JP2004518451A - Wipe take-out system - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and apparatus for removing a wet wipe are provided. The system can include a wiper assembly that can include a chassis, a wiper blade, and a tensioner. The wiper assembly minimizes the amount of wipe that cannot be removed. The wiper assembly can be attached to a dispenser for wiping.

Description

【００５０】
表ＩＩは、使い捨てウェットワイプの特性を表わす追加のデータを記載している。この表は、ベースシートの交換及び溶液の変動が、ワイプの物理的特性に与える影響を示している。これらのシートを作るのに使用されるパルプは、Ｗｅｙｅｒｈａｕｓｅｒ ＣＦ４０５であった。この実施例では、バインダは、米国特許出願番号０９／５６４，５３１の表１５、実施例コードＥであった。このバインダ材料は、分子量が６１０，０００であり、以下の重量パーセントで与えられる以下のモノマー、即ち、アクリル酸６０％、ブタクリル酸２４．５％、２−エチルヘキシル‐アクリル酸１０．５％、ＡＭＰＳ（２‐アクリルアミド‐２‐メチル‐１−プロパンスルホン酸）５％から作られた。
【００５１】
【表２】
表ＩＩ

【００５２】
表ＩＩＩは、ウェットワイプのロールの物理的特性を表わしており、表ＩＶは、ウェットワイプのロールの理論的な物理的特性を表わしている。
【００５３】
【表３】
表ＩＩＩ−芯無しロール測定値及び計算値

初期シート長さ＝５インチ
初期シート幅＝４．１２５インチ
ロール中のシート数＝９０
乾燥ベースシート坪量＝６５ｇｓｍ
目標溶液追加＝２２５％
計算ロール重量＝２５３グラム
巻取前の推定濡れ厚さ＝０．４８ｍｍ
圧縮率＝計算有効厚さ（巻かれた）／巻く前の推定濡れ厚さ
計算ロール密度＝重量／πｄ^２／４×幅（計算ロール重量／π・測定した直径^２／４・初期シート幅）
計算有効厚さ−巻き圧力を受けたロール中のシートの計算厚さ
【００５４】
【表４】
表ＩＶ−理論的なロール密度可能性

初期シート長さ＝４．５インチ
初期シート幅＝４．１２５インチ
ロール中のシート数＝１００
ロール全長＝３７．５フィート
脚注−表ＩＶ
（１）非常に緩いロール、圧縮なし、多くの空隙、全体に低い密度となる
（２）理論的に無圧縮のロール；ロールと巻かれていないものに対するこの密度及び体積は、等しくなるであろう
（３）この圧縮及びロール密度で製造されているロール
（４）シート又はミシン目の強度を越える巻揚げ（ｉｎ−ｗｏｕｎｄ）応力による製品破損の前に達成可能な最大圧縮の推定値
（５）水の非圧縮性に基づいて達成し得る最大密度の物理的限界
（６）緩いロールで成された低い端密度、低い乾燥坪量及び低溶液追加％
【００５５】
取出力は、ミシン目を入れたワイプのロールに対する切り離し力より、理想的にはかなり小さいものでなければならない。このようにすると、ミシン目を不注意に破ることなく、ワイプは確実にディスペンサーから引張られ、又は取り出されることができる。従って、ｇ／４．２５インチ（ｇ／１０８．０ｍｍ）に基づいた力で、取出力は約１００ｇから約６００ｇであることが意図され、更に取出力は約１５０ｇから約２５０ｇであることが意図され、理想的には取出力は２００ｇ未満であることが望ましい。標準化すると、これらの力は２３．５ｇ／インチ（０．９３ｇ／ｍｍ）から１４１．２ｇ／インチ（５．５６ｇ／ｍｍ）、３５．３ｇ／インチ（１．３９ｇ／ｍｍ）から５８．８ｇ／インチ（２．３２ｇ／ｍｍ）、及び４７．１ｇ／インチ（１．８５ｇ／ｍｍ）である。
【００５６】
異なる種類のワイプ製品ではより低い切り離し力が得られることもあるが、一般に切り離し力は、８０ｇ〜３００ｇ（４．２５インチ、１０８．０ｍｍ当り）が意図される。カートリッジは、ロールが巻き解かれる時に、ロールに最小限の抵抗を付加する。つまり、ロールを巻き解くのに必要な力は、カートリッジによって実質的に増加することはない。又、ワイプのロール又は積重ねたワイプを、カートリッジを使用することなく、取り出し用のトレーに直接入れてもよい。
【００５７】
図１９は、ディスペンサーのカートリッジに入れられた時のロール３４を示す。螺旋状の線３８は、ロールが巻かれている形態を表すことを意図しており、その構成で底部から巻き解かれているロールを表している。更にこの図は、ウェットウェブに対するワイパー１０の関係を示している。図２０は、カートリッジ１１中のロール３４を示しており、螺旋状の線３８はロールの巻きを示している。この図はロールとリブ３２との関係を示している。この図から分かるように、ロールはリブ３２によってカートリッジの側壁及び底壁から持ち上げられている。従って、カートリッジと接触しているロールの表面積の量は減少している。これはまた、ロールの回転時に、カートリッジとの摩擦からロールが受ける抗力を減少させる。
【００５８】
図２１は、カートリッジ１１の一部分、カートリッジのリップ３１、及び側壁３９及び４０を示す。カートリッジが配置されている角度は、ディスペンサーがどれ位良く機能するかに影響を与える。この角度は、ワイプの引張り出しに関連した抗力を増大させたり、又は減少させる傾向がある。それは、ウェットワイプで発生することができる吸い取り、吸い上げ、又は乾燥の量に影響を与える。それはまた、ロールが巻き解かれてカートリッジの中で次第に小さくなる時に、ロールがどのように挙動するかにも影響を与えることができる。カートリッジの角度は、リップ３１が４２で示される真の垂直軸に対して形成する角度として測定される。図１から図１９に示されるようなディスペンサーシステムでは、リップ３１が真の垂直軸４２に対して形成する角度４３は、約１０°から約８０°、約２０°から約７０°、少なくとも２０°より大きく、少なくとも６０°より小さく、好ましくは約３０°とすべきである。
【００５９】
更に、この角度は、ロールを巻き解くことに関連した切り離し力と、リブに押し付けるロールの重量との間の力を均衡させるように選択することができる。即ち、カートリッジ内でロールを余分に動かすことなくワイプを巻き解くことができ、またそれによってロールが間隙に向かって移動し、ディスペンサーに拘束されるか又はディスペンサーを塞ぐ傾向が解決される。更に、角度の選択は、ウェットワイプの乾燥を低減させる役割を果たすことができる。角度４３が増大するにつれ、ロールの上部の高さと末端部との格差が減少し、即ち、吸い取りを促すどのような力も減少させる。
【００６０】
図２２から図２５は、カバーの実施例の様々な図を示す。この実施例では、カバー７は、カバーマウント２９、指を掛ける窪みの一部を形成するための凹部５、上部内側リム部分４５及び側部内側リム部分４６（これらの一方だけが図２４で見ることができる）を有する内側リム３３、脚部部分７２、及びポスト４４を有する。この実施例では、ポストはワイパーをカバーに連結するのに使用されている。
図２６から２８は、トレー３ａの実施例を示す。この実施例では、トレーは両側部に３箇所の凹部を備えた開口１５ａを有する。トレーは、ローラー４７であるガイドを有する。
【００６１】
トレーの別の実施例では、トレーはハウジングに固定されている。これは、ハウジング及びトレーが単一要素の材料で作られることによって、又はハウジング及びトレーが溶接、熱接合又は接着などの永久接合手段によって互いに接合されることにより達成することができる。更に別の実施例では、トレーはハウジングに対して回転できないが、取り出し可能であるようにハウジングに取り付けることができる。
図２９は、図２６から図２８で示されるトレー３ａで使用されるローラー４７を示す。ローラーは高くなった表面６７及び低くなった表面６８を有する。ローラー並びに任意のガイドの高くなった表面及び低くなった表面は、隆起部又はリムとすることもできる。高くなった表面又は低くなった表面が狭くなるにつれ、即ち鋭くなるにつれ、ウェットウェブを切断しないように注意しなければならない。
【００６２】
ワイパーブレードは、ショアＡデュロメータ硬さの値が約０から８０、約１５から約７０、好ましくは約３０から約６０の範囲にある、熱可塑性エラストマー、発泡体、スポンジ、プラスチック、又はゴムなどの、任意の可撓性材料で作ることができる。ワイパーブレードは、優れた水分障壁及び汚染障壁を形成する材料から作られることが更に好ましい。好ましい種類の材料の実施例には、ＳＡＮＴＯＰＲＥＮＥ（登録商標）、Ｋｒａｔｏｎ（登録商標）、シリコーン、又はスチレンエチレン／ブチレンスチレン（ＳＥＢＳ）がある。ワイパーブレードは、ガイド及びトレー、及びある程度はカートリッジのリップとも共に機能するように設計されている。ワイパーの配置に応じて、ワイパーは、取出しシステムのこれらの構成要素との相互作用が大きくなったり小さくなったりする。ワイパーブレードの端部とトレーとの間の間隙は、ウェットワイプの厚さ、及び取出しシステムが必要とされる機能を果たすためにはどれ位の抗力が必要であるかに応じて変化させることができる。ワイパーブレードは、ワイプの末端部を所定の場所に保持するのに役立ち、末端部が間隙からカートリッジの中へ引き込まれるのを防ぐことができる。ワイパーブレード材料は、ガーレー剛性値（ＡＳＴＭ Ｄ６１２５−９７）が約１００ｍｇから８０００ｍｇの間であり、約２００ｍｇから６０００ｍｇの間であることが好ましく、約４００ｍｇから３０００ｍｇの間であることが更に好ましい。
【００６３】
ワイプをディスペンサーから引張る時にワイパーブレードによりワイプに加えられる力は、ミシン目のない部位におけるワイプの引張り強さより大きくてはならず、且つミシン目を入れたワイプのミシン目の引張り強さより大きくてはならない。ワイプが保管中に乾燥しており、使用中に濡らされるように作られる場合は、ブレードはワイプに圧力を加えるように構成することができる。この場合、一枚の、又は複数枚のシートを取出すことにより、十分な剪断力がワイプに加えられ、水分を放出することができる。例えば、この力、即ち剪断力は、流体のマイクロカプセルの破裂を引き起こすのに十分なものとしてもよく、又は流体を含有している保護エマルジョンを破裂させるのに十分なものとしてもよい。
【００６４】
図６２から図６５は、丸みを帯びた部材９５又は丸みを帯びた隆起部９６を有するディスペンサー１を図示している。これらの構成要素は、ワイパーブレードア組立体９９の一部であるか、又はワイパーブレード組立体９９に取付けられており、ワイパーブレード７４に隣接しているものとして示されている。これらの構成要素は、ロールの寸法が小さくなるにつれ、ロールが間隙に拘束状態になる傾向を防ぐか、又は低減させる。
【００６５】
図５７から図６１は、ワイパー組立体の一実施例を示す。この実施例では、ワイパーは、シャシー７３及び、フィンガー７５を有するワイパーブレード７４（７４ａは、シャシーと係合し、シャシーを貫通して突き出ているブレードの断面を示す）を含む。この実施例では、フィンガーは、ディスペンサー中のガイド１６の低くなった表面と協働するように設計されている。この実施例では、ブレードはＳＡＮＴＯＰＲＥＮＥ（登録商標）で作られており、シャシーはポリプロピレンで作られている。この実施形態は、ワイパーの高くなった、又はより厚みのある領域９７を含む。これらの高くなった領域はトレー上のガイド１６と協働する。
【００６６】
図６９から図９１は、ワイパーブレード組立体１１０の実施例を示す。これらの実施例では、この組立体は、互いに一体と成ってワイパーを形成するシャシー１１２及びワイパーブレード１１４を含む。シャシーは、ハンドル１１６及びワイパーブレードを支持する複数の開口１１８を含む。ブレードは、タブ１２０及び複数のボタン１２２を含む。ボタンは、この開口の直径よりもわずかに大きい直径を有する。ボタンを含むワイパーブレードは、圧縮性の材料で作られているため、ボタンは開口を通って圧搾されて、ブレードをシャシーへ取り出し可能に取付けることができる。開口に対してボタンの直径が大きいために、ブレードがシャシーから落下するのを防ぐことができる。タブ１２０は、ブレードとシャシーとが互いに一体となる際に、ハンドル１１６の溝１２４（図８１）に嵌合する。タブをシャシーから離れる方向へ引張り、ボタンが圧縮されて開口から抜け出るように十分な力を加えることにより、ブレードは、シャシーから取り出されることができる。
【００６７】
図６９から図７１、及び図７３から図８５を参照すると、シャシーは、カラー１２６の形で取り付け要素を更に含む。これらのカラーは、カバー（図２４）のポスト４４と一体となり、ワイパーブレード組立体をカバーに取り付ける。カラーは、１方向にだけポストに取り付けることができるように配置される。また、シャシーは、アーチ形の側部１２８を含み、それはカバー内側と同様の湾曲部を有して、更にディスペンサーのワイパーブレード組立体を安定させる。シャシーは、組立体を取り出し可能とするようにカバーに取付けることができる。例えば、組立体は、交換、清掃、及び／又はディスペンサーの取出し特性の調整のために取り出されることができる。ハンドル１１６は、組立体を操作するために、及び組立体をディスペンサーへ取り付け且つディスペンサーから取り外すために有用である。
【００６８】
ワイパーまたはシャシーをディスペンサーへ取付けるために、カラーはポストのベースへ押されるのが好ましい。これは、シャシーは、カバーの内側と接するのが好ましいからである。カバーは、単一のポストを有しても良く、または複数のポストを有しても良い。図２４に示す実施例では、カバーは４つのポストを有している。ワイパーは、単一のカラーを有しても良く、または複数のカラーを有しても良い。図６９から図７１及び図７３から図８５では、シャシーは４つのカラーを有している。カラーの数はポストの数と等しい必要はない。ワイパーは、カバーのポストの数よりも多いカラーを有することも、または少ないカラーを有することもできる。また、ディスペンサー及びワイパーは、ワイパーが少なくとも１つのポストを有し、且つディスペンサーが少なくとも１つのカラーを有するように構成されることができる。このように構成すると、ポストとカラーを一体にすることにより、ワイパーをディスペンサーまたはカバーに取り付ることができる。
【００６９】
シャシーは、シャシーの主本体から伸びる丸みをもったフィンを更に含む。シャシーがカバーに取り付けられ、カバーが閉じたとき、フィンはディスペンサーの内側へ向いている。これらのフィンは、特にロールのサイズが減少した際に、ロールが間隙で拘束状態になったりまたは締め上げられるのを抑制する。また、この効果は、丸みをもった部材９５または丸みをもった隆起部９６（図６２から図６５）を有するワイパーブレードを備えることにより、または楔形状（図９１−Ｃ）のフィン、隆起部、または部材を利用することにより得ることができる。これらのフィン、隆起部、または部材は、総称してテンショナーと呼ばれる。テンショナーは、硬い材料または柔軟な材料で作ることができる。ワイパーブレード組立体のテンショナーは、ワイプの末端部がディスペンサーから引張られているとき、ロールが間隙と相互に作用するのを阻止する役目をする。これは、テンショナーが、間隙から離れた位置でロールを保持するためである。テンショナーは、ワイプの取出し効率を改善することができる。ロールが間隙で締め上げられるのを妨げることができるので、ロールはより完全に巻き解かれ、より多くのワイプを簡単にロールから取出すことができる。如何なる作動理論にも拘束されるものではないが、ロールが巻き解かれる過程でより小さくなり、より塊状でなくなるにつれて、このより小さいロールが、ディスペンサーへ落ち込むのを低減できる。これは、シートが取出される際に、より小さなロールは間隙の方へ移動する傾向があるからである。もとのロールの中心にあったシートを含むより小さなロールは、シガレット状部と呼ばれる。シガレット状部が間隙に押し込められまたは締め上げられるようになった場合、シガレット状部のシートは、ディスペンサー内に残される。これは、それらのシートが、間隙を通ってシガレット状部の末端部を引張ることにより取り出されることができないからである。テンショナーは、シガレット状部の末端部が間隙を通って引張られた時でも、間隙からシガレット状部を離れた状態に維持する役目を果たす。これは、図１９Ａから図１９Ｃに概略的に示されている。
【００７０】
上で説明されたように、１２０ｍｍ間隔に入ったミシン目線によりシートに分割され、ディスペンサーから一度に１つのシートが取り出されるウェットワイプのロールに対して、テンショナーが無ければ、シガレット状部１４４はディスペンサー内でワイパーとトレイとの間に押し込まれることになり得る。このシガレット状部は、結合された６から８枚ほどのシートを有するものとすることができる。そのようなシガレット状部の直径は、約１５ｍｍである。テンショナーは、実質的に１５ｍｍよりも小さいか、さらに好ましくは１０ｍｍよりも小さいロールに対してでも、この押し込みまたは締め上げを防ぐのに役立つ。テンショナーを備えたディスペンサーからウェットワイプのロールが取出されることに関して言えば、ワイパーとトレイとの間で押し込みが生じるシガレット状部１４４は、典型的には、結合された２枚のシートだけを有するものである。
【００７１】
図６９から図７７及び図８６から図９０を参照すると、ワイパーブレードは、シャーシ上のフィンに合わせるように構成されている。ボタンは、アーム１３２上に配置されており、このアームは、その間からフィンが突き出すことができるように、互いに離れている。ワイパーブレードは更に、ガイドの高くなった領域及び低くなった領域と協働するフィンガー１３４と高くなった領域１３６とを含むことができる。また、ブレードは、平面領域１４０を含むことができ、この平面領域は、中央の平面領域１４２よりも低く配置されている。末端にあるこの延長したブレードの長さは、ウェットワイプの水分量の保持を助ける。また、この延長した長さは、ディスペンサーから引張られる際に側部から側部へワイプが滑るのを低減するのに役立つ。
【００７２】
ワイパーブレードをシャシーに取付け、またはシャシーをカバーに取り付けるのに如何なる方法も使用されることができる。例えば、これらは、接着剤の使用により、または係合ブラケット、圧力取り付け具、または凸縁と溝の使用により取り付けることができる。これらの取り付け方法は、構成部品を永久的に固定することも、または取り出し可能な取り付けとすることもできる。同様に、テンショナーは、ワイパーブレード及び／またはシャシーに取り出し可能に取り付けられることができ、または永久に取り付けられることもできる。テンショナーは、ブレード及び／またはシャシーと一体化することができる。
【００７３】
図４０及び４１は、トイレットティシュー用のローラ棒の一実施例を示す。この実施例は、第１のローラハウジング８０、第２のローラハウジング８１、及びばね８２を含む。図５５から図５６は、ディスペンサーの他の実施例を示す。
図４２から図４５は、取付け組立体の一実施例を示す。この取付け組立体は、摺動アーム５５及び５６、ハウジング５７及び５８、端部開口５９、及びばね６１を含む。この摺動アームは、留め部材８３と協働して、摺動アームの長手の方向最大伸長量を制限する留め部材６０を有する。取付け組立体は、開口６２と協働し、ハウジング５７及び５８をハウジング８４に固定するタブ６３を有する第三のハウジング８４を有する。更に、ハウジング８４は、スクリュを受け入れるためのネジ通路６４を有する。図４４は、摺動アームが引込んだ位置にある取付け組立体を示すが、一方、図４５は、摺動アームが伸長した位置にある取付け組立体を示す。１つの実施形態では、引込んだ位置にある取付け組立体の長さは、約３．５インチ（８８．９ｍｍ）であり、伸長した位置にある取付け組立体の長さは、約８インチ（２０３．２ｍｍ）である。引込んだ位置にある取付け組立体の長さは、約５インチ（１２７．０ｍｍ）であり、伸長した位置にある取付け組立体の長さは、約６．５インチ（１６５．１ｍｍ）であることが好ましい。３つのハウジング設計はまた、２つのハウジングの実施形態に、又は単一のハウジングの実施形態に簡略化することができる。２つのハウジングの実施形態では、上部と底部、又は側部と側部の半分は、一緒に固定され、ばね及び摺動アームを保持する。
【００７４】
この取付け組立体は、端部をディスペンサーが取付けられることになる物体の穴、例えば壁の中に取付けられたトイレットティシューディスペンサーの穴に配置されたサイドアームの外側に出すことにより、所定の場所に保持される。ばねは、摺動アームを伸長した状態に保ち、このようにそれらを穴の中に保持する。次いで、スクリュは、ディスペンサー及び通路６４を貫挿されて締め付けられ、端部係合表面９０をトイレットティシューディスペンサーの穴の壁に押し付ける。
【００７５】
図６６は、ポスト８６を有する部分的に窪んだ型式である、従来のバスティシューホルダー８５を表わす。図６７は、窪みがなく、ポスト８６及びローラ６を有する従来のバスティシューホルダー８５を表わす。図６８は、図６７のホルダーのローラを取り出し、取付け組立体８をポスト８６と係合させた状態を図示している。実際の使用に際して、取付け組立体は、図２の実施例で示されるように、ディスペンサーと接合されるであろう。
【００７６】
取付け組立体は、ディスペンサーを所定の位置に保持するために加えられる力に耐えるのに、十分な強度のある材料で作られなければならない。この材料は、スクリュがネジ通路に掛けることになる力に耐えるのに十分な強度を有していなければならない。これらの特徴を実現し、取付け組立体を作るのに使用することができる材料の実施例には、１５％又はそれ以上のガラス充填Ｐｂｔ、ＡＢＳ、又は類似の強度特性を有する任意の材料がある。
【００７７】
図４６から図５０は、図４２から図４５に示されている実施例などの取付け装置と協働するスクリュ９の一実施例を示している。このスクリュは、取付け組立体に対して述べられたのと同じ強度の必要条件を満たす材料で作らなければならない。この実施例では、スクリュは、スクリュを１インチ（２５．４ｍｍ）動かすのに６回転を必要とするネジ設計を有する。標準ＡＣＭＥの従来式スクリュネジは、スクリュを１インチ（２５．４ｍｍ）動かすのに２３回転を必要とする。このネジ設計は、スクリュを回転させるのが少なくて済むため、このネジ設計によって、使用者は、非常に容易にディスペンサーを取付けることができる。更に、この実施例では、スクリュは、溝６５及びグリップ６６を有する大きいヘッドを有する。溝は硬貨又はねじ回しと嵌合することができる。しかし、ディスペンサーシステムの取付けが非常に容易になることが好ましい場合もあるが、より大きいスクリュのヘッド及び溝は必要ではない。更に、スクリュは、締結後に、スクリュが緩むのを防ぐため、ヘッドの近くにロックナット、又はジャムナットを設けてもよい。
【００７８】
また、代替の取付装置を使用することができる。これらの取付装置は、固定式でも取外し可能であってもよい。例として、それらには、ケーブルタイ、ウィングナット、アンカーボルト、クリック止めと溝、及びスナップとロック機構などの固定システムを含むことができる。
図５１から図５３は、カートリッジの実施例を示す。この実施例では、カートリッジはその側壁に凸部６９を有する。
【００７９】
図５４は、カートリッジのパッケージの一実施例を示す。使用に際して、このパッケージは、各カートリッジに１つ、ウェットワイプのロールを充填されるであろう。次いで、カートリッジはリップ３１上に全部又は部分的に取り出し可能なカバーを置くことにより密封される。密封シールは、水分及び細菌に耐性があることが好ましい。次いで消費者は、パッケージを購入し、カートリッジを取外し、ディスペンサーを開け、ディスペンサーにカートリッジを入れる。カートリッジの上部、又はカバーのスリットは、ディスペンサーにカートリッジを入れる前に、又はそれがディスペンサーに挿入された後に取り除くことができる。次いでウェットワイプのロールの端部が、トレー及びガイドの上を引張り出され、次いでカバーが閉められ、このようにして、ウェットワイプを取出すための効率的なシステムを提供する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】
ディスペンサーの斜視図である。
【図２】
ディスペンサー及びカートリッジの分解組立図である。
【図２ａ】
トレーの正面の一部分の平面図である。
【図３】
開いたディスペンサーの斜視図である。
【図４】
ディスペンサーの上面図である。
【図５】
ディスペンサーの正面図である。
【図６】
ディスペンサーの底面図である。
【図７】
ディスペンサーの側面図である。
【図８】
ディスペンサーの背面図である。
【図９】
図５の線Ａ−Ａに沿ったディスペンサー及びカートリッジの断面図である。
【図１０】
図９の線Ｄ−Ｄに沿った断面図である。
【図１１】
図９の線Ｅ−Ｅに沿った断面図である。
【図１２】
図９の線Ｆ−Ｆに沿った断面図である。
【図１３】
図５の線Ｃ−Ｃに沿ったディスペンサー及びカートリッジの断面図である。
【図１４】
図１３の線Ｊ−Ｊに沿った断面図である。
【図１５】
図１３の線Ｋ−Ｋに沿った断面図である。
【図１６】
ウェットワイプを取付けたディスペンサーの斜視図である。
【図１７】
ディスペンサー、カートリッジ、及びウェットワイプのロールの斜視図である。
【図１８】
ウェットワイプのロールの斜視図である。
【図１９】
ディスペンサー、カートリッジ、及びウェットワイプのロールの断面図である。
【図２０】
カートリッジ、及び１ロールの予め湿らせたワイプの断面図である。
【図２１】
カートリッジの断面図である。
【図２２】
カバーの外側の斜視図である。
【図２３】
カバーの外側の正面図である。
【図２４】
カバーの内側の斜視図である。
【図２５】
カバーの断面図である。
【図２６】
トレーの図である。
【図２７】
トレーの図である。
【図２８】
トレーの図である。
【図２９】
ローラーの図である。
【図３０】
ローラーの図である。
【図３１】
ローラーの図である。
【図３２】
ワイパー組立体の図である。
【図３３】
ワイパー組立体の図である。
【図３４】
図３２の線Ａ−Ａに沿った図である。
【図３５】
ワイパー組立体の図である。
【図３６】
図３５の線Ａ−Ａに沿った図である。
【図３７】
ワイパー組立体の図である。
【図３８】
ワイパーの図である。
【図３９】
ワイパーの図である。
【図４０】
ローラーの図である。
【図４１】
ローラーの図である。
【図４２】
取付け組立体の図である。
【図４３】
取付け組立体の図である。
【図４４】
取付け組立体の図である。
【図４５】
取付け組立体の図である。
【図４６】
取付け組立体と関連して使用されるスクリュの図である。
【図４７】
取付け組立体と関連して使用されるスクリュの図である。
【図４８】
取付け組立体と関連して使用されるスクリュの図である。
【図４９】
取付け組立体と関連して使用されるスクリュの図である。
【図５０】
取付け組立体と関連して使用されるスクリュの図である。
【図５１】
カートリッジの図である。
【図５２】
カートリッジの図である。
【図５３】
カートリッジの図である。
【図５４】
１パッケージのカートリッジの上面図である。
【図５５】
ディスペンサーの斜視図である。
【図５６】
ディスペンサー及びカートリッジの分解組立図である。
【図５７】
ワイパー組立体の正面平面図である。
【図５８】
ワイパー組立体の正面平面図である。
【図５９】
ワイパーブレードの平面図である。
【図６０】
ワイパーブレードの断面図である。
【図６１】
ワイパーブレードの斜視図である。
【図６２】
ディスペンサーの断面図である。
【図６３】
ディスペンサーの一部の断面図である。
【図６４】
カバーの内側の斜視図である。
【図６５】
カバーの内側の上面図である。
【図６６】
従来のバスティシューホルダーの図である。
【図６７】
従来のバスホルダーの図である。
【図６８】
（ディスペンサーなしで示された）従来のバスティシューホルダーの取付け組立体の図である。
【図６９】
ワイパー組立体の斜正面図である。
【図７０】
ワイパー組立体の斜背面図である。
【図７１】
ワイパーシャシーの図である。
【図７２】
ワイパーブレードの図である。
【図７３】
ワイパー組立体の正平面図である。
【図７４】
ワイパー組立体の側断面図である。
【図７５】
ワイパー組立体の背平面図である。
【図７６】
ワイパー組立体の平面図である。
【図７７】
ワイパー組立体の底面図である。
【図７８】
ワイパーシャシーの正平面図である。
【図７９】
ワイパーシャシーの側断面図である。
【図８０】
ワイパーシャシーの側断面図である。
【図８１】
ワイパーシャシーの背平面図である。
【図８２】
ワイパーシャシーの平断面図である。
【図８３】
ワイパーシャシーの平面図である。
【図８４】
ワイパーシャシーの底面図である。
【図８５】
ワイパーシャシーの側面図である。
【図８６】
ワイパーブレードの正平面図である。
【図８７】
ワイパーブレードフィンガーの正面図である。
【図８８】
ワイパーブレードフィンガーの側断面図である。
【図８９】
ワイパーブレードの背平面図である。
【図９０】
ワイパーブレードの側断面図である。
【図９１Ａ】
テンショナーを備えたディスペンサーの部分側面図である。
【図９１Ｂ】
テンショナーを備えたディスペンサーの部分側面図である。
【図９１Ｃ】
テンショナーを備えたディスペンサーの部分側面図である。[0001]
This application is related to a pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 545,995, filed Apr. 10, 2000, titled Attorney Docket No. 659/623, entitled Dispenser for Pre-wet Wipes. A pending application entitled "System and Dispenser for Removing Wet Wipes" of Application No. 09 / 565,227, Attorney Docket No. 659/648, filed May 4, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part application. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 659,295, filed Sep. 12, 2000, and attorney docket No. 659/703, pending US patent application Ser. The patent applications are continuation-in-part applications, and these US patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002]
(Background technology)
Wet products, such as wet wipes, have many uses. They can be used on children and babies when changing diapers, they can be used for household cleaning, they can be used to clean hands, or they can be used as bath tissue. Yes, caregivers may be used in cleaning adults with physical disabilities or incontinence, or many others where it is advantageous to have certain wet or damp wipes or towels In some applications, and for such applications.
[0003]
Traditionally, wet wipes have been removed in sheet form from a trough-shaped container with a hinged lid on top. The lid is opened and the individual or individual sheets of wipe are removed. Another type of container that has been used for wet wipes provides one roll of wipe, where the wipe is pulled from the top of the container in a direction parallel to the axis of the roll. These wipes are pulled from the center of a hollow coreless roll having perforated sheets. Generally, these containers have a snap-on top lid, which when opened reveals a single wipe, which can then be pulled to remove the desired amount of wipe. The pulled-out wipe can then be cut, usually at a perforation, and the lid closed.
[0004]
The wet wipe may be any wipe, towel, tissue, or sheet-like product containing natural fibers, synthetic fibers, synthetic materials and combinations thereof, in a wet or wet state, or Wet during or before use. Wet wipes can be dispersible when in contact with water or non-dispersible. Examples of wet wipes are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 09 / 564,449, 09 / 564,213, 09 / 565,125, 09 / 564,837, 09/564, all filed on May 4, 2000. 939, 09/564, 531, 09/564, 268, 09/564, 424, 09/564, 780, 09 / 564,212, 09/565, 623, and submitted on December 31, 1998, No. 09 / 223,999, entitled Sensitive Hard Water Dispersible Polymers and Their Applications, which are incorporated herein by reference. Embodiments of the dispenser are described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09 / 565,227 and 09 / 545,995, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09 / 659,307, 09 / 659,295, 09, filed September 12, 2000. / 660,049, 09 / 659,311, 09 / 660,040, 09 / 659,283, 09 / 659,284, 09 / 659,306, U.S. Patent Application No. 09, filed December 22, 2000. No./748,618, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. filed April 24, 2001, entitled Attorney Docket No. 14,676.12, entitled System for Retrieving Multiple Wet Wipes, and Attorney Docket No. No. 659/789, filed Apr. 27, 2001, which are incorporated herein by reference. It is incorporated into the Saisho.
[0005]
(Disclosure of the Invention)
In one embodiment of the present invention, a wiper assembly for a wipe dispenser is provided that includes a chassis and a wiper blade.
These embodiments may further comprise an integrated wiper blade and chassis assembly, the wiper blade and the chassis are bonded by an adhesive, the wiper blade is removably attached to the chassis, and the wiper blade is Includes at least one button, the chassis includes at least one opening, the button and the opening adapted to cooperate to attach the wiper blade to the chassis, the diameter of the button being greater than the diameter of the opening. Can be large.
[0006]
In one embodiment of the present invention, the wiper assembly includes a wipe dispenser, the wiper assembly includes a chassis and a wiper blade, the dispenser includes a wipe and a gap, the wipe includes a distal end, and the wipe includes: An assembly is provided that is removable from the dispenser by pulling the distal end through the gap.
These embodiments may further comprise an assembly wherein the chassis includes at least one collar and the dispenser includes at least one post, the collar and the post cooperating to attach the chassis to the dispenser. can do.
These embodiments may still further comprise an assembly wherein the wiper blade includes a finger and the dispenser includes a guide, the finger and the guide cooperating to secure the distal end of the wipe. . The finger may include a raised area, the assembly may further include a tensioner, and the wipe may be rolled into a sheet containing sheet, the roll being wound as the wipe is removed. Unwrapped, less than 6 sheets left in the dispenser, less than 4 sheets left in the dispenser, less than 3 sheets left in the dispenser, or less than 2 sheets left in the dispenser And the sheet left in the dispenser can be rolled having a diameter of less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, or less than 8 mm.
[0007]
In one embodiment of the present invention, a wiper assembly for a wipe dispenser including a wiper blade and a tensioner is provided.
In these embodiments, the tensioner may further include an assembly including a plurality of fins, a plurality of rounded ridges, a rounded member, or a wedge, the assembly further comprising: , The chassis may be attachable to the dispenser.
[0008]
In one embodiment of the present invention, a wiper assembly includes a wipe dispenser, the wiper assembly includes a wiper blade and a tensioner, the dispenser includes a roll and a gap of the wipe, and the wipe includes a distal end. An assembly is provided wherein the wipe is removable from the dispenser by pulling the distal end through the gap.
These embodiments may further include an assembly wherein the wiper blade includes a finger and the dispenser includes a guide, wherein the finger and the guide cooperate to secure the distal end of the wipe. can do. These embodiments may still further include an assembly that includes the raised area of the fingers, wherein the roll is unwound as the wipe is removed, leaving less than six sheets in the dispenser. Thus, less than four sheets may be left in the dispenser, less than three sheets may be left in the dispenser, or less than two sheets may be left in the dispenser. The remaining sheet is made into a roll having a diameter of less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, or less than 8 mm, the roll being in contact with the tensioner when the distal end is pulled through the gap. Thereby, it can be held away from the gap.
[0009]
In one embodiment of the present invention, a dispenser is provided for a wipe including a roll of wipes including a distal end, a wiper assembly including a wiper blade and a tensioner, a cover including at least one post, and a gap. You.
These embodiments may further include a dispenser in which the chassis includes at least one collar, wherein the collar and the post may cooperate to attach the chassis to the cover. In these embodiments, the tensioner may further comprise a dispenser wherein the tensioner includes a plurality of fins, a plurality of rounded ridges, a rounded member, or a wedge. These embodiments may still further comprise the dispenser wherein the wipe is removable from the dispenser by pulling the distal end through the gap, wherein the roll is unwound as the wipe is removed, and no more than six. Less than four sheets are left in the dispenser so that less sheets are left in the dispenser, less than three sheets are left in the dispenser, and less than two sheets are left in the dispenser. The sheet left in the dispenser is rolled with a diameter of less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, or less than 8 mm, and the chassis and tensioner are integrated. , Wiper blade can be removed to the chassis Mounted, the wiper blade includes at least one button, the chassis includes at least one opening, the button having a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening, and the button and the opening cooperating with the wiper The blade may be attached to the chassis.
[0010]
In one embodiment of the present invention, a wipe including a distal end is provided in a dispenser including a wiper assembly including a tensioner and a gap, and the distal end is pulled from the dispenser through the gap and brought into contact with the tensioner. A method is provided for removing a wipe, holding the wipe away.
In these embodiments, the wipe may further comprise a method for removing the wipe, the wipe comprising a roll, the roll including a cigarette-like portion, the roll including a sheet, wherein the sheet comprises approximately Pulling the distal end from the dispenser, defined by perforations sectioned at intervals of about 114 mm to about 127 mm, or about 120 mm, includes unwinding a roll of wipes, wherein the cigarette-like portion is located within the dispenser. And the cigarette-like portion comprises less than 6 sheets, less than 4 sheets, less than 3 sheets, less than 2 sheets, or less than 15 mm in diameter and less than 10 mm Having a smaller diameter, or less than 8 mm.
[0011]
In one embodiment of the present invention, means for containing a wipe including a distal end, means for securing a distal end of the wipe within the gap, and preventing a wipe from being pushed into the gap. And a dispenser for a wipe comprising:
These embodiments may further comprise a dispenser in which the wipe is removed from the dispenser by pulling the distal end through the gap, wherein the wipe comprises a roll and the roll comprises a cigarette-like portion. Wherein the roll is unwound as the wipe is removed, leaving a cigarette-like portion having a diameter of less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, or less than 8 mm in the dispenser. it can.
[0012]
In one embodiment of the present invention, a wiper assembly including a chassis, a tensioner, and at least one wiper mounting element, and a cover including at least one cover mounting element, the wiper mounting element and the cover mounting element comprising: A dispenser for a wipe is provided that cooperates to attach a wiper assembly to a cover.
These embodiments may further comprise a dispenser, wherein the wiper mounting element is a color and the cover mounting element is a post, wherein the wiper mounting element is a post and the cover mounting element is a color. , The number of wiper mounting elements can be equal to the number of cover mounting elements.
[0013]
In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a wiper assembly for a wet wipe dispenser, the wiper assembly including a first material and first means for attaching the assembly to a dispenser; A second means comprising a second material softer than the first material of the first means, a means for reducing water evaporation from a wet wipe in the dispenser, and the wipe in a restrained and torn state Means for tensioning the wet wipe so that it can be withdrawn from the dispenser in a continuous manner without causing a wiper assembly for the wet wipe dispenser.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes a first portion having a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width, the first portion having a front surface and a rear surface adjacent the dispenser. Together with a first opening and a second opening, further comprising a second portion in contact with the upper surface of the first portion, the second portion having an extension, A wiper assembly for a wet wipe dispenser is provided wherein the portion is located at a second opening of the first portion.
In one embodiment of the invention, the chassis includes a top, a bottom end, two side edges, a length, a width, a chassis including a top surface and a back surface, and a blade including a top surface and a back surface, wherein the chassis includes a top end. First and second collars spaced apart from and adjacent to each other; and a plurality of openings, a portion of a rear surface of the blade abutting an upper surface of the chassis, and the rear surface of the blade includes a plurality of buttons. A portion of the blade extends below the bottom end of the chassis, the button is located in the opening, and the blade includes an extension member, the extension member being out of contact with a surface of the chassis , A wiper assembly for a wet wipe dispenser is provided.
[0014]
(Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention)
Systems and methods for removing and providing wipes are provided, which generally include a housing, a cover, and a cartridge having a roll of wet wipes. After the cartridge is placed in the housing, the wipe is removed from the dispenser.
Generally, a device is provided for attaching a wet wipe dispenser to another surface. The surface can be, for example, a bathroom wall, a kitchen wall, or a bathroom vanity wall. The device can be used or adapted for use with almost any type of wet wipe dispenser, such as the various dispensers shown and described herein. This device works in conjunction with a conventional bath tissue holder and is ideally adapted to securely but removably mount the dispenser to a wall. Conventional bath tissue holders are of the kind typically found in homes. Such holders have posts protruding from the wall and rods or rollers located between the posts. These holders can also be partially embedded in the wall. Such a holder and the holder with the mounting assembly engaged are shown in FIGS. The device can be used without a conventional bath tissue holder and allows the dispenser to be fixed to a wall.
[0015]
For example, the system may have a dispenser with a housing that can be mounted on a surface such as a wall, cabinet, existing bath tissue dispenser, toilet, toilet tank, stall wall, or car dashboard. Can be. The dispenser has an opening for holding a cartridge containing a wet wipe. These cartridges are hermetically sealed and can be packaged in a package containing multiple cartridges. Therefore, one package containing a plurality of cartridges can be provided to the user. The user can then select one of the cartridges, open it, place it in the dispenser, and use the wipe as needed. When the wipe is finished, the user can easily discard the old cartridge and replace it with a new one. That is, the system allows the user to conveniently obtain a cartridge of several wipes, keep them handy, and use the wipes as needed. By replacing the dispenser using a sealed cartridge, the user will each time use a fresh clean product and a product that is in contact with a clean surface.
[0016]
By way of example, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, a dispenser 1 having a housing 2, a tray 3, a cover 7 and a mounting assembly 8 is provided. The tray and cover form a gap 4 through which a wet wipe can be passed. The portion of the wipe that extends through the gap is sometimes referred to as the distal end. The tray and cover further have a recess 5 forming a depression where a finger is placed, ie where the user can grip the wet wipe and pull it out of the dispenser. Optionally, the dispenser is also equipped with rollers 6 for loading and unloading one roll of another product, such as a dry or conventional bath tissue.
[0017]
In general, the dispenser systems described herein can be used with or without a conventional dry toilet tissue or dry bath tissue. If a conventional tissue is used with a wet wipe, it could be placed side-by-side above or below the wet tissue.
1 and 4 to 8 show the dispenser with the cover closed. 4 and 6, it can be most easily seen that the dispenser generally has a top 100, a side 101, a side 102, a rear 103, a bottom 104 and a front 105. FIG. 2 shows the dispenser and cartridge in an exploded view. FIG. 3 shows the dispenser assembled and fully open. When fully opened, the screw 9 can be accessed.
[0018]
The housing can be made from any suitable material, such as plastic, wood, ceramic, porcelain, glass, paper, metal, thermoplastic elastomer, or composite. For example, the housing can be made using polypropylene, polyester resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (Pbt), glass filled Pbt, 15% glass filled Pbt, glass fiber, carbon fiber, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). it can.
[0019]
The housing can take a variety of shapes and dimensions. If the dispenser is intended for home use, it is desirable to have dimensions similar to a conventional bath tissue roller mount. It is particularly desirable that the dispenser be as compact as possible for home use. In addition, the cover can be aesthetically compatible with most toilet paper holders in existing homes, provided that the width is in the range of about 4-1 / 2 inches (114.3 mm) to 6-7 / 8 inches (174.6 mm). Or can be attached to them. The width of the cover is greater than about 3 inches (76.2 mm), less than about 6 inches (152.4 mm), less than about 7 inches (177.8 mm), and less than about 8 inches (203.2 mm). Is preferred. With dimensions of 4-1 / 2 inch (114.3 mm) x 6-7 / 8 inch (174.6 mm), a further advantage is that a single-size dispenser can be used for most home applications. Benefits are brought. For certain applications or aesthetic reasons, such as a small bathroom, smaller dimensions may be desirable. The dispenser and its components may have various colors, such as almonds and white found in porcelain bath equipment, or may have any other desired color. If the housing is used for industrial or public buildings, or for commercial use, make the housing large enough and either wet wipes or dry wipes, or both, and a few more rolls of tissue. It is desirable to be able to hold enough.
[0020]
The housing can be configured in the shape shown in FIG. 1 so that it can be mounted on or into a conventional wall-mounted toilet paper holder. It can be a wall or surface such as a screw through the mounting hole 30 or a pressure mount to the side of a conventional wall mount for glue, nails, screws, rivets, magnet attachments, staples, engagement brackets and toilet tissue. It can also be mounted directly to the wall by other means of securing the housing. The housing may also have a lock 13 that engages the tab 12 on the cover to keep the cover closed, but provides a way to easily open the dispenser. Also, various other methods may be used to fasten or secure the cover to the housing. For example, in commercial applications or homes with small children, a keyhole and key approach may be desirable.
[0021]
The housing may also have an opening 14 made to receive the cover mount 29. Opening 14 and cover mount 29 can be further configured to receive a conventional toilet tissue roller. The housing may further be configured to support means for removing, storing, storing or attaching other products, such as wipes or toilet tissue. For example, the housing can also support a shelf that can support a container of wet wipes having the same or a different composition as the wipes inside the housing. The housing may further have an opening 28 for receiving the pin 27 of the tray 3.
[0022]
The cover 7 can be made of any material similar to the housing and can be of the same material as the housing or of a different material. The cover may be transparent or have a window for viewing the amount of wet wipe remaining on the dispenser. However, when the cartridge is inserted into the dispenser and the cover is closed, the top cover of the cartridge is in direct contact with the wet wipes, so any wood or other material that maintains bacterial growth is undesirable. Would. All materials in contact with the wet wipe are preferably made from materials that do not inhibit or maintain bacterial growth.
[0023]
In addition, the components of the dispenser system comprise antimicrobial, medicinal, botanical, or skin and hygiene agents, including, by way of example, dispenser housings, trays, wiper blades, wiper assemblies, cartridges, covers, gaskets, and the like. Can be added to the materials used to do so. In particular, such components can be added to any component that is in contact with or associated with the wet wipe.
[0024]
The cover is designed to cooperate with the cartridge 11 to form a barrier to moisture loss from the wet wipe. The cover can also be designed to cooperate with other components of the dispenser system to form a moisture barrier. The dispenser was completely closed at room temperature of 73 ° F. (22.8 ° C.) and 50% relative humidity for at least 1 day, at least 2 days, at least 5 days, at least 14 days, and preferably more than 14 days At times, the wet wipe can be kept moist. The dispenser is at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 50%, at least about 50%, at 73 ° F. (22.8 ° C.) and 50% relative humidity for 14 days when completely closed. About 95% moisture can be maintained. These moisture retention values can be obtained for no more than 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) in length with the wipe end protruding through the gap.
[0025]
The cover can further be designed to cooperate with the cartridge 11 or other components of the dispenser system to form a barrier to contamination of the wipe in the dispenser. That is, the cover in cooperation with the cartridge or other components of the dispenser system can form a barrier to dirt, dust, mold spores, and bacteria.
The gap between the inner surface of the front cover and the surface of the lip of the cartridge may be between about 2 mm and about 10 mm. In this manner, a dome is formed at the top of the open cartridge that at least partially covers the opening, the dome being above the lip of the cartridge less than about 15 mm, less than about 10 mm, and about 5 mm. Preferably, it is less, and ideally less than about 2 mm. The height of the dome can also be measured from the surface of a complete roll of wet wipes, in which case an additional 2 mm to 7 mm may be added to the dome height. Higher domes can be used, but such higher domes are less aesthetically pleasing and will increase the amount of evaporation or moisture loss from wet wipes.
[0026]
The cover may include an inner rim 33 (see, for example, FIG. 3) and a wiper 10 (see, for example, FIGS. 2, 3). The inner rim of the cover and the wiper cooperate with the lip 31 of the cartridge. When the cover is closed, the inner rim is pressed against the lip of the cartridge and the wiper is pressed against the tray containing the guide as well as the lip of the cartridge. In another embodiment, the cover can be provided with a lip and the cartridge can be provided with a rim to facilitate cooperation.
[0027]
The distance between the inside of the cover on which the wiper is arranged and the tray can be smaller than the height of the wiper blade. That is, in this configuration, the wiper blade is placed in compression against the lip, tray or guide 16, or all, depending on the position of the wiper. At this time, the wiper blade applies pressure to the wet wipe. The wiper can be positioned such that it does not apply pressure to the wet wipe when it abuts the wet wipe, or it can be positioned so as to be near and above the wet wipe. The amount of pressure the wiper applies to the wet wipe depends on several factors, including the application of the wiper, the material from which the wiper blade is made, the material from which the wet wipe is made, and the material from which the cartridge lip 31 is made. May vary.
[0028]
The tray 3 can be made from any material similar to the housing or cover and can be of the same material as their components or of a different material. The tray has side walls 22, 23, 80 and 81. Walls 22 and 23 correspond to the sides of the dispenser, wall 80 corresponds to the top of the dispenser, and wall 81 corresponds to the bottom of the dispenser. The tray shown in the figure has no rear wall but can be provided if desired. The sidewall may include recesses 24, 25, and 26. These recesses cooperate with protrusions 19, 20 and 21 on the cartridge (26 for 19, 24 for 20 and 25 for 21). In this way, the cartridge is held in the dispenser securely but easily removed. The tray opening 15 is sized to the cartridge (or the cartridge is sized to the tray opening) so that the cartridge can be easily slid into and out of the dispenser. ).
[0029]
Both the tray and the cartridge are of a type that allows the cartridge to be fully or properly inserted into the dispenser in only one direction. That is, the two elements fit together in a manner similar to a keyhole and key. This ensures that the roll of wipes is unwound from a predetermined direction, ie from the bottom of the roll or from the top of the roll. As is evident from FIG. 2, the tray openings and cartridges are not made symmetric. This asymmetry allows for a key-type configuration. An object is considered to be symmetric if there is a plane through the object and the parts on either side of the plane are mirror images of each other.
[0030]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the asymmetry of the vertical plane is obtained by making the numbers and positions of the projections and depressions different on both sides. It will be appreciated that any suitable means for achieving asymmetry can be used, such as notches, ridges and grooves, or openings and detent shapes. For example, some of the cartridge walls may be flat and others round, or the lip of the cartridge may be non-planar. In addition, asymmetric effects can be created by labeling or marking cartridges, trays, or both.
[0031]
The housing may further include a guide 16. The guide may be movable or fixed. The guide may have a raised surface 16a and a lowered surface 16b. These guides can be made from the same type of material as the housing. They may be integral with the housing. The guide and the housing may be one continuous plastic element. The guide can be designed to cooperate with the wiper to prevent or reduce the tendency of the wipe to slide to one side of the dispenser as the wipe is pulled out and peeled. The guide can also cooperate with the wiper to adjust and control the amount of drag. The tray puts the wet wipe directly into the dispenser without using a protective package or discourages using a method that could cause premature drying of the wet wipe or allow bacteria and / or mildew to propagate during the wipe. To do so, a projection 71 can be provided. An embodiment of a tray without protrusions is shown in FIG.
[0032]
The cartridge can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. Preferably, the cartridge is made from a lightweight, inexpensive, disposable and recyclable material. The cartridge has side walls 17, 18, 39, and 40 and a bottom wall 41. The cartridge has a lip 31 forming an opening at the top of the cartridge. The cartridge has a rib 32. The ribs may extend part way or all along the sides 39 and 40 and the bottom 41. Depending on the density and use of the roll, the ribs 32 form grooves or depressions in the roll. These grooves are not required for use of the dispenser system. The curvature of the cartridge bottom is between 40 and 45 degrees, preferably between 42 and 44 degrees. The cartridge may be of any shape or size as long as it fits with or cooperates with the dispenser. For example, a practical cartridge for home use has side walls 17 and 18 smaller than 105 mm and side walls 39 and 40 smaller than 134 mm.
[0033]
Instead of the protrusions 19, 20 and 21, the cartridge can have recesses in these positions and the tray can have corresponding protrusions. Further, the cartridge may have ribs, such as ribs 32, along side walls 17 and 18.
The cartridge may have a lid or cover with a removable strip. Removing this strip creates a gap through which the wipe can be removed. In this configuration, it is practical to attach the end of the wipe to the strip. This facilitates passing the gap through the wipe when the strip is removed. The cartridge may also have a removable seal on the cover.
[0034]
The container for wet wipes can also be flexible. A flexible package made of plastic, metal foil, cardboard, or a combination thereof may be used to seal wipes in a package or configured as a pouch with a removable cover. May be. The wipes can be packaged using any material and configuration that prevents loss of moisture from the wet wipes. The removable cover can accommodate a removable strip that facilitates removal of the wipe. The cover may also accommodate a lip cooperating with the cover inner rim and the wiper. The wipe and container combination is the same size or smaller than the cartridge to fit into the tray.
[0035]
FIG. 16 shows the dispenser in a closed state, in which the distal end of the wet wipe 36 protrudes from the gap 4 into the finger-holding recess formed by the recess 5. In use, the distal end of the wet wipe is grasped and pulled, typically in the direction of arrow 35, to unwind the roll and the wipe is removed from the dispenser. In use, the wet wipe is also subject to tangential and normal forces in the direction of arrow 35. When these forces occur, the guides and wipers help prevent the wipes from sliding toward one side of the gap, clumping, or becoming constrained.
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the dispenser, cartridge, and wipe roll 34 showing the relationship between these components.
[0036]
FIG. 18 shows a one roll wipe 34 having a distal end 36, further defining the roll axis as 37. Rolls practical with this dispenser or as part of a dispensing system range from as small as a few inches (or cm) to more than 450 inches (11.43 m) and more than 600 inches (15.24 m). , 1000 inches (25.40 m). The roll may have a web material that can have any number of sheets. Typically, the sheets are separated by perforations, which allow the sheets to be easily separated from the web, but are strong enough not to separate while the web is being pulled from the dispenser. Embodiments of rolls that are particularly practical for home use have diameters of from about 2 inches (50.8 mm) to about 3 inches (76.2 mm), less than about 5-1 / 2 inches (139.7 mm), and It is preferably about 3 inches (76.2 mm), more preferably about 2-7 / 8 inches (73.0 mm). The roll has a wipe of about 400 inches (10.16 m) to about 1000 inches (25.40 m). Without limitation, the length of each sheet can be from about 3 inches (76.2 mm) to about 10 inches (254.0 mm), and can be about 4.5 inches (114.3 mm). preferable. The roll further has a density of about 0.3 g / cc to about 1 g / cc, about 0.5 g / cc to about 1 g / cc, and preferably about 0.62 g / cc. Particular examples of rolls may be about 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter and include about 450 inches (11.43 m) of wipe. Another specific example of a roll may be about 3 inches (76.2 mm) in diameter and include about 450 inches (11.43 m) of wipe.
[0037]
A preferred form of wet wipe for use in the dispenser system is a solid coreless roll, as shown in FIG. However, it should be understood that cored rolls (hollow core, solid core, and partially solid core), rolls without hollow core, and stacked sheets can also be used in the dispenser system. In this specification, when referring to the density value, it relates to the density of the roll, which excludes all voids of a coreless hollow roll or the space occupied by the core of a cored roll.
Observations of various tests and physical properties are reported in Tables I, II, III, and IV.
The solution addition level is the solution weight divided by the dry wipe weight and multiplied by 100 to give a percentage.
[0038]
The base sheet conversion refers to the width of the roll and the sheet in the roll, ie, the width along the roll axis 37, expressed in inches.
Perforation refers to the size of the breaks and the distance between the perforations that separate the sheets in the roll. This measurement has three parameters: cut length, bond length, and bond interval. The bond interval is equal to the sum of the length of the cut and the bond length. As an example, a practical perforation with a wet wipe would have a bond length of 0.02 inch (0.51 mm), a cut length of 0.05 inch (1.27 mm), and a bond spacing of 0.07 inch (1.78 mm) or 0.04 inch (1.02 mm) joint length, 0.09 inch (2.29 mm) cut length, and 0.13 inch (3.30 mm) joint spacing ) Is there.
[0039]
The dry basis weight is the basis weight of the wipe before the solution is added to the wipe, ie before the wipe gets wet.
Wet thickness is the thickness of the wet wipe in mm, ie after the solution has been added to the wipe.
The total number of sheets is the number of sheets in a roll, that is, the number of sheets created by perforations.
All tests are performed under TAPPI standard test conditions, but wet wipes are not equilibrated to these conditions. Alternatively, the wipe is removed from the sealed container or cartridge and tested within minutes of opening, generally in less than 5-10 minutes. This has a variation in such time that the wet wipe is exposed to air about 5 minutes, but does not substantially or significantly change the results of the test.
[0040]
The following changes were made with sample dimensions 1 +/- 0.04 inch (25.4 +/- 1.0 mm) wide and 4.25 +/- 0.04 inch (108.0 +/- 1.0 mm) wide. ASTM 1117-80 with an initial gauge length of 3 +/- 0.04 inches (76.2 +/- 1.0 mm) and a test speed of 12 inches / minute (305.0 mm / minute). , Section 7, the tensile value, elongation value, and TEA (total absorbed energy) value were obtained for the wet product.
[0041]
The MD tensile value is the peak load before breaking per inch width of the sample as measured in the machine direction. The CD tensile value is the peak load before breaking per inch width of the sample as measured in the transverse direction. MD elongation is the elongation the wipe has in the machine direction at peak load. The CD elongation value is the elongation percentage of the wipe in the cross machine direction at the peak load. The total absorbed energy (TEA) is the area under the force-elongation curve (expressed in pounds and feet, respectively) from the onset to the point of failure divided by the initial surface area of the sample between the upper and lower grips. It is something. For these samples, this surface area was 3 square inches (19.4 cm). ² )Met. Ten samples were tested for each code, the average was calculated and reported. The test was performed on a standard tensile tester such as the MTS Sintech 1 / G tester with TestWorks 3.10 software. Both the Sintech tester and TestWorks software are available from MTS Corporation, 1400 Technology Street, Eden Prairie, MN.
[0042]
Separation refers to the force per gram required to break the perforation, i.e., the amount of force required to separate the two sheets in the roll along the perforation. These properties were measured using an MTS Sintech 1 / G tester with TestWorks 3.10 software. Two sheets were removed from the roll. The sheets were 4.25 inches (108.0 mm) wide and were perforated along the width. The sheet was folded in half along its length so that the sample width was 2-1 / 8 inch (54.0 mm). The top and bottom of the sample were placed on a grip with an internal spacing of 2 inches (50.8 mm) such that the perforation line was centered between the upper and lower grips. The upper grip was then moved up (ie, away from the lower grip) at a rate of 10 inches / minute (254.0 mm / minute) until the sample broke along the perforations. Throughout this test, the applied force and the elongation value of the sample were measured. The peak load from the force-elongation curve is recorded so that the separation strength is expressed in grams / sheet. The average result from 10 samples is reported.
[0043]
The strain rate at peak load (“% strain ＠ peak load”) was determined from the results of the above test. When the elongation value at peak load is divided by the initial sample length of 2 inches (50.8 mm), the result represents% strain / peak load. The average result from 10 samples is reported.
[0044]
Wet thickness refers to the thickness of the wipe as measured while the sample is under a particular load or weight. Wet wipe wet thickness and wipe thickness before wetting are reported in Table II. These values are based on samples measuring 3 x 4 inches (76 x 102 mm), each under a limiting load of 0.05 pounds per square inch (psi) (345 Pa). There were no wrinkles or folds at the site of the sample tested. These tests were performed using the Starret Comparator Base Model 653G, available from Starret, Zip Code 01331, Crescent Street 121, Athol, MA. The base of this machine is precision ground and flat (+/- 0.001 inch, +/- 0.0025 mm tolerance). A digital displacement indicator (Sony model U30-1SET) was attached to the base by a cantilevered horizontal control arm supported by a vertical shaft. The indicator measures the vertical displacement relative to the comparator base to 0.001 inch (0.0025 mm). The load was applied by an acrylic contact mounted on a vertically moving shaft that descended to the comparator base. The contact has a diameter of 3.00 inches (76.2 mm), a height of 0.63 inches (16.0 mm), and a lower surface of +/- 0.001 inches (+/- 0.0025 mm). Is flat with a tolerance up to). The weight of the contacts, shafts and associated hardware is 160.5 +/- 0.1 g, without the contact force spring of the indicator. The shaft descends to the comparator base with a travel time of 0.5 to 0.75 seconds. Immediately after a load pressure of 0.05 psi (345 Pa) was applied for 3 seconds, the thickness was measured with an indicator as the height of the wipe relative to the surface of the comparator base. Pre-test calibration was performed on a set of standard samples from the American National Bureau of Standards.
[0045]
By way of example and not limitation, a wet wipe useful in the removal system of the present invention may have a dry basis weight of about 10 gsm to about 200 gsm, a dry thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, a wet thickness (i.e., solution or Wet material added wipe) thickness from about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm, MD wet tensile value of at least about 250 g / in (9.8 g / mm), CD wet tensile value of at least about 200 g / in (7 0.9 g / mm); MD wet elongation value from about 5% to about 30%; CD wet elongation value from about 5% to about 36%; TEA MD wet strength from about 0.5 to 2 ft-lb / in2. (0.10 to 0.4 J / cm ² ), With a TEA CD wet strength of about 0.5 to 2 feet-pounds per square inch (0.10 to 0.4 J / cm ² ), And the solution addition can be about 150-350%.
[0046]
The release force is the amount of force required to unwind the roll of wet wipes in units of grams / 4.25 inches (g / 108.0 mm), ie, a roll of 4.25 inches (108.0 mm) wide. Measure the gram required to unwind. Thus, these values can be standardized and applied to rolls of any width on a roll width basis of grams / inch. As reported in Table II, the release force is the force required to unroll the roll when it is in the open cartridge and is measured using an MTS Sintech 1 / G tester with TestWorks 3.10 software. Was done. The roll was placed beneath the clamp with a 4.5 inch (114.3 mm) wide clamp with a rubber surface so that the end of the roll remained vertical when unrolled from the roll. Grabbed the end of the roll in the state. The clamp was attached to the crosshead, which pulled the tissue web upward at a speed of 100 cm / min. The detachment force was measured in a cell with a 50 Newton load. By averaging two experiments, each separating four sheets, and two experiments, each separating five sheets, the average load separating 18 to 20 sheets from the roll was recorded. Was. The measurements in Table II were obtained using only the first 18 to 20 sheets from the roll.
[0047]
The ejection force, which is the force pulling the wet wipe from the dispenser, can also be determined. This force can be measured using an MTS Sintech 1 / G tester equipped with TestWorks 3.10 software. A clamp with a rubber surface grips the end of the roll of wet wipes contained in the dispenser. The initial distance between the clamp and the platform where the dispenser is located is about 12 inches (304.8 mm). The dispenser is placed under the clamp. The clamp is attached to the crosshead, which pulls the roll upward at a speed of 100 cm / min. The tensile force is measured in a cell with a 50 Newton load. In each experiment, the pulling force is recorded using TestWorks 3.10 software as a function of the pulling distance curve for separating the four sheets from the roll. Based on the curves, the average tensile force for each experiment is calculated. The average load from five experiments is used to represent the unload force of a given roll. Measurements were taken using only the first 23 to 25 sheets from the roll.
[0048]
Table I shows the types of wet sheets and their properties. In Example I, the solution was a sufficient amount of a commercially available (salin free) solution, such as a commercially available KLEENEX® brand COTTONELLE® water-moist wipe product available from Kimberly-Clark. What was used. In Example II, the solution is a sufficient amount of a 4% saline solution, for example, a simple 4% solution with other additives as disclosed in the wet wipe application example described above in the background. Aqueous saline solutions, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0049]
[Table 1]
Table I

[0050]
Table II lists additional data characterizing the properties of the disposable wet wipe. This table shows the effect of changing the base sheet and changing the solution on the physical properties of the wipe. The pulp used to make these sheets was Weyerhauser CF405. In this example, the binder was Table 15, Example Code E of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 564,531. This binder material has a molecular weight of 610000 and is given in the following weight percentages: 60% acrylic acid, 24.5% butacrylic acid, 10.5% 2-ethylhexyl-acrylic acid, AMPS (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) made from 5%.
[0051]
[Table 2]
Table II

[0052]
Table III represents the physical properties of the wet wipe roll, and Table IV represents the theoretical physical properties of the wet wipe roll.
[0053]
[Table 3]
Table III-Coreless Roll Measurements and Calculations

Initial sheet length = 5 inches
Initial sheet width = 4.125 inches
Number of sheets in roll = 90
Dry base sheet basis weight = 65 gsm
Target solution addition = 225%
Calculation roll weight = 253 grams
Estimated wet thickness before winding = 0.48 mm
Compressibility = calculated effective thickness (wound) / estimated wet thickness before winding
Calculated roll density = weight / πd ² / 4 x width (calculated roll weight / π · measured diameter ² / 4, initial sheet width)
Calculated effective thickness-the calculated thickness of the sheet in the roll subjected to the winding pressure
[0054]
[Table 4]
Table IV-Theoretical roll density possibilities

Initial sheet length = 4.5 inches
Initial sheet width = 4.125 inches
Number of sheets in roll = 100
Roll length = 37.5 feet
Footnotes-Table IV
(1) very loose rolls, no compression, many voids, low overall density
(2) theoretically uncompressed rolls; this density and volume for rolls and unwound will be equal
(3) Rolls manufactured at this compression and roll density
(4) An estimate of the maximum compression achievable before product breakage due to in-wound stress beyond the strength of the sheet or perforation.
(5) Physical limit of maximum density achievable based on incompressibility of water
(6) Low edge density, low dry basis weight and low solution addition% made with loose rolls
[0055]
The take-off force should ideally be significantly less than the separating force of the perforated wipe on the roll. This ensures that the wipe can be pulled or removed from the dispenser without inadvertently breaking the perforations. Thus, with a force based on g / 4.25 inches (g / 108.0 mm), the take-off is intended to be about 100 g to about 600 g, and the take-out is intended to be about 150 g to about 250 g. Ideally, the output is desirably less than 200 g. When standardized, these forces are 23.5 g / in (0.93 g / mm) to 141.2 g / in (5.56 g / mm), 35.3 g / in (1.39 g / mm) to 58.8 g / in. Inches (2.32 g / mm), and 47.1 g / inch (1.85 g / mm).
[0056]
Generally, a release force of 80 g to 300 g (4.25 inches, per 108.0 mm) is contemplated, although lower release forces may be obtained with different types of wipe products. The cartridge adds minimal resistance to the roll as it unwinds. That is, the force required to unwind the roll is not substantially increased by the cartridge. Alternatively, a roll of wipes or a stack of wipes may be placed directly into a take-out tray without using a cartridge.
[0057]
FIG. 19 shows the roll 34 when placed in the dispenser cartridge. The helical line 38 is intended to represent the rolled configuration and represents the roll unrolled from the bottom in that configuration. This figure also shows the relationship of the wiper 10 to the wet web. FIG. 20 shows the roll 34 in the cartridge 11, and the spiral line 38 indicates the winding of the roll. This figure shows the relationship between the roll and the rib 32. As can be seen, the roll has been lifted by ribs 32 from the side and bottom walls of the cartridge. Thus, the amount of surface area of the roll in contact with the cartridge is reduced. This also reduces the drag the roll experiences from friction with the cartridge as the roll rotates.
[0058]
FIG. 21 shows a portion of the cartridge 11, the lip 31 of the cartridge, and the side walls 39 and 40. The angle at which the cartridge is located affects how well the dispenser works. This angle tends to increase or decrease the drag associated with pulling the wipe. It affects the amount of blot, wick, or dry that can occur with a wet wipe. It can also affect how the roll behaves as it unwinds and becomes smaller in the cartridge. The angle of the cartridge is measured as the angle that lip 31 forms with respect to the true vertical axis shown at 42. In the dispenser system as shown in FIGS. 1-19, the angle 43 that the lip 31 forms with respect to the true vertical axis 42 is from about 10 ° to about 80 °, from about 20 ° to about 70 °, at least 20 °. It should be greater, at least less than 60 °, preferably about 30 °.
[0059]
Further, the angle can be selected to balance the force between the release force associated with unwinding the roll and the weight of the roll pressing against the ribs. That is, the wipe can be unwound without excessive movement of the roll within the cartridge, thereby resolving the tendency of the roll to move toward the gap and become restrained or plugged by the dispenser. Further, the choice of angle can serve to reduce the drying of the wet wipe. As the angle 43 increases, the difference between the height at the top and the end of the roll decreases, i.e., any force that encourages blotting decreases.
[0060]
Figures 22 to 25 show various views of an embodiment of the cover. In this embodiment, the cover 7 comprises a cover mount 29, a recess 5 for forming a part of a finger recess, an upper inner rim portion 45 and a side inner rim portion 46 (only one of which is seen in FIG. 24). Rim 33, a leg portion 72, and a post 44. In this embodiment, a post is used to connect the wiper to the cover.
26 to 28 show an embodiment of the tray 3a. In this embodiment, the tray has an opening 15a with three recesses on both sides. The tray has a guide that is a roller 47.
[0061]
In another embodiment of the tray, the tray is fixed to the housing. This can be achieved by the housing and tray being made of a single piece of material or by the housing and tray being joined together by permanent joining means such as welding, thermal joining or gluing. In yet another embodiment, the tray cannot be rotated with respect to the housing, but can be attached to the housing so that it can be removed.
FIG. 29 shows a roller 47 used in the tray 3a shown in FIGS. The roller has a raised surface 67 and a lowered surface 68. The raised and lowered surfaces of the rollers and any guides can also be ridges or rims. Care must be taken not to cut the wet web as the raised or lowered surface becomes narrower, ie sharper.
[0062]
The wiper blade may have a Shore A durometer hardness value in the range of about 0 to 80, about 15 to about 70, preferably about 30 to about 60, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, foam, sponge, plastic, or rubber. , Can be made of any flexible material. More preferably, the wiper blade is made from a material that forms an excellent moisture and contamination barrier. Examples of preferred types of materials include SANTOPRENE®, Kraton®, silicone, or styrene ethylene / butylene styrene (SEBS). The wiper blade is designed to work with the guide and tray and, to some extent, the lip of the cartridge. Depending on the location of the wiper, the wiper interacts more or less with these components of the dispensing system. The gap between the end of the wiper blade and the tray can be varied depending on the thickness of the wet wipe and how much drag is required for the removal system to perform the required function. it can. The wiper blade helps to hold the end of the wipe in place and can prevent the end from being pulled into the cartridge from the gap. The wiper blade material has a Gurley stiffness value (ASTM D6125-97) between about 100 mg and 8000 mg, preferably between about 200 mg and 6000 mg, and more preferably between about 400 mg and 3000 mg.
[0063]
The force applied to the wipe by the wiper blade when pulling the wipe from the dispenser must not be greater than the tensile strength of the wipe at the unperforated area and greater than the tensile strength of the perforated wipe. No. If the wipe is dry during storage and is made to be wet during use, the blade can be configured to apply pressure to the wipe. In this case, by taking out one or a plurality of sheets, a sufficient shearing force can be applied to the wipe to release moisture. For example, the force, or shear force, may be sufficient to cause the rupture of the fluid microcapsules or to rupture the protective emulsion containing the fluid.
[0064]
62 to 65 illustrate a dispenser 1 having a rounded member 95 or a rounded ridge 96. These components are either part of the wiper blade assembly 99 or are attached to the wiper blade assembly 99 and are shown as being adjacent to the wiper blade 74. These components prevent or reduce the tendency of the roll to become constrained in the gap as the size of the roll decreases.
[0065]
57 to 61 show one embodiment of the wiper assembly. In this embodiment, the wiper includes a chassis 73 and a wiper blade 74 having fingers 75 (74a shows a cross section of the blade engaging the chassis and protruding through the chassis). In this embodiment, the fingers are designed to cooperate with the lowered surface of guide 16 in the dispenser. In this example, the blade is made of SANTOPRENE® and the chassis is made of polypropylene. This embodiment includes a raised or thicker region 97 of the wiper. These raised areas cooperate with guides 16 on the tray.
[0066]
69 to 91 show an embodiment of the wiper blade assembly 110. FIG. In these embodiments, the assembly includes a chassis 112 and a wiper blade 114 that are integral with one another to form a wiper. The chassis includes a handle 116 and a plurality of openings 118 for supporting wiper blades. The blade includes a tab 120 and a plurality of buttons 122. The button has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of this opening. Because the wiper blade containing the button is made of a compressible material, the button can be squeezed through the opening to removably attach the blade to the chassis. The large diameter of the button relative to the opening prevents the blade from falling off the chassis. The tab 120 fits into the groove 124 (FIG. 81) of the handle 116 when the blade and chassis become integral with each other. The blade can be removed from the chassis by pulling the tab away from the chassis and applying sufficient force to compress the button and exit the opening.
[0067]
Referring to FIGS. 69-71 and FIGS. 73-85, the chassis further includes a mounting element in the form of a collar 126. These collars are integral with the posts 44 of the cover (FIG. 24) and attach the wiper blade assembly to the cover. The collar is arranged so that it can be attached to the post in only one direction. The chassis also includes an arcuate side 128, which has a curvature similar to the inside of the cover, further stabilizing the wiper blade assembly of the dispenser. The chassis can be attached to the cover so that the assembly can be removed. For example, the assembly can be removed for replacement, cleaning, and / or adjusting the dispensing characteristics of the dispenser. Handle 116 is useful for operating the assembly and for attaching and detaching the assembly to and from the dispenser.
[0068]
The collar is preferably pressed into the post base to attach the wiper or chassis to the dispenser. This is because the chassis preferably contacts the inside of the cover. The cover may have a single post or multiple posts. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the cover has four posts. The wiper may have a single color or multiple colors. In FIGS. 69-71 and 73-85, the chassis has four collars. The number of colors need not be equal to the number of posts. The wiper can have more or less colors than the number of posts in the cover. Also, the dispenser and the wiper can be configured such that the wiper has at least one post and the dispenser has at least one collar. With this configuration, the wiper can be attached to the dispenser or the cover by integrating the post and the collar.
[0069]
The chassis further includes rounded fins extending from the main body of the chassis. When the chassis is attached to the cover and the cover is closed, the fins are facing the inside of the dispenser. These fins prevent the roll from becoming constrained or tightened in the gap, especially as the size of the roll decreases. This effect may also be achieved by providing a wiper blade having a rounded member 95 or a rounded ridge 96 (FIGS. 62-65), or a wedge-shaped (FIG. 91-C) fin, ridge. Or by using a member. These fins, ridges, or members are collectively referred to as tensioners. The tensioner can be made of a hard or flexible material. The tensioner of the wiper blade assembly serves to prevent the roll from interacting with the gap when the end of the wipe is being pulled from the dispenser. This is because the tensioner holds the roll at a position away from the gap. The tensioner can improve wipe removal efficiency. Because the roll can be prevented from being pinched in the gap, the roll is more completely unwound and more wipes can be easily removed from the roll. Without being bound by any theory of operation, as the rolls become smaller and less clumped during unwinding, the smaller rolls can be less likely to fall into the dispenser. This is because the smaller roll tends to move toward the gap as the sheet is removed. The smaller roll, including the sheet that was in the center of the original roll, is called a cigarette. If the cigarette is to be pushed or squeezed into the gap, the cigarette-like sheet is left in the dispenser. This is because the sheets cannot be removed by pulling the end of the cigarette through the gap. The tensioner serves to keep the cigarette apart from the gap, even when the distal end of the cigarette is pulled through the gap. This is shown schematically in FIGS. 19A to 19C.
[0070]
As described above, for a wet wipe roll that is divided into sheets by perforations at 120 mm intervals and one sheet is taken out of the dispenser at a time, if there is no tensioner, the cigarette-shaped portion 144 is dispensed. Within the wiper and the tray. The cigarette-shaped part may have about six to eight sheets joined together. The diameter of such a cigarette is about 15 mm. The tensioner serves to prevent this pushing or tightening, even for rolls substantially smaller than 15 mm, and more preferably smaller than 10 mm. With respect to the removal of the roll of wet wipes from the dispenser with tensioner, the cigarette 144 where the push between the wiper and the tray typically has only two sheets joined together Things.
[0071]
Referring to FIGS. 69-77 and 86-90, the wiper blade is configured to mate with a fin on the chassis. The buttons are located on arms 132, which are spaced apart from each other so that the fins can protrude therebetween. The wiper blade may further include a finger 134 and an elevated region 136 that cooperate with the raised and lowered regions of the guide. The blade may also include a planar region 140 that is located lower than the central planar region 142. This extended blade length at the end helps to retain the moisture content of the wet wipe. This extended length also helps to reduce side-to-side wipe slippage when pulled from the dispenser.
[0072]
Any method can be used to attach the wiper blade to the chassis or attach the chassis to the cover. For example, they can be attached by the use of adhesives or by the use of engaging brackets, pressure fittings, or ridges and grooves. These attachment methods can be permanent fixation of the components or a removable attachment. Similarly, the tensioner may be removably attached to the wiper blade and / or the chassis, or may be permanently attached. The tensioner can be integral with the blade and / or the chassis.
[0073]
40 and 41 show an embodiment of a roller bar for toilet tissue. This embodiment includes a first roller housing 80, a second roller housing 81, and a spring 82. 55 to 56 show another embodiment of the dispenser.
42 to 45 show one embodiment of the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes sliding arms 55 and 56, housings 57 and 58, end openings 59, and springs 61. The sliding arm has a fastening member 60 which cooperates with a fastening member 83 to limit the maximum longitudinal extension of the sliding arm. The mounting assembly has a third housing 84 that cooperates with the opening 62 and has a tab 63 that secures the housings 57 and 58 to the housing 84. Further, the housing 84 has a screw passage 64 for receiving a screw. FIG. 44 shows the mounting assembly with the sliding arm in the retracted position, while FIG. 45 shows the mounting assembly with the sliding arm in the extended position. In one embodiment, the length of the mounting assembly in the retracted position is about 3.5 inches (88.9 mm), and the length of the mounting assembly in the extended position is about 8 inches (88.9 mm). 203.2 mm). The length of the mounting assembly in the retracted position is about 5 inches (127.0 mm) and the length of the mounting assembly in the extended position is about 6.5 inches (165.1 mm). Is preferred. The three housing design can also be simplified to a two housing embodiment or to a single housing embodiment. In a two housing embodiment, the top and bottom, or sides and halves, are secured together and hold the spring and sliding arm.
[0074]
The mounting assembly is then brought into place by extending the end out of a side arm located in a hole in the object to which the dispenser is to be mounted, for example, a hole in a toilet tissue dispenser mounted in a wall. Will be retained. The springs keep the sliding arms extended and thus keep them in the holes. The screw is then squeezed through the dispenser and passage 64 and presses the end-engaging surface 90 against the wall of the toilet tissue dispenser hole.
[0075]
FIG. 66 shows a conventional bath tissue holder 85 of a partially recessed type having a post 86. FIG. 67 shows a conventional bath tissue holder 85 without a depression and having a post 86 and a roller 6. FIG. 68 illustrates the roller of the holder of FIG. 67 taken out and the mounting assembly 8 engaged with the post 86. In actual use, the mounting assembly will be joined with a dispenser, as shown in the embodiment of FIG.
[0076]
The mounting assembly must be made of a material that is strong enough to withstand the forces applied to hold the dispenser in place. This material must be strong enough to withstand the forces that the screw will put on the threaded passage. Examples of materials that achieve these features and can be used to make the mounting assembly include 15% or more glass filled Pbt, ABS, or any material with similar strength properties. .
[0077]
FIGS. 46 to 50 show one embodiment of the screw 9 which cooperates with a mounting device such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. This screw must be made of a material that meets the same strength requirements as stated for the mounting assembly. In this example, the screw has a screw design that requires six revolutions to move the screw one inch (25.4 mm). Standard ACME conventional screw screws require 23 revolutions to move the screw 1 inch (25.4 mm). This screw design allows the user to attach the dispenser very easily, since this screw design requires less screw rotation. Further, in this embodiment, the screw has a large head with a groove 65 and a grip 66. The groove can be fitted with a coin or a screwdriver. However, while it may be preferable for the dispenser system to be very easy to install, larger screw heads and grooves are not required. Further, the screw may be provided with a lock nut or a jam nut near the head to prevent the screw from loosening after fastening.
[0078]
Also, alternative mounting devices can be used. These attachment devices may be fixed or removable. By way of example, they can include fastening systems such as cable ties, wing nuts, anchor bolts, clicks and grooves, and snap and lock mechanisms.
51 to 53 show an embodiment of the cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge has a protrusion 69 on its side wall.
[0079]
FIG. 54 shows an embodiment of a cartridge package. In use, the package would be filled with a roll of wet wipes, one for each cartridge. The cartridge is then sealed by placing a fully or partially removable cover on the lip 31. Preferably, the hermetic seal is resistant to moisture and bacteria. The consumer then purchases the package, removes the cartridge, opens the dispenser, and places the cartridge in the dispenser. The slit on the top of the cartridge, or the cover, can be removed before placing the cartridge in the dispenser or after it has been inserted into the dispenser. The end of the roll of wet wipes is then pulled over the tray and guide, and the cover is then closed, thus providing an efficient system for removing the wet wipes.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG.
It is a perspective view of a dispenser.
FIG. 2
It is an exploded view of a dispenser and a cartridge.
FIG. 2a
It is a top view of a part of the front of a tray.
FIG. 3
It is a perspective view of the dispenser opened.
FIG. 4
It is a top view of a dispenser.
FIG. 5
It is a front view of a dispenser.
FIG. 6
It is a bottom view of a dispenser.
FIG. 7
It is a side view of a dispenser.
FIG. 8
It is a rear view of a dispenser.
FIG. 9
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the dispenser and the cartridge taken along line AA of FIG. 5.
FIG. 10
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along a line EE in FIG. 9.
FIG.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 9.
FIG. 13
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the dispenser and the cartridge taken along line CC of FIG. 5.
FIG. 14
FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. 13.
FIG.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line KK in FIG. 13.
FIG.
It is a perspective view of the dispenser to which the wet wipe was attached.
FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser, a cartridge, and a roll of a wet wipe.
FIG.
It is a perspective view of the roll of a wet wipe.
FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a dispenser, a cartridge, and a roll of a wet wipe.
FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge and one roll of pre-moistened wipe.
FIG. 21
It is sectional drawing of a cartridge.
FIG.
It is a perspective view of the outside of a cover.
FIG. 23
It is a front view of the outside of a cover.
FIG. 24
It is a perspective view inside a cover.
FIG. 25
It is sectional drawing of a cover.
FIG. 26
It is a figure of a tray.
FIG. 27
It is a figure of a tray.
FIG. 28
It is a figure of a tray.
FIG. 29
It is a figure of a roller.
FIG. 30
It is a figure of a roller.
FIG. 31
It is a figure of a roller.
FIG. 32
FIG. 4 is a view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 33
FIG. 4 is a view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 34
FIG. 33 is a view along a line AA in FIG. 32.
FIG. 35
FIG. 4 is a view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 36
FIG. 36 is a view along a line AA in FIG. 35.
FIG. 37
FIG. 4 is a view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 38
It is a figure of a wiper.
FIG. 39
It is a figure of a wiper.
FIG. 40
It is a figure of a roller.
FIG. 41
It is a figure of a roller.
FIG. 42
FIG. 5 is a view of a mounting assembly.
FIG. 43
FIG. 5 is a view of a mounting assembly.
FIG. 44
FIG. 5 is a view of a mounting assembly.
FIG. 45
FIG. 5 is a view of a mounting assembly.
FIG. 46
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a screw used in connection with a mounting assembly.
FIG. 47
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a screw used in connection with a mounting assembly.
FIG. 48
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a screw used in connection with a mounting assembly.
FIG. 49
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a screw used in connection with a mounting assembly.
FIG. 50
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a screw used in connection with a mounting assembly.
FIG. 51
FIG. 4 is a view of a cartridge.
FIG. 52
FIG. 4 is a view of a cartridge.
FIG. 53
FIG. 4 is a view of a cartridge.
FIG. 54
It is a top view of the cartridge of one package.
FIG. 55
It is a perspective view of a dispenser.
FIG. 56
It is an exploded view of a dispenser and a cartridge.
FIG. 57
It is a front plan view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 58
It is a front plan view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 59
It is a top view of a wiper blade.
FIG. 60
It is sectional drawing of a wiper blade.
FIG. 61
It is a perspective view of a wiper blade.
FIG. 62
It is sectional drawing of a dispenser.
FIG. 63
It is a sectional view of a part of dispenser.
FIG. 64
It is a perspective view inside a cover.
FIG. 65
It is a top view inside a cover.
FIG. 66
It is a figure of the conventional bath tissue holder.
FIG. 67
It is a figure of the conventional bus holder.
FIG. 68
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a conventional bath tissue holder mounting assembly (shown without a dispenser).
FIG. 69
It is an oblique front view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 70
It is an oblique back view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 71
It is a figure of a wiper chassis.
FIG. 72
It is a figure of a wiper blade.
FIG. 73
It is a front plan view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 74
It is a sectional side view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 75
It is a back plan view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 76
It is a top view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 77
It is a bottom view of a wiper assembly.
FIG. 78
It is a front plan view of a wiper chassis.
FIG. 79
It is a sectional side view of a wiper chassis.
FIG. 80
It is a sectional side view of a wiper chassis.
FIG. 81
It is a back plan view of a wiper chassis.
FIG. 82
It is a plane sectional view of a wiper chassis.
FIG. 83
It is a top view of a wiper chassis.
FIG. 84
It is a bottom view of a wiper chassis.
FIG. 85
It is a side view of a wiper chassis.
FIG. 86
It is a front view of a wiper blade.
FIG. 87
It is a front view of a wiper blade finger.
FIG. 88
It is a sectional side view of a wiper blade finger.
FIG. 89
It is a back plan view of a wiper blade.
FIG. 90
It is a sectional side view of a wiper blade.
FIG. 91A
It is a partial side view of the dispenser provided with the tensioner.
FIG. 91B
It is a partial side view of the dispenser provided with the tensioner.
FIG. 91C
It is a partial side view of the dispenser provided with the tensioner.

Claims (82)

With the chassis,
With a wiper blade,
A wiper assembly for a wipe dispenser comprising: The assembly of claim 1, wherein the wiper blade and chassis are integrated. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wiper blade and the chassis are joined by an adhesive. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the wiper blade is removably attached to a chassis. The wiper includes at least one button, the chassis includes at least one opening,
The assembly of claim 4, wherein the button and the opening cooperate to attach the wiper blade to the chassis. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the diameter of the button is greater than the diameter of the opening. A wiper assembly;
With a wipe dispenser,
With
The wiper assembly includes a chassis and a wiper blade;
The dispenser includes a wipe and a gap,
The wipe includes a distal end;
The wipe is removable from the dispenser by pulling the distal end through the gap;
An assembly, characterized in that: The chassis includes at least one collar;
The dispenser includes at least one post;
The assembly of claim 7, wherein the collar and post cooperate to attach the chassis to the dispenser. The wiper blade includes a finger;
The dispenser includes a guide;
The assembly of claim 7, wherein the fingers and guides cooperate to secure a distal end of the wipe. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the finger includes a raised area. The assembly of claim 7, further comprising a tensioner. The wipe is configured in a roll shape including a sheet,
The assembly of claim 11, wherein the roll is unwound as the wipe is removed, leaving less than six sheets in the dispenser. 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein less than four sheets are left in the dispenser. 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein less than three sheets are left in the dispenser. 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein less than two sheets are left in the dispenser. 13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the sheet left in the dispenser is in the form of a roll having a diameter of less than 15 mm. 17. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein said diameter is less than 10 mm. 17. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein said diameter is less than 8 mm. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the tensioner is a plurality of fins. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the tensioner is a plurality of rounded ridges. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the tensioner is a rounded member. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the tensioner is a wedge. With a wiper blade,
With a tensioner,
A wiper assembly for a wipe dispenser comprising: The assembly of claim 23, wherein the tensioner is a plurality of fins. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the tensioner is a rounded ridge. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the tensioner is a rounded member. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the tensioner is a wedge. 24. The assembly of claim 23, further comprising a chassis, the chassis being attachable to the dispenser. A wiper assembly;
With a wipe dispenser,
With
The wiper assembly includes a wiper blade and a tensioner,
The dispenser includes a roll of wipes and a gap;
The wipe includes a distal end;
The wipe is removable from the dispenser by pulling the distal end through the gap;
An assembly, characterized in that: The wiper blade includes a finger;
The dispenser includes a guide;
30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the fingers and guides cooperate to secure a distal end of the wipe. 31. The assembly of claim 30, wherein the finger includes an elevated area. 30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the roll is unwound as the wipe is removed, leaving less than six sheets in the dispenser. 33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein less than four sheets remain in the dispenser. 33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein less than three sheets are left in the dispenser. 33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein less than two sheets remain in the dispenser. 33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein the sheet left in the dispenser is in a roll having a diameter less than 15 mm. 37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said diameter is less than 10 mm. 37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein said diameter is less than 8 mm. 30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the roll is held away from the gap by contact with the tensioner when the distal end is pulled through the gap. A roll of wipes including the end,
A wiper assembly including a chassis, a wiper blade and a tensioner;
A cover including at least one post;
Gaps,
A dispenser for a wipe, comprising: The chassis includes at least one collar;
41. The dispenser of claim 40, wherein said collar and post cooperate to attach said chassis to said cover. The dispenser of claim 40, wherein the tensioner is a plurality of fins. 41. The dispenser of claim 40, wherein the tensioner is a plurality of rounded ridges. The dispenser of claim 40, wherein the tensioner is a rounded member. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the tensioner is a wedge. 41. The dispenser of claim 40, wherein the wipe is removable from the dispenser by pulling the distal end through the gap. 47. The dispenser of claim 46, wherein the roll is unwound as the wipe is removed, leaving less than six sheets in the dispenser. 48. The dispenser of claim 47, wherein less than four sheets remain in the dispenser. 48. The dispenser of claim 47, wherein less than three sheets remain in the dispenser. 48. The dispenser of claim 47, wherein less than two sheets remain in the dispenser. 48. The dispenser of claim 47, wherein the sheet left on the dispenser is in the form of a roll having a diameter less than 15 mm. 52. The dispenser of claim 51, wherein said diameter is less than 10 mm. 52. The dispenser of claim 51, wherein the diameter is less than 8mm. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the chassis and the tensioner are integrated. 41. The assembly of claim 40, wherein the wiper blade is removably attached to the chassis. The wiper blade includes at least one button,
The chassis includes at least one opening;
The button has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening;
The assembly of claim 55, wherein the button and opening cooperate to attach the wiper blade to the chassis. Providing a wipe including a distal end in a dispenser including a wiper assembly including a tensioner and a gap;
Pulling the distal end from the dispenser through the gap,
Holding the wipe away from the gap by contact with the tensioner,
A method for removing a wipe, comprising: 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the wipe is rolled of a cigarette. 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the roll comprises a sheet defined by perforations separated by about 114 mm to about 127 mm. 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the perforations are sectioned at intervals of about 120 mm. 60. The method of claim 59, wherein pulling the distal end from the dispenser unwinds a roll of wipe. 62. The method of claim 61, wherein the cigarette-like portion is left in the dispenser. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the cigarette-like portion comprises fewer than six sheets. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the cigarette-like portion comprises fewer than four sheets. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the cigarette-like portion comprises fewer than three sheets. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the cigarette-like portion comprises fewer than two sheets. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the cigarette-like portion has a diameter of less than 15mm. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the cigarette has a diameter of less than 10 mm. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the cigarette has a diameter of less than 8 mm. Means for providing a gap for receiving a wipe including a distal end;
Means for securing a distal end of the wipe within the gap;
Means for preventing the wipe from being pushed into the gap;
A dispenser for a wipe, comprising: 71. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein the wipe is removed from the dispenser by pulling the distal end through the gap. The wipe is formed into a roll including a cigarette-shaped portion,
The roll can be unwound as the wipe is removed;
The cigarette-like part is left in the dispenser,
The dispenser according to claim 70, characterized in that: 73. The dispenser of claim 72, wherein the cigarette has a diameter less than 15 mm. 73. The dispenser of claim 72, wherein the cigarette has a diameter less than 10 mm. 73. The dispenser of claim 72, wherein the cigarette-like portion has a diameter of less than 8mm. A wiper assembly including a chassis, a tensioner, and at least one wiper mounting element;
A cover including at least one cover mounting element;
Including
The wiper attachment element and the cover attachment element cooperate to attach the wiper assembly to the cover;
A dispenser for a wipe, characterized in that: The wiper mounting element is a collar and the cover mounting element is a post;
77. The dispenser of claim 76, wherein: The wiper mounting element is a post and the cover mounting element is a collar;
77. The dispenser of claim 76, wherein: 77. The dispenser of claim 76, wherein the number of wiper attachment elements is equal to the number of cover attachment elements. A wiper assembly for a wet wipe dispenser,
First means for attaching the assembly to a dispenser, the first means including a first material;
A second means comprising a second material softer than the first material of the first means;
Means for reducing water evaporation from the wet wipe in the dispenser;
Means for applying tension to the wet wipe so that the wipe can be withdrawn from the dispenser in a continuous form without becoming constrained and torn.
A wiper assembly for a wet wipe dispenser, comprising: A first portion having a length and a width, the length being greater than the width;
The first portion has a front surface and a rear surface adjacent to the dispenser, and has a first opening and a second opening;
A second portion contacting an upper surface of the first portion;
The second portion has an extension, the extension being located in a second opening of the first portion;
A wiper assembly for a wet wipe dispenser. A chassis including a top end, a bottom end, two side edges, a length, a width, a top surface and a rear surface;
A blade including an upper surface and a rear surface,
With
The chassis includes first and second collars spatially adjacent to the upper end and a plurality of openings;
A portion of the rear surface of the blade contacts an upper surface of the chassis;
A back surface of the blade includes a plurality of buttons;
A portion of the blade extends below a bottom end of the chassis;
The button is located in the opening,
The wiper assembly for a wet wipe dispenser, wherein the blade includes an extension member that is not in contact with a surface of the chassis.

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