NL2009779C2

NL2009779C2 - The invention relates to the field of article dispensing and receptacles therefor, and more specifically to leaflet dispensing. the invention further relates to the storing and dispensing of printed materials.

Info

Publication number: NL2009779C2
Application number: NL2009779A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Herman Jozef Langen
Original assignee: Infostop B V
Priority date: 2012-11-09
Filing date: 2012-11-09
Publication date: 2014-05-12

Description

P31379N LOO/WH A/M RI FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of article dispensing and receptacles therefor, and more specifically to leaflet dispensing. The invention further relates to the storing and dispensing of printed materials.

5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The dissemination of information is a basic service of, and/or a business strategy employed by, a wide range of entities and institutions in the public, business, commercial, private, non-profit and/or governmental sectors. A variety of techniques are available in order 10 to avail the public or a customer base to information an entity may wish or need to distribute. The distribution of printed materials is one of the preferred information dissemination techniques employed by such entities due to its convenience and relative low cost. Such printed materials may be made available to the public or customers in a variety of ways such as leaflet holders, receptacles and/or dispensers. Leaflet dispensers are convenient since 15 they may be placed or installed in public areas such as public transportation platforms, sidewalks, curbs, waiting rooms et cetera. They may also be placed or installed at private facilities such as retail establishment entrances, office lobbies, hotel reception or lobby areas, and any other type of location available for such use. In many instances, the printed material to be distributed is available free of charge to the public or customers.

20 The term leaflet as used herein refers to any type of printed material such as flyers, pamphlets, brochures, single sheets, magazines, promotional materials, artistic materials, advertisements, retailer adverts, maps, tourist or traveler information, calendars displaying event dates or service dates and times such as public transportation service schedules, periodicals or any other type of printed material.

25 A variety of leaflet dispensers are known in the art. However, they generally present drawbacks due to complex mechanisms or susceptibility to misuse. As an example, a leaflet dispenser according to US Pat. No. 4,781,305 presents drawbacks and disadvantages to users and leaflet distributors alike. The dispenser has rollers or wheels that press against a stack of leaflets and which are part of a drive assembly for feeding one sheet at a time into a 30 dispensing position. A drawback of the dispenser is that a leaflet may be damaged upon retrieval due to the relatively high exertion that might be required to overcome the friction of the pressing rollers. Also, there is possibility of failure of, or damage to, the drive assembly, rendering the dispenser unable to function. Further, replenishment of the dispenser is a -2- tedious and difficult task requiring lifting of the entire drive assembly. Moreover, the design of the dispenser is such that misuse, e.g., retrieving an excessive number leaflets, is not deterred. As such, the dispenser fails to provide a simple and effective solution addressing leaflet dispensing needs.

5 Therefore, a need exists for a leaflet dispenser which provides a simple leaflet dispensing technique and which deters misuse such as retrieving an excessive number of leaflets from a dispenser. Further, a need exists for a simple leaflet dispenser which allows for easy replenishment of leaflets and which has a robust dispensing technique.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a leaflet dispensing 10 apparatus which addresses the needs of the art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a leaflet dispensing apparatus which provides for controlled dispensation of leaflets.

A further object of the invention is to provide a leaflet dispensing apparatus which facilitates easy retrieval of a leaflet or leaflets.

15 Another object of the invention is to provide a leaflet dispensing apparatus which deters misuse thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a leaflet dispensing apparatus which allows for easy replenishment thereof.

20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the invention, a dispensing apparatus is provided comprising a receptacle having a frontal panel, an aperture in the frontal panel, the aperture having a vertical part extending along a substantially vertical axis of said frontal panel and a horizontal 25 part extending along a substantially horizontal axis of said frontal panel, wherein the vertical and horizontal aperture parts intersect at an intersection point, and wherein a height of the horizontal part decreases, the decrease in height originating at a point further away from the intersection point and extending therefrom towards the intersection point, thereby defining constrictions at a point of minimum height in the horizontal part.

30 The invention provides a simple and effective leaflet dispenser which facilitates distribution of printed materials.

In an embodiment, the leaflet dispenser comprises a receptacle in which leaflets may be stacked, and which receptacle may be replenished with leaflets as needed or desired. The receptacle has a frontal panel which has an aperture for providing access to the leaflets. The 35 aperture is characterized in that it facilitates controlled dispensation of the leaflets. In another embodiment, the receptacle further comprises a leaflet guide. The leaflet guide may be connected to the frontal panel.

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The leaflet dispenser is configured so that it may be conveniently replenished. Further, the aperture provides for easy assessment of a replenishing need.

The leaflet dispenser may also be portable. Alternatively, the leaflet dispenser may be configured for permanent or semi-permanent installation at a particular site. It may be 5 configured for placement atop elevated areas such as desks or countertops. It may be configured for stand-alone use or for use in conjunction with a base or supporting element. It may also be configured for placement inside a vehicle such as, for example, a public transportation vehicle. The leaflet dispenser may also be placed in kiosk. It may further be configured for a drawer-like arrangement whereby the receptacle is flush with a wall or panel, 10 a frontal panel facing a generally public area and the posterior receptacle part facing a private or restricted access area. It may also be integrated in a kiosk or booth configuration.

In another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing apparatus further comprises a leaflet guide, the leaflet guide extending inwardly from the frontal panel at a location at an upper edge of the horizontal part for guiding a leaflet which is lifted by a user toward and into 15 the horizontal part.

These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts.

20

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 depicts a front view of a frontal panel of the dispensing apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

25 Figure 2 depicts a top view of the embodiment of the frontal panel of figure 1.

Figure 3 depicts a side view of the embodiment of the frontal panel of figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the dispensing apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 5 depicts a top view of a frontal panel according to a second embodiment of the 30 dispensing apparatus.

Figure 6 depicts a side view of the frontal panel of the second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 depicts a front view of the frontal panel of the second embodiment of the invention.

35 Figure 8 shows an isometric view of the dispensing apparatus according to the first embodiment in action.

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Figure 9 shows a rear view of a frontal panel of another embodiment according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 5

Figures 1-4 show one embodiment of the dispensing apparatus 1 in accordance with the invention. Figure 4 shows the dispensing apparatus as a whole. Figure 1 depicts a front view of the frontal panel 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The frontal panel 5 is characterized by an aperture 10 having a vertical aperture part 10a and a 10 horizontal aperture part 10b. The vertical aperture part is wide enough for a finger to reach through said vertical aperture part. The vertical and horizontal aperture parts intersect at a general intersection point or intersection area. The intersection of the horizontal and vertical aperture parts may be located at a generally upper area of the frontal panel. The aperture 10 may have the general form of a cross. When the horizontal part is located at the upper end of 15 the vertical part, the aperture has the general shape of a “T”. The vertical and horizontal aperture parts have rounded ends.

The horizontal aperture part is characterized by a height h. In a preferred embodiment, the height h of the horizontal part decreases in a gradual manner, the decrease in height preferably originating at a point that is further away from the intersection area and 20 extending therefrom towards the intersection area. The decrease in height forms constrictions (25a, 25b) at a point of minimum height on both sides of the horizontal aperture part with respect to the vertical aperture part. The aperture area is further characterized by fins 15a and 15b which form elevated parts of the lower edge 12 of the horizontal part. In an embodiment, the upper edge 11 of the horizontal aperture part may have a decreased height 25 at a location above the constrictions. A substantial part of the upper and lower edge 11, 12 is horizontal.

The constrictions serve to control the number of leaflets that are dispensed at any one time by a user. The ratio of a height of the constriction to a thickness of a leaflet may be conveniently chosen to allow for the simultaneous retrieval of a singular or a plurality of 30 leaflets. Further, the ratio may be conveniently chosen to allow only a specific, minimum or maximum number of leaflets to be simultaneously retrieved. The ratio may be, for example, 1.5:1, thus allowing only one leaflet to be retrieved at any one time. This prevents misuse, i.e. this prevents a situation where a person would take many leaflets in one move.

The horizontal part of the aperture has a width equal to or greater than a length or 35 width of a leaflet, for permitting retrieval of the leaflet.

The frontal panel is preferably monolithic but may also be non-monolithic.

-5- ln an embodiment of the invention, the receptacle may have a leaflet guide 20 for guiding a leaflet as it is being retrieved by a user. As a user lifts a leaflet through the vertical aperture part, an upward displacement of the leaflet is restricted by the leaflet guide. The leaflet guide acts as a stop, preventing a further upward movement of the leaflet. A user is 5 therefore able to sense when the leaflet has reached the horizontal aperture area, at which point the leaflet may be retrieved. A leaflet guide may be achieved in any number of ways. In one embodiment, a leaflet guide 20 comprises a leaflet guide plate such as the leaflet guide plate 22 in Figure 1. Leaflet guide plate 22 extends inwardly from a location at an upper edge 11 of the horizontal aperture part on either side of the vertical aperture. Further, the guide 10 plate 22 may or may not extend through the entire depth of the receptacle and into/onto a back panel of the receptacle. The guide plate 22 may extend into the aperture at the general constriction area so that the upper edge of the horizontal aperture part traverses a height of the guiding plate 22.

The leaflet guide plate may have a recess 50 as shown in Figure 2. The recess may 15 have a width throughout a larger part of its extension corresponding or substantially corresponding to a width of the vertical aperture part. The recess may be U-shaped when viewed from above/from a top perspective, with a wider part facing the frontal panel and a narrower part at a distal end with respect to the frontal panel. Leaflet guide plate 22 may be in a flush configuration with an upper edge 11 of the horizontal part 10b. It is also possible that 20 the underside 23 of the leaflet guide 20 is positioned slightly lower than the upper edge 11 of the horizontal part 10b, and further limits the height of the constriction.

The leaflet guide plate 22 may project from both the inner side of the frontal panel and from the outer side of the frontal panel, thereby forming a continuous guide for the leaflets 25 toward the horizontal aperture part, into the horizontal aperture part, and through the horizontal aperture part to the outside of the receptacle.

It is also possible that there is no leaflet guide 20, and that the constructions are formed only by the fins 15a, 15b.

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Figures 5 - 7 depict another embodiment of the dispensing apparatus 1 according to the invention, in which a leaflet guide 20 comprises a pair of guiding rods 40a and 40b. Figures 5-7 show only the frontal plate. The receptacle 9 is similar to the receptacle shown in figure 4 and not shown. The guiding rods may project inwardly in a perpendicular or generally 35 perpendicular direction with respect to the frontal panel. The guiding rods 40a and 40b may project from both the inner side of the frontal panel and from the outer side of the frontal panel, thereby forming a continuous guide for the leaflets toward the horizontal part, into the -6- horizontal aperture part, and through the horizontal aperture part to the outside of the receptacle. Further, the guiding rods 40a and 40b may or may not extend through the entire depth of the receptacle and into/onto the back panel of the receptacle. The guiding rods 40a and 40b may extend into the aperture at the general constriction area so that the upper edge 5 of the horizontal aperture part traverses a segment of the guiding rods 40a and 40b. In other words, the guiding rods 40a and 40b may be in flush configuration with respect to the upper edge 11 of the horizontal part of the aperture, or alternatively be positioned lower than said upper edge 11.

10 Turning to figure 8, the dispensing apparatus is shown in action. A stack 26 of leaflets is provided inside the dispensing apparatus. The user inserts at least one finger and a thumb through the vertical aperture part 10a and grabs a leaflet by the front portion. The leaflet is subsequently moved upward along the vertical aperture part 10a. When the leaflet engages the leaflet guide 20, the leaflet is pulled out of the dispensing apparatus 1 through the 15 horizontal part 10b. The forward edge of the leaflet is shown as being straight but may curve slightly due to the forces exerted by the fingers.

A variety of materials may be used for the dispensing apparatus such as, but not limited to, steel, Corrosion Resistant Alloy (CRA), aluminum, composite materials, wood, 20 plastics, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the dispensing apparatus comprises a receptacle having a frontal panel, an aperture in the frontal panel, the aperture having a vertical part extending along a substantially vertical axis of said frontal panel and a horizontal part extending along a 25 substantially horizontal axis of said frontal panel, wherein the vertical and horizontal aperture parts intersect at an intersection point, and wherein a height of the horizontal part decreases, the decrease in height originating at a point further away from the intersection point and extending therefrom towards the intersection point, thereby defining constrictions at a point of minimum height in the horizontal part.

30 In a further embodiment, the decrease in height is gradual, whereby a lower edge of the horizontal part slopes and reaches an apex at the constrictions.

In a further embodiment, the upper edge of the horizontal aperture part has a reduced height at the constriction area.

In another embodiment, a lower edge of the horizontal part gradually goes over 35 into the vertical part, thereby defining fins with a generally curved contour.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the constrictions are located on either side of the vertical part of the aperture.

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In one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing apparatus further comprises a leaflet guide, the leaflet guide extending inwardly from the frontal panel at a location at an upper edge of the horizontal part for guiding a leaflet which is lifted by a user toward and into the horizontal part.

5 In an embodiment of the invention, the leaflet guide projects perpendicularly from the inner side of the frontal panel.

In an embodiment of the invention, the leaflet guide comprises a guiding plate extending inwardly from said location at an upper edge of the horizontal part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the guiding plate has a recess, wherein 10 the recess has a width corresponding to the width of the vertical part of the aperture.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the leaflet guide comprises guiding rods on an inner side of the frontal panel for guiding a leaflet which is lifted by a user, the guiding rods extending inwardly from a location at an upper edge of the horizontal part on either side of the vertical part of the aperture.

15 In an embodiment of the invention, the leaflet guide is flush with an upper edge of the horizontal part

In another embodiment of the invention, the leaflet guide projects both from the inner side of the frontal panel and from the outer side of the frontal panel and forms a continuous guide for the leaflets toward the horizontal part, into the horizontal part, and through the 20 horizontal part to the outside of the receptacle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is provided with leaflets, the leaflets stacked horizontally on a bottom panel of the receptacle.

In an embodiment of the invention, a ratio of a thickness of a leaflet to the constriction height is such that only a limited quantity of leaflets may be retrieved simultaneously by a 25 user.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a ratio of a thickness of a leaflet to a height of the constriction is such that less than three and preferably only a single leaflet may be retrieved from the receptacle at any one time by a user.

In an embodiment of the invention, a constriction height is less than 5 mm. In another 30 embodiment a constriction height is less than 2 mm.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the constriction height is adjustable. This can be achieved by, for example and with reference to figure 9, having notched guiding parts 61, 62, 63 and 64 on either side of the vertical part of the aperture in an area below the horizontal part of the aperture, on the inner side 60 of the frontal panel 5. The notched guiding parts 35 form channels 70 and 72 in which elongate blades 67 and 68 can be slidably displaced along a vertical axis to effect the desired constriction height. The blades may be set at the desired notch corresponding to the desired constriction height and locked in position via locking -8- mechanism 69. This allows the constriction height to be conveniently adjusted as needed. Other kinds of adjustable constrictions are conceivable.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the 5 invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an 10 understandable description of the invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or 15 steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

A publishing device (1) for publishing brochures, comprising: - a holder (9) having a front panel (5), - an opening (10) in the front panel, the opening having a vertical portion (10a) that extends extending along a substantially vertical axis of said front panel and a horizontal portion (10b) extending along a substantially horizontal axis of said front panel (5), the vertical and horizontal opening portions intersecting at an intersection (30), and wherein a height (h) of the horizontal portion decreases, wherein the decrease in height begins at a point further away from the intersection and then extends towards the intersection, thereby defining constrictions (25a, 25b) at a point with a minimum height in the horizontal part.

2. Dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the decrease in height is gradual, with a lower edge of the horizontal part sloping and reaching a top at the narrowing.

The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the upper edge of the horizontal opening portion has a reduced height at the constriction area.

Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a lower edge of the horizontal part gradually merges into the vertical part, fins (15a, 15b) being defined with a substantially curved contour.

5. Dispensing device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the narrowings are located on either side of the vertical part of the opening.

6. Publishing device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a brochure guide, wherein the brochure guide extends inwards from the front panel at a location near the upper edge of the horizontal part for guiding a brochure which a user can go to and in the horizontal part is lifted.

The issuing device of claim 6, wherein the brochure guide projects perpendicularly from the inside of the front panel. 35 - 10

An issue device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the brochure guide comprises a guide plate (20) extending inwardly from said location at an upper edge of the horizontal portion.

The dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the guide plate has a recess (50), the recess having a width corresponding to the width of the vertical portion of the opening.

The publishing device of claim 6, wherein the brochure guide comprises guide bars 10 (40a, 40b) located on an inside of the front panel for guiding a brochure that is being lifted by a user, the guide bars moving from a location at an upper edge extend inwards from the horizontal part on either side of the vertical part of the opening.

An issuance device according to any of claims 6-10, wherein a lower side of the brochure guide is connected to an upper edge (11) of the horizontal part or is located lower than said upper edge (11).

12. A dispensing device according to any of claims 6-11, wherein the brochure guide 20 protrudes from both the inside of the front panel and from the outside of the front panel and forms a continuous conductor for the guides, towards the horizontal part, in the horizontal part and through the horizontal part to the outside of the container.

A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is provided with brochures, the brochures being stacked horizontally on a bottom panel (75) of the holder.

14. Publishing device according to claim 13, wherein a ratio between a thickness of a brochure and the height of the restriction is such that only a limited number of brochures can be taken out by a user at the same time.

15. Dispensing device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a ratio between a thickness of a brochure and a height of the restriction is such that less than three and preferably only a single brochure can be taken out of the holder by a user at any time. . -11 -

Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the restriction height is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

17. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the restriction is adjustable.