Abstract:
A dispenser device for tissue and like materials embodies a disposal receptacle is provided and includes a means for releasably retaining sheets of the material. The sheets of the material are readily retrievable and can be arranged for retrieval in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The dispenser avoids the necessity for the use of cardboard dispensers while providing a storage system for soiled tissues and like materials, thus creating a hygienic and less wasteful device.

Description:
PRIOR APPLICATION INFORMATION 
       [0001]    The instant application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/386,192, filed Sep. 24, 2010. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates, generally, to Cloth Dispenser devices. More specifically, the invention relates to Cloth Dispenser devices that are combined with a Disposal Receptacle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Cloth dispensers, such as tissue dispensers, have the inconvenience that after use of a cloth a user must find a receptacle to dispose of or store the used cloth. In particular cases, it becomes unsanitary if this is not done. For example, a user may require a trash receptacle to dispose of a soiled tissue after use. There is a need in today&#39;s society for Cloth Dispenser devices that are combined with a Disposal Receptacle and the prior art has attempted to address this need. 
         [0004]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,490,734 a tissue dispenser and trash receptacle combination that has substantially hollow housing having dispensing and receptacle compartments, where each compartment includes apertures for ingress or egress of tissues. An embodiment having removable receptacle inserts for convenient temporary storage of used tissues is also disclosed. V-like fingers that cover an aperture are also disclosed. 
         [0005]    United States Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0121451A1 discloses a tissue-dispensing device in combination with a discarding receptacle that comprises a tissue dispenser and used tissue receptacle for bed side use that has attachment unit that couples upper housing to lower housing 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,474 discloses a combination tissue dispenser and waste collector that comprise a dispenser and waste collector combination that has two dispenser and waste collector stops that enable tissue dispenser to remain attached to waste collector after compacting waste paper. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. No. 5,129,545 discloses a container for dispensing and disposing of tissues that comprises a container for dispensing and disposing of tissues that has a tissue dispensing opening in dispensing compartment and tissue receiving opening with compartments formed on opposite sides of flexible bag-like liner. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. No. 4,879,442 discloses a tissue container and waste tissue receptacle that has container which expands to receive soiled tissue as fresh ones are removed from first opening. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. No. 7,357,274 discloses a tissue dispenser that could be used for a shower, bathtub, sauna or steam room, a vehicle, or next to a swimming pool that includes a dispenser section housing, a supply of tissues and a disposal section consisting of a variable volume bellows. V-like fingers that cover an aperture are also disclosed. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. No. 6,863,192 discloses an expandable, combination dispenser and disposal for tissues comprising a facial tissue dispensing and disposing system for bedridden people that has a lip holding interfolded tissue sheets, where the clip is elevated and the side walls of carton expand when used sheets are pushed through disposing apertures. 
         [0011]    United States Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0060941A1 discloses an integrated dispensing and disposal that has a box portion enclosed by top, bottom and four side walls, and two openings dispensing new product and receiving used products, respectively. There is flap covering the disposal. 
         [0012]    The prior art as of yet does not envisage or indeed teach a Cloth Dispenser device that is combined with a Disposal Receptacle comprising aspects that include a means of dispensing suitable for reusable cloths tissues (i.e. since there may be difficulties attempting to dispense reusable cloth tissues in the same manner that paper tissue is dispensed) and a manner that they are emptied from the disposal receptacle with the use of a removable base. 
         [0013]    An aspect of the present invention is to provide an environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing alternative to standard paper tissue dispensers. Other aspects of the present invention is to provide a Cloth Dispenser device that is combined with a Disposal Receptacle that:
       1. Eliminates the use of cardboard cloth dispensers while providing a storage system for soiled cloths, thus creating a hygienic and less wasteful device.   2. Provides a means for releasably retaining the sheets of cloth partially within a receptacle or onto the receptacle, wherein the sheets of cloth are readily retrievable and can be arranged within this means in an aesthetically pleasing manner.       
 
         [0016]    The present invention was conceived and developed having regard to the known prior art and with the purpose of providing Cloth Dispenser devices that are combined with a Disposal Receptacle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    An aspect of the present invention is to provide improved Cloth Dispenser devices that are combined with a Disposal Receptacle that addresses some of the deficiencies as found in the prior art. 
         [0018]    According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a Cloth Dispenser and Disposal Receptacle comprising: 
         [0019]    a first body member and a second body member extending from the first body member and defining a substantially hollow body; 
         [0020]    a divider that separates the first body member from the second body member defining within the body a first receptacle for dispensing sheets of cloth and a second receptacle for disposal and storage; 
         [0021]    an aperture on the housing providing access to the second receptacle; and 
         [0022]    a means for releasably retaining the sheets of cloth partially within the first receptacle or onto the first receptacle, wherein the sheets of cloth are readily retrievable. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the divider is made of a malleable material defining within the housing the first receptacle and the second receptacle each having a variable volume. 
         [0024]    Preferably, a first body member and the second body member are detachably secured to each other. 
         [0025]    Preferably, the present invention may also comprise a top member and base member in an arrangement that the hollow body is substantially enclosed. It is also preferable that the base member is detachably secured to the hollow body. 
         [0026]    Optionally, the divider is detachably secured to the first body member or the second body a member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with the cover on; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates several examples of cloth dispensing means; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with the cover on wherein cloth sheets are loaded into the dispensing means. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned hereunder are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0032]    A better understanding of the present invention and its objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in this art form the following detailed description, wherein there is described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
         [0033]    It is noted that disposable facial tissues often fail to ‘perform’ as desired. Specifically, the tissues often break apart or otherwise lose their integrity during regular use, often leaving the user needing to wash their hands following use. In addition, frequent, repeated use of untreated tissues, for example, during an illness, often results in dry, chapped and/or ‘raw’ skin in the nasal area. While disposable facial tissues can be purchased which have lotion impregnated therein, these often leave the user with the undesirable feeling that their nose is covered in lotion or otherwise coated, that is, ‘slippery’ and/or ‘slimy’. In addition, ‘disposable’ facial tissues cannot always be immediately disposed of and are often stored temporarily in a purse or pocket and then forgotten, only to be ‘discovered’ much later. This ‘disposal’ issue is more pronounced with reusable cloths, for example, handkerchiefs, as these items are not meant to be thrown out but are intended to be laundered and reused and must be stored accordingly both prior to use and post use. 
         [0034]    In consideration of these issues, the inventor has developed a cloth dispenser and disposal receptacle. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cloth dispenser and disposal receptacle comprising: 
         [0036]    a first body member and a second body member, the first body member and the second body member being detachably secured to one another such that when secured the second body member extends from the first body member, thereby defining a substantially hollow body; 
         [0037]    a divider that separates the first body member from the second body member defining within the hollow body a first receptacle for dispensing sheets of cloth and a second receptacle for disposal and storage of used sheets of cloth; and 
         [0038]    an aperture providing access to the second receptacle for disposal of used sheets of cloth. 
         [0039]    The first receptacle may also be referred to as a storage receptacle and the second receptacle may be referred to as a disposal receptacle. 
         [0040]    The device may further comprise a housing having sides, a top member and a base member wherein the aperture extends through one side of the housing into the second receptacle, as discussed below. 
         [0041]    The top member may enclose or substantially enclose the first receptacle and be arranged to detach or open for accessing the first receptacle, for example, for refilling (or emptying) the first receptacle). 
         [0042]    The divider is preferably made of a malleable material such that the volume of the first receptacle and the volume of the second receptacle are varied or variable. 
         [0043]    Preferably, the aperture includes a covering member such as a flap, sliding door or stopper for retaining used cloths within the second receptacle. 
         [0044]    In a preferred embodiment, the second receptacle includes a fabric bag operably linked to the aperture such that used cloths that pass through the aperture are stored in the fabric bag which is removed from the second receptacle by detaching the first body member from the second body member. 
         [0045]    In a preferred embodiment, the top member of the first body member includes a dispensing means which is arranged to releasably retain one or more sheets of cloth for ready access if needed. 
         [0046]    In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a combination comprising a cloth dispenser and disposal receptacle as described herein and a plurality of generally circular reusable cloths, as discussed below. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device for dispensing cloths having a disposal receptacle  1  preferably comprises a first body member  2  and a second body member  3  extending from the first body member  2  and defining a substantially hollow body  4  within the device  1 . Preferably, the first body member and the second body member are detachably secured to each other. The two body members may be secured by a variety of means, for example, magnets, hinges or joints; however, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, any means to ensure that they are detachably secured to each so that the first body member  2  and the second body member  3  can be separated if desired, as discussed below, may be used. 
         [0048]    The present invention may also comprise a top member  5  and base member  6  in an arrangement so that the hollow body is substantially enclosed by the first body member, the second body member, the base member and the top member. In these embodiments, the top member  5  and base member  6  preferably are detachably secured to the substantially hollow body  4  or to the first body member  2  and the second body member  3  respectively. The top member  5  and base member  6  may be secured to the hollow body by magnets, hinges or joints; however, any means to ensure that they are detachably secured may be used. As discussed below, the means by which the top member  5  and base member  6  are secured to the first body member  2  and the second body member  3  determines whether for example the base is removed or is ‘swung open’ on hinges. 
         [0049]    In other embodiments, the device  1  may comprise a base member  6  but have a substantially open top so that the interior of the first body member can be readily accessed, for example, when refilling the device with cloths or when removing a cloth for use, as discussed below. 
         [0050]    The present invention also has a divider  7  that separates the first body member from the second body member, thereby defining within the hollow body  4  a first receptacle  8  for storing and dispensing sheets of cloth and a second receptacle  9  for disposal and storage of used sheets of cloth. Preferably this divider  7  is removable and is made of a malleable material. The use of a malleable material results in the first receptacle  8  and the second receptacle  9  each having a variable volume capacity, the sum of the two of course being approximately that of the hollow body  4 . More preferably, the divider  7  is made of such a material so that it acts as a barrier, for example, a biological barrier that prevents the transfer of fluids and other materials in the second (disposal) receptacle  9  to the first (cloth storage) receptacle  8 . 
         [0051]    There is an aperture  10  on the housing for example on the second body member  3  for providing access to the second (disposal) receptacle  9 . Preferably the aperture  10  has covering member  11 , for example a flap, sliding door or stopper that provides or restricts access to the aperture  10 . As discussed below, the aperture  10  is accessed when used cloths are to be stored in the second body member  3 . 
         [0052]    In a preferred embodiment, used cloths pass through the aperture  10  into a fabric bag  20  which is mounted within the second (disposable) receptacle  9  such that the opening  22  in the fabric bag  20  is aligned with the fabric bag  20 . Specifically, the fabric bag  20  and the disposal receptacle  9  are arranged such that the fabric bag  20  is held in place within the disposal receptacle for example by Velcro™ strips. In addition, the opening of the fabric bag  20  is arranged such that the opening of the fabric bag  20  is removably secured to the aperture  10 . As a result of this arrangement, used cloths which pass through the aperture are stored in the fabric bag. As discussed below, the first body member can be removed from the second body member, thereby allowing for removal of the fabric bag from the second receptacle. Alternatively, the base can be moved or removed such that the fabric bag can be removed from the second receptacle for example by disengaging the Velcro™ strips. 
         [0053]    The first and second body members of the invention may be constructed of any suitable material, for example but by no means limited to wood, leather, plastics, metal, copper, canvas, fabric or any other appropriate material. 
         [0054]    It is of note that in those embodiments in which the device  1  is constructed of a less rigid material, for example, canvas or fabric, the device may include a support frame for providing structure to the device. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the frame is arranged to extend from the base to the top of the device on all four sides (front, back, right and left sides). In a preferred embodiment, the support frame may be arranged to be collapsible so that the device can be stored when not arranged for use. 
         [0055]    Sheet of cloth refers to sheets made of reusable fabric (for example, handkerchiefs) or sheets of a material intended for one-time use (for example, tissues) and may be made of a variety of materials. However, in a preferred embodiment, the cloths are made of a reusable fabric such as for example but by no means limited to bamboo, cotton, silk, linen, soy or the like and have a substantially circular shape, as discussed below. 
         [0056]    The present invention also provides a dispensing means  12  for releasably retaining one or more sheets of cloth partially within the first receptacle wherein the sheets of cloth are readily retrievable and may be arranged within this means in an aesthetically pleasing manner. This means is preferably located on the first receptacle and may be integrated into the top member  5 . Sheets of cloth may be arranged with the dispensing means in a variety of manners. For example, the sheets may be arranged in flower petal arrangement which may be aesthetically pleasing to many users. Preferably, the dispensing means  12  is suitable for reusable sheets of cloth (i.e. since there may be difficulties attempting to dispense reusable cloth tissues in the same manner that paper tissue is dispensed). As noted above, sheets of cloth refers to sheets made of reusable fabric (for example, handkerchiefs) or sheets of a material intended for one-time use (for example, tissues). The sheets of cloth may be of a variety of colours, sizes, shapes and materials. For example, round cloths may be used and may be more aesthetically pleasing when they are partially pulled through the dispensing means. 
         [0057]    It is noted that the circular sheets of cloth combine with the dispensing means to produce a very aesthetically pleasing product. Specifically, when square or rectangular cloths are pulled through the top of the container, they can appear ragged and/or jagged. However, when circular cloths are pulled through the top of the container, they have an appearance that is substantially similar to that of flower petals. 
         [0058]    Examples of several dispensing means  12  are shown in  FIG. 2   a - 2   c.    FIG. 2   a  illustrates a malleable rubber piece that has been cut into V-like sections. Sheets of cloth can be held and pulled through these V-like sections for use.  FIG. 2   b  illustrates a dispensing means comprising stars shaped cut-outs wherein a sheet of cloth may be partially pulled through a cut-out. Also, the cloths may be individually partially secured at the bottom of the first compartment, with the remainder of the each of the cloths coming up through an aperture at the top of the first compartment.  FIG. 2   c  illustrates a series of rods arranged to form a grid of apertures wherein sheets of cloth may be partially pulled through. The rods may be made of wood, leather or any other appropriate material. The examples illustrated in  FIG. 2   a - 2   c  use dispensing means wherein the sheets of cloth are partially pulled though an aperture where they are releasably retained. These examples should not be considered limiting. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention the dispensing means  12  entails a structure that protrudes from the base of the first compartment and extends up through a wider aperture at the top of the first compartment. The sheets of cloth are layered over the protrusion and a ring is fitted down over the cloths to help secure the unused cloths as each top-most cloth is pulled.  FIG. 3  illustrates the present invention loaded with sheets of cloths within the dispensing means. 
         [0059]    Prior to use, in some embodiments, a user would access the first receptacle by opening or removing the top member  5  and place a plurality of cloths in the first receptacle. If desired, the user would load the dispensing means  12  with cloth sheets that are reusable or made of a material intended for one-time use (for example, tissues). One or more cloth sheets may be loaded into each aperture of the dispensing means  12 . In these embodiments, the dispensing means may be located on the removable top member  5 , which when removed would facilitate the loading of the cloth sheets, as discussed above. Alternatively, the first body member and the second body member may be in a detached state that may also facilitate the loading of the cloth sheets. 
         [0060]    In other embodiments, the top of the device  1  may be substantially open as discussed above. In these embodiments, the user simply refills the device  1  with reusable cloths as necessary. It is of note that in these embodiments, the device may lack the dispensing means  12  or the dispensing means  12  may be attached to one of the side walls of the first body member. 
         [0061]    The cloth sheets may be of a variety of colours, sizes, shapes and materials. The user may arrange the cloth sheets within the dispensing means in any manner he or she sees fit. After the cloth sheets are loaded, depending on the method used to load the reusable cloths into the device, the device is either assembled in a manner wherein the first body member and the second body member are secured to each other or the top member is either closed or re-secured to the first body member. 
         [0062]    In use, a user, when in need of a facial tissue, may instead grab and pull a cloth sheet from the device  1 , for example, either directly from the first receptacle or from the dispensing means  12 . 
         [0063]    After use, the soiled sheet may be placed into the second receptacle for disposal and storage via the aperture on the hollow body. Specifically, the covering member  11  is engaged so that the aperture  10  is accessible and the user passes the used cloth through the aperture and into the fabric bag. The soiled sheets may be accessed for laundering or disposal by removal of the base member. As discussed above, a removable fabric lining within the second receptacle may be used and can be removed when necessary for laundering. This lining may be secured by Velcro™ or any other means. 
         [0064]    Once the fabric bag is full or else when desired, the second receptacle is accessed and the Velcro™ strips are disengaged so that the fabric bag is removed. The opening in the fabric bag can be closed for transport to a laundering facility. At that point, the fabric bag is opened and the soiled sheets are dumped out of the bag and into the washing machine. The fabric bag itself is then turned inside out and placed in the washing machine as well. 
         [0065]    Alternatively than using a removable base to access the soiled sheets the second receptacle  9  may comprise a drawer unit that that stores the soiled sheets and provides access to them for laundering or disposal. As the drawer is pulled aside, the soiled sheets are released from the second receptacle  9 . 
         [0066]    As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the device  1  described herein may be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes. While in some embodiments, the device may have a substantially cube-like shape, for example, 5 inches by 5 inches by 5 inches, in other embodiments, the device  1  may have a largely ornamental shape, for example, similar to that of a vase or of a sculpted object. 
         [0067]    For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the device is of a size capable of fitting into a purse or glove compartment. This embodiment may be constructed of canvas or any other malleable material. The dispensing means  12  may be an opening with a flap situated on the first receptacle  8  and the second receptacle  9  for disposal and storage may also have flap-covered opening for accessing the inside of the second receptacle. The clean cloths are simply folded and stored in the top compartment situated on the first receptacle. 
         [0068]    While one (or more) embodiment(s) of this invention has (have) been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described above, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essence of this invention. All such modifications or variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. 
         [0069]    Furthermore, the features and elements of the embodiments described and illustrated may be combined providing other embodiments of the present invention.