Abstract:
The invention comprises a wall or door-mounted container for cleansing wipes having two separate compartments, one for holding readily available packet stacks (or rolls) of dry paper towel wipes of standard size, and one for holding a sealed containers of pre-moistened paper towelette wipes. The latter containers also may be found in retail and wholesale outlets everywhere and comes in generally cylindrical tubs of two or three standard sizes. A slot is provided in the bottom of the first container compartment for permitting egress of the dry paper towels, as is common. A new aperture is provided in the bottom of the second compartment for providing egress to the wet towelettes, in cooperative placement with respect to the cross slit aperture found in the lid of a towelette tub. A one-piece hinged and locked transparent front panel gives ready access to both compartments for instant refilling.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/061,833, filed Oct. 14, 1997. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to paper towel containers, more particularly to dual-compartment and single compartment dispenser apparatus for storing and dispensing dry paper towels and/or pre-moistened paper towelettes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is common to provide a supply of paper towels in public washrooms for use in drying one&#39;s hands after washing. Paper towels also are stored in home dispensers for use in cleaning kitchen and toilet surfaces, and for similar washing and drying applications. There are limitations in the usefulness of dry paper towels, however. In particular, they are not very effective for sanitizing and disinfecting dry surfaces contaminated with bacteria and similar micro-biological agents. 
     More recently, there have become available containers and packets of pre-moistened paper wipes known as towelettes. These are useful in sanitizing one&#39;s hands and environmental surfaces because, in addition to containing water (which, of course, helps dissolve contaminants) such pre-moistened towelettes often contain alcohol or other disinfectants. A limitation in the adoption of such towelettes, particularly with respect to their provision in public rest room facilities, is that the moistening agents are particularly volatile. Therefore, the towelettes must be kept in more or less air tight containers until just prior to use. 
     Complex mechanisms been proposed for holding paper towels and moistening them just prior to dispensing, or simultaneously therewith. Some of these dispense both wet and dry paper products. A problem with such machinery is that it tends to be hard to fill, delicate, expensive, prone to failure, and subject to vandalism—not to mention that it tends to require the stocking of specialized, hard-to-find papers and chemical wetting agents. By the same token, public rest room facilities often are tended by unskilled individuals who have neither the time nor the training to stock and maintain complex electromechanical apparatus for dispensing both dry towels and wet towelettes. Nor do small businesses, many of which are in out-of-the-way locations, want to have to stock exotic and expensive supplies. 
     There is a need, therefore, for a wipe dispenser that is capable of supplying dry paper towels and/or pre-moistened paper towelettes which is easy to refill and simple to operate, and which uses off-the-shelf supplies that are readily available throughout the country. 
     Prior developments in this field may be generally illustrated by reference to the following information disclosure statement: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Patent Documents 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Patentee 
                 Issue Date 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 5,443,084 
                 R. Saleur 
                 Aug. 22, 1995 
               
               
                   
                 4,017,002 
                 R. Doyle et al. 
                 Apr. 12, 1977 
               
               
                   
                 Des. 344,830 
                 H. Carter et al. 
                 Mar. 1, 1994 
               
               
                   
                 4,984,530 
                 V. Dutton 
                 Jan. 15, 1991 
               
               
                   
                 4,776,649 
                 A. ten Wolde 
                 Oct. 11, 1988 
               
               
                   
                 Des. 342,635 
                 H. Carter et al. 
                 Dec. 28, 1993 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,084 describes a container having a plurality of compartments for storing separate sets of dry paper towels and the like. Also included is means for moistening one set of dry towels prior to the dispensing thereof. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,530 describes another container that stores separate sets of dry towels and has apparatus for wetting one set as it is dispensed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,002 teaches a portable container for storing and dispensing pre-moistened towelettes. This type of prior-art container may be used within the device of the present invention, as discussed below. 
     The remaining patents are representative of what was found in a search of the art. 
     It therefore will be appreciated that there continues to be a need for a new and improved wipe dispenser apparatus which addresses the problems of construction, effectiveness and ease of use that are attendant in the prior art. In this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known art, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to teach a new and improved wet towelette and dry towel dispenser apparatus which has all of the important advantages of the prior art and few, if any, of the disadvantages. 
     The present invention is a dispenser that may be used to provide wet towelettes for cleaning and disinfecting and dry paper towels for drying. It finds application in sanitizing toilets, baby changing areas, kitchen work surfaces and kitchen utensils, as well as for thoroughly cleaning the user&#39;s hands. This dispenser can be used at home, as well as in the public rest rooms and other areas of such commercial establishments as restaurants, day care facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and the like. The pre-moistened towelette wipes made available by this device can be used to kill common germs found on toilet seats, toilet handles, faucet handles, door handles, countertops, bassinets, appliances, and the like. To clean, refresh, sanitize and deodorize an environmental surface, the user need only tear off a pre-moistened towelette from the dispenser, wipe the surface clean, then remove a dry towel and use it to further clean and dry the surface. 
     The invention preferably comprises a wall or door-mounted wipe container having two separate compartments, one for holding readily available packet stacks (or rolls) of dry paper towels of standard size, and one for holding a re-sealable container of pre-moistened paper towelettes. The latter containers may be found in retail and wholesale outlets everywhere and come in generally cylindrical tubs of two or three standard sizes. A longitudinal slot is provided in the bottom of the first container compartment for permitting egress of the dry paper towels, as is common. 
     A new aperture is provided in the bottom of the second compartment for providing egress to the wet towelettes, in cooperative placement with respect to the cross slit aperture found in the lid of towelette tubs. Examples of such towelette tubs are sold under the brand name WET ONES, available from Personal Care Group, Inc. of Montvale, N.J., and THICK BABY WIPES from Walgreen Co. of Deerfield, Ill. 
     A hinged and locked front panel or cover gives ready access to both compartments for instant refilling. A standard switching flap (see Part No. T1966-T1967 from Fort Howard Co. of Green Bay, Wis.) may be included for converting the device from multifold towels to C-fold towels. Other than that, the lock and the hinged front cover are the only moving parts of the dispenser. Hence, the apparatus is very durable as well as easy to install, clean and maintain. 
     FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved wipe dispensing apparatus which has all, or nearly all, of the advantages of the prior art, while simultaneously overcoming most of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved dispensing apparatus which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. Parts of the dispensing apparatus disclosed herein may be injection molded and others vacuum molded. 
     A further object or feature of the present invention is a new and improved dispensing apparatus which is of a durable and reliable construction. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a novel towel/towelette dispensing apparatus which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the public, thereby making the dispensing apparatus economically available to consumers. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel dispensing apparatus wherein an increased ease of assembly, access, loading, and unloading is permitted relative to the wipe dispenser art. 
     Another object or feature is a new and improved dispensing apparatus that is easy to use, attractive in appearance and suitable for mass production. 
     An object of this invention is to provide means for dispensing both dry and wet paper cleaning means from a single dispenser. 
     Another object is to provide means for securing the dispenser against theft and tampering. 
     Yet another object or feature is dual compartments which separate and organize the paper products. 
     Still another feature is towelette aperture means for providing direct egress through the shell of the dispenser from the cross slit opening or aperture of a standard pre-moistened towelette tub-style container. 
     Yet another feature is transparent cover means for viewing the internal supply of paper products. The entire shell may be constructed of transparent material for this purpose. 
     Still another feature is a device that can dispense available pre-moistened towelettes that are anti-bacterial, scented, formulated for babies, or otherwise given desirable characteristics available only with towelettes that are dispensed in moistened form. 
     Other novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention resides not in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. 
     There has thus been broadly outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
     Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is is a front perspective view of a preferred dispenser of this invention in a first position; 
     FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 having the conversion flap and the tub&#39;s strap cap in second positions; 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a second preferred dispenser of this invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a right side elevation of the device of FIG. 3; and 
     FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a third preferred dispenser of this invention. 
    
    
     DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       1  dispenser apparatus 
       2  shell 
       4  side wall 
       6  top 
       8  bottom 
       10  back 
       12  cover 
       14  planar section 
       16  cylindrically convex section 
       18  hinge 
       20  key latch 
       22  flange 
       24  divider wall 
       26  towel compartment 
       28  towelette compartment 
       29  strap slot 
       30  towel aperture 
       31  flap 
       32  towelette aperture 
       35  tub-containment prong 
       36  towelette container 
       37  strap cap 
       37   a  cap 
       38  lid 
       39  cross slit aperture 
       40  pre-moistened towelette 
       44  folded towel packet 
       46  dry towel 
       101  dispenser apparatus 
       102  shell 
       104  side wall 
       106  top 
       108  bottom 
       110  back 
       112  cylindrically convex cover 
       118  hinge 
       120  key latch 
       128  towelette compartment 
       129  strap slot 
       132  towelette aperture 
       135  tub-containment prong 
       136  towelette container 
       137  strap cap 
       137   a  cap 
       138  lid 
       140  pre-moistened towelette 
       201  dispenser apparatus 
       202  shell 
       204  side wall 
       206  top 
       208  bottom 
       210  back 
       212  cover 
       214  first cylindrically convex section 
       216  second cylindrically convex section 
       218  hinge 
       220  key latch 
       224  divider indentation 
       226  towel compartment 
       228  towelette compartment 
       229  strap slot 
       230  towel aperture 
       232  towelette aperture 
       235  tub-containment prong 
       236  towelette container 
       237  strap cap 
       237   a  cap 
       238  lid 
       244  towel roll 
       246  dry towel 
     It is to be noted that, for convenience, the last two positions of the reference numerals of alternative embodiments of the invention duplicate those of the numerals of the embodiment of FIG. 1, where reference is made to similar or corresponding parts. However, it should not be concluded merely from this numbering convention that similarly numbered parts are equivalents. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 through 2 generally, there is illustrated therein a first preferred wipe dispenser apparatus  1  of this invention. The dispenser apparatus  1  is principally comprised of a six-sided box-like container shell  2  bounded by two vertical side wall panels  4 , a top panel  6 , a bottom panel  8 , a back panel  10  and a hinged cover  12 . Preferably, the cover  12  is fabricated, at least partially, out of transparent plastic so that the need for re-supply may be quickly gauged. The remainder of the shell  2  may be fabricated out of transparent plastic, opaque plastic or metal. 
     The cover  12  is comprised of two sections—a generally flat or planar section  14  and a cylindrically convex section  16 . The cylindrically convex shape of section  16  acts to conform to and hold in place a standard cylindrical towelette tub or container  36 . Hinges  18  attach the cover  12  to the side walls  4 , preferably at the bottom of the shell  2  so that the cover  12  may be opened by rotating it downward. A key latch  20  provides secure access to the interior of the wipe dispenser apparatus  1 . A pair of horizontal brackets or flanges  22  fixed to the back  10  provide support to the hinges  18 . 
     Preferably, a vertical divider wall  24  extends up from the mid-portion of the bottom  8 , through the interior of the shell  2 , and attaches to the top  6  and the back  10 . The divider wall  24  comprises means physically dividing the hollow interior of the shell  2  into two compartments: a first or dry towel compartment  26  and a second or pre-moistened towelette compartment  28 . 
     A longitudinal slot comprising a towel aperture  30  is formed through the bottom  8  below the towel compartment  26 . A towelette aperture  32 , preferably circular in outline, is formed in the bottom  8  below the towelette compartment  28 . The cylindrically convex section  16  of the cover  12  forms the front of the towelette compartment  28  and the planar section  14  of the cover forms the front of the towel compartment  26 . 
     The towelette compartment  28  is of a size and shape conforming to a standard cylindrical towelette tub or container  36 . Such tubs have a cross slit aperture  39  for dispensing a continuous perforated strip or web of pre-moistened towelettes  40 , which slit aperture is formed in the center of the tub&#39;s lid  38 . When the towelette container  36  is inserted lid down into the towelette compartment  28 , the tub&#39;s cross slit  39  directly overlays the towelette aperture  32  so that the pre-moistened towelettes  40  have direct egress from the tub  36  through the shell  2  of the dispenser apparatus  1 . 
     In the manner of prior art dry paper dispensers, a folded towel packet  44  (multifold or C-fold towels) may be placed in the towel compartment  26  directly over the towel aperture  30  in order that dry towels  46  may have direct egress from the wipe dispenser apparatus  1 . FIG. 1A shows the device with a flap  31  rotated in a down position for handling multifold dry towels. In FIG. 1, the flap  31  is in an up position, out of sight, for handling C-fold dry towels. 
     The compartment divider wall  24  keeps the tub  36  centered over the towelette aperture  32  and keeps the towel packet  44  centered over the slot or towel aperture  30 . 
     To use the dispenser apparatus  1  one need merely pull a dry towel  46  out of the towel aperture  30  or pull a pre-moistened towelette  40  out of the towelette aperture  32  (FIG.  2 ). When either compartment  26 ,  28  is empty, it may be restocked by untrained personnel with inexpensive supplies that are universally available. 
     A second slot, namely, a strap slot  29  is formed transversely in the towelette compartment  28 . This is used to allow egress to a strap cap  37  of conventional design, which strap terminates in a cap  37 a and is affixed to the lid  38  of the towelette container  36 . In FIG. 1, the cap of the strap cap  37  is snapped in place back in through the towelette aperture  32  and over the cross slit aperture  39  of the prior art tub  36 , keeping the moist towelettes therein dry prior to use. FIGS. 1A and 2 show the strap cap  37  in a second or open position, allowing the pre-moistened towelette  40  web to be accessed by the user. The opposing far peripheries of the towelette aperture  32  and the strap slot  29  are separated by a distance which is about the length of the strap cap  37 . 
     FIG. 2 also shows a flexible rod or barbed tub-containment prong  35 , which is used to press the towelette container  36  firmly against the bottom  8  of the towelette compartment  28  to keep it from moving while a pre-moistened towelette  40  is being torn from its web. While the tub-containment prong  35  may be of any of a number of shapes, a better view of a preferred shape may be seen in FIG. 3, which illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is illustrated therein a second preferred wipe dispenser apparatus  101  of this invention. The dispenser apparatus  101  is principally comprised of a semi-cylindrical container shell  102  bounded by two vertical side wall panels  104 , a top panel  106 , a bottom panel  108 , aback panel  110  and a hinged cylindrically convex cover  112 . Preferably, the cover  112  is fabricated, at least partially, out of transparent plastic. The remainder of the shell  102  may be fabricated out of transparent plastic, opaque plastic or metal. 
     Hinges  118  attach the cover  112  to the side walls  104  so that the cover  112  may be opened by rotating it downward. A key latch  120  provides secure access to the interior of the dispenser apparatus  101 , namely, to a pre-moistened towelette compartment  128 . 
     A circular towelette aperture  132  is formed in the bottom  108 . The cylindrically convex cover  112  forms the front of the towelette compartment  128 . The towelette compartment  128  is of a size and shape conforming to a standard cylindrical towelette tub or container  136  for dispensing a continuous perforated strip or web of pre-moistened towelettes  140 . When the towelette container  136  is inserted, with its lid  138  down, into the towelette compartment  128 , the tub&#39;s cross slit directly overlays the towelette aperture  132  so that the pre-moistened towelettes  140  have direct egress. 
     A strap slot  129  is formed transversely in the towelette compartment  128 . This is used to allow egress to a strap cap  137  of conventional design, which strap terminates in a cap  137   a  and is affixed to the lid  138  of the towelette container  136 . The cap of the strap cap  137  is snapped in place back in through the towelette aperture  132  and over the cross slit aperture (not illustrated) of the prior art tub  136 , keeping the moist towelettes therein dry prior to use. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3 also show a flexible rod or barbed tub-containment prong  135 , which is used to press the towelette container  136  firmly against the bottom  108  of the towelette compartment  128  to keep it from moving while a pre-moistened towelette  140  is being torn from its web. To use the wipe dispenser apparatus  101  one need merely pull a pre-moistened towelette  140  out of the towelette aperture  132  (FIG.  4 ). 
     Referring lastly to FIG. 5, there is illustrated therein a third preferred wipe dispenser apparatus  201 . The dispenser apparatus  201  is principally comprised of a box-like container shell  202  bounded by two vertical side wall panels  204 , a top panel  206 , a bottom panel  208 , a back panel  210  and a hinged double cylindrically convex cover  212 . Preferably, the shell  202  and cover  212  are fabricated, at least partially, out of transparent plastic. 
     The cover  212  is comprised of two sections, a first cylindrically convex section  214  and a second cylindrically convex section  216 . Hinges  218  attach the cover  212  to the side walls  204  so that the cover  212  may be opened by rotating it downward. A key latch  220  provides secure access to the interior of the wipe dispenser apparatus  201 . 
     Preferably, a vertical divider indentation  224  of the cover  212  extends up from the mid-portion of the bottom  8 , toward the interior of the shell  2 , and touches the top  6 . The generally cylindrically concave divider indentation  224 , though not extending all the way to the back  210 , effectively comprises means physically dividing the hollow interior of the shell  202  into two compartments: a first or dry towel compartment  226  and a second or pre-moistened towelette compartment  228 . 
     A circular dry towel aperture  230  is formed through the bottom  208  below the towel compartment  226 . A circular towelette aperture  232  is formed in the bottom  208  below the towelette compartment  228 . The towel compartment  226  is of a size and shape designed to contain a towel roll  244  of conventional size and shape. Dry towels  246  are dispensed from the towel aperture  230 . 
     The towelette compartment  228  is of a size and shape conforming to a standard cylindrical towelette tub or container  236  for dispensing a continuous perforated web of pre-moistened towelettes. When the towelette container  236  is inserted, with its lid  238  down, into the towelette compartment  228 , the tub&#39;s cross slit directly overlays the towelette aperture  232  so that the pre-moistened towelettes have direct egress. 
     A strap slot  229  is formed transversely in the towelette compartment  228 . This is used to allow egress to a strap cap  237 , which strap terminates in a cap  237   a  and is affixed to the lid  238  of the towelette container  236 . A flexible rod or barbed tub-containment prong  235  is used to press the towelette container  236  firmly against the bottom  208  of the towelette compartment  228 . 
     As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same should be apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention need be provided. 
     The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. For example, the cover could be hinged on one side so as to swing open horizontally (in the manner of a door) rather than vertically. As another example, the cover could simply pull away from the shell when unlatched. However, this would be equivalent to a hinged attachment, in that it would achieve the same result (access to the interior) in substantially the same way (movement of the cover). 
     Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.