Optionally hangable container and dispensing method

#The present invention relates to a product comprising an absorbent paper material in a container, and the dispensing method for the absorbent paper material. In households today there is an increasing demand for novel ways to dispense absorbent paper materials such as facial tissue, bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins, and the like. In particular, with the increase in the number of items stored on counters and shelves and the resulting decrease in available counter space, there is a need to provide dispensing methods or products of absorbent paper materials, which reduce or eliminate the amount of counter space required. Thus, dispensers or products that have a reduced footprint while still dispensing standard size absorbent paper materials, or hanging-dispensers or products, which eliminate the need for any counter space, are consumer preferred.

#In addition, absorbent paper materials are frequently used in areas with exposure to liquids and moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms. Conventional containers of absorbent paper materials, when placed on counter surfaces, can be damaged by associated liquid spills. By providing a container that hangs or a container that protects the absorbent paper material from moisture, the product's usefulness to consumers is enhanced.

#For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a packaged absorbent paper material in a container that reduces the need to place the container on a counter, or that protects the absorbent paper material inside the container from liquids.

#These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

#FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 hanging from a support member.

#Referring to FIG. 1, a product comprising a container 16 and an absorbent paper material 12 is shown. As used throughout the descriptions of the figures, the same reference numbers are used to represent the same features unless otherwise stated. The container 16, as herein described, is designed to provide an advantage of two separate dispensing modes. The container 16 may be any size or shape useful for containing an absorbent paper material 12. In a specific embodiment, the container 16 is disposable upon depletion of the absorbent paper material and constructed from board, carton stock, heavy paper, and the like. However, it is possible to design the container 16 to be refillable, and constructed from a sturdier substrate such as plastic or metal. A refillable container, or a dispenser, could be used with an absorbent paper material purchased in another pre-packaged container, such as a facial tissue carton, that is placed into the dispenser. It is also possible to refill the container with absorbent paper materials purchased in bulk and not housed in individual cartons.

#In a specific embodiment, the container 16 has a first end 18, a second end 20, and a sidewall comprised of panels 24, 48, 50, and 52. The container 16 forms a generally rectangular box 11 inches in height by 4 inches in depth by 4 inches in width. Generally rectangular means that at least one side of the container 16 is rectangular, although not all sides of the container 16 necessarily meet at right angles. Thus, a three dimensional parallelogram is generally rectangular while a cylinder is not. However, it is possible to construct the container 16 in a spherical shape, or a cylindrical shape, or any other three-dimensional volume by use of a differently shaped sidewall and/or end panel.

#In a specific embodiment, a partition 26 is attached to an interior surface of the container 16 forming a first compartment 30, and a second compartment 32. The first compartment 30 is 9 inches in height, and the second compartment 32 is 2 inches in height. An absorbent paper material 12 is located in the first compartment 30. However, it is possible to construct the container 16 with only a single compartment 30 eliminating the partition 26. The partition 26 has the advantage of better containing the absorbent paper material 12 as the container's orientation is changed, and the advantage of providing a second compartment 32 adapted to either hang the container 16 or elevate the absorbent paper material 12 from the surface 40.