧Font plates front plate

158‧‧‧Font plates front plate

160‧‧‧Top surface

162‧‧‧Bottom surface

164‧‧‧Inner side

166‧‧‧Outer side

168‧‧‧First lateral side

170‧‧‧Second lateral side

171‧‧‧arrow arrow

172‧‧‧Lastral distance

174‧‧‧Cap opening cover opening

176‧‧‧Retention arm

178‧‧‧Retention arm

180‧‧‧Retention lip retaining lip

182‧‧‧Retention lip retaining lip

184‧‧‧Upper portion

186‧‧‧Lower portion lower part

188‧‧‧arrow arrow

190‧‧‧First location First location

191‧‧‧Second location

192‧‧‧Gripper tab

194‧‧‧Back surface

196‧‧‧First side portion

198‧‧‧Second side portion second side

200‧‧‧Alignment tab

202‧‧‧slot groove

204‧‧‧Central portion Central Department

206‧‧‧Dashed circle

208‧‧‧Latral width lateral width

210‧‧‧Transverse width

212‧‧‧Latral width lateral width

214‧‧‧Transverse width

216‧‧‧Overhanging portion

218‧‧‧Opening tab

220‧‧‧Top surface

The complete and achievable content of the present invention, including the best mode for those skilled in the art, is described in the specification with reference to the following drawings, in which:

The first figure is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sheet dispenser in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

The second drawing is an exploded perspective view of the sheet dispenser of the first figure, in particular illustrating the rigid container of the dispenser, wherein the front panel is moved to the open position and the flexible bag of the dispenser is attached from the rigid container Separation.

The third figure is a front view of the rigid container of the first figure, in particular illustrating the front plate of the rigid container in the open position.

The fourth figure is another front view of the rigid container of the first figure, in particular illustrating the front plate of the rigid container being moved to the closed position.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet dispenser of the first figure taken along line 5-5.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet dispenser of the first figure taken along line 6-6.

The seventh figure is a close-up view of a portion of the cross section of the sixth figure.

The eighth figure is another exploded perspective view of the sheet dispenser of the first figure, and in particular illustrates an embodiment of a method that can be combined and/or used.

The ninth figure is similar to the sheet distribution of the cross-sectional view of the sixth figure. A cross-sectional view of the device, in particular, illustrates an embodiment of a method for coupling a rigid container front panel to a rigid container sidewall.

The invention will now be described in detail, with one or more illustrative examples in the drawings. Each of the examples is provided solely to explain the invention and not to limit the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be utilized in another embodiment and another embodiment. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace such modifications and alternatives

In general, the present invention is directed to a sheet dispenser that includes a flexible bag and a rigid container configured to receive the flexible bag. In several embodiments, the flexible bag can define a closed volume for receiving a stack of sheets and can include a resealable cover for accessing the enclosed volume to allow the sheets to be dispensed therefrom. Also, the rigid container can generally include a back wall, side walls, and a front panel configured to define an inner region for receiving the flexible bag. In several embodiments, the front panel can be configured to slide between or move between an open position and a closed position. For example, when the front panel is moved to the open position, the inner zone defined by the rigid container is accessible to insert the flexible bag into the container. Furthermore, when the flexible bag is implanted between the front plates, the front plate can be moved to the closed position, and the flexible bag is tight Fastened between the front plates. For example, as will be described in more detail below, when the front panel is moved to the closed position, a lid opening can be defined between the front panels such that the front panel is configured and located directly in the resealable panel The periphery of the flexible bag at the lower position is extended. As such, the resealable cover can be exposed along the exterior of the rigid container when the front panel is in the closed position to allow the sheet to be dispensed from the flexible bag.

It can be appreciated that a number of location terms can be used herein, for example, front, back, top, bottom, inner, outer, side, and the like. Such terms are only used to distinguish between individual characteristics of particular elements (such as individual surfaces, walls, etc.) and other characteristics of such elements, and/or to establish the position of the elements of the disclosed sheet dispenser relative to each other, therefore, It must not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, the first to seventh figures illustrate several views of an embodiment of a sheet dispenser 100 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In particular, the first figure illustrates a perspective view of the sheet dispenser 100, and the second diagram illustrates an exploded perspective view of the sheet dispenser 100 of the first figure, wherein one of the dispenser 100 is specifically illustrated as a flexible bag 102 And a rigid container 104. The third and fourth figures are front views of the rigid container 104 of the second figure, in which the plates 156, 158 of the rigid container 104 are shown in the open position (third figure) and the closed position (fourth figure). Further, the fifth and sixth figures illustrate cross-sectional views of the sheet dispenser 100 of the first drawing, which are taken along lines 5-5, 6-6, respectively. Furthermore, the seventh figure is a close-up view of a partial cross-sectional view of one of the sixth figures.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the sheet dispenser 100 includes a tread The pouch 102, and a rigid container 104, are configured to receive the flexible pouch 102. In general, the flexible bag 102 can be configured to receive a plurality of sheets 106 (fifth through seven), such as a wipe stack, a wet tissue, and/or any other suitable sheet product. For example, in several embodiments, the flexible bag 102 can include a top wall 108, a bottom wall 110 and side walls 112 extending between the top and bottom walls 108, 110 to define a closed volume 114 (first Five to seven pictures), which can accommodate the sheet 106. As specifically shown in the second figure, the flexible bag 102 generally defines a rectangular shape having top and bottom walls 108, 110 that extend substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, however, the flexible bag 102 can be configured to define any other suitable shape in which the plurality of sheets 106 can be received.

It should be agreed that the word "flexible" is generally used herein for the bag 102 which is made of a material that can be folded or flexed. For example, in several embodiments, the flexible bag 102 can be formed using a thin-walled film, such as a foamed polymer containing a film, or a non-foamed polymer containing a film. In such embodiments, the thin-walled film can, for example, have a wall thickness of less than about 2000 microns, such as less than about 1000 microns, or less than about 500 microns.

Similarly, it should be agreed that the word "rigid" is generally used herein for one or more elements of a container 104 that is formed from a relatively stiff or rigid material, such as stiffness. Related to the materials used to make sheet cans and/or parts. For example, suitable materials can include, but are not limited to, rigid plastics and materials containing other polymers. Flexural modulus of such materials (according to ASTM D790 "Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials", typically measured, are greater than about 100 Newtons per square meter, such as greater than about 500 Newtons per square meter, or greater than 1000 Newtons per square meter (eg, at about 1100 to 1500). In the range of Newtons per square meter. For example, in particular embodiments of the invention, many of the components of the rigid container 104 may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, which may have a wall thickness of from about 0.5 to about 3.0 microns, such as about 1.0. ~2.5 microns, or about 1.5 to 2.0 microns, and any other sub-range within the above.

In several embodiments, the flexible bag 102, via one of its walls, defines a dispenser opening 116 for accessing the sheet 106 received therein. For example, the dispenser opening 116 is defined via the top wall 108 of the flexible bag 102 as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In an embodiment, a removable outer cover (not shown) can be configured to be placed directly over the dispenser opening 116 prior to initial use of the flexible bag 102, such as by the outer cover. A removable seal is provided on the periphery of the opening 116 for configuration. In such embodiments, the removable outer cover can be pulled away or peeled from the dispenser opening 116, via which the sheet 106 received within the flexible bag 102 is initially taken.

Additionally, a resealable cover 118 can be secured over the flexible bag 102 at the periphery of the dispenser opening 116. For example, as specifically illustrated in Figures 5-7, the bottom surface 120 of the resealable cover 118 can be coupled to the outer surface of the top wall 108 of the flexible bag 102 at the periphery of the dispenser opening 116. In such embodiments, the reclosable cover 118 can be configured for use by those skilled in the art. Any suitable attachment means is coupled to the top wall 108, for example, by using a suitable adhesive, or by using any other suitable attachment means (e.g., heat welding). 120 adheres to the wall surface 108 of the flexible bag 102.

In general, the resealable cover 118 can be configured to be opened or closed for intermittent exposure and subsequent sealing of the dispenser opening 116. As such, the resealable cover 118 may be particularly advantageous to retain moisture within the flexible bag 102 when the wet tissue and/or other moisture containing sheets are received. As particularly shown in the second figure, the resealable cover 118 can generally include a bottom cover portion 122 that is coupled to the flexible bag 102 (eg, at the bottom surface 120 of the cover 118 and the top wall 108). Coupling between the defined interfaces; and a top cover portion 124 that is pivotally coupled to the bottom cover portion 122 via a hinge 126. Thus, in order to dispense the sheet from the flexible bag 102, the top cover portion 124 can be pivoted away from the bottom cover portion 122 to expose the dispenser opening 116 (as shown in the second figure). Thereafter, the top cover portion 124 can be pivoted back to its closed position such that the top cover portion 124 is engaged and/or sealed to the bottom cover portion 122.

The bottom and top cover portions 122, 124 can generally be engaged and/or sealed with each other using any suitable configuration known to those skilled in the art. For example, as specifically shown in the fifth to seventh figures, the bottom cover portion 122 may include a sealing rib 128 projecting outwardly from the top surface 130 (seventh view) of the bottom cover portion 122 to The inner periphery of the bottom cover portion 122 extends. In addition, the top cover portion 124 can include first and second sealing lips 132, 134 from the bottom surface 136 of the top cover portion 124 (the Seven figures) project outwardly to define a recess 138 (seventh view) extending around the top cover portion 124 and configured to receive the sealing rib 128. Thus, when the top cover portion 124 is pushed down or pressed against the bottom cover portion 122, the sealing rib 128 can be received within the recess 138 and engaged and/or sealed to one or both of the sealing lips 132. And 134, whereby the resealable cover 118 is closed and sealed or prevented from entering the dispenser opening 116.

It should be appreciated that the hinge 126 (secondary view) used to provide pivotal connection between the bottom and top cover portions 122, 124 can generally have any suitable hinge configuration known to those skilled in the art. For example, if the reclosable cover 118 is fabricated as a single unitary member (e.g., molded with the bottom and top cover portions 122, 124 by injection molding), the hinge 128 can correspond to one defined A movable hinge between the bottom and the top cover portions 122, 124. Alternatively, if the bottom and top cover portions 122, 124 are configured as separate parts, the hinge 128 can be formed using one or more suitable hinge elements, such as by providing a corresponding hinge opening to be inserted. A hinge pin (not shown) (not shown) is formed, wherein the hinge opening is defined by the bottom and top cover portions 122, 124 of the penetrating portion.

It should be agreed that the resealable cover can generally be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, however, the reclosable cover is formed from a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic or other polymer-containing material.

Still referring to the first to seventh figures, as indicated above, the rigid container 104 of the sheet dispenser 100 can generally be configured to receive the flexible bag 102. For example, as specifically shown in the first figure, the rigid container 104 can include A back wall 140 and side walls 142, 144, 146, 148 extending outwardly from the back wall 140 define an inner region 150 (second and third views) for receiving the flexible bag 102. As shown, the side walls 142, 144, 146, 148 can generally include a laterally extending one between the first side end 152 (second view) and the second side end 154 (second view) of the rigid container 106. Side walls 142, 144 (hereinafter referred to as first and second side walls 142, 144); and on first and second side ends 152, 154 extending between first and second side walls 142, 144 A pair of side walls 146, 148 (hereinafter referred to as first and second end walls 146, 148). In the illustrated embodiment, the inner region 150 of the rigid container 104 generally defines a rectangle that is complementary to the rectangular shape of the flexible bag 102. In other embodiments, however, the rigid container 104 can be configured to define an inner region 150 having any suitable shape that allows the flexible bag 102 to be received therein.

The rigid container 104 can also include a first front panel 156 and a second front panel 158 that are configured to be disposed over the container 104 above the open end of the inner region 150. In general, each of the front panels 156, 158 can define a top surface 160 and a bottom surface 162. In addition, as shown in the second to fourth figures, each of the front panels 156, 158 may include an inner side 164, an outer side 166, and first and second sides extending laterally between the inner and outer sides 164, 166. Sides 168, 170.

When combined over the open end of the inner zone, in some embodiments, the front plates 156, 158 can be configured in an open position (first and second views) and a closed position (third view) Between the directions substantially parallel to the back wall 140 (as indicated by arrow 171 of the second figure), moving relative to each other and moving relative to the remainder of the rigid container 104, thereby providing a flexible bag 102 for insertion and/or fastening A device within the inner zone 150. Specifically, as shown in the first and second figures, the first and second front plates 156, 158 may be isolated when in the open position so as to be placed in opposite relationship to each other. As such, a lateral distance 172 (secondary view) can be defined between the inner sides 164 of the front panels 156, 158, allowing the flexible bag 102 to be inserted into the inner region 150. Thereafter, the front panels 156, 158 can be moved toward each other to the closed position, allowing the flexible bag 102 to be secured within the inner region 150. For example, as shown in the fourth figure, when in the closed position, the front panel is placed adjacent to each other such that a portion of the inner side 164 of the front panel 156, 158 is directly adjacent, and / or contact each other. Also, as will be described in more detail below, when the front panel 156, 158 is moved to the closed position, a cover opening 174 (fourth view) can also be defined between a portion of the inner side 164, by allowing A resealable cover 118 is accessible along the exterior of the rigid container 102 for accessing the dispenser opening 116 of the flexible bag 102.

To allow for relative movement of such first and second front panels 156, 158, in some embodiments, the front panels 156, 158 are slidably coupled to or slidably engaged to the first and second side walls 142. 144. In general, the front panel 156, 158 and the sliding connection between the side walls 142, 144 can be obtained using any suitable configuration known to those skilled in the art, wherein the configuration allows the front panel 156, 158 between the open position and the closed position The side walls 142, 144 are slid or moved. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each of the front panels 156, 158 can include retention arms 176, 178 (sixth and seventh views) extending from a bottom surface 162 thereof, each retention arm 176, 178 being configured to engage a corresponding outwardly projecting retention lip 180, 182 that projects outwardly along each of the side walls 142, 144 between the first and second side ends 152, 154 of the rigid container 104 .

For example, as shown in the sixth and seventh figures, each of the front plates 156, 158 can include a first retention arm 176 extending from a bottom surface 162 adjacent the first side wall 142; The second retention arm extends from a bottom surface 162 adjacent the second side wall 144. As specifically shown in the seventh diagram, each of the retention arms 176, 178 includes an upper portion 184 that is configured to extend from the bottom surface 162 in the direction of the back wall 140; and a lower portion 186 that is configured to The direction toward the adjacent side walls 142, 144 extends from the upper portion 184 such that the lower portion is directly disposed below the corresponding retention lips 180, 182. Such overlapping configurations generally permit the retention lips 180, 182 to maintain the position of the front panels 156, 158 relative to the back wall 140 in the height direction of the rigid container 104 (eg, perpendicular to the back wall 140) The direction, as indicated by arrows 188 of Figures 6 and 7, while still allowing the front panels 156, 158 to move or slide relative to the side walls 142, 144 in a direction substantially parallel to the back wall 140 . Specifically, as shown in the sixth and seventh figures, when the front plates 156, 158 move relative to each other between the open position and the closed position, a sliding boundary The face can be defined in a first position 190 between the bottom surface 162 of each of the front panels 156, 158 and the top end of each of the side walls 142, 144; and/or in a second position 191 Between each pair of adjacent retention arms/lips 176, 178, 180, 182 between adjacent surfaces; this depends on the positioning of the sheet dispenser 100 during use (eg, horizontal placement relative to the dispenser 100) Vertically mounted, and/or depending on when the bottom surface 162 of each of the front panels 156, 158 is in contact or engaged to the top end of each of the side walls 142, 144, the retaining arms and lips 176, 178, 180, 182 The tolerance or gap defined between the two.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the front plates 156, 158 can be configured to be removed from the rigid container 104 by slidingly coupling the front plates 156, 158 to the side walls 142, 144. . For example, as will be described in detail below with reference to the eighth embodiment, the front panels 156, 158 are slidable relative to the side walls 142, 144 in the direction of the side ends 152, 154 until the retaining arms 176, 178 are no longer in use. The lower portions of the retention lips 180, 182 are engaged until the front panels 156, 158 are removed from the rigid container 104.

It is to be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, any other suitable attachment configuration can be provided between the front panels 156, 158 and the side walls 142, 144 to allow for the sliding described herein. For example, in another embodiment, a tongue and groove arrangement can be provided between the front plates 156, 158 and the side walls 142, 144, such as by configuring each side wall 142, 144 to include a bit. The second retention lip below the illustrated retention lips 180, 182 (not The lower portion 186 of each of the retention arms 176, 178 is received within a laterally extending channel defined between adjacent retention lips.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the front panels 156, 158 can include one or more features to assist the user in moving the front panels 156, 158 between open and closed positions. For example, as shown in the second through fifth figures, in some embodiments, the outer side 166 of each of the front panels 156, 158 can include a curved protrusion extending therefrom to define a gripping tab 192, The front panels 156, 158 are available for grasping. In particular, the gripping tabs 192 can be configured such that a user can place one or more fingertips along the back surface 194 (fifth) of each gripping tab 192, grasping with a finger The front plates 156, 158. For example, as shown in the fifth figure, the gripping tabs 192 are configured to project outwardly from the end walls 146, 148 of the rigid container 104 such that when the front panels 156, 158 are in the closed position, A suitable space is provided between the gripping tab 192 and the end walls 146, 148 to allow a user to position at least one fingertip along the back surface 194 of each gripping tab 192. Thus, when it is desired to slide the front panels 156, 158 to the open position, the user can simply grasp each of the gripping sheets 192 and then pull the front panels 156, 158 away from each other.

As indicated above, when the front panels 156, 158 are moved to the closed position, the inner side 164 of a portion of each of the front panels 156, 158 can be configured to be directly adjacently disposed, and/or Contacting a corresponding portion of the inner side 164 of the adjacent front plates 156, 158 while the inner side 164 of the front plate 156, 158 is The portions thereof can be configured to be isolated from one another to allow a user to access the resealable cover 118 along the exterior of the rigid container 104. For example, as specifically illustrated in the third and fourth figures, each inner side 164 can include first and second side portions 196, 198 that define a vertical direction generally 168, 170 from the front panels 156, 158. Straight or linear shape of the ground. In such embodiments, in view of the configuration of the first and second side portions 196, 198, when the front panels 156, 158 are moved to the closed position, the inner sides 164 of the front panels 156, 158 are directly connectable to one another. Adjacent to, and/or in contact with each other along the sides 196, 198.

It is to be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the first and second sides 196, 198 of the inner side 164 may include engagement features that may be configured when the front panel 156, 158 is moved to the closed position Come to each other. For example, as shown in the third figure, in an embodiment, the first side portion 196 of the second front panel 158 and the second side portion 198 of the first front panel 156 respectively include one or more alignments. The sheet 200 extends outwardly from itself in the direction of the other front panels 156, 158. In such an embodiment, the first side portion 196 of the first front panel 156 and the second side portion 198 of the second front panel 158 can define corresponding recesses 202 when the front panels 156, 158 are The alignment sheet 200 can be accommodated when moved to the closed position. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the alignment sheet 200 and the corresponding recess 202 can be arranged along any of the inner sides 164 of the front panels 156, 158 and/or within any suitable method. And / or placement. Also, in further embodiments, any other suitable joining characteristics may be along the inner side 164 of the front panel 156, 158 and/or The interior is provided, and when the front panels 156, 158 are moved to the closed position, the front panels 156, 158 can be interlocked, or the front panels 156, 158 can be properly aligned.

In addition, each inner side 164 can also include a central portion 204 that defines a non-linear or non-linear shape that extends between the first and second side portions 196, 198. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the central portion 204 of each inner side 164 can be configured to define a curved profile from the first and second side portions 196, 198 toward each of the corresponding front panels 156, 158. The outer side 166 extends outwardly. Thus, when the front panels 156, 158 are moved to the closed position, the central portion 204 of the inner side 164 can be spaced apart from one another to define a lid opening 174 (fourth view) between the front panels 156, 158. Such a cover opening 174 generally allows the front panels 156, 158 to engage around a portion of the flexible bag 102 while still allowing the top cover portion 124 of the resealable cover 118 to enter when from the flexible bag When the sheet 106 is dispensed 102, it is possible to intermittently expose and then seal the dispenser opening 116.

In some embodiments, the central portion 204 of the inner side 164 can be configured such that the cover opening 174 generally defines a shape corresponding to the shape of the bottom cover portion 22 of the reclosable cover 118. For example, the fourth figure illustrates an imaginary circle 206 that generally defines the contour of the bottom cover portion 122 along the front panel 156, 158 when the sheet dispenser 100 is fully assembled. As shown in the fourth figure, the cover opening 174 defines an elliptical shape that generally corresponds to the elliptical shape of the outer cover 206 of the bottom cover portion 122.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the central portion 204 is curved outside The shape is selectable such that the cover opening 174 defines a cross-sectional dimension that is less than the corresponding cross-sectional specification of the bottom cover portion 22. For example, as shown in the fourth figure, the cover opening 174 can be configured to define a lateral width 208 and a lateral width 210. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bottom cover portion 122 can also be configured to define a corresponding lateral width 212 and lateral width 214. In such an embodiment, by selecting the cross-sectional widths 208, 210 of the cover opening 174 to be less than the corresponding cross-sectional widths 212, 214 of the bottom cover portion 122, when the front panels 156, 158 are moved to close In position, a portion of each of the front panels 156, 158 can be configured to be received beneath the bottom cover portion 122, thereby allowing portions of the front panels 156, 158 to be engaged to the bottom cover portion The bottom surface 120 of 122. For example, as shown in Figures 5-7, due to differences between cross-sectional widths 208, 210, 212, 214, the front panels 156, 158 can be configured to define an overhang portion 216, the bottom cover The bottom surface 120 of the portion 122 is engaged along the portion and supported by the front plates 156, 158. As particularly shown in the fifth figure, such an overhang 216 can be configured to extend completely around the outer contour 206 of the bottom cover portion 122 such that when the front panel 156, 158 is moved to the closed position, The front panels 156, 158 are engaged to and support the bottom surface 120 of the bottom cover portion 122 along the full periphery of the cover opening 174.

As indicated above, by arranging the front panels 156, 158 for engagement with the bottom cover portion 122 of the reclosable cover 118, the top cover portion 124 can be accessed along the exterior of the rigid container 104 for opening And closing the lid 118. therefore, When it is desired to dispense the sheet 106 from the sheet dispenser 100, the user can simply pivot the top cover portion 124 from the bottom cover portion 124 (e.g., by grasping an opening tab 218 (first and second) FIG. 4) projecting outwardly from the top cover portion 124 to expose the dispenser opening 116. One or more sheets 106 are dispensed from the sheet dispenser 100 through the dispenser opening 116 and the lid portion 124 is then pivoted back to the bottom lid portion 122 to seal or close the dispenser opening 116.

It should be appreciated that the present invention is also directed to a method for combining and/or using the sheet dispenser 100. For example, in some embodiments, the sheet dispenser 100 can be combined and/or used in a manner similar to that shown and described above with reference to the first to seventh figures. Specifically, assuming that a used flexible bag 102 is installed within the dispenser 100, the front plates 156, 158 are initially moved to an open position, allowing the used flexible bag 102 to be removed from the rigid container. The inner zone 150 defined by 104 is removed. As described above, in the open position, since the front panels 156, 158 are not configured to engage the flexible bag 102, the used flexible bag 102 can simply pass through the front panel 156, The gap defined between 158 is pulled outward. Thereafter, a new flexible bag 102 can be inserted between the front plates 156, 158 and inserted into the inner region 150 such that the bottom wall 110 of the flexible bag 102 is positioned adjacent the back of the rigid container 104. The wall 140, and the reclosable cover 118, face toward the open end of the inner region 150. The front panels 156, 158 can then slide inwardly relative to the side walls 142, 144 such that the inner sides 164 of each of the front panels 156, 158 are directly engaged below the reclosable cover 118. Around the flexible bag 102; and the top surface 160 of each of the front plates 156, 158 are engaged to the bottom surface 120 of the bottom cover portion 122 along the overhang portion 216.

Alternatively, the disclosed sheet dispenser 100 can be combined in a manner similar to that shown in the eighth and ninth figures. Specifically, assuming that a used flexible bag 102 is installed within the dispenser 100, the front panels 156, 158 are initially removable relative to the side walls 142, 144, allowing the used flexible bag to be used. The inner zone 150 defined by the rigid container 104 is removed. For example, as shown in the eighth diagram, the front panels 156, 158 can be completely removed from the rigid container 104, such as by laterally facing the side ends 152 of the rigid container 104 along the side walls 142, 144, The front plates 156, 158 are slid until the front plates 156, 158 are no longer engaged to the side walls 142, 144. After being removed, the front panels 156, 158 can be mounted to a new flexible pouch 102 so as to be placed in a closed position relative to each other. For example, as shown in the eighth diagram, each of the front panels 156, 158 can be mounted to the flexible bag 102, respectively, such that the central portion 204 of the inner side 164 of each of the front panels 156, 158 is directly The lower cover 118 is engaged around the flexible bag 102; and the top surface 160 of each of the front plates 156, 158 is engaged to the bottom surface 122 of the bottom cover portion 122 along the overhang portion 216. Thereafter, the combined front panels 156, 158 and flexible bag 102 can be mounted onto and/or within the rigid container 104. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the retaining arms 176, 178 of the front plates 156, 158 can be configured to hook around the retention lips 180, 182 from which the side walls 142, 144 extend. And / or buckle. Specifically, as shown in the cross-sectional view of the ninth diagram, the combined front panels 156, 158 and flexible bag 102 are angled relative to the side walls 142, 144 such that one of the side walls is along The retaining arm (e.g., the second retaining arm 178) extending (e.g., the second retaining lip 178) can be engaged below the corresponding retaining lip (e.g., the second retaining lip 182). The front plates 156, 158 are then pressed downwardly relative to the opposite side walls (e.g., the first side wall 142) until the adjacent retaining arms (e.g., the first retaining arms 176) are attached to the corresponding retaining lips ( When the buckle is below the first retention lip 180). For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 220 of the retention lips 180, 182 can be angled downwardly as each lip 180, 182 extends outwardly from the adjacent sidewalls 142, 144. Thus, when the retention arm 176 is pressed down to the top surface 220 of the retention lip 180, as the lower portion 186 of each arm 176 slides along the top surface 220 until the retention arm 176 snaps onto the retention The lower side of the lip 180, so the retention arm 176 can be configured to flex slightly outwardly, thereby coupling the first and second front plates 156, 158 to the side walls 142, 144.

Of course, in other embodiments, any suitable methodology may be utilized for combining and/or using the sheet dispenser 100 disclosed herein.

This description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode of the invention, and is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system, and performing any combination. The patentable scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the patent application, and may include Born in other examples of people who are familiar with this skill. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the scope of the claims, or the equivalent structural elements that are substantially different from the scope of the patent application, they are intended to be included in the scope of the application.

100‧‧‧Sheet material dispenser

102‧‧‧Flexible pouch flexible bag

104‧‧‧Rigid container rigid container

118‧‧‧Resealable cap re-closable

156‧‧‧Font plates front plate

158‧‧‧Font plates front plate

218‧‧‧Opening tab

Claims (20)

A sheet dispenser includes: a rigid container including an inner region defined at least in part by a back wall and a side wall extending outwardly from the back wall, the rigid container further comprising first and first a second front panel configured to be slidably coupled to at least one of the side walls such that the first and second front panels are in an open position (where the front panel is located opposite each other) and a closed Positions (where the front panel are in abutting relationship with each other) are movable relative to each other, and the first and second front panels respectively include a top surface, a bottom surface, and the top surface and the bottom Inner and outer sides extending between the surfaces; and a flexible bag configured to receive a stack of sheets, the flexible bag being configured to be received in an inner region of the rigid container, the flexible bag defining a dispenser The opening and including a resealable cover for intermittently exposing and resealing the dispenser opening, wherein when the first and second front panels are moved to the closed position, a portion of the first and second portions The front panel is configured to be located in a portion of the releasable cover Directly below. The sheet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first and second front panels are movable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel to the back wall. The sheet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the flexible bag is configured when the first and second front panels are moved to the closed position. Insert the inner zone. The sheet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the inner sides of the first and second front panels respectively include a first side portion, a second side portion, and the first and second side portions A central portion that extends between. The sheet dispenser of claim 4, wherein the first and second side portions of the inner side of the first front panel are detached when the first and second front panels are moved to the closed position The first and second sides of the inner side of the adjacent second front panel are configured to contact. The sheet dispenser of claim 5, wherein an alignment piece extends outwardly from at least one of the first side or the second side of the inner side of the first front panel, When the first and second front panels are moved to the closed position, the alignment sheet is configured to be received in a corresponding recess, the recess being attached to the first side of the second front panel Or defined within at least one of the second sides. The sheet dispenser of claim 4, wherein the central portions of the inner sides of the first and second front plates respectively have a non-linear configuration such that when the first and second front plates are moved In the closed position, a cover opening is defined between the central portions of the inner side. The sheet dispenser of claim 7, wherein the non-linear configuration corresponds to a curved profile that extends between the first and second sides of each front panel. The sheet dispenser of claim 7, wherein the lid opening The shape generally corresponds to a portion of the reclosable shape. The sheet dispenser of claim 7, wherein the lid opening defines a transverse direction specification that is less than a transverse direction dimension defined by the reclosable closure. The sheet dispenser of claim 10, wherein the cross-sectional direction specification of the lid opening is selected such that an overhanging portion is defined on the periphery of the lid and on the periphery of the lid opening The top surfaces of the first and second front panels are configured to engage the bottom surface of the reclosable cover. The sheet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the resealable cover comprises a bottom cover portion coupled to a wall surface of the flexible bag; and a top cover portion is pivoted Coupled to the bottom cover portion, the first and second front panels are configured to engage the bottom cover portion when in the closed position. The sheet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the side wall comprises a first side wall having a first retaining lip extending outwardly therefrom; and a second side wall having a second side a second retention lip that extends outwardly. The sheet dispenser of claim 13, wherein the first and second front panels respectively comprise a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm, the first retaining arm being from the bottom of the front panel thereof Extending laterally outwardly to a position adjacent the first side wall such that a portion of the first retention arm is positioned behind the first retention lip, the second retention arm extending outwardly from a bottom side of the front panel thereof Adjacent to the position of the second side wall such that a portion of the second retention arm is in the The second is behind the lips. The sheet dispenser of claim 14, wherein the first and second retaining arms are configured to engage behind the first and second retaining lips to limit the first and the second The movement of the second front panel in a direction perpendicular to the back wall. The sheet dispenser of claim 1, wherein a gripping sheet is defined along an outer side of each of the first and second front panels, respectively. A method of using a sheet dispenser, the dispenser comprising a flexible bag and a rigid container configured to receive the flexible bag, the flexible bag defining a dispenser opening and including a resealable cover Providing intermittently exposing and sealing the dispenser opening, the rigid container including an inner region defined at least in part by a back wall and from the back wall to the sidewall of the extension, the method comprising: The first front panel of the rigid container is disposed about a portion of the flexible pouch such that a portion of the first front panel is directly positioned under a portion of the resealable cover; The second front panel is disposed around a portion of the flexible bag such that a portion of the second front panel is directly positioned under a portion of the resealable cover, in the first and the first When the two front panels are engaged to the resealable cover, the first and second front panels are disposed in a closed relationship with each other; and the first and second front panels are slidably coupled to the side of the rigid container The walls are such that the first and second front panels are movable relative to one another between the closed and open positions. The method of claim 17, further comprising: sliding the first and second front panels from the closed position to the open position relative to the side wall, and the first and second front panels when in the open position The system is placed in a relative relationship with each other. The method of claim 18, further comprising removing the flexible bag from between the first and second front panels when the first and second front panels are in the open position. The method of claim 17, further comprising inserting the flexible bag into the inner region of the rigid container before or after the first and second front panels are moved to the closed position.