CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This international application claims priority to U.S. Continuation-In-Part Application 12/898,257, filed 10/5/2010, and PCT Application PCT US2011/036627, filed 5/16/2011, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to cleaning wipes, and more particularly to dispensing pre- moistened wipes for kitchen, workroom, or laboratory use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Paper towels find many uses both at home and away from home. The typical use is for absorbing liquids. Lesser common uses at home include cleaning mirrors, dusting surfaces, keeping produce or bread fresh in the refrigerator or freezer, straining grease, functioning as an absorbent or barrier media in microwave cooking, substituting for a placemat or napkin, or even as a seed starter. In public restrooms, paper towels function as sanitary hand-driers. In institutions, they find a variety of custodial uses. In the work environment, the uses are as ubiquitous as those of the kitchen or lavatory.

A paper towel is an absorbent textile made from wood pulp fiber. Water is absorbed in the interstitial spaces between the fibers, and the towel can pick up several times its weight in absorbed liquid. Disposability is the principal advantage over cloth towels, and disposability brings the additional advantage of avoiding the spread of germs.

For home use, paper towels are most commonly dispensed from rolls. The "away from home" market is beginning to favor rolls over folded towels because the roll put- up has been found to reduce usage. Because the kitchen is the odds-on favorite location in the home, the roll is sometimes called a "kitchen roll".

There are tasks, however, that require moistening of the paper towel for lifting dried, or stuck-on, residual. There are locations-of-use, even in the kitchen or bathroom, where access to a tap is inconvenient for wetting the towel. Furthermore, a towel made from paper does not standup well, particularly when wet, to cleaning tasks requiring abrasion.

Paper lacks wet-strength, notwithstanding the fact that sometimes chemicals are added to enhance wet-strength properties. The moisture destroys the adhesive strength, or surface tension, in the mat of fibers laid down in a Fourdinier paper- making process. Pre -moistened wipes, on the other hand, are comprised of synthetic fibers enmeshed as a non-woven material. Pre-moistened wipes, or "wet-wipes", as they are known, have both the moisture constituent and the wet-strength to tackle tough scrubbing tasks.

Combining paper towel rolls with pre-moistened wipes in a single cleaning station would be both utilitarian and convenient. A version of this concept, applicable to bathroom use, where wet wipes are combined with a toilet tissue roll, is described in the inventor's presently unpublished U.S. Application 12/784,801, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The problem with the integration of dry paper towels with wet wipes is that of retaining the moisture in the wipes while preventing wetting of the towels. One solution is provided in U.S. Patent 7,354,598 to Masting. Masting teaches locating a wet wipe container in the core of a paper towel roll, where the container functions as a perpendicularly-mounted unwind spindle on a base. The roll rests with one end on the base rendering the other end available for dispensing the wipes. The problem is the orientation of the roll. Such an apparatus standing on a tabletop or countertop, where available, may occupy valuable utility space or, otherwise, give a cluttered appearance. Furthermore, in a wall mounting, where the roll would extend outward there from by at least a foot or more, the apparatus represents, at best, a clumsy use of space; at worst, a hazard. For these reasons, the preferred orientation for paper towel rolls is parallel to, rather than perpendicular to, a mounting surface. The known art lacks a solution, however, for a fixture that supports a parallel orientation without also blocking access to the core of the roll.

The holder, or bracket, of preferred use typically includes a spindle, or, otherwise, stub protrusions which insert into both ends of the core, to suspend the roll and provide an axis for unwinding. This "intrusive" geometry effectively occludes the core space for use in another purpose. The present invention addresses a novel way of dispensing pre -moistened wipes from the otherwise unused space of a paper towel roll core hung in parallel suspension to, and in compact profile with, a surface of convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a convenient way to dispense wet wipes in a kitchen, or other utility location. It is a further object to combine the dispensing of wet wipes with that of rolled paper towels. It is a further object to provide a customized holder for suspending a paper towel roll parallel to a mounting surface while permitting access to wet wipes housed in the core of the roll. It is a further object to fully utilize the space in the core of a paper towel roll for the purpose of maximizing the yield in number of sheets. It is a further object to maintain a moisture barrier to prevent evaporative losses from a storage environment of the wet wipes. It is a further object to provide a means for singlating individual wet wipe sheets which are connected together to dispense sequentially. It is further object to provide a convenient refill put-up to replenish the wet wipes.

These objects, and others to become hereinafter apparent, are embodied in a paper towel dispenser for moisturized sheets comprising a cylindrical dispenser having two ends and a rotational axis. The cylindrical dispenser is comprised of a barrier container supplied as a refill unit and is configured to fit within the core of a paper towel roll. The paper towel dispenser further comprises a plurality of moisturized sheets contained within the cylindrical dispenser. The moisturized sheets are connected by perforations to dispense sequentially from, at least, one end of the core. The paper towel dispenser further comprises a paper towel bracket having two arms configured to receive and suspend the cylindrical dispenser at the ends of the cylindrical dispenser, each arm having a flexible member. Finally, the paper towel dispenser comprises a means for connecting the cylindrical dispenser to the paper towel bracket, the means providing for optional wall or under-surface mounting. With the paper towel dispenser so configured, a roll of paper towels rotatably mounted on the cylindrical dispenser and suspended from the paper towel bracket by the means for connecting may unwind conventionally about the rotational axis, while the moisturized sheets may dispense from the interior of the core.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for connecting comprises end caps placed at each end of the cylindrical dispenser. A dispensing aperture in at least one end cap is in communication with the interior of the cylindrical dispenser. The means for connecting further comprises, for each end cap and arm coupling, at least one boss on either the end cap or the arm in interposition with at least one complementary recess in the other of the coupling, the interposition achieved by articulation of the flexible member. In a particularly preferred embodiment, one boss is on the end cap, the complementary recess is in the arm, and the bosses on each end cap are aligned on an axis offset from the rotational axis, the offset permitting access to the dispensing aperture. The preferred embodiment further comprises a means for singlating individual sheets by initiating a tear at a perforation.

As this is not intended to be an exhaustive recitation, other embodiments may be learned from practicing the invention or may otherwise become apparent to those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood through the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a paper towel dispenser with a roll of paper towels disposed there upon; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment in an under-surface mounting position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment in a wall mounting position; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the paper towel

dispenser;

FIG.5 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the paper towel dispenser, wherein Detail A shows a recess feature;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the paper towel bracket in FIG. 5, wherein Detail B shows a boss feature;

FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the cylindrical dispenser;

FIG. 8 is a section view of the cylindrical dispenser taken along lines 8-8 of Fig. 7; FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a refill unit; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the refill unit;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the paper towel dispenser; and

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the paper towel dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIG. 1 , a paper towel roll 2 mounted in a paper towel bracket 30 is configured for dispensing individual towel sheets by unrolling and tearing off of one sheet at a time. Typically, the paper towel roll 2 is supported by a spool (not shown) inserted into a core 3 of the paper towel roll 2, the spool being removably connected to bracket arms 31 of the paper towel bracket 30. Alternatively, bracket arms 31 are provided with opposite spool-like stubs (not shown), which are inserted into the paper towel roll 2 from each end by flexing the arms outwardly. Generally, at least a portion of the volume inside core 3 is vacant. This vacant space suggests an opportunity for storage in a location, presumably, selected for optimum utility.

The device of the invention is a paper towel dispenser 1, shown best in FIG. 2. Paper towel dispenser 1 substitutes a cylindrical dispenser 10 for the spool or spool-like stubs of previous art. The cylindrical dispenser 10 dispensers moisturized sheets 4, also known as "wet wipes", from the core 3 (FIG. 1). Thusly, the paper towel dispenser 1 performs the dual role of providing both wet and dry sheets in a single installation and within space that would otherwise be wasted.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the paper towel dispenser 1 is comprised of the cylindrical dispenser 10 and a means for connecting 20 the cylindrical dispenser 10 to the paper towel bracket 30. The cylindrical dispenser 10 has a rotational axis 11 about which the paper towel roll 2 unwinds (FIG. 8). The cylindrical dispenser 10 is comprised of one or more barrier containers 14 for housing the moisturized sheets 4, each barrier container 14 protecting the moisturized sheets 4 from evaporative loss. Each barrier container 14 is formed as a unitary container with a closed end 15. The other end, an open end 16, provides access for the moisturized sheets 4 and is the only aperture to the container requiring some form of sealing to complete a protective envelope. The container is comprised of a moisture-vapor barrier material.

The means for connecting 20 is comprised of end caps 21 placed over each end of the cylindrical dispenser 10. The end caps 21 couple with the bracket arms 31 to suspend the cylindrical dispenser 10 from the paper towel bracket 30. The means for connecting 20 is further comprised, for each end cap and bracket arm couple, at least one boss 22 on either of the couple placed in interposition with a complimentary recess 33 in the other of the couple. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 11 , the boss 22 is on the end cap 21 and the recess 33 is in the bracket arm 31. The two bosses 22, on opposite end caps 21, lie along an offset axis 24, which is parallel to and offset from the rotational axis 11 (FIG. 8). A preferred offset distance 25 drops the cylindrical dispenser 10 away from the paper towel bracket 30 to permit access to the moisturized sheets 4 from below the bracket arms 31.

Referring to FIG's 2, 3 and 11, the bracket arms 31 have flexible members 32, which permit bypass of the bosses 22 and the recesses 33 when the cylindrical dispenser 10 is assembled to the paper towel bracket 30. In the preferred embodiment, the bracket arms 31, themselves, are rendered sufficiently resilient to become the flexible members 32. The paper towel bracket 30 has the capability to mount either under a surface (FIG. 2), such as beneath a cabinet, or on a wall (FIG. 3). The mounting orientation is facilitated by flat sides of the bosses 22 and the recesses 33 (FIG. 11). An alternate embodiment of the paper towel dispenser 1, featuring paper towel bracket 30', is shown in FIG's 5 and 6. In this embodiment, wherein primed numbers indicate corresponding features, the bosses 22', shown enlarged in Detail B, are on the bracket arms 31' and the recesses 33', shown enlarged in Detail A, are on the end caps 21'. The flexible members 32' have an arcuate shape to encircle, at least partially, each end cap 21'. The distal end of each flexible member 32' can flex to bypass bosses 22' into recesses 33' positioned at diametral extremes of end cap 21'. Dual orientation for mounting is provided by recesses 33' disposed in pairs on right angle diameters.

An alternate embodiment of the paper towel dispenser 1, featuring end cap 21", is shown in FIG's 4 and 12. In this embodiment, wherein double -primed numbers indicate corresponding features, end cap 21" is an assembly of spinner 26 and cap base 27. Spinner 26 supports boss 22 by longitudinal member 29, which offsets the boss from the rotational axis. Spinner 26 rotatably connects with cap base 27 through cap base aperture 28. Cap base aperture 28 is concentric with the rotation axis 11. This configuration enables the cylindrical dispenser 10" to rotate freely with the paper towel roll 2 as it unspools. One advantage of linking the rotation of the cylindrical dispenser 10" to that of the paper towel roll 2, instead of a slipping engagement there between, is to prevent the binding of the core 3, which occasionally becomes misshapen in handling. Another advantage is to distribute moisture more evenly in the chamber of the cylindrical dispenser 10", which might otherwise stratify into layers. In the preferred embodiment, however, which exemplifies ultimate simplification of the component kit, the cylindrical dispenser 10 does not rotate and tolerance between the cylindrical dispenser and core is sufficient to allow slippage there between.

Referring to FIG. 2, the moisturized sheets 4 are connected by lines of perforations 54 to form a continuous web. The continuous web takes up a compact configuration inside the cylindrical dispenser 10. The compact configuration may be a roll, from which the web is pulled inside out, or may otherwise be a rope-twist coil. At least one end cap 21 is provided with a dispensing aperture 23 through which the moisturized sheets 4 are dispensed from the open end 12 of the cylindrical dispenser 10. The dispensing aperture 23 is comprised of a means for slinglating 50 (see FIG. 1) an exposed sheet 52 from a next sheet 53. In the preferred embodiment, the means for singlating 50 comprises a horn 51. The horn 51 is placed near the throat of the dispensing aperture 23 (see FIG. 11) and is configured to snag one of the perforations of the passing web. In the case of the spinner 26, the horn 51" is placed in the throat of the dispensing aperture 23 (FIG. 12). As an exposed sheet 52 is pulled down over the horn 51, the apex of horn 51 is insinuated into the extruded conformation of the exposed sheet 52 and penetrates one of the perforation slits to nucleate a tear. The apex may be smoothly chamfered to avoid undue abrasion of the exposed sheet 52.

If the next sheet 53 is prematurely exposed, it would act like a wick to evacuate moisture from the interior of the cylindrical dispenser 10. A means for covering 60 is therefore provided to cover the dispensing aperture 23 and seal the containerized environment of the moisturized sheets 4. In the preferred embodiment, best shown in FIG's 3 and 1 1 , the means of covering 60 is an integrated membrane 61 covering the dispensing aperture 23. The integrated membrane 61 has one or more slotted openings 62 through which the moisturized sheets 4 may be drawn out, and by which a stub end of the next sheet 53 may be held in a ready position. In the alternative embodiment, best shown in FIG's 4 and 12, the means for covering 60" is a snap-fit cap 63. The snap-fit cap 63 may be attached to spinner 26 for both convenience and loss-prevention purposes.

As shown in FIG's 9 and 10, a refill unit 40 may be a precursor embodiment for the barrier container 14. The refill unit 40 provides a shelf-stable means for supplying replacement moisturized sheets 4 through the commercial distribution chain. The refill unit 40 is comprised of the barrier container 14 with a foil membrane 41 bonded to the open end 16 by heat sealing, or other means common in the art. The foil membrane 41 provides a hermetic seal to the refill unit 40 and completes, together with the closed end 15 and the barrier properties of the materials, a moisture-vapor- proof protective envelope surrounding the moisturized sheets 4. Because the foil membrane 41 is frangible, a protective cap 42 is added to the refill unit 40 to prevent inadvertent puncture during handling. The protective cap 42 may ultimately be discarded. While the cylindrical dispenser 10 may be comprised of a single barrier container 14, as shown in FIG's 4 and 12, the preferred embodiment is a composite of at least two barrier containers 14, as shown in FIG's 2, 3, 5 and 11. The typical length of the 1 1.0 inch paper roll 2 is outsized when compared to the 5.25 inch length of the typical roll of moisturized sheets 4. In the case of the single container, the web of moisturized sheets may be rope-twisted and coiled to make up the span in length. In the preferred embodiment, however, a container length more nearly approximating the web width is contemplated. In such a case, the moisturized sheets 4 may be supplied in center-fed roll form to maximize the density, and, consequently, the yield in sheets.

As shown in FIG. 10, the refill unit 40 supporting the composite form of cylindrical dispenser 10 is comprised of two foil-membrane-lidded barrier containers 14 joined by a connector sleeve 43. The connector sleeve 43 is, essentially, a double-headed protective cap. The connector sleeve 43, therefore, performs the dual-use purpose of capping the lidded ends of two barrier container 14 while also connecting the containers to form cylindrical dispenser 10. When connected as cylindrical dispenser 10, as shown in FIG's 8 and 11, one or more of the foil membranes 41 may be removed and the closed end 15 switched to insert into the connector sleeve 43. In this manner, moisturized sheets 4 may be dispensed from both ends of the paper towel dispenser 1, or one refill at a time may be opened for sequenced use.

All of the constituent components of the paper towel dispenser 1, except for the moisturized sheets 4 and the foil membrane 41, are preferably injection molded. The thermoplastic resins of choice will have the properties of toughness, stiffness and low moisture permeability. The molded parts may be translucent, transparent or opaque. The wall thicknesses of the container should be sufficient to prevent critical moisture loss over the period of the preferred shelf life. The preferred resins are commodity- grade polyethylene, polypropylene, high-impact polystyrene, or polyolefm. The foil membrane 41 is preferably induction-sealed to the open end 16. The snap-fit cap 61 may be molded together with the end cap 21 in a living hinge construction.

The assembly of the paper towel dispenser 1, in a successive use scenario, involves removal of the protective cap 43 from the refill unit 40, or the removal of the connector sleeve 43, as the case may be; removal of the foil membrane 41; and placement of the end caps 21 over each end of the cylindrical dispenser 10. In placing end cap 21 over the open end 16, however, the leading end of the moisturized sheets 4 must be threaded through the dispensing aperture 23. The cylindrical dispenser 10 is next treaded through the core 3 of a paper towel roll 2 and then mounted to the paper towel bracket 30 by flexing the flexible members 32 to bypass the bosses 22 for seating in the recesses 33. In the foregoing recitation, all primed reference characters can be considered to be interchangeable with the unprimed for relationship purposes.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, cylindrical dispenser 10 may be comprised of an extruded tube with the foil membranes 42 forming closed end 15. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.