TITLE OF THE INVENTION

MEN'S PERSONAL HYGIENE NAPKIN DISPENSER AND WASTE RECEPTACLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to a men's personal hygiene product. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a men's personal hygiene wet and dry napkin dispenser and waste receptacle for mounting adjacent to a urinal.

[0002] Dispensers for paper towels or wipes used in restrooms of offices, public areas, and households are well known. These often are located near restroom sinks for use after hand washing and often contain only dry paper towels.

[0003] Following urination, men typically shake or tap their penises in order to eliminate the last vestiges of urine. This can cause embarrassing spotting or staining in the event that urine is inadvertently splashed onto one's clothing or person, and unsanitary conditions by splashing in the general area. Moreover, individuals with urinary complications, such as an enlarged prostate gland, may experience a residual urinary stream which, again, can cause embarrassing spotting or staining.

[0004] Convention has not been to teach men to wipe their penises following urination. In addition, given the configuration of most men's restrooms, there is generally no tissue or wiper dispenser or waste receptacle that is convenient to the urinals. Typically, urinals are installed next to one another with a partition wall between them.

[0005] At times, however, there is a need for wet wipes, as well as dry wipes, nearer to the facilities that a person uses in the restroom, such as men's room urinals. Accordingly, there is a need for a mountable personal hygiene wipe dispenser that houses both wet and dry wipes in a convenient manner and provides a waste receptacle for the used wipes, while being easily mountable near restroom stalls and urinals.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A personal hygiene wipe dispenser and waste receptacle device includes a housing having an integrated first and second compartments. In one embodiment, the first and second compartments are upper and lower compartments in which the upper compartment has at least one cartridge having wet wipes and dry wipes. Preferably, two, separate cartridges are used, one for wet wipes and one for dry wipes. In an alternate embodiment, the compartments are side-by-side.

[0007] The upper compartment also has a first aperture on a first surface through which dry wipes are dispensed and a second aperture on a second surface through which wet wipes are dispensed. The cartridges are replaceable through an upper access door on the upper compartment. The lower compartment has a waste receptacle and at least one lower access door. The wipes can be flushable and/or biodegradable.

[0008] The first aperture is on a lower surface and the second aperture is on an upper surface so that the wipes are dispensed from the top and bottom of the upper compartment.

[0009] The waste receptacle can be a plastic bag, a trash bin or the like.

An adhesive is disposed on a rear surface of the housing for mounting the dispenser to a surface.

[0011] The dispenser upper compartment can be configured with rails transversely mounted therein that cooperate with recesses formed in the cartridges such that the cartridges are positioned in the upper compartment with the rails received in the recesses to secure the cartridges in the compartment.

[0012] In an alternate embodiment, the dispenser has a mounting plate having mount elements. The upper compartment has engaging elements for engaging some of the mount elements to secure the upper compartment to the mounting plate and the lower compartment, which has a door on an upper surface, likewise, has engaging elements for engaging some of the mount elements to secure the lower compartment to the mounting plate.

[0013] A locking bar is disposed on the mounting plate, between the upper and lower compartments, and is configured to lock the upper and lower compartments to the mounting plate.

[0014] The compartments are removed from the mounting plate by disengaging the compartment from the locking bar and disengaging the compartment engaging elements from their cooperating mounting plate mounting elements. In this manner, the upper compartment is removed to place wipes in the compartment, and the lower compartment can be is removed to access and empty or replace the waste receptacle in the lower compartment.

[0015] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present dispenser shown mounted on a bathroom wall adjacent to a urinal

[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present dispenser;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present dispenser shown in a partial exploded view;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the dispenser illustrating the upper compartment side door;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a rail and recess mounting for the wipe cartridges within the upper compartment;

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a side loading arrangement for the cartridges in the upper compartment;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a side view of a bottom compartment unloading door that swings downward;

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a mechanical hook mounting arrangement for the dispenser and a wall mount plate;

[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the dispenser in which the wipe compartments are mounted in a horizontal manner relative to the waste container;

[0026] FIGS. 10-13B are perspective, sectional and exploded views of another alternate embodiment of the dispenser; and

[0027] FIGS.14-17B are perspective, sectional and exploded views of still another alternate embodiment of the dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.

[0029] It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, "Detailed Description Of The Invention", relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0030] Referring now to the figures, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a personal hygiene napkin dispenser and waste receptacle device 10 mounted adjacent to a urinal U in a men's restroom. The device 10 is an integrated, combination two-type napkin/wipe dispenser 12 and waste receptacle 14. The napkins or wipes, hereafter referred to as "wipes," are wet wipes 16 and dry wipes 18, and can be tissues, napkins, towelettes, or other type of conventional wipe and may be disposable, biodegradable, non-biodegradable, flushable, or non-flushable. Both the wet wipes 16 and dry wipes 18 are individually and separately dispensed from the device 10. The wet wipes 16 may contain an antibacterial, antiseptic, or cleaning solution to help minimize the spread of germs, including bacteria and viruses.

[0031] The device 10 is formed so as to mount to a surface 20. The device 10 has a housing 11 with an integrated upper compartment 22 and a lower compartment 32. The upper compartment 22 houses the two-type napkin dispenser 12 in

which both the wet and the dry wipes 16, 18, respectively, are stored and dispensed. The dispenser 12 may be either a single cartridge housing both the wet and dry wipes 16, 18 or may be individual cartridges 24, 26 as shown in FIG. 3. The dry wipes 18 are dispensed from a lower cartridge 24 of the napkin dispenser 12 and the wet wipes 16 from an upper cartridge 26 of the napkin dispenser 12. It will be appreciated that the cartridges can be combined to form a single cartridge that includes both the wet and dry wipes partitioned from one another by an internal partition wall. Alternately still, although not preferred, the dry wipes can be dispensed from the upper cartridge and the wet wipes from the lower cartridge. The cartridges can be formed with channels 25 that are fitted onto rails 27 or the like, in the upper compartment 22 to hold the cartridges 24, 26 in place.

[0032] The upper compartment 22 has a lockable access door 28 by which the cartridges 24, 26 of the wipes 16, 18 can be replaced. The upper compartment 22 also has apertures 42, 44 through which the wet and dry wipes 16, 18 are accessed. The access door 28 can be located on the side of the housing 11 (see FIG. 4) so that the wipe cartridges 16, 18 are slidable into and out of the upper compartment 22. Alternately, the door 28 can be located on the top of the compartment 22 (see FIG. 3). Alternately still, as seen in FIG. 6, the upper compartment 22 can be configured to swing away (on hinges 23) to open the entire compartment 22 to replace the cartridges 24, 26.

[0033] The lower compartment 32 includes a waste receptacle 34 that, once full, is emptied and replaced. The lower compartment 32 has at least one opening 36 for discarding the wet and dry wipes 16, 18 into the waste receptacle 14, and may have at least one door 38 through which the waste receptacle 14 may be removed. The waste receptacle 14 may be a plastic liner or conventional trash bag, basket, bin, can, or other type of receptacle for the wipes 16, 18. Preferably, the waste receptacle door 38 is also lockable. The door 38 can also be configured to swing down (as seen in FIG. 7) to empty the receptacle 14. The door can be configured to slide to the side, or downward to empty as well the receptacle as well.

[0034] The device 10 is provided with an adhesive, such as a commercial grade two-sided tape 45, glue band, two-part mechanical hook and loop fastening systems (e.g., VELCRO®) or the like on the rear surface of the housing 11 to adhere quickly and

easily to walls such that no hardware or permanent installation is required. The device 10 is also easily removed and replaced if needed. However, it is also contemplated that the device 10 may be mounted on a surface 20 such a bathroom wall or bathroom stall using cement or other type of bonding agent or other conventional means such as mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts) or the like, if for example, a more permanent mounting is desired. Alternately still, as seen in FIG. 8, the dispenser 10 can be mounted to a plate 47 having slotted openings 49 and the dispenser can include hooks 51 that insert into the openings 49 to secure the dispenser 10 in place on the wall. It is anticipated that multiple dispensers 10 will be mounted in each restroom with one mounted next to each urinal.

[0035] An alternate embodiment of the dispenser 110 is illustrated in FIG.

9 in which the waster receptacle 114 compartment 132 is mounted side-by-side with the cartridge 124, 126 compartment 122. In this embodiment, the wipe compartment 122 is mounted horizontally adjacent to the waste receptacle compartment 132. This configuration can be used where horizontal space is a premium. As seen, the cartridge compartment door 128 can be on the side of the dispenser 110 and the waste receptacle door 138 can be on the side (not shown) or on the bottom of the dispenser 110. All such arrangements are within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0036] It is anticipated that the dry wipes 18 will be used to dry the penis or other private areas, the wipe disposed of, and the wet wipe 16 used to wipe one's hand, and then also disposed. Of course, the wet wipe 16 may be also used to cleanse the genital or private area, followed by the use of the dry wipe 18. In addition, a wipe may be used to wipe the urinal to use or to protect one's hands from contamination when flushing. It is also anticipated that advertising A or other signage may be placed on the housing 11 of the device 10.

[0037] Still another embodiment of the device 210 is illustrated in FIGS .

10-13B. This embodiment of the device includes a mounting plate 247 that also serves as a carriage for the dispenser compartments. Upper and lower compartments 222, 232 are mounted to the mounting plate 247 by a series of tabs 251 on opposite sides of each compartment 222, 232 that engage runners or rails 253 in the mounting plate 247. In this manner, the upper compartment 222 is removed from the plate 247 by sliding the compartment 222 up to disengage the tabs 251 from the runners 253 and likewise, the

lower compartment 232 is removed by sliding the compartment 232 downward to disengage the tabs 251 from the runners 253 on the plate 247.

[0038] A central locking bar 256 on the mounting plate 247 includes latches 258 into which the upper and lower compartments 222, 232 lock to secure the compartments 222, 232 to the plate 247. The latches 258 can be resilient so as to snap into place to lock into the compartments 222, 232 or spring biased (not shown) to lock into place. In the illustrated embodiment 210, the locking bar 256 is formed integral with the plate 247 and is formed from a resilient (plastic) material to facilitate the snap-lock configuration. Recesses 260 in the compartment 222, 232 walls provide a location into which the latches 258 lock into place.

[0039] The upper compartment 222 is formed with openings 242, 244 in the upper and lower surfaces 243, 245 to access and dispense the wet and dry 16, 18 wipes. The wipes 16, 18 are stored in one or more cartridges 24, 26 that are located in the compartment 222. The cartridges 24, 26 can be formed in any of a number of ways. In a present dispenser, the wet wipes 16 (in their cartridge 24) are in the upper portion 261 of the upper compartment 222 and the dry wipes 18 (in their cartridge 26) are in the lower portion 263 of the upper compartment 222. The cartridges 24, 26 can be formed from a paper-base material, such as cardboard that, in the case of the wet wipes may be lined, a plastic material or the like, and can be of a single piece or two-piece, refillable or disposable construction. It will also be appreciated that a single cartridge having both wet and dry wipes can be used. It will be further appreciated that the wet wipes 16 can be located in the lower (downwardly oriented) cartridge and the dry wipes in the upper cartridge.

[0040] The upper compartment upper and lower surfaces 243, 245 are sloped, toward the front of the dispenser 210, to facilitate seeing and dispensing the wipes 16, 18. The sloped lower surface 245 also facilitates seeing of and access to the lower (disposal) compartment 232 waste receptacle door 238. Accordingly, the waste receptacle 214 is positioned in the lower compartment 232 and is accessed (for disposing wipes) through the hinged door 238. The door 238 is biased to the closed position so that it remains closed for hygienic and aesthetic purposes. The receptacle 214 can be a reusable container, e.g., a plastic container, it can be lined or it can be a disposable, e.g.,

cardboard, container. The receptacle 214 is accessed for emptying or disposal by sliding the compartment 232 down to disengage the tabs 251 from the rails 253 and removing the receptacle 232 from the plate 247. As illustrated, the corner of the upper and lower and front and side surfaces can be formed with rounded or rolled corners as indicated at 271.

[0041] In a present embodiment 210, the upper and lower compartment front and side surfaces are formed with a recess 260, 262 into which upper and lower bands 265, 267 fit. The bands 265, 267 can be used to provide advertising or other promotional materials. The bands 265, 267 can be formed from a transparent material and the advertising material positioned between the inside of the band 265, 267 and the compartment 222, 232 wall to permit the material to be viewed, but also readily changed or updated. Alternately, the advertising or promotional material can be provided directly on the band 265, 267.

[0042] Another alternate embodiment 310 is illustrated in FIGS . 14- 17B .

In this embodiment, again, the upper and lower compartments 322, 332 are mounted to a mounting plate 347 by tabs 351 on opposite sides of each compartment 322, 332 that engage rails 353 in the mounting plate 347. The upper compartment 322 is removed from the plate 347 by sliding the compartment 322 up and the lower compartment 332 is removed by sliding the compartment 332 downward to disengage the tabs 351 from the rails 353.

[0043] The central locking bar 356 includes latches 358 into which the upper and lower compartments 322, 332 lock. The latches 358 can be resilient to snap- lock into the compartments 322, 332 or spring biased (not shown) to lock into place. In the illustrated embodiment, the latches 358 are mounted to a latch plate 359 that is disposed in the locking bar 356. The latches 358 are positioned in an opening 361 in the locking bar 356 and secured between the locking bar 356 and the latch plate 359.

[0044] In this embodiment the wet and dry wipes 16, 18 are positioned side-by-side, rather than above and below one another. As such, the upper compartment 322 is formed with two openings 342, 344 in the upper 343 surface to access the wipes. The wipes 16, 18 are stored in one or more cartridges 24, 26 that are located in the compartment 322.

[0045] The upper compartment upper and lower surfaces 343, 345 are again sloped (much like the embodiment of FIGS. 10- 13B), toward the front of the dispenser 310, to facilitate seeing and dispensing the wipes 16, 18 and the sloped lower surface 345 facilitates seeing of and access to the lower compartment waste receptacle door 338. The lower compartment 332 has a spring 369 biased closed hinged door 338 to access the receptacle 314 for disposing of used wipes. The receptacle 314 is accessed for emptying or disposal by sliding the compartment 332 down from the plate 347 disengaging the tabs 351 from the rails 353.

[0046] The compartment front and side surfaces can again be formed with inter-fitting, e.g., recessed, bands 365, 367 to provide an area for advertising or other promotional materials. As illustrated, the corners of the upper and lower and front and side surfaces can be formed with rounded or rolled corners, as indicated at 371. It is anticipated that the dispensers 210, 310 will be formed as molded (polymeric) products.

[0047] The benefits of the present device 10, 110, 210, 310 are numerous.

Having the present personal hygiene device 10, 110, 210, 310 mounted within easy reach of the user allows the user to remove excess fluid after urination, thereby preventing unsanitary conditions, mess, odor, or staining on clothing that might otherwise occur, and to quickly wipe or sanitize their hands quickly thereafter. The device 10, 110, 210, 310 helps increase personal cleanliness and hygiene and may help prevent the spread of disease. Of course, it will be appreciated that the wipes can be used to clean any area, and the use of the wipes (in lieu of shaking and/or tapping) will eliminate the need to shake or tap and thus reduce the opportunity to spread urine in the general area.

[0048] All patents referred to herein, are incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure.

[0049] In the present disclosure, the words "a" or "an" are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.

[0050] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be

inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.