US20060273101A1

US20060273101A1 - Container and cartridge for dispensing paper products

Info

Publication number: US20060273101A1
Application number: US11/146,658
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Lewis; Paul Tramontina; Charles Osborne
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Current assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Priority date: 2005-06-07
Filing date: 2005-06-07
Publication date: 2006-12-07
Also published as: WO2006132696A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a container for dispensing individual paper products that includes a housing, a cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing wherein the cover defines a dispensing opening, a means for elevating paper products, and a plunger disposed in the interior area of the housing. The plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the means for elevating paper products. The container may be included in a system for dispensing paper products that further includes a cartridge containing paper products. The cartridge defines a dispensing opening and a second opening wherein the means for elevating paper products extends through the second opening into the interior area of the cartridge to contact the paper products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening. The cartridge and container may be configured wherein the second opening is formed by separation of an internal platform during the process of inserting the cartridge into the container.

Description

BACKGROUND

Various types of dispensers for paper products have been developed to provide ready availability of the paper products to users. Such dispensers are often provided in public places such as restaurants or rest rooms where customers remove from the dispenser a desired amount of paper products for personal use. In some high traffic areas, such as fast food restaurants, a large number of customers may use a paper product dispenser such as a napkin dispenser in a short period of time. Therefore, dispensers have been developed that hold a large number of paper products for use by a large number of consumers.
For many applications, it is desirable to have a large dispenser that is embedded in a countertop. This is particularly desirable when open counter space above the countertop is needed for visibility or other reasons. Unfortunately, large recessed dispensers are subject to a number of drawbacks. First, because access to the body of the dispenser is limited by the structure supporting the countertop, it can be difficult to load large quantities of napkins into a recessed dispenser. Second, if paper products are not properly loaded into the dispenser, the paper products may jam as they are removed thereby preventing further removal of paper products by users. Third, a person refilling a large dispenser is more likely, due to the larger number of paper products involved, to drop some of the paper products onto a floor. Any dropped paper products are then unsanitary and must be discarded, thereby creating more waste and defeating certain benefits of the larger dispenser.
Therefore, there is a need for large inverted and/or recessed dispensers that reduce the incidence of waste of paper products due to dropping of the paper products during refilling of the container. There is likewise a need for such dispensers that reduce the incidence of jamming of paper products and the resultant inability to dispense further paper products, and further that supports the weight of paper products and moves the paper products toward the dispenser opening so that individual paper products are readily removed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforesaid needs are fulfilled and the problems experienced by those skilled in the art overcome by the system for dispensing individual paper products of the present invention. In one embodiment, a system for dispensing individual paper products is provided. The system comprises a container including a housing having side walls and a bottom wall defining an interior surface and an interior area within the interior surface. The container also includes a cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing wherein the cover defines a dispensing opening. The container also includes a spring having coils disposed in the interior area of the housing, and a plunger disposed in the interior area of the housing. The container further comprises a chain positioned inside of the coils of the spring. The chain is configured to provide tension and to maintain the spring and plunger in an aligned dispensing position in the interior area of the container to enhance dispensing of paper products from the container. The chain is coupled at one end to the plunger and at an opposite end to the housing. The chain includes a covering having a plurality of slits therein extending over the chain, the covering cooperating to cover links in the chain and the slits cooperating to un-cover each inter-linking section. The spring is compressed between the plunger and at least one of the walls, and the plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the spring. The chain having the covering with the plurality of slits therein controls the tension and maintains the alignment of the spring such that the spring's decompression is regulated to assist in providing the dispensing alignment of the spring and plunger within the interior are so that the spring and plunger do not become misaligned such that jamming and dispensing failure occur. The covering with the plurality of slits is positioned over the chain and configured to resist the effects of gravity to allow the chain to uncoil without effecting the tensioning of the spring and to prevent the chain from becoming caught between the coils of the spring thereby causing the spring to jam and fail to decompress. The chain with the covering and plurality of slits therein is positioned to maintain the spring and plunger in the dispensing direction. The system also includes a cartridge containing paper products. The cartridge is positioned at least partially within the interior area of the container. The cartridge defines an internal platform. The internal platform is configured to become separated from the cartridge by contact with the plunger when the cartridge is inserted in the container. The separation of the internal platform creates a second opening. After the internal platform is separated from the cartridge, the plunger extends through the second opening into the cartridge to urge the internal platform to contact the paper products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening.
In a further aspect of the invention a system for dispensing individual paper products is provided. The system comprises a container including a housing including side walls and a bottom wall defining an interior surface and an interior area within the interior surface. The container includes a cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing. The cover defines a dispensing opening. The container also includes a spring having coils disposed in the interior area of the housing and a plunger disposed in the interior area of the housing. The container further includes a telescoping cylinder assembly coupled at one end to the plunger and at an opposite end to a portion of the housing. The telescoping cylinder assembly is positioned inside of the coils of the spring to provide tension to the spring and to maintain the spring and plunger in an aligned dispensing position in the interior area. The spring is compressed between the plunger and at least one of the walls, and the plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the spring. The telescoping cylinder assembly is configured to tension and maintain alignment of the spring such that the spring's decompression is regulated so that the spring and plunger do not become misaligned and jammed such that dispensing failure occurs. The telescoping cylinder assembly is configured to resist the effects of gravity and to maintain the spring and plunger's movement in the dispensing direction to facilitate the dispensing of paper products. The system also includes a cartridge containing paper products. The cartridge is positioned at least partially within the interior area of the container. The cartridge defines an internal platform. The internal platform is configured to become separated from the cartridge by contact with the plunger when the cartridge is inserted in the container. Separation of the internal platform creates a second opening. After the internal platform is separated from the cartridge, the plunger extends through the second opening into the cartridge to urge the internal platform to contact the paper products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening.
Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail below.
Definitions
As used herein, the term “exit port” or “dispensing port” or “dispensing opening” is the opening in a housing of a dispenser, container and/or cartridge for the passage of sheet material out of the dispenser.
As used herein, the terms “sheet material”, “sheet materials”, “paper” “paper products” are interchangeable, and mean a material that is thin in comparison to its length and breadth. Generally speaking, sheet materials should exhibit a relatively flat planar configuration and be flexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, and the like. Exemplary sheet materials include, but are not limited to, paper tissue, paper towels, label rolls, or other fibrous, film, polymers, cellulosic and/or filamentary products.
As used herein, the term “fasteners” means devices that fasten, join, connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together. Fasteners include, but are not limited to, hooks, hook and eye fasteners, latches, clips, clasps, loop fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, snaps, snap-fits, tacks, nails, loop fasteners, and interlocking male/female connectors, such as fishhook connectors, a fish hook connector includes a male portion with a protrusion on its circumference. Inserting the male portion into the female portion substantially permanently locks the two portions together.
As used herein, the term “hinge” refers to a jointed or flexible device that connects and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationary component. Hinges include, but are not limited to, metal pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, integrally molded ball and socket type, circular openings in components joined with a hinge pin and living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and formed integrally between two members. A living hinge permits pivotable movement of one member in relation to another integrally connected member.
As used herein, the terms “couple” or “connect” includes, but is not limited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating two things integrally or interstitially together.
As used herein, the terms “configure”, “configured” and/or “configuration” means to design, arrange, set up, or shape with a view to specific applications or uses. For example: a military vehicle that was configured for rough terrain; configured the computer by setting the system's parameters.
As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to something which is done to a great extent or degree; for example, substantially vertical means within 10 degrees from a true vertical orientation. Substantially non-vertical means greater than 10 degrees away from a true vertical orientation.
As used herein, the term “alignment” refers to the spatial property possessed by an arrangement or position of things in a straight line or in parallel lines.
As user herein, the terms “orientation” or “position” used interchangeably herein refer to the spatial property of a place where or way in which something is situated; for example, “the position of the hands on the clock.”
As used herein, the term “about” includes plus or minus 10 percent of the numeral or a stated or inherent amount at each end of a range.
These terms may be defined with additional language in the remaining portions of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (not to scale), wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary container for dispensing paper products;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1, but showing the covered chain attached to the plunger extending through the spring;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a container similar to FIG. 1, but showing telescoping cylinders positioned in an expanded position through the spring;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the container and cartridge of FIG. 2 with the cartridge positioned to be inserted into the container;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 3 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 2 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the closed bottom portion of an embodiment of a cartridge for use with the container of FIG. 2 or 3, showing the lines of weakness or perforations which may be separated to provide an internal platform;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the cartridge of FIG. 8, but showing the lines of weakness or perforations separated, thereby providing an internal platform against which a plunger is positioned;
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a lower end of the container and cartridge for dispensing paper products; and
FIG. 10 is a top view of the container and cartridge of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings (not to scale). Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment or figure can be used on another embodiment or figure to yield yet another embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include such modifications and variations.
The present invention is directed to a container for dispensing sheet-like materials. Various sheet-like materials can be dispensed from the container of the present invention such as, for example, paper, nonwoven, and other products. Exemplary sheet-like products include, but are not limited to, facial tissue, towels, bathroom tissue, wipers, napkins, seat covers and so forth. The specific composition of the sheet materials dispensed can vary as desired. Exemplary sheet-like materials and methods of making the same include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,301,746; 3,322,617; 3,650,882; 4,100,324; 4,436,780; 4,659,609; 4,737,393; 5,048,589; 5,284,703; 5,399,412; 5,494,554; 5,607,551; 5,672,248; 5,716,691; 5,772,845; 5,776,306; 6,077,590; 6,273,996; 6,096,152 and so forth. While paper products are generally discussed with regard to the embodiments described herein below, it will be understood that various other products could be substituted therefore.
The container of the present invention can hold and dispense significant numbers of individual sheets. Desirably, the container is sized to hold and dispense at least about 250 sheets. By way of example, the container can contain between about 400 and about 1000 sheets. In certain embodiments, the container can contain and dispense between about 700 and about 900 sheets.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6-10, a container 10 is disclosed for dispensing paper products 12. The container 10 includes a housing 14 in which the paper products 12 are placed and from which the paper products 12 are dispensed. Optionally, the paper products 12 may be contained within a cartridge which is placed within the housing 14. The container is desirably, but not by way of limitation, placed in a horizontal orientation either alone or within a supporting structure or surface. Alternatively, the container may be positioned in an oblique alignment or orientation. In another alternative, the container may be positioned in a vertical alignment or orientation. In one embodiment, the container 10 is installed in a generally horizontal alignment or orientation in a side wall surface 16 of a vending area or other suitable substantially planar surface.
The housing 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes a bottom wall 20 and a number of side walls including a first side wall 22, a second side wall 24, a third side wall 26, and a fourth side wall 28 for housing the paper products 12. The side walls 22, 24, 26, 28 intersect the bottom wall 20 to define an interior surface 30 (FIG. 2) of housing 14, within which an interior area 32 (FIG. 2) is located. The side walls 22, 24, 26, 28 and the bottom wall 20 may each, if desired, be made of two or more planar portions. Such construction strengthens the housing 14 and is useful in locations where the housing might be vandalized. The outer portions of the side walls 22, 24, 26, 28 help withstand any blow or impact to the housing 14 to prevent destruction of the housing, removal of the housing from its mounting, or removal of paper products 12 from the housing. The first side wall 22 may include an opening 33. The opening 33 may be covered by a removable partition 35 (FIG. 1), to permit access to the interior area 32. Alternatively, no partition may be used (FIG. 2).
The container 10 further includes a cover 34 which is removably or hingedly attached to one of the side walls 22, 24, 26, 28. The cover 34 may be flush with or extend slightly from the countertop 16 or other surface in which the container 10 is installed. The cover 34 is openable for insertion of paper products 12 into the interior area of the housing 14 when the supply of paper products 12 is depleted and/or runs low. Desirably, the cover 34 includes one or more fasteners 36 that hold the cover closed. The fastener 36 is openable when desired to reopen the cover 34. In one embodiment, the fastener 36 is openable by pressing a button 38. The cover 34 defines a dispensing opening 40 through which the paper products 12 pass as they are dispensed.
Desirably, at least one protrusion extends into the interior area of the housing. In one embodiment, as partially shown in FIG. 4, the second side wall 24 and the fourth side wall 28 include protrusions 42 extending into the interior area of the housing 14. However, the protrusions 42 could be disposed on any of the walls and one wall can have multiple protrusions. In those embodiments wherein pairs of protrusions are disposed on opposing walls of the housing 14, they can be disposed at the same height or different heights (i.e., staggered). The protrusions 42 may comprise a generally downwardly angled structure and may have a geometric and/or curvilinear structure. By way of example only, the protrusions may comprise curved bumpers that may include a plurality of ridges extending across the curved bumpers perpendicular to the dispensing direction. The protrusions 42 extend into the interior area 32 to contact paper products 12 and thereby oppose the movement of paper products 12 in the dispensing direction. By extending into the interior area 32 to contact paper products 12, the protrusions 42 impede the movement of paper products 12 toward the dispensing opening, but do not prohibit such movement. The use of protrusions to control dispensing is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,118 to Tramontina and U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,726 to Chan et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the housing 14 is supported within the side wall surface 16 by flanges 44 that extend outwardly from the side walls 22, 24, 26, 28. When the housing 14 is inserted in an opening in the countertop 16 slightly larger than the cross-section of the housing 14, the housing is supported within the countertop by the flanges 44. Desirably, the flanges 44 intersect the side walls 22, 24, 26, 28 at the edges farthest from the bottom wall 20. This allows the container 10 to be seated substantially flush with the surface of the countertop 16. The flanges 44 may be fastened to the countertop or other surface by suitable fasteners and/or fastening devices. Suitable fastening devices include, but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, snap-fits, tacks, nails, adhesives, and so forth.
As noted above, the cover 34 may be hingedly attached to one of the side walls 22, 24, 26, 28 by a hinge 46. As used herein, the term “hinge” refers to a jointed or flexible device that connects and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationary component. Hinges include, but are not limited to, pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and formed integrally between two members. A living hinge permits pivotable movement of one member in relation to another connected member. The cover 34 is openable for insertion of paper products 12 into the interior area 32 of the housing 14 when the supply of paper products is depleted and/or runs low. The fastener 36 that holds the cover 34 closed may, for example, include interlocking tabs 48. At least one of the interlocking tabs 48 is movable when desired to reopen the cover 34 by pressing the button 38 to release the connection of the tabs 48. Any other type of fastener 36 known to those skilled in the art for reopenably securing the cover 34 may be used.
Desirably, the cover 34 further includes a group of control ribs 52 that extend into the interior area 32 to contact paper products when the cover is in the closed position. The control ribs 52 space, slow, align, and/or support paper products as the same are moved toward the cover 34 and through the dispensing opening 40. Size, shape, and spacing of the control ribs can be used to control dispensing of the paper products. Referring now to FIG. 5, the control ribs 52 may have different dimensions to properly support and guide the paper products into the dispensing opening 40. For example, a tall rib member 56 extends into the interior area 32 by a greater amount than a short rib member 58. The tall rib members 56 and short rib members 58 are illustrated to show an exemplary dispensing configuration. Additionally, a side surface 60 of the tall rib member 56 closest to the interior surface 30 may be configured so there is little or no offset from the interior surface. A side surface 62 of the short rib member 58 may be offset from the interior surface 30 by a greater amount.
As one example, the tall rib member 56 may have a height ranging from about 1 to about 2 inches at the location where it intersects with the first side wall 22 and an offset or height ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.5 inch adjacent the dispensing opening 40. The short rib member 58 may have a height ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5 inch at the location where it intersects with the third side wall 26 and an offset or height ranging from 0 to about 0.25 inch adjacent the dispensing opening 40. The rib members may have various widths or thicknesses and the width of a rib member may vary along any dimension or dimensions. Desirably, the portion of the rib member contacting the paper product will be relatively thin and smooth to minimize friction. The use of rib members is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,118 to Tramontina and PCT Publication WO 99/30601, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the container 10 further includes a means for elevating paper products 50 toward the dispensing opening 40 in the cover 34. Various alternatives are possible within the scope of the invention to elevate paper products toward the cover 34. The means for elevating paper products 50 may comprise any structure that allows paper products to be urged toward and dispensed from the dispensing opening 40 in the cover 34. The means for elevating paper products 50 is discussed more fully below in conjunction with FIG. 5.
The dispensing opening 40 may have many shapes within the scope of the present invention, as long as the opening provides easy access for a user. Optionally, the dispensing opening may also be configured to provide metered delivery of individual paper products. Desirably, the paper products 12 are interfolded, tabbed, or tab interfolded to provide metered feeding of individual paper products one at a time. Folding devices, such as boards or plates, have long been used to longitudinally fold webs and other sheet-like materials in order to form a stack of folded sheets. The sheets are, generally speaking, drawn over the folding device wherein the shape and configuration of the device causes the sheet to twist and bend thereby producing the desired fold. Folding devices have heretofore been provided in a variety of shapes and configurations in order to achieve the desired fold lines and folding patterns. Folding devices have been used to form a number of different folds including, for example, half-folds, quarter folds, c-folds, v-folds, j-folds, w-folds, z-folds, and so forth.
In addition, for more complex folds requiring multiple fold lines, it is known to form the necessary fold lines using two or more folding devices in series. In this regard, folding boards have also been used in series to achieve inter-folded or inter-leafed sheets, that is to say sheets folded such that they partially envelope portions of another sheet. Inter-leafed sheets are commonly employed in stacks as a mechanism to facilitate removal of the individual sheets from a dispenser. Withdrawal of a first sheet through a dispenser opening pulls the enveloped portion of a second sheet through the dispenser opening such that it extends out of the dispenser opening and is exposed. Having a portion of the subsequent sheet extending out of the dispenser opening greatly facilitates removal of the same from the dispenser by the user. By way of example only, various folding devices, folding patterns and inter-folding schemes are described in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,401,928; 3,679,094; 3,817,514; 3,841,620; 4,131,271; 4,502,675; 5,868,276; 6,045,002; and 6,168,848. However, the present invention does not require the use of interfolded paper products.
Optionally, the housing 14 may include one or more tabs 54 attached to the interior surface 30 near the opening in the housing 14 through which paper products are loaded. The tabs 54 are dimensioned such that they inhibit a cartridge containing paper products from being loaded in an improper orientation. The tabs 54 align with slots in a cartridge such that the slots will catch on the tabs 54 if the cartridge is not oriented properly prior to loading the cartridge into the housing 14. When the cartridge is aligned properly, there are no slots to catch on the tabs 54 and the cartridge will slide into the housing 14 unimpeded.
The housing 14 may be made from numerous materials and by numerous methods known to those skilled in the art. The housing 14 may be made of plastic such as polyethylene, nylon, and so forth. However, other suitable materials, such as other plastics or metals, may be provided for any or all of the parts of the housing 14. As one example, the housing 14 may be made of an injection-molded plastic. The protrusions 42, control ribs 52, and tabs 54 are desirably formed integral with the housing 14. However, the protrusions 42, control ribs 52, and tabs 54 may be formed separately from the housing 14 and attached later. Also, the protrusions 42, control ribs 52, and tabs 54 may be made of different material from the housing 14 if desired. For example, the protrusions 42, control ribs 52, and tabs 54 may be made of a more resilient material than the materials described above, such as an elastomer or rubber.
Desirably, as mentioned above, a cartridge may be provided for holding paper products to be dispensed to a user. As shown best in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6-8, a cartridge 70 having outside walls 72 is provided for insertion into the interior area 32 of the housing 14 for containing paper products 12 to be dispensed. The cartridge has a bottom end 74 that is adapted to receive the means for elevating paper products 50 and a top end 76 adapted to dispense paper products 12. The cartridge 70 is sized to fit within the interior area 32 of the housing 14. Desirably, the cartridge 70 is sized to be only slightly smaller than the housing 14 to maximize the number of paper products 12 contained within the cartridge.
The cartridge 70 can hold and dispense significant numbers of individual sheets. Desirably, the cartridge 70 is sized to hold and dispense at least about 250 sheets. By way of example, the cartridge 70 can contain between about 400 and about 1000 sheets. In certain embodiments, the cartridge 70 can contain and dispense between about 700 and about 900 sheets.
Desirably, the cartridge includes a plurality of removable portions, the removal of which creates openings through the cartridge. One such detachable portion may be disposed at the bottom end 74 of the cartridge 70, to provide an internal platform 82. Alternatively, a separate internal platform may be provided, which may either be attached or detached from the means for elevating paper products 50. Detachment of the portion of the bottom end 74 of the cartridge 70, namely, the internal platform 82, allows this portion of the cartridge 70 to receive the means for elevating paper products 50 when the cartridge 70 is loaded into the housing 14. Alternatively, the removable portion may be flaps which can be folded back to create an opening. U.S. Ser. No. 10/657,386 filed Sep. 8, 2003 and U.S. Ser. No. 10/678,662 filed Oct. 3, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes herein, disclose such flaps, and are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
These applications illustrated a cartridge which includes one or more flaps disposed in a bottom end of the cartridge. The flaps are folded back prior to loading the cartridge into the housing. Folding back the flaps allows the cartridge to receive the means for elevating paper products (not shown).
The cartridge 70 may include at least one removable portion that can be removed to create at least one slot 88 that will prevent misalignment of the cartridge in the housing, as shown in FIG. 4. The slots 88 are desirably positioned such that when the cartridge is improperly oriented, the slots will catch on tabs 54 positioned on the interior surface of the housing. The slots 88 may be positioned in one of the outside walls 72 of the cartridge 70. Alternatively, the slots 88 may be positioned in the flaps (not shown) that are opened prior to insertion of the cartridge 70 in the housing 14. If flaps are used, and opened (not shown), the flaps fold back against the outside walls 72 of the cartridge 70 where the slots 88 would be in position to engage the tabs 54 if the cartridge is not oriented correctly.
The cartridge 70 may include at least one of yet another removable portion at the first end wall or top end 76 of the cartridge 70 so that paper products 12 can be supported and aligned by the control ribs 52 for dispensing through the dispensing opening 40. Removal of the removable portions creates openings 90 through which the control ribs 52 extend.
The cartridge 70 may include at least one of another removable portion that corresponds to the protrusions 42 in the housing 14. The removable portions are disposed in the outside walls 72 of the cartridge 70 so that, once the removable portions are removed, openings 92 can encompass and receive the protrusions 42 extending from the interior surface 30 of the housing 14. Thus, upon removal of the removable portions and placement of the cartridge 70 in the housing 14, the protrusions 42 and rib members 58 contact the paper products 12 within the cartridge 70 and act upon the paper products as described above.
The first end wall or top end 76 of the cartridge 70 may be formed having a removable portion corresponding to the dispensing opening 40. Removal of this removable portion creates an opening 94 through which the paper products are dispensed (FIG. 4).
The removable portions may either be removed (or simply not formed) during manufacture of the cartridge or removed just prior to installation of the cartridge in the housing. If the removable portions are to be removed as part of the manufacturing process, the cartridge should be shipped to the user wrapped, for example in a polyethylene bag, to preserve the sterility of the paper products in the cartridge. If the removable portions are to be removed as part of the installation process, the edges of the removable portions should be weakened, scored, etc. for easy removal. If a removable portion is used to provide access for the means for elevating the paper products, it should not be removed as part of the manufacturing process to ensure that the paper products remain properly loaded in the cartridge 70 until the time at which the cartridge is to be inserted in the housing 14.
The cartridge 70 is desirably made of heavy paper or cardboard. It will be understood, however, that the cartridge may be made of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art. Such suitable material(s) include, but are not limited to, cardboard, plastic, film, foil, and so forth.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6, a plunger 100 is disposed within the interior area 32 of the housing 14 along with at least one spring 102. When the spring 102 is compressed by the plunger 100, the spring 102 urges the plunger 100 in the dispensing direction 104. Thus, when paper products 12 are placed in the container 10 and the plunger 100 is depressed thereby compressing the spring 102, the plunger 100 and the spring 102 urge the paper products 12 toward the dispensing opening 40. Use of a plunger and spring mechanism allows the container 10 to be used in situations where paper products are to be dispensed in a substantially vertical direction.
The plunger 100 is shaped to provide support and lift the paper products 12 through the housing 14 without becoming stuck such that the paper products would no longer be elevated toward the dispensing opening 40. The plunger can have any one of various shapes. In one embodiment, the plunger 100 can take the shape of a truncated cone having a top surface 108 and a bottom surface 110. The top surface 108 engages and lifts an internal platform 82 against the paper products 12. The bottom surface 110 is engaged by the spring 102. The diameter of the bottom surface 110 is desirably substantially equivalent to the diameter of the spring 102. Desirably, the bottom surface 110 of the plunger is attached to the spring 102 to prevent disengagement of the spring from the bottom surface of the plunger.
A chain 111 also extends from and is desirably coupled to the plunger 100. That is, one end of the chain 111 is desirably coupled to a lower surface (not shown) of the plunger 100, and the opposite end is desirably coupled to the bottom wall 20 of the container 10. The chain 111 extends inside of the spring 102, that is, inside of the spiraling coils 122 of the spring 102, and it assists in controlling the decompression, alignment and tensioning of the spring 102 against the plunger 100. The chain 111 is desirably covered by a resilient covering 115 which includes a plurality of notches 117.
Each of the plurality of notches 117 may desirably be positioned at the junction of one link as it couples or links to the next link in the chain 111, that is, each inter-linking section. Such positioning of each notch of the covering 115 permits the chain 111 to properly evenly uncoil to evenly regulate the movement, direction, alignment and tensioning of the spring 102 as the spring 102 is gradually decompressed when paper products are removed from the dispensing opening 40, thereby permitting the plunger 100 to continue to move in the aligned dispensing position or dispensing direction 104 in the interior area 32 of the container 10 toward the dispensing opening 40 to enhance dispensing of paper products 12. When the plunger 100, spring 102 and chain 111 with covering 115 are compressed, and the container 10 is oriented in a generally vertical position, the spring 111 is compressed in the generally vertical position of the container 10, and the chain 111 with the covering 115 thereover collapses into itself within an interior area 124 within the confines of the coils 122 of the spring 102. Problems are more likely to occur, however, when the container 10 is oriented in a generally horizontal or oblique position or orientation, where gravity may negatively effect the plunger 100, the spring 102 and/or the chain 111.
When the container 10 is in the non-vertical position, alignment or orientation, the plunger 100, the spring 102 and/or the chain 111 may misalign. When the spring 102 is at least partially compressed, the plunger 100, the spring 102 and/or the chain 111 may move out of alignment and against a sidewall of the container 10 or at least partially out of the opening 33 in the first side wall 22 (not shown). When this occurs, dispensing of paper products fail because the plunger 100 does not move the cartridge 70 and/or paper products 12 up to the dispensing opening 40 in the container 10 so that a user may access and remove them. In addition, if an uncovered chain falls between the coils 122 of the spring 102, links in the chain jam or bind inbetween the coils 122, causing the coils 122 to bind together. When this occurs, the chain 111, because it is bound within the coils 122, cannot properly align and tension the spring 102 and plunger 100. These events prevent the spring 102 from decompressing completely, and cause misalignment of the spring and plunger, which results in jamming of the spring 102 and/or plunger 100 and dispensing failure as well.
Therefore, so that the chain 111 may act properly to help maintain the regulated movement, direction, alignment and tensioning of the spring 102, a solid covering was placed over the chain 111 (not shown). The solid covering, although resilient, placed too much stiffness in the chain 111. The solid covering would not permit the chain 111 to uncoil and collapse within interior area 124 within the compressed spring 102. Rather, the stiffness in the solid covering caused limited movement of the chain 111, so that the chain 111 could not uncoil, but would fall in stiff lengths of chain which caused binding of the spring 102. This binding again resulted in an un-even tensioning and decompression of the spring 102, which resulted in the spring 102 and/or the plunger becoming misaligned. Dispensing failure occurred again. To address this problem, the plurality of notches 117 was added to the covering 115. The chain 111 having a covering 115 with a plurality of notches 117 now has sufficient resiliency to coil when compressed and uncoil in a regulated basis while resisting the effects of gravity to allow the chain 111 to keep from falling inbetween coils 122 of the spring 102, thereby preventing the chain 111 from binding up the spring 102 such that the spring 102 will not decompress, resulting in jamming and dispensing failure. The chain having the covering 115 with the plurality of notches allows the spring 102 to decompress so that dispensing alignment is maintained in the dispensing direction 104. The chain 111 and spring are maintained in the interior area 124. The chain 111 with covering 115 having notches 117 controls the movement, direction, alignment and even tensioning of the spring 102 and the plunger 100 whether in a generally vertical position or whether in a substantially non-vertical position or orientation.
The chain may be formed from any suitable material, for example, metal, plastic, and so forth. Similarly, the covering 115 having notches therein is desirably formed from a resilient material which permits the chain contained therein to coil and uncoil. Such resilient materials include, for example, but not by way of limitation, rubber, plastic (such as polypropylene), nylon, and so forth.
Desirably, one or more stabilizing wings 112 extend from the plunger 100. The wings 112 act to distribute the force from the spring 102 to the outer edges of the internal platform 82. As shown in FIG. 2, the force is applied by the upper edge 114 of the wing 112 that contacts the internal platform 82. The wings 112 also act to prevent the plunger 100 and spring 102 from tipping over inside the cartridge. If the plunger 100 and spring 102 begin to tip over, the outer edge 116 of the wing 112 contacts the inside surface of the cartridge 70 before the plunger can get stuck. Thus, the surface area of the outer edge 116 is desirably minimized to prevent the outer edge from binding against the inside surface of the cartridge 70. The bevel 118 between the upper edge 114 and the outer edge 116 is configured to transition between the upper edge 114 and the outer edge 116. The wings 112 may have various thicknesses and the thickness of the wing may vary along any dimension or dimensions. Desirably, the outer edge 116 of the wing 112 will be relatively thin and smooth to minimize friction against the inside surface of the cartridge 70.
The plunger 100 will desirably include a small post 125 extending outward from the center of the top surface 108 of the plunger 100. It was discovered that dispensing failures occurred when the container 10 was positioned in a generally non-vertical position or orientation. That is, the effects of gravity were greater on the plunger 100 when the container 10 is positioned in a horizontal or oblique position or orientation. This is because the force of gravity permitted the plunger to shift away from its desired position against the internal platform 82. In fact, the plunger 100 sometimes moves such that it extends at least somewhat through the opening 33 in the first side wall 22. The plunger 100 then binds against a perimeter 37 of the opening 33, and does not push the paper products and/or the cartridge toward the opening 40 in the container 10, resulting in dispensing failure. The post 125 assists in maintaining the plunger in a proper dispensing alignment, particularly, but not by limitation, when the container 10 is positioned in a generally horizontal or oblique position. The post 125 moves into contact with a cooperative and corresponding opening 126 in the internal platform 82. While the opening 126 is shown as a generally square-shaped opening while the post 125 is a generally round-shaped post, it will be appreciated that the post 125 and/or the opening 126 may assume any shape(s) or configuration(s) so long as the post 125 and the opening 126 operate such that the post 125 extends into the opening 126 to assist in holding the plunger 100 in a proper alignment to prevent even and un-interrupted dispensing of paper products through the dispensing opening 40 in the container 10. It will be appreciated that the post 125 and opening 126 act to hold the plunger 100 in a dispensing alignment in spite of the effects of gravity and/or other pressures or forces.
Referring again to FIGS. 2, 6 and 9, the spring 102 is sized to provide sufficient force to urge and/or elevate the paper products 12 to the dispensing opening 40. Desirably, the spring applies substantially constant pressure against the paper products at all positions of travel. Application of substantially constant pressure helps to prevent over application of force when the plunger is toward the bottom of the dispenser and under application of force when the plunger is toward the top of the dispenser.
As discussed above, in one embodiment of the invention the bottom of the cartridge is opened prior to insertion of the cartridge into the housing to enable the contents of the cartridge to be engaged by the means for elevating the paper products 50 To prevent the paper products from falling out of the opening during the insertion process, the second end wall or bottom end 74 of the cartridge 70 may contain the internal platform 82.
The internal platform 82 is prevented from falling out of the cartridge 70 because the internal platform 82 provides a portion of the second end wall or bottom end 74 of the cartridge 70. The internal platform is delineated by lines of weakness 75 or perforations which permit it to be separated from the rest of the bottom end 74. The largest dimensions of the platform 82 are desirably slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the cartridge 70 so that the platform can move through the cartridge as paper products are dispensed without binding against the internal surface of the cartridge. Desirably, the largest dimensions of the platform may be substantially equal to or may be slightly larger than the paper products to provide uniform dispensing of the paper products.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the cartridge 70 is configured for insertion in a container 10. The cartridge includes the internal platform 82, and the cartridge 70 is positioned to engage at least one tower 130 anchored to the inside surface of the bottom wall 20 of the housing 14. The at least one tower 130 is positioned on the inner or inside surface of the bottom wall 20 where it will not interfere with the functioning of the means for elevating paper products 50. The at least one tower 130 extends from the bottom wall 20 toward the opening (not shown) in the housing 14 through which the cartridge 70 is loaded. The length or height of the at least one tower 130 is such that it extends past the plunger 100 when the plunger has fully compressed the spring 102 below. Thus, when the cartridge 70 is inserted into the housing 14 of the container 10, compressing the spring 102, the bottom end 74 having the internal platform 82 formed therewith contacts the top of the at least one tower 130 before the spring is fully compressed.
The at least one tower 130 includes a top 132 that contacts the bottom end 74 when the cartridge 70 is inserted in the container 10. Desirably, the top 404 of the at least one tower 130 contacts the portion or the bottom end 74 which provides the internal platform 82 to cause the internal platform 82 to be separated without ripping or tearing of bottom end 74. The cross-sectional area of the top 132 of the at least one tower 130 should be selected so that the top will separate the internal platform 82 from the remaining bottom end 74 rather than puncturing the internal platform 82. For example, the cross-sectional area of the top 132 may be greater than 0.5 cm², and desirably may be greater than 1 cm². Desirably, as many towers 130 may be used as are necessary to provide a clean separation along the lines of weakness 75 of the internal platform 82 from the bottom end 74. In a particularly desirably configuration, four towers 130 are positioned at or near the corners 134 of the internal platform 82.
To load a cartridge 70 having a bottom end 74 with an internal platform 82 that does not require removal prior to loading, the cartridge 70 is inserted into the container 10 with the bottom end 74 facing against the means for elevating paper products 50. As an example, the bottom end 74 of the cartridge 70 having the internal platform 82 capable of receiving the means for elevating paper products 50 can be positioned against the plunger 100 attached to the spring 102 within the container 10. Specifically, the post 125 on the top surface 108 of the plunger 100 is desirably positioned into the opening 126 in the bottom end 74 of the cartridge 70. The cartridge 70 is then pushed down against the plunger 100, depressing the plunger 100 against the spring 102 until the cartridge is nearly seated in the housing 14 of the container 10. Just prior to the cartridge 70 being fully seated, the internal platform 82 is separated via the lines of weakness 75 from the bottom end 74 of the cartridge 70 by either the fully compressed plunger 100 or, if present, the at least one tower 130. In this regard, the force on the internal platform 82 exerted by either the spring-loaded plunger 100 or the at least one tower 130 exceeds the perforation strength of the lines of weakness 75 defining and restraining the internal platform 82 in the bottom end 74 of the cartridge 70, and the internal platform 82 becomes separated therefrom. Once the internal platform 82 becomes separated from the bottom end 74 of the cartridge 70, thereby creating a second opening into the cartridge 70. The internal platform 82 provides support to the paper products 12 as the paper products 14 are urged towards the dispenser opening 40. The plunger 100 is then moved through the second opening into the cartridge 70 to urge the internal platform 82 to contact the paper products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening 40.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 8. This embodiment employs a plurality of cylinders 140 that are positioned in an interlocking and telescoping arrangement, rather than the chain 111 having a covering 115 with a plurality of notches 117. The plurality of cylinders 140 are positioned so that the largest diameter cylinder is coupled to the bottom wall 20 of the container 10, while the smallest diameter cylinder is coupled to the lower surface of the plunger 100 (not shown). The telescoping cylindrer assembly 150 is provided in the interior area 124 of the spring 102, and, along with the spring and the plunger, provides an alternative means for elevating paper products 50.
The telescoping cylinder assembly 150 is used in place of a chain, to regulate and control movement, direction, alignment and tensioning of the spring 102. The telescoping cylinder assembly 150 is useful when the container 10 is positioned in any position or orientation. However, the telescoping cylinder assembly 150 is most helpful to counteract the negative effects of gravity when the container 10 is positioned in a non-vertical position or orientation.
When the container 10 is positioned in a generally horizontal or in an oblique position or orientation, the plunger 100 and spring 102 are affected by gravity, which can negatively impact dispensing performance. As discussed previously, the spring 102 and/or plunger 100 has a tendency to become misaligned in the interior area 32 of the container 10 when the container 10 is not generally vertically oriented. Such misalignment can cause at least a portion of the plunger 100 and/or spring 102 to jam against a sidewall of the housing 12. Alternatively, such misalignment may cause at least a portion of the plunger 100 and/or spring 102 to extend out of the opening 33 in the first sidewall 22. Such misalignment results in jamming of the plunger 100 and/or spring 102 against a sidewall, or against a portion of the perimeter 37 of the opening 33. It can also cause jamming and misalignment of the cartridge 70 and/or paper products therein. Dispensing failure results, since the plunger 100 does not continue to move the internal platform 82 and therefore the paper products closer to the dispensing opening 40 as paper products are removed from the container 10.
The telescoping cylinder assembly 150 is positioned to hold the spring 102 and plunger 100 in proper dispensing alignment., whether the container is in a substantially vertical position or in a non-vertical position, such as a horizontal or oblique position or orientation. The alignment of the spring 102 and plunger 100 is maintained, in spite of the forces of gravity, because the cylinders 140 are formed from a generally stiff, non-resilient but light-weight material, such as, for example only, plastic and/or metal. Any suitable material or combination of materials may be used, however, so long as the telescoping cylinder assembly operates as described herein.
The telescoping cylinder assembly 150 positioned inside of the coils 122 of the spring 102 provide tension to the spring 102 and maintain the spring 102 and the plunger 100 in an aligned dispensing position in the interior area 32 of the container 10 and in alignment with the dispensing direction 104. The telescoping cylinder assembly provides tension to the spring 102 and regulates the tension such that the spring's decompression is regulated and the spring's alignment is regulated to prevent misalignment and jamming of the spring 102 and/or the plunger 100, so that dispensing failure does not occur. The telescoping cylinder assembly 150 is configured to resist the effects of gravity to maintain the spring and plunger's movement in the dispensing direction 104 to facilitate dispensing of paper products 12. Therefore, the telescoping cylinder assembly 150 directs the plunger 100 and spring 102 such that gravity has less effect on each of them. In addition, the post 125 on the top surface 108 of the plunger 100 is positioned to extend into the opening 126 in the cartridge 70 to assist in holding the plunger 100 in a proper alignment within the interior area 32 of the container 10.
Referring to FIGS. 5, 9 and 10, the cartridge 70 (FIGS. 7 and 8) includes the same configuration for insertion in a container 10 having a telescoping cylinder assembly 150 (FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cartridge 70 includes the internal platform 82, and the cartridge 70 is desirably positioned to engage the top 132 of at least one tower 130 anchored to the inside surface of the bottom wall 20 of the housing 14. The at least on tower 130 is positioned on the inside surface of the bottom wall 20 where it will not interfere with the functioning of the means for elevating paper products 50, including the telescoping cylinder assembly 150. The at least one tower 130 extends from the bottom wall 20 toward the opening (not shown) in the housing 14 through which the cartridge 70 is loaded. The length or height of the at least one tower 130 is desirably such that it extends past the plunger 100 when the plunger has fully compressed the spring 102 below. Thus, when the cartridge 70 is inserted into the housing 14 of the container 10, compressing the spring 102, the bottom end 74 having the internal platform 82 formed therewith contacts the top of the at least one tower 402 before the spring is fully compressed.
Like the compressed spring 102, the telescoping cylinder assembly 150 is designed to telescope into a stack of cylinders 140 when the spring 102 is compressed. The stack of cylinders 140 are configured to be of a height or length which do not interfere with the function of the at least one tower 130. The stack of cylinders 140 are positioned against or adjacent a bottom wall 20. As paper product 14 is removed from the container 10 and the spring 102 decompresses, the telescoping cylinder assembly extends from the bottom wall 20 to provide controlled tensioning, direction (dispensing direction), alignment and support of the spring 102 between the bottom wall 20 of the container 10 and the bottom surface 110 of the plunger 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. The at least one tower 130 includes the same characteristics and features, and operates in the same manner as described previously herein Similarly, the cartridge 70 is loaded in the same manner into a container 10, and the at least one tower 130, and desirably, four towers 130, operates as previously shown and described herein.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is intended that the present invention include such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing individual paper products, the system comprising:

a container, comprising:

a housing including side walls and a bottom wall defining an interior surface and an interior area within the interior surface;

a cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing wherein the cover defines a dispensing opening;

a spring having coils disposed in the interior area of the housing; and

a plunger disposed in the interior area of the housing; and

a chain positioned inside of the coils of the spring, the chain configured to provide tension and to maintain the spring and plunger in an aligned dispensing position in the interior area of the container to enhance dispensing of paper products from the container, the chain coupled at one end to the plunger and at an opposite end to the housing, the chain including a covering having a plurality of slits therein extending over the chain, the covering cooperating to cover links in the chain and the slits cooperating to un-cover each inter-linking section, wherein the spring is compressed between the plunger and at least one of the walls, wherein the plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the spring, and wherein the chain having the covering with the plurality of slits therein controls the tension and maintains the alignment of the spring such that the spring's decompression is regulated to assist in providing the dispensing alignment of the spring and plunger within the interior are so that the spring and plunger do not become misaligned such that jamming and dispensing failure occur, the covering with the plurality of slits positioned over the chain and configured to resist the effects of gravity to allow the chain to uncoil without effecting the tensioning of the spring and to prevent the chain from becoming caught between the coils of the spring thereby causing the spring to jam and fail to decompress, the chain with the covering and plurality of slits therein positioned to maintain the spring and plunger in the dispensing direction; and

a cartridge containing paper products, the cartridge positioned at least partially within the interior area of the container, the cartridge defining an internal platform, the internal platform being configured to become separated from the cartridge by contact with the plunger when the cartridge is inserted in the container, separation of the internal platform creating a second opening, wherein after the internal platform is separated from the cartridge the plunger extends through the second opening into the cartridge to urge the internal platform to contact the paper products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the plunger comprises a truncated cone.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the truncated cone comprises a bottom surface having a diameter substantially equivalent to the diameter of the spring.

4. The system of claim 2 further wherein the plunger comprises at least one stabilizing wing.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the at least one stabilizing wing has an outer edge that contacts the inside surface of the housing to prevent the plunger from binding in the housing.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the paper products are urged toward the dispensing opening by the internal platform.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the internal platform applies substantially constant pressure against the paper products.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the cartridge comprises cartridge side walls, a first end wall defining a third opening for dispensing the paper products, and a second end wall spaced-apart and positioned opposite the first end wall, wherein the internal platform is defined by the second end wall.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the internal platform is defined by perforations.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the container is oriented in a substantially non-vertical position.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the container is oriented in a horizontal position.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the container is oriented in an oblique position.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the plunger includes a post on an upper surface thereof.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the cartridge includes an opening in a bottom end thereof, and wherein the opening is positioned to cooperate with the post on the plunger to hold the plunger in a dispensing position.

15. A system for dispensing individual paper products, the system comprising:

a container, comprising:

a spring having coils disposed in the interior area of the housing; and

a plunger disposed in the interior area of the housing; and

a telescoping cylinder assembly coupled at one end to the plunger and at an opposite end to a portion of the housing, the telescoping cylinder positioned inside of the coils of the spring to provide tension to the spring and to maintain the spring and plunger in an aligned dispensing position in the interior area, wherein the spring is compressed between the plunger and at least one of the walls, and further wherein the plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the spring, and wherein the telescoping cylinder assembly is configured to tension and maintain alignment of the spring such that the spring's decompression is regulated so that the spring and plunger do not become misaligned and jammed such that dispensing failure occurs, the telescoping cylinder assembly configured to resist the effects of gravity and to maintain the spring and plunger's movement in the dispensing direction to facilitate the dispensing of paper products; and

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the plunger comprises a truncated cone.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the truncated cone comprises a bottom surface having a diameter substantially equivalent to the diameter of the spring.

18. The system of claim 16 further wherein the plunger comprises at least one stabilizing wing.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one stabilizing wing has an outer edge that contacts the inside surface of the housing to prevent the plunger from binding in the housing.

20. The system of claim 15 wherein the paper products are urged toward the dispensing opening by the internal platform.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the internal platform applies substantially constant pressure against the paper products.

22. The system of claim 15 wherein the cartridge comprises cartridge side walls, a first end wall defining a third opening for dispensing the paper products, and a second end wall spaced-apart and positioned opposite the first end wall, wherein the internal platform is defined by the second end wall.

23. The system of claim 15 wherein the internal platform is defined by perforations.

24. The system of claim 15 wherein the container is oriented in a substantially non-vertical position.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein the container is oriented in a horizontal position.

26. The system of claim 24 wherein the container is oriented in an oblique position.

27. The system of claim 15 wherein the plunger includes a post on an upper surface thereof.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein the cartridge includes an opening in a bottom end thereof, and wherein the opening is positioned to cooperate with the post on the plunger to hold the plunger in a dispensing position.

29. A system for dispensing individual paper products, the system comprising:

a container, the container comprising:

a housing including side walls and a bottom wall defining an interior surface and an interior area within the interior surface for receiving a plurality of the paper products;

a cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing wherein the cover defines a dispensing opening; and

a means for elevating paper products positioned in the interior area of the housing, the means including a spring positioned between a plunger and a wall of the housing; and

a cartridge containing paper products, the cartridge positioned at least partially within the interior area of the container, the cartridge defining a removable portion, the removable portion being adapted to become separated from the cartridge by contact with the means for elevating paper products when the cartridge is inserted in the container, removal of the removable portion creating a second opening, wherein after the removable portion is separated from the cartridge the means for elevating paper products extends through the second opening into the cartridge to urge the removable portion to contact the paper products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening.

30. The system of claim 29 wherein the spring includes coils, and the means includes a telescoping cylinder assembly coupled at one end to the plunger and coupled at an opposite end to a portion of the housing, the telescoping cylinder positioned inside of the coils of the spring and configured to maintain the spring and plunger in an aligned dispensing position in the interior area, wherein the plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the spring, and wherein the telescoping cylinder assembly controls the tension and maintains the alignment of the spring such that the spring's decompression is regulated to assists in providing a dispensing alignment of the spring and the plunger within the interior area so that the spring and plunger do not become misaligned such that jamming and dispensing failure occurs, the telescoping cylinder assembly configured to resist the effects of gravity and to maintain the spring and plunger's movement in the dispensing direction to facilitate dispensing.

31. The system of claim 29 wherein the spring includes coils, and the means includes a chain positioned inside of the coils of the spring, the chain configured to provide tension and to maintain the spring and plunger in an aligned dispensing position in the interior area of the container to enhance dispensing of paper products from the container, the chain coupled at one end to the plunger and at an opposite end to the housing, the chain including a covering having a plurality of slits therein extending over the chain, the covering cooperating to cover links in the chain and the slits cooperating to un-cover each inter-linking section, wherein the plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the spring, and wherein the chain having the covering with the plurality of slits therein controls the tension and maintains the alignment of the spring such that the spring's decompression is regulated to assist in providing the dispensing alignment of the spring and plunger within the interior are so that the spring and plunger do not become misaligned such that jamming and dispensing failure occur, the covering with the plurality of slits positioned over the chain and configured to resist the effects of gravity to allow the chain to uncoil without effecting the tensioning of the spring and to prevent the chain from becoming caught between the coils of the spring thereby causing the spring to jam and fail to decompress, the chain with the covering and plurality of slits therein positioned to maintain the spring and plunger in the dispensing direction.

32. The system of claim 30 wherein at least one internal member is anchored the bottom wall.

33. The system of claim 32 wherein the at least one internal member comprises at least one tower.

34. The system of claim 32 wherein the at least one internal tower comprises four towers.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the towers comprise tops having cross-sectional areas of greater than about 0.5 cm².

36. The system of claim 33 wherein the removable portion comprises an internal platform in contact with the plunger and the at least one tower.

37. The system of claim 31 wherein at least one internal member is anchored the bottom wall.

38. The system of claim 37 wherein the at least one internal member comprises at least one tower.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein the at least one internal tower comprises four towers.

40. The system of claim 39 wherein the towers comprise tops having cross-sectional areas of greater than about 0.5 cm².

41. The system of claim 31 wherein the removable portion comprises an internal platform in contact with the plunger and the at least one tower.