CZ20002234A3 - Dispenser and cartridge for dispensing paper products - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser (10) for dispensing paper products (12) comprises a housing (14) comprising a series of outer walls (16) defining an inner surface (30) and an inner space (28) for accommodating paper products (12), further comprising a first end wall (40) with a dispensing opening (32) for removing individual paper products (12) from the inner space (28), further comprising means for advancing the paper products (12) in the inner space (28) towards the dispensing opening (32) in a dispensing direction (44), wherein projections (50) extend into the inner space (28) for contact with the paper products (12) against the advancing means.

Description

Paper product dispenser and cassette

Technical field

The invention generally relates to the field of dispensing devices for products, wipes, etc.

and systems, equipment and such as

This invention particularly relates to systems for dispensing paper napkins, towels, cosmetic products

State of the art

Various types of paper product dispensers have been developed to ensure easy availability of paper products to users. Such dispensers are often arranged in public places such as restaurants or waiting rooms, where customers take the required amount of paper products from the dispenser for personal use. In some high-traffic places such as fast food restaurants, a large number of customers may use paper product dispensers, such as napkin dispensers, in short periods of time. Therefore, dispensers containing a large amount of paper products have been developed for use by a large number of customers.

Unfortunately, large dispensers have a number of disadvantages. First, it is difficult to evenly dispense individual paper products or a controlled number of paper products from large dispensers without dispensing more paper products than necessary for the customer. Thus, the customer takes too many paper products from the ·· · · ··· ··· ··· ··· ♦· ·· ··

-2a Some paper products go to waste. If too many paper products are removed from the dispenser, the benefits of a larger dispenser are reduced because the dispenser empties more quickly.

Second, many dispensers are difficult to fill, and this difficulty can increase with the size of the dispenser. If the paper products are not properly loaded into the dispenser, the paper products can become wrinkled when being removed, thereby preventing users from further removing the paper products. Also, a person refilling a large container is more likely to drop some paper products on the floor due to the large amount of paper products involved. Any dropped paper products are then unsanitary and must be discarded, creating more waste, again reducing the benefits of a larger dispenser.

Another disadvantage of many commercially available dispensers, regardless of size, is that without opening the dispenser, it is not possible to determine how many paper products are left in the dispenser. So, a person must either periodically check the dispenser to determine how many paper products are left, or must be alert to refill the dispenser when it is empty. Both alternatives involve a great deal of personal attention, and especially during peak usage, can cause the dispensers to run empty if not closely monitored.

The essence of the invention

The basic objective of the invention is to create an improved container and cartridge for dispensing paper products, where • · • ·

-3-Tray and cartridge can be used in a variety of ways.

easily adapted for the purpose of the invention, namely,

At 1 ) J 1 creature saxon bmj

a cartridge for dispensing paper products, where the container and cartridge are easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to use.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser and cartridge for dispensing paper products, wherein the dispenser and cartridge provide for metered delivery of individual paper products or a controlled amount of paper products.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a dispenser and cartridge for dispensing paper products, wherein the dispenser and cartridge reduce the occurrence of paper product waste caused by either the user dispensing too much paper product or by the paper product being scattered during refilling of the dispenser.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a dispenser and cartridge for dispensing paper products, wherein the dispenser and cartridge provide for determining the remaining amount of paper products that are ready to be dispensed to a user.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a container and cartridge for dispensing paper products, wherein the container and cartridge reduce the occurrence of creasing of the paper products and the resulting inability to dispense further paper products.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a container and cartridge for dispensing paper products, wherein the container

« ·

111

e · · · ··· · • · · · ·· ··

-4a cassette supports the weight of the paper products, so that individual paper products are easily removed.

To achieve these objectives and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and as broadly described herein, there is provided a dispenser for dispensing individual paper products, the dispenser comprising a housing including a plurality of outer walls defining an inner surface and an inner space within the inner surface for storing a plurality of paper products. A first end wall defines a dispensing opening for allowing paper products to be removed from the inner space. Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing opening may be located in the outer wall. The paper products in the inner space are moved by a moving means toward the dispensing opening in the dispensing direction. The first, second and third outer walls intersect the first end wall on opposite sides of the first outer wall and form a portion of the inner surface.

From a portion of the inner surface on the second and third outer walls, protrusions extend into the inner space for contacting the paper products, for acting against the displacement means. The protrusions on the second wall are arranged alternately opposite the protrusions on the third wall, in the dispensing direction.

The displacement means may include a spring-loaded spring plate disposed within the interior of the housing for displacing the paper products in a dispensing direction, wherein the dispensing direction may be substantially horizontal. The displacement means may alternatively include a housing attachment portion for attaching the housing to a substantially non-horizontal surface, wherein the paper products are displaced in the dispensing direction φφφ φ ·· « • · · · · · · · φφφ· · • φ · φ ··· · ·

-5gravity, whereby the dispensing direction may be substantially vertical.

These projections preferably comprise curved buffers, and these buffers more preferably comprise ridges extending across the curved buffers perpendicular to the dispensing direction.

The housing preferably further comprises a stepped region at the dispensing opening for separating and slowing down the paper products, the stepped region comprising rib members extending parallel to the dispensing direction for contacting and aligning the paper products and for counteracting the pushing means. In such embodiments of the invention, such as where the dispensing opening is located in an outer wall, the stepped region may comprise at least one rib member extending parallel to the dispensing direction and a series of teeth extending from the rib member for contacting the paper products and for counteracting the pushing means.

One of the outer walls may include a door hingedly attached to the cabinet, which door may be opened to insert a plurality of paper products into the interior space.

A cassette may optionally be provided for insertion into the interior of the cabinet for storing a plurality of paper products, the cassette particularly comprising removable parts, wherein removal of the removable parts creates openings in the cassette. At least one of the openings in the cassette is preferably positioned closely adjacent at least one projection such that the projection passes through the opening for contact with the series • 0

0 ·

0

0···

0 0

-6 paper products. Rib members are preferably formed in the interior of the housing at the dispensing opening, with at least a portion of the openings in the cassette being positioned closely adjacent the rib members such that the rib members extend through the openings to contact, align and/or support a plurality of paper products. In some embodiments of the invention, such as embodiments having a dispensing opening positioned on an outer wall, at least one rib member is formed in the interior of the housing at the dispensing opening, with the rib members including teeth extending from the rib member, and at least one opening in the cassette being positioned closely adjacent at least one rib member such that the teeth extend through the openings to contact a plurality of paper products.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser for dispensing individual paper products, the dispenser comprising a housing including a plurality of outer walls defining an inner surface and an interior space within the interior surface for accommodating a plurality of paper products. A first end wall defines a dispensing opening for permitting removal of paper products from the interior space.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the dispensing opening may be located in the outer wall. The paper products in the interior are moved by the moving means towards the dispensing opening in the dispensing direction. At least one projection extends from the inner surface into the interior of the housing. A cassette is provided for insertion into the interior of the housing for storing a plurality of paper products, the cassette particularly comprising at least one removable part, wherein removal of the removable part creates an opening in the cassette. The opening in the cassette is located adjacent the projection,

• 4 44 ·*

-7so that the projection passes through this opening for contact with a plurality of paper products, for acting against the sliding means when the cassette is placed in the interior of the housing.

The cassette preferably comprises a second removable part, wherein removal of the second removable part creates a second opening in the cassette, wherein the displacement means comprises a spring-loaded plate disposed within the interior of the housing and extending through the second opening for displacing the paper products in a dispensing direction, wherein the dispensing direction may be substantially horizontal. The displacement means alternatively comprises a housing attachment portion for attaching the housing to a substantially non-horizontal surface, wherein the paper products are displacing in the dispensing direction by gravity. wherein the dispensing direction may preferably be substantially vertical.

The first, second and third outer walls intersect the first end wall on opposite sides of the first outer wall, with at least one projection comprising a series of projections extending from the second and third outer walls into the interior space, said projections comprising curved buffers, and said buffers comprising, in a preferred embodiment, a series of ridges extending across said curved buffers perpendicular to the dispensing direction.

There is preferably provided a stepped region at the dispensing opening for separating and slowing down the paper products, the stepped region comprising rib members extending parallel to the dispensing direction for contacting the paper products and for aligning them, and/or supporting and counteracting the displacement means. In some embodiments of the invention, such as ... ♦ ...

-8for example, where the dispensing opening is located in the outer wall, at least one rib member is formed in the interior of the housing at the dispensing opening, the rib members including teeth extending from the rib member, at least one of the openings in the cassette being arranged closely adjacent to at least one of the rib members such that the teeth pass through the openings for contact with a plurality of paper products.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a dispenser for dispensing individual paper products is provided, the dispenser comprising a housing including a plurality of outer walls defining an inner surface and an inner space within the inner surface for receiving a plurality of paper products. A first end wall defines a dispensing opening for allowing paper products to be removed from the inner space.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the dispensing opening may be located in the outer wall. The paper products in the inner space are moved by the moving means towards the dispensing opening in the dispensing direction. The first, second and third outer walls intersect the first end wall on the opposite side of the first outer wall. A first set of projections extends from the second and third outer walls into the inner space. The fourth outer wall may include a door hingedly attached to the housing, the door being openable for inserting a plurality of paper products into the inner space. A second set of projections extends from the first and fourth walls into the inner space and is suitably in contact or connected with the first end wall. The first and second sets are in contact with the paper products for alignment and

-9supporting paper products and/or for counteracting the moving means.

44 • 44 ·· ·· ·· • 4 4 4 · ·· · • · · · · · · · • · · 4 444 4 4 · · ·

4· 4 4 4 4 4 » 44 44 ·· ··

It is preferred that the first group of projections comprises curved buffers, which in particular comprise a series of ridges extending across the curved buffers perpendicular to the dispensing direction. It is preferred that the second group of projections comprises rib members disposed in a stepped region at the dispensing opening for separating, aligning, supporting and/or slowing down the paper products. In such embodiments of the invention, such as where the dispensing opening is disposed in an outer wall, the stepped region may comprise at least one rib member extending parallel to the dispensing direction and a series of teeth extending from the rib member for contacting the paper products and for opposing the displacement means.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cassette for storing and dispensing a plurality of paper products. The cassette is insertable into an interior space of a container with a housing, the interior space being arranged within an interior surface defined by a plurality of exterior walls, at least one projection extending from the interior surface into the interior space. In some embodiments, the projections may be rib members within the housing at the dispensing opening. The cassette includes a cassette body provided with cassette walls and includes removable parts defined in the cassette body, wherein removal of at least a portion of the removable parts creates openings in at least one wall of the cassette, wherein the removable parts are positioned on the cassette body such that when the cassette is positioned within the interior space of the housing, the projections (some or all of which may have ...

-10-shaped rib members) pass through at least a portion of the openings for contact with a variety of paper products.

The walls of the cassette may comprise two opposing walls and the cassette is provided with at least two removable parts, each removable part being located on one of the opposing walls of the cassette. Suitably, the walls of the cassette comprise four side walls of the cassette and at least four removable parts, each removable part being located on one of the side walls of the cassette.

The cassette may include at least one slot in one of the cassette walls, wherein the slot is visible from the exterior of the housing when the cassette is positioned within the interior of the housing, whereby the slot allows the quantity of paper products stored in the cassette to be determined by visual inspection of said quantity of paper products.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a container is provided for dispensing individual paper products from a cassette containing a plurality of paper products, the container comprising a housing provided with a series of outer walls defining an interior space for storing a plurality of paper products. A first end wall is disposed at one end of the container. The paper products in the interior space are moved by a moving means towards the first end wall in the dispensing direction. The first, second and third outer walls intersect the first end wall on opposite sides of the first outer wall. The arrangement of the outer walls and the end wall defines an open front of the container. It is convenient if the first end wall or the opposite outer walls provide cassette holding means in the form of one or more small blocks, clamps, *· » · ♦· ·· ·· ·· ··*· · ϊ ϊ ί • · · · · · · * , »··«·· · · » « · · · · · · .· .· ·· »·

-11stops, wires, brackets, supports, pins, rods, clamps or the like. A finger slot may be cut into the first end wall.

In some embodiments, the first set of projections may extend from the second and third outer walls into the interior space. It is contemplated that the container may include a fourth outer wall. The fourth outer wall may form a partial wall or partial door hingedly attached to the housing, the door being openable for inserting a plurality of paper products into the interior space. If a fourth wall is used, it may terminate outside the first end wall and may thus prevent intersection with the first end wall, thereby serving as a means of retaining the cartridge while still defining an open front of the container.

The fourth wall may alternatively intersect or be in contact with the first end wall to define a dispensing opening.

If the fourth wall is arranged to intersect or contact the first end wall to define a dispensing opening, the dispensing opening suitably defines a horizontal dimension that is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the width of the paper products in the container (or cassette) and a vertical dimension that is large enough to allow a limited number of paper products to pass through. For example, if the paper products are folded paper napkins, the vertical dimension of the dispensing opening may be sized to allow a limited number of folded paper napkins to be withdrawn. This could be achieved by having the vertical dimension be a multiple of the thickness of an individual folded paper napkin (e.g., greater than about two and less than about ten thicknesses).

··· φ • φ φ • φφφ φ φ φ φ « • ΦΦ φφφ φ* φ φ φ φ « φ φ · φ · φφφ • φ φ φφ φφ φφ φφ • φ φ φ • φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ β φ φ • Φ φφ

-12 In some embodiments, a second set of protrusions may extend from the first wall into the interior space and may be suitably in contact with or in communication with the first end wall. When used, the first and second sets of protrusions are in contact with the paper products, for aligning and supporting the paper products and/or for counteracting the displacement means.

It is preferred that the first group of projections comprises curved buffers, which in particular comprise ridges extending across the curved buffers, perpendicular to the dispensing direction. It is preferred that the second group of projections comprises ribs positioned in a stepped area at the dispensing opening, for separating, aligning, supporting and/or slowing down the paper products.

A cassette for storing and dispensing a plurality of paper products may be inserted into an interior space of the above-described container, the interior space being arranged within an interior surface defined by a plurality of exterior walls, with at least one projection extending from the interior surface into the interior space. In some embodiments, at least one projection extends from the interior surface of the container into the interior space. The projection or projections may be formed by curved bumpers or rib members within the housing at the first end wall.

Generally speaking, a cartridge includes a cartridge body provided with cartridge walls and may further include removable parts defined within the cartridge body, generally as described above for other cartridge embodiments.

• 9 • 9 • · · · · · 9

9 9 9 9 9 9 * • 9 9 999·9 99 4

9 9 9 9 9 4

9 99 · 9 99

Since some containers may have a dispensing hole,

-13 of the above-described embodiments have an open face, rather than the wall of the cassette located in the open face of the container may include a notch, slot, opening or channel that can serve as a control access to the paper products stored in the cassette. It is convenient that the slot is defined by the end wall and the bottom wall of the cassette. However, it is contemplated that other locations may be used.

The notch or slot is suitably sized such that its horizontal dimension is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the width of the paper products in the cassette, and its vertical dimension is large enough to allow a limited number of paper products to pass through. For example, if the paper products are folded paper napkins, the vertical dimension of the slot may be sized such that a limited number of folded paper napkins can be withdrawn. This could be achieved by having the vertical dimension be a multiple of the thickness of an individual folded paper napkin (e.g., greater than about two and less than about ten thicknesses).

The paper product could be accessible through a thumb slot and/or a finger slot. It is convenient if the thumb and finger slots are located on the front and bottom faces of the cartridge.

The cassette may include at least one slot in one of the cassette walls, wherein the slot is visible from the exterior of the housing when the cassette is positioned within the interior of the housing, whereby the slot allows the quantity of paper products stored in the cassette to be determined by visual inspection of said quantity of paper products.

φφφφ φ φ · · · φ ·· • Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ 9 · ·

ΦΦΦ Φ · · · · · · ·

ΦΦΦ Φ · · · · · · · φ

Φ ΦΦ ΦΦΦ·

ΦΦΦ Φ φ ** * ΦΦ · ·

- 14Other objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Overview of images in drawings

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing (not to scale), in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, in which Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container according to the invention.

Examples of embodiments of the invention

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, in which one or more exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings (not to scale). Each example is provided for the purpose of explaining the invention, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. For example, features shown and described as part of an embodiment or figure may be used in another embodiment or figure to the benefit of yet another embodiment. It is intended that the invention includes such embodiments and such variations.

As broadly expressed in Figs. 1 to 5, there is shown a first embodiment of a dispenser 10 for dispensing paper products 12. The dispenser 10 comprises a housing 14 in which paper products 12 are stored and from which the paper products 12 are dispensed. Paper products • · 0 · 0 0 0 · * ®* ⁴ • 0 0 0 0 · * 0 ··· 0 0 0 0 φ · · • β « · 0 · 0 0 0 0 0

0« « 0 0 0

000 00 00 0« «

-15products can be paper napkins, paper towels, cosmetic tissues, or any similar material.

18, second wall 20, end wall 40,

The cabinet 14 includes a series of exterior walls 16 for housing paper products 12. The cabinet 14 includes a first end wall 40 and a second end wall 42 that is opposite the first end wall 40. The first end wall 40 includes a dispensing opening 32 through which a user individually removes paper products 12, as will be described below. Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing opening 32 may be located on one or more of the outer walls 16. The outer walls 16 include a first wall and a third wall 22 that intersect with the second wall 20 and the third wall 22 being on opposite sides of the first wall 18. A fourth wall 24 extends between the second wall 20 and the third wall 22. The outer walls 16 (i.e., the first wall 18, the second wall 20, the third wall 22, and the fourth wall 24) collectively define an interior surface 30 of the housing 14 within which the interior space 28 is located. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer walls 16, the end walls 40 and 42, if desired, may be made of two planar parts. Such a construction will strengthen the housing 14, and is suitable in locations where the housing may be damaged by vandals. The outer portions of the walls 16 help resist any breakage or puncture of the cabinet 14 to prevent it from being destroyed or the cabinet from being removed from its mounting or the paper products from being removed from the cabinet.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fourth wall 24 includes a door 34 that may be hingedly attached to the third wall 22 (or the second wall 20). The door 34 may form the fourth wall 24 or only a portion thereof. The door 34 is openable for inserting paper products 12 into the interior space 28 of the cabinet 14 when • * · · · » «9 9 9·· • •••9 · · 4 • 9 9 9

99

-16the supply of paper products 12 is depleted. The door 34 includes a latch means 36 comprising a series of overlapping serrated projections 38 on the door 34 and on the second wall 20 which hold the door 34 closed. The serrated projections 38 on the door 34 or on the second wall 20 are slidable, if required, to reopen the door 34 by turning a lock key (not shown). The lock may be located on the door 34, in which case the serrated projections 38 are slidable on the door 34, or it may be located on the main body of the cabinet 14, in which case the serrated projections 38 are slidable on the second wall 20. Leaf springs 22' may also be provided ^to assist in reopening the door 34 after unlocking. Any other type of latching means for reopening the door 34 may be used within the scope of the present invention.

It is contemplated that the fourth wall 24 may be rigid, and that the paper products 12 may be inserted into the interior space 28 of the cabinet 14 through the second end wall.

42. In such a case, the second end wall 42 may be mounted by means of latches, springs, etc. It is also contemplated that the second end wall 42 may be completely removed and this portion of the body left open.

According to the invention, the container is provided with means for moving the paper products 12 in the interior space 28 towards the dispensing opening 32 in the dispensing direction 44. Various alternatives for moving the paper products 12 towards the dispensing opening 32 in the dispensing direction 44 are possible within the scope of the present invention.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing 14 may be provided with a mounting portion 46 for mounting the housing 14 to a substantially non-horizontal surface.

-179 9 9 9 · · · · 9 9 ·· • 9 ♦ · · · ♦ # ♦ • · · · · 9 9 9 «9 ·

999 9 99999 99 9

99 9 9999

999 99 ·9 9* 99 surface, such as a vertical wall 48. As shown in FIG. 2, the attachment portion 46 may define holes through the first wall 18 of the housing 14 for receiving not shown attachment members, such as screws, bolts, staples, etc., for attaching the housing 14 to the wall 48. Alternatively, a mounting bracket could be formed on the outer surface of the first wall 18 to allow contact and support by another bracket, screws, bolts, staples, etc., extending from the wall 48. The housing 14 could be further attached to the wall by means of glue, epoxy, etc., or any other type of adhesive means. It is also possible to place the attachment portion 46 on any part of the housing 14, such as the second wall 20, the third wall 22, the first end wall 40 or the second end wall 42, and use a combination of attachment devices on any of the aforementioned parts of the housing 14. The housing 14 could further be positioned such that the first end wall 40 is lower than the second end wall 42, so that the first end wall 40 and possibly the first wall 18 are somehow supported, without attaching the housing 14 to any specific structures.

Thus, the means for advancing the paper products 12 toward the dispensing opening 32 in the dispensing direction 44 may be any structure or directional adjustment, or both, of the housing 14 and/or the wall 48 that allows the paper products 12 to be dispensed through the dispensing opening 32 and to be advanced in the dispensing direction 44 by gravity. A second type of advancing means for advancing the paper products 12 toward the dispensing opening 32 in the dispensing direction 44 will be described below with respect to the second embodiment 110 of the container 10.

« « ·· φφ φφ ·· φ · a φ 4 9 4 9 ···♦ φ··· • · ··· · · · · · • · · # · φ φ • a a a · · · a

-18According to the invention, at least one projection, generally designated by reference numeral 50, extends from the inner surface 30 on at least one outer wall 16 into the interior space 28 of the housing 14.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 2 , the second wall 20 and the third wall 22 include projections 50 extending into the interior space 28. The projections 50 particularly include curved buffers 52, which may include a series of ridges 54 extending across the curved buffers 52, perpendicular to the dispensing direction 44.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the buffers 52 extend into the interior space 28 to contact the paper products 12 and thereby counteract the means for advancing the paper products 12 in the dispensing direction 44. By extending into the interior space 28 to contact the paper products 12, the buffers limit the movement of the paper products 12 toward the dispensing opening 32, but do not prevent such movement. The ridges 54 allow a plurality of paper workpieces 12 to contact the individual buffers 52 and permit smoother movement of the paper products 12 through the housings 14. In an embodiment where the means for advancing the paper products 12 in the dispensing direction 44 includes a housing 14 assembly where such movement is caused by gravity, the projections 50 also support the paper products 12 against the force of gravity. The protrusions 50 therefore reduce the gravitational force of the lower portion of the paper products 12 on the dispensing opening 32/ and thereby facilitate the user's removal of individual paper products 12 from the dispensing opening 32.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred profile of one bumper 52. As shown, the outer curve is • · « 4 · 4 · * · * · • ··· · · · ♦ * · * »

4 4 4 · ··· · · ·· · • 4 · 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

4····· 44 44 4 4 4 4

-19 of the bumper 52 is defined by a radius r of about 28.5 mm (1.125 ) to 44.5 mm (1.750 ). The bumper has a chord length 1 of about 41 mm (1.625 ) to 47.5 mm (1.875 ). The two ridges 54 have a radius of about 3.2 mm (0.125 ) to 6.4 mm (0.250 ) and their centers are spaced about 6.4 mm (0.250 ) from the center of the bumper 52. While the above bumper shape is commonly preferred, other shapes may be used if desired.

It is convenient that the projections 50 on the second wall 20, according to the invention, are alternately arranged opposite the projections on the third wall 22, with respect to the dispensing direction 44. Such an alternating arrangement ensures smooth movement of the paper products 12 in the dispensing direction 44 and out of the dispensing opening 32. The paper products 12, which are alternately supported from one of the alternately arranged projections 50, are moved by the housing 14 in the dispensing direction 44 and out of the dispensing opening 32.

the sides on the other hand "pass down"

The staggered arrangement of the projections 50 in the dispensing direction 44 is important where the paper products 12 are moved in the dispensing direction 44 by gravity, due to the assembly or directional adjustment of the housing 14. For example, if the projections 50 were located opposite each other, on the second wall 20 and on the third wall 22, they could completely prevent the paper products 12 from moving in the dispensing direction 44 and the paper products 12 would lie on top of the pair of projections 50. The paper products 12 could also move unevenly as they pass past a pair of projections 50 that are not staggered, which could lead to an uneven arrangement of the paper products, and ultimately to wrinkling of the paper products 12 in the housing 14. Thus, the staggered arrangement of the projections 50 allows for proper passage • 9 • 9

9 9

9 9

9 9

4* « paper products 12 cabinets 14 in the dispensing direction

44, where first one side of the paper products and then the other side are moved more evenly towards the dispensing opening 32.

-20The cartridge 10 preferably includes a second set of projections 50 extending from the first wall 18 of the fourth wall 24 into the interior space 28 for contacting the paper products 12. The second set of projections 50 is particularly positioned in the stepped region 56, at the dispensing opening 32, to separate, slow, align, and support the paper products 12 as they move in the dispensing direction 44 through the dispensing opening 32. The second set of projections 50 preferably includes a plurality of rib members 58 extending parallel to the dispensing direction 44 on either side of the dispensing opening 32, as shown in FIG. 4A. The rib members 58 may have various dimensions to properly support and guide the paper products 12 into the dispensing opening 32, as shown in FIG. 4B. In particular, the tall rib member 59 is positioned adjacent the first wall 18 and the first end wall 40 and projects into the interior space 28 to a greater extent than the short rib member 60. The tall rib member 59 is shown in an exemplary inclined configuration and with an optional radius of curvature.

As can be seen in FIG. 4B, the upper surface 62 of the tall rib member 5_9, which is closest to the dispensing opening 32, may be offset from the first end wall 40. The short rib member 60 is adjacent to the fourth wall 24 and the first end wall 40. The short rib member 60 is shown in an exemplary angled configuration. As shown in FIG. 4B, the upper surface 64 of the short rib member 60 may be arranged so that it is not offset from the first end wall 40.

• flfl* 9* flfl fl «flflfl « * · · flflfl · flfl fl · flfl · flflfl fl ····· flfl fl • » · · flflflfl flflfl flfl ·· · » ··

-21 Generally speaking, the height of the tall rib member 59 may range from about 25.4 mm (1 ) to about 51 mm (2 ) at the point where it intersects the first wall, and the height or offset adjacent the dispensing opening 32 may range from about 2.54 mm (0.1 ) to about 12.7 mm (0.5 ). In one example, the tall rib member 59 may have a height of about 38 mm (1.5 ) at the point where it intersects the first wall 18, and the offset or height adjacent the dispensing opening 32 may be about 6.4 mm (0.25 ).

The height of the short rib member 60 may range from about 12.7 mm (0.5 in) to about 38 mm (1.5 in) at the point where it intersects the fourth wall 24, and the height or offset is in the range of about 0 mm (0 in) to about 6 mm (0.24 in) adjacent the dispensing opening 32. In one example, the short rib member 60 may have a height of about 19 mm (0.75 in) at the point where it intersects the fourth wall 24, and no offset or height adjacent the dispensing opening 32. However, it should be understood that the dimensions of these rib members may vary to accommodate a variety of factors, including the size of the paper product, the basis weight of the paper product, the composition/texture of the paper product, the folding pattern of the paper product, the stacking height of the paper product, the force exerted by the means for advancing the paper product to the the dispensing opening, the number and dimensions of the protrusions located on the second and third walls of the container, as well as the number of additional rib members located at the dispensing opening, this adaptation being not limited to the factors mentioned.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 4B, showing a portion of an exemplary tall rib member 59. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 4B, showing a portion of an exemplary tall rib member 59.

ΦΦΦ φ • φφ • φ φφ φφ φφ φφ ♦ φ ♦ · · ♦ » · φφφφ φφφφ • φ ΦΦΦΦΦ φφ φ φ φ φφφφ φφ φφ φ · φφ

-22planes 4-4 of Fig. 4B, showing a portion of an exemplary short rib member 60. The rib members may have varying widths and thicknesses, and the width of the rib member may vary in any dimension or dimensions. It is preferred that the portion of the rib member that contacts the paper product be relatively thin.

and smooth, to minimize friction. On Fig. 4E is in view shown from the inside reservoir for dosing paper products, through dispensers opening 32, where are they in view from above displayed exemplary rib members 58.

In an embodiment of the invention, for example, where the dispensing opening is located in the outer wall, the stepped region may be provided alternatively and/or additionally with at least one different type of rib member extending parallel to the dispensing direction 44 and provided with a plurality of teeth extending from the rib member for contact with the paper products and for action against the ejection means.

The housing 14 may be made of an injection molded plastic, such as polyethylene or nylon. However, any other suitable materials, such as other plastics or metals, may be used for any or all of the housing 14. The curved bumpers 52 and rib members 58 are preferably formed together with the housing 14, as an integral part thereof. However, the curved bumpers 52 and rib members 58 may be formed separately from the housing 14 and may be attached thereto at a later time. If desired, the curved bumpers 52 and rib members 58 may also be made of a different material than the housing 14. For example, the curved bumpers 52 and/or rib members 58 may be made of a more flexible material than the materials described above, such as elastomer or rubber.

♦ φ · • φ · φφφφ • φ φφ * 9 9 · • · Φ 4 · 4 ·

Φ Φ Φ · • Φ Φ ·

-23Although the curved bumpers 52 have been described as being located on the second and third walls 20 and 22, which are the side walls in FIGS. 1 and 2, where the cabinet 14 is secured to the wall 48, the curved bumpers 52 could be located on any pair of opposing walls of the cabinet 14. Also, the rib member or rib members 58 have been described as being located on the first and fourth walls 18 and 24, which are the rear and front walls in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rib member or rib members 58 could be located on any wall or any pair of opposing walls of the cabinet 14. The curved bumpers 52 are preferably located on one of such pairs of walls and the rib member or rib members 58 are located on one or both of the different pairs of said walls, located at 90° from the walls on which the curved bumpers 52 are located.

The dispensing opening 32 may have any shape within the scope of the present invention, as long as the dispensing opening 32 provides easy access for the user and metered delivery of individual paper products.

The paper products 12 are preferably folded or edge-folded to provide a metered delivery of one napkin at a time. However, the present invention does not require the use of folded paper products.

The cabinet may contain a plurality of paper product sections 12, as shown in FIG. 5, and may range from 762 mm (30 ) to 1220 mm (48 ), from one end to the other. The first wall 18 is preferably ·· · · φ ♦ · ·«·· ··· · · · · ··· • 9 9 9 9 499 ·4 · · *

4 9 4 9 9 9 9 4

999 944 49 94 99 49

-24 inclined at an angle of 0 to 5° from the vertical plane, to prevent paper products from falling out of the cabinet 14 during its replenishment.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, which includes a container 110 that is similar in most respects to the container 10. The container 110 includes a housing 114 that houses paper products 112 and that includes exterior walls 116. The paper products 112 are dispensed in a dispensing direction 144 through a dispensing opening 132. At least one protrusion 150 extends from the interior surface 130 into the interior space 128 for contact with the paper products 112.

The projections 150 include curved bumpers 152, including ridges 154, similar to those described above in connection with the first embodiment of the invention. The curved bumpers 152 are arranged alternately in the dispensing direction 144, as described above. A stepped region 156 is arranged adjacent the dispensing opening 132 at the first end wall 140 of the housing 114. The stepped region 156 includes additional curved bumpers 153 that are not alternately arranged in the dispensing direction 144. The curved bumpers 152 allow the paper products 112 to bend in the middle toward the dispensing opening 132 to facilitate the user's removal of individual paper products from the dispensing opening 132.

In this container 110, the means for moving the paper products 112 from the interior 128 to the dispensing opening 132 in the dispensing direction 144 is different from that of the container 10. As shown in FIG. 6, a spring plate 155 is disposed in the second end 142 of the housing 114, loaded with at least one spring 157. When the spring 157 is compressed by the spring plate 155, • ···· ·« *· 00 ·* • 0 0 0000 0000 0 000 0 00 0 00 «

0000 000 00 ·0 0 0 0 0 0000 000 000 00 00 00

-25, the spring 157 biases the spring plate 155 in the dispensing direction 144. Thus, when paper products 112 are placed in the magazine 110 and the spring plate 155 is pressed to the right (as shown in FIG. 6 ), thereby compressing the spring 157, then the spring plate 155 and the spring 157 bias the paper products 112 in the dispensing direction 144, toward the dispensing opening 132. The use of the spring plate 155 and the spring means allows the magazine 110 to be used in situations where the dispensing direction 144 is substantially horizontal. Thus, the magazine 110, which generates the bias by means of a spring, can be used in locations where the magazine 10, which generates the bias by means of gravity, could not be used. It should be understood that the buffers 153 of the container 110 could be replaced with rib members, similar to those of the container 10 shown in FIG. 1 and as indicated, for example, in FIG. 4A through FIG. 4E.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, a container 210 is provided for storing paper products 212 for dispensing to a user. As shown in FIGS. 7-9 , the container includes a housing 214 defined by outer walls including a first wall 218, a second wall 220, a third wall 222, and a fourth wall 224. The outer walls 216 define an inner surface 230 within which an interior space 228 is disposed. A dispensing opening 232 is formed in a first end wall 240, which is disposed opposite the second end wall 242. Paper products 212 are dispensed in a dispensing direction 244 through the dispensing opening 232. The housing 214 includes a series of projections 250 including curved bumpers 252 including ridges 254 and rib members 258 disposed in a stepped region 256.

• 9444 99 49 ·· 99

9 9 9 · · 9 9999 • 499 4444 *444

444· 444 9 9 99 9

9 44 4 4444

-26 However, the housing 214 need not have the door found in some other embodiments of the present invention, although a door may be provided for safety reasons. In this embodiment, the fourth wall 224 is quite small and is located at the dispensing opening 232 in the first end wall 240, leaving the front of the container 210 substantially open. The housing 214 may also be constructed with double walls, as in the housing 14, for safety reasons. Also, the paper products 212 are not loaded directly into the interior space 228, as in the first and second embodiments.

As shown in Fig. 8A, a cartridge 262 is provided for insertion into an interior space 228 of a housing 214 for receiving paper products 212 to be dispensed. As shown in Fig. 7, the cartridge 262 is adapted to be slidably received into the interior space 228 of the housing 214. If desired, the housing 214 may be provided with leaf springs 264 attached to the inside of the second end wall 242 of the housing 214 to retain the cartridge 262 in place. Any other suitable means, such as tabs or other locking mechanisms, may be used within the scope of the present invention to retain the cartridge 262 in the housing 214.

The cartridge 262 includes a series of removable parts 268, the removal of which creates openings 270 in the cartridge 262. As shown in FIG. 8A, the cartridge 262 includes a series of removable parts 268 that create openings 270 upon removal. The removable parts 268 are disposed in the outer walls 272 of the cartridge 262 such that upon removal of the removable parts 268, the openings 270 surround and receive projections 250 extending from the inner surface 230 of the housing.

214. So after removing the removable parts 268 and

9 9 9

cassette location • 9·· 9999 9999 9 9 9 9 9 9 999 9 9 · 9 9 262 • » » in ^w — ««· ·· ·· ·» 9 9 curved to -27- cabinets 214, are bumpers 252 and rib members 258 in touch with paper products 212 inside cassette 262 and it works like this

as buffers and rib members in the first two embodiments of the invention.

The cartridge 262 may also include another removable portion 278 located at one end 280 of the cartridge 262. The removable portion 278 may be removed to accommodate a spring plate if the cartridge 262 is to be used in a magazine such as that shown in FIG. 6 with a spring plate.

As shown in FIG. 8A, another removable portion 274 may be formed at the second end 276 of the cartridge 262 so that the paper products 212 may be supported and aligned by the rib member 258 for dispensing through the dispensing opening 232. The end 276 of the cartridge 262 may alternatively be formed as shown in FIG. 8B so that the removable portion 274 is not required and the cartridge 262 is housed in the housing 214 without substantial modification to the end 276. Thus, if desired, a series of smaller removable portions 274a (see FIG. 8B) may be formed thereto to correspond to the rib members 258 and a smaller removable portion 274b to correspond to the dispensing opening 232.

The removable parts 268, 278 and 274a may be removed (or simply not formed) during the manufacture of the cassette 262 or may be removed during the installation of the cassette 262 into the housing 214. If the removable parts 268, 278 and 274a are to be removed as part of the manufacturing process, the cassette 262 may be shipped to the user packaged, for example in a polyethylene bag, to preserve the sterile condition of the paper products in the cassette. If the removable parts 268, 278 and 274a

« * · « • · · · • · · ·

-28 are to be removed as part of the installation process of the cassette 262, the edges of the removable parts should be weakened, grooved, etc., for easy removal. The removable part 274 should not be removed as part of the manufacturing process, to ensure proper placement of the paper products 212 in the cassette 262. Optional removable parts 268 may be located on the front wall 272 (and/or on the rear wall, not shown) of the cassette 262. These removable parts 268 may be used if optional projections 258 (i.e., rib members of the type shown in FIGS. 4A-4E) are used on the first wall 218 and the fourth wall 224 of the housing 214 (see, for example, FIG. 7). Such projections or rib members 258 may also be used on the first wall 18 and the fourth wall 24 of the first embodiment of the housing 14, if desired.

The cassette 262 particularly includes at least one slot 282 extending through one of the walls 272 of the cassette 262. The slot 282 is visible from the exterior of the housing 214 when the cassette 262 is mounted in the interior space 228. A user can visually determine the amount of paper products 212 remaining within the cassette 262 by visually inspecting the amount of paper products 212 through the slot 282. As shown in FIG. 8A , the cassette may be provided with two slots 282 to provide a greater degree of visual inspection. Any number and arrangement of slots is possible within the scope of the present invention.

The cassette 262 is preferably made of heavy paper or cardboard, but may be made of any other suitable material within the scope of the present invention.

• 9··9 9· 99 99 99

9 9 9 9 9 9999

999 9999 9999 • 999 9999 · 9 99 9

9 99 9 9999

999 999 99 ·9 *« 99

-29 Fig. 10 shows in partial perspective view another example of a paper product dispensing container, where a dispensing opening 32 is located in the fourth wall 24 above the first end wall 40 and below the portion of the fourth wall 24 that forms the door 34.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another exemplary cartridge housing similar to that shown in FIG. 7 except that the dispensing opening 232 is located in the fourth wall 224 above the first end wall 240 and below the open front of the cartridge. Another feature that may be seen in FIG. 11 and that is obscured in the view of FIG. 10 is exemplary protruding rib members 400 extending parallel to the dispensing direction 244 and provided with a series of teeth 402 for engaging paper products. These protruding rib members 400 may be located at the dispensing opening 232 or on any exterior wall and are suitably located on one or both of the first wall 218 and/or the fourth wall 224. It is desirable that a pair of these rib members 400 be located parallel to each wall.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary rib member 400 having a series of teeth 402 for engaging paper products 412 at a dispensing opening. The rib member 400 is shown attached to a first wall 218, which is shown attached to a substantially vertical surface 448. The teeth 402 suitably extend in the range of about 6.35 mm (0.250 ) to about 12.7 mm (0.500 ) as measured perpendicular to the dispensing direction 244.

In Fig. 13, another embodiment of a cartridge 262 is shown in perspective view, which is arranged for use with the cartridge according to the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11. From this view, it can be seen that φφφφ φφ ·· ·· • Φ · φ φ · · φφφφ • ··· · · φ · · * · · • φφφφ φφφ φ · φ · φ • φ φ · ΦΦΦΦ· φφφ φφφ φφ *φ ·· ··

-30ν on the rear and front sides of the outer walls 272 of the cassette 262 are located alternative and/or additional removable parts 268 and alternative and/or additional openings 270 ^z . At the end 276' of the cassette 262, a removable part 274 \ may be formed so that paper products 212 can be dispensed through the dispensing opening 232 located in the fourth wall 224, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

FIG. 14 shows a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the cartridge of FIG. 13. FIG. 14 particularly shows an alternative arrangement of the end 276' of the cartridge 262, provided with a removable part 274 ^of , which is intended to adapt to the embodiment in which the dispensing opening 232 is located in the fourth wall 224, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an example of a cassette placed in a housing according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a housing according to an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for dispensing individual paper products from a cassette containing a plurality of paper products. The dispenser shown in Fig. 16 is generally similar to the dispensers shown in Figs. 7 and 11, with most of the same reference numerals being used for ease of identification. An important difference between the dispenser shown in Fig. 16 and other dispensers is that the housing of this dispenser does not have a dispensing opening. Another feature that can be seen in Fig. 16 is a fully open front of the dispensing container, including one or more holding means 900 that can be attached to the end wall 240 and/or to the outer walls 220 and 230. The holding means for the cartridge can be small blocks, clamps, • ··<*· ♦ * -*· · * *9 • r · · · · · 9 9·· • ··· 9 9·· 9 9 9 9 · 9 9 ·

9 9 9 9 999 9 9 9 9 9

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

999 9·· 9 9 «· * * · *

-31 stops, wires, brackets, supports, pins, clamps or combinations thereof. Alternatively and/or additionally, it is contemplated that other means, such as screws, clamps, _adhesives , or means for interlocking or engaging the cartridge and the cartridge with each other, may be used as retaining means. Such means may be located within the cartridge and the external representation of such means is not intended to be limiting.

A thumb slot 902 is provided in the first end wall 240 in the dispensing direction 244. This slot 902 may be configured in any shape and size that is suitable for the dimensions of the dispensing container and the product being dispensed.

It is preferred that the thumb slot 902 has dimensions that are compatible with the dimensions of any other finger or thumb slots in any paper product containing cartridges used with the dispenser.

Another example of a dispenser for dispensing individual paper products from a cassette containing a plurality of paper products is shown in Fig. 17. The dispenser shown in Fig. 17 is generally similar to the dispenser shown in Fig. 16. It can be seen that the housing shown in Fig. 17 has a series of projections including curved bumpers 252 which may include ridges, and further has rib members 258 located in the stepped region 256.

When the projections in the form of curved bumpers are used, they may extend from the second and third outer walls into the inner space. When the projections in the form of rib members are used, they may generally be shaped, φφφ φ

φ φ

-32 as shown in Fig. 17 and may be suitably arranged in the form of high rib members according to Fig.

4A and 4B.

··« ·

It is contemplated that the container may include a fourth outer wall. For example, the container may include an optional fourth wall 224, as shown in FIG. 18. This fourth wall 224 may partially cover the front of the container and may function as a means for containing the cartridge. Although the fourth wall 224 is shown intersecting or in contact with the first end wall 240, the fourth wall 224 may be separate from the first end wall 240, and may be in the form of a strip or strip or a connecting wall connecting the second wall 220 and the third wall 222.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the optional fourth wall 224 may have a fixed portion and a hinged portion that may function as a door. If the fourth wall 224 is used, a dispensing opening 232 may be formed at the intersection of the fourth wall 224 and the first end wall 240. In such an embodiment, the paper products 212 are dispensed in a dispensing direction 244 through the dispensing opening 232. As shown in FIG. 18, the fourth wall 224 may be quite small and may form a substantially open front of the container 210 with the first end wall 240. Furthermore, the housing 214 may also be constructed with double walls, doors, etc. for safety reasons.

In embodiments employing a dispensing opening 232 at the intersection of the fourth wall 224 and the first end wall 240, the dispensing opening 232 is suitably sized such that its horizontal dimension "H" is about equal to or slightly greater than the width of the paper products in the cassette, and its vertical dimension "V" is large enough to allow the passage of a limited number of paper products.

• · · · · • · · « ··· • · · 4 · ·· 4· • ♦ · · • · · · • · ··· • * · • 9 β · • · · ♦ • 4 4 · 4 4 4 4 4 4 · · · 4 4 &4 -33- paper products (see Fig.19). Cassette 262 may not be of course arranged so, so that was connected

with a dispensing opening. Generally speaking, if the paper products are comprised of folded paper napkins, the vertical dimension "V" may be sized so that a limited number of folded paper napkins can be withdrawn. This could be achieved by having the vertical dimension "V" be a multiple of the thickness of an individual folded paper napkin (e.g., greater than about two and less than about ten thicknesses, even more preferably greater than about two and less than about six thicknesses).

The paper products may be accessible through a thumb slot and/or a finger slot. These slots are conveniently located on the fourth wall 224 and the first end wall 240, and may be centrally located relative to the dimensions of the container or the dimensions of the dispensing opening 232.

FIG. 19 shows in perspective another embodiment of a cartridge 262 configured for use with the cartridges of the embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17. Generally speaking, this cartridge is similar to the cartridges shown in FIGS. 8A and 13, and may include a cartridge body with cartridge walls and may further include removable parts defined in the cartridge body, generally as described above for other cartridge embodiments. Since the above-described cartridges in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 have an open front rather than a dispensing opening, the front wall 272a of the cartridge intended to be placed in the open front of the cartridge should include a slot, gap, opening or channel 950 that could serve as a control access to the paper products 212 stored therein. This slot is suitably defined by « · • »

-34 the front wall 272a of the cassette and the bottom wall 272b of the cassette. However, it is contemplated that other locations may be used.

The slot is suitably sized such that the horizontal dimension "H" is about the same as or slightly larger than the width of the paper products in the cassette, and the vertical dimension "V" is large enough to allow a limited number of paper products to pass through. For example, if the paper products are folded paper napkins, the vertical dimension "V" may be sized such that a limited number of folded paper napkins can be withdrawn. This could be achieved by having the vertical dimension "V be a multiple of the thickness of an individual folded paper napkin (e.g., greater than about two and less than about ten thicknesses, even more suitably greater than about two and less than about six thicknesses).

The paper products may be accessible through a thumb slot 952 and/or a finger slot 954. These slots are conveniently located on the front and bottom faces of the cartridge, and may be centrally located, depending on the dimensions of the cartridge or the dimensions of the slot.

The cassette may further define at least one additional slot 282 in one of the cassette walls, the slot being visible from the exterior of the housing when the cassette is positioned within the interior of the housing, whereby the amount of paper products stored in the cassette may be determined by visual inspection of said amount.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an example of another embodiment of the cartridge 262 as shown in FIG. 19, inserted into place in the magazine.

-35 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 16 or 17. The dispensing direction "D" is defined as being substantially perpendicular to the cartridge and cartridge assembly. If the paper product is, for example, a folded paper napkin or tissue, a leading edge or end portion 960 will extend from the slot 950 to allow the user to grip the paper product.

Fig. 21 shows yet another example of a housing embodiment. This embodiment differs from the embodiments shown in Figs. 16 and 17 in that the first end wall 240 of Figs. 16 and 17 is inclined away from the front or open end of the housing. In contrast to the aforementioned embodiment, the first end wall 240 of Fig. 21 is inclined or turned toward the front or open end of the housing.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a cassette that is intended to be inserted into the housing shown in FIG. 21. The front wall 272a and the bottom wall 272b of the cassette are arranged to slide into the housing.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged and sectional view (not to scale) of the lower portion of the cartridge and cassette assembly shown in FIG. 20. The cartridge front wall 272a, the cartridge bottom wall 272b, and the cartridge back wall 272c are shown, and a stack of folded paper products 212 are shown. In this enlarged and exploded view, it will be seen that the slot 950 has a vertical dimension "V" which is generally several times the thickness of a single layer or fold or fold of the paper product 212. The dispensing direction "D" is indicated as being generally perpendicular to the cartridge and cassette assembly. If the paper product is, for example, a folded paper tissue or cosmetic tissue, it will be seen that from e» φ· «· ·0 • 0 · 0 · 0 ·

0 0 4 0 0 0

00000 00 ·

0 4 4 0 0

A4 44 0· slots 950 leading edge or end part protrudes

960, allowing the user to grip the paper product.

As a result of pulling out the guide end portion 960, one product is dispensed at a time.

-36 It should be understood that FIG. 23 also generally represents, on an enlarged scale and in section (not to scale), the lower portion of the magazine and cassette assembly shown in FIG. 18 in conjunction with a cassette or section of paper products. The front wall 272a of the cartridge can be understood as corresponding to the fourth wall 224, the bottom wall 272b as corresponding to the first end wall 240, the rear wall 272c as corresponding to the first wall 218, the slot 950 as corresponding to the dispensing opening 232, and the thumb and finger slots as corresponding to the thumb and finger slots in the fourth wall 224 and the first end wall 240. The cartridge can, of course, be configured as shown in FIGS. 8A, 13 and/or 19 to communicate with the dispensing opening 232 defined by the intersection of the fourth wall 224 and the first end wall 240. Accordingly, the following description relates to such embodiments of the invention having a generally open front with a dispensing slot in the cartridge (i.e., without a dispensing opening in the housing), and also refers to such embodiments with a dispensing opening 232 defined by the intersection of the fourth wall 224 and the first end wall 240.

Grasping the folded product between the lower gripping point 1000 and the first gripping point 1002 engages two folded paper products (e.g., napkins, facial tissues, handkerchiefs, etc.) for dispensing. One of them has a visible end portion 960 extending from the slot 950, while the other end portion 962 is still located within the cartridge but is accessible through the finger slot 954. As a result of the « · ·

9

-37 pulling out the product gripped at the gripping points 1000 and 1002 in the dispensing direction "D" will dispense two mutually folded paper products at a given time. This result will be consistent, provided that the mutual folding of the product is consistent, and the gripping points 1000 and 1002 remain accessible.

products in a given consistent,

As a result of pulling the product gripped at the gripping points 1000 and 1004 in the dispensing direction "D", four mutually folded paper moments will be dispensed. This result will be provided that the mutual composition of the product is consistent, and the gripping points 1000 and 1004 will remain accessible.

As a result of pulling the product gripped at the grip points 1000 and 1006 in the dispensing direction "D", six interfolded paper products will be dispensed at a given time. This result will be consistent, provided that the interfolding of the product is consistent, and the grip points 1000 and 1006 remain accessible. The grip point 1006 may be accessible through the thumb slot 952. For interfolded products having visible front folds "Ff", this may be mathematically expressed for the interfolded products as N = Ff x 2, where N = the number of products dispensed,

Ff = number of user-marked.

front folds "Ff" located between the gripping points and which are gripped The number of front folds "Ff" available for gripping is limited only by the vertical dimension "V" of the slot and the size of the finger slots. Generally speaking, the stack of dispensed products will be in a folded configuration, except for the leading and trailing edge or end portion. If the product is dispensed one at a time, it will of course be in an unfolded configuration.

• . . · . . · · ·

... .»» ·· «» ·· »·

-38If a non-interfolded product is used, the dispensing direction "D" remains the same. However, there will be no leading edge or end portion as in the interfolded version. Generally speaking, the number of products dispensed will be the same as the number of front folds gripped, regardless of whether the product is double or triple folded.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is intended that the invention include such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (53)

A dispenser for dispensing individual paper products, comprising a housing comprising a plurality of exterior walls defining an inner surface and an interior space therein for receiving a plurality of paper products, a first end wall defining a dispensing aperture, k allowing the removal of the paper products from the interior, further sliding means for shifting the paper products in the interior towards the dispensing opening in the dispensing direction, the first, second and third outer walls intersecting the first end wall on the opposite side of the first outer wall to form part of the inner surface; wherein, from a portion of the inner surface on the second and third outer walls, protrusions extend into the inner space for contact with the paper products to act against the displacement means, the protrusions on the second wall being They are arranged alternately against the projections on the third wall, in the dosing direction. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement means comprises a spring-loaded spring plate disposed in the interior of the housing for displacing the paper products in the dispensing direction. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the dosing direction is substantially horizontal. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement means comprises fastening means. ’* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A housing part for attaching the housing to a substantially non-horizontal surface, wherein the paper products are moved in the dispensing direction by gravity. Container according to claim 4, characterized in that the dosing direction is substantially vertical. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the projections comprise curved bumpers. A container according to claim 6, wherein the bumpers comprise a plurality of ridges extending across the curved bumpers perpendicular to the dispensing direction. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a stepped region at the dispensing opening to separate and slow the paper products. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein the stepped region comprises rib members extending parallel to the dispensing direction for contacting the paper products and for counteracting the displacement means. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the outer walls is a door hingedly attached to the cabinet, the door being openable for inserting a plurality of paper products into the interior space. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a cartridge for insertion into the cartridge 99 ·· · 9 9 9 9 9 9 999 9 9 9 99 99 -41the interior of the cabinet to store a variety of paper products. A cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the cartridge comprises removable parts, wherein removal of the removable parts creates openings in the cartridge. 13. The cartridge of claim 12 wherein at least one of said apertures in said cassette is disposed adjacent said at least one projection such that said projection extends through said aperture for contact with a plurality of paper products. A cartridge according to claim 12, characterized in that rib members are formed in the interior of the housing at the dispensing aperture, and wherein at least a portion of the apertures in the cassette are disposed adjacent the rib members so that the rib members pass through the apertures. contact with a variety of paper products. 15. A dispenser for dispensing individual paper products comprising a housing comprising a plurality of exterior walls defining an interior surface and an interior space within the interior surface for receiving a plurality of paper products, the first end wall intersecting the exterior walls defining a dispensing opening for the paper product. allowing removal of the paper products from the interior, further sliding means for moving the paper products in the interior towards the dispensing opening in the dispensing direction, and at least one projection extending from the interior surface into the interior of the housing; · Φ · · · · · «· • · φ · φ · It consists of a cassette for insertion into the interior of a housing for storing a plurality of paper products, the cassette comprising in particular at least one removable part, wherein removal of the removable part creates an opening in the cassette. an aperture for contacting a plurality of paper products to counteract the displacement means when the cassette is located within the interior of the housing. 16. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the cassette comprises a second removable portion, wherein removal of the second removable portion forms a second aperture therein, the displacement means comprising a spring loaded spring plate disposed within the interior of the housing and passing through the second housing. an aperture for advancing the paper products in the dispensing direction. A container according to claim 16, wherein the dosing direction is substantially horizontal. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the displacement means comprises a housing mounting portion for securing the housing to a substantially non-horizontal surface, wherein the paper products are displaced in the dispensing direction by gravity. A container according to claim 18, wherein the dosing direction is substantially vertical. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the first, second and third outer walls intersect the first end wall on opposite sides. 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 · 444 · * • 4 4 44 44 4 4 · · 444 4 4 4 4 4 44 11 of the first outer wall, the at least one projection comprising a plurality of projections extending from the second and third outer walls into the interior space, the projections including curved bumpers. A cartridge according to claim 20, wherein the curved buffers comprise a plurality of ridges extending across the curved buffers, perpendicular to the dispensing direction. 22. The dispenser of claim 15, further comprising a stepped region at the dispensing opening to separate and slow the paper products. 23. The cartridge of claim 22, wherein the stepped region includes rib members extending parallel to the dispensing direction for contact with the paper products and for counteracting the displacement means. 24. A dispenser for dispensing individual paper products comprising a housing comprising a plurality of exterior walls defining an interior space for storing a plurality of paper products, a first end wall defining a dispensing aperture to allow removal of the paper products from the interior; means for moving the paper product in the interior space towards the dispensing opening in the dispensing direction, the first, second and third outer walls intersecting the first end wall opposite the first outer wall, further comprising a first group of projections extending from the second and third outer walls ·· ·· ·· ·· ·· ϊ -44 into the interior space, the fourth exterior comprising a door hingedly attached to the housing, the door being openable for receiving a plurality of paper products into the interior space, further comprising a second group of projections extending from the first and fourth walls into the interior space and communicating with the first an end wall, wherein the first and second group of protrusions are in contact with the paper products to counteract the shifting means. Container according to claim 24, characterized in that the displacement means comprises a spring-loaded spring plate disposed in the interior of the housing for displacing the paper products in the dispensing direction. 26. Tray according to claim 25, in Y brand u j ici s e by that dispensers direction Yippee in basically horizontal. 27 Mar: Tray according to claim 24, in Y brand u j í c í characterized in that the displacement means comprises a housing mounting portion for securing the housing to a substantially non-horizontal surface, wherein the paper products are moved in the dispensing direction by gravity. 28. s e Tray by according to claim 25, that the dosing direction v y is in brand basically teaching vertical. 29. Tray according to claim 24, v y brand teaching s e t í m that the first group protrusions include curved bumpers. The container of claim 29, wherein the curved buffers comprise a series of φ φ Φ ·· φ Φ φ · • • φ • • φ φ Φ φ · · · · φ · · · φ · · · φ -45 nails running across the curved bumpers, perpendicular to the dosing direction. 31. The dispenser of claim 24, wherein the second group of projections is formed by rib members disposed in a stepped region at the dispensing opening to separate and slow the paper products. A cassette for storing and dispensing a plurality of paper products which is retractable into the interior of a container with a cabinet, the interior being disposed within an interior surface defined by a series of outer walls within the cabinet; characterized in that the cassette comprises a cassette body provided with cassette walls and comprising removable parts defined in the cassette body, wherein removal of at least a portion of the removable parts creates openings in at least one cassette wall, wherein the removable parts are disposed on the cassette body such that in the interior of the housing, the protrusions extend through at least a portion of the apertures for contact with the array of paper products. The cassette of claim 32, wherein the cassette walls comprise two opposing walls and the cassette is provided with at least two removable parts, each removable part being disposed on one of the opposite walls of the cassette. 34. The cassette of claim 32, wherein the cassette walls include four cassette side walls and at least four removable portions, each 9999 99 99 ·· ·· ♦ · · 99 «· 999 9 99 9 9 99 9 999 9 999 »99 9 9 99 9 9 · · · 999 99 99 99 99 The removable part is located on one of the side walls of the cartridge. 35. A dispenser for dispensing individual paper products comprising a housing comprising a first end wall and a plurality of exterior walls defining an inner surface and an inner space within said inner surface for receiving a plurality of paper products, the first, second and the third outer wall intersects the first end wall on opposite sides of the first outer wall to form a portion of the inner surface further comprising a fourth outer wall defining the dispensing opening to allow removal of the paper products from the interior; a dispensing opening in the dispensing direction, wherein a portion of the inner surface on the second and third outer walls extends into the inner space for contact with the paper products to counteract the displacement means The protrusions on the second wall are alternately disposed opposite the protrusions on the third wall, in the dispensing direction. 36. The dispenser of claim 35 comprising a stepped region at the dispensing opening for detaching and retarding paper products. 37. The cartridge of claim 36 wherein the stepped region includes at least one rib member extending parallel to the dispensing direction and a plurality of teeth for contact with the paper products and for counteracting the shifting means. 4 »'4 * ··· • 4 -4738. A cartridge according to claim 35, wherein at least a portion of one outer wall is formed by a door hingedly attached to the housing, the door being openable for inserting a plurality of paper products into the interior space. 39. The dispenser of claim 35, further comprising a cassette for insertion into the interior of the housing for receiving a plurality of paper products. 40. The cartridge of claim 39, wherein the cassette comprises detachable parts, wherein removal of the detachable parts creates holes in the cassette. 41. The dispenser of claim 40 wherein at least one of said apertures in said cassette is disposed adjacent said at least one projection such that said projection extends through said aperture for contact with said array of paper products. 42. The cartridge of claim 40, wherein at least one rib member is formed in the interior of the housing at the dispensing opening, the rib member including teeth extending from the rib member, wherein at least one of the apertures in the cassette is located closely to at least one of the rib members such that the teeth pass through these holes for contact with a series of paper products. 43. Dispenser for dispensing individual paper products from a cassette containing a variety of paper • 000 · · · · · · A product comprising a housing comprising a first end wall and a plurality of outer walls defining an interior surface and an interior space within the interior surface for receiving a cassette comprising a plurality of paper products, the first , the second and third outer walls intersect the first end wall on opposite sides of the first outer wall to form a portion of the inner surface defining an open face of the cartridge further comprising sliding means for moving paper products in the interior space towards the first end wall in the dispensing direction; comprising cassette retaining means. 44. The cartridge of claim 43, wherein the cartridge retaining means is selected from the group of small blocks, clamps, stops, wires, brackets, supports, pins, clamps, and combinations thereof. 45. The cartridge of claim 44, wherein the retaining means is disposed on the first end wall or on the opposite outer walls. 46. The cartridge of claim 44, wherein the first end wall is provided with a finger slot. 47. The dispenser of claim 43, wherein the housing further comprises a stepped region at the dispensing opening to separate and slow the paper products. · »· -4948. The cartridge of claim 43 further comprising protrusions extending from a portion of the inner surface on the outer walls to the inner space for contact with the paper products to counteract the displacement means. 49. The dispenser of claim 43 further comprising a cassette for insertion into the interior of the housing for receiving a plurality of paper products. 50. The cartridge of claim 49 wherein the cassette comprises a cassette body provided with cassette walls. 51. The cartridge of claim 50, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge wall for receiving into an open face of the cartridge, the cartridge wall including a slot for controlling access to the paper products stored therein. 52. A cartridge according to claim 51, wherein the cassette is arranged such that the slot is defined by a front wall and a bottom wall of the cassette. 53. The cartridge of claim 51, wherein the cassette is configured such that the slot is sized such that its horizontal dimension is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the width of the paper products in the cassette, and its vertical dimension. is large enough to allow a limited number of paper products to pass through. ··· ♦ • · · · · · · · · · · · -5054. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the cassette is configured such that the vertical dimension of the slot is about two to about ten times the thickness of the individual composite paper product. 55. The cartridge of claim 50, wherein the cassette is configured such that the paper product is accessible by a thumb slot and a finger slot. 56. The cartridge of claim 49, wherein the cartridge comprises removable portions, wherein removal of the removable portions creates openings in the cartridge. 57. The cartridge of claim 56 wherein at least one of said apertures in said cassette is preferably disposed adjacent said at least one projection such that said projection extends through said aperture for contact with a plurality of paper products. 58. A dispenser for dispensing a controlled amount of paper products, comprising a housing comprising a first end wall and a plurality of exterior walls defining an interior surface and an interior space within the interior surface for receiving a cassette containing a plurality of paper products; the first, second and third outer walls intersect the first end wall on opposite sides of the first outer wall to form part of the inner surface, defining an open container face, further comprising sliding means for sliding paper products within the interior towards the first end wall. 9 9 9 9 99 99 9 9999 99 9 • 9 • 9 99 »9 9 9 9 9 999 9 9 9 -51 in the dispensing direction, and further comprising a fourth outer wall defining the dispensing opening for controlling access to the paper products stored within the cartridge. 59. The dispenser of claim 58, wherein the dispensing opening is sized such that its horizontal dimension is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the width of the paper products in the cassette, and its vertical dimension is large enough to allow for dispensing. passing a limited number of paper products. 60. The dispenser of claim 59, wherein the vertical dispensing aperture is about two to about ten times the thickness of the individual composite paper product.