US20140217112A1

US20140217112A1 - Napkin Dispenser

Info

Publication number: US20140217112A1
Application number: US14/175,579
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Young; Brian Albrecht; Todd J. Muderlak; Kenneth J. Muderlak
Original assignee: San Jamar Inc
Current assignee: San Jamar Inc
Priority date: 2013-02-07
Filing date: 2014-02-07
Publication date: 2014-08-07
Also published as: WO2014124294A3; WO2014124294A2

Abstract

A cover, carriage, or faceplate for a napkin dispenser is provided. The cover, faceplate or carriage defines one or more pick zones that facilitate manual extraction of different numbers of multiple napkins from the dispenser during each dispensing event. Preferably, the cover, carriage or faceplate cooperates with a container configured to receive a stack of napkins and is maintained adjacent an end or edge of the stack. More preferably, the cover, faceplate or carriage is configured to cooperate with containers having various shapes and/or configured for countertop, hanging, or in-counter implementation of the container to allow retrofitting of currently available single quantity dispensing napkin dispensers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/762,093 filed on Feb. 7, 2013 titled “Napkin Dispenser” and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to napkin dispensers and more particularly, to a napkin dispenser that allows variable numbers of napkins to be manually removed from the dispenser during each dispensing event.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Napkin dispensers have been commonly used in restaurants and other locations for dispensing disposable paper napkins. While napkin dispensers may appear uncomplicated at first glance, a number of problems have been associated with their use. In the past, napkin dispensers have been configured to attempt to dispense a single napkin with each dispensing event. Such configurations have several drawbacks.
For instance, in a single napkin-dispensing configuration, although one napkin may be sufficient for some users, other users, such as those ordering food for multiple people or those ordering for small children, commonly desire, and frequently require, more than one napkin. Attaining the desired number of napkins from such dispensers commonly requires the user to repeatedly remove individual napkins from the dispenser until a desired number of napkins have been retrieved. Such use detracts from efficient utilization of the dispenser and commonly detracts from efficient vender/customer interaction. This is particularly problematic in drive-through environments where the customer service person is charged with quickly and efficiently providing a customer with a completed order and an appropriate number of napkins.
To address the problems in the drive through environment, customer service personnel often simply place one or more stacks of napkins on a nearby counter. While this makes it easy to provide multiple napkins of virtually any amount, such operations can compromise sanitation and safety in that the stacks of napkins are fully exposed to the environment and can be easily knocked over. Similarly, customer service personnel have been known to take an existing dispenser and simply leave it open to allow direct interaction with the paper napkins commonly disposed within the dispenser. While this provides a slightly greater measure of control than a plain stack of napkins, it takes up more space and has similar sanitation issues.
At least one dispenser, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,635, attempts to address this issue by providing a dispenser with a faceplate that allows for the removal of several napkins during a single dispensing event but does so in an uncontrolled manner. With this dispenser, customer service persons may remove, inadvertently or intentionally, more napkins than may be desired or necessary, respectively. Such use tends to increase waste and cost associated with providing only a desired or necessary number of paper napkins to customers as determined by customer request and/or the type and/or quantity of food stuffs being provided. Such interaction can also increase the refill schedule associated with use of such dispensers as most users remove more napkins than would otherwise be necessary thereby detracting from the efficient utilization of staff time. Such systems can also result in employees providing more napkins to consumers than may be necessary in favor of providing expedient customer service such as in a drive-through product exchange environment.
Therefore, there is a need for a napkin dispenser that allows for the selective dispensing of multiple different numbers of napkins during each discrete dispensing activity and does so in a manner that is both expedient and maintains the sanitary condition of subsequent napkins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a faceplate, distribution cover or carriage (hereinafter “cover” when referencing all three) for dispensing napkins that is adapted to fit on or otherwise cooperate with a napkin storage container. The cover has an opening through which napkins may be withdrawn and defines a number of pick zones or grip sites that are each configured to allow different numbers of napkins to be manually removed from the dispenser during each discrete dispensing activity. In one aspect, a carriage is maintained in engagement with an end of a stack of napkins to allow user interaction with any of the pick zones to retrieve different numbers of preselected numbers of napkins from the dispenser. It is appreciated that the carriage or the napkin stack can be biased, gravitationally or otherwise, into engagement with the end of the napkin stack to adjust the tightness of the stack for best presentment and sequential removal of the desired number of napkins from the dispenser. It is further appreciated that the disclosed paper napkin dispensers that can be conveniently configured to accommodate removal of different numbers of multiple napkins during each interaction with one of the respective pick zones or grip sites.
One aspect discloses a carriage of a napkin dispenser that includes a body constructed to overlay a cavity shaped to contain a plurality of napkins. The body of the carriage defines a first pick zone that allows access to a first amount of the plurality of napkins and a second pick zone that allows access to a second amount of the plurality of napkins. In one aspect, the carriage also defines a third pick zone that allows access to yet a third amount of the plurality of napkins for each manual dispensing event. In another aspect, the carriage can be adjustable such that a size of the respective pick zones can be adjusted as a function of the degree of adjustment of the carriage. In another aspect, the carriage can cooperate with an interchangeable base configured to support the plurality of napkins associated therewith. In yet another aspect, the base can include a movable portion biased into engagement with the plurality of napkins but movable to accommodate translation of a gripped number of napkins past the carriage.
Another aspect discloses a dispenser for paper napkins. The dispenser includes a container that defines a cavity shaped to receive a stack of paper napkins. A carriage or faceplate is connected to the cavity. A discharge opening in the faceplate defines a first pick zone, a second pick zone, and an optional third pick zone. Each pick zone is shaped to allow removal of a different number of paper napkins from the cavity as compared to the number of paper napkins accessible at the other pick zones.
Another aspect discloses a method of forming a paper napkin dispenser. The method includes providing a cover that is constructed to be positioned adjacent a stack of napkins. At least two pick zones are formed in the carriage and allow manual removal of different numbers of napkins from the paper napkin dispenser as a function of interaction with a respective pick zone.
These and various other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof; and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view a paper napkin dispenser having a faceplate according to a first embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 exposing a base associated therewith;

FIG. 4 a is an exploded view of the base shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of another embodiment of a base for use in the present invention;

FIG. 5 is rear perspective of the base associated with a cover of the dispenser shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 showing an optional size reduction insert;

FIG. 7 a is a detailed view of a dispensing opening of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 with a stack of paper napkin products associated therewith;

FIG. 7 b is a front elevation view of a faceplate usable with the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of interchangeable bases usable with the dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view another biasing arrangement usable with the base shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another base usable with the dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of a paper napkin dispenser having a faceplate according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the dispenser shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a front side elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 15 is a right side elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view another paper napkin dispenser having a faceplate according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 16 with a stack of paper napkins associated with the faceplate;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the faceplate shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another paper napkin dispenser having a faceplate according to another embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a dispensing end of the dispenser shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is front elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 19 associated with a support or stand that alters the orientation of the dispenser with respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a paper napkin dispenser having a faceplate according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIGS. 23; and

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 23.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word “connected,” “attached,” or terms similar thereto are alien used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-4 a and 5-6 show a napkin dispenser 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Napkin dispenser 40 includes a napkin dispenser body 42 and a distribution cover, cover, carriage, body, or faceplate 44 that is associated therewith. As used herein, the term faceplate refers to structures that provide limited user interaction with the paper napkin products intended to be dispensed from a dispenser regardless of the degree of coverage or interference with the faceplate with the paper napkin products associated with the respective dispenser. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the invention, faceplate 44 provides coverage of generally one lateral side and partial coverage of two adjacent sides of the paper napkin stack disposed therebehind. Other embodiments of the invention, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-15, include a faceplate that interacts generally with an end of a paper product stack. Still other embodiments of the invention, such as the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 16-18, include a faceplate that obscures a more limited portion of the paper product stack during use of the dispenser equipped with such a faceplate. Such variations support the use of at least those terms recited above with respect to identifying the structure associated with provided limited accessibility of discrete numbers of the paper napkin products but it is appreciated that other terms associated with faceplate 44 may also be suitable.
Dispenser body 42 and faceplate 44 cooperate with one another to provide an interior storage area or cavity 46 for napkins 48 (FIG. 6) that are to be dispensed through faceplate 44 via a discharge opening 50. The napkins 48 to be dispensed can rest on a floor associated bottom portion of 86 of body 42, support plate, or a floor defined by an optional base 52 associated with body 42 of dispenser 40. Napkins 48 can be gravitational fed toward opening 50 or urged toward opening 50 via a spring associated with a bias plate or like structure. It is appreciated to utilization of such a biasing mechanism can depend largely on the intended orientation of the dispenser during use and with respect to the direction associated with gravitational feeding.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, faceplate 44, and optional base 52 when dispenser 40 is equipped therewith, pivotably cooperate with body 42 to selectively expose cavity 46. Faceplate 44 cooperates with body 42 and/or optional base 52 to define a plurality of grab or pick sites 54, 56, 58 associated with extracting different quantities of napkins 48 from dispenser 40. Base 52 includes a first support 60 and a second support 62 that generally separate respective finger holes 64, 66, 68 that are generally aligned with pick sites 54, 56, 58 of faceplate 44. In a preferred embodiment, each finger hole 64, 66, 68 is approximately 1.2 inches wide and 1.85 inches deep although other dimensions are envisioned.
First pick site 54 and first finger hole 64 are shaped to define a pinch area dimension, as indicated by arrow 70, of approximately 1.9 inches, second pick site 56 and second finger hole 66 are oriented to define a pinch area dimension of approximately 2.15 inches, and third pick site 58 and finger hole 68 are shaped to define a pinch area dimension of approximately 2.325 inches. It should be appreciated that the pinch area dimensions recited above are exemplary and other dimensions are feasible given the adjustability of the height of the base 52. Each pinch area dimension is associated with the introduction of the user's fingers for finger and thumb with dispenser 40 proximate discharge opening 50 to pinch an accessible quantity of the paper napkin product stack associated with the respective pick site 54, 56, 58 with which the user interacts during each dispensing event.
As explained further below, faceplate 44 can be provided in a two-part construction, constructed to slideably cooperate with body 42, and/or constructed to be connected to body 42 at more than one location so as to manipulate the pinch area dimension 70 associated with pick sites 54, 56, 58. Body 42 and faceplate 44 cooperate in a pivotable manner and are shaped to define a seam 72 at the interface therebetween to improve the aesthetic appearance of dispenser 40 and to generally fully enclose the paper napkin product contained therein.
Still referring to FIG. 1, body 42 includes a bottom surface 74 having one or more legs or suction cups or the like, associated with supporting dispenser 40 in a generally vertical orientation relative to a support surface. As disclosed further below, it is further envisioned that dispenser 40 can be hung from vertical surfaces such as a wall or a partition to provide the generally vertical orientation as well,
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, faceplate 44 and optional base 52 are pivotably connected to body 42 such that faceplate 44 and base 52 can rotate relative to body 42 between an in-use orientation as shown in FIG. 1 and an open or loading orientation as shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, body 42 includes a rear wall 78 that can include one or more holes 80 formed therein. Holes 80 are shaped to accommodate hanging support of body 42 relative to a wall or other such generally vertical surface when such an orientation or positioning is desired. Body 42 includes two sidewalls 82, 84 that extend in generally forward direction relative to rear wall 78 and toward faceplate 44. Sidewalls 82, 84 generally flank a portion of the opposite side edges of a paper napkin stack associated with dispenser 40.
Body 42 includes a bottom portion 86 that defines a floor surface 88 associated with cavity 46. Bottom portion 86 includes a first opening 90 and a second opening 92 that are associated with each of the opposite lateral end portions 96, 98 of bottom portion 86. End portion 96, 98 are generally aligned with a respective sidewall 82, 84 of body 42. Body 42 includes a cap or cover portion 100 that is formed at an opposite longitudinal end of body 42 relative to bottom portion 86. A first catch 102 and the second catch 104 extend in a generally forward direction from sidewalls 82, 84 proximate cover portion 100. Each catch 102, 104 includes a projection 106 that snap fittingly cooperates with a respective cavity, pocket or opening 108 associated with faceplate 44. Catches 102. 104 secure faceplate 44 in the closed orientation shown in FIG. 1 when projections 106 are engaged with the respective opening 108 but are accessible such that user depressing of catches 102, 104 allows rotation of faceplate 44 toward the open orientation as shown in FIG. 2 when dispenser 40 must be restocked or filled with paper napkin product.
Still referring to FIG. 3, faceplate 44 includes a lower end 110 and an upper end 112. A first arm 114 in the second arm 116 are formed near lower end 110 of faceplate 44 proximate pick sites 54, 56, 58 and extend in a generally downward direction relative thereto. Each area 114, 116 of faceplate 44 optionally includes one or more channels 120, a pivot 122, and a guide 124. Each pivot 122 of the respective arms 114, 116 is oriented and constructed to snap fittingly cooperate with a corresponding opening 90 associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42. Each guide 124 of each respective arm 114, 116 is constructed and positioned to be associated with and snap-fittingly cooperate with a respective elongated opening 92 associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42. The cooperation of pivots 122 and guides 124 with respective openings 90, 92 associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42 accommodates the pivotable or rotational relationship of faceplate 44 relative to body 42. As alluded to above, once rotated to the closed position, projections 106 associated with catches 102, 104 engage openings 108 of faceplate 44 so as maintain the closed orientation of dispenser 40.
Still referring to FIG. 3, optional base 52 includes rib structure 126 that extends in an outward direction relative to a respective end 128, 130 of base 52. Rib structures 126 slideably cooperate with the channels 120 associated with arms 114, 116 of faceplate 44. Such a construction secures base 52 relative to faceplate 44 such that base 52 rotates with faceplate 44 during movement of faceplate 44 relative to body 42. Where there are multiple channels 120, the base 52 can be mounted at a selected height relative to the bottom of the dispenser to adjust the height of the pinch area. A bottom surface 132 of base 52 cooperates with top or floor surface 88 of bottom portion 86 of body 42 and a support or top surface 134 of base 52 is shaped to support a stack of a paper napkin product thereon such that dispenser 40 is usable with or without use of the optional base 52.
As shown in FIG. 4 a, optional base 52 includes a first portion 136, a second portion 138, and a third portion 140. First portion 136 of base 52 generally defines a number of finger holes 64, 66, 68 and includes a first pocket 142 and a second pocket 144 that are formed generally between adjacent finger holes 64, 66, 68. First and second portions 138, 140 each include a support face or surface 146 and a pair of arms 148, 150 that extend in a generally rearward direction therefrom. Each arm 148, 150 includes a pivot 152, 154 that extends in a generally outward lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis associated with the respective arm 148, 150. As explained further below, each of second and third portions 138, 140 of base 52 are movable relative to first portion 136 of base 52 such that the respective support surface 146 is movable relative to top surface 134 of first portion 136 of base 52.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 a, the second and third portions 138 and 140 are biased upwardly through the use of resilient biasing members 159 each located in the pocket 161 of each of the second and third portions 138 and 140.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 b, and as disclosed further below, at least one of pivots 152, 154 is long enough to support a spring 158 associated therewith. Spring 158 defines an opening 160 shaped to slideably cooperate with a respective pivot 152, 154. Each spring 158 includes a first end 162 and a second end 164 that extend in outward directions from a barrel portion 166 of the respective spring 158. When engaged with pivot 154, end 162 of each spring 158 is shaped to engage a bottom surface 168 of arm 150 of the respective second and third base portions 138, 140. Arms 148, 150 of second and third portions 138, 140 are deflectable in a generally inward lateral direction aligned with the axis of pivots 152, 154 such that arms 148, 150 can be slideably received in respective pockets 142, 144 associated with first portion 136 of base 52.
Referring to FIG. 5, when second portion 138 and third portion 140 of base 52 are engaged with pockets 142, 144 of first portion 136 of base 52, pivots 152, 154 snap-fittingly cooperate with an opening formed in a rib 170 associated with an under or non-exposed side of first portion 136 of base 52. Each respective spring 158 slideably cooperates with a respective pivot 154 such that each respective rib 170 is generally flanked by a respective aim 150 on one lateral side and a respective spring 158 on an opposite lateral side. First end 162 of each spring 158 traverses the width of the respective rib 170 so as to engage the underside 168 associated with the respective arm 150. Second end 164 of each spring 158 engages a rear surface 172 of first portion 136 of base 52 such that each support surface 146 associated with each of first and second portions 138, 140 of base 52 are biased in a generally upward direction, indicated by arrow 174 so as to be generally aligned with the top surface 134 of first portion 136 of base 52.
Second portion 138 and third portion 140 of base 52 are deflectable in a generally downward direction, indicated by arrow 176 relative to the first portion 136 of base 52 to accommodate translation of different numbers of napkins thereacross associated with user interaction with a respective pick site. It should be appreciated that the degree of deflection of second and third portions 138, 140 of base 52 relative to first portion 136 of base 52 is directly related to the respective number of napkins “pinched” during any given dispensing event. Such a construction mitigates undesirable interaction of dispenser 40 with the paper napkin product being removed therefrom.
FIG. 9 shows an alternate construction associated with generating the movable but biased engagement between first portion 136 of base 52 and respective second and third portions 138, 140. As shown therein, the biasing device associated with spring 158 is formed as a compression spring rather than a torsion spring as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Each of first, second, and third portions 136, 138. 140 include one or more overlapping projections 175, 177 that can be translated past one another when the respective arm associated the respective projection is deflected in an inward or outward relative lateral direction. When not deformed or otherwise deflected, projections 175, 177 interfere with one another such that second portions 138, 140 of base 52 are slideably movable but remain movably secured to first portion 136 of base 52 to provide a similar variable compression during the dispensing events as alluded to above and as disclosed further below with respect to FIG. 6.
Referring to FIG. 7 a, during each extraction or dispensing event, introduction of the user's fingers with a respective finger hole 64, 66, 68 and the nearest associated pick site 54, 56, 68 allows the user to pinch a quantity of the paper napkin product 48 and extract the grasped paper napkin product 48 from dispenser 40 through dispensing opening 50. Second portion 138 and third portion 140 of base 52 can deflect in the downward direction 176 relative to first portion 136 of base 52 to better accommodate the extraction of the various quantities of paper napkin product 48 from dispenser 40. As should be appreciated, extraction associated with pick site 54 would yield less deflection of first and second portions 138, 140 of base 52 than extraction or dispensing activities associated with utilization of pick site 58. It should further be appreciated that each pick site 54, 56, 58 is associated with extracting different amounts or quantities of multiple discrete paper napkin product 48. That is, use of pick site 54 is associated with dispensing a fewest but multiple number of paper napkin product 48, pick site 56 is associated with dispensing a greater and multiple number of paper napkin product 48 than associated with use of pick site 54, and pick site 58 is associated with dispensing the greatest multiple number of discrete paper napkin product 48 associated with each dispensing event. Said in another way, each pick site 54, 56, 58 allows dispensing of multiple different numbers of paper napkin products with each dispensing activity.
Referring briefly to FIGS. 2 and 6, it is further appreciated that faceplate 44 can include a first portion 180 and the second portion 182 that are movably positioned relative to one another such that the orientation of second portion 182 can be adjusted relative to floor or surface 88 associated with body 42 and/or with respect to surface 134 of base 52 when base 52 is utilized. Such a consideration allows the user to individualize the quantity of paper napkin product 48 that can be exposed at each pick site 54, 56, 58 associated with dispensing opening 50 and such that dispenser 40 can be individually configured to accommodate various different dispensing requirements. Whether second portion 182 cooperates with first portion 180 to achieve multiple discrete positions relative thereto or faceplate 44 cooperates with body 42 in various positions, each such configuration allows user manipulation or individualization of the range of the number of napkins that can be dispensed during each dispensing event associated with each of first, second, and third pick sites 54, 56, 58. Said in another way, such a configuration allows dispenser 40 to providing multiple different fewest number of napkins, multiple different intermediate number of napkins, and multiple different greatest number of napkins that can be dispensed during any given dispensing event associated with use of dispenser 40.
As shown in FIG. 6, a selectively removable insert 178 may be provided to alter the dimensions of the interior of the napkin cavity 46 to accommodate different sized napkins. When in place, the insert rests along the inner wall 99 of cover portion 100. The distal end 179 of the insert 178, preferably fits into a gap 181 formed between the top surface 134 of the base 52 and the inner wall 99 of cover portion 100. That, along with extensions 183 which cooperate with receivers 185, hold the insert in place in the napkin cavity 46.
As shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, it is further appreciated that the shape or contour associated with pick sites 54, 56, 58 can be provided in various shapes or contours. Pick sites 54, 56, 58, can be provided in a generally smooth curvilinear shape or contour as shown in FIG. 6 or a more linear but stepped shape or contour as shown in FIG. 7. It is appreciated that the alternatives shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are merely exemplary of two contours suitable for providing multiple pick sites 54, 56, 58 associated with dispensing different multiple numbers of napkins during each dispensing event and that other shapes and/or contours are possible. As disclosed below with respect to FIGS. 8 and 10, it is further appreciated that various other modifications are envisioned and suitable for manipulating the dispensing activity associated with utilization of dispenser 40 to provide multiple different numbers of paper napkin products during single dispensing events.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, paper napkin product 48 can be associated with floor surface 88 of bottom portion 86 of body 42 or top surface 134 of an optional base such as base 52. Body 42 is constructed to cooperate with optional base 52 or other optional bases such as base 186 (FIG. 8) or base 188 (FIG. 10) in an interchangeable manner. That is, one of bases 52, 186, 188 can be associated with bottom portion 86 of body 42 at any given time. Unlike base 52, base 186 includes no movable parts but is nonetheless shaped to removably cooperate with body 42 proximate bottom portion 86 so as to be generally aligned with the discharge opening 50 of dispenser 40. Base 186 includes a support surface 190 shaped to cooperate with a paper napkin stack and a number of finger holes 192, 194, 196 that accommodate introduction of the user's thumb or respective fingers thereat. Partitions 198, 200 are formed between adjacent finger holes 192, 194, 196 and included a chamfered face 202, 204 associated with accommodating translation of various numbers of napkins thereacross. Base 86 can be configured to cooperate with faceplate 44 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the base 52.
Referring to FIG. 10, optional base 188 also includes a number of finger holes 206, 208, 210 that are each separated from one another by respective partition walls 212, 214. A forward directed surface 216 of each partition wall 212, 214 is generally curvilinear rather than chamfered. Finger holes 206, 208, 210 extend a substantial portion of the depth of base 188 and terminate at a generally curvilinear rear wall 218. A top surface 220 of each partition wall 212, 214 includes a cut out 221 that is shaped to accommodate a rolling support 222 that interacts with a bottom napkin associated with the paper napkin product stack associated therewith. Alternate ends 224, 226 of roller 222 rotationally cooperate with a respective seat 228 defined by a respective end wall 230, 232 of base 188. Base 188 can be shaped to cooperate with body 42 and/or faceplate 44 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to base 52. Bases 52, 186, 188 interchangeably cooperate with dispenser 40 to manipulate the dispensing activity associated therewith to satisfy the requirements of different users, different applications, of different paper napkin product stacks but in a manner that accommodates the dispensing of more than one amount of a plurality of paper napkin product during each dispensing event.
FIGS. 11-15 show a dispenser 250 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Dispenser 250 is also constructed to allow dispensing of multiple numbers or amounts of multiple paper napkin products during discrete dispensing events. Unlike dispenser 40 which is constructed to be substantially or fully exposed when in use, dispenser 250 is constructed such that a substantial portion of the dispenser is disposed beneath a support structure such as a countertop or the like.
Napkin dispenser 250 includes a napkin dispenser body 252 and a faceplate 254. The dispenser body 252 provides an interior storage area 256 for napkins 258 that are to be dispensed through the carriage or faceplate 254 via a discharge opening 260. The napkins 258 to be dispensed rest on a support plate 261 contained in the dispenser 250 and are urged upwardly toward discharge opening 260 by means of a spring. The spring is usually a low compression spring that causes the support plate to function as a pusher plate to urge napkins 258 toward discharge opening 260. The spring is held in place between the plate and a spring support plate at the bottom of dispenser body 252 by tabs or other suitable attachment mechanisms. Alternatively, the biasing means can be external to body 252.
Understandably, mechanically biasing the plurality of napkins toward the discharge opening is but one means of facilitating sequential dispensing of discrete amounts or numbers of napkins from the plurality of napkins contained in such dispensers. That is, as explained above and further below, it is appreciated that the plurality of napkins can be gravity fed toward the discharge opening and/or the discharge opening can be movably associated with the body of the dispenser such that the discharge opening is maintained proximate an end of a stack of napkins. Advancing the napkins toward the discharge opening and/or maintaining the discharge opening relative to the stack of napkins in such manners is further disclosed below with respect to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.
A bezel or collar 262 extends circumferentially about body 252 and is shaped to provide an aesthetic finished appearance of dispenser 250 for those applications where body 252 is contained in a countertop or similar surface such that only collar 262 and the carriage or faceplate 254 of the dispenser 250 are visible to the user. As shown in FIGS. 12-15, dispenser 250 includes one or more movable or flexible tabs 268 that extend in an outward radial direction relative to an external surface 270 of body 252. A gap 272 is formed between a bottom surface 274 of collar 262 and upper surface 276 of respective tabs 268 to facilitate securing dispenser 250 relative to a countertop or wall surface. Preferably, tabs 268 are movable so as to provide secure mounting of dispenser 250 relative to such support surfaces and support surfaces having different thicknesses.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, faceplate 254 is shaped to define a first pick site, zone or grip site 282, a second pick site, zone or grip site 284, and a third pick site, zone or grip site 286. Each pick zone 282, 284, 286 is shaped to allow a user to remove a discrete number of napkins 258 from dispenser 250 and wherein each discrete number of napkins is different than the discrete number of napkins associated with use of alternate pick zones. Referring to FIG. 14, first pick zone 282 is generally define by a longitudinal edge 288 that extends in a transverse direction relative to a lateral edge 290 of discharge opening 260 of faceplate 254. A step 292 extends in a downward direction relative to the longitudinal axis, indicated by arrow 294, associated with the stack of napkins 258 from one end of pick zone 282. Second pick zone 284 is defined by a longitudinal edge 296 that is generally parallel to edge 288 of first pick zone 282 and offset from edge 290 by the length of step 292. Another step 298 is formed between second pick zone 284 and third pick zone 286 such that a longitudinal edge 299 of third pick zone 286 is offset in direction 294 from edges 288 and 290 associated with first and second pick zones 282, 284, respectively.
As explained further below as being directed to all of the embodiments disclosed herein, offsetting edges 290, 296, 299 of pick zones 282, 284, 286 in direction 294 allows a user to manually remove different amounts, numbers, or quantities of napkins 258 from dispenser 250 during each dispensing event. The multiple napkin quantity also allows the manual dispensing activity, regardless of which pick zone is utilized, to occur without inadvertent contact with excess paper napkins thereby limiting the possibility of contaminating napkins that are not intended to be removed during any given dispensing event. Preferably, in order to facilitate easier and more controlled dispensing, napkins are loaded into the dispenser 250 opposite their normal dispensing orientation, i.e., with the main napkin fold facing forward. With the majority of napkin designs, this presents only a single edge to be gripped for dispensing.
FIGS. 16-18 show a dispenser 300 a faceplate or carriage 301 according to another embodiment of the invention. Dispenser 300 includes a dispenser body 302 that is shaped to receive a stack of paper napkins 304. A cap 306 removably or pivotably cooperates with an open end 307 of body 302 to facilitate unobstructed loading of body 302 with napkins 304. Extending along a longitudinal direction, body 302 includes a rear wall 308, a pair of sidewalls 310, 312, and front flange walls 314, 316. Each of sidewalls 310, 312 includes at least one channel or slot 318, 320 that is shaped to slideably cooperate with a pin or rod 324 that is attached to carriage 301. Pin or rod 324 may be arranged to rotate or remain fixed to facilitate smoother dispensing of varying types of napkins. Carriage 301 defines a radially interior surface 328 (FIG. 18) that generally corresponds to a shape of a footprint of body 302 so that carriage 301 slideably cooperates with an exterior surface 330 of dispenser body 302 as napkins 304 are removed therefrom so that carriage 301 is maintained at a location proximate a top of the napkin stack. Understandably, carriage 301 can be biased into engagement with the napkins stack via a spring or the like or by increasing the mass of the carriage to adjust the tightness of the nesting of the stack of napkins. The interaction of rod 324 with the top of the napkin stack maintains a desired position of the carriage 301 relative to the top or the dispensing end associated with the stack of napkins contained in body 302.
Still referring to FIGS. 16-18, carriage 301 includes a first pick zone 332, a second pick zone 334, and a third pick zone 336 that extend laterally over an opening 338 of dispenser 300 wherein the lateral direction crosses the longitudinal axis associated with the napkin stack. Each of pick zones 332, 334, 336 allows the selective manual removal of different discrete numbers of napkins from dispenser 300 for each dispensing event. Referring to FIG. 18, carriage 301 preferably includes an optional fourth pick zone 340, an optional fifth zone 342, and an optional sixth pick zone 344. Pick zones 340, 342, 344 are oriented on a side of carriage 301 that is generally opposite first through third pick zones 332, 334, 336 such that carriage 301 can reversibly engage body 302 to accommodate use of the first through third pick zones or the fourth through sixth pick zones. As explained further below, it is appreciated that body 302 could be constructed to allow dispensing of napkins from two of the opposite sides thereof such that the first through sixth pick zones could be used concurrently.
That is, it is appreciated that rear wall 308 of body 302 may include an opening similar to opening 338 to allow concurrent utilization and/or removal of napkins 304 from dispenser 300 via user interaction with any of pick zones 332, 334, 336 and/or optional pick zones 340, 342, 344. It is further appreciated that pick zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344 may have different shapes provided they also limit access to the napkin stack to provide controlled dispensing. Alternatively, it is appreciated that carriage 301 may slideably cooperate with body 302 of dispenser 300 in different orientations to allow the alignment of one group of pick zones 332, 334, 336 or pick zones 340, 342, 344 with discharge opening 338 as based on user preferences. It is further appreciated that when provided in such a multiple orientation configuration, pick zones 332, 334, 336 and pick zones 340, 342, 344 may provide access and/or manual removal of different numbers of napkins 304 from dispenser 300. That is, it is appreciated that carriage 301 may be configured to provide for the removal of at least six common numbers of napkins as the situation of application may desire. It is further appreciated that the generally radial shape of pick zones 332, 334, 336, as compared to the more linear shaped pick zones 340, 342, 344, are contoured to cooperate with a thumb or finger of the user during manual extraction of the respective number of napkins and enhance the ability of the user to index their hand relative to an intended pick zone without visual assessment of the location of their hand relative to dispenser. Such functionality further enhances efficient utilization and/or user interaction with dispenser 300.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 18, carriage 301 includes a first tab 350 and a second tab 352 that are configured to cooperate with opposite ends 354, 356 of rod 324. Cooperation of rod 324 with a top napkin 326 (FIG. 17) of napkins 304 generally defines the number of napkins that are exposed for gripping at each of pick zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344. It is appreciated that manipulating the orientation of rod 324 relative to carriage 301, such as providing various connection locations between rod 324 and carriage 301, can adjust or manipulate the number of napkins that are exposed and accessible at each pick zone 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344. Such a construction would increase the variety of the number of napkins that can be retrieved via interaction with pick zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344. Although dispenser 300 is shown as including only one rod 324, it is further appreciated that other numbers of rods, rods with other diameters, or that rod 324 be provided in a generally planar or wire form paddle shape, can be provided to manipulate the presentation of napkins 304 relative to the pick zones 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344. Such configurations would allow end-users to quickly and conveniently configure dispenser 300 to present a desired number of napkins at each pick zone 332, 334, 336, 340, 342, 344 for removal from dispenser 300 during each manual dispensing event.
It is further appreciated that carriage 301 can be configured so that it is substantially closed at the top by a plate or the like. In this configuration, a slot is provided with one or more pick zones that form a shaped opening divided by the slot similar to that shown in FIG. 23-25 as described further below. This configuration improves the sanitation of the napkins by further enclosing them and shielding them from the environment while still providing controlled multiple napkin dispensing.
Dispenser 300 may be placed directly on a counter, mounted to a wall or mated with a stand to provide a user with a variety of placement options to maximize the utility of the dispenser in the desired environment.
FIGS. 19-22 show various views and various orientations of a paper napkin dispenser 400 according to another embodiment of the invention. Dispenser 400 includes a body 402 defined by a base 404 and a lid 406 that is pivotably connected to base 404 to allow access to the cavity defined therebetween. An interchangeable carriage or faceplate 408 cooperates with body 402 to define a dispensing opening 410 shaped to facilitate manual removal, of different numbers of napkins 412 from dispenser 400. Preferably, faceplate 408 is transparent and/or translucent to allow visual inspection of a quantity of napkins disposed there behind. It is appreciated that dispenser 400 may or may not include a biasing plate oriented to bias the napkin stack toward faceplate 408 during use of the dispenser. Preferably, when used in generally horizontal orientation, dispenser 400 includes a biasing assembly to bias the napkins toward the cover and maintains a desired orientation of the napkin stack within the dispenser.
Faceplate 408 includes a first pick zone 420, a second pick zone 422, and a third pick zone 424 that are shaped to allow removal of a different number of napkins 412 from dispenser 400 during each napkin removal event. Pick zones 420, 422, 424 are spaced longitudinally along discharge opening 410 to allow user interaction with any of pick zones 420, 422, 424 and the respective number of napkins 412 accessible thereat. Pick zones 420, 422, 424 extend different distances relative to the longitudinal axis associated with the stack of napkins 412 to allow manual extraction of different numbers of napkins as a function of the respective pick zone utilized. Like pick zones 332, 334, 336 of dispenser 300, pick zones 420, 422, 424 of dispenser 400 have a generally curvilinear shape intended to quickly facilitate cooperation and indexing of the user's finger relative to faceplate 408.
As alluded to above, dispenser 400 is configured to be utilized in a generally horizontal orientation, as shown in FIGS. 19-20, a more vertical orientation wherein dispenser 400 can be supported by an adjacent wall or other generally vertical structure in a manner similar to dispenser 40, or a self-supporting pitched orientation as shown in FIGS. 21-22. As shown in FIGS. 21-22, dispenser 400 is configured to cooperate with a shoe or stand 440 such that dispenser 400 can be provided in a pitched orientation relative to horizontal and vertical orientations, via interaction with a horizontal support surface—such as a countertop or the like. Preferably, stand 440 removably cooperates with base 404 of dispenser 400 thereby improving the functionality with which dispenser 400 can be utilized.
FIGS. 23-25 show a paper napkin dispenser 500 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Dispenser 500 includes a body 502 that defines a longitudinal axis, indicated by line 504 associated with receiving a stack of paper napkins 506. A cap or lid 508 removably or pivotably cooperates with body 502 to facilitate filling of dispenser 500. A carriage, faceplate, or cover 510 cooperates with body 502 to define a first pick zone 512, a second pick zone 514, and a third pick zone 516. Each pick zone 512, 514, 516 is associated with allowing a user to manually remove different numbers of napkins from a discharge opening 518 of dispenser 500.
Unlike dispensers 40, 250, 300, and 400, pick zones 512, 514, 516 of dispenser 500 are fluidly isolated from one another and fluidly connected with a respective slot 520, 522, 524 associated with removing a discrete number of napkins 506 through cover 510. It is appreciated that cover 510 may slideably cooperate body 502 of dispenser 500 so as to maintain an orientation of cover 510 proximate a top of the napkins stack and/or disposed along the longitudinal length of the stack or even near the bottom of the respective stack or napkins such that the napkins 506 can be biased and/or gravitationally biased toward pick zones 512, 514, 516 so as to limit undesired or unintentional removal of excess numbers of napkins 506 from dispenser 500.
Each of napkin dispensers 40, 250, 300, 400, 500 allows the manual removal of different numbers of napkins from the respective dispensers during each dispensing action. Preferably, each dispenser 40, 250, 300, 400, 500 is configured to provide smooth and continuous translation of the dispensing opening relative to a desired location of the grip zones and the pertinent portion of the napkin stack so as to not interfere with subsequent interaction and/or use of the dispenser. It is further appreciated that the carriage, faceplate or cover associated with any of dispensers 40, 250, 300, 400, 500 could be configured to cooperate with other preexisting napkin dispensers so as to provide for the removal of multiple numbers of napkins during each dispensing event wherein the preexisting dispensers include carriage or cover assemblies that allow for only the sequential dispensing of single napkins so as to reduce the costs associated with any given vendor retrofitting their dispensing systems to allow manual extraction of more than one number of napkins or individually separated napkins during each dispensing event.
Each of dispensers 40, 250, 300, 400. 500 allows for better control of the number of the napkins dispensed during each dispensing activity thereby promoting efficient use of the paper napkins and doing so in a manner that is efficient and limits unwanted contamination between groups of napkins associated with each dispensing action. Allowing manual interaction with the respective dispensers also provides a multiple count per interaction napkin dispenser that is more economically feasible than other multiple count napkin dispensers and substantially reduces the complexity and integration of the dispenser into retail environments. The adjustability of the various dispensers also allows the end user to better control the number of paper napkins dispensed during each dispensing event and does so in a manner that encourages efficient vendor/customer interaction. However, while each embodiment shown provides for dispensing of differing amounts of stacked sheet materials, each embodiment could be configured with a single “pick zone” to dispense a particular amount (in volume or quantity) of multiple sheets. (The reference to “particular amount” is not intended to convey the notion that the exact same number of sheets will be dispensed with each “pick”, but rather that approximately the same amount (in volume or quantity) will, be “picked” with each use of a dispenser configured with a single pick zone.)
The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

What we claim is:

1. A carriage of a napkin dispenser, the carriage comprising:

a body constructed to overlay a cavity shaped to contain a plurality of napkins, the body defining at least a first pick zone that allows access to a first amount of the plurality of napkins and a second pick zone that allows access to a second amount of the plurality of napkins.

2. The carriage of claim 1 further comprising a support that extends in a longitudinal direction aligned with the first and second pick zones.

3. The carriage of claim 2 wherein the body adjustably cooperates the support to define a size of the first and second pick zones.

4. The carriage of claim 2 wherein the support is shaped to slideably cooperate with an opening defined by a countertop and the body has a footprint that is greater than a size of the opening.

5. The carriage of claim 2 further comprising a base that cooperates with the support at a location proximate the first and second pick zones defined by the body.

6. The carriage of claim 5 further comprising another base that cooperates with the support such that the base and the another base interchangeably cooperate with the support.

7. The carriage of claim 5 wherein the base further comprises at least one deflectable support that is biased toward the plurality of napkins and movable in a direction away from the plurality of napkins.

8. The carriage of claim 1 wherein the first and second pick zones are aligned along a common longitudinal side of the body.

9. The carriage of claim 8 wherein each pick zone is further defined as at least one of a curvilinear and a linear cutout formed in an edge of the body.

10. The carriage of claim 8 further comprising a third pick zone aligned along the common longitudinal side of the body with the first and second pick zones.

11. A dispenser for paper napkins comprising:

a container that defines a cavity shaped to receive a stack of paper napkins and a discharge opening fluidly connected to the cavity; and

a carriage shaped to cooperate with the container proximate the discharge opening, the carriage defining at least two pick zones wherein each respective pick zone is shaped to allow removal of a different number of paper napkins from the cavity than other respective pick zones.

12. The dispenser for paper napkins of claim 11 wherein the carriage further comprises at least one pick zone that is oriented on a side of the carriage opposite the at least two pick zones.

13. The dispenser for paper napkins of claim 11 wherein the carriage movably cooperates with the container.

14. The dispenser for paper napkins of claim 11 wherein each of the at least two pick zones are associated with an end of the stack of paper napkins.

15. The dispenser of paper napkins of claim 11 further comprising a first base and a second base that interchangeably cooperate with the container at a location proximate the at least two pick zones.

16. The dispenser of paper napkins of claim 15 wherein at least one of the first base and the second base includes at least one movable napkin support.

17. The dispenser of paper napkins of claim 16 wherein the at least one movable support is biased into engagement with the stack of paper napkins and movable in a direction away from the stack of paper napkins.

18. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein the carriage includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion defining the at least two pick zones and movably connected to the first portion to adjust a size associated with at least one of the at least two pick zones.

19. The dispenser of claim 18 wherein a position of second portion relative to first portion defines the size of each of the at least two pick zones.

20. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising a third pick zone defined by the carriage and that is aligned with the at least two pick zones.

21. A method of forming a paper napkin dispenser, the method including:

providing a carriage constructed to be positioned adjacent a stack of napkins;

forming a first pick zone in the carriage that allows manual removal of a plurality of napkins from the paper napkin dispenser associated with use of the first pick zone; and

forming a second pick zone in the carriage that allows manual removal of a different number of a plurality of napkins from the paper napkin dispenser associated with use of the second pick zone rather than the first pick zone.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming the first and second pick zones in a common side of the carriage.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising forming at least one additional pick zone in a side of the carriage that is one of the common side or opposite the common side.

24. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming in third pick zone in the carriage that allows manual removal of a different number of a plurality of napkins from the paper napkin dispenser associated with use of the third pick zone than either of the first or second pick zones.

25. The method of claim 22 further comprising biasing the carriage into engagement with an end of the stack of napkins.

26. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming the carriage as a first portion and a second portion that movably cooperates with the first portion such that movement of the first portion relative to the second portion adjusts a size associated with at least one of the first pick zone and the second pick zone.

27. The method of claim 21 further comprising providing a base that cooperates with the carriage proximate the first and second pick zones.

28. The method of claim 26 further comprising providing the base with at least one movable support that is biased toward the stack of napkins and movable in a direction away from the stack of napkins.

29. The method of claim 26 further comprising providing another base that cooperates with the carriage and is interchangeable with the base to define different sizes associated with the first pick zone and the second pick zone as a function of which base is utilized.

30. A sheet material dispenser comprising:

a housing for containing a stack of a plurality of sheets of material to be dispensed;

an opening, defined in said housing, through which the leading edges of a portion of a stack of a plurality of sheets of material are accessible;

a base for supporting the stack of a plurality of sheets of material to be dispensed, wherein the base is configured to permit the leading edges of a portion of the stack of a plurality of sheets of material accessible through the opening to be deflected downwardly to facilitate the removal of all or a subset of the accessible portion of the stack of a plurality of sheets of material from the dispenser.

31. A dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the base is interchangeable.

32. A dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the base includes a retractable portion biased to support the stack of a plurality of sheets of material to be dispensed.

33. A dispenser according to claim 30, further comprising a selectively removable insert to alter the interior dimensions of the housing.

34. A dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the base is selectively movable between at least a first and second position to alter the dimensions of the opening.